CS-C4000 - Research Methods in Engineering Psychology, Lecture, 9.1.2023-16.2.2023

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

You understand the differences between correlation and causation. You learn how to conduct exploratory data analysis. You learn about designing scientific experiments and challenges with data modeling and causality.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 09.01.2023 - 16.02.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Robin Welsch

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Students will create their own experiments and will participate experiments from other students in the class. Collected data will be explored and modeled.

  • applies in this implementation

    1. Psychological research & Advancing Theory(11.01.23)
    This lecture will cover the difference between folk psychology and psychological science, as well as the distinction between engineering psychology and other psychological fields. We will also discuss the problem of causality and alternative explanations in psychological research.

    2. Study design, Variables & Measures (18.01.23)

    We will cover common study designs and types of measurement in psychological research. We will also discuss Steeven’s theory of measurement and operationalization, as well as common research measures and psychological scales.

    3. Evaluating empirical research (25.01.23)

    This lecture will focus on evaluating empirical research, including topics such as sampling, objectivity, reliability, and validity.

    4. Doing better research (01.02.23)

    n this lecture, we will discuss ethical challenges and ethical standards in psychological research, including Aalto’s guidelines and questionable research practices. We will also introduce the concept of open science and pre-registration.

    5. Practicalities of research (08.02.23)

    This lecture will cover how to write a lab report and set up and manage a study, including best practices and practical considerations.

    6. What does a lab look like? (16.02.23)

    We will visit a Lab, here you will have the opportunity to see a real psychological research lab with the most advanced technology in action.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Mandatory participation. Practical work and lectures.

  • applies in this implementation

    Grading is based on the lab-report (see slides in the first Lecture). The scale is from 1-5. 

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Practical work and lectures.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • applies in this implementation

    Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2020). Research Methods in Psychology 6th Edition. Pearson Education. (access will be discussed in the first Lecture).

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    3 Good Health and Well-being

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring III
    2023-2024 Spring III

    Enrollment :

    Only for Engineering psychology students.

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof