SJN FRASER UNIVERSITY

Spring Semester 1999 ?

EDUC 222 -

Dr. J. Martin

Research Methods in ?

Office: MPX 8642

Educational Psychology ?

Tel: 291-3529

1301.00

E-mail: martina@sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE

Corequisite: Educ 220

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course consists of an introductory survey of research methods used in developing and testing

theories in educational psychology, and in evaluating educational and psychological interventions.

Its primary aims are: (1) to assist students to become informed, critical consumers of research in

educational psychology, and (2) to provide a very initial introduction to practices of inquiry in the

psychology of education. Topics covered will include: (a) research as a process and practice of

inquiry; (b) research purposes, questions, and hypotheses; (c) types of research and research designs;

(d) issues of reliability, validity, consistency, coherence, empirical and conceptual generaliz ability,

and "yield;" (e) data collection and treatment; and (f) critiques of educational psychology and its

practices of inquiry. Seminar activities will include discussions of course readings, critical studies

of published research in educational psychology, the design of research studies, and presentations

by active researchers.

REQUIREMENTS

Evaluation of student performance will be based on responses to a mid-term and a final

examination, each of which will contribute 30% to the final grade, and on the completion of two

assignments, each of which will contribute 20% to the final grade. Both examinations will consist

of short answer and essay questions. Both will be in-class, closed book examinations. The first

assignment will require a critique of a published research study. The second assignment will

require the design of a research study. Both assignments will be in response to specific studies or

areas of study that will be assigned during the course.

REQUIRED READINGS

Suter, W. N. (1998). Primer of Educational Research. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Additional readings may be assigned and distributed at the discretion of the instructor.