PSYCH 3450-Experimental Psychology: Course Objectives and Structure

My goal is for you to learn:

1. To read and evaluate psychological literature
2. The basics of scientific methodology in psychology. This will be achieved by working through most of the important steps involved in conducting experimental research
3. How research benefits from being conducted as part of a research team and in the context of a critical community of peers
4. Whether you may be interested in other courses and programs that involve empirical research
5. To evaluate claims like those presented in the media (e.g., do video games improve your attention, etc.), and understand the differences between science and pseudoscience

NOTE: The schedule and procedures described in this syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. You will always be notified of changes both in class AND by posts to the class website. Your enrollment in the course represents your acknowledgment and acceptance of the non-negotiable policies described in the syllabus.

The Lecture

There will be a two hour lecture each week. The lecture covers material that is available in the text book. The course schedule outlines chapters that should be read prior to each lecture. Some lectures will require reading of supplementary material, and access to these materials will be posted online using the course website. The lectures will also cover material that is thematically related to that presented in the textbook. The purpose of the lecture is to cover important concepts in experimental psychology, and prepare you for conducting psychological research in the laboratory. You will be tested on material from the lectures and textbook in two exams: a midterm, and a cumulative final exam.

The Lab

There will be a four hour lab each week. Details on the lab component will be made available by your lab instructor. All sections will complete several lab projects, and three lab papers. Each lab paper involves writing a full APA research report. The first two papers are predetermined, and will cover classic experimental procedures. The third lab paper is to create, conduct, and report your own research project. The third lab paper will require two separate in-class presentations, the first is an individual five minute presentation, and the second is a ten minute group presentation. The third lab paper also requires that each individual submit a complete, and independently written research report. The details of each lab assignment will be made available to you through the lab syllabus, as well as online through the course website.