Experimental Psychology (Theory)

(As per Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Syllabus-)

From the academic year 2021-22

TYBA-  Semester VI

Contents

DSE 1 D (3): EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (THEORY) + (1) RESEARCH PROJECT

After completing the course, student should be able to:
CO1: Describe the process of experiment in psychology, concept of psychophysics.
CO2: Explain problem, hypothesis, variables, sampling in experiment.
CO3: Identify and classify the learning system, methods of psychophysics.
CO4: Compare laws of psychophysics, types of hypotheses.
CO5: Conduct research based project.
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UNIT-1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

1.1: What is experiment? Characteristics, types
1.2: Contribution of eminent psychologists in experimental psychology
1.3 Scientific method: definition, nature
1.4: Social scientific research

UNIT-2: PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS IN RESEARCH

2.1: What is problem? Definitions, origin, sources and selection
2.2: Statement of problem
2.3: Hypothesis: Definition, formulation, sources
2.4: Types of hypotheses

UNIT-3: VARIABLES AND SAMPLING

3.1: What is variable? Definitions, types
3.2: Controlling of variables
3.3: Sampling: Meaning and types
3.4: Sampling distribution and sampling error

UNIT-4: PSYCHOPHYSICS AND HUMAN LEARNING

4.1: What is psychophysics? Methods of psychophysics
4.2: Weber’s law and Fechner’s law, Signal detection theory (SDT)
4.3: Definition and nature of Human learning.
4.4: Methods of Human learning.
1. Serial Learning,2. Distributed Vs Undistributed,3. Partial Vs Whole 4 Structured

For 1 Credit: PROJECT:

1. For project, a sample of at least 30 subjects should be taken
2. Project report should be structured as follows
a. Introduction and definition of basic concepts
b. Rationale/significance of the study
c. Hypothesis / Or Exploratory Study if Qualitative
d. Sample
e. Tools for data collection
f. Statistical analysis / Qualitative Analysis
g. Results, discussion and conclusion
h. Limitations and suggestions
i. References

READING:-

Christensen, L. B.; Johnson, R. B.; Turner, L. A (2014). Research Methods, Design and Analysis. Pearson.
D’Amato, M.R. (2009). Experimental psychology: Methodology, psychophysics and learning. N.D.: Tata McGraw-Hill.
Kerlinger, F.N. (1995). Foundations of behavioral research. New York: Rinehart Winston. Inc. Surjeet Publications.
Kothari, C.R. (reprint 2009). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Delhi: Wiley Eastrn Ltd.
McBurney, D.H. and White, T.L. (2007). Research methods. US: Cengage Singh, A.K. (2006). Tests, Measurements and research methods in behavioural sciences. Patna: Bharati Bhavan.
Solso, R.L., MacLin, M.K. (2008). Experimental psychology: A case approach. N.D.: Dorling Kindersley Pvt. Ltd.
Tiwari Govind and Pal Roma (1985). Experimental Psychology: A Dynamic Approach. Vinod Pustak
Mandir, Agra.
Woodworth, R.S. & Schlosberg, H. (reprint 2008, 6th ed.), Experimental Psychology. ND: Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Zachmeister, J.E., Zachmeister, E.B., and Shaughnessy, J.J. (2009). Essentials of research methods in psychology. N.D.: Tata McGraw-Hill.