MARK 716: Computer-Based Experiments for Behavioral Research
Course Syllabus
May 2008
Instructor
Prerequisites:
Working knowledge of experimental design for behavioral research. (The recommended preparation for this course is MARK 715: Experimental Design for Behavioral Research.) Registration in the Business PhD Program or permission of instructor. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.
Learning Goals:
This course is designed to equip students with the skills required to design and implement computer-based experiments for research in the behavioral social sciences. Students develop an understanding of the conceptual issues relevant to computer-based experimental research. They get an overview of the available software platforms, and obtain advanced skills in connection with one particular general-purpose platform. The course has a significant hands-on component that allows students to apply their acquired knowledge in the implementation of an experiment that they plan to conduct.
Class Schedule:
Date & Time Location Special Events (i.e., other than lectures and class discussion)
May 5 (Mon), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05
May 6 (Tue), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05 Assignment 1 (due at 12:30pm) May 7 (Wed), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05 Assignment 2 (due at 12:30pm) May 8 (Thur), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05
May 9 (Fri), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05 Assignment 3 (due at 12:30pm)
May 12 (Mon), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05 JavaScript (guest lecture by Christian Schmid) May 13 (Tue), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05 Assignment 4 (due at 12:30pm)
May 15 (Thur), 1:00-5:30 Bus B-05
May 16 (Fri), 1:00-4:00 Bus B-05 &
B-10
Final Project Presentations & Pilot Testing of Experiments
Marking:
Course marks will be based on the following components. The percentages indicate the weight of each component in determining the final mark.
Course Mark Component Weight
(%)
Course Project (Including Final Presentation) 50
Assignment 1 10
Assignment 2 10
Assignment 3 10
Assignment 4 10
In-Class Participation 10
Course Project:
The course project will entail the complete computer-based implementation of an experiment.
We will discuss this in great detail in class, and I am also happy to discuss the project with each student individually. The final deliverables for the course project are due at 12:30pm on May 16.
In-Class Participation:
Quality in-class participation helps other students and demonstrates an understanding of the subject. This is particularly true in PhD courses such as this one. Never speaking up is not
participating, and so is being absent from class more than occasionally. Attending class regularly is very important!
Course Web Site:
Recommended Books and Materials:
Since the lectures are self-contained, there is no required book for this course. However, I will recommend various additional resources (books, web-based resources, etc.).
Required Computer Software:
All required software is provided, including the ColdFusion Studio developer tool.
Academic Integrity:
Work submitted by students must be their own. Submitting what someone else has created is not acceptable. However, I encourage students to seek the help of myself and others in developing their own understanding of the material covered in this course.
