PSYC 1000:
Introductory
Psychology
Fall 2014
Professor
Christyn Dolbier, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Rawl Annex 141
Phone: 252-328-2119
Email: dolbierc@ecu.edu
Student Hours
Email: I try to respond
within 48 hours (M-F, 9am-5pm)
Office or telephone:
M & T 12-2:30 or by appointment
Syllabus
This document is designed to provide you with a detailed description of what to expect in this course. It contains
information about the workings of the course, including a schedule, policies, requirements, and expectations - for
both me and you. It is very important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with this syllabus. Please be
aware that during the semester, changes may be made to the schedule and policies. I will post these as
announcements on the welcome page of our online LaunchPad course.
Course Overview
Welcome to this introductory course in psychology! In this course, I will provide you with an overview of how
psychologists attempt to discover how we think, feel, and behave. I will introduce you to psychology as a science
and its sub-disciplines. I will also expose you to its various theoretical orientations, methodologies, and
applications to society. In addition, I will challenge your preconceptions of psychology by helping you to think
critically about its issues. Throughout the course I will help you enhance your understanding of yourself and
others by relating to the material and applying it to your own life.
Course Objectives
Successful completion of this course will enable you to accomplish the following:
1. Gain factual and conceptual knowledge of psychology. Psychology is a broad discipline. I will provide you with
a general survey of the fundamental concepts, principles and theories underlying human behavior and mental
processes.
2. Understand how and why psychological research is conducted. Psychology is a social science grounded in
research. I will help you learn about the discipline’s various research methods, and recognize the interrelatedness of theory, research, and application.
3. Appreciate broader applications of psychology. I will help you become aware of how psychology relates to
your life and the lives of those around you, and how psychology draws upon and contributes to numerous
disciplines such as philosophy, physiology, sociology, neuroscience, and medicine.
Course Format
 Online course: This course is taught entirely online using the LaunchPad course management platform. I
provide all instructional materials online via LaunchPad. If you are not familiar with this platform, you should
review the Student Manual (located in the Course Documents folder on the LaunchPad home page) and
become comfortable with LaunchPad during the first week of class.
 Is an online course right for you? To determine whether online learning is a good fit for your learning habits,
review the Succeeding as an Online Student and Tips for Online Success sections at this website:
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/options/de-101.cfm. If you cannot answer “yes” to most of the following
questions, this may not be the best course format for you. Are you self-disciplined about completing
coursework and studying? Are you conscientious about meeting deadlines? Are you good at following written
directions? Are you comfortable using online technology?
 Independent coursework: You are expected to complete all required coursework independently. Any
collaboration in the completion of coursework or completion of coursework by someone other than you is
considered a violation of academic integrity and will be dealt with as such.
 Exam proctoring: All exams must be proctored at a proctoring center near where you live. It is your
responsibility to make arrangements for the dates, times and locations for your proctored exams.
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Required Course Materials
The textbook Exploring Psychology 9th Edition (Myers, 2014) and access to the LaunchPad online course are
both required for this course.
 What to purchase:
 If you want a PRINTED textbook: Purchase a printed textbook packaged with LaunchPad access (ISBN
9781464189494).
 If you want an ONLINE textbook (called an e-book): Purchase access to LaunchPad, which contains the
e-book (ISBN 9781464165016).
 Where to purchase:
 Dowdy Student Stores: Purchases can be made in person in the Wright Building or online at this website:
http://epos2-phx.sequoiars.com/ePOS?this_category=1&store=458&form=shared3%2ftextbooks%2fmain
%2ehtml&design=458 (to pick up in person or have delivered to you).
 Worth Publishers: LaunchPad access can be purchased online at this website:
http://www.worthpublishers.com/launchpad/exploring9edsm5/440945/ECommerce/Unauthenticated
Technology Requirements
Inherent in your choice to take an online course is a claim of technological proficiency and access. Any claims to
the contrary will not be considered acceptable reasons for missing coursework deadlines.
 Computer and internet: Dependable computer with reliable internet access.
 ECU email: Ability to access and use your ECU email account.
 LaunchPad course: Ability to log on to and use the various components of our LaunchPad course.
 Supported browsers: Internet Explorer 9 and above, Firefox 13 and above, Chrome 28 and above, and
Safari 6 and above
 Mobile devices: mobile phones, tablets or other mobile devices are not supported.
 Using an unsupported browser or mobile device may prevent you from registering, logging in,
navigating the site, completing assignments, and submitting answers to a quiz.
 Settings: 1024x768 minimum monitor resolution and color depth required (larger resolutions
recommended). If you filter cookies, you must allow session cookies. JavaScript must be enabled (usually
enabled by default).
 Downloads/plug-ins: Animations and interactive tutorials for some titles require Adobe Flash Player
version 10 or higher sufficient (version 11 or most current version recommended). Various video players
required depending on title (Apple QuickTime, Windows Media Player, RealPlayer). Some content
requires Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
LaunchPad
 LaunchPad is a teaching and learning environment that consists of an e-book, course resources, and
assessments, all customized to our textbook.
 Registering: Follow the steps below to register (create a student account) for our LaunchPad course.
 Go to http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/exploring9edsm5/710628
 Bookmark the page to make it easy to return to.
 If you have an access code (if you purchased a printed textbook packaged with LaunchPad access, it
comes with an access code), click the button "Enter Your Student Access Code" in the upper right corner
and follow the instructions.
 If you don't have an access code (if you want an online textbook, meaning you will just purchase
LaunchPad which contains the online textbook), either click the "Purchase Access" or "Temporary
Access" button.
 Temporary LaunchPad access: Temporary access is available and allows you to register for and work inside
our course for 21 days, which gives you extra time to purchase your book and LaunchPad access if you need
it. When you are ready to purchase or when your temporary access has expired, you will need to go through
the LaunchPad registration process again. You must enter the same first name, last name, email
address, and password that you used to create your temporary account. Doing so will ensure that
your work remains associated with your account.
 Logging in: After registering for LaunchPad, you will be able to log in to our LaunchPad course at the website
listed above that you were asked to bookmark. Under Students, click on Login and enter the email address
you used and the password you created when you registered for LaunchPad. Select PSYC 1000 - 016 - ECU
Introductory Psychology - Fall 2014 and you are in.
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 Assistance: If you have any problems registering, purchasing, or logging in, please contact Technical
Support. You can reach a representative by calling 877-587-6534 between 9:00 AM - 3:00 AM MondayThursday, Friday 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Saturday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM, or
filling out a support request form available here: http://support.bfwpub.com/supportform/form.php
 Welcome page: On the welcome page, you will see a list of Upcoming Assignments. Announcements of
important course reminders and updates are posted here as well. Click the “Enter Course” button in the upper
right corner to access the home page.
 Home page: After you click the “Enter Course” button, you will see the home page, which lists all course
content and assignments in the order in which they are due. First you will see the Introductory Assignments
unit followed by a unit for each chapter that will be covered in the course. Each chapter unit contains the
respective e-book components and assigned coursework as well as supplemental learning aids for that
chapter. After the assigned content is the unassigned content, including the Course Documents folder and a
Helpful Links folder. At the top of the home page there is a “Show Assignment Calendar” button to click for a
calendar view of when assignments are due. Selecting e-Book at the top enables you to access the e-Book
by itself. Gradebook allows you to view your coursework grades. Resources contains all learning resources
by type and chapter.
 Navigating LaunchPad: When you click on any assignment, e-Book page, or other course material, it will open
in "Focused and Engaged" mode. This devotes your entire browser window to viewing and interacting with
the content. If the assignment is auto-gradable, you will see your score at the top of the "Focused and
Engaged" window once you have completed it. When you have completed the assignment, click "Next" in the
top-right corner to move on to the next item, or "Home" to go back to the home page. Your assignment
scores will also be shown in the assignment listing on the home page. Also, check the progress bars at the
top of each unit, which show how many assignments in the unit you have completed so far, and how well you
have done on completed assignments.
 Unless it is a system-wide problem, difficulty accessing or utilizing LaunchPad will not be accepted
as an excuse for missing coursework.
Communication
 My availability: I will be available Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm (excluding holidays) by email and
typically respond within 48 hours. I do not guarantee to respond to emails on weekends and holidays. I am
also available in my office or by phone during office hours or by appointment.
 Communicating with you: I will communicate with you via Announcements on LaunchPad and ECU email.
You must log on to our LaunchPad course and check your ECU email several times throughout each week.
Student Evaluation and Grading
You may earn up to 1000 points in this course. Your final grade will be determined by your performance on two
introductory assignments, 12 sets of chapter assignments, 10 summative quizzes, and three module exams.
Component
Introductory assignments
Chapter assignments
Chapter summative quizzes
Module exams
Percent
5%
35%
30%
30%
Points
50
350
300
300
Total points
940-1000
900-939
870-899
830-869
800-829
770-799
730-769
700-729
670-699
630-669
600-629
0-599
Grade
A = 94-100%
A- = 90-93%
B+ = 87-89%
B = 83-86%
B- = 80-82%
C+ = 77-79%
C = 73-76%
C- = 70-72%
D+ = 67-69%
D = 63-66%
D- = 60-62%
F = 0-59%
 Grade availability; all chapter assignment, chapter summative quiz, and module exam grades are available
immediately in the Gradebook upon completion. If you do not understand a grade or think a grade is incorrect,
notify me via email within one week of the grade being posted and explain your concern.
 Personal responsibility: I want you all to do well in this course. I have designed the course to help you learn
and do well, but YOU ultimately determine what grade you earn in this course. Your grades in this class are
earned by you, not given by me. Therefore, I want you to take personal responsibility for your learning.
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 Grade cutoffs: The grade cutoffs above are absolute -- for example, a 699 is a D+, not a C-. When
transforming total points to letter grades, "close" does not count. Do not ask or expect me to “give you points”
toward your final grade or request additional assignments or extra credit to earn more points.
 Incompletes: Some of the materials and assignments for this course are available only during the time allotted
for that section of the course, and many of the activities are not available after the end of the course. For this
reason, a grade of “Incomplete” is not an option except in extreme circumstances that must be documented
by an ECU-approved excused absence. Details about ECU-approved excuses are available on the Dean of
Students webpage: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentaffairs/dos/excused_absences.cfm
Introductory Assignments
There are two introductory assignments to complete during the first week of class. They are both available in the
Introductory Assignments folder on LaunchPad. Both assignments are worth 20-30 points, for a combined total of
50 possible points (5% of your final grade). They are both due by Wednesday, September 3 at 11:55pm.
 Assignment 1 - Syllabus quiz: This assignment will help ensure you have read and understand our course
syllabus. In addition, it will familiarize you with the Quiz feature of LaunchPad.
 Assignment 2 - Exam proctoring: This assignment will help you learn how to use the UNC proctoring system
to schedule the dates, times, and locations of your three module exams.
Chapter Assignments
Each of the 12 chapters has a set of 6-7 online assignments to complete. Each set of chapter assignments is
worth 26-34 points. I will combine your 12 sets of chapter assignments for a total of 350 possible points (35% of
your final grade).
 Online assignments: Assignments include videos you watch and take a quiz about (“Video Tool Kit
Activities”), interactive activities you complete (“Concepts in Action”), and tutorials you complete and take a
quiz about (“PsychSim 5 Tutorial” and “PsychSim 5 Online Quiz”). The assignments are available under their
respective chapters on the LaunchPad home page.
 Assignment grades: To facilitate mastery of the course material, you may attempt each assignment multiple
times in order to “master” the material and earn the highest grade you can.
 “Concepts in Action” and “Video Tool Kit Activities”: These assignments are each worth 4 points, and you
may complete them as many times as you want up until the deadline and it will count your last grade.
 “PsychSim 5 Online Quiz": These assignments are each worth 6 points, and you may complete them up
to three times until the deadline and it will count your best grade.
 Assignment deadlines: Assignments must be completed by the due dates listed in the schedule at the end of
this syllabus and on LaunchPad. There are no extensions or make-ups for assignments. If you do not
complete an assignment by its deadline, you will have earned a grade of “0” for that assignment. Once the
due date passes, you may still complete the assignments to learn from them, but it is not possible to earn
credit for them or change your grade if you already completed them.
Chapter Summative Quizzes
There are 12 summative quizzes, one for each chapter, and all available in their respective chapter folders on the
Launchpad home page. Each summative quiz is worth 30 points. I combine your best 10 summative quiz grades
for a total of 300 possible points (30% of your final grade).
 Summative quiz content and format: Each summative quiz corresponds to the chapter textbook reading and
consists of 12 multiple-choice questions. To facilitate mastery of the material, you have three opportunities to
take each summative quiz (there are different questions on each quiz) and only the highest score will go into
the Gradebook. Quizzes are open-book and open-notes.
 Preparation for summative quizzes: For a specific chapter, read the assigned chapter and complete all of the
chapter assignments. I also recommend completing the LearningCurve assessments for each chapter section
and chapter review study aids. Then take the summative quiz for that chapter, which assesses your
understanding of the material.
 Summative quiz deadlines: Summative quizzes must be submitted by the due dates listed in the schedule at
the end of this syllabus and on LaunchPad. There are no extensions or make-ups for summative quizzes. If
you do not complete a summative quiz by its deadline, you will have earned a grade of “0” for that summative
quiz.
 Dropping lowest summative quiz grades: I will drop your two lowest summative quiz grades. If you miss up to
two summative quizzes for any reason, these will count as the summative quizzes I drop for you. You do not
have to inform me about missing up to two summative quizzes or provide any reason for doing so.
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 Problems: Computers may lock up and internet interruptions can occur while completing a quiz online, which
may result in incomplete submissions. It is a good idea to check to make sure your grade is recorded in the
Gradebook after submitting summative quizzes.
Module Exams
There are three module exams, each covering four chapters. Each is worth 100 points for a total of 300 possible
points (30% of your final grade).
 Proctoring: The three module exams are proctored and you must make arrangements to schedule the
dates, times, and locations for all three exams. The exams will be administered through the UNC Online
Proctoring Network (http://online.northcarolina.edu/exams/overview.htm), and you need to arrange for
proctors and schedule your exams in advance (doing so is one of the Introductory Assignments). Be aware
that if you do not arrange for proctors, you will not be able to take the exams. The exams are closed book and
closed notes, and you must complete them independently without help from anyone else. A strict time limit of
two hours for each exam will be enforced. See the Proctoring document in the Course Documents folder on
the LaunchPad home page for details.
 Exam content: The module 1 exam will cover chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4. The module 2 exam will cover chapters
7, 8, 9, and 11. The module 3 exam will cover chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15. There are several versions of each
module exam, each consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions that parallel in content across the versions.
Each of you will be randomly assigned one of these versions when taking a module exam. Questions cover
both facts and application of the facts to examples. The questions are designed to test your understanding of
the material rather than just your memorization and recognition skills. This likely will require a different type of
study strategy, so I suggest you use the study strategies and resources outlined in the handout with this name
located in the Course Documents folder on the LaunchPad home page.
 Exam windows: Each module exam will be available over a 2-day period, and you may schedule it on either
day within that window of time, and at any time the proctoring location is available. The module 1 exam
window is Thursday, October 2 or Friday, October 3. The module 2 exam window is Thursday, November 6 or
Friday, November 7. The module 3 exam window is Thursday, December 11 or Friday, December 12.
 Make-up exam policy: Exceptions to the exam windows are not made unless a student obtains a Universityapproved excuse for the entire 2-day exam window (see details about ECU-approved excuses on the Dean of
Students webpage: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentaffairs/dos/excused_absences.cfm). In this event, a
“Make-up Exam Request Form” (available on LaunchPad under Course Documents) and documentation of
the reason for your absence for the entire 2-day exam time period are required to provide make-up
accommodations. You must submit this form and accompanying documentation within two days of the module
exam window. Failure to submit these materials by this deadline will result in you having earned a “0” for that
module exam. I ask different questions on make-up exams. All make-up exams must be completed within one
week of the missed exam.
 Preparing for exams: The LearningCurve assessments, chapter review learning objectives, terms and
concepts to remember, flashcards, experience the testing effect assessments, PowerPoint presentations,
supplemental learning activities, chapter assignments, and summative quizzes are designed to help you learn
and master the material. You are expected to use them to prepare for the module exams. Given the exams
are closed book and notes, it is critical to your success that you study for these exams in the same way you
would study for exams in a face-to-face class.
Contingency Plans
 Back-up plan for computer problems: If your computer malfunctions or your internet service is unavailable,
you will not be given more time to complete quizzes or assignments. You need to plan ahead so that you are
able to keep up with the class schedule even if your usual computer and internet access methods fall through.
 LaunchPad back-up plan: As with any technology, LaunchPad has the potential for technical problems. We
like to think this technology will be available to you throughout the course. In the event that we do experience
LaunchPad downtime or problems, I will email the class. To prepare for possible course downtime or a
performance issue that makes the system unusable, I encourage you to:
 Save and/or print a copy of the syllabus and course materials making a digital or hard copy notebook.
 Save my email address dolbierc@ecu.edu so that you are able to contact me as necessary.
 Save names of fellow classmates so you may contact each other through Pirate email.
 Determine that the problem is with LaunchPad and not your internet service provider. Visit the ECU
homepage or your favorite website. If these pages are available, then it is likely a LaunchPad problem.
 If the problem is with LaunchPad and you have coursework due, send me an email letting me know of the
difficulty.
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Class Policies
 Courtesy code: Rules of common courtesy must be followed online. All interactions must be appropriate to the
course and respectful of other individuals. When communicating in writing, we need to take more care than
might be needed in conversing face-to-face. Please take a moment to re-read your communications before
submitting them; it is easy to write something carelessly that could be misunderstood or could be offensive.
 Absences: You should plan ahead so that any anticipated events will not interfere with the completion of your
coursework. You should also be proactive in completing your work so that any emergencies or illnesses do
not cause you to submit work late. Late coursework submissions will not earn any credit.
 Disability accommodations: ECU seeks to fully comply with the Americans with Disability Act. Students
requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department of Disability Support
Services (Slay 138; 252-737-1016; dssdept@ecu.edu; http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dss/) to verify the
disability before any accommodations can occur. To receive accommodations, you must register with DSS,
inform me in advance of when you need accommodations, and provide me with your DSS documentation.
 Academic integrity: Academic integrity is a fundamental value of higher education; therefore, I will not tolerate
acts of cheating, plagiarism, falsification or attempts to cheat, plagiarize or falsify. Should I determine that an
academic integrity violation has taken place, I reserve the right to assign a grade penalty. I will assign a grade
penalty up to an F for the assignment or course.
 Emergency: In the event of emergency, information about the status of ECU classes is available from the
ECU emergency information hotline and website (252-328-0062, http://www.ecu.edu/alert).
Assistance
 LaunchPad technical support: If you have any trouble accessing or using LaunchPad contact technical
support by calling 877-587-6534 between 9:00 AM - 3:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Friday 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM,
Saturday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM, or filling out a support request form
available here: http://support.bfwpub.com/supportform/form.php
 Pirate Tutoring Center: Provides free tutoring services, academic skills workshops, study skills coaching, and
academic support (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/aa/piratetutoringcenter/index.cfm; 2300 Old Cafeteria
Building; tutoring@ecu.edu; 252-737-3009).
 IT Help Desk: Can answer technical questions and help problem-solve (http://www.ecu.edu/9866, 252-3289866, 800-340-7081).
 Disability Support Services: Provides support and assists with arranging for class accommodations for
students with disabilities (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dss/; Slay 138; 252-737-1016; dssdept@ecu.edu).
 Center for Counseling and Student Development: Offers a variety of services to help if you are experiencing
personal distress or difficulties (http://www.ecu.edu/counselingcenter/; Umstead 137; 252-328-6661).
 Contact me: I would enjoy having the chance to get to know as many of you as possible one-on-one. Ask
questions, make an appointment, e-mail me, give me a call. Let me know your thoughts and concerns.
Course Schedule
Chapter
1
2
3
4
Topic
Coursework
Syllabus quiz
Orientation to course
Final exam proctoring
Module 1
Chapter 1 assignments
Thinking Critically With Psychological Science
Chapter 1 summative quiz
Chapter 2 assignments
The Biology of Behavior
Chapter 2 summative quiz
Chapter 3 assignments
Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind
Chapter 3 summative quiz
Chapter 5 assignments
Developing Through the Life Span
Chapter 5 summative quiz
Learning
8
Memory
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 26
Friday, Sept. 26
Friday, Sept. 26
Friday, Sept. 26
Thursday, Oct. 2 OR
Friday, Oct. 3
Module 1 exam
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Due Dates (11:55pm)
Module 2
Chapter 7 assignments
Chapter 7 summative quiz
Chapter 8 assignments
Chapter 8 summative quiz
6
Friday, Oct. 31
Friday, Oct. 31
9
Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
11
Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing
Chapter 9 assignments
Chapter 9 summative quiz
Chapter 11 assignments
Chapter 11 summative quiz
Personality
13
Social Psychology
14
Psychological Disorders
15
Therapy
Friday, Oct. 31
Thursday, Nov. 6 OR
Friday, Nov. 7
Module 2 exam
12
Friday, Oct. 31
Module 3
Chapter 12 assignments
Chapter 12 summative quiz
Chapter 13 assignments
Chapter 13 summative quiz
Chapter 14 assignments
Chapter 14 summative quiz
Chapter 15 assignments
Chapter 15 summative quiz
Friday, Dec. 5
Friday, Dec. 5
Friday, Dec. 5
Friday, Dec. 5
Thursday, Dec. 11 OR
Friday, Dec. 12
Module 3 exam
NOTES:
 This schedule is subject to change based on the pace of the class. Changes are announced on LaunchPad.
 Last day to add/drop is September 2; last day to withdraw without a grade is October 21.
 Take into account ECU holidays on September 1, October 13-14, and November 26-28 when developing your
study schedule.
 LaunchPad is updating and will be offline for 24 hours starting August 30 at 2am. Take this into account when
developing your study schedule.
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