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Blake McKimmie and Wen Wu

Do we really only use 10% of our brain? How can we answer questions like this? We shouldn't just rely on our intuition, because unfortunately that can sometimes give us the incorrect answer.

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Do we really only use 10% of our brain? How can we answer questions like this? We shouldn't just rely on our intuition, because unfortunately that can sometimes give us the incorrect answer.

In this psychology course, learn how psychological research is conducted, how to analyze the findings and results and effectively write a research report.

An understanding of psychological research methods allows us to test questions systematically and report the findings of our research so that others can critically evaluate the validity of our conclusions.

What you'll learn

  • The logic behind psychological research
  • Some common research designs and why we choose them
  • How to read and critically evaluate a research report
  • How to report the findings of research clearly

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The logic behind psychological research
  • Some common research designs and why we choose them
  • How to read and critically evaluate a research report
  • How to report the findings of research clearly

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the logic, designs, analysis, and reporting of psychological research
Develops critical thinking and research evaluation skills
Taught by Blake McKimmie and Wen Wu, experts in psychology
Suitable for students interested in understanding the methodology of psychological research
May be relevant for those pursuing careers in psychology, research, or related fields

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Psychological Research Methods with these activities:
Read 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'
Improve your understanding of cognitive psychology and the functioning of the brain.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book.
  • Summarize the key points of each chapter.
  • Discuss the book with a friend or colleague.
Review the basics of statistics
Refresh your knowledge of statistics to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbook from a previous statistics course.
  • Take a practice quiz or exam to test your understanding.
  • Identify any areas where you need additional review.
Organize your course materials
Improve your learning by organizing your course materials.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Gather all of your course materials, including notes, handouts, and readings.
  • Create a system for organizing your materials.
  • Review your materials regularly.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch videos on research design
Supplement your understanding of research design by watching video tutorials.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Find a series of video tutorials on research design.
  • Watch the videos and take notes.
  • Summarize the key points of the videos.
Do practice problems on hypothesis testing
Strengthen your understanding of hypothesis testing by completing practice problems.
Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice problems on hypothesis testing.
  • Work through the problems, showing all your steps.
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Participate in a study group
Enhance your learning by discussing course material with classmates.
Browse courses on Psychology
Show steps
  • Work together on assignments and projects.
  • Find a study group or form one with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Help a classmate who is struggling
Enhance your own learning by helping others with their course assignments.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Identify a classmate who is struggling.
  • Offer to help them with their work.
  • Work together on assignments and projects.
Write a research proposal
Develop your research skills by writing a research proposal.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Identify a research question that you are interested in.
  • Review the literature on your topic.
  • Develop a hypothesis.
  • Design a research study.
  • Write a research proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Psychological Research Methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Market Researcher
Market Researchers collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative data to help businesses and organizations make decisions. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses and organizations make decisions. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Economist
Economists study how people make decisions in the face of scarcity. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Sociologist
Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
Historian
Historians study the past. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct archival research, oral histories, and historical analysis. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data using qualitative methods.
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to conduct interviews, collect data, and analyze information. You will also learn how to write and report on your findings in a clear and concise manner.
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct formative assessments and summative evaluations. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data to improve your teaching practice.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to conduct legal research and analyze case law. You will also learn how to write and argue persuasively.
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat patients. This course may be useful in preparing you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct clinical trials. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data to improve patient care.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients under the supervision of a doctor. This course may be useful in preparing you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct nursing research. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data to improve patient care.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. This course may be useful in preparing you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct social work research. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data to improve social work practice.
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a strong foundation in research methods, including how to design and conduct psychological experiments and interviews. You will also learn how to analyze and interpret data to understand the mind and behavior.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Psychological Research Methods.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in psychology, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches
A valuable resource for understanding qualitative research methods used in psychology
Provides a general overview of research methods that can be applied to various disciplines, including psychology
A classic guide to clear and effective writing, which is essential for communicating psychological research findings

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