Instructor: Dr. Scharff
Office: Education Bldg. 215f
Lab: Education Bldg. 117c
Hours: MWF 10-11, T 10-12, TH 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
Phone: 468-4402
Email: lscharff@sfasu.edu
Text: Experimental Psychology 4th Ed.
by Myers and Hansen
The objective of this course is to provide you with a knowledge of both experimental and non-experimental methods used in psychological research. You will also learn some statistical fundamentals and when it is appropriate to use each particular statistical method. In addition, you will learn how to write technical papers which will clearly present methodological research. A critical thinking approach will be emphasized with the hope that you can apply your new knowledge outside of class.
EXAMS: There will be three exams and a final. The final will cover material from the entire semester with an emphasis on material covered following the third exam. All of the exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer/essay questions, and perhaps a few statistical calculations. Questions on the exams will be drawn from the assigned chapters in the text, as well as from the lectures. The (highly) probable exam schedule is as follows:
Exam 1 Sept 23 (Tuesday) Ch 1-3, plus lectures
Exam 2 Oct 14 (Tuesday) Ch 4-6, plus lectures
Exam 3 Nov 6 (Thursday) Ch 7-10, plus lectures
Final Dec 11 (Thursday 10:30-12:30) Ch 1-15, plus lectures
NO make-ups will be given except for a DOCUMENTED emergency. (In other words, weddings, vacations, oversleeping etc. will not qualify as a legitimate excuse.) If you must miss an exam for a (academic) function, please arrange an alternate test time prior to the event. Make-up exams will be part short answer, part essay in format.
If you require special arrangements for taking exams, and you are registered with Disability Services, please see me as soon as possible to discuss this.
Projects / Papers: As a class, we will design and perform two research projects during the semester. The first project will use a non-experimental approach (e.g. a survey or naturalistic observation), and the second will be a true experiment. You will write individual papers to summarize both of these research projects. Additionally, a third paper will be assigned that will reflect individual interests rather than a class project. Details regarding each project / paper will be given in class.
I will expect all writing to use the conventions of standard written English, which includes grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Assignments completed outside of class should be turned in typed (spell check or else!). There are several computer labs (including your classroom) where you can type and print papers at no charge.
Homeworks: There will be several homework assignments throughout the semester. These may include answering questions from the end of the chapters or data analyses from the research projects or completing handouts.
Attendance/Lateness: Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of class each day. Persons who arrive after role has been taken will only receive half attendance credit for that day. Although I realize that occasional tardiness cannot be avoided, late arrivals disrupt the lecture which is not fair to those students who do arrive on time. If you must arrive late, please sit at a desk as close to the door as possible.
Participation in class and the group work / research projects will also be noted and reflected in your semester grade.
Course Grade: Points from the exams and final, the writing assignments, the homeworks, and attendance / participation will be weighted according to the following percentages.
Each exam 10% (total: 30% of grade)
Final exam 15%
Paper 1 (from non-experimental project) 10%
Paper 2 (individual research interest) 10%
Paper 3 (from experimental project) 20%
Homework Assignments 10%
Attendance / Participation 5%
Course grades will be determined by the following cut-offs:
A (90 - 100%)
B (80 - 89%)
C (70 - 79%)
D (60 - 69%)
Notes: