Fall Semester 2000

Friday 9:30-12:20 in WMX 3255

Research Methods in ?

Educational Psychology

DO1.00

Dr. Jack Martin

Office: EDB 8642

Phone: 291-3529

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 generalizability, 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, application exercises, critical studies of published research in educational

psychology, and the design and simulated conduct of research studies.

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 the completion and report of an in-class simulation of a

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

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.