PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology
PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Sep 09, 2025
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Psychology
Selvira Draganović
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
To provide students with fundamental knowledge of research methods and skills used in psychology; basic and applied research, laboratory and field research and qualitative and quantitative research. To introduce students to selection criteria necessary for evaluating research, including analyzing published instruments, and conducting independent research To facilitate students understanding of how using valid scientific methods can improve and create knowledge in the field of psychology. To guide and mentor students in developing, completing, writing, and presenting a valid and ethical research proposal
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Shaughnessy J.J., Zechmeister E.B., Zechmeister J.S. (2014), Research Methods in Psychology, New York: McGraw Hill
Additional Literature
Frost., N. (2011). Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology: Combining Core Approaches. New York: McGraw-Hill Education Creswell, J.W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. New York: SageTeaching Methods
Class discussions with examples
Active tutorial sessions for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress
During semester students will be evaluated through their continuous work
Students will have final exam, midterm exam, one quiz and research project
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introductory lecture/course overview | |
| 2 | The scientific method and research basic steps | |
| 3 | Ethical issues | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 4 | Main quantitative designs (nonexperimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 5 | Field work (assignment 1) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 6 | Main quantitative designs (nonexperimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 7 | Sampling | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 8 | MIDTERM EXAM | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 9 | Main quantitative designs (experimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 10 | Main quantitative designs (experimental) assignment 2 | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 11 | Quiz | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 12 | Main qualitative designs | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 13 | Qualitative data collection (fg +interview) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles |
| 14 | Analyzing and reporting research project | |
| 15 | Analyzing and reporting research project |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY202.1 | Course | Tuesday 15:00 - 17:50 | B F1.8 | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 - 15:00 | A F2.22 | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 15:00 | A F2.22 |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
In-term Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 2 4
Research Project
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3
Assignments
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
Quiz I
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 2
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)
Assignments and quiz
20 hours ⏳ (4 week × 5 h)
Active Tutorials
14 hours ⏳ (14 week × 1 h)
Home Study
14 hours ⏳ (14 week × 1 h)
In-term Exam Study
24 hours ⏳ (2 week × 12 h)
Final Exam Study
30 hours ⏳ (2 week × 15 h)
Assignment
20 hours ⏳ (2 week × 10 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [PSY202] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Sep 09, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| PSY202 | Research Methods in Psychology | 2 | 1 | 6 | Tuesday 15:00-18:00 | |||||
| Prerequisite | PSY103 | It is a prerequisite to | PSY214, PSY402 | |||||||
| Lecturer | Selvira Draganović | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Monday: 12:00-15:00 Wednesday: 12:00-15:00 |
|||||||
| sdraganovic@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | To provide students with fundamental knowledge of research methods and skills used in psychology; basic and applied research, laboratory and field research and qualitative and quantitative research. To introduce students to selection criteria necessary for evaluating research, including analyzing published instruments, and conducting independent research To facilitate students understanding of how using valid scientific methods can improve and create knowledge in the field of psychology. To guide and mentor students in developing, completing, writing, and presenting a valid and ethical research proposal |
|||||||||
| Textbook | Shaughnessy J.J., Zechmeister E.B., Zechmeister J.S. (2014), Research Methods in Psychology, New York: McGraw Hill | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Class discussions with examples. Active tutorial sessions for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress. During semester students will be evaluated through their continuous work. Students will have final exam, midterm exam, one quiz and research project. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Introductory lecture/course overview | |||||||||
| Week 2 | The scientific method and research basic steps | |||||||||
| Week 3 | Ethical issues | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Main quantitative designs (nonexperimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Field work (assignment 1) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Main quantitative designs (nonexperimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Sampling | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 8 | MIDTERM EXAM | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Main quantitative designs (experimental) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Main quantitative designs (experimental) assignment 2 | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Quiz | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Main qualitative designs | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Qualitative data collection (fg +interview) | relevant chapters from the textbook, articles | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Analyzing and reporting research project | |||||||||
| Week 15 | Analyzing and reporting research project | |||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 35 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| In-term Exam | 1 | 20 | 2,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Research Project | 1 | 20 | 3 | Not Allowed | |
| Assignments | 2 | 10 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Quiz I | 1 | 15 | 2 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 2 | 14 | 28 | Assignments and quiz | 5 | 4 | 20 | |||
| Active Tutorials | 1 | 14 | 14 | Home Study | 1 | 14 | 14 | |||
| In-term Exam Study | 12 | 2 | 24 | Final Exam Study | 15 | 2 | 30 | |||
| Assignment | 10 | 2 | 20 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 19/09/2025 | |||||||||