Research is the foundation on which any solid science is built. This course will introduce you to research methodologies frequently used in the social sciences, appropriate methodology, the ABCs of conducting research, learning how to define “variables”, experimental design, and statistics.
By the end of this course, you should be comfortable reading the method and results sections of journal articles, and understand a range of different research methods (as well as when to employ each).
Course Overview
The course will begin with an overview of how research, and its appropriate methodology, came about in science and, more specifically, psychology.
We will then go over the ABCs of conducting research, learning how to define “variables” and why they are important.
While this course will also touch upon statistics and their importance, it will not require a comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
The course will conclude with a section on experimental results and the ways in which experimental design and statistics can be used to ensure certain results.
By the end of this course, you should understand why research methodology is important in scientific research, be comfortable reading method and results sections of journal articles, and understand a range of different research methods (as well as when to employ each).
This course has been developed by Saylor Academy and provided under Creative Commons License Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Curriculum & Learning Outcomes
The course curriculum includes these modules:
- Unit 1: An Introduction to Research
- Unit 2: The Research Report
- Unit 3: Ethical Research
- Unit 4: Measurement Concepts
- Unit 5: Observation, Survey, and Experimental Research Designs
- Unit 6: Understanding Research Results
- Final Course Exam: Research Methodologies
Being a self-paced course you can study on your own time. We suggest going through the course in sequence from the first to the last module followed by the final quiz. Post questions and comments in the discussion group or contact the course teacher.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define science and list the key features of science.
- Apply the key features of science to the discipline of psychology.
- Describe the parts of a psychology research report.
- Explain how psychology research ethics guidelines were developed.
- List the key ethical guidelines governing psychology research.
- Define reliability and validity for research measures.
- List and define the three primary research designs used for psychology research.
- Identify the appropriate statistical analysis for each of the three primary research designs.
In order to adequately prepare for the final course exam, you will need to work through all lessons and assignments.
In order to “pass” this course, you will need to earn 67% or higher on the final exam. If you do not pass the exam, you may take it again.
Degree Credits
By completing this course students will earn 5 ECTS study credits which can be applied towards the Integrated Master’s Degree Program.
Accreditations & Certificates
A course certificate of completion will be provided.
Admission Requirements
This course can be accessed by Master’s Degree students.
Enrollment & Financial Aid
Contact us for a detailed overview of the course tuition including tuition credits, financial aid, and sponsorship options.
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