Psychology 104 (Experimental Social Psychology), Fall 2007
Professor Halford H. Fairchild
Office:  203 Scott Hall, Pitzer College
Hours:  tba
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.)


Recommended 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 last year.

Exemplary student papers from Fall 2006:

Lauren Birnbryer

Matt Srolester

Michael Szany

Sample Paper by Fairchild, et al.

Drawing a Sample

War Attitude Bibliography

Date

Topic

Readings

9/4/07

Introductions and Course Overview - Assignment for Thursday: Brainstorm 5 possible research topics. Examples from past semesters

 

9/6/07

The Research Process - Research Methods(Quiz) Iraq War Study

Research Methods Studies in Impression Formation

 

9/7/07

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

Students' Research Ideas on 9/7/07

 

 

 

 

9/11/07

Selecting A Topic - Review of Literature - Use of PsychInfo

 

9/13/07

Selecting A Methodology - Questionnaire Design

9/14/07 Lab  

 

 

 

9/18/07

Designing Data Collection

 

9/20/07

An Introduction to SPSS

9/21/07 Lab  

 

 

 

9/25/07

Writing the Research Proposal

 

9/27/07

Human Subjects

9/28/07 Lab - Merging Data.  

 

 

 

10/2/07

Writing the research paper: See Fairchild as an example. Another example on war attitudes.

 

10/4/07

Field Work

10/5/07 Lab  

 

 

 

10/9/07

Field Work - Iraq Civilian Deaths NY Times Oct 2, 2007

Social Activism & Personal Efficacy - a Bibliography

Edwards & Oskamp (1992): Antinuclear activism

Draft Papers due today.

 

10/11/07

Field Work - Bibliography on mate preferences

Bibliography on racial profiling and law enforcement

10/12/07 Lab  

 

 

 

10/16/07

Field Work. Fairchild's Draft Paper on the War Attitude Scale

 

10/18/07

Field Work

10/19/07 Lab  

 

 

 

10/23/07

Fall Break

 

10/25/07

Field Work

 

10/26/07 Lab  

 

 

 

10/30/07

Data Analysis

Fewer Blacks Support War (article)

Fewer Latinos Support War (article)

More Latinos Support War (article)

 

11/1/07

Data Analysis - Bibliography on Attitudes to Law & Order

 
11/2/07 Lab  

 

 

 

11/6/07

Results

 

11/8/07

Results

 
11/9/07 Lab  

 

 

 

11/13/07

Powerpoint - Iraq War Attitude Study

 

11/15/07

Powerpoint

11/16/07 Lab  

 

 

 

11/20/07

Writing the Research Article

 

11/22/07

Thanksgiving Break

11/23/07 Thanksgiving Break  
     

11/27/07

Writing the Research Article

 

11/29/07

Writing the Research Article

 

11/30/07

Writing the Research Article

 

 

 

 

12/4/07

Writing the Research Article

 

12/6/07

Writing the Research Article

 
12/7/07 Lab  

 

 

 

12/11/07

Submitting for Publication

 

12/13/07

Submitting for Publication

 

12/14/07 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.