PSYC 255 is Liberty's undergraduate introduction to research in psychology. Its written work is an APA assignment answering questions about APA style, a paper explaining how to conduct a case study, a 4 to 8-page synthesis paper with a biblical critique of the course content, and five forums.
Liberty's catalog lists the course as PSYC 255 Introduction to Research, 3 credit hours; Canvas and the course guide file print it as PSYC255.
What PSYC 255 covers
The catalog description: Students will receive an introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology. Course content is designed to improve students' overall understanding of research methods of the social sciences. Course content will address concepts related to research methodology, how to communicate ideas about science, and an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
The course introduces how psychological research is designed, conducted and reported, along with APA style. The texts are Crawford, Introduction to Research: Less Fright, More Insight, and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
Seven quizzes (420 points) have no guide here. The course guide lists an earlier edition of the APA manual; use the edition your course specifies. Each week after Week 1 runs Tuesday to Monday, and the final week ends Friday.
Textbook named in the published guide: APA, Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2010). Crawford, Introduction to research: Less fright, more insight (2019). Check the current edition in your Canvas section.
PSYC 255 assignments, week by week
Every graded written assignment in the published guide has its own how-to guide below. Quizzes, exams, checklists and class introductions are left out because there is nothing to write.
| Week | Assignment | Points | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discussion Board Forum 1 | 60 | Thread at least 250 words; replies at least 100 words |
| 2 | Discussion Board Forum 2 | 60 | Thread at least 250 words; replies at least 100 words |
| 3 | APA Assignment | 75 | 2 to 3 pages of content, plus title and reference pages |
| 4 | Discussion Board Forum 3 | 60 | Thread at least 250 words; replies at least 100 words |
| 5 | Case Study Paper | 75 | 2 to 4 pages of content, plus title and reference pages |
| 6 | Discussion Board Forum 4 | 60 | Thread at least 250 words; replies at least 100 words |
| 7 | Synthesis Paper | 130 | 4 to 8 pages of content, plus title and reference pages |
| 8 | Discussion Board Forum 5 | 60 | Thread at least 250 words; replies at least 100 words |
Week 1: Discussion Board Forum 1
A 250-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 100-word replies. How to write PSYC 255 Week 1 Discussion Board Forum 1.
Week 2: Discussion Board Forum 2
A 250-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 100-word replies. How to write PSYC 255 Week 2 Discussion Board Forum 2.
Week 3: APA Assignment
Answer specific APA questions using the Publication Manual, in 2 to 3 pages with a title page and a reference page citing both course textbooks. How to write PSYC 255 Week 3 APA Assignment.
Week 4: Discussion Board Forum 3
A 250-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 100-word replies. How to write PSYC 255 Week 4 Discussion Board Forum 3.
Week 5: Case Study Paper
A 2 to 4-page APA paper explaining how to conduct a case study, answering 4 provided questions. How to write PSYC 255 Week 5 Case Study Paper.
Week 6: Discussion Board Forum 4
A 250-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 100-word replies. How to write PSYC 255 Week 6 Discussion Board Forum 4.
Week 7: Synthesis Paper
A 4 to 8-page research-based paper reflecting on what you learned and critiquing the course content from a biblical perspective. How to write PSYC 255 Week 7 Synthesis Paper.
Week 8: Discussion Board Forum 5
A 250-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 100-word replies. How to write PSYC 255 Week 8 Discussion Board Forum 5.
How PSYC 255 is graded
The published guide totals 1,010 points. The five forums are 60 each (300), the APA assignment 75, the case study paper 75, the synthesis paper 130, quizzes 420 and the checklist 10.
| Graded item | Points |
|---|---|
| Discussion Board Forums (5) | 300 |
| APA Assignment | 75 |
| Case Study Paper | 75 |
| Synthesis Paper | 130 |
| Quizzes (7) | 420 |
| Course Requirements Checklist | 10 |
The published scale puts an A at 900 to 1010 points.
Week timing in the published guide: Each course module/week (except Module/Week 1) begins on Tuesday morning at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on Monday night at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final module/week ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday.
How to approach PSYC 255
Keep the APA manual open while writing every assignment; the APA assignment in Week 3 must cite both course textbooks.
Note what you learn each week for the synthesis paper in Week 7, which combines personal reflection with a biblical critique.
Questions students ask
What is the PSYC 255 case study paper?
A 2 to 4-page APA paper explaining how to conduct a case study, answering a provided set of 4 questions, with at least 2 references in addition to both course textbooks.
What is the PSYC 255 synthesis paper?
A 4 to 8-page research-based APA paper that includes a personal reflection on what you learned and a critique of the course content from a biblical perspective.
Working through PSYC 255 now?
Tell us the week and the assignment. A tutor who knows the course replies with a plan for the draft.