Class Research Skills Laboratory

This laboratory-based curricular unit emphasizes hands-on practice and is designed to equip students with essential research skills. It fosters critical thinking about psychological constructs, their relationships, and integration while promoting the formulation and testing of hypotheses to evaluate theories. Students will learn to operationalize variables, develop analytical plans, interpret findings, and effectively communicate results. Additionally, the unit encourages the empirical and conceptual discussion of research outcomes, highlighting their practical implications within the chosen topic of study.

Not applicable

CP1: Structure and Components of a Research Study CP2: From Topic Selection to Research Theme Definition CP3: State of the Art – Theoretical and Empirical Review 3.1 Searching, Selecting, and Organizing Results in Databases 3.2 Synthesizing and Critically Assessing Collected Scientific Material 3.3 Formulating Hypotheses with Justification and Addressing Methodological and Ethical Implications CP4: Research Methods 4.1 Identifying and Selecting Assessment Instruments 4.2 Sampling and Participant Recruitment Procedures 4.3 Data Collection CP5: Results 5.1 Database Construction and Preparation 5.2 Statistical Analysis and Writing of Results CP6: Discussion of Results 6.1 Hypothesis Discussion and Empirical-Conceptual Integration 6.2 Limitations and Directions for Future Research 6.3 Practical and Theoretical Contributions CP7: Dissemination of Research Findings 7.1 Preparing Materials for Research Dissemination (e.g., Scientific Article, Scientific Poster)

Innovative teaching methodologies will be employed to enhance the learning process, including peer assessment, digital tools, collaborative group sessions, and problem-based learning (PBL).

Almeida, L., & Freire, T. (Eds.). (2007). Metodologia da investigação em psicologia e educação (4ª ed.). Braga: Psiquilibrios. Clark-Carter, D. (2018). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student's companion (3rd Ed.). NY: Psychology Press. Martins, C. (2011). Manual de Análise de Dados Quantitativos com recurso ao IBM SPSS: Saber decidir, fazer, interpretar e redigir. Braga: Psiquilibrios. Martin, W. E. & Bridgmon, K. D. (2012). Quantitative and statistical research methods: From hypothesis to results. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons Nicol, A. A., & Pexman, P. M. (2010). Displaying your findings: A practical guide for creating figures, posters, and presentations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Nicol, A. A., & Pexman, P. M. (2010). Presenting your findings: A practical guide for creating tables.Washington, DC: American Psychological Association