Research Design & Methods Lab

Module 01 · Question & Hypothesis

Turn a curiosity into a testable claim.

Scientific research begins with a question that can be answered with evidence. This module makes the learner define variables, operationalize them, and write a falsifiable hypothesis.

01

Hypothesis Builder

Build one coherent study statement. Specific definitions are stronger than vague labels.

0 / 4 checks

Independent variable → Dependent variable

Independent variable (IV)

Dependent variable (DV)

Operational definition of IV

Operational definition of DV

Predicted direction

Generated hypothesis
Complete the fields above to create a testable statement.

MODULE 1 OF 6

Module 02 · Research Design

Match the design to the claim.

The research question determines the design. The design determines which comparisons are possible and whether causal language is justified.

02

Design Matchmaker

Choose the strongest design for each research goal. Immediate feedback explains why.

0 / 3 correct

Participant Allocation Visualizer

Switch designs to see how the same participants are used differently.

CONDITION A

CONDITION B

Watch for order/carryover effects

Between-subjects: each participant completes one condition. Random assignment can reduce systematic preexisting group differences.

MODULE 2 OF 6

Module 03 · Sampling & Measurement

Decide who the data represent and what the scores mean.

Sampling affects generalizability. Measurement affects validity and reliability. A strong design can still fail if the sample is biased or the measure does not capture the intended construct.

03

Bias Detective

Diagnose the primary methodological weakness in each scenario.

0 / 3 correct

MODULE 3 OF 6

Module 04 · Research Ethics

Protect participants without abandoning the question.

Ethical research requires a defensible balance between scientific value and participant protection. The learner adjusts risk and benefit, then chooses safeguards that change the simulated IRB decision.

04

IRB Ethical Gatekeeper

Calibrate risk, scientific benefit, and participant safeguards.

IRB review pending

Protocol 24-PSY-118

Social Feedback and Mood

Participants are shown manipulated peer-feedback messages designed to temporarily lower mood so researchers can measure coping responses.

Risk must be minimized. Benefit cannot replace participant protections.

Participant risk: 65/100

Scientific benefit: 55/100

42

ETHICS READINESS

Safeguards

Informed consentExplain procedures, foreseeable risks, and voluntary participation. Immediate debriefingExplain the manipulation and restore accurate understanding after participation. Withdrawal without penaltyParticipants may stop at any time. Distress monitoring/supportStop criteria and support resources are available.

Raise ethical readiness by reducing unnecessary risk, increasing justified scientific benefit, and adding participant protections.

MODULE 4 OF 6

Module 05 · Statistical Evidence

Interpret evidence without turning p-values into truth meters.

Students manipulate sample size and effect size to see how uncertainty and power change, then answer an interpretation check that separates statistical significance from scientific meaning.

05

Evidence Simulator

Move sample size and effect size. Watch uncertainty, power, and the illustrative p-value shift.

Interpretation check pending

Sampling uncertainty shrinks as sample size increases.

Illustration: two independent groups, known equal population SD = 1, two-sided normal test, α = .05. The chosen d acts as both an assumed true effect for power and a hypothetical observed effect for p. Actual study p-values vary across samples.

Sample size per group (n): 60

Effect size (d): 0.40

Illustrative power.58

Illustrative p.07

Signal-to-noiseModerate

Interpretation Check

If a well-designed study reports p = .03, which statement is the best interpretation?

MODULE 5 OF 6

Module 06 · Scientific Method Capstone

Build one complete study from question to conclusion.

Bring the course together in your own study plan. Complete each stage, then check that every required part is present.

06

Scientific Method Design Studio

Complete each stage. The final check identifies missing descriptions; review scientific coherence with your instructor.

Capstone incomplete

Research question Write a question that identifies what is being compared, predicted, described, or explored.

Hypothesis

IV / predictor

DV / outcome

Research design

Why does this design fit the question?

Sample / participants

Measurement plan

One confound or source of bias + control strategy

Ethical safeguards

What evidence would support the hypothesis?

What evidence would fail to support it?

What conclusion would the design justify?

MODULE 6 OF 6

Building Your Research Design.

Exploring Your Research Method.

Building Your Research Skills.

Welcome to Research Design & Methods Lab.