Research in Psychology I

Objectives

1. To characterize the nature, goals and limitations of research in Psychology.

2. To describe different quantitative research methods, the distinct research and diagnostic tools and processes of gathering, organizing and interpreting psychological data, in order to allow informed decision-research based on that knowledge.

3. To acknowledge the research dissemination procedures, understanding its utility and its relevance to scientific knowledge

4. To emphasize the receptivity to questioning, based on discussion and debate about the theoretical and methodological aspects of quantitative scientific research in Psychology.

5. To motivate inquiry and the permanent actualization of the necessary skills to scientific research in Psychology.

Program

1ª Unit: Introduction to research in Psychology

1.1. Science and scientific knowledge.

1.2. Psychological science and research.

1.3. Principles and ethical considerations.

2ª Unit: Delimitation of a quantitative-focused research process

2.1. Problem definition.

2.2. Identification, definition and control of variables.

2.3. Hypothesis formulation.

2.4. Research designs.

2.5. Sampling criteria and sampling processes.

2.6. Processes and data collection tools.

2.7. From data to results.

3ª Unit: Research dissemination

3.1. Formats of scientific communication.

3.2. Audiences and communication styles.

Teaching Methodologies

The Curricular Unit is organized in theoretical, (T:30h) and theoretical-practical classes (TP:30h), to be lectured with the resource to diversified methods. Theoretical classes will be based on the presentation and discussion contents by the lecturer, while the theoretical-practical classes will essentially focus in the students’works, through the diversified activities such as research activities, aiming at grasping the meaning of research in psychology and the use of research processes in different contexts in the psychology domain; or the discussion and resolution of specific tasks referring to the research process. The critical dialogue with the students will be throughout the lecturing periods.

Bibliography

Almeida, L. & Freire, T. (2008). Metodologia da Investigação em Psicologia e Educação. Braga: Psiquilibrios.Braga: Psiquilibrios.

Cozby, P. C. (2001). Métodos de pesquisa em ciências do comportamento. São Paulo: Editora Atlas.

Czaja, R. & Blair.¸J. (2005). Designing surveys: a guide to decisions and procedures. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.

Foddy, W. (2002). Como perguntar: teoria e prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários. Oeiras: Celta Editora.

Moreira, C. D. (2007). Teorias e práticas de investigação. Lisboa: ISCSP.

Moreira, J. M. (2004). Questionários: teoria e prática. Coimbra: Almedina.

Pasquali, L. (2003). Psicometria: Teoria dos testes na psicologia e na educação. Pétropolis: Editora Vozes

Ribeiro, J.L. (2007). Metodologia de investigação em Psicologia e Saúde. Porto: Livpsic.

Sampieri, R.; Collado, C.; & Lucio, P. (2006). Metodología de Pesquisa. Lisboa: McGrawHill.