The main topics of study considered in light of the above learning outcomes are:Research philosophy (e.g. positivism, empiricism, naturalism)Formulating empirical research questions and conceptual research modelsCausality effects and relationshipsValidity and ReliabilityScales of measurement (e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)Sampling methods (e.g. experiment, survey, observations) and measure instruments (e.g. Likert scales, semantic differential, event versus time sampling)Experimental design (e.g. within and between-subjects, factorial design, counter-balancing, Latin square)Biases in empirical research approaches (e.g. confounding variables, statistical power)Data preparation (e.g. standardization of data, reliability analysis, Inter-rater reliability)Hypothesis testing, t-test, (M)ANOVA, correlation, regression analysisNon-parametric approaches to data analysis

The Introduction to Psychology course was developed through the Ohio Department of Higher Education OER Innovation Grant. This work was completed and the course was posted in September 2018. The course is part of the Ohio Transfer Module and is also named OSS015. For more information about credit transfer between Ohio colleges and universities please visit: www.ohiohighered.org/transfer.Team LeadVincent Granito                                    Lorain County Community CollegeContent ContributorsNicole Brandt                                       Columbus State Community CollegeLynne Gabriel                                      Lakeland Community CollegeJackie Sample                                     Central Ohio Technical CollegeLibrarianRachel Dilley                                       Columbus State Community CollegeReview TeamMelissa Beers                                      Ohio State UniversityBryan Gerber                                        Stark State College

 How to Use this GuideThis guide provides information and resources on introducing the different research methods that have been used in the field of psychology. All resources are Open Access and can be downloaded or added to a Course Management System (LMS) via the hyperlinks.  IntroductionOne of the key takeaways from the Introduction to Psychology class should be that psychology is a science.  Our discipline can be distinguished from pseudo-science or common sense through the various research approaches in the field.  The instructor should provide a survey of the different methods, including examples and strengths and weaknesses to each approach.

1). Identify the sampling method used in a study and discuss its implications and potential limitations.
2). Critically evaluate the reliability and validity of results published in mainstream media.
3). Summarize and describe the distribution of a categorical variable in context.

An introduction to symbolic logic with an emphasis on formal logical languages and natural deduction systems of logical proof. Students learn how to translate reasoning into a symbolic logical language and how to prove arguments valid with the precision of mathematics using formal systems of proof.