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Psychology 219 Syllabus Spring 2018
Psychology 219 Syllabus Spring 2018
Email: keotrang_zelida@sccollege.edu
Catalog Entry:
Emphasizes methods of study in psychology including: sound and ethical experimental design,
analysis of variables contributing to experimental results, data treatment, and communicating
findings.
Prerequisite:
Psychology 100/100H and/or concurrent enrollment in: Social Science 219/219H or Mathematics
219/219H
Course Materials:
1. Cozby, P., & Bates, S. (2011). Methods in Behavioral Research, 11th Ed. McGraw
Hill. (Required)
2. American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association, 6th Ed. American Psychological Association.
(Required)
3. Reading assignments of current psychological research (usually supplied by the
instructor or available for free online through the school library)
Course Purpose:
1. This is the most important class for those students transferring to the university as entering
juniors. Psychology 219 is a prerequisite for most of required upper division and graduate level
courses.
2. This course acquaints the student with the methods of psychological research, as well as with
the problems involved in the interpretation of the experimental findings.
3. Psychology 219 also requires that the student master the American Psychological Association
(APA) experimental report format as it appears in the APA publication manual.
4. Students conduct a series of increasingly complex sample experiments and one "original"
experiment.
5. Students participate in a poster/paper conference at the end of the semester in which they
present their original research projects to students and faculty. The conference provides
students first-hand experience with the professional field of psychology.
Methods of Evaluation:
These evaluation methods are typical of this course:
Exams/Tests
Research Papers/Projects
Lab Activities/Exercises
Lecture Component:
1. Exams: 5 exams includes final exam
Lab Component:
2. In-class and homework assignments: 100-150 points
3. Semester research project: 150 Points
a) Research Paper, Project Materials, and Data Output (125 pts.)
c) Research PowerPoint Presentation (25 points; approximately 7-10 minutes)
Exams:
*Note: A scantron (Form 882 E) is required for each exam. There will be a total of 4 in class
exams in this course, including a final exam. The exams range from 50-100 points. Each exam
will cover the chapters and course lecture material described on the Course Schedule. Exams will
include multiple-choice questions BUT may include short answer questions. Exam questions will
be based on material covered in lecture, in-class activities, and the textbook. NOTE: Exam dates
will not change though topics covered may change.
Research Project/Paper:
The completion of an independent research project and paper--written using American
Psychological Association (APA) publication style is required in this class (and to earn a passing
grade). A detailed description of this assignment (including directions and expectations) will be
handed out in class and posted on Blackboard. You will not receive a passing grade in the course
if you do not complete this assignment. A PowerPoint Presentation of your project is also
required.
Missed Assignment/Exam Policy: Students are expected to complete all assignments on time
and to be present for all exams. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. The ONLY valid excuses
for missing an exam or failing to turn an assignment are illness or a death in the family. It is the
student’s responsibility to contact the instructor within one class meeting of missing an exam or
assignment and provide written proof of their excuse (e.g., doctor’s note). All excuses are subject
to verification by instructor and a written make-up exam may be administered for missed exams.
Any late assignments that might be accepted will be given partial credit. *Note: It is BEST to
inform the instructor ASAP when you are going to miss class, for whatever reason.
Student Responsibilities: Students are responsible for attending all classes and for being on
time. Class attendance will be taken at the end of each class. There will be a short break
throughout the class period; students are expected to return from break by the time given by the
instructor.
Absence/Drop Policy: The Absence/Drop policy (SCC College Catalog, p. 21) reads as follows:
“It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a course. However,
because of enrollment demand a student may be dropped by the instructor when not appearing
at the first class meeting. A student may also be dropped for excessive absences when
the total hours of absence exceed 10% of the total scheduled hours of the class.