Basic Psychological Processes PSYCO 104 – A7
Fall 2019
Instructor: Deanna Singhal Office: BS P-263
E-mail: [email protected]
Please place “PSYCO 104” in the title of your email
Web Page: eClass – https://eclass.srv.ualberta.ca/course/view.php?id=52758 Office Hours: I am available at various times throughout the week. Please send an
email to set up an appointment.
TA: Brittany Prokop Office: BS P-537
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: W 12:30 – 2:00
TA: Aakanksha Singh Office: BS P-357
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: M 12:00 – 1:30
Lecture Room & Time: T B 45, T R 12:30 – 1:50
Course Description: Principles and development of perception, motivation, learning, and thinking and their relationship to the psychological functioning of the individual.
Fulfillment of the 1/4 laboratory credit typically entails serving as a research participant, but can be fulfilled through the completion of alternative assignments. The course is a prerequisite to all courses in the department and is normally followed by PSYCO 105.
[Faculty of Science]
This course is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of psychology and some of the key elements involved in basic perceptions, cognitions, behaviours, and emotions. Of particular interest is the study of the brain and the structures and
mechanisms underlying basic daily processes that are generally taken for granted, such as recognizing something we see or hear, sleeping, and learning and remembering new information.
Course Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes: In this course, students are expected to:
1) Identify basic concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
• Psychological science relies on empirical evidence adapting as new data develop.
• Psychology explains general principles that govern behaviour, while recognizing individual differences.
• Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence mental processes and behaviour.
• Our perceptions filter experience of the world through an imperfect personal lens.
• Applying psychological principles can change our lives in positive ways.
2) Apply psychological principles to everyday life.
3) Draw appropriate, logical, and objective conclusions about behaviour and mental processes from empirical evidence.
4) Evaluate misconceptions or erroneous behavioural claims based on evidence from psychological science.
5) Describe research methods and basic statistical principles used in psychological research
• Define and explain key research concepts (e.g., hypothesis, operational definition)
• Interpret basic measures of central tendency
• Describe properties associated with a normal distribution
6) Describe ethical principles that guide psychologists in research and therapy.
Required Textbook: Passer, M. W., Smith, R. E., Atkinson, M., & Mitchell, J. (2017).
Psychology: Frontiers and Applications (6th Canadian edition, custom publication for the University of Alberta). Toronto: McGraw-Hill. [ISBN 9781260183238]
Full text (as seen on CONNECT) Custom text (available in bookstore)
Recommended or Optional Learning Resources: The publisher-provided online CONNECT resource is optional. The following link is where you can purchase the e-textbook and register for this resource: https://connect.mheducation.com/class/d- singhal-psyco-104-fall-2019-master-to-be-copied
Additional information about CONNECT has been posted on eClass.
Online learning resources: The additional learning resources aimed at facilitating student learning and perhaps including formative assessment tools, are available from the textbook publisher and may be accessed for a fee paid by the student to the third party provider (e.g., the textbook company). Students choosing to access and use the online resources should note the following:
1. Registration in the system and any monetary transactions are of your own accord and not the responsibility of the University.
2. Students should be mindful of protecting their personal information and should be aware of how their personal information might be used and/or shared.
3. Students SHOULD NOT use their @ualberta email address or CCID to register into the system and instead use a non-identifying email address or account.
Important Dates: See the current Calendar for the Academic Schedule, Dates, and Deadlines, which include the Registration Add/Drop deadline and Withdrawal date.
Grade Evaluation:
Distribution of Grades Letter
grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D F
% Range ≥95 90- 94
85- 89
80- 84
75- 79
71- 74
67- 70
63- 66
60- 62
55-
59 50-54 <50 Grade
points 4.0 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0 Descriptor Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Minimal
Pass Fail
This table contains an approximate guideline for the course, however the instructor reserves the right to adjust this table to correspond to University-suggested ranges and assign appropriate grades based on relative performance. Grades are unofficial until approved by the Department and/or Faculty offering the course.
Assessments Weighting Date
Test #1 20% Sept. 24
Test #2 20% Oct. 22
Test #3 20% Nov. 19
Research Participation* 10%
Final Exam 30%** TBD***
* See additional information on eClass.
** There is no possibility of a re-examination in this course.
*** WARNING: Students must verify this date on BearTracks when the Final Exam Schedule is posted.
Format of Exams: All tests will contain multiple choice questions with the possibility of some short answer questions. Each of the three term tests will cover independent
material (i.e., not cumulative). The final exam will be cumulative, with a more detailed focus on material from the latter part of the term.
Each term test will be 50 minutes in length, however, all students will be allowed up to 80 minutes to complete the test. The final exam will be 2 hours in length, however, all students will be allowed up to 3 hours to complete the exam. For students registered with Accessibility Resources:
• If your ONLY accommodation is a 1.5 exam time multiplier, you will write your term tests and final exam with your classmates at the standard date, time, and location (final exam information published by the Office of the Registrar). You DO NOT need to register these in ClockWork.
• If you have ANY other accommodations, you MUST register the term tests and final exam in ClockWork by the required deadline and write them in a location determined by the Accessibility Resources Exam Office.
• If you have any questions regarding this accommodation, please contact Accessibility Resources ([email protected]).
Lecture Schedule & Assigned Readings:
Date Topic Readings
September
3, 5 Psychology: The Science of Behaviour Chapter 1 10, 12 Studying Behaviour Scientifically Chapter 2 Statistics in Psychology Appendix 17, 19 Genes, Evolution, & Behaviour Chapter 4
24 Test #1
26 Biological Foundations of Behaviour Chapter 3 October
1, 3 Chapter 3 con’t
8, 10 Sensation & Perception Chapter 5
15, 17 Chapter 5 con’t
22 Test #2
24 States of Consciousness Chapter 6
29, 31 Chapter 6 con’t
November
5, 7 Learning & Adaptation Chapter 7
12, 14 READING WEEK
19 Test #3
21 Memory Chapter 8
26, 28 Chapter 8 con’t
December
3, 5 Motivation & Emotion Chapter 11
Representative Evaluative Material: Prior to each test assessment, a sample test file containing representative questions for the upcoming assessment will be posted on eClass.
Missed Term Tests: For an excused absence where the cause is religious belief, a student must contact the instructor(s) within two weeks of the start of Fall or Winter classes to request accommodation for the term (including the final exam, where relevant).
Instructors may request adequate documentation to substantiate the student request.
A student who cannot write a term examination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred midterm. The student must email the instructor within 48 hours of the missed test with an explanation of the extenuating circumstances. If a deferral is granted, it will be written on a date determined by the instructor. In all cases, instructors may request adequate
documentation to substantiate the reason for the absence, at their discretion.
Deferral of term work is a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
Deferred Final Examination: A student who cannot write the final examination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Students who failed at the start of term to request exam accommodations for religious beliefs are expected to follow the normal deferred final examination process. Such an application must be made to the student’s Faculty office within two working days of the missed examination and must be supported by
appropriate documentation or a Statutory Declaration (see Calendar for information on Attendance). Deferred examinations are a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in
suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
All students should consult the Academic Integrity website for clarification on the various offences. If you have any questions, ask your instructor.
All forms of dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Any offence will be reported to the Associate Dean of the Faculty, who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken. See the Academic Discipline Process. Sanctions range from a grade of zero for an exam or paper in question, with no opportunity to replace the grade or redistribute the
weights, to a disciplinary failing grade with a period of suspension or expulsion from the University of Alberta.
Exams: Your student photo I.D. is required at exams to verify your identity. Students will not be allowed to begin an examination after it has been in progress for 30 minutes, and must remain in the exam room until at least 30 minutes has elapsed. Electronic equipment cannot be brought into examination rooms and hats should not be worn. See Calendar information on Conduct of Exams for more information.
Cell Phones: Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures, labs and seminars, unless the instructor has explicitly requested their use in association with lecture/learning material (e.g., ePoll). Cell phones are not to be brought to exams.
Recording and/or Distribution of Course Materials: Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
STUDENT RESOURCES:
Accessibility Resources (AR) (1 – 80 SUB): The University of Alberta is committed to creating work and learning communities that inspire and enable all people to reach their full potential. AR promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally designed
environment. For general information to register for services visit the Accessibility Resources webpage. Eligible students have both rights and responsibilities with regard to accessibility-related accommodations. Consequently, scheduling exam accommodations in accordance with AR deadlines and procedures is essential. Please note adherence to procedures and deadlines is required for U of A to provide accommodations.
Academic Success Centre (1-80 SUB): The Academic Success Centre provides professional academic support to help students strengthen their academic skills and achieve their academic goals. Individual advising, appointments, and group workshops are available year round in the areas of Accessibility, Communication, Learning, and Writing Resources. Modest fees apply for some services.
The Centre for Writers (1-42 Assiniboia Hall): The Centre for Writers offers free one- on-one writing support to students, faculty, and staff. Students can request consultation for a writing project at any stage of development. Instructors can request class visits and presentations.
Health and Wellness Support: There are many health and community services available to current students. For more information visit the Health and Wellness Support webpage.
Office of the Student Ombuds: The Office of the Student Ombuds offers confidential interviews, advice and support to students facing academic, discipline, interpersonal and financial difficulties.
LEARNING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Science are committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System section of the University Calendar.
Disclaimer:Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be announced in class and/or posted on the course website (e.g., eClass). The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over any final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Copyright: Dr. Deanna Singhal, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta (2019).
