Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Experimental Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_361
Branch of Science
Other Sub-Branches of Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

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.

Individual work and tests

Principles and key concepts of the experimental study

Skills

1.knows how to plan and justify an experimental study in psychology

Individual work and tests

Experimental study project

2.determines the scientific vigor of the experimental study, its risks and threats and approaches to its prevention

Individual work and tests

Experimental study project • Analysis of one study

3.interprets results of experimental study

Individual work and tests

Analysis of one study

Competences

1.analyses ethical aspects of the experimental study, scientific vigor and its risks and threats.

Individual work and tests

Experimental study project

2.performs experimental study analysis describing its design, variables, groups and key results

Individual work and tests

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

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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.).

  1. 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.).

  1. 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.).

  1. 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.).

  1. 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.).

  1. 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).

  1. 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).

  1. 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).

  1. 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).

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning an experimental study
Description

Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning an experimental study
Description

Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Final examinations
Description

Project of experimental study is submitted and presented

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. 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

  1. 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.).

  1. 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.).

  1. 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).

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning an experimental study
Description

Design selection, definition of variables, study procedure

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Final examinations
Description

Project of experimental study is submitted and presented

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

MacLin, M.K. (2023). Experimental Design in Psychology: A Case Approach (10th ed.). Routledge.Suitable for English stream

2.

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

1.

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct.Suitable for English stream

2.

Open Science Collaboration (2015). PSYCHOLOGY. Estimating the reproducibility of psychological science. Science (New York, N.Y.), 349(6251), aac4716.Suitable for English stream

3.

Myers, A., & Hansen, C. (2011). Experimental psychology (7th ed.). Thomson Wadsworth.Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

Experimental Psychology: The journal for experimental research in psychologySuitable for English stream

2.

Journal of Experimental Psychology: GeneralSuitable for English stream