This course examines the application of the scientific method to the study of a topic in the field of psychology with an emphasis on the methods used to conduct research in this area. Students will learn about both content- and methodologically based issues encountered in research in this area and gain experience in searching for, reading, and discussing empirical work in the field. Students will demonstrate their overall proficiency by conducting a semester-long research project that will be presented in oral or written form and as a poster at the end-of-the-semester poster session.