Required Texts:

Patten, M. L. (2002). Proposing Empirical Research: A Guide to the Fundamentals. Pyrczak Publishing: Los Angeles, CA.

The goal of the research project is to critically review the psychological literature in a specific area in which the student plans to conduct the thesis research. The paper must include a discussion of three main areas for that specific topic, i.e. theory, research, and application. The paper should begin with a discussion of general theory followed by those theories specifically associated with that topic. Relevant research studies should be summarized, with critical reviews given for three to six of the most pertinent studies. Application of the topic to educational/clinical settings should be discussed in detail.

The final research project is a research paper that should be between 35 and 50 pages in length (double spaced), and bound in a plastic folder. The final copy will be placed in the Psychology Department Resource Center. Major sections of the paper include the following: Cover Page, Table of Contents, Introduction, Review of the Literature, Statement of the Problem, References.

Classroom Format

Class time will be spent discussing particular issues in researching, structuring, writing, and editing students' research papers. Students may also be asked to meet individually with the instructor to discuss these issues as well

Grading
Students' grades will be determined according to their adherence to the timelines and structure of the various assignments. Assignments that do not adhere to the page limits, etc. will not be accepted. Late assignments will accrue a 10-point penalty for every day late. Students will receive 50 points for each assignment listed below.

Topic
Students will complete a paragraph description of a tentative topic for their research project. The focus and breadth of the topic should be appropriate.

Reference List
Students will complete a beginning reference list for their research project. Students should compile a minimum of 8 references.

Outline
Students will complete a tentative, but detailed, outline of their research project. This outline should have various references embedded within it. Total number of references at this point should be a minimum of 12 references.

Writing Sample
Students will complete five pages of their research project. These five pages do not necessarily have to be the first five pages of their research paper. The purpose of this assignment is for the student to actually begin writing (which is often difficult) and to allow the instructor to gauge and evaluate the student's writing style.

First Half
Students are to complete a rough draft of the first half of their research paper. This paper should be at least 10-15 pages in length.

Second third

Rough Draft
Students are to submit a complete rough draft of their research paper that includes all sections as described above.

Final Draft
Students are to submit a final draft of their research paper. This final draft should incorporate all changes suggested by the instructor. Some students may need to submit more than one rough draft in order to produce a final draft that is acceptable. Given this, students should allot enough time for multiple drafts and seek guidance from the instructor regarding their timeline.

Due Dates

Perfect class attendance is expected. Any student needing to be absent due to an emergency should contact the instructor as soon as possible regarding the absence. More than one absence may result in the student's removal from the class. Students must complete all assignments in order to receive a grade in the course.

Department of Psychology Policy on Incomplete Grades and Withdrawal - It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by the dates set by the University if the student is not intending to complete the course. Students who do not withdraw and have not completed the course will receive an Unauthorized Withdrawal (UW). Only under special circumstances a faculty member may agree to give a student an Incomplete (INC) grade in order to allow the student to complete the remaining work for the course not later than the end of the following semester. An INC is never automatic but must be approved by the instructor. If an instructor agrees to give a student an INC grade, the instructor and the student will fill out a form (Memorandum of Incomplete Grade) indicating why an INC is being given. One copy of the completed form will be given to the student, one copy will be given to the instructor, and one copy will be kept by the Department of Psychology secretary. If the work is not completed by the time specified on the Memorandum of Incomplete Grade form, the grade will be changed from INC to F.