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The discipline of Psychology is based on a solid foundation of scientific research. Researchers use a variety of conceptual, logical, computational and statistical tools to reduce uncertainty in the state of psychological knowledge. This course introduces some of those tools. These same intellectual tools form a firm foundation for the scientist-practitioner model of psychological practice.

This course introduces the methods and statistics used to develop knowledge in the field of psychology. Topics covered include: operationalising theoretical constructs, internal and external validity, sampling and assignment, and an introduction to experimental and observational research designs, including participation in computer-assisted laboratory data collection. Data analysis techniques include measures of central tendency, chi-square tests, t-tests, correlation and regression as they pertain to psychological research. The concepts of statistical inference, decision making, and potential sources of error are also covered. Real data is used to develop practical analysis skills and enhance conceptual understanding. Reliable access to a suitable computer and internet access is required as per Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences requirements.

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. describe different research designs, identify when it is appropriate to use them, and discuss their strengths and limitations;
2. identify the concepts used in a study, the variables used to operationalise those concepts, and the control techniques used;
3. develop research questions and postulate hypotheses to test psychological concepts and theories;
4. discuss null hypothesis significance testing, its application and its controversies;
5. differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including the appropriate selection of analysis techniques to answer research questions;
6. examine data through screening and assumption testing;
7. analyse psychological research data, apply decision errors, power and effect sizes to statistical analysis;
8. identify relevant information, such as aims, method information, results, and potential methodological limitations from published journal articles to formulate an argument for investigating the topic for class-wide study;
9. write the method and results section of an APA research report of computer assisted laboratory work.