PSYCO 104-A4: Basic Psychological Processes University of Alberta
Fall 2019
TR 11:00am – 12:20pm CCIS 1-430
Instructor: Dr. Dana A. Hayward
* I prefer to be addressed as Professor or Dr. Hayward Office: BS P-241
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesdays (12:30-2pm), Thursdays (9-10:30am) or by appointment
* for Midterm weeks, my office hour times will switch (Tuesday 9- 10:30am, Thursdays 12:30-2pm)
TAs: YanFei Song ([email protected]) Anna Kalisvaart ([email protected])
Course Description:
Principles and development of perception, motivation, learning, and thinking, and their relationship to psychological functioning or the individual. Fulfillment of the ¼ laboratory credit typically entails serving as a research participant, but can be fulfilled through the completion of alternative assignments.Course Prerequisites:
The course is a prerequisite to all courses in the department and is normally followed by PSYCO 105.Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:
1) To gain an introductory overview of the major areas in Psychology
2) To think critically about psychological data and the connection between data and theory 3) To begin to apply Psychology to real-world examples
Course Format:
Course objectives will be met through a combination of formal lectures, in- class demonstrations, class interactions, and audio-visual materials.Required Textbook:
Passer, M.W., et al (2017). Psychology: Foundations and Applications (5th Canadian Edition, custom publication for the University of Alberta). Toronto, McGraw-Hill Ryerson.Expectations:
I expect students to be familiar with and to follow all University Regulations detailed in the University calendar and in the Code of Student Behaviour (online at
http://calendar.ualberta.ca/index.php and https://www.ualberta.ca/governance/
resources/policies-standards-and-codes-of-conduct/code-of-student-behaviour). You can expect to be treated in a polite, respectful, and honest manner, and I expect the same in return. The use of laptops or other electronic devices during lectures for purposes other than taking notes (such as checking email, surfing the web, playing games, watching videos, or texting) is
considered rude and can be distracting to others. Talking to your neighbors during lectures is also distracting and disruptive. Please do not do these activities during lectures or you may be asked to leave.
Lectures:
Class lectures will be based on topics from the textbook (see schedule below). You are expected to have read each chapter, preferably before each lecture. Lectures are meant to clarify and enrich your knowledge of a given topic. There is not sufficient class time to cover everything that was read in the chapter, however you are still responsible for this material on exams. Materials presented during lectures are meant to expand your understanding and general interest in the topics. All materials from lectures (including videos and guest lectures) can and may be on exams even if the material is not covered in the textbook.
Lecture Schedule & Assigned Readings
Dates Tuesday Thursday Topic
Sept. 3
rd/5
thIntroduction/
Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Sept. 10
th/12
thRP
presentation/
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Research Methods
Sept. 17
th/19
thChapter 2/
Appendix Review Research Methods con’t Sept. 24
th/26
thMidterm #1 Chapter 3 Neuroscience/Behaviour Oct. 1
st/3
rdChapter 3 Chapter 4 Neuro/Genes
Oct. 8
th/10
thChapter 4 Review Genes, Evolution, Behaviour
Oct. 15
th/17
thMidterm #2 Chapter 5 Sensation & Perception Oct. 22
th/24
thChapter 5 Chapter 6 S&P; Consciousness Oct. 29
th/31
stChapter 6 Review Consciousness con’t Nov. 5
th/7
thMidterm #3 Chapter 7 Learning
Nov. 12
th/14
thFALL READING WEEK
Nov. 19
th/21
stChapter 7 Chapter 8 Learning/Memory Nov. 26
th/28
thChapter 8 Chapter 11 Memory/Motivation Dec. 3
rd/5
thChapter 11 Overflow/
REVIEW
Motivation/Emotion
Grade Evaluation:
Evaluation Weighting Due Date
.Research Participation 10% Throughout term
Midterms (3)* 50% Sept 24
Oct 15 Nov 5
Written Assignments (2) 10% Oct 4
by Dec 6
Final Exam 30% Dec 16th, 2pm**
* Best 2 midterm marks will contribute equally to the 50% midterm component
** Students must verify this date on BearTracks when the Final Exam Schedule is posted
Grading:
Exams will be marked in terms of your percentage correct. The final grade will be computed according to the University of Alberta letter grading system and will be based upon your relative standing in class. That being said, a mark of at least 50% is typically required for a passing grade. The table below contains an approximate guideline for the course, however the
instructor reserves the right to adjust this table and assign appropriate grades based on relative performance. Grades are unofficial until approved by the Department and/or Faculty offering the course.
Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Pass Fail
Letter
Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D F
Grade Point Value
4.0 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0
Approx.
% ³95 90-
94.9 85- 89.9
80- 84.9
75- 79.9
71- 74.9
67- 70.9
63- 66.9
60- 62.9
55- 59.9
50- 54.9
<50
Research Participation
Research Participation counts for 10% of the course final grade in PSYC104 (and 105) classes.
Students need to earn 5 credits (2% each credit) in order to complete the Research Participation.
Midterms
Midterms will only be based on the immediately preceding materials (e.g., Midterm 1 will evaluate Chapters 1 and 2, Midterm 2 will evaluate Chapters 3 and 4). The midterms will test material covered in the lectures, in-class demonstrations, and textbook via multiple-choice questions. Although there will be some overlap between the materials inside and outside of class, it is not a complete overlap. Students are responsible for all material. Midterms will not be handed back in class. There will be one exam viewing session after each midterm. No other viewing session will be scheduled.
Written Assignments
More details regarding the written assignments will be provided as the course progresses.
In short, the assignments will contribute to answering the following questions:
(1) What is the validity of everyday psychological claims?
Due: Oct 4th, 2019 by 11:59pm (2) How does psychological research work?
Due: throughout term. If submitted by 11:59pm on Nov 15th, 2019, then a bonus mark will be awarded.
Final Exam
The Final Exam will be based on the immediate preceding materials (e.g., Chapter 7, 8 and 11), in addition to some previous material from the course. Guidance will be provided as to which sections of the previous material to focus on. The final will test material covered in the lectures, in-class demonstrations, and textbook via multiple-choice questions. Although there will be some overlap between the materials inside and outside of class, it is not a complete overlap.
Students are responsible for all material.
NOTE: The final exam for this section of PSYCO 104 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 final exam with your classmates at the standard date, time, and location published by the Office of the Registrar. You DO NOT need to register this final exam in ClockWork.
• If you have ANY other accommodations, you MUST register this exam in
ClockWork by the required deadline and write your exam in a location determined by the Accessibility Resources Exam Office.
• If you have any questions regarding this accommodation, please contact Accessibility Resources ([email protected]).
Midterm and Final Exam Procedures:
Your student ID number and photo identification (e.g., ONEcard or other form of government ID) are required at both the midterms and final exams to verify your identity. Students will not be allowed to begin an examination after it has been in progress for 30 minutes. Students must remain in the exam room until at least 30minutes has elapsed. Electronic equipment cannot be used during the exam and outside jackets or hats cannot be worn. During exams, you will also need to ask for permission to use the restroom and will leave your exam paper with the proctor who will mark the time you leave and return on the exam paper.
Reviewing your Midterms:
You will have an opportunity to view your assessments, with the following structure.(1) Midterms will be available to view for one week only, roughly 2 weeks after the midterm has been written.
• Midterm #1: roughly during the week of October 7th
• Midterm #2: roughly during the week of October 28th
• Midterm #3: roughly during the week of November 18th
(2) The TAs will provide day/time options for each review session. You will be required to sign up before the requested session so that they can prepare accordingly. More details will be provided in class.
CELL PHONES:
Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures, labs and seminars. Cell phones are not to be brought to exams.Past/Representative Evaluative Material:
Sample exam questions will be made available on e-class.Missed Term Exams and Assignments:
For an excused absence where the cause is religious belief, a student must contact the instructor(s) within two weeks of the start of Winter classes to request accommodation for the term (including the final exam). Instructors may request adequate documentation to substantiate the student request.
There will be no deferrals for midterms, as all students are allowed to drop the lowest mark. If a student misses more than one midterm, the weighting of that midterm (i.e., 25%) will be
transferred to the final exam. A student who cannot write the final examination or complete a term assignment due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferral (by emailing the course instructor). At the discretion of the instructor, a deferral may be granted. If a deferral is granted, the course of action may be either to write the missed assessment or have the weight of a missed assessment
NOTE: There will be no additional opportunities to make up an assessment beyond the options outlined above.
Deferred assessments will include some multiple-choice questions, however they may also include a more substantial writing component. 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
(http://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=4939#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. The date for any final exam deferrals to be written is Tuesday January 14th, 2020 at 10am.
Re-examination:
A student who writes the final examination and fails the course may apply for a re-examination. Re-examinations are rarely granted in the Faculty of Science. These exams are governed by University regulations(http://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=4939 - Examinations_(Exams)) and Faculty of Science regulations
(http://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=4970#academic-standing).
Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a re-examination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
Policy for Late Assignments:
Assignments are due by 11:59pm MST on the due date, submitted through eClass. Any assignments submitted after that time are considered late. Late assignments will lose 10% per day they are overdue. Students may be granted extensions to assignment deadlines at the discretion of the instructor. Any requests for extensions should be made as far in advance as possible (and no later than 48 hours before a given deadline).
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 StudentBehaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta.ca) 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 forms of dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Any offence will be reported to the Associate Dean of Science who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken. Cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation of facts are serious offences. Anyone who engages in these practices will receive at minimum a grade of zero for the exam or paper in question and no opportunity will be given to replace the grade or redistribute the weights. As well, in the Faculty of Science the sanction for cheating on any examination will include a disciplinary failing grade (NO EXCEPTIONS) and senior students should expect a period of suspension or expulsion from the University of Alberta.
STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR ACCESSIBILITY-RELATED ACCOMMODATIONS (students registered with Accessibility Resources - AR): 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. Contact AR (https://www.ualberta.ca/current-
students/accessibility-resources) for further information.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE:
Students who require additional help in developing strategies for better time management, study skills or examination skills should contact the Student Success Centre (2-300 Students’ Union Building).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 anapproved 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).
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.
Disclaimer:
Any typographical errors in this Course Outline are subject to change and will be announced in class. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takesprecedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus. Dr. Hayward reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus, as she sees fit.