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PP 7203

Research Methods

FALL 2010

INSTRUCTOR:Myra Leifer, Ph. D.

PHONE:

312-777-7690

EMAIL:mleifer@argosy.edu

FAX:

312-777-7748

ALT PHONE:

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Title Research design in clinical psychology

Author(s) Kazdin, Alan

Copyright (2003)

Publisher Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon

ISBN 0-205-3392-7 Paperback

Edition Fourth Edition

This Course Requires the Purchase of a Course Packet: YES N

Title: Dissertations and theses from start to finish.

Authors: J.E.Cone & S.L. Foster

Publisher: American Pschlogical Association

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ISBN: 1557981949

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Argosy University

COURSE SYLLABUS

PP7203

Research Methods

FALL 2010

Faculty Name: Myra Leifer, Ph.D.

Campus: Chicago

Contact: Phone: 312-777-7690

Email: mleifer@argosy.edu

Office Hours: Tuesdays 1 4pm;

Wednesdays 11 12

Short Bio: Dr Leifer is Professor of Clinical Psychology and a member of the

Institutional Review Board. She conducts research in the areas of ChildMaltreatment and Early Intervention and has published

widely in these areas. She is the recipient of grants from the National

Institute of Mental Health, The Department of Children and FamilyServices as well as private foundations. Dr. Leifer serves on several

journal review boards and is the recipient of the Klopfer research award

from the Society of Personality Assessment.

Course Catalogue Description:

This course is a survey of the major methods utilized in empirical clinical practice.

Students learn experimental, quasi-experimental, and systematic singe-subject

designs as well as qualitative research methods. The course focuses on the

development of a proposal for the Clinical Research Project.

Required Texts:

Kazdin, Alan (2003). Research design in clinical psychology. Fourth Edition. Needham

Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN: 0-205-3392-7 Paperback ISBN:020533927.

Packet of readings

APA Publication Manual ISBN: 1557987912.

Cone, J.D. & Foster, S.L. (1993) Dissertations and theses from start to finish.

Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. ISBN:1557981949

Technology: Argosy University encourages the use of technology throughout the

curriculum. This course uses some or all of the following: video tapes, CDs, DVDs,

overheads, etc. Examples of hardware/software you might need access to for the course

include: Pentium III CPU/ Windows 98; 128MB RAM printer; Microsoft Office: Acrobat

mailto:mleifer@argosy.edumailto:mleifer@argosy.edu

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(full version); Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 (PC), 5.0 (MAC), or Netscape Navigator

4.08; Norton Antivirus.

Course length: 15 week.

Contact hours: 3.0

Credit Value: 3.0

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1) Generate a viable research design that could be used as a basis for the CRP

and write a proposal in APA style. This meets Goal 4 Scientific Foundations and isassessed with the final research proposal.

2) Critically evaluate published research results This meets Goal 5, Critical

evaluation and Goal 2 Evaluation of interventions and is assessed with weekly researcharticle critiques.

3) Analyze fundamental problems involved in research methods and

determine ethical ways of confronting these problems. This meets Goal 4 Scientific

Foundations and is assessed with weekly readings, peer critiques, and the midterm andfinal exams.

4) Evaluate the influence culture, ethnicity, class, and gender may have in

influencing the research process. This meets Goal 3 Diversity and is assessed withweekly readings, class discussions and article critiques.

.

5) Examine the appropriate use of outcome and process measures inclinical research. This meets Goal 1, Assessment Methods and is assessed with weekly

readings, article critiques and the midterm and final exams.

6) Identify a variety of research methods used in clinical research. This

meets Goals 4 and 5 and is assessed with weekly readings, article critiques, discussions

and the final and midterm exams.

Course Requirements

Article Critiques:

Written summaries of evaluations of the strengths and weaknesses of assigned research

studies are due most weeks as noted in the syllabus. Students will orally lead discussions

of article critiques and sign up for this.

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On Line Ethics Course:

Students are required to complete a web-based training program in human researchsubjects protections through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).To

access the program go to:

http://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp?language=english

No password is required. Simply identify yourself as affiliated with Argosy University.Select training for Students. When you have completed the training modules you will

receive a certificate . Include this certificate when you submit your Researchproposal at the end of the semester. You will also need to include this certificate

when you submit your CRP proposal to the IRB.

Research Proposal:

Students are required to complete a final research proposal. We will approach the finalpaper in steps that will help you plan an interesting and feasible project. Students will

hand in short papers (3-4 pages) describing their research.Two short papers are required:

1) Paper #1 DUE SESSION 3 - 9/22Describe the main problems or questions to be investigated in your project.

Delineate the nature and significance of the problem. Explain how you arrived at

these problems and indicate why you think it is important and interesting. Specify

the independent and dependent variables of your study.

2) Paper #2 DUE SESSION 9 - 11/3

a) Restate the main questions as specific hypothesis to be listed.

b) Outline a review of the relevant literature to support the need for

the study. List at least five references.c) Describe the participants in your study and how you will obtain them.

d) List the measures you will use.

e) Outline the procedures

3) Research Proposal DUE SESSION 14- 12/8

Research proposals should be written according to the Publication Manual of the

American Psychological Association. Grading criteria will include:Clarity of statement of the problem and variables

Adequacy of literature review

Clarity of the methods of the study including the sample, hypotheses,measures and procedures.

Appropriateness of proposed data analysis.

Appropriateness of discussion of strengths and weaknesses of the study

design

http://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp?language=englishhttp://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp?language=english

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Use of APA style

Exams: (Competency # 4, 5, 6)

There will be two in-class exams, a midterm and a final. Each will cover material from

the Kazdin book and readings.

Grading criteria will be based on the following:

Grading scale Grading requirements

NOTE: No late papers will be accepted nor will make-up tests be offered. No extra credit

papers or assignments will be given. You are required to attend all class meetings to pass

this course.

Guidelines for preparation of research proposal:

A 100 93

A- 92 90

B+ 89 88

B 87 83

B- 82 80C+ 79 78

C 77 - 73

C- 72 70

D+ 69 68

D 67 63

D- 62 60

F 59 and below

Research Critiques 20%

Midterm Exam 20%

Final Exam 20%

Research Proposal 40%

100%

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Proposals should be written in APA style, include a bibliography and not exceed 20

double-spaced, typed pages.

The proposal must specify an empirical study, involving the collection of data. However,

the study can involve any form of research methodology and could be a qualitative study,

quasi experiential design, and quantitative single case study as well as a true experiment.Theoretical papers and descriptive cases are not acceptable.

The format should be done in APA style and include:

Title Page

Abstract

Introduction

Aims of the studyHypotheses or Questions

Method

Participants

MeasuresProcedures

Discussion- Since there will be no data, include in this section a critical

assessment of your study. Describe its strengths and limitations.

References

Appendix- If using any unknown measures.

Consent Form

Class Presentation:

You will be asked to present your ideas regarding a research project. These ideas shouldbe the initial bases for the final paper. The presentation should be viewed as an

opportunity to discuss your ideas and research design with the rest of the class and the

instructor to gain help in refining your research hypothesis, correct your design whereneeded, and anticipate criticisms and challenges to the final paper.

The amount of time we can devote to each presentation will depend on the class size.During the last class, students will present their research proposals.

Weekly Topics, Readings and Assignments:

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Date Topic Readings Assignments

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Session 1- 9/8 Topic: Introduction

to research methods

Readings:

Kazdin, Chapter 1,Introduction; Cone

& Foster, Chapter

1, What are

dissertations?Chapter 2, Starting

out.

Session 2 9/15 Writing the research

report,Evaluating research

studies

Readings: Mahrer,

B.A. (1978). Areaders,writers and

reviewers guide to

assessing researchreports in clinical

psychology. Journal

of Consulting andClinical

Psychology, 46,

835-838.

Kazdin, Chapter 18,

Publication and

communication ofresearch findings.

Article Critique:

Hall, C. & Van deCastle, R. (1965).

An empirical

investigation of thecastration complex

in dreams. Journal

of Personality, 33,20-29.

Session 3 9/22 Validity Reading: KazdinChapter 2, Drawing

valid inferences I:Internal andexternal validity;

Chapter 3, Construct

and statistical

conclusion validityChapter 4, Sources

of artifact and bias.

PAPER #1 DUE

Article Critique:Meyer, B. et al(2002). Treatment

expectancies, patient

alliance and

outcome. Journal ofClinical and

Consulting

Psychology, 70,1051-1055.

Session 4 9/29 Research Design Kazdin, Chapter 5,Selection of the

research problemand design; Chapter

6, Experimental

research: group

designs, Cone &Foster Chapter 4,

Article Critique:

Goldman, R. et al(2005)

Depth of emotional

experience and

outcome.Psychotherapy

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Time management;

Chapter 5, Selectinga chairperson;

Chapter 6, An

overview of the

proposal.

Research, 15, 248-

60.

Session 5 -10/6 Assessment issues Readings: Kazdin,

Chapter 13,

Assessment

methods andstrategies; Cone &

Foster Chapter 7 ,

Reviewing the

literature; Chapter 8,

Methodology.

Article

Critique:Watson.J.

& Geller,S. (2005)

The relation amongthe relationship

conditions, working

alliance andoutcome in both

process-experiential

and cognitivebehavioral

psychotherapy.

PsychotherapyResearch, 15, 25-33.

Session 6-10/13 Control andcomparison groups

Reading: Kazdin,Chapter 7, Control

and comparison

groups

Article Critique:

David, H. et al

(2003) Bornunwanted. American

Psychologist, 58,224-229.

Session 7 -10/20 STUDY WEEK TASESSION

INDIVIDUAL

MEETINGS

Session 8 10/27 Statistical Methods,

Data Interpretation

Readings: Kazdin,

Chapter 15,

Statistical methodsof data evaluation;

Chapter 16,Interpretation ofthe data. Cone &

Foster, Chapter 12,

Presenting the

results; Chapter 13,Discussing the

results.

MIDTERM QUIZ

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Session 9 11/3 Observational

Research

Kazdin, Chapter 9,

Observational

research: Casecontrol and cohort

designs.

Danner, D.,

Snowdon, D. &

Friesen, W. (2001).

Positive emotionsin early life and

longevity: Findings

from the Nun Study.Journal of

Personality and

Social Psychology,80, 804

SECOND PAPER

DUE

Session 10 - 11/10 Single subject

design

Kazdin, Chapter 10,

The case study and

single case research

design; Chapter 11,Evaluation of the

single case in

clinical work.

Leifer, M. & SmithS. (1990).Preventative

intervention with a

depressed mother

with mentalretardation and her

infant: A

quantitative casestudy. Infant Mental

Health Journal, 11,

301-323

Session 11 11/17 QualitativeResearch

Kazdin, Chapter 12,Qualitative research

Kearney, M.,

Murphy, S. &Rosenbaum, M.

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(1994). Mothers on

crack cocaine Agrounded theory

analysis. Social

Science and

Medicine, 38, 351-361.

Session 12 11/24 Psychotherapy and

intervention

research

Readings: Kazdin,

Pages 202-212.

Kazdin,A.(2008)

Evidenced based

treatment andpractice. American

Psychologist, 63,

146-159.

Wampole, B (2007)

.Psychotherapy:The humanistic and

effective treatment.

American

Psychologist, 62,857-873.

Shedler,J (In Press).

The efficacy ofpsychodynamic

psychotherapy.American

Psychologist.

Session 13 12/1 Ethical issues, IRB

Process and Online

ResearchNegative effects of

psychotherapy

Kazdin, Chapter 17,

Ethical issues;

Chapter l9Closing comments.

Kraut, R., et. al(2004).

Psychological

Research Online.American

Psychologist, 59,

105-117

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Barlow, D. (2010)

Negative effectsfrom psychological

treatment.

American

Psychologist, 65,13-20.

Session 14 12/8 Student

presentations ofproposals

RESEARCHPROPOSALS DUE

Session 15 12/15 IN CLASS FINAL

EXAM

Library Resources

Argosy Universitys core online collection features more than 21,000 full-text journals,

23,000 electronic books and other content covering all academic subject areas including

Business & Economics, Career & General Education, Computers, Engineering & Applied

Science, Humanities, Science, Medicine & Allied Health, and Social & BehaviorSciences. All electronic resources can be accessed through the librarys website at

www.auchicagolib.org. User IDs and passwords are distributed during orientation, but

can also be obtained at the circulation desk, calling 312-777-7653, or by e-mail atauchilibrary@argosy.edu. In addition to online resources, Argosy Universitys onsite

collections contain a wealth of subject-specific research materials searchable in the

Library Online Catalog. Catalog searching is easily limited to individual campuscollections. Alternatively, students can search combined collections of all Argosy

University Libraries. Students are encouraged to seek research and reference assistance

from campus librarians.

Information Literacy: Argosy Universitys Information Literacy Tutorial was developed

to teach fundamental and transferable research skills, including selecting sources

appropriate for academic-level research, searching periodical indexes and search engines,and evaluating and citing information. In the tutorial, students study concepts and

practice them through interactions. At the conclusion of each module, they can test their

comprehension and receive immediate feedback. Each module takes less than 20 minutes

to complete. Please view the tutorial at http://library.argosy.edu/infolit/

Academic Policies

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism: In an effort to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity

during the learning process, Argosy University requires that the submission of all course

assignments represent the original work produced by that student. All sources must bedocumented through normal scholarly references/citations and all work must be

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submitted using thePublication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th

Edition (2001). Washington DC: American Psychological Association (APA) format.

Please refer to Appendix A in thePublication Manual of the American PsychologicalAssociation, 5th Edition for thesis and paper format. Students are encouraged to purchase

this manual (required in some courses) and become familiar with its content as well as

consult the Argosy University catalog for further information regarding academicdishonesty and plagiarism.

Scholarly writing: The faculty at Argosy University is dedicated to providing a learningenvironment that supports scholarly and ethical writing, free from academic dishonesty

and plagiarism. This includes the proper and appropriate referencing of all sources. You

may be asked to submit your course assignments through Turnitin,(www.turnitin.com), an online resource established to help educators developwriting/research skills and detect potential cases of academic dishonesty. Turnitin

compares submitted papers to billions of pages of content and provides a comparison

report to your instructor. This comparison detects papers that share common information

and duplicative languag

Americans with Disabilities Act Policy

It is the policy of Argosy University to make reasonable accommodations for qualified

students with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).If a student with disabilities needs accommodations, the student must notify the Director

of Student Services. Procedures for documenting student disability and the development

of reasonable accommodations will be provided to the student upon request. Students will

be notified by the Director of Student Services when each request for accommodation isapproved or denied in writing via a designated form. To receive accommodation in class,

it is the students responsibility to present the form (at his or her discretion) to the

instructor. In an effort to protect student privacy, the Department of Student Services willnot discuss the accommodation needs of any student with instructors. Faculty may not

make accommodations for individuals who have not been approved in this manner. 23

The Argosy University Statement Regarding Diversity

Argosy University prepares students to serve populations with diverse social, ethnic,

economic, and educational experiences. Both the academic and training curricula aredesigned to provide an environment in which students can develop the skills and attitudes

essential to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.