PSYC 202 TERM PAPER
OBJECTIVES: Building on the lecture goals, you should use this opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in this course to real-world research practices. Specifically, the term paper aims to: (a) provide hands-on experience in designing and reporting psychological research: (b) enhance communication and writing skills; (c) explore a psychological topic in depth.
- Lec Topic 1: Understand the basic research process and the structure of an APA-formatted article. Specify the primary research goal and purpose of investigation. Ensure scientific rigour, evaluate research questions, select a tentative topic, and generate hypotheses.
- Lec Topic 2: Recognize the importance of literature reviews and references for ensuring originality. Retrieve and read a key article for your term paper, and understand the documents and procedures for seeking ethical approval.
- Lec Topic 3: Define the variables in your research operationally. Evaluate the validity and reliability of your operational definitions and measures.
- Lec Topic 4: Grasp the importance of scales of measurement. Identify the type of scale used for each variable, explore measurement options, compare and evaluate different approaches, and decide whether to use observation, archival data, content analysis, or questionnaires (including demographic questions). Identify potential confounding factors in survey studies.
- Lec Topic 5: Determine the target population and calculate the required sample size using power analysis. Compare and evaluate sampling methods, select an appropriate method, and explore options for material, timeslot, and location sampling.
- Lec Topic 6: Understand the steps for analyzing the relationship between two variables. Select the appropriate correlational coefficients based on the scales of measurement.
- Lec Topic 7: Comprehend linear regression models and the cross-lagged panel design. Choose suitable regression models based on the scales of measurement.
- Lec Topic 8: Understand the relationship between confounding factors and effect size. Design a table or figure to present your predicted results and describe how these results support your hypotheses.
- Lec Topic 9: Understand the characteristics of experimental design, different types of designs, and how to select the most appropriate one for your study. Identify possible confounding variables and propose solutions. Understand inferential statistical tests.
- Lec Topic 10: Recognize the rationale for using quasi-experimental designs. Understand different types of designs, select the most suitable one for your study, and learn the basics of case studies and developmental research designs.
- Lee Topic 11: Master APA formatting, including structure and style. Memorize key details and ensure your term paper adheres to rigorous APA style guidelines.
DUE DATE & LATE POLICY: By the end of the term, an APA-formatted paper must be submitted via Turnitin on Moodie no later than 11:59 PM on April 14th. Late final submissions will incur a 50% penalty, and papers submitted after the final exam day will not be accepted. Failure to submit the final paper may result in a failing grade for the course. The instructor offers to review and provide feedback on your first draft—this is optional but highly beneficial. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please submit your first draft as soon as it is ready, but no later than April 1 1 th.
RUBRICS FOR THE TERM PAPER
Content (15 points): Your paper must include 4 sections (introduction, method, results, and references). An abstract is optional.
- Introduction (Max. 4 pm) – Clear research question(s) – Proper literature review – Rational hypotheses
- Research Ideas (Max. 2 pts)
- Method (Max. 4 pts) – Rational sampling – Clear design – Legitimate materials and/or apparatus – Clear procedure
- Predicted results (Max. 2 pts)
- References (Max. 3 pts)
Format (5 points): Your paper must include a title page and 4 to 6 main-body pa spaced, 12-point font, & 1-inch margins all around; NOT including title, abstract APA-style – All pages (rigorous) APA format – No or rare (minor) mistakes
No. of Pages: 11