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Mike Stadler
This course introduces the elements involved in the design of psychological research. To produce reliable, valid results that can be used to understand psychological processes, researchers must take great care in how they define and measure variables, how they sample groups of individuals from the populations of people or animals that they are interested in, how they control extraneous variables in the research setting, and myriad other factors. Psychologists can choose from an array of research designs, including observational, correlational, experimental, or quasi-experimental methods. And depending on the design, they must consider the many factors that affect the reliability of those observations and the validity of any conclusions that might be drawn from them. This course considers all these and many other aspects of psychological research. A large segment of this course is then devoted to issues related to how psychologists ensure that the research methods they employ are ethical. Everyone would agree that ethical considerations are one of the most important things researchers must think about when they plan their studies, but it’s also one of the most invisible in reports on psychological research. Any article that reports the results of a psychological study provides voluminous details about the methodology, about issues like sampling and validity, for instance, but little if any mention of the relevant ethical issues, even though there are ethical issues in play at every step of the process. Behind all the fascinating research in the psychological literature are rules, regulations, and expectations about how the people or animals we study will be treated, and about how the data we collect will be analyzed and reported. And behind all those standards are more general principles that have been established from grim experience that includes some of the worst things humans have ever done in the name of science, and other missteps that hindsight tells us we don’t want to repeat. In this course, we investigate that history and abstract from it those principles that now guide ethical decisions about how to do research. To what goals do those principles aspire? And what breaches are they meant to keep us from repeating?
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Learning objectives
- Describe the steps of the scientific method.
- Explain how to judge the quality of a source for a literature review.
- Compare and contrast the kinds of research questions scientists ask.
- Specify how variables are defined.
- Explain what it means for an observation to be reliable.
- Compare and contrast the major research designs.
- Compare and contrast forms of validity as they apply to the major research designs.
- Illustrate the history of ethical concerns about scientific research using specific examples.
- Describe purposes served by codes of research ethics.
- Explain the five general ethical principles of the apa ethics code.
- Describe the issues addressed by the apa ethical standards that apply to researchers.
- Explain how irbs and iacucs operate.
- Outline the major ethical considerations in planning a research study using nonhuman animals.
- Explain the importance of the three rs in animal research.
- Explain the protections ethics codes offer for human participants in research.
- Describe the implications of weird participants being overrepresented in psychological research.
- Identify the consequences of the different types of fraud in research.
- Explain how replication and preregistration address the problems of p-hacking and harking.
- Apply your knowledge of ethical violations and propose solutions for real-life research.
- Describe the steps of the scientific method.
- Explain how to judge the quality of a source for a literature review.
- Compare and contrast the kinds of research questions scientists ask.
- Specify how variables are defined.
- Explain what it means for an observation to be reliable.
- Compare and contrast the major research designs.
- Compare and contrast forms of validity as they apply to the major research designs.
- Illustrate the history of ethical concerns about scientific research using specific examples.
- Describe purposes served by codes of research ethics.
- Explain the five general ethical principles of the apa ethics code.
- Describe the issues addressed by the apa ethical standards that apply to researchers.
- Explain how irbs and iacucs operate.
- Outline the major ethical considerations in planning a research study using nonhuman animals.
- Explain the importance of the three rs in animal research.
- Explain the protections ethics codes offer for human participants in research.
- Describe the implications of weird participants being overrepresented in psychological research.
- Identify the consequences of the different types of fraud in research.
- Explain how replication and preregistration address the problems of p-hacking and harking.
- Apply your knowledge of ethical violations and propose solutions for real-life research.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners with a background in psychology or research methods
Taught by instructors with extensive experience in psychological research
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations in psychological research
Examines the foundations of the scientific method and its application to research
Includes hands-on activities and assignments to reinforce learning
May be challenging for learners with no prior knowledge in the field
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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 Quantitative Research Methods with these
activities:
Review of Basic Statistics
Show steps
Reviewing basic statistics will help strengthen your understanding of the foundational concepts and prepare you for more advanced statistical analysis techniques.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Review the concepts of descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode).
-
Review the concepts of inferential statistics (e.g., hypothesis testing, confidence intervals).
Review the APA Publication Manual
Show steps
APA guidelines are critical for properly citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, which is essential for communicating in the discipline.
View
Publication Manual of the American...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and study the general formatting guidelines.
-
Review the specific formatting requirements for different types of sources (e.g., books, journal articles, websites).
-
Practice citing sources using the APA style.
Identify Independent and Dependent Variables
Show steps
Correctly distinguishing IVs and DVs is a key step in designing an experiment and ensuring that it produces valid results.
Browse courses on
Variables
Show steps
-
Define the independent and dependent variables in a research study.
-
Identify the independent and dependent variables in a variety of research studies.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Tutorial on Statistical Analysis Software
Show steps
Statistical analysis is a fundamental tool for researchers, and mastering software can greatly enhance your ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions from your research.
Show steps
-
Choose a statistical analysis software package (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS).
-
Complete a tutorial on the basic functions of the software.
-
Practice analyzing data using the software.
Collaborate on Research Design
Show steps
Working with peers can foster a deeper understanding of research design principles and help you develop stronger research proposals.
Show steps
-
Form a small group with other students in the course.
-
Choose a research topic and develop a research question.
-
Design a research study, including the independent and dependent variables, the research method, and the data analysis plan.
-
Present your research design to the class.
Infographic: Ethical Considerations in Research
Show steps
Creating an infographic can help you visualize and understand the key ethical principles in research and their applications.
Show steps
-
Research the ethical principles governing psychological research.
-
Identify the key ethical considerations for different types of research designs.
-
Create an infographic summarizing these ethical principles and their implications for research.
Contribute to Open-Access Research Repository
Show steps
Participating in open-source research dissemination can help advance scientific knowledge and make research more accessible.
Show steps
-
Identify an open-access research repository.
-
Submit your own research paper or contribute to the repository in other ways (e.g., reviewing papers, editing).
Tutor Students in Research Methods
Show steps
Mentoring others can strengthen your understanding of research methods and allow you to help others learn.
Show steps
-
Identify students who could benefit from your help in research methods.
-
Offer to tutor them or join a tutoring program.
-
Help students work through research methods problems and answer questions.
Review of Basic Statistics
Show steps
Reviewing basic statistics will help strengthen your understanding of the foundational concepts and prepare you for more advanced statistical analysis techniques.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the concepts of descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode).
- Review the concepts of inferential statistics (e.g., hypothesis testing, confidence intervals).
Review the APA Publication Manual
Show steps
APA guidelines are critical for properly citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, which is essential for communicating in the discipline.
View
Publication Manual of the American...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and study the general formatting guidelines.
- Review the specific formatting requirements for different types of sources (e.g., books, journal articles, websites).
- Practice citing sources using the APA style.
Identify Independent and Dependent Variables
Show steps
Correctly distinguishing IVs and DVs is a key step in designing an experiment and ensuring that it produces valid results.
Browse courses on
Variables
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the independent and dependent variables in a research study.
- Identify the independent and dependent variables in a variety of research studies.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Tutorial on Statistical Analysis Software
Show steps
Statistical analysis is a fundamental tool for researchers, and mastering software can greatly enhance your ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions from your research.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a statistical analysis software package (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS).
- Complete a tutorial on the basic functions of the software.
- Practice analyzing data using the software.
Collaborate on Research Design
Show steps
Working with peers can foster a deeper understanding of research design principles and help you develop stronger research proposals.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a small group with other students in the course.
- Choose a research topic and develop a research question.
- Design a research study, including the independent and dependent variables, the research method, and the data analysis plan.
- Present your research design to the class.
Infographic: Ethical Considerations in Research
Show steps
Creating an infographic can help you visualize and understand the key ethical principles in research and their applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the ethical principles governing psychological research.
- Identify the key ethical considerations for different types of research designs.
- Create an infographic summarizing these ethical principles and their implications for research.
Contribute to Open-Access Research Repository
Show steps
Participating in open-source research dissemination can help advance scientific knowledge and make research more accessible.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-access research repository.
- Submit your own research paper or contribute to the repository in other ways (e.g., reviewing papers, editing).
Tutor Students in Research Methods
Show steps
Mentoring others can strengthen your understanding of research methods and allow you to help others learn.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify students who could benefit from your help in research methods.
- Offer to tutor them or join a tutoring program.
- Help students work through research methods problems and answer questions.
Career center
Learners who complete Quantitative Research Methods will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Quantitative Research Methods provides Research Scientists with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of scientific research. The course covers topics such as the scientific method, research design, data collection, and analysis, which are essential for conducting scientific research studies. By taking this course, Research Scientists can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researcher
Quantitative Research Methods is highly relevant for Survey Researchers, as it provides training in the design and conduct of survey research studies. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, questionnaire design, and data analysis, which are essential for conducting valid and reliable survey research. By taking this course, Survey Researchers can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of survey research.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Quantitative Research Methods is highly relevant for Epidemiologists, as it provides training in the design and conduct of epidemiological studies. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting valid and reliable epidemiological research. By taking this course, Epidemiologists can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of public health.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods is highly relevant for Policy Analysts, as it provides training in the design and conduct of policy-oriented research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting valid and reliable policy research. By taking this course, Policy Analysts can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the development of evidence-based policies.
Public Health Researcher
Public Health Researcher
Quantitative Research Methods is highly relevant for Public Health Researchers, as it provides training in the design and conduct of public health research studies. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting valid and reliable public health research. By taking this course, Public Health Researchers can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of public health.
Statistician
Statistician
Quantitative Research Methods provides Statisticians with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of statistical analysis. The course covers topics such as statistical methods, data analysis, and interpretation, which are essential for conducting statistical research. By taking this course, Statisticians can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of statistical knowledge.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods provides Operations Research Analysts with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, data collection, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting operations research studies. By taking this course, Operations Research Analysts can improve their ability to analyze data, develop models, and make informed recommendations for improving operational efficiency.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods provides Data Analysts with a foundation in the principles and practices of scientific research. The course covers topics such as the scientific method, research design, data collection, and analysis, which are essential for conducting data-driven decision-making. By taking this course, Data Analysts can improve their ability to analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate their findings effectively.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Quantitative Research Methods provides Market Researchers with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, data collection, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting market research studies. By taking this course, Market Researchers can improve their ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and make informed recommendations.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researcher
Quantitative Research Methods provides User Experience Researchers with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting user experience research studies. By taking this course, User Experience Researchers can improve their ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and make informed recommendations for improving user experience.
Program Evaluator
Program Evaluator
Quantitative Research Methods provides Program Evaluators with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting program evaluations. By taking this course, Program Evaluators can improve their ability to design and conduct evaluations, analyze data, and make informed recommendations for program improvement.
Social Research Analyst
Social Research Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods provides Social Research Analysts with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting social research studies. By taking this course, Social Research Analysts can improve their ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and make informed recommendations for social policy.
Web Analyst
Web Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods provides Web Analysts with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which are essential for conducting web analytics studies. By taking this course, Web Analysts can improve their ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and make informed recommendations for improving website performance.
Behavior Analyst
Behavior Analyst
Quantitative Research Methods can help Behavior Analysts understand how to design research studies to investigate the principles of behavior. The course covers various research designs, sampling techniques, and methods for ensuring the reliability and validity of observations, which are essential for conducting rigorous behavior analytic research. By taking this course, Behavior Analysts can enhance their methodological skills and contribute to the advancement of behavior analysis.
Data Science Manager
Data Science Manager
Quantitative Research Methods can be useful for Data Science Managers by providing a foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative research. The course covers topics such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, which can be helpful for understanding the principles behind data science methodologies. By taking this course, Data Science Managers may gain a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of various data science techniques and how to evaluate the quality of data science research.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r9tgw9/quantitative
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
Quantitative Research Methods.
Provides the official style guide for the American Psychological Association. It is essential for students and researchers who are writing up research reports.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mixed methods research, including its history, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about this approach to research.
Save
Provides the ethical principles that govern research involving human subjects. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about the ethical issues involved in research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative research methods in psychology, including both traditional and cutting-edge approaches. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about the different methods used to study psychological phenomena.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to style and grammar. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are writing up research reports.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in psychology, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about the different methods used to study psychological phenomena.
Provides a concise guide to writing style. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
Provides a practical guide to writing well. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to creative writing. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to improve their writing skills.
Provides a practical guide to writing up research reports. It covers a wide range of topics, including structure, style, and grammar.
Uses a conversational style to explain statistical concepts. It is aimed at students and researchers who are new to statistics or who want to brush up on their statistical skills.
Save
Provides a humorous and inspiring guide to writing. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to overcome their fear of writing.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r9tgw9/quantitative
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Effort
2 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
American Psychological Association
Instructor
Mike Stadler
Sessions
April 16, 2024
- April 15, 2025
January 8, 2024
- August 2, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Suitable for learners with a background in psychology or research methods
Taught by instructors with extensive experience in psychological research
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations in psychological research
Examines the foundations of the scientific method and its application to research
Includes hands-on activities and assignments to reinforce learning
May be challenging for learners with no prior knowledge in the field
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