Psychology 104 (Experimental Social Psychology), Fall 2006
Professor Halford H. Fairchild
Office:  203 Scott Hall, Pitzer College
Hours:  Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 and by appointment
Phone:  909-607-3056


Course Syllabus
(Note:  This syllabus is online and is to be updated regularly with notes and other items of interest.  Students should visit the online version regularly.)


Texts: 
Perrin, Robert. Pocket Guide to APA Style

About this Class: This class provides an introduction to research methods in the social sciences. It encourages a learn-by-doing process, where students: (a) identify an area of research interest; (b) research the relevant literature in that area; (c) develop a methodology for the collection of data; (d) collect data; (e) process data; and (f) report results. The main learning objectives are research methodologies and statistical analysis.

Impression Formation Studies - a draft powerpoint of what was accomplished this semester.

Exemplary student papers:

Lauren Birnbryer

Matt Srolester

Michael Szany

Date

Topic

Readings

8/29/06

Introductions and Course Overview - Assignment for Thursday: Brainstorm 5 possible research topics.

 

8/31/06

The Research Process - Research Methods Iraq War Study

 

9/1/06

Lab - Read, refine, and select research topics from one of these lists: Students' Research Ideas - Professor Fairchild's Research Ideas Give some thought as to how you might actually conduct the study in question.

 

 

 

 

9/5/06

Selecting A Topic - Review of Literature

 

9/7/06

Selecting A Methodology - Questionnaire Design

9/8/06 Lab  

 

 

 

9/12/06

Designing Data Collection

 

9/14/06

An Introduction to SPSS

9/15/06 Lab  

 

 

 

9/19/06

Writing the Research Proposal

 

9/21/06

Human Subjects

9/22/06 Lab  

 

 

 

9/26/06

Field Work

 

9/28/06

Field Work

9/29/06 Lab  

 

 

 

10/3/06

Field Work

 

10/5/06

Field Work

10/6/06 Lab  

 

 

 

10/10/06

Field Work

 

10/12/06

Field Work

10/13/06 Lab  

 

 

 

10/17/06

Fall Break

 

10/19/06

Field Work

 

10/20/06 Lab  

 

 

 

10/24/06

Data Analysis

 

10/26/06

Data Analysis

 
10/27/06 Lab  

 

 

 

10/31/06

Results

 

11/2/06

Results

 
11/3/06 Lab  

 

 

 

11/7/06

Powerpoint

 

11/9/06

Powerpoint

11/10/06 Lab  

 

 

 

11/14/06

Writing the Research Article

 

11/16/06

Writing the Research Article

11/17/06 Lab  
     

11/21/06

 

 

11/23/06

Thanksgiving Holiday

 

11/24/06

Thanksgiving Holiday

 

 

 

 

11/28/06

Writing the Research Article

 

11/30/06

Writing the Research Article

 
12/1/06 Lab  

 

 

 

12/5/06

Submitting for Publication

12/7/06

Poster Session

 

 

 

Course Organization and Requirements

Attendance is required. 

Course Milestones. To be developed in class.

Grading

Grades will be based on work performed, and determined subjectively by the instructor.  Attendance is mandatory, as is class participation, so these items weigh heavily in grading.  Students who complete a project, and submit for publication prior to the end of the semester, will receive an A. Students who complete a project, but do not get it submitted, will receive an A-. All other students will be graded on the basis of the quality of work performed.