Psy
210
Independent Research Project
Guidelines
A requirement
of the Research Methods course involves conducting an empirical research study in which the student specifies a
hypothesis, reviews related research on the topic, collects data, analyzes it
statistically and draws a conclusion about the validity of the hypothesis. The
project may involve a scientific problem in any sub field of psychology-
social, perception, animal behavior, behavior modification, abnormal behavior,
etc. A written report of the research, worth 65 course points, must be handed in at the end of the
semester (on the last class meeting). The report should be 8-10 pages (double spaced) and must
conform to APA writing style (consult the APA Publication Manual (5th ed.) for
details on style). A sample paper is on the hard disk of all computers in the
Psychology Computer Lab. The paper is in a file folder named Dr. HoganÕs Psy
210 Folder; the document file is named ÒAPA styleÓ. Late papers will not be
accepted unless a valid excuse is provided. A web site relevant to this project
is at http://www.nku.edu/~hogan/irp.htmlx
Written
reports must include the following sections:
1. Title page.
A brief descriptive title, your name and course section and number appear on
this page.
2. Abstract. A
50-75 word summary of the
research should appear on this page. The Abstract page must be
inserted between the title page and the first page of the introduction.
3.
Introduction. This section should include a review of the relevant literature and a clear statement of the
hypothesis which you plan to test. A good introduction can be written in 1.5-2
pages.
4. Method.
This should include a discussion of the subjects recruited for the study and a
detailed description of the method you used. The method can be any of several
nonexperimental methods (e.g., natural observation, correlational study or case
study, etc.) or an experimental method. A good Method section can be written in
1.5-2 pages, but depending on the complexity of the study the section can be
shorter or longer.
5. Results.
This section should summarize the major results of the study using descriptive
and inferential statistics on the data. The results can be summarized in either
tabular or graphic form, whichever is useful in conveying the findings to the
reader. The results can summarize the results in 1 or 2 pages, excluding Tables
and Graphs.
6. Discussion.
This section should discuss the theoretical or practical implications of the
study, plus any follow-up studies that you think would flow from the original
one. This section should be about 2 pages.
7. References.
This should include a list of all articles, books and documents that were cited
in the body of the paper.
Approximately 8-10 references are appropriate for a paper of this
magnitude.
Oral
presentations.
All students
must do an in-class oral presentation of their research. Within the brief time
allotted (10-12 minutes), presenters must summarize the main idea of the study,
the method, results, and conclusions. The class will have the last two minutes
to ask questions or to provide constructive criticism. The oral presentation
is valued at 10 points. Everyone
must do the oral to satisfy the course requirement.
Criteria for
evaluating oral presentations.
Methodology
criteria:
1. Development
of hypothesis (discussed relevant background literature; hypothesis clearly
stated; hypothesis was original).
2. Description
of research method (procedural details were thoroughly described; sample size
was appropriate).
3. Correct
use and interpretation of
statistics.
4. Drew
appropriate conclusion from design and analyses.
5. Critically
discussed limitations and short-comings of methodology; compared and contrasted
methodology and findings of irp with relevant literature.
Presentation
style criteria:
1. Clear
description of purpose, findings
and importance of the research.
2. Effective
use of support materials (visual aids, handouts etc.).
3. Command of
material (fielded questions adequately, discussed novel implications or
applications of results).
4. Composure
(maintained eye contact during delivery, appeared confident, prepared and
relaxed).
5. Punctuality
(used presentation time efficiently-neither too long, nor short).
Deadlines (see
syllabus).