Laboratory of Experimental Practice

Presentation

The Experimental Practice Laboratory (LPE) is a relevant area in the training of future psychology professionals. LPE classes are planned to promote different academic competencies, such as think in alternative ways (critical thinking), and answer questions raised by professional practice. In this discipline, the students will have the possibility to plan an investigation. It is intended to provide students with academic and pro-social skills in the exercise of their future profession, with direct applications. Similarly, the knowledge acquired in LPE will be valuable in the second cycle for interconnection with other disciplines, including preparing the master dissertation.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

3 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-15410

Recommended complementary curricular units

All courses related to academic skills, research and scientific thinking.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

Contents:

1. Experimental Research in Psychology - scientific method:
   1. Areas of expertise and application
   2. Type of variables
   3. Research questions and hypotheses
   4. Type of studies: between and within-subject experimental plans
2. Procedures and rules in experimental practice
   1. Ethics
   2. Safety rules in experimental psychology research
3. Paradigms of stimulus presentation
4. Data collection in a laboratory setting(equipment and procedures)
   1. Behavioral, cognitive and psychophysiological measures

Objectives

The main goals of this course are the promotion and training of laboratory skills relevant to experimental practice in Psychology, in order to deepen the scientific method, specifically:

• LO1: Define and describe the various steps of an experimental investigation.
• LO2: Apply and integrate theoretical knowledge in the planning and conduction of an experimental investigation in Psychology.
• LO3: Effectively communicate experimental research results in Psychology.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

Teaching methodologies: expository method, individual and small group activities in the classroom, feedback by the teacher.

Students will be able to choose between:

1. Continuous evaluation:
   • Test (30%)
   • Individual portfolio compiling the experimental practice exercises performed weekly  (30%)
   • Group work consisting of the preparation of an experimental study from a pre-defined research theme (30%): oral presentation (15%) and submission of slides (15%).
   • Individual participation in class (10%).
2. The final written exam includes all the contents of the classes.

The final average for approval is ten values. Attendance in classes is mandatory.

The appeal exam consists of a written examination (100%), focusing on all class contents. As a final grade, the student must obtain a minimum of 10 values.

References

• Brough, P. (Ed.). (2019). Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology: Design, analysis and reporting. Routledge.
• Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2017). Research Methods in Psychology (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Ruane, J. M. (2005). Essentials of research methods: A guide to social science research. Blackwell Publishing.

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