FIRST SEMESTER FINAL



Course Outline

Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and application, providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.

IB Psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive, behavioral and socio-cultural influences on human behavior, adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied will lead to a greater understanding of yourself and an appreciation for the diversity of human behavior.

Psychology Aims

• Develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive, behavioral and sociocultural influences of human behavior.

• Understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry.

• Develop an understanding of how psychological research can be applied for the benefit of human beings.

• Understand the ethical practices that are upheld in psychological inquiry.

• Develop an understanding of alternative explanations of behavior.

• Develop an understanding of psychological treatment.

Profile of a Successful Psychology Student

A successful psychology student is one will complete all required assignments and readings when assigned, request work promptly when absent, and ask questions when necessary to gain a better understanding of difficult concepts. They are willing to spending time beyond regular class time to get further assistance when necessary. They study regularly, participate in class activities, maintain a well-organized portfolio, and have a “study buddy.”

Course Requirements

Required Materials

1. Portfolio/notebook including necessary assignments and handouts

2. Textbook: Psychology in Perspective, Carol Tavris & Carole Wade; Prentiss Hall, 2001; Third edition.

3. Pen and/or pencil (blue or black ink only

4. Lined binder paper or notebook

Supplemental Materials

1. 40 Studies That Changed Psychology; Explorations into the History of Psychological Research; Roger Hock; Prentice Hall, 2008; Sixth Edition

2. IB Psychology Course Companion, John Crane & Jette Hannibal, Oxford University Press, 2009; First Edition

Classwork: Written assignments, note-taking, activities (individual and small group), quizzes and exams

Homework: Textbook and handout readings (usually followed by a short quiz on the following day), completion of classroom assignments (including the Internal Assessment), preparing for exams.

• Homework assignments are to be completed by the due date. If you hand it in at the end of the day, it is late. Those who will not be present on the assigned date must hand in work prior to departure. If work is handed in one day late, the highest possible grade is a B and two days a C. Work may be submitted for a grade of 50% for one week after the assignment is due. After the end of the quarter and after graded papers are returned to class it is not possible to submit an assignment for credit.

• Computer problems are no better than “the dog ate it.” If you are doubtful of your luck with computers, please do your work early. Any computer glitches will result in your paper being late.

• You will be required to read the textbook. It is essential that you are organized from the very beginning. Remember, in the end you will be tested on two years worth of material.

Assessment: Assessment will be in the form of student presentations, quizzes, mid-terms and exams. Most exams will be essay as they are designed to resemble the IB Psychology exam format.

Internal Assessment: Research and replicate a simple experiment and summarizing the experiment in a 1000 to 1500 word written report.

Portfolio/Notebook: A Portfolio will be developed for each unit during the course of instruction. This portfolio will include assignments and handouts completed and issued during the unit. All assignments will be assessed initially and at the end of the unit in the form of a portfolio grade. This portfolio will be kept all year as the IB exam is a cumulative exam on all the unit areas and will be reviewed before exams.

Participation: It is imperative that students are prepared for class discussions. Assigned readings will need to be completed on time so that discussions will be carried by the student-not the teacher. Failure to come to class prepared will adversely affect your course grade.

Class expectations

1) Respect yourself, others, and school property.

2) Be prepared to engage. This is a very interactive class. Participation is required.

3) Always do your personal best at all times.

4) Be sensitive. This class raises very personal issues and conversations. Respect towards one another is essential. Disrespect will not be tolerated.

5) Keep your hands, arms, feet, fingers, body, and belongings to yourself at all times.

6) Use common sense. You are expected to act in a professional manner.

Course Pacing Schedule

Quarter 1: Introduction to Psychology, research methodologies, ethics and Internal Assessment

Quarter 2: Biological & Cognitive Levels of Analysis, Behavioral Psychology, and complete Internal Assessment

Quarter 3: Socio-cultural Levels of Analysis and Psychology of Human Relationships

Quarter 4: Review and prepare for IB Exams, Psychoanalytic Psychology

Unit work: All areas of investigation will be presented in units.

Course Outline:

• UNIT ONE: Introduction to Psychology

o What is psychology

o Why study behavior

• UNIT TWO: Research Methodology

o How do we study human behavior

o How do we measure human behavior

o Methods used is Psychological research

o Ethics

o Project: Replicate and report on a simple experimental psychology study

• UNIT THREE: Biological Level of Analysis

o Evolution & inheritance of behavior

o How emotions and behavior are effected by physiology

o Environmental effects on physiology and psychology

o Ethics in biological research

o Brain imaging and biological treatments

• UNIT FOUR: Behavioral Level of Analysis

o Operant and Classical Conditioning

o Reinforcers and punishers

o Freewill vs determinism

o Environmental factors contribution to behavior

o Use of behavioral treatments

• UNIT FIVE: Cognitive Level of Analysis

o Mental representations guide behavior

o Schema theory

o Models of memory

o Biological and cognitive factors on cognitive abilities and processes

o Social and cultural factors effect on cognitive processes

o Effect of emotion on cognitive processes

o Use of technology and cognitive treatments

• UNIT SIX: Socio-cultural Level of Analysis

o Social and cultural environment influences on individual behavior

o Construction of individual and social self

o Application of situational and dispositional factors and errors in attribution to behavior

o Social identity theory

o Stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination

o Social learning theory

o Compliance techniques

o Conformity

o Concepts: “culture”, “cultural norms”, “emic” and “etic”

• UNIT SEVEN: Psychology of Human Relationships

o Influences of biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors on human relationships

o Altruism and prosocial behavior

o Bystanderism

o Origins of attraction

o Communications role in relationships

o Origins, effects of and strategies to reduce violence

• INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

o Students are required to plan undertake and report a replication of a simple experimental study. This will involve the manipulation by the student, of a single independent variable and the measure of the effect of this independent variable on a dependent variable.

Electronics Policy and Penalty procedure:

According to the Student Conduct Codes:

Items which detract or distract from the learning environment are not to be brought to school. Such items may include but are not limited to: radios, head sets, recorder/players, television games, Dungeons and Dragons, Ouija boards, toys, matches, lighters, cards and beepers. Such items shall not be brought to school unless specifically authorized in writing by a teacher or administrator. Items will be taken away and turned into the office to be returned to the student with a warning at the end of the day. [p. 8]

*Cell phones, pagers, personal stereos & any other disruptive devices will be turned OFF and put away. If any personal property becomes disruptive at any point during class time or during school hours (if I see it or hear it), the following procedures will be followed:

1. 1st offense: Item confiscated until the end of the day. I will return item to student.

2. 2nd offense: Item turned into office for administrative referral.

3. 3rd offense: Item turned into office for administrative referral and parents contacted for further disciplinary action.

Academic Honesty

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means:

1. to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

2. to use (another's production) without crediting the source

3. to commit literary theft

4. to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

()

Plagiarism is not acceptable on any terms. Students in violation of academic honesty will face severe consequences, which may include zero scores on assignments, failing an overall unit or class, probation, parent conferences, and possible removal from the IB program. If at any time, you are concerned about possible violations or need help with clarification, ASK for help. It is better to ask for help and guidance than to find yourself in violation.

*The information in this syllabus/guide is to help you understand our purpose and to provide information. Please keep it in your binder and refer to it regularly!*

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Kristina Schoch-Giannosa

Kristina.giannosa@

kschoch@stockton.k12.ca.us

Personal Cell: (209) 639-1271

mrsgiannosa.

Franklin High School

IB Psychology SL

Syllabus

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