Experimental Psychology
Study Course Implementer
Riga, Dzirciema street 16, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To promote students’ understanding of experimental pihology methods by preparing students for independent scientific research activities, by presenting theoretical basics of experimental research, principles of planning and organisation.
Preliminary Knowledge
Methodology of the scientific study; General Psychology; Statistics
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.describes different experimental designs and their purpose; identify different variables of the expert study, characterises control groups; distinguishes between the principles of counterbalancing; names the signs of scientific vigor of the experimental study, their risks and threats.
Principles and key concepts of the experimental study
Skills
1.knows how to plan and justify an experimental study in psychology
Experimental study project
2.determines the scientific vigor of the experimental study, its risks and threats and approaches to its prevention
Experimental study project • Analysis of one study
3.interprets results of experimental study
Analysis of one study
Competences
1.analyses ethical aspects of the experimental study, scientific vigor and its risks and threats.
Experimental study project
2.performs experimental study analysis describing its design, variables, groups and key results
Experimental study project
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Analysis of one study |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Student chooses one study conducted using one of the types of experimental designs and analyzes the following features of the experimental study: study design methodology; study questions/hypotheses; ethical aspects of the study; the scientific strength of the study and its risks and threats, as well as approaches to prevention/mitigation of risks and threats; results of the study. Rating criteria: 10 - with distinction. Describes each characteristic using scientific language, precise terminology, scientific sources. Demonstrates with distinction analytical capabilities (comparing, referencing different sources, etc.). 9 - excellent. A description of each characteristic is given using scientific language, appropriate terminology, scientific sources. Demonstrate analytical capabilities (compare, refer to different sources, etc.), but there are one, two inaccuracies. 8 - very good. A description of each characteristic is given using scientific language, generally precise terminology, scientific sources. Demonstrate analytical capabilities (compare, refer to different sources, etc.), but there are several inaccuracies. 7 - OK. A description of almost all features is given using semi-precise terminology, mostly scientific sources. Displays analytical capabilities (compares, references to different sources, etc.), but there are several inaccuracies. 6 - almost good. Some features are characterized, some precise terminology, some sources scientific. Partly demonstrates the ability to analyse the study, but there are several inaccuracies. 5 - satisfactory. Some characteristics are characterised by the use of semi-precise terminology, and some sources are scientific. 4 - almost satisfactory. Some characteristics are characterised by inaccurate terminology. 3 - weak. The task has not been performed in accordance with the requirements. There is no appropriate terminology. 2 - very weak. The task has not been performed in accordance with the requirements. 1 - very, very weak. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Principles and key concepts of the experimental study |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Test with short answers and multiple choice questions. The test consists of 20 questions, you can score 0.5 points for each correct answer. The total number of points represents as a points: 20 correct answers - 10-point 19, 18 correct answers - 9-point 17, 16 correct answers - 8-point 15, 14, 13 correct rebounds - 7-point 12, 11, 10 correct answers - 6-point 9, 8 correct answers - 5-point 7, 6 correct answers - 4-point 5, 4 correct answers - 3-point 3, 2 correct answers - 2-point 1 correct answer - 1-point |
||
|
2.
Experimental study project |
60.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Create a project for an experimental design study and present it, including a description of the design of the study and a justification for its choice, evaluation of scientific strength, evaluation of ethical principles, clearly described variables and their relationship; groups, study procedure. Rating criteria: 10 - with distinction. Meets the requirements of the task. Precise terminology, scientific style. Understanding methodology. Independently plans a research project demonstrating acquired skills and competences at a high level. The project is feasible and can make a significant contribution. 9 - excellent. Meets the requirements of the task. Precise terminology, scientific style. Understanding methodology. Independently plans a research project demonstrating acquired skills and competences at a high level. The project is feasible with one, two minor adjustments. 8 - very good. Meets the requirements of the task. Precise terminology, scientific style. Understanding methodology. Independently plans a research project demonstrating acquired skills and competences at a good level. The project is subject to some adjustments. 7 - OK. Generally meets the requirements of the task. Terminology generally compliant. The planned research project shall demonstrate the skills and competences acquired at an acceptable level. The project is subject to several adjustments and additions. 6 - almost good. Generally meets the requirements of the task. Terminology is predominantly appropriate. The skills and competences acquired should be improved. The project is subject to several adjustments and additions. 5 - satisfactory. Partially meets the requirements of the task. Terminology partially compliant. The skills and competences acquired need to be improved. The project is subject to a number of significant adjustments and additions. 4 - almost satisfactory. Partly meets the requirements, there are significant shortcomings. Skills and competencies incomplete. The project is to |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to experimental Psychology
Description
An insight into the history of experimental psychology. The framework of experimental psychology nowadays. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern research in experimental psychology
Description
Ethical aspects of the pilot study, reproducibility, scientific strength and its risks and threats |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Experimental study designs.
Description
Types of experimental designs (classical (real) experiment, quasi-experiment, ex-post-facto study, pre-experimental studies; single-factor, multi-factor; inter-group, intra-group). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Experimental study designs.
Description
Types of experimental designs (classical (real) experiment, quasi-experiment, ex-post-facto study, pre-experimental studies; single-factor, multi-factor; inter-group, intra-group). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Variables in experimental study
Description
Understanding variables in an experimental study (dependent and independent variables, subject variables; external variables control methods). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Control groups and types thereof
Description
Types of control groups and their use in experimental studies (normal control group, placebo group, waiting list group). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Counterbalancing in experimental studies
Description
Counterbalancing and types thereof (full, partial, inverted, block, stimulus change, etc.) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research vigor of the study in an experimental study
Description
Research vigor of the study in an experimental study and its risks and threats (repeatability, experimental influence, external conditions, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Planning an experimental study
Description
Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Planning an experimental study
Description
Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Final examinations
Description
Project of experimental study is submitted and presented |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to experimental Psychology
Description
An insight into the history of experimental psychology. The framework of experimental psychology nowadays. |
|
Modern research in experimental psychology
Description
Ethical aspects of the pilot study, reproducibility, scientific strength and its risks and threats |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Schools of experimental Psychology and most significant Classical Studies
Description
Insight into the directions of structuralism, functionalism, Behaviorism, etc. experimental psychology. Analysis of major classical experimental studies (The Bobo Doll experiment, Bandura; Standford prison experiment, Zimbardo, etc.). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Experimental study designs.
Description
Types of experimental designs (classical (real) experiment, quasi-experiment, ex-post-facto study, pre-experimental studies; single-factor, multi-factor; inter-group, intra-group). |
|
Variables in experimental study
Description
Understanding variables in an experimental study (dependent and independent variables, subject variables; external variables control methods). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Control groups and types thereof
Description
Types of control groups and their use in experimental studies (normal control group, placebo group, waiting list group). |
|
Counterbalancing in experimental studies
Description
Counterbalancing and types thereof (full, partial, inverted, block, stimulus change, etc.) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research vigor of the study in an experimental study
Description
Research vigor of the study in an experimental study and its risks and threats (repeatability, experimental influence, external conditions, etc.). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Planning an experimental study
Description
Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Final examinations
Description
Project of experimental study is submitted and presented |
Bibliography
Required Reading
MacLin, M.K. (2023). Experimental Design in Psychology: A Case Approach (10th ed.). Routledge.Suitable for English stream
Kantowitz, B. H., Roediger, H., & Elmes, D. G. (2015). Experimental psychology: Understanding psychological research (10th ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct.Suitable for English stream
Open Science Collaboration (2015). PSYCHOLOGY. Estimating the reproducibility of psychological science. Science (New York, N.Y.), 349(6251), aac4716.Suitable for English stream
Myers, A., & Hansen, C. (2011). Experimental psychology (7th ed.). Thomson Wadsworth.Suitable for English stream
Other Information Sources
Experimental Psychology: The journal for experimental research in psychologySuitable for English stream