Assignments: Experimental Psychology 366

 

Dr. Sherri Lantinga|Dordt College |http://homepages.dordt.edu/~lantinga/expsych.htm Fall 2009

Entrance Card #1 (due August 27; worth 5 points):  Read the DeVries (1998) article and chapter 1 in your Martin text, then address the following questions in 2-3 sentences each on an index card: (a) Read between the line and describe what each author appears to believe about the purpose of scientific research; (b) What does each author believe are the limitations of scientific research?

Entrance Card #2 (due September 1; worth 5 points): Read the assigned sections from Martin and the APA manual.  In a couple of sentences each, address these questions on an index card: Based on your readings, whose voices are heard (or valued) in APA-style writing?  Whose voices are left out?  (It may be easier if you think of a research study as a theatrical production, complete with actors, directors, stage managers, lighting and props crews, audience, general public, etc.)

Entrance Card #3 (due September 2; worth 5 points): Read the selected section from Martin's chapter 3 and address the following on an index card: (1) Which 1-2 of Martin's "phobias" (if any) best fit you, or what "phobia" do you have that isn't described here? (b) Which of his suggested methods for generating ideas seems most useful to you? (c) List the topics of research proposals you've written in Research Methods, Cognitive Psych, etc., and note the extent to which you are interested in carrying out that research.  

Professional Reflections (due September 3; worth 10 points): In a 400-500 word typed essay, discuss the following:

• How do you perceive yourself as a researcher (e.g., what aspects you like best/worst; your strengths and areas for development)?

• How do you perceive yourself as a writer (e.g., strengths, parts of the process you most enjoy)?

• How do you perceive yourself as a developing professional?

• What do you expect to be the best and the scariest/hardest parts of this course?

• What is something that Dr. Lantinga should know about you, your work style, your other commitments, etc. that would help her teach and support you?

Entrance Card #4 (due September 15; worth 5 points): After reading chapter 4 and the IRB materials, address the following on an index card: (a) what do ethical research standards in psychology seem to assume about the nature of people as participants? (b) what do you believe about the nature of reality or the nature of people that is left out of these standards? (c) what questions do you have about the IRB process?

Entrance Card #5 (due September 17; worth 5 points): After reading chapter 5, address the following on an index card: (a) of the many ways Martin describes that researchers can "cheat," which seems the worst to you and why?; (b) what other research practices (not mentioned in the text) can you think of that would be unethical (or inconsistent with Christian principles)?

last revised August 2009