Books and Resources for this Week 1 PSY 7111
Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences
Week 1 – Assignment 1: Analyze Methods to Develop a Research Chart
Assignment
The Research Chart is a tool you will use every week to explore methods during this entire course. It will comprise key points of each method and you will add to it for each weekly requirement, except for the Signature Assignment weeks. Since this is the first week of the course, you will create more than what will be added in subsequent weeks, so you are encouraged to use the same chart and build on it as you work through this course.
For your initial chart, include the following in your submission:
First, create three main sections: 1) Experimental, 2) Quasi-Experimental, and 3) Non-Experimental. (In the first Section of the course, you will focus on adding quantitative topics. Qualitative topics will be added later in Section 2.)
Then, for this week, in the corresponding section, provide the name(s) of the method you reviewed, its primary use and when it should be used (what circumstances), strengths and limitations of the method, ethical considerations, and one example of when the method could be used (include your interests or something more general).
The chart can be organized in any manner that works for you, such as an Excel Spreadsheet or a Word Document using the table feature. Include headings according to the appropriate methods being developed. The goal is to create a clear and concise chart. You may use pointed (bullet form) discussion points or more narrative text within your chart.
Length: Research chart, not including title and reference pages. Be sure to cite this weeks resources used in your assignment.
Week 1 – Assignment 2: Conduct SPSS in Focus
Assignment
For this assignment, you will extend your examination of correlational methods into a hands-on activity. Referring to page 228 and the SPSS in Focus: Correlation and Linear Regression in your text, follow the steps on performing the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression. Please refer to Appendix C of the text for additional guidance on using SPSS for each type of in Focus exercise.
For each, upload the SPSS outputs in a document, and then click the Submit to Dropbox button.
Week 1 – Assignment 3: Document Weekly Reflections
Assignment
Each week (except Weeks 6 and 12), you will provide a brief, written reflection of the experiences with the week’s material and activities. These are vital components of the course as they connect your direct learning experiences to the material and activities from the given week. For the reflections, you are strongly encouraged to offer concrete details about what the learning experience meant to you — areas learned, confirmations of existing knowledge, the experiences of the reading, activities, and overall usefulness that a method may have for you and your potential interests. You will see that there are questions or reflection points provided for each weekly reflection. Be sure to use these questions to prompt discussion; however, you do not have to address them; so be sure to avoid general, unsubstantiated statements. Ensure your reflection specifically demonstrates the exact learning and related experiences of the week (stay focused and concise to these areas). These reflection papers may be written in the first person. Be sure to cite any references properly, but additional resources are not required for the reflection papers.
For this weeks reflection, consider the following points:
Explain the research situations that may require you to use survey and correlational methods (be sure to give examples/be specific).
Examine the limitations and benefits learned concerning these methods and their use.
Analyze any ethical considerations with implementing these methods.
Reflect on your experience with this weeks SPSS activity.
Include any questions you may have for your professor.
