PSY 222-Research Methods

Course Overview

This course focuses on understanding how psychological research is designed, conducted, and evaluated. Throughout PSY 222, I am developing the ability to think more critically about research, recognize bias, and understand how data can be interpreted or misinterpreted. 

What stands out to me most is that research is not just about numbers—it directly impacts how we understand people, behavior, and real-world decisions.

I have also completed formal research ethics training through the CITI Program (see Research Training & Certifications page). 

Skills and Competencies Developed

• Critical evaluation of research design and methodology
  
  

• Identification of cognitive bias in research and media
  
  

• Understanding of sampling, variables, and operational definitions
  
  

• Application of ethical standards in psychological research
  
  

• Data literacy and scientific reasoning

Course Artifacts

The artifacts below represent my growth in research literacy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness throughout this course. Each piece reflects how my understanding of research has developed over time.

Artifacts included in this portfolio:

• Project One: Qualitative and Quantitative Method Organization
• Project Two: Research Paper Critique
• Selected discussions demonstrating data literacy and bias analysis

Each artifact reflects growth in my ability to critically evaluate psychological research and apply ethical standards in scientific practice.

Module Two Activity

This artifact represents my early understanding of research and data literacy. Through this assignment, I learned how to evaluate sources and recognize bias rather than accepting information at face value. This connects to real-world situations because people are constantly exposed to information, and without data literacy, it is easy to be misled. It also connects to emotional intelligence, as it helped me reflect on how my thinking can be influenced by the information I consume.

Module Four Activity

This artifact reflects my ability to read and analyze a research paper in greater depth. Through this assignment, I learned how to break down each section of a study, including the introduction, methods, results, and discussion. This strengthened my data literacy skills by helping me understand how to interpret findings rather than just reading them at a surface level. This is important in psychology because accurate interpretation of research is necessary for making informed decisions. It also connects to ethics and social justice, as properly understanding data helps prevent bias and misinformation.

Project One

This artifact demonstrates my understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods. In this project, I learned how different types of research are used to study human behavior and how each method has its own strengths and limitations. This assignment helped me build a strong foundation in research literacy and understand how data is collected and analyzed. This knowledge is important for my future in psychology, as it allows me to evaluate research studies more effectively and apply findings in real-world situations. It also connects to ethics and social justice, as research findings can influence decisions that impact individuals and communities.

Project Two

This artifact represents my ability to critically evaluate a research study in depth. In this project, I analyzed each section of a research paper, including the introduction, methods, results, and discussion, while identifying both strengths and limitations. This assignment strengthened my critical thinking and data literacy skills by requiring me to go beyond surface-level understanding and evaluate the quality of the research.

This project also connects to multiple programmatic themes, including social justice, ethics, emotional intelligence, and career development. It helped me recognize how bias can influence behavior and decision-making, and how important it is to evaluate research accurately and fairly. From a professional perspective, especially in psychology, this skill is essential for making informed and ethical decisions.

Overall, this project strengthened my ability to critically evaluate research and apply findings to real-world situations.

Qualitative Research Reporting Standards (APA Article Artifact) 

This artifact represents my understanding of ethical research practices and the importance of accurately reporting qualitative and mixed-methods research in psychology.

Reflection & Analysis 

I selected this article because it represents a deeper understanding of what ethical and meaningful research should look like in psychology. It emphasizes that research is not just about collecting data, but about accurately representing human experiences and maintaining integrity throughout the research process.

This artifact deepened my understanding the importance of qualitative and mixed-methods research, especially in situations where human behavior and experiences cannot be reduced to numbers alone. It challenged me to think beyond surface-level data and consider the context and meaning behind the information being studied.

This connects strongly to the theme of ethics, as the article highlights the responsibility researchers have to be transparent, accurate, and respectful in their work. It also connects to my future career in forensic psychology, where understanding human behavior, context, and truth is critical. This artifact reflects my growth in thinking more critically about research and reinforces my commitment to ethical and responsible practice.

Programmatic Theme Connection: Ethics and Career Connections

Key Takeaways

• Research is not just data — it represents real human experiences

• Ethical reporting is essential for credibility and trust

• Qualitative research provides deeper understanding beyond numbers

• Transparency and integrity are critical in psychological research

Connection to Programmatic Themes

The competencies developed in this course connect directly to multiple program themes, including ethics, social justice, and career development. Research literacy strengthens ethical decision-making, supports fair and equitable systems, and prepares me for professional roles that rely on evidence-based analysis.