Studying and applying psychology requires learning research methods within the discipline. In this course, we start by covering the paradigms that guide various forms of psychological research, before covering the principles of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research. Then the basics of observational, interview, focus group, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies in psychology are covered, as well as various other forms of data collection and data analysis. Illustrative research projects and examples from the instructor’s own research and others within psychology are used to bring the various research methods to life. Topics include the development of (social and/or theoretical) rationales for research studies, how to define appropriate research questions and hypotheses, what makes for rigorous qualitative research, internal and external validity, evaluation of bias, reflexivity, and the main research design types and features. Students learn how to think critically about research from both conceptual and applied perspectives. Lastly, students are introduced to ethics in psychological research as well as best practice report writing in psychology. This is a core and required course for psychology majors, but does not require any previous research methods experience and is open to non-psychology students.