Psy 430 Advanced Experimental                                Fall 2009

Texts 
American Psychological Association.  Publication manual. Washington, DC. (optional).

Galvan J. L. (2006). Writing Literature Reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences (3rd Ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.  (optional)
Topics
I  Empirical research project: on-going throughout the semester
     Preparation of Research Prospectus
          Literature review (Should be completed from Psy 330.)
               Theoretical issues and empirical findings
                Summary
                Testable hypothesis based on theoretical arguments
          Proposed methods described in specific operational terms
          Proposed statistical tests and the rationale for their use
          Title page, Abstract, References
    
  National research certification
  IRB Research Approval Forms
    
     Statistics review and practice
     Data collection & analysis
     Draft of Results and Conclusions
    
    In-class presentation of completed project
    Completed project paper submitted to instructor

II  Selected readings: intermittent throughout the semester
       Techniques and issues in psychological research
        Issues related to students' research topics

   
Final grades
     % final grade                    Source of points
         15                                Revised Prospectus + Methods section
         15                                Research approval & data collection
         20                                Final presentation
         30                                Completed project paper
         20                                Readings & class exercises
        
    Class attendance is required.  Absences may lower final grade:
     -5% for 3 - 4 absences; -10% for 5 or more absences.
    Late work may be penalized grade-wise:  -5% per school day.
    All work will look professional – e.g., typed, well organized, etc.
       (If unsure, ask the instructor)

NOTE:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.