PSYC 100: Psychological Science Literacy

In our everyday life we rely on a variety of sources for much of our information; the internet, TV news, newspapers, magazines, etc. Because the volume of information is so great, we’ve developed into a culture of information-grazers. For example, we wander the vast expanses of the web treating it like an equal-opportunity information buffet: picking up what we want, disregarding what we don’t. The problem is that not all of the items on the information buffet are necessarily equal Remember, in general there are no rules controlling the content of web postings. On what basis are claims made? Just because you see or hear something is “true” doesn’t make it so—think Scopes and Dan Rather. To make you a better information consumer in general, and of psychological science in particular, you will be asked to complete a multi-part assignment designed to develop your abilities to read and summarize primary research articles in the discipline of Psychology. Especially when taken seriously, this exercise can prepare you to better consume all ranges of information from “infomercials” and mainstream news, to professional work.

Goals:

1. Learn to read and understand scientific journal articles describing psychological research.

2. Clearly and effectively communicate the main purposes, procedures, and findings of those articles along with an appreciation of their significance.

Expectations:

1. Read the following article: discussion this Wednesday 8/26

Jordan, C. H. & Zanna, M. P. (1999). How to read a journal article in social psychology. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), The self in social psychology (461-470). Philadelphia: Psychology Press.

Note: The article is titled “social” psychology, but the content applies to journal articles in any field of psychology.

2. Read the following article accessed from the library webpage: (Van Vugt, M., De Cremer, D., Janssen, D. P. (2007). Gender differences in cooperation and competition: The male warrior hypothesis. Psychological Science, 18, 19-23. Take notes in the margins, highlight or circle important parts, look up words, techniques, or concepts you might not understand. As a point of information, by the time you’ve finished with it a well-read article should look like your favorite paperback book—well read and reread.

3. Outline your article. Here are some general guidelines for your outline: due Friday 9/4

· Use clear, informative statements and void being vague. Write as if someone unfamiliar with the article was going to have to read your outline of it and then give a 5 minute talk about it (ask a roommate or friend to read your outline and give you feedback on its clarity).

· Choose a hierarchical scheme for your outline (numbers, bullets, roman numerals, etc.) and use it consistently.

· Use your OWN WORDS. Do not copy text directly from the article (that constitutes plagiarism). Changing one or two words in a sentence is not an acceptable version of “your own words.” Rephrase the information in the paper using simple language you understand. This is one clear way to demonstrate true understanding.

Here are some more specific guidelines for your outline:

· Write the title of the article and the names of the authors at the top of the first page (along with your own name). Use the format used to identify the sources included with these instructions.

· Use the following section headers in your outline: Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion.

· Introduction—include the following:

o The purpose of the study

o The rationale for the study (“why do we care?”) and a summary of the previous research findings that suggests that the current study is important or will improve our understanding of behavior.

o The hypothesis (or hypotheses). Remember, this should

§ be a statement of prediction

§ include the variables (independent and dependant) of the study

§ describe the predicted direction of the relationship between those variables

· Method—include the following:

o If there are multiple experiments, use sub-headings for “Experiment 1, Experiment 2…” Describe the purpose of each experiment.

o For each experiment, describe

§ the participant sample and the sampling technique employed

§ the research design (experimental design, correlational design, mixed design—both experiment and correlation).

§ the variables and the operational definition of each variable in the study

· identify which variables are independent and which are dependent

§ any special materials that were used to carry out the study

§ the procedures used, or how the study was carried out

· Results: describe the results of the study in plain English using your own words (see the sample outline of the Van Vugt, De Cremer & Janssen (2007) article for a description).

· Discussion—include the following:

o whether or not the results of the study supported the hypothesis(es)

o compare the results of the study to the results of other studies that have been published

o shortcomings or limitations of the study

o the overall conclusion that can be drawn from the study

4. Reference your article—at the top of the outline, include a correct APA style reference to the article.

5. Abstract—include a copy of the abstract of the article you chose.