independent research
This course complements and extends earlier methodology courses, such as Statistics, Experimental Psychology, and Psychometrics. Students will capitalize on the skills learned in those entry-level courses to conduct professional-quality research. Specifically, this course offers students an opportunity to demonstrate to future employers, selection committees, or graduate school advisers that 1) they are capable of executing a sophisticated research project in a limited amount of time, 2) they can interpret the results of high-level research, and 3) they have the critical thinking skills and applied skills necessary to approach problems of interest to the psychology community. These outcomes will be developed through the various tasks performed in this course throughout the semester. The ultimate goal upon completion of Independent Research is to become just that: someone capable of independently, effectively, and competently addressing empirically-based issues in the discipline of psychology. The course will be a combination of lecture, laboratory, and independent work. Class participation is strongly encouraged; students should feel free to ask questions and discuss the topics introduced in class.