S & P Syllabus
March, 2015
Psychology
Mr. Aiello
Sensation and Perception
Unit Syllabus
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are for the students to:
•
acquire a working knowledge of major psychological theories and core concepts
•
develop an understanding and appreciation of what makes psychology a science
•
develop basic skills in conducting psychological research
•
understand the relevance of psychology to their lives
•
increase critical thinking, especially in regards to scientific research about
behavior
• continue to develop their oral and written communication skills
This one-chapter unit will investigate the fascinating but often confusing topics of sensation and
perception. While there will be many new and unusual vocabulary for the parts of the body and
brain to learn, we will also once again do numerous demonstrations and activities to make them
more meaningful and thus easier to use and remember. As always, keeping up with the daily
readings and vocabulary will make things much more manageable. In addition, doing as many of
the required and recommended online activities will definitely help students to come to class with
more understanding of the concepts, and more prepared to ask questions to help with those areas
not yet fully comprehending.
Essential Questions
1. Why can’t humans multitask as well as we think that we can?
2. Explain why psychology is so skeptical about the claims of ESP supporters?
3. Explain the Gestalt belief that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
4. Explain one of your favorite illusions from the “Brain Games” video(s).
5. Summarize the biopsychosocial approach to pain.
6. How would life be different if you had significantly ineffective kinesthetic and vestibular
senses?
Night
Homeplay Assignment
Thursday,
Mar. 5
Read Module 16 and do the vocabulary for the section.
Friday,
Mar. 6
Watch the two Flip It videos for Mod. 16: “Signal Detection Theory”
and “Top Down & Bottom Up Processing.”
Monday,
Mar. 9
Read Module 17 and do the vocab.
Tuesday,
Mar. 10
Read Module 18 and do the vocab.
S & P Syllabus
March, 2015
Psychology
Mr. Aiello
Wednesday, Mar. 11
Watch the Flip It videos for Module 18: “Feature Detectors” and “Rods
and Cones in the Retina.”
Thursday,
Mar. 12
Have a safe, relaxing, and fun Spring Break!!!
Monday,
Mar. 23
Read Module 19 and do the vocab.
Tuesday,
Mar. 24
Do the Psychsim5 Activity “Visual Illusions” and complete the
questions that go with the activity.
Do the Psychsim5 Activity “Colorful World” and complete the
questions that go with the activity.
Wednesday, Mar. 25
Watch the Flip It videos for Module 19: “Gestalt Psychology” and
“Monocular Cues.”
Thursday,
Mar. 26
Read Module 20, do the vocab.
Friday,
Mar. 27
Do the Psychsim5 Activity “Auditory Systems” and complete the
questions that go with the activity. Watch the Flip It video “Theories of
Hearing.”
Monday,
Mar. 30
Read Module 21, do the vocab., and watch the Flip It video “Theories of
Pain.”
Tuesday,
Mar. 31
Study for the test and complete the Unit homeplay:
Myers online quiz for chapter 4
Chapter 4 Vocabulary and Key Contributors
Essential Questions 1 – 6
Three Psychsim5 Activity sets of questions