Lead Faculty: Dr. Brenda Lee Shook

Prerequisite
PSY 435

Course Description
A survey of core issues involved in scientific psychological research. Includes the study of the nature of explanation in psychology, the role of theory in research, the connection between research findings and theory, the distinction between experimental and other forms of research, the design of experiments, threats to the validity of research findings, operationalizing psychological concepts in a manner that yields quantitative data and ethical considerations in terms of confidentiality, informed consent and the possibility of doing harm to subjects.