PSY 101: Section 740: Introductory Psychology - Blended
Course Syllabus: Spring Semester, 2014
Table of Contents
Instructor .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Welcome to Psych 101, Section 740 .................................................................................................... 2
Learning Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 2
Course Materials ................................................................................................................................... 3
Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Making Contact: How to get answers to your questions throughout the semester ............................... 5
Learning Communities and Netiquette ................................................................................................. 6
Technology Information ........................................................................................................................ 6
Course Activities, Due Dates and Grading ........................................................................................... 6
Textbook Reading Assignments and Exams ........................................................................................ 6
Schedule of Exams ................................................................................................................................ 7
Makeup Exams ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Review Sessions (Optional) .................................................................................................................. 8
Discussion Forum Questions ................................................................................................................. 8
Discussion Forum Summary Paper ....................................................................................................... 9
D2L Video Lecture Quizzes Online ........................................................................................................ 9
Research Participation ......................................................................................................................... 10
Alternative to Research Participation: Research Paper ...................................................................... 10
Extra Credit Options: You Tube Videos .............................................................................................. 11
Extra Credit Options: New York Times Articles .................................................................................. 11
How Course Grades are Determined .................................................................................................. 12
Grading Scale ...................................................................................................................................... 13
D2L Color Grading Scheme ................................................................................................................ 13
Additional Course Information and University Policies ........................................................................ 14
Late Assignments ............................................................................................................................... 14
Honors Option ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Drops, Adds and Refunds .................................................................................................................... 14
Issues of Academic Integrity ............................................................................................................... 14
Accommodations for Disabilities ........................................................................................................ 15
Limits to Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................ 15
Resource Activities ............................................................................................................................. 16
MSU Department of Psychology: Participation in Psychological Research ....................................... 17
Grading Rubric for Discussion Forum Summary Paper ...................................................................... 20
Discussion Forum Grading Rubric ...................................................................................................... 21
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
Course Syllabus
PSY 101 - Section 740
Introductory Psychology – Blended
Spring Semester, 2013
Instructor:
Dr. Tim Pleskac (Dr. P)
Email: Please use Desire2Learn to
Office: 282A Psychology Building
Phone: (517) 353-8918
email (see Making Contact; p. 5)
Welcome to Psychology 101, Section 740, Introductory Psychology, Blended
“What is a blended course?” In a blended course significant learning activities occur
online, although there are still face-to-face components scheduled in the classroom. In this
course, you will engage in “active learning” with the course material online rather than in
class. You will be required to think about psychological concepts and principles in new ways
and apply them to new situations not considered in the textbook coverage of the material.
Learning Objectives
In accordance with the National Guidelines and Suggested Learning Outcomes for the
Undergraduate Psychology Major (American Psychological Association [APA], 2001), this
course is designed to develop and improve your critical thinking skills. You should leave this
course with the “cognitive tools” that provide you with specific strategies for inquiry and
well reasoned thought in all aspects of life.
(I) What you will know when you successfully complete this course:
ü Familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and
historical trends in psychology.
ü Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research
design, data analysis, and interpretation.
ü Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible,
the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
ü Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational
issues.
ü Have the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other
values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
(II) What you will be able to do you when you successfully complete this course:
ü Describe the nature of psychology as a discipline and why psychology is a science.
ü Use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for
psychological phenomena.
ü Describe behavior and mental processes empirically, including operational
definitions.
ü Identify antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes.
ü Use theories to explain and predict behavior and mental processes.
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
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Explain major perspectives in psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive,
evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and socio-cultural).
Compare and contrast major perspectives in psychology in terms of advantages and
limitations.
Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology.
Explain different research methods used by psychologists.
Describe how various research designs address different types of questions and
hypotheses and have different strengths and limitations.
Evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from psychological research.
Interpret basic statistical conclusions.
Evaluate the quality of information, including differentiating empirical evidence from
speculation and the probable from the improbable.
Recognize and defend against common fallacies in thinking.
Evaluate popular media reports of psychological research.
Make linkages or connections between diverse facts, theories, and observations.
Describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling,
industrial/organizational, school, health).
Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as the
pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles, origin and treatment of abnormal behavior,
psychological tests and measurements.
Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to
everyday life.
Seek and evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims.
Understand the limitations of psychological knowledge and skills.
COURSE MATERIALS
Course Materials (choose 1 of these 2 options)
Option 1
Print book: Learn Psychology by Kenneth E. Carter, PhD and Colleen M.
Seifert, PhD (2013). Jones and Bartlett, Publishers, and access to the
accompanying D2L course. ISBN-9781284043402, Cost = $106.95.
Option 2
Access to the eBook (requires a UNIQUE ACCESS CODE) and accompanying
D2L course: ISBN-9781284047554, Cost = $74.95. You may purchase
your UNIQUE ACCESS CODE at the MSU Bookstore or at Amazon.com
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
GETTING STARTED
1) Go to MSU’s course management system – Desire-To-Learn (D2L) using this URL:
http://d2l.msu.edu/. Login using your MSU username and password. If you are officially
registered for the course, you will find our course, SS13-PSY-101-740 - Introductory
Psychology, listed under My Courses and available from the Select a Course pull down
menu. You can make sure that the course stays on the top of your class list by clicking
on the pushpin besides its name:
§
If you think you ARE registered but the course does not appear call the Help Desk
at 1-800-500-1554 or (517) 355-2345. D2L Help is available 24/7!
2) If you chose option 2, the eBook, you can gain access to the eBook by going to the
Jones & Bartlett Learning homepage (www.jblearning.com), clicking on “Redeem Code”
in the top right of the page, and entering your UNIQUE ACCESS CODE.
§
You will be asked to create a profile that includes a User Name and Password. I
strongly recommend that you use your MSU username and password in creating
your profile for Jones & Bartlett Learning. It is much easier to remember than if
you create a different username and password. Your MSU username is everything
that comes before the @ in your MSU email address. For example, my user name
is pleskact, because my email address is pleskact@msu.edu.
§
Once you have done this you can always access the eBook by returning to
www.jblearning.com and clicking “LOG IN to your Account”. Once logged in, the
eBook will be found under “Digital Content Library.” There will be NO further need
for the UNIQUE ACCESS CODE.
NOTE TO ALL FRESHMEN and NEW STUDENTS: If you have not activated your MSU
email account yet PLEASE do so ASAP. Many communications between you and
administrators, instructors, and other students will use this address. You have already
received directions for activating this account, and many of you have done so. If not, please
do.
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
FIRST CLASS/ASSIGNMENT TO GROUPS
FIRST CLASS: As indicated when you signed up for this course, there is a face-to-face class
meeting on Wednesday 1/8/2014 in Wells Hall, B122, 5 PM (promptly) – 6:50 PM
(approximately).
ASSIGNMENT TO GROUPS: Each student in the class will be randomly assigned to a group
of 5 students. You will work together participating in discussions, and you will write a paper
based on your group discussions. Once you have gained access to the course, go to the
“Class list” tab in your navigation bar. You can search for your name in the search box at
the top of the page. When you pull down the arrow next to your name you will see your
group number by clicking on “View group enrollments.” You will also see the number that
was assigned for your private office hours area. This screen shot shows what it looks like for
a “demo student”.
MAKING CONTACT – HOW TO GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS THROUGHOUT
THE SEMESTER
1) Check out the FAQ discussion board in D2L. Another student may have had the same
question earlier in the course and you won’t have to wait at all for your answer! Please
subscribe to the FAQ forum – you will get a notice whenever a new post is made. If you
post a question late at night another student may see it and respond before I see it
(handy at 2:00 a.m.!).
2) If you want to know an answer that involves your own course performance or the
reasoning behind assignments then contact the instructor.
§ Post in your Private Discussion Area. Course staff will take turns monitoring these
areas and you will get a quicker response.
§ If you use email then USE D2L, NOT MSU MAIL – Go to the Communication Tab
and choose “Email” and then “Compose”. Make sure you send it to the
instructor. Always put “PSY 101” in the Subject Line of your email.
§ Response time goal is to answer you within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
(Don’t count Sat & Sun in the 24 hours! Weekend emails will be answered on
Monday.)
3) Remember if there is a technical problem with the online environment, call the Help
Desk 24/7: MSU HELP LINE at 1-800-500-1554 or (517) 355-2345. Put these numbers
in your cell phone and have them on a paper by your computer. If they are only in D2L
and you can’t get into D2L then you have a problem.
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
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LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND NETIQUETTE
This course is structured so that you have the opportunity to learn from one another as well
as through the learning experiences planned by your instructor. In order to foster these
types of relationships, each student is placed on a team. You will be sharing assignments
with members of your team and an atmosphere of trust is important. It’s likely that you will
have different opinions but use those as opportunities to see the issue from a different
frame of reference. Focus on the ideas, rather than the person. To see specific suggestions
for online etiquette (often called Netiquette) check out this posting by Kent State:
http://www.kent.edu/dl/technology/etiquette.cfm
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
Click on the “Help” tab in D2L for technology information and to find a quick link to the
Student Quick Start Guide. D2L supports Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. The
newest Firefox browser is the recommended browser for PCs and Macs. For details and to
see tablet support and mobile web support go to:
http://help.d2l.msu.edu/content/technical-requirements-students
Also, you need to make sure that cookies are enabled. You need high-speed internet access
for this course. Check out the MSU Office of the Registrar Online Courses FAQ at
http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/FAQVU.asp. Links to downloadable plug-ins are found in
the Psychology Online Preview Page and in your course website.
COURSE ACTIVITIES, DUE DATES AND GRADING
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
I – TEXTBOOK (or eBOOK) READING ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS (REQUIRED)
There are 16 chapters in your textbook. The exams will focus on 14 chapters, omitting
Chapters 8 and 16 (as indicated below) to allow you enough time for the many other
engaging activities included in this blended course. These other activities will give you some
exposure to the areas of psychology covered in the 2 chapters omitted from the exams.
Nevertheless, you are strongly encouraged to read these 2 chapters (Chapters 8 and 16) to
fully appreciate the breadth and depth of the field of psychology.
SCHEDULE OF TEXTBOOK READING ASSIGNMENTS
Reading Assignments
Week 1: Jan 6
Week 2: Jan 13
Week 3: Jan 20
Week 4: Jan 27
Course Syllabus, Activate E-mail account, Purchase course materials.
Course Introduction: Wednesday, January 8 at 5:00 pm
Chapters 1 and 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
Week 5: Feb 3
Prepare for Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)
REVIEW:
Tuesday, February 4 at 5:00 pm
EXAM 1:
Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00 pm
Week 6: Feb 10
Chapter 5
Week 7: Feb 17
Chapter 6 & 7
Week 8: Feb 24
Prepare for Exam 2 (Chapters 5-7)
REVIEW:
Tuesday, February 25 at 5:00 pm
EXAM 2:
Wednesday, February 26 at 5:00 pm
March 3 Spring Break
Week 9: March 10 Chapter 9
Week 10: March 17 Chapters 10
Week 11: March 24 Chapters 11 and 12
Week 12: March 31 Prepare for Exam 3 (Chapters 9-12)
REVIEW:
Tuesday, April 1 at 5:00 pm
EXAM 3:
Wednesday, April 2 at 5:00 pm
Week 13: April 7
Chapter 13
Week 14: April 14
Chapter 14
Week 15: April 21
Chapter 15
Prepare for Exam 4 (Chapters 13-15)
REVIEW:
Tuesday, April 22 at 5:00 pm
EXAM 4:
Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 pm
EXAMS
The 4 exams for this course will be taken face-to-face in a classroom (see below). Each
exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering the textbook chapters indicated
above. Notice that these are the same dates and times that were indicated on the Schedule
of Courses when you signed up for this course, so it is expected that you are “free” during
these times (otherwise you should NOT have signed up for this course).
ALL EXAMS WILL BE TAKEN IN WELLS HALL, B-122, 5:00 PM (promptly) - 6:50 PM.
If you are finished early you may leave early (and quietly), handing in your test booklet and
answer sheet and showing your MSU ID card to the graduate student who will be collecting
the test booklets and answer sheets at the exit.
If you are late to an exam: You will not be able to start an exam once a student
has finished the exam and left the room.
Make-up Exam Policy
There are very few acceptable reasons for missing an exam. Therefore, in order to make-up
an exam, you must contact me before the exam and receive my permission to take a
make-up exam, which will be in an essay format. You may take a makeup for only one
exam. Failure to notify me in advance is likely to result in your receiving zero points for the
exam. Before making up an exam, you must also offer written documentation corroborating
your excuse (e.g. physician’s note written on official stationary with a phone number that I
can call to confirm, the documented death of a family member).
Please keep in mind that in requesting an extension, you are effectively asking me to judge
whether your situation is more valid or serious than that of other students who also have
difficult circumstances but may not have requested an extension. Fairness to all is very hard
to achieve. For this reason, I grant extensions rarely if ever.
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
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Observing a Major Religious Holiday: You may make up course work missed to
observe a major religious holiday only if you make arrangements at least 1 week in
advance with the instructor.
The University policy on missing exams or other class activities due to
religious holidays can be found at:
www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Notices/ReligiousPolicy.asp
Participation in a Required Activity: To make up course work missed to
participate in a required activity for another course or a university-sanctioned event,
you must provide the instructor with adequate advanced notice and a written
authorization from the faculty member of the other course or from a university
administrator.
REVIEW SESSIONS (OPTIONAL)
There will be 4 “live” review sessions the evening before each exam. Dates and times are
indicated below, and are the same as those indicated when you signed up for the course.
Note that although attendance at Review Sessions is optional, their purpose is to help YOU
to do well on the exams. It is also a good time for you to ask questions about any course
material you are having difficulty understanding.
ALL REVIEW SESSIONS WILL BE IN WELLS HALL, B-122, 5:00 PM (promptly) –
6:30 PM (shorter or longer, as needed).
REVIEW
REVIEW
REVIEW
REVIEW
SESSION
SESSION
SESSION
SESSION
for
for
for
for
EXAM
EXAM
EXAM
EXAM
1
2
3
4
-
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
February 4 - Chapters 1–4
February 25 - Chapters 5-7
April 1 - Chapters 9-12
April 22 - Chapters 13-15
II - DISCUSSION FORUM (DF) QUESTIONS (REQUIRED)
As mentioned earlier, groups of 5 students will be working together on the Discussion
Forum (DF) questions. There are THREE discussion forums.
Discussion Forum Due Dates
Discussion Forum 1: Monday, January 20 (Chapter 2)
Discussion Forum 2: Monday, February 17 (Chapter 5)
Discussion Forum 3: Monday, March 24 (Chapter 10)
Discussion Forum Grading
•
•
Go to your group’s discussion forum and read the question that you will answer.
Decide on how you (as an individual) want to respond to the question and type up
your response to the question in a one-page, double-spaced Word document using a
12 pt font with 1” margins.
o While you will be cutting and pasting your response into the discussion forum
on D2L, composing your response in a Word document first will provide you
with a good guideline for how long your response should be.
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
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•
•
Go back to the discussion forum and “Compose” a post. Cut and paste your response
into D2L for your group to read.
Replying to other member of your group is not mandatory, but it is recommended to
try and make a substantive reply to the other members of your group. You might
aim to discuss how the responses similar to yours? What differences do you find?
Use the textbook to support your statements. Responding to other members’ posts
will help you integrate the material and prepare you for the Discussion Forum
Summary Paper.
The grading rubric that will be used for grading these responses is found at the end of the
syllabus. See DISCUSSION FORUM GRADING RUBRIC
6 points X 3 DF QUESTION RESPONSES = 18 points.
III – DISCUSSION FORUM SUMMARY PAPER (REQUIRED)
Discussion Forum Summary Paper Due Date
The Discussion Forum Summary Paper is due THURSDAY, April 10, by 5 PM.
Discussion Forum Summary Paper Grading
The grading rubric that will be used for grading this paper is found at the end of the syllabus
(see Grading Rubric for Discussion Forum Summary Paper). This paper will be submitted to
the Discussion Forum Summary Paper Drop Box. It will be typed in a double-spaced Word
document using a 12 pt font with 1” margins.
There
1)
2)
3)
4)
will be four paragraphs:
Analysis of First Group Discussion
Analysis of Second Group Discussion
Analysis of Third Group Discussion
Personal Summary of the Discussions
Read the rubric carefully to make sure that you earn full credit.
IV - D2L VIDEO LECTURE QUIZ (REQUIRED)
D2L Video Lecture Quiz Due Date
The video lecture quizzes are 5-question quizzes found in D2L. Watch the video of Prof.
Zach Hambrick and then take the quiz. All quizzes close on Mondays, at 5 PM. Check
the calendar in D2L to make sure you are completing them on time. You will notice that
there are more than 10 quizzes. Only your highest 10 scores will be graded. Since you get
to drop some of the quizzes, there will be no makeup quizzes.
D2L Video Lecture Quiz Grading
5 points for each D2L Video Lecture Quiz: Maximum = 50 points
V – RESEARCH PARTICIPATION (REQUIRED)
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By Department Policy, all students taking Introductory Psychology are required to earn 14
research participation credits (except those who chose the Alternative to Research
Participation, described later, which anyone is free to choose). One credit is earned for
every 30 minutes of participation. Thus, a student must participate in 7 (clock) hours of
research to earn the maximum number of research participation credits. The Research
Participation Handout that is at the end of this syllabus provides more information, including
the web address and access code for the Psychology Department's research participation
Sign-Up system.
The person to contact about all matters related to research participation is Leslie
Baldwin (lbaldwin@msu.edu). Course instructors CANNOT help you with research
participation-related problems, except one: If you feel that your participation has
caused you psychological and/or physical harm, contact your course Instructor
IMMEDIATELY!
It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to sign up and show up for research participation. If you cannot
make a session you have signed up for, there is a number you must call to cancel your
appointment.
Please do NOT exceed the maximum of 14 research participation credits. This will prevent
other students in other PSY 101 sections from being able to complete their required
research participation credits.
Research Participation Due Date
You must COMPLETE 14 research participation credits by Friday, April 25. If you do NOT
complete all 14, you will still get as many credits as you complete.
Research Participation Grading
You earn 1 research participation credit (or 1 point) for every 30 minutes of research
participation. Most studies offer at least 2 points (1 hour of participation). Some studies that
have multiple sessions offer even more.
Maximum # of Research Participation Points = 14 points
ALTERNATIVE TO RESEARCH PARTICIPATION: RESEARCH PAPER
Students who do not want to participate in psychology research may write a research paper
instead. The paper should present a research problem, discuss previous research and theory
about this problem, and suggest future research to address it. A minimum of 5 references
from professional journal articles is required, at least 3 of which are NOT references listed in
your course textbook. Journals may be found in the Main Library. Most are now online (see
the library’s electronic resources and e-journal listings).
Your research paper should be 10-12 pages (typed, double-spaced, 12 font, 1” margins all
around).
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
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Research Paper Due Date:
Papers are due Wednesday, April 16 at 5 pm. Submit your paper in the Alternative
Research Paper Drop Box on D2L.
Research Paper Grading:
Papers contribute to research participation points as follows: 4.0=14 points, 3.5 = 12
points, 3.0 = 10 points, 2.5 = 08 points, 2.0 = 06 points, 1.5 = 04 points, 1.0 = 02 points,
0.0 = 00 points.
Maximum # of Research Participation Points = 14 points
NOTE: YOU CANNOT DO BOTH RESEARCH PARTICIPATION AND THE ALTERNATIVE
RESEARCH PAPER OPTION.
VI - EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES (OPTIONAL)
EXTRA CREDIT OPTION #1: YOUTUBE VIDEOS
There are from 3 to 6 YouTube videos in the “YouTube Video Resources” folder for each
chapter. Choose 1 video for up to 3 chapters. After viewing the video, summarize (in one
paragraph, double-spaced, 12 pt font) a psychological concept or principle that is illustrated
in that video. Explain how/why this video is relevant to psychology in everyday life.
When you have finished viewing and writing your responses for all 3 videos, combine them
into ONE DOCUMENT and submit them as an attachment to the “YouTube Video Extra
Credit” dropbox. The attached document should be 3 paragraphs long (double-spaced, 12 pt
font). Be sure to put your name at the top of the document and, before each response, the
chapter and name of the video to which you are responding.
YouTube Videos Due Date
Your 3 YouTube Video responses are due Monday, March 31, by 5 PM.
YouTube Videos Grading
Each of your 3 YouTube Video responses will be graded on 3-point rating scale
(0 = inaccurate; 1 = inadequate, 2 = adequate, and 3 = very good).
MAXIMUM EXTRA CREDIT POINTS for the 3 YouTube Video responses = 9 points
- OR EXTRA CREDIT OPTION #2: NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLES
For each chapter, there are from 3 to 6 articles that appeared in the New York Times and
illustrate one or more psychological concepts, principles, or research findings in the “New
York Times Resources” folder. Click on the link to the New York Times articles. Choose 1
article for up to 3 chapters. Read the article and then summarize (in one paragraph, double-
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
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spaced, 12 pt font) a psychological concept or principle that is illustrated in that article.
Explain how/why this article is relevant to psychology in everyday life.
When you have finished reading and writing your responses for all 3 articles, combine them
into ONE DOCUMENT and submit them as an attachment to the “NY Times Article Extra
Credit” dropbox. The attached document should be 3 paragraphs long (double-spaced, 12 pt
font). Be sure to put your name at the top of the document and, before each response, the
chapter and name of the New York Times article to which you are responding.
New York Times Articles Due Date
Your 3 New York Times article responses are due Monday, April 14, by 5 PM.
New York Times Articles Grading
Each of your 3 New York Times article responses will be graded on 3-point rating scale
(0 = inaccurate; 1 = inadequate, 2 = adequate, and 3 = very good).
MAXIMUM EXTRA CREDIT POINTS for 3 New York Times article responses = 9
points
HOW COURSE GRADES ARE DETERMINED
MAXIMUM # OF REQUIRED ACTIVITIES POINTS = 500
Exams: 4 exams @ 100 points/exam = 400 points
Discussion Forum (DF) Question Responses: 3 responses @ 6 points/response = 18 points
Discussion Forum (DF) Summary Paper: 18 points
D2L Video Lecture Quiz Online: 10 quizzes @ 5 points/quiz = 50 points
Research Participation/Alternative Research Paper = 14 points
MAXIMUM # OF EXTRA CREDIT ACTIVITIES POINTS = 9
YouTube Videos: 3 YouTube Video responses @ 3 points/response = 9 points
-ORNew York Time Articles: 3 New York Times article responses @ 3 points/response = 9 points
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GRADING SCALE
Grade
Approximate Percentage
Points
4.0
90% to 100%
450-500
3.5
85% to 89.9%
425-449.9
3.0
80% to 84.9%
400-424.9
2.5
75% to 79.9%
375-399.9
2.0
70% to 74.9%
350-374.9
1.5
65% to 69.9%
325-349.9
1.0
60% to 64.9%
300-324.9
0.0
< 60%
≤ 299.9
NOTE: Your earned extra credit points will be added to your required points to
determine your Final Course Grade.
D2L COLOR GRADING SCHEME
The D2L Gradebook uses a color scheme to display your scores so that you know how you
are doing on each assignment throughout the semester:
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ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: It is best to complete assignments ahead of time rather than
waiting until the due date. Things happen – computers crash, other courses and activities
demand your time and attention, you are tired, or you get sick.
There is no penalty for COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS EARLY.
There is a 1-point penalty for each day an assignment is late. This is true of both required
and extra credit activities. Discussion forums close on the dates listed and the conversations
cannot be continued once the other group members are done! In the case of an emergency
situation (defined earlier in the exam section), then an alternate assignment will be
provided that is based on the discussion that the other group members had.
HONORS OPTION: There is not an honors option for this course.
DROPS, ADDS, & REFUNDS: Information about Drops/Adds, Refunds, and other University
policies regarding course enrollments can be found by clicking on this or other tabs at the
Registrar’s Website: http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Calendar/Academic.asp.
ISSUES OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Every student is held responsible for knowing the
academic integrity policy at MSU. The policy can be found at
https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/academic-integrity/index.html
Look through the material for some explanations of academic integrity and concrete
explanations.
§
§
Here are some examples of academic dishonesty:
o
Have another student provide academic assistance or coaching during an
online exam or in completing a course activity.
o
Have another person take an exam for you.
o
Copy questions or answers from an illegally obtained exam source. Share this
information with other students.
o
Get questions and/or answers from students who have already taken an exam
or quiz you are scheduled to take at a later time.
o
Collaborate with other students on projects or assignments without your
instructor's permission.
o
Include information from websites or articles in papers without noting the
source and using quotation marks. If you are paraphrasing make sure that
you know the appropriate way to do this AND still cite your source!
Some definitions of plagiarism – make sure you avoid it!
o
“a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented
as being your own work” (Webster’s Dictionary Online).
o
“claiming or submitting the academic work of another as one’s own.”
§
(Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide, see pages 7677, 108-109)
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Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
o
“the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words
without giving appropriate credit.”
§
§
(White House Office of Sciences and Technology Policy on Misconduct
on Research)
Information about cheating from the student’s perspective can be found at:
https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/academic-integrity/student-faq.html
Scholastic dishonesty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent in this class.
One of the responsibilities of being an MSU college student is to read the current issue of
Michigan State University Academic Programs (published by the Registrar's Office) for
information about what constitutes scholastic dishonesty. If you found to be dishonest, you
will receive a 0.0 in the class and a letter is written to your Dean and to of the Chair of the
Psychology Department about the incident. It is possible that the department may take
steps to expel a student found guilty of academic dishonesty (cheating). A file will be kept
that details why a reduced grade was given. Remember that academic integrity applies to
all assignments, whether they are low in points or high in points!
If an assignment hasn’t been discussed as a group assignment then assume that it is an
individual assignment until you find out otherwise from a professor.
Don’t look at notes or other students’ papers during exams or plagiarize written work. Make
sure that your cell phone and other electronic devices are put away. When in doubt about
academic integrity, ask your professor!
Academic Integrity is highly valued in a community of scholars and we are proud the all the
MSU students who exhibit it on a daily basis during their years at MSU and beyond.
§
Visit the Ombudsperson Site For More Information about Academic Integrity
o https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/academic-integrity/index.html
COMMERCIALIZED LECTURE NOTES: Commercialization of lecture notes is NOT
permitted in this course.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities
should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) to establish
reasonable accommodations. Contact RCPD by phone at (517) 353-9642 (voice) or (517)
355-1293 (TTY). Visit the RCPD website at http://www.rcpd.msu.edu/Home/ or send them
an email at rcpd@msu.edu.
§
Send your VISA document by email to the instructor (use Desire2Learn
email).
LIMITS TO CONFIDENTIALITY: Please be aware that class materials are generally
considered confidential pursuant to the University’s student record policies. However, all
University employees, including instructors, cannot maintain confidentiality when it conflicts
with their responsibility to report certain issues based on external legal obligations or health
and safety considerations of MSU community members and others. As the instructor, I must
report the following information to other University offices if you share it with me:
§
Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a
child
Page 15
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
§
§
Allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment when they involve MSU students,
faculty, or staff
Credible threats of harm to oneself or to others
These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you
about the incident that you have shared. In almost all cases, it will be your decision whether
you wish to speak with that individual or not. If you would like to talk about these events in
a more confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with the MSU
Counseling Center (http://www.counseling.msu.edu/students).
RESOURCE ACTIVITIES
The PSY 101 - Section 740 D2L website contains a large variety of resources and activities
that encourage students to actively engage with the course material – to think about it
beyond the limits of “information presented in a textbook” and instead recognize the
concepts and principles of psychology working in everyday life. Some of the website
activities encourage student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction.
Table 1 shows a sample of what is available, using Chapter 2 as an example.
You are encouraged to do as many of the resource activities as you can for every chapter.
Even when the activities are not REQUIRED or assigned for EXTRA CREDIT, they are
worth doing because, once again, they will increase your understanding of the breadth and
depth of the field of Psychology as well as helping you to do well in the course.
Table 1: Website Resources Available for Every Chapter
Example - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Visual Overview
Practice Quiz Chapter 2
Visual Chapter Summaries
Chapter 2 - 21st Century Skills
2.1 Psychology Investigation--CLC:
Within or Between?
Chapter 2 - Power Point Image Only
2.2 Descriptive Research -- CLC:
What Do Correlations Mean?
Chapter 2 - Powerpoint Lecture with
Images
Chapter 2 - Powerpoint No Image
2.3 Experimental Research--CLC:
Designing an Experiment
Chapter 2 - YouTube Video Resources
Chapter 2 - New York Times Articles
2.4 Statistical Analysis--CLC:
Summarizing with Statistic
Chapter 2 - Critical Thinking Article
2.5 Ethics in Psych Research--CLC:
Ethics in Psych Research
Note. CLC – Chapter Learning Concept
Page 16
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY - DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
PARTICIPATION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
As part of your psychology course, you are encouraged to participate in research projects
conducted or supervised by the faculty of the department. The purpose of such participation is
to give you some direct experience with real experiments and to give you a better idea of how
the work of psychology is actually carried out. Participation is a course requirement for all
sections of PSY 101.
SPECIAL NOTE: Students under 18 years of age may not participate in HPR
experiments. Special options have been created for students under 18 to meet the
14-credit participation. Contact Leslie Baldwin (lbaldwin@msu.edu), the HPR
Student Coordinator, in Room 262 Psychology building if you are under 18 and want
to learn more about these options.
STEPS IN RESEARCH PARTICIPATION: REGISTERING AS A PARTICIPATING
STUDENT.
The purpose of this handout is to go over some of the things you will need to know before
participating in psychological research. The first step is registering. This, like nearly all your
scheduling activities, is handled through a site on the Internet/World Wide Web. Its address
is: http://psychology.msu.edu/HPRSystem/
***If you have participated in the HPR in previous semesters,
you will need to create a new account. ***
You can access it using standard Web browsers (such as Netscape, Firefox, or Microsoft
Explorer). This will bring you to the participant login page. The first time you visit this page
you must create your account. Click on the button that says Create an account - you will be
directed to the page that says Enter the Account Creation ID. This semester, your
Account Creation ID is psych2014 – in the box used to enter the access code, type it just
like this (in lower case), then click on Enter. You will now see the registration page where you
should provide all the requested information. Once your account is created, you will be able to
log directly into the system with your user ID and MSU e-mail address.
Among other things, you will be asked to select the course and section number to which you
wish to have your participation credits credited. It is CRITICAL that you select the correct
course and section number. If you select an incorrect course or section, the credits that you
earn through participation will NOT be relayed to the proper instructor and will not be counted
in calculating your course grade. If you are enrolled in more than one participating class you
will disperse the credits you earn between the classes (credits cannot be shared) on the “My
Schedule” page on your HPR account.
During some semesters, experimenters may want to get some background information on
those participating in their experiments. They do this by having students answer Global
Questionnaires. The more of these that you fill out, the more experiments you will be eligible
to participate in. So, after registering, you should click on the Answer Global
Questionnaires button and see if any are posted.
SIGNING UP FOR RESEARCH: You can sign up for experiments 24-hours a day on the
website. To do so, get to the Student Menu (following the procedure described above).
Then, to see a list of all experiments that are currently recruiting participants, click on the
Sign up for an Experiment button and follow the indicated directions. Please make sure
Page 17
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
you read the participant task and any restrictions for the experiment you are
signing up for.
CANCELING APPOINTMENTS: Experimenters have invested a great deal of time and
money in preparing an experiment. This goes to waste if you fail to keep your
appointment. In such cases, you can cancel your appointment 24 hrs prior to the start time
by clicking on the button marked View/Modify My Schedule at the Student Menu on the
Web site and following the instructions for canceling an appointment. (You need to know
the name of the experiment and the date/time you signed up for.) If it is after the 24hour deadline you need to e-mail the researcher listed for the study and the HPR student
coordinator, Leslie Baldwin (lbaldwin@msu.edu).
IF YOU LOST THE APPOINTMENT TIME AND PLACE: Sometimes, people mislay the datetime-location information for an experiment they've signed up for. If this happens to you and
you ever need to check on your appointments (where you're supposed to be and when), you
can always click on the button marked View/Modify my Schedule at the website to get this
information. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by writing down all the information and
keeping it in a safe place.
REPORTING FOR A RESEARCH APPOINTMENT: Be sure to give yourself enough time to
get to the experiment on time (arriving 10 minutes before the experiment is to begin is
suggested). If you are late, you could find the experiment in progress and the door locked.
On rare occasions, an experimenter may not make his/her appointment with you because of
unusual circumstances (e.g., a car breakdown, a personal emergency). If this happens
contact Leslie Baldwin, the HPR student coordinator, in Room 262 Psychology Building or
email her at: lbaldwin@msu.edu to report it (email is preferred).
RIGHTS OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH
PARTICIPATION MUST BE VOLUNTARY/OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: First, it is
Department, University, and Federal policy that no student be compelled in any way to
participate in research. If you participate in research, it must be done voluntarily. Therefore,
even in classes where research participation is required, students must be offered one or
more alternative activities to meet their requirement. If you want to avail yourself of such an
alternative activity, you may get information from your professor. Note that on rare occasions
there are more people interested in participating in experiments than there are openings in
the experiments. If this occurs this semester, additional alternative activities will be provided
later in the semester.
PARTICIPATION SHOULD BE EDUCATIONAL: Second, participating in research should be
a learning experience for you. You have a right to obtain information about the experiments in
which you serve as a participant. You are entitled to have your questions about the
experiment answered. Also, at least five minutes of every experimental session must be
devoted to teaching you something about the experiment. You are entitled to receive a
written summary of the experiment, including the name and phone number of the person in
charge of the experiment, whom you may contact if you have additional questions.
THE RIGHT TO DISCONTINUE PARTICIPATION: Third, the Department of Psychology is
highly concerned that no study be conducted that would in any way be harmful to you. Even
so, it is possible that in rare cases you will feel uncomfortable about participating in a study
for which you have volunteered. Just remember, you always have the right to leave any
experiment. You don't have to explain or justify why you want to leave, and you can never be
penalized for leaving.
Page 18
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE EARNED CREDITS: Finally, if you do what you're supposed to do
(sign up properly, show up at the right place at the right time, etc.), you have a right to
receive the credit you've earned. So, for example, even if an experimenter has an equipment
breakdown, you're still entitled to receive credit for the time you've spent in the study.
However, do not sign up for the same study twice. Please remember that credit values
are based on the time it takes to complete a study (1 credit equal to 30 minutes)
and not the study itself. Credits are not automatically awarded and it may take
researchers a few days to collect their data and record attendance.
REPORTING PROBLEMS: If you ever encounter some problem or feel that your rights have
been violated, we want to know about it. Problems you have will be handled by Leslie
Baldwin, the HPR student coordinator, email address lbaldwin@msu.edu or come to Room 262
Psychology Building. They will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. You will
need to know the name of the experiment and the date/time you signed up for.
CONCLUSIONS: We want to emphasize that negative experiences are very rare; most
students who serve as participants in research at Michigan State find their participation
interesting and enjoyable. When you serve as a participant in psychological research you're
benefiting personally by learning more about what the science of psychology is really about,
but you're also benefiting many others. Others like the psychologists who are working to get a
better understanding of interesting and important behavioral questions. Others like people
who will benefit when that knowledge is ultimately applied to everyday human problems like
loneliness, depression, divorce, and self-development. And others like future generations of
students. Who knows? Perhaps the research you participate in this semester will be featured
in future psychology textbooks, just as some of the experiments you'll study this semester
had their data supplied by previous generations of MSU students. We hope and expect that
you'll put as much in and get as much out of research participation as they did.
Page 19
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
GRADING RUBRIC FOR DISCUSSION FORUM SUMMARY PAPER Criteria
Failing
Below Average
Adequate
Good
Analysis of First
Group Discussion
0 points
The paper does not include an analysis
of the first discussion.
1.5 points
An attempt was made to analyze the
first discussion but the summary is
inaccurate.
2 points
Accurate summary and description of
the group discussion but there is no
analysis.
2.5 points
Good analysis of the first discussion but
ideas are not fully developed.
3 po
Specific examples fr
clearly show how
illustrate a particula
Ideas are fully
Analysis of Second
Group Discussion
0 points
The paper does not include an analysis
of the second discussion.
1.5 points
An attempt was made to analyze the
second discussion but the summary is
inaccurate.
2 points
Accurate summary and description of
the group discussion but there is no
analysis.
2.5 points
Good analysis of the second discussion
but ideas are not fully developed.
3 po
Specific examples fr
clearly show how
illustrate a particula
Ideas are fully
Analysis of Third
Group Discussion
0 points
The paper does not include an analysis
of the third discussion.
1.5 points
An attempt was made to analyze the
third discussion but the summary is
inaccurate.
2 points
Accurate summary and description of
the group discussion but there is no
analysis.
Personal Summary
of Discussions
0 points
The paper does not include your own
personal summary of what you learned
from these discussions.
4 points
Personal opinions and/or examples are
presented that do not relate to the
discussion topics
Writing Style/
Mechanics
0 points
Serious organizational problems. The
paper does not appear to have been
planned before it was written. Many
problems with sentence structure, or
grammatical errors, or spelling errors.
1 point
0.5 points
The assignment has a sense of
An attempt was made to plan the
organization. There are some sentence
assignment but it remains disorganized
structure problems, errors in grammar,
in several places. There are several
and spelling problems. The writing style
mechanical errors.
is simple and lacks creativity or depth.
Format
0 points
Paper is not typed, single-spaced, onepage in the assigned format.
0 points
Format grade is either 0 or 1.
Page 20
5 points
Personal summary shows evidence of
participation but lacks a deep
understanding of the concepts.
0 points
Format grade is either 0 or 1.
Except
3 po
2.5 points
Specific examples fr
Good analysis of the third discussion but
clearly show how
ideas are not fully developed.
illustrate a particula
Ideas are fully
5.5 points
Paper shows how discussions illustrate
theoretical points. Ideas are fully
developed. There are no specific
examples illustrating these points
6 po
Relevant insights re
experience and wha
other group member
understanding of p
these group interact
the paper that is un
1.5 points
There are logical transitions in wellorganized paper. The opening and
closing unite the paper in an effective
framework. The paragraphs are well
constructed. There may be a few
mechanical errors.
2 po
The writing style
confident. There ar
transitions in a wel
The paragraphs are
There may be one
errors that are
0 points
Format grade is either 0 or 1.
1 po
Paper is typed, singl
page in the ass
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
DISCUSSION FORUM GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Inadequate
Adequate
Very Good
Comprehensiveness
0.5 points
The response was not thorough;
relevant issues were not discussed.
1 point
The response was thorough; most relevant
issues were discussed.
2 points
The response was thorough and
comprehensive; all relevant issues were
discussed.
Conclusion/Future
Research
0.5 points
There are no conclusions, even
tentative ones. Suggestions for
future research are not included.
1 point
There are tentative conclusions.
Suggestions for future research are
included.
2 points
Strong conclusions and suggestions for future
research.
Organization
0.5 points
The response was not well
organized.
1 point
The response presented the information in
an organized manner but did not provide
details about the research and/or theory
2 points
The response presented the information in a
well organized manner and provided important
details about the research and/or theory
Overall Score
Inadequate
0 to 2
Adequate
3 to 4
Very Good
5 or more
Page 21
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
Reading Assignments
Due Dates
Week 1:
Jan 6
Course Syllabus
Activate E-mail account,
Purchase course materials
Week 2:
Jan 13
Chapters 1 and 2
Week 3:
Jan 20
Chapter 3
Week 4:
Jan 27
Chapter 4
Week 5:
Feb 3
Prepare for Exam 1
(Chapters 1-4)
Week 6:
Feb 10
Chapter 5
Week 7:
Feb 17
Chapter 6 & 7
Discussion Forum 2:
Feb 17 (Chapter 5)
Week 8:
Feb 24
Prepare for Exam 2
(Chapters 5-7)
REVIEW: Feb 25
EXAM 2: Feb 26
March 3 Spring Break
Week 9:
March 10
Chapters 9
Page 22
Discussion Forum 1:
Jan 20 (Chapter 2)
REVIEW: Feb 4
EXAM 1: Feb 5
Psychology 101 – Section 740
Spring Semester, 2014
Reading Assignments
Due Dates
Week 10:
March 17
Chapter 10
Week 11:
March 24
Chapters 11 and 12
Discussion Forum 3:
March 24 (Chapter 10)
Week 12:
March 31
Prepare for Exam 3
(Chapters 9-12)
YouTube Video responses:
March 31 by 5 PM
REVIEW: April 1
EXAM 3: April 2
Week 13:
April 7
Chapters 13
Discussion Forum
Summary Paper:
April 10 by 5 PM
Week 14:
April 14
Chapter 14
New York Times
Article responses:
April 14 by 5 PM
Alternative Research Paper:
April 16 by 5 pm
Week 15:
April 21
Chapter 15
Prepare for Exam 4
(Chapters 13-15)
REVIEW: April 22
EXAM 4: April 23
Research Participation
Credits: April 25 by 5 PM
ALL EXAMS WILL BE TAKEN IN WELLS HALL, B-122, 5:00 PM (promptly) - 6:50 PM.
ALL REVIEW SESSIONS WILL BE IN WELLS HALL, B-122, 5:00 PM (promptly) –
6:30 PM (shorter or longer, as needed).
Page 23