Class Experimental Research Laboratory

Experimental Research Laboratory (ERL or LIP in portuguese) is determinant for the training of future professionals in the area of spychology é 
because in promotes different academic skills, the capacity to think alternatively (critical thinking) and respond to questions raised in professional practice, in several domains of Psychology. In this UC the students will have the possibility of planning a research. There is the goal of giving the students an opportunity to develop academic and pro-social skills for the exercise of their future profession. The knowledge adquired in ERL or LIE will be useful in the second cycle of studies to interconnect other UC's and also give them necessary skills applied for the writing of their master's degree thesis. 

1. Experimental research in Psychology: 1.1Experimental Psychology and the scientific method; 1.2  and 1.3 Elaborating hypothesis and types of hypothesis;  1.4 Experimental research and testing of cause-effect relations; 1.5 Experimental studies: manipulate, control and compare;
2. Procedures and rules in experimental research: 2.1. Safety rules and norms in experimental research;

      3.Research planning

3.1    From questions to hypothesis to variables, sampling and informed consent procedures; 

3.2   Types of experimental design; 

3.3    Data collection in laboratorial context, procedures, equipment and materials preparation; 

3.4  Behavioral, self-report and psychophysiological measures;   3.5  Statistical analysis planning. 

4. Practical application of the studied concepts to planning several stages of a new experimental study, done in group, from two research topics presented.

The classes have a practical scope, being held in rooms with computers  that allow activities such as (e.g., scientific articles critical reading and analysis, planning of research stages, generating research questions and hypothesis, conception of experimental designs and paradigms, visit to the laboratory of experimental psychology of the University, participation in an experimental study running in the laboratory). Students can choose between continuous evalutation which includes a written test (40%), a group work  involving an oral presentation (40%), individual class participation (15%) and a task in colaboration with the Lab (5%). Final evaluation consists in a written exam (100%) about all the theoretical and practical contents included in the syllabus. The presence in class is mandatory. It is expected that the different moments of evaluation guarantee the aquisition of the necessary skills for approval on the UC. The student should have a minimum of 10 to be approved.

• Brough, P. (Ed.). (2019). Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology: Design, analysis and reporting.Routledge.

• Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2020). Research Methods in Psychology (6th ed.). Pearson.

• Ruane, J. M. (2005). Essentials of research methods: A guide to social science research. Blackwell Publishing.