Texas State University



TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Spring 2017 - PSY 1300

Introduction to Psychology

Dr. Amy M. Meeks

COURSE GOALS

This course is designed to introduce you to the field of psychology. In doing so, we will discuss various aspects of life and how those aspects interact with psychological principles. Because this is a survey course, we will not be able to go into great detail on any of these topics. The goal instead is to cover the main points and give you a good working knowledge that will help you understand psychology as a discipline and as a science. You will find that this working knowledge will add to your understanding of how complex and fascinating we are as human beings. Whenever possible, we will use in-class projects, out-of-class assignments, demonstrations, and videos to illustrate key concepts in this course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

---- Four (4) Multiple Choice Exams: 95% of your grade

---- Research Participation: You must complete two (4) credits: 5% of your grade

COURSE MATERIALS

Required text: Myers, D. G., EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (10th ed.) New York: Worth

The ISBN for the paperback version + LaunchPad is: 

978-1-319-06147-0 

LaunchPad is the on-line learning tool that goes with the text. You do not need to purchase it as it is free with the textbook.

INSTRUCTOR

Name: Dr. Amy M. Meeks, PhD - Texas State E-mail: am23@txstate.edu

Office Location: 231 UAC; Phone: (512) 245-3622 (no voice mail)

Office Hours: M – W from 10 to 11 and 2 to 3

Teaching Assistant: 8 a.m. class: Marin: emc114@txstate.edu

9 a.m. class: Kate: krx1@txstate.edu

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance

Class attendance and class participation are considered important in the attainment of course goals. Therefore, absences are strongly discouraged. Attendance is taken daily and class is best when we are here together.

If you choose to be absent, or are absent for reasons beyond your control, that is okay and not the end of the world. Life happens and sometimes you are not in class. The only absences which are accepted and excused are those that are school related in that you are elsewhere representing Texas State University. Documentation verifying those times is essential. Students who attend class MUST VERIFY their attendance each class day.

Otherwise, if you miss class because you are sick, I hope you feel better; if you miss class because you have to attend a funeral, I am sorry for your loss; and if you miss class because you overslept, I hope you feel rested. My hope is that you choose to come to class, be involved, and learn.

Attendance for classes held in Regular Classrooms:

Attendance will be documented by signing in on the roster each class day. You must sign in each day in order to be counted as being present in class.

Attendance for classes held in Teaching Theatres:

Attendance will be documented by the scanners. You must scan in and scan out each class day with your student ID. Leaving class after attendance has been taken but before class is over, will count as an absence.

Academic Integrity Issues

The professor will strictly adhere to the University Academic Integrity Policy described in the Student Handbook in dealing with plagiarism or other academic integrity issues. This policy states:

All work submitted for credit must be the student’s original work. Any assignment turned in that is questionable in terms of its authorship will be investigated and will be subject to the disciplinary action(s) recommended under Texas State University policies.

This information can be found in the university handbook at UPPS 07.10.01

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Assignments

We will cover approximately one chapter per week. You are expected to have read the chapter by class time and you are responsible for all assigned reading material for the examinations. Classroom activities and lectures will be based on the chapter topics and related issues that you should be able to discuss.

Classroom Discussions

Issues in psychology can be among the most sensitive and personal that we may encounter in the academic world. Your opinion is valuable and we want to hear from you!! Listening to new perspectives in a discussion will facilitate your own learning and that of others. The following ground rules will aid us in having useful, respectful discussions about these sensitive topics:

Take responsibility for your own learning in this class.

Speak up if you have a question or do not understand.

Respect all opinions, your own and those of others.

Feel free to disagree with any opinion that is expressed, but only after you fully understand the other point of view.

Derogatory comments or personal attacks are not acceptable.

Agree that we may disagree.

Take risks by sharing feelings and opinions, but leave what others say in the classroom.

If, during this course, personal issues are raised that you would like to discuss with a counselor, please contact the University Counseling Center at 245 - 2208. I am willing to help you find the right resource for you and your situation but I can not become your counselor.

SPECIAL STUDENTS

If you are a student with a disability who will require accommodation to participate in this class, please contact me as soon as possible. You will be asked to provide documentation from the Office of Disability Services.

COURSE GRADES

Your grade in this course will be the result of four (4) examinations (95% of total grade), and Research Participation (5%). So 95% from exams, and 5 % from research participation through SONA. Details on the last pages of this syllabus.

Examinations will be based on class materials, lectures, guest lectures, media presentations, and text assignments.

Make-up examinations are allowed only in cases of an excused absence or an emergency, and the reason must be documented in writing. If you must take an exam outside of the regularly scheduled time there will be an automatic deduction of 15 points. This will not apply to students who miss an exam due to university related business.

All make-up exams must be taken within one week of the class exam.

NO TEST SCORES ARE DROPPED.

The grading scale will be as follows:

A: if your average is between 90 and 100

B: if your average is between 80 and 89

C: if your average is between 70 and 79

D: if your average is between 60 and 69

F: if your average is 59 or below

You are each responsible for the grade that you make in this class. I want you to all make A’s, and I will do my part to help you achieve that grade, but I cannot do it for you. If your average for the course falls in the 70’s then you will receive a C in the class, regardless of how much you explain to me that your transcript cannot handle another C.

At the end of each semester, I have students tell me in great detail why they REALLY need a certain grade in this class. If you choose to do this, I will listen patiently to your explanation and then I will give you the grade that you have earned. I will be glad to give you an A, if your average is in the 90’s.

I see this class as a joint effort between you and me. I promise to do my part by showing up each class day ready to lecture on the material and explain it in a way that you can hopefully understand. I need you to do your part by coming to class willing to learn and prepared to discuss the material of the day.

It is possible to make a great grade in this class and to have fun doing so. That is my goal for each of you.

ELECTRONIC BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM:

Laptop computers may be used to take notes from the class lecture of the day. Using your laptop during class for any other purpose will cause you to loose the privilege of having your laptop in this class. Cell phone use is not allowed in class so please silence your phones while you are in class

HOW YOU AND I COMMUNICATE

When I have information that I need to tell you, I will always put it in the form of an Announcement on our TRACS site. At the same time, I always send a copy to your Bobcat email account. PLEASE read your Bobcat email so you will know of any changes I have made to the class schedule and/or events you may attend for extra credit. I will always give you the information you need to know for this class BUT you must read it in order to be aware of such information. Please read your Bobcat emails.

EXTRA CREDIT

Limited to 16 points total for the semester.

1.) Attendance in class:

If you have perfect attendance between tests, then 2 points will be added to your test grade. For example, if you do not miss a class before Test #1 then you will be given 2 points as extra credit for Test #1. The same concept will apply to Test #2, 3, and 4. Attendance is taken every day and, with the completion of each test, you start over on your ability to earn 2 points for the next test.

2.) Participation in various research opportunities:

During the semester I am often approached and asked to allow my students to participate in various research projects. I will always tell you about these opportunities and give you the chance to participate. Participation is not required but is usually a fun way to earn extra credit. The number of points you earn varies with each study depending on the time required of you.

3.) Attending Various Campus Events:

These will be announced in class as they become available.

COURSE CALENDER - INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY - SPRING 2016

WEEK 1 January MLK - 18 - 20 CHAPTER 1: Thinking Critically…

WEEK 2 January 23 - 25 - 27 CHAPTER 2: Biology…

WEEK 3 February 30 - 1 - 3 CHAPTER 3: Consciousness…

WEEK 4 February 6 - 8 - 10 TEST #1: Chapters 1,2,3

WEEK 5 February 13 - 15 - 17 CHAPTER 4: Developing through…

WEEK 6 February 20 – 22 - 24 CHAPTER 7: Learning

WEEK 7 Feb/March 27 - 1 - 3 CHAPTER 9: Thinking, Language, …

WEEK 8 March 6 - 8 - 10 TEST #2: Chapters 4, 7, 9

WEEK 9 March - - ---- SPRING BREAK----

WEEK 10 March 20 - 22 - 24 CHAPTER 11: Stress, Health and…

WEEK 11 Mar/April 27 - 29 - 31 CHAPTER 12: Personality…

WEEK 12 April 3 – 5 - 7 CHAPTER 13: Social Psychology….

WEEK 13 April 10- 12 - 14 TEST # 3: Chapter 11, 12, 13

WEEK 14 April 17 - 19 - 21 CHAPTER 14: Psychological Disorders

WEEK 15 April/May 24 - 26 - 28 CHAPTER 15: Therapy

WEEK 16 May 1 - LAST CLASS DAY/ Test #4 Chpt 14, 15

ALL TESTS ARE GIVEN IN THE ROOM WHERE YOUR REGULAR CLASS IS HELD

The Final Exam for this class is the 4th test. It will not be comprehensive and will be formatted like your other tests. Once you take Test #4 you are finished with this class.

Final Exam Time: 8 a.m. class: Wednesday May 10th at 8 a.m.

9 a.m. class: Friday May 5th at 8 a.m.

The Department of Psychology has adopted Expected Student Learning Outcomes for the undergraduate major, the graduate major, and for all students in PSY 1300 which is a general education course meeting a requirement for the social and behavioral science component. These expected student learning outcomes are available for your review at the following website:



Student learning outcomes will be assessed at one or two points during the semester. This assessment is mandatory for all students but this assessment will not affect your grade in the course. It is only to assess the department as part of our preparation for re-accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS). Accreditation through SACS is done every ten (10) years and is an important part of making your degree valuable.

Learning Outcomes for Students in PSY 1300:

1) Students will be able to define what psychology is and discuss the development of psychology as a social and behavioral science.

2) Students will be able to employ the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition/human behavior.

3) Students will demonstrate their ability to apply the theories of and research in psychology to describe the human condition.

4) Students will be able to recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research, as required for all courses meeting the social and behavioral science requirement. More specifically, students will be able to understand the evolving nature of social science research, especially in the field of psychology.

5) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which different approaches to, and schools of thought within, psychology examine the human condition/human behavior using different methodologies consistent with the social and behavioral science perspective requirements.

Learning Outcomes for the Undergraduate Major in Psychology:

1)  Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and theories of psychology by using theories to explain and predict behavior and mental processes.

2)  Demonstrate Knowledge and understanding of theories and research in biological bases of behavior.

3)  Demonstrate a basic understanding of and ability to utilize appropriately the various methodologies and designs used in psychological research.

4)  Understand basic statistical concepts and evaluate the appropriateness of research conclusions.

5)  Demonstrate a basic understanding of ethical obligations and ethical issues within psychology.

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR ALL TEACHING THEATRES: ALKEK, CENTENNIAL HALL, and LBJ

In our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Teaching Theater facilities and equipment, please observe the following:

Cell phones must be turned off.

No food or open drink containers.

Spill-proof containers permitted.

No tobacco products of any type.

No power adaptor cords across the aisles.

Do not place your feet on the seat backs.

To facilitate traffic flow, enter and exit through the assigned doorways.

Lost and Found items are kept in the Technician’s office.

Emergency Procedures--If an alarm is sounded, move in an orderly fashion to the door nearest you, evacuate and move away from the building

Medical Emergency Procedures--Notify the Professor or TA immediately in the event of illness or injury during class. All students are to remain seated, unless instructed otherwise, to provide Emergency Personnel access to the individual requiring attention.

TESTING PROCEDURES FOR ALL CLASSES

On test days, the only item you need to bring to class is a pencil. Scantrons will be provided.

On your scantron please write in and bubble in YOUR NAME, ID NUMBER, COURSE NUMBER, SECTION NUMBER, and TEST FORM. If these are not filled in then 5 points will be deducted from your test score.

If you bring other items to class, they must be placed against the wall or on the stage.

During the test, no caps, hats, or head gear are allowed.

During the test, no electronic devices are allowed. If one is visible, it will be assumed you were using it to cheat and you will be given a zero for the test.

When turning in your test, please be certain it is placed in the correct stack.

Asking the professor to clarify a test question is acceptable; asking the professor for the answer is not acceptable.

Each student is to keep their scantron covered so that their answers are not seen by others.

The test forms (color) will be alternated when placed on your desks, therefore, you should always have a different color than your neighbor. If you have the same color as your neighbor you will both be given a zero for that test.

All answers are to come from you and only you.

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Spring 2016 PSY 1300 Research Experience: Participant Guidelines

This information applies to all of the following sections of PSY 1300:

MWF 8-8:50 Section 251 (CRN 36252): Instructor: Amy Moore Meeks

MWF 9-9:50 Section 252 (CRN 36253): Instructor: Amy Moore Meeks

MWF 10-10:00 Section 253 (CRN 33868): Instructor: Sarah K Angulo

MW 11:00-12:20 Section 254 (CRN 33870): Instructor: Marilyn Gibbons-Arhelger

TR 9:30-10:50 Section 255 (CRN 33869): Instructor: Kristen Tooley

TR 3:30-4:50 Section 256 (CRN 33871): Instructor: Kristen Tooley

R 5-7:50 Section 257 (CRN 33872): Instructor: John D Huber

MW 3:30-4:50 Section 259 (CRN 38478): Instructor: Marilyn Gibbons-Arhelger

In Psychology 1300, you will learn about research in many areas of psychology. Psychologists conduct much of this research with human participants in psychology laboratories at universities such as Texas State University. To enhance your understanding of the nature of psychological research, it is important that you get some first-hand experience with research. For that reason, students in this section of Psychology 1300 are required to have direct experience with psychological research.

All research with human participants must be carried out in an ethical manner. For example, you cannot be required to participate in experiments against your wishes. Therefore, you have two options to fulfill the Psychology 1300 research experience requirement: one option involves participation in experiments whereas the other does not. Both options have been designed to take the same amount of effort. You are free to choose either option or both for a total credit balance of 4 credits.

If you fail to complete the research experience requirement (either Option 1 or 2 below, or a combination), then your final course grade will be reduced by approximately one-half of a letter grade (i.e., 5%). The due date to complete your research requirement is Monday, May 2, 2016 (see information below on early participation incentive). No late submissions will be accepted.

Option 1. Experiment Participation

If you are 18 years of age or older, you are eligible to participate in experiments (the age restriction is due to federal policy). Your participation in experiments will give you a chance to have direct contact with research. Participation in psychology experiments at Texas State University that require 30 minutes or less are worth 1 credit; experiments that take between 30-60 minutes or less are worth 2 credits; experiments that take between 60-90 minutes or less are worth 3 credits; experiments that take between 90-120 minutes or less are worth 4 credits. The number of credits will be noted in the experiment description that you see when you sign up. Only experiments listed at qualify for credit. In addition, paid experiments cannot be used to satisfy the Psychology 1300 Research Requirement.

To sign up for an experiment, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the website on or after February 8 (the subject pool will be opened on the first Monday after the 12th class day, and your user account will have been created).

2. Log in with the following credentials:

• User ID: Your Texas State net ID e.g., ab1234

• Password: PSY1300 (You may change your password after logging in)

After you log in, you can sign up for experiments, view your accumulated credits, and edit your profile, including your password as shown in the screen shot below.

Incentive for Early Participation: If you complete your research requirement (option 1: experiment participation only) by Monday, March 21st, you will receive double credits (e.g., 2 credits for a 1 credit study).

Option 2. Research Article Summary

You may also demonstrate direct contact with research by submitting a written summary of a research article published during 2014 in Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research. Credit will not be given for summaries of articles published in any other year or any other journal. Each written summary is worth 2 credits. To earn credits in this way, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the following web site: . (works best with Mozilla Firefox) Expand the 2014 list on the right side of the page, and choose one the articles listed. The article(s) you summarize must be from 2014. All articles can be accessed for free through the Texas State Library.

2. Read the article and then type (in 12-point font, single spaced) a 1-page paper in which you answer the following 4 questions.

3. (A) What question(s) did this research try to answer or what hypotheses did it test?

(B) What methods were used to answer the question(s) or test the hypotheses?

(C) What were the major findings of the research?

(D) What conclusions did the researchers draw based on the findings?

4. Please respond in your own words and avoid direct quotes. If plagiarism is detected in your article summary, you will lose the opportunity to earn that credit through article submission. You might then (a) do an experiment to replace it or (b) lose the credit.

5. Submit your summary via email to: Psy-Research@txstate.edu

Summary

Research Experience in this section of PSY 1300 is worth 5% of your course grade. Research credits for both options can be tracked by logging into as described above. Additional details, including frequently asked questions, can be found at: . Please direct any questions regarding the research experience requirement to the Research Experience Coordinator at Psy-Research@txstate.edu.

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