Syllabus Information

 Required Text: 

• Lomand, T.C. (2012) Social Science Research (7th edition).  ISBN-13: 9781936523016  ISBN-10: 1936523019

Optional Text (from Psy 330):

• Gravetter F.J. & Forzano, L.B. (2016)  Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences  (5th or 6th ed.), Cengage Publishing.  ISBN: 9781305104136  OR similar Methods text....

Course Description:  Course emphasizing report writing (APA editorial style), and application of research methodology and statistics.  Prerequisite:  A passing grade in Psy 330 and an APA-style research proposal for experimental or quasi-experimental research. 

Topics to be Covered:

·         Hypothesis, Independent Variable, Dependent Variable

·         Extraneous, Confounding, and Control Variables

·         Internal and External Validity

·         Writing a Methods Section (Subsections—Participants, Design, Materials, and Procedure)

·         The Experimental Research Strategy (Between-Subjects vs. Within-Subjects Designs)

·         The Quasi-Experimental Research Strategy

·         Using Confederates in Research

·         Ethics in Conducting Research with Human Participants

·         Descriptive Research Strategy (Survey and Observational Research)

·         Correlational Research Strategy

·         NonExperimental/PreExperimental Research

·         Content/Observational Analysis

·         Review of Key Statistical Analyses—

o    T-test

o    Analysis of variance (single-factor and factorial)

o    Correlation

o    Chi-Square

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

1. Read and review psychological research more critically.

2. Understand major topic areas within experimental psychology.

3. Develop research stimuli and surveys.

4. Prepare an application for the Institutional Review Board

5. Develop and implement a research protocol.

6. Collect and analyze data to answer a specific research question.

7. Present scientific information effectively in both written and verbal formats.

8. Incorporate technology into the research process.

Writing Intensive Designation:

Psy 430 Advanced Experimental Psychology carries a writing intensive course designation (“W”) and addresses the following competencies:

1.  Psy 430 employs a “coherent writing process” that requires students to submit early drafts of sections of the final paper for editing and revisions.
2.  Psy 430 requires you to meet and consult with your professor to “produce quality written products.”
3.  Psy 430 requires that you read, analyze, synthesize and integrate appropriate research and diverse readings for your research critiques and for your research proposal.
4.  Psy 430 requires you locate, use and cite appropriate primary and secondary research articles using APA style formatting for your research proposal.
5.  Psy 430 requires that you make logical, effective and engaging, writing critiques and papers for a scientific audience.
6.  Psy 430 requires the use of correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling in all written papers.

Academic Honesty:  The focus of this course is for students to generate their own research proposal, data, analyses, final research paper, and research presentation. This will be accomplished by completing “building block” assignments, refresher stats labs, study critiques, submitting to the IRB, collecting data, analyzing data, writing the final research report in APA format, and presenting the final report to the class. We will be discussing the ethical code of scientists, as well as citation requirements put forth by the APA.  Using information/content from other sources without proper citation or using Artificial Intelligence (such as Chat GPT) to comprise any part of your assignments, paper, or presentation is considered plagiarism and is the equivalent of scholarly or "literary" stealing.” Such activities reflect shabby standards of personal integrity, and such conduct is professionally unethical and a form of cheating. If you are caught plagiarizing, copying, or using AI generated answers, you will be failed in the course, regardless of the level of work on other class activities. For more information, see the MSUM Student Handbook. (https://www.mnstate.edu/about/policies-procedures/student-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.

Assignments and Grading:  There are no formal exams in this class.  We will, however, have several in-class and out-of-class lab assignments.  Assignment requirements and point totals will be announced in class.  The major focus for this class is conducting your research proposed in Psy 330 and developing an APA-style research paper and presentation based on that project.  Here is a list of major assignments for this semester:

• Article Presentation: 30 points
• Lomand Discussion Questions (DQ) responses for each assigned article (8 points each).  # of articles to be determined. Likely between 8-14 articles.
• 5 Lab Assignments: 75 points  (15 points each)
• Research Paper: IRB submission 70 points + Final Paper 130 points = 200 points total
• Peer Review: 20 points
• Final Research Presentation: 60 points

Final grades will be assigned as follows:

Earn 90% or more of available points for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, or 60% for a D. Earning 59.4% or fewer points will result in an F.

Research Paper: (200 pts.) Students are required to complete an experiment in the content area of the course, preferably a study that does not constitute a direct replication. Students should discuss the concept and methodology with the instructor before proceeding.  Consult the course schedule for due dates.  You are expected to meet with the instructor as needed to discuss your project and oral presentation. 

Two written products will be worth a total of 200 points. Each student must submit (1) completed ethics forms with all required attachments plus the on-line training certificate (70 points), as well as (2) a final research report with an IRB completion report (130 points). Specific requirements and expectations will be discussed at length in class. See the course schedule for due dates. Late paper submissions will incur an automatic deduction of one letter grade for each week day they are late—no exceptions.

 Final Research Presentation: (60 pts.)  In addition to the written product, students are expected to make an oral presentation of their final research project to the class.  The presentation should be about 10 minutes long. These presentations should be treated as if you are presenting your study at a psychology conference.  It is expected that students will use PowerPoint for their presentations.

You are solely responsible for determining the time schedule for project completion.  The following sequence is suggested to help conceptualize the steps in the process. Major deadlines will be posted in the course schedule. You will need to construct and adhere to a time line to meet the deadlines. Early paper assignments (e.g., IRB materials, final papers) are encouraged and welcomed.  It is expected that you have completed the first three steps in Psy 330.

·        Define the problem
·        Review the literature
·        Write the proposal
·        Revise the proposal with instructor’s suggestions and prepare department IRB forms (Professor is considered principal investigator and, therefore, has final say on what is submitted to the Ethics Committee.)
·        Obtain Ethics Committee’s Approval in a timely manner (allow two weeks for initial review, as well as time for possible revisions)
·        Create Qualtrics script (if appropriate)
·         Recruit participants
·        Collect data
·        Revise/complete literature review as data are collected
·        Data analysis
·        Revise Method section of proposal to reflect any changes and use past tense
·        Organize and write the results section
·        Organize and write the discussion section
·        Submit the completed research paper (two copies of final paper, a copy of your paper and data on CD, consent forms, and IRB Project Completion Form) 
   
* Also, remember to post a summary of the results on the research bulletin board. Be sure to include your name and the name of your project        

 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:

1. Knowing all information in the syllabus, including due 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. All students (online and in-person) must actively engage in class. Contribute to discussions and ask questions.   Online students must have camera on and unmute microphone as needed to ask questions and contribute.
5. Seeking assistance from the instructor in a timely fashion and 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. Please talk with the professor in advance to arrange to enter class late or leave class early.
8. You are responsible for your portion of class on your presentation day. If an emergency arises, make arrangements for another student to present in your place. If you miss without scheduling a replacement, you will be required to present on an alternative day and receive a severe penalty (automatic 35% reduction in your grade).
9. You are responsible for keeping up with project and assignment due dates. There will be a 10% automatic deduction for all late assignments. As stated above, late paper/project submissions are subject to an automatic deduction of one letter grade for each week day they are late.

Incompletes: No incompletes will be given unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. University policy requires that the student sign a “Removal of Incomplete” contract with the instructor for completion of the work. Under this policy, an incomplete will automatically be converted to an F if the work is not completed in one semester.

Accessibility Statement: Minnesota State University Moorhead is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students and strives to make courses inclusive and accessible in accordance with sections 508, 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Accessibility Resources (AR) is the campus office that collaborates with students in need of accommodations and assists in arranging reasonable accommodations. 

If you have or think you may have a disability or are currently registered and have questions/concerns, please contact the Director of Accessibility Resources at:  Charles.Eade@mnstate.edu.  Additional information is available on the AR website: http://www.mnstate.edu/accessibility 

The ADA Coordinator for students and ADA compliance issues is Chuck Eade, Director of Accessibility Resources; charles.eade@mnstate.edu.

Academic and Student Support Services

MSUM provides multiple student support services to help you through your academic career here.

• The Academic Support Center has resources to assist you with Advising, Registration, Academic Support and Tutoring, and Academic Enhancement. Visit their website for a list of services Academic Support Center, or call 218.477.4318. (mnstate.edu/asc/)
• MSUM Counseling Services offers free and confidential mental health care. (mnstate.edu/counseling-services/)
• The University Writing Support Center has trained writing tutors to offer constructive feedback on your writing assignments. (mnstate.edu/write/)
• The Student Handbook is a valuable reference available to you. (mnstate.edu/student-handbook/). Here you will find policies related to plagiarism, cheating, and more.
• eServices provides online registration and account management. (mnstate.edu/eservices/)
• Library Distance Ed Services are available to you as you research and study. (libguides.mnstate.edu/content.php?pid=448709)
• Accessibility Resources provides services to students with documented disabilities. (mnstate.edu/accessibility/)

Technical Support

In any online course, certain minimum technical skills are expected. In this course I expect you to be able to:

·         Navigate the course site hosted in D2L Brightspace to locate materials and participate in course activities.

o    Complete a computer check prior to the start of the course to ensure your computer software is compatible with D2L Brightspace.

·         Create written assignments in MS Word.

o    Make sure you have access to Word via Microsoft 365.

·         Join optional virtual meetings via Zoom as needed.

o    Join a test Zoom meeting and understand how to connect your audio and video for a meeting.

·         Set up and use remote access to SPSS on your laptop

o    Instructions for using remote apps:  https://www.mnstate.edu/it/remoteapps.aspx 

Should you need technical assistance, the IT Help Desk is available for by phone 218.477.2603, email support@mnstate.edu, or drop-in at their desk in the Library, room 122 (mnstate.edu/helpdesk/).

D2L Brightspace Tutorials are available for students: mnstate.edu/instructional-technology/desire2learn/#tabs-4. 

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, Title IX Coordinator, petrsnly@mnstate.edu; 218-477-2967, or Ashley Atteberry, Director of Student Conduct & Resolution.

Safety/Emergency Plans:  As we prepare to start a new academic year and semester, the MSUM Facilities, Grounds & Safety Committee would like everyone to review the Emergency maps as well as the Emergency Preparedness Guide.  Even a quick look at this information can make a difference in how you may react/respond in an emergency.  If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact Ryan Nelson, Director of Public Safety for further clarification.  Thank you in advance for taking time to help protect yourself and others.

Building maps showing emergency exit routes, fire extinguisher locations, and fire alarm pull stations are conspicuously located in classrooms, labs, conference rooms, departmental main offices and residence halls.  The Emergency Preparedness Guides (flip style booklets) are located with the maps.  Please review the floor plans as well as the guide so you know how to respond in an emergency situation to help protect yourself and others.    If you have questions, please contact Kevin Pallas, Director of Public Safety, at kevin.pallas@mnstate.edu or 218-477-5869.  https://www2.mnstate.edu/public-safety/  .

Anti-bias Statement: Minnesota State University Moorhead has an enduring commitment to enhancing Minnesota’s quality of life by developing and fostering understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society and providing equal opportunity for all its students and employees. Incidents of hate and bias are inconsistent with the mission and values of MSUM.  

MSUM acknowledges that it occupies the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Dakota (Sisseton, Wahpeton) and Yanktonai Dakota First Nations.  We will strive to build toward better relationship between our university and the indigenous people still present with us.

A bias incident is an act of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation that is motivated in whole or in part by bias based on an individual's or group's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or familial status.

If you are a student who has experienced or witnessed a hate or bias incident, we want to address the incident and provide you with resources. Contact the Campus Diversity Officer, Jered Pigeon at jered.pigeon@mnstate.edu, 218-477-2047, 114 CMU or the Dean of Students, Kara Gravley-Stack at kara.gravleystack@mnstate.edu, 218-477-4222, 153 Flora Frick Hall. Additional information is available at: https://www2.mnstate.edu/oscar/