Psychology 330 Experimental Methods
Fall 2016 / Section 000707

Tentative Schedule for Psy 330

Course Information

   Required Texts:

• McBride, D. M.  The Process of Research in Psychology (2nd ed.), Sage Publishing.
• McBride, D. M. & Cutting, J. C.  Lab Manual for Psychological Research (3rd ed.), Sage Publishing.
• There are also several readings added to the schedule throughout the semester. These readings will be available as pdf files on the course website.

Course Description:  Course emphasizing report writing (APA editorial style), and application of research methodology and statistics.  Prerequisite:  PSY 230 with a passing grade

Student Learning Outcomes:  As a result of taking this course, you will be able to:

1.  Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
2.  Read and review psychological research more critically.
3.  Become aware of ethical concerns and guidelines regarding the use of human and animal participants in research.
4.  Write a coherent literature review.
5.  Plan an experiment to investigate a specific question using scientific methods.
6.  Demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
7.  Present scientific information effectively in both written and verbal formats.
8.  Incorporate technology into research presentations.

Writing Intensive Designation:  Psy 330 Experimental Methods carries a writing intensive course designation (“W”), and addresses all six written communication competencies of the Dragon Core/Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum. The writing competencies that are extended are as follows:

1.  Psy 330 employs a “coherent writing process” that requires students to submit early drafts of sections of the final paper for editing and revisions.
2.  Psy 330 requires you to meet and consult with your professor to “produce quality written products.”
3.  Psy 330 requires that you read, analyze, synthesize and integrate appropriate research and diverse readings for assignments and your research proposal.
4.  Psy 330 requires you locate, use and cite appropriate primary and secondary research articles using APA style formatting for your research proposal.
5.  Psy 330 requires that you make logical, effective and engaging, writing critiques and papers for a scientific audience.
6.  Psy 330 requires the use of correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling in all written papers.

Special Accommodations: Minnesota State University Moorhead is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students.  The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.   

• If you have, or think you may have, a disability (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory or physical) please contact the DRC at (218) 477-4318 (V) or (800)627.3529 (MRS/TTY) to schedule an appointment for an intake.
• Additional information is available on the DRC website: http://www.mnstate.edu/disability/
• If you are registered with the DRC and have a current Accommodation Letter, please schedule an appointment to visit with me, during my office hours, to discuss implementation of your accommodations.

Assignments and Grading:
There will be two take-home quizzes in this class.  We will also have multiple in-class and out-of-class assignments.  Assignment requirements and point totals will be announced in class and posted on the course website. All quizzes and assignments must be typed with proper grammar and sentence construction.  All late assignments without proper documentation will be penalized one letter grade per late school day before being graded.

These smaller assignments will culminate in and prepare you for completing your final project.  The final project for this class is the development of an APA-style research proposal (130 points).  You will be required to begin working on this paper almost immediately, as sections of it will be due throughout the semester.  There will be an estimated 355 total points available in this course.

Here is a general list of assignments for this semester:

• Approx. 12 Assignments/Activities: 10 points each
• Article Reviews Assignment:  25 points
• Two take-home quizzes: 20 points each
• Research Proposal Presentation: 40 points
• Written Research Proposal: 130 points total (5 points for topic choice/explanation, 25 points for outline, 50 points for draft of introduction and references, and 50 points for final proposal)

Grades will be assigned using the following scale:

A = 90-100% of total points               B = 80-89%          C = 70-79%          D = 60-69%          F = less than 60%

Student Responsibilities:
As a student in this class, you have certain responsibilities.  You are responsible for:

1.  Knowing all information in the syllabus, including dates and procedures for assignments and grading. 
2.  Checking the course website for class announcements or changes.
3.  Completing the reading assignments before each class and taking an active role in learning the material. 
4.  Seeking assistance from the instructor in a timely fashion. 
5.  Monitoring your performance in this class, including keeping track of your points.
6.  Informing the professor ahead of time in the case of special needs. 
7.  Arriving to and leaving class on time so as not to disturb the professor or other students.  Also, all electronic devices, such as cell phones, must be turned off upon entering the classroom. 

 Academic Honesty:  The MSUM Student Handbook (web.mnstate.edu/sthandbook) discusses student conduct code issues including academic integrity such as cheating or plagiarism. If you have any questions regarding this conduct code or your rights, please review the handbook. Copying papers from classmates or other sources (including the web) is not only cheating, but is plagiarism and the equivalent of scholarly or “literary” stealing.  You must cite your sources!  In the event that you are caught plagiarizing or copying, you will fail this course.

Sexual Violence:  Acts of sexual violence are intolerable. MSUM expects all members of the campus community to act in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. We are committed to eliminating all acts of sexual violence.

MSUM faculty and staff are concerned about the well-being and development of our students. We are obligated to share information with the MSUM Title IX Coordinator in certain situations to help ensure that the students’ safety and welfare is being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.

If you have experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual violence, services and resources are available. You may also choose to file a report. For further information, contact Lynn Peterson, Coordinator of Sexual Assault Services at Hendrix Clinic and Counseling Center, 218-477-2211, or Ashley Atteberry, Title IX Coordinator in Owens Hall 208 (218-477-2174); ashley.atteberry@mnstate.edu). Additional information is available at: www.mnstate.edu/titleix