Online · School of Behavioral Sciences · Psychology

Introduction to Research

PSYC-255

CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022  Course Description

An introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology designed to improve students’ understanding of the basic issues in the scientific methods of the social sciences. The goals of the course are: to improve students’ understanding of the concepts related to research methodology; to improve the students’ ability to communicate ideas about science, including a significant amount of writing; and survey of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/).

 Rationale

Research is integral to the science of psychology. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and tools needed to evaluate and conduct research. By understanding the research process, as well as concepts such as validity and reliability, the student will become a better critical consumer and producer of research.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Demonstrate an understanding of reliability and validity.

B. Create research designs.

C. Critique research related to behavior and mental processes. D. Apply a biblical worldview to research concepts.

E. Communicate effectively using APA formatting.

 Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/liberty).

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas Recommended Browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word - Please note, technical skills for this course include: Creating and submitting files in Microsoft Word

E. The Holy Bible

F. APA formatting information: https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/apa-guide/

(https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/apa-guide/)

   G. Undergraduate courses will use the Student Paper Standards; graduate and doctoral courses should follow the Professional

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Paper Standards.

 Course Assignments

Read and Watch items

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations (https://www.liberty.edu/institutional-effectiveness/student- expectations/), the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each thread. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. Each thread must be supported by at least 1 appropriate citation in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the course textbooks, the Bible, and scholarly articles. (CLO: A, C, D, E).

Quiz: Research Overview

This quiz will assess your understanding of basic concepts related to research, theories, and worldview. You will answer 10 questions (true and false or multiple choice). You may consult the Research Overview Presentation at any time during the quiz. (CLO: C, D).

APA Assignment

The student will use the APA Publication Manual as a guide in answering specific APA-related questions. The APA Assignment must include a title page, 2–3 pages of content, and a reference page in current APA format. The paper must include both of the course textbooks (Introduction to Research, and the current APA Publication Manual) in addition to at least 2 scholarly references. (CLO: E).

Case Study Paper Assignment

The student will write a paper that explains how to conduct a case study. The paper must include a title page, 2–4 pages of content, and a reference page. The paper must be in current APA format. The student will be provided with a set of 4 questions to answer in order to complete the assignment. The paper must include at least 2 scholarly references in addition to both of the course textbooks. (CLO: A, B, C, E).

Synthesis Paper Assignment

The student will write a research-based paper that includes a personal reflection of what he or she has learned in the course as well as a critique of the course content from a biblical perspective. The paper must include a title page, 4–8 pages of content, and a reference page. The paper must include at least 2 scholarly references in addition to both of the course textbooks. The paper must be in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E).

Quizzes (8)

There will be 7 open-book/open-notes quizzes in the course. Quizzes will cover content covered in the Learn folders, 3 will have 30 multiple-choice questions, 4 will have 25 multiple-choice questions, and all will have a time limit of 1 hour. There will be 1 quiz with 3 essay questions, with a time limit of 1 hour. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F).

 Course Grading

 Course Requirements Checklist

Discussions (4 at 75 pts ea) 300

10

2 of 5

Quiz: Research Overview 10

75

Case Study Paper Assignment

75 130

1010

Synthesis Paper Assignment

 Quizzes (4 at 50 pts.; 1 at 30 pts.; 3 at 60 pts ea)

 Policies

410

Total

APA Assignment

Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or

the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

Course Attendance

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in

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the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

Grading Scale

ABCDF

900-1010 800-899 700-799 600-699 0-599

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).

 Schedule

                               When Topic Notes

Technology Integration Set-Up VitalSource Student Resources

   Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

        Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Read: 4 items Watch: 5 items

4 of 5

    When Topic

Notes

   Apply

Course Requirements Checklist

Class Introductions

Discussion: Scripture Considerations and Research Quiz: Research Overview

Quiz: Introduction to Research

    Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 4 items Watch: 5 items

   Apply

Discussion: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Quiz: Non-Experimental Research Methods and Variables

    Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Read: 4 items Watch: 4 items

   Apply

APA Assignment

Quiz: Experimental Research Methods, Hypothesis Testing, Definitions, Measurement

  Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 2 items

     Apply

Discussion: Research Methods Critique, Godly and Ungodly

Quiz: Experimental Research Methods, Participants, Internal Validity Quiz: APA Assignment Formatting Corrections

    Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 2 items

 Apply

Case Study Paper Assignment

Quiz: Research Designs, Within Subjects, Between Subjects

      Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Read: 4 items Watch: 3 items

   Apply

Discussion: Research Critique for Media Presentation

Quiz: Research Designs, Factorial Designs, Single Case Designs

  Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Apply

Synthesis Paper Assignment

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

       Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Apply

Quiz: Hypothesis Testing, Program Evaluation, Ethical Legal Considerations

Read: 4 items Watch: 3 items

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