Title: Welcome to Method and Theory in Psychology Dr' Charlotte Markey
1Welcome to Method and Theory in Psychology!Dr.
Charlotte Markey
- Schedule for today
- Why study research methods?
- Course introduction
- Critical thinking
2Why study research methods?
- Everything in your life
- is influenced by research!
3Research Enhances Quality of Life and Can Be Life
Saving
4Reasons to Study Research Methods
- It is a required course for psychology majors
- Understanding research is essential if you are
going to be successful in more advanced
psychology classes - Understanding research design may provide you
with more career options - It is important to be an educated consumer of
research (i.e., you understand research as it
applies to your daily life) - Not understanding research can be costly
5NOT Understanding Research is Costly Sex
Education
- Many parents, schools, and politicians believe
that youths should learn about sex from their
families. - This is what research tells us Education
programs do not increase sexual activities among
youths. - In spite of this evidence, the US Congress often
(2003) provides funding only for school-based
abstinence-only programs.
6Is there a lesson to be learned?
- This current approach to sexual education may be
placing millions of adolescents' lives at risk
(DiClemente Crosby, 2003). - Sexually transmitted diseases (including
HIV/AIDS) are one of the greatest dangers to
youth's health. - Thus, the costs associated with not understanding
research findings (and their implications) may
place many youths' lives in jeopardy.
7About this Course The Instructor
- Dr. Charlotte N. Markey
- Email Chmarkey_at_camden.rutgers.edu
- Office 348 Armitage
- Phone 856.225.6332
- Office hours Th 930-1030am
- or by appointment
8About this Course Description and Objectives
- This course provides an introduction to research
methods in the field of psychology. - The following topics will be emphasized the role
of scientific inquiry in psychology, research
questions, ethics in research, writing in
psychology, reliability, validity, and research
designs. - Upon completion of the course, you should possess
an understanding of the fundamental principles
and procedures of psychological research. - This is a writing intensive course.
9About this Course Required Readings
- McBurney, D.H. White, T. L. (2007). Research
Methods (7th edition). Belmont, CA Wadsworth.
- American Psychological Association Publication
- Manual (5th edition). Washington D.C.
American Psychological Association. - Reserve Readings -- can be found at
- http//www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/lib_servs/co
urse_reserves.shtml
10About this Course Grading
- Attendance, class participation,
meetings 15 - Exam 1 15
- Exam 2 15
- Exam 3 20
- Research in the Real World 5
- Research Paper 30
11About this Course General Policies
- This class will be most rewarding for you if you
are an active participant in class and view this
experience as a collaborative enterprise. - Additional information about this class,
including a copy of the syllabus is available on
the instructors web page http//www.crab.rutgers
.edu/chmarkey/home.html - This is a writing intensive class. You will be
expected to spend a lot of time writing,
revising, and discussing your writing with your
professor this semester. In order to help you in
the writing of your papers, a number of mini
assignments are listed on the syllabus. The
completion of these will contribute towards your
final paper grade. - If you are in class, you will be expected to be
attentive, participate, stay the entire class
time, and be prepared for any activities and
exams scheduled for that day.
12About this Course General Policies
- If you miss a class, you are expected to obtain
class notes from a classmate and to stay on top
of any of the activities/ discussions missed. - No make-up exams will be given unless
arrangements are made prior to exam or proof of
necessary absenteeism (e.g., Dr. note) is
provided. - 7) Academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated.
- 8) Please notify me in regards to any special
needs/ accommodations re disabilities.
13Thinking Critically
- Critical thinking is the ability and willingness
to assess claims and make objective judgments on
the basis of well-supported reasons and evidence,
rather than emotion and anecdote.
14Some important elements of critical thinking
- Ask Questions (Why?)
- Define terms (What do you mean?)
- Examine evidence (What are the facts?)
- Be analytical (Dont assume)
- Avoid emotional reasoning (What you feel may be
wrong) - Dont oversimplify (People are complicated!)
- Consider other interpretations (Another option?)
- Tolerate uncertainty (More questions emerge)
15Wrap-up
- Why is it important to study research methods?
- Why is critical thinking an important part of
doing research?