PSY10008 : Fundamentals of Psychology

Overview and Learning Objectives

This assignment will develop your understanding of the research methods that researchers use to investigate psychological questions. You will also gain first-hand experience of the role of a research participant by taking part in psychological research studies.

For this assignment you will complete five (5) credits worth of research via the Research Experience Program (REP). You will select two (2) of your completed studies as the focus of your 800-word research methods report. You are strongly encouraged to choose studies that employ two different research methods because the variety in methodology will give you more material to discuss. 

A number of resources are available to help you with this assignment:
• Lecture in Week 1 on research methods.
• Chapter 2 of your Bernstein et al. text.
• Tutorials in Weeks 2 (research methods) and 10 (assignment discussion).
• The debriefing statements for the studies include key information about the purpose of
the study and the method used with key variables described (as such, you must save
these documents as you complete studies).

Essential details

• Submission is electronic. You must submit a single file through Canvas using Turnitin.
  • Your assignment must not exceed 800 words.
    Word count does not include title page, references, appendix, or the summary table.

  • Markers will not mark material that exceeds the word count.

• Your assignment MUST include the REP Summary Table provided on Canvas.
• In an appendix, you must include the debriefing forms from the two studies you discuss in your report.
• This assignment is worth 35% of your final PSY10008 mark (see breakdown of marksbelow and in associated rubric).
• Please see your unit outline for more information about extensions and late penalties

Requirements and Grading Guide

For this assignment you will complete five (5) credits worth of research via the Research Experience Program (REP), submit a completed Research Experience Program Summary Table, and write an 800-word Research Methods Report about two (2) of the studies you completed.

Research Methods Report

Within the report, you must provide the title of the two studies you are discussing. For each of the selected studies, you will:

• describe the purpose of the research,
• identify and explain the research method used (e.g., experimental, correlational),
• explain the types of measures used in the study (e.g., quantitative, self-report),
• discuss how the method and measure(s) are (or are not) appropriate for their intended purpose (i.e., to answer the research question).
• consider the advantages and limitations of the research method and/or
  measures.

1. How do I choose which studies to write about?
2. How should I structure this report?

Summary of Assessment Requirements

This assessment requires students to deepen their understanding of research methods in psychology while also gaining direct experience as research participants through the Research Experience Program (REP) .

Key requirements include:

• Completion of five (5) REP credits by participating in psychological research studies.
• Selection of two studies (preferably with different research methods) to focus on in an 800-word Research Methods Report .
• Inclusion of a REP Summary Table and debriefing forms for the chosen studies as appendices.

• Report content must:

  • State the title and purpose of each study.
  • Identify and explain the research method used (e.g., experimental, correlational).
  • Describe the measures used (e.g., quantitative, self-report).
  • Discuss whether the methods and measures were appropriate to address the research question.
  • Critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of the research design and measures.

The assignment contributes 35% of the final grade and requires APA 7th referencing, strict adherence to the word limit, and submission through Turnitin.

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student Step by Step

1. Understanding the Task and Objectives

   • The mentor began by helping the student carefully break down the assignment instructions and grading rubric.
   • Emphasis was placed on understanding the dual purpose of the assessment: gaining practical experience as a research participant and developing skills in research method analysis.

2. Completion of REP Credits

   • The student was guided to participate in five studies to secure the required REP credits.

   • The mentor advised saving all debriefing forms immediately after participation, as they contained essential details for later analysis.

3. Selection of Two Studies

   • The mentor explained the benefit of choosing studies with different research methods (e.g., experimental vs. correlational) to allow for a richer comparative discussion.

   • Together, they reviewed the saved debriefing forms and identified two studies with strong contrasting methods.

4. Structuring the Report

   • The mentor introduced a clear report structure :

     • Introduction (brief context and purpose of the report)
     • Study 1 analysis
     • Study 2 analysis
     • Comparative evaluation of methods and measures

     • Conclusion (linking back to the learning objectives).

5. Writing Each Section

   • For Study 1 and Study 2 , the mentor guided the student to:

     • Write a concise study purpose statement.
     • Clearly identify the method (experimental, correlational, etc.).
     • Describe the measures (surveys, behavioral data, self-reports).
     • Critically assess how well the method and measures addressed the research question.

     • Reflect on the strengths and limitations of each study.

6. Critical Comparison

   • The mentor emphasized going beyond description to analysis —comparing how the two studies differed in method, appropriateness, and validity of measures.

   • The student was encouraged to integrate references from the textbook and lectures to strengthen arguments.

7. Finalization and Referencing

   • The mentor guided the student in properly completing the REP Summary Table and attaching debriefing forms in the appendix.
   • Final checks ensured that the report stayed within 800 words , followed APA 7th style referencing , and was structured logically for clarity.

Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

Through this guided process, the student:

• Successfully met all assessment requirements (REP credits, summary table, debriefing forms, structured report).
• Learned how to analyze research methods critically rather than just describe them.
• Developed skills in identifying appropriate measures and evaluating their effectiveness.
• Gained experience in balancing theoretical knowledge (research methods taught in class) with practical application (participation in REP studies).
• Enhanced academic writing and referencing abilities while working under a strict word limit.

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