Psychology 101
Fall Semester 2011
Section 1: 1102 JKB on Th at 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm
Instructor: Michael Larson
Office: 244 Taylor Building (TLRB)
Office Hours: W 10:00am to 11:00am
Office Phone: 801-422-6125
Email: michael_larson@byu.edu
TA Information
We have seven TAs for this course. Each TA will grade the assignments and work with a small group of
students. The breakdown will be as follows based on the first letter of your last name. TAs will post their office
hours on Blackboard during the first week of classes. All office hours will take place in Psych Central located on
the 11th Floor of the Spencer W. Kimball Tower (SWKT).
First letter of last name is "A" to "B" your TA is Kinzie Hancock-- Email: kinzie24@gmail.com
First letter of last name is "C" to "F" your TA is Maya Inoue--Email: minoue808@gmail.com
First letter of last name is "G" to "J" your TA is Brian Ensign--Email: brianensign@yahoo.com
First letter of last name is "K" to "M" your TA is William "Billy" Barnes--Email: billy.barnes11@gmail.com
First letter of last name is "N" to "P" your TA is Justin Echols--Email: justinechols@hotmail.com
First letter of last name is "Q" to "S" your TA is Kendall Cappellucci Gould--Email: kcappellucci@gmail.com
First letter of last name is "T" to "Z" your TA is Julie Larsen--Email: juliolarsen@gmail.com
Assignment Submission Emails
IMPORTANT: All assignments will be due by midnight of the assigned day. Please see the Policy on Late
Assignments below for information regarding late work.
All assignments will be submitted via email to your TA's respective assignment gmail accounts. DO NOT send
them to the TAs personal emails. Your TA will be determined by the first letters of your last name. Please see
below for where you will email your assignments depending on your name.
First letter of last name is "A" to "B" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "C" to "F" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "G" to "J" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "K" to "M" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "N" to "P" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "Q" to "S" send your assignments to:
First letter of last name is "T" to "Z" send your assignments to:
psych101.ta1@gmail.com
psych101.ta2@gmail.com
psych101.ta3@gmail.com
psych101.ta4@gmail.com
psych101.ta5@gmail.com
psych101.ta6@gmail.com
psych101.ta7@gmail.com
Description
Psychology 101 is meant to serve as an introduction to the major of psychology. Thus, class will focus primarily
on the skills needed to successfully navigate the psychology major here at BYU. We will also provide an
overview of job possibilities within the field and give an introduction to the different fields of psychology. It is our
hope that you will leave the course with the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the major, as well as
some excitement and knowledge about the different areas within psychology. As such, the course has the
following learning outcomes:
Learning Outcomes


1. Familiarity with curriculum
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the undergraduate psychology curriculum and requirements of
the psychology major in terms of the American Psychological Association standards and their
implementation at BYU.Measurement: In-class quizzes from assigned textbook reading; individual
exams that apply the reading personally.
2. Occupational and academic opportunities
Students will classify the major post-baccalaureate occupational and academic opportunities available to

psychology majors.Measurement: In-class quizzes from assigned textbook reading; individual exams
that apply the reading personally. Design, production, and presentation of a poster that describes an
opportunity of interest.
3. Students develop a personal plan
Students will develop a personal plan for transitioning from student to career professional.Measurement:
Produce a personal plan in multiple drafts.
Texts & Materials
Required
PSYCHOLOGY & THE REAL WORLD
By GERNSBACHER, M
ISBN: 9781429230438
WHAT PSYCH MAJORS COULD (SHOULD) BE DOING
By SILVIA, P
ISBN: 9781433804380
The Psychology Major's Handbook
By Tara L. Kuther
ISBN: 9781111302696
Vendor
Price (new)
Price (used)
BYU
$20.00
$15.00
BYU
$29.95
$22.50
BYU
$47.35
$35.55
Exams
There will only be a final exam for this course. The final exam will cover the readings, lectures, and class
discussion. Questions may include multiple choice, matching, and true/false. The exam will be administered at
the Testing Center (https://testing.byu.edu) and must be taken during finals week as indicated on the course
schedule. The TAs will be holding review sessions prior to the final. There will be no test make-up except under
extreme conditions that require prior approval. Cheating of any kind will result in a lowered grade and other
University sanctions.
The final exam will be held in the Testing Center during Finals Week, December 12th to December 16th. There is
no late day for the final. The final will consist of approximately 50 multiple choice and true/false questions each
worth two points for a total of 100 points.
Quizzes
Attendance is very important as we will be dealing with issues and examples not necessarily covered in the text. To help
ensure attendance, quizzes will be used. Twelve quizzes (worth 10 points each) will be administered throughout the semester
covering primarily the assigned reading from the text, with some questions about the previous week's class discussion. The
lowest two quiz scores will be thrown out--so there will be a total of 100 points possible from the quizzes. Throwing out two
quizzes essentially allows for two absences from class without penalty to your grade (although your learning will suffer!).
Assignment Descriptions
SONA Research Participation (20 points): Due by December 08, 2011:
As you will learn throughout this course, psychology is a science and research is an important part of all
sciences. There is no better way to learn about how research works than to participate yourself! We use a
system called SONA to register for research participation. In the SONA system, 1 credit is equal to 10 minutes of
participation. For Psych 101, you must complete 10 credits (just under two hours). Each credit is worth two
points. So, by completing 10 credits you will receive 20 points. Within the first week of class, please go to
http://byu.sona-systems.com/default.asp and register on SONA. You will then see a list of possible studies and
the number of credits each study is worth. Sign up for the studies that interest you and be sure to credit your
participation to Psychology 101 Section 001. The system will automatically track your credits and send me a
report at the end of the semester. IMPORTANT: ALL SONA RESEARCH PARTICIPATION CREDITS MUST BE
COMPLETED BY THE LAST DAY OF CLASS (DECEMBER 08, 2011). I receive my SONA report on December
09, so there are no exceptions to this rule.
Those students who do not feel comfortable participating or are not eligible for actual experiments, for whatever
reason, may write a 4 page double-spaced research paper on an area of psychology instead of an experiment.
The topic should be cleared with Dr. Larson before doing the paper.
MAP Plan of Major (10 points): Due September 22, 2011:
Each student will complete the Major Academic Plan (MAP) outlining the courses that you will take to complete
your degree in a timely fashion (the plan is set-up to graduate after four years). The document for Psychology
Majors can be found on blackboard. You will complete the form electronically based on our discussion of the
Psychology Major at BYU. It may be in your best interest to consult with your academic advisor before
completing this assignment. If you are not a Psychology Major, then you will need to get a MAP plan for your
major from your academic advisor. If you would like to fill out the psychology MAP as if you will be a psych major,
that is also acceptable, but not as helpful to you.
The assignment is due to your TA's Psych 101 gmail account by midnight on September 22, 2011.
MythBusters Project (20 points): Due October 13, 2011:
Remember, psychology is a science! The goal of this assignment is to help you better understand the scientific
process and key concepts in research methods while still having fun. For this assignment you will first need to
read the article by Burkley and Burkley (2009) (article can be found on blackboard). Then you will go to youtube
and watch a full MythBusters episode and evaluate the science behind one of the myths in the episode. The
rubric for this assignment, including the information required in your evaluation of the science, can be found on
blackboard. We expect that you will write a two-page, double-spaced summary and critique of the science.
The assignment is due to your TA's Psych 101 gmail account by midnight on October 13, 2011.
Psychology Myth Paper (20 points): Due November 10, 2011:
"Science must begin with myths, and with the criticism of myths; neither with the collection of observations, nor
with the invention of experiments, but with the critical discussion of myths, and of magical techniques and
practices."
--Karl Popper, 1963
In order to improve critical thinking and expose you to different areas of psychology, you will write two short (twopages, double-spaced) papers about popular myths in psychology. The paper topics will correspond with the
areas of psychology we are reviewing at the time. You will select one myth from those provided (see document
entitled XX on blackboard for the myths to select from and the assignment rubric) and, using research from a
variety of sources including PubMed and PsychInfo, determine whether or not the myth is accurate. For example,
one common saying is that we "only use 10% of our brain." Your job in the paper will be to research whether or
not this is accurate, then write a brief paper detailing your argument. You must cite your sources according to
APA 6th Edition format. Please see the rubric for a full description.
Your paper is due to your TA's Psych 101 gmail account by midnight on November 10, 2011.
Career in Psychology and Transition Plan (30 points): Due December 08, 2011:
This assignment consists of two parts. For Part 1 (one-page, double spaced), you will summarize a career in the
field of psychology that interests you. We will have gone over many of the possible careers throughout the
course of the semester. Your job is to pick a possible career and write a one-page summary about the career.
Aspects of the career that should be included in Part 1 include:





What is the career?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of an individual in the field?
What type of questions or problems does someone in the field address?
Why are you interested in this field?
What is the average starting salary for someone in your field of interest?
For Part 2, you will complete a two-page (double-spaced) summary detailing how you will transition from a
student to your career of interest following college graduation. Please be detailed in your choice of career and
how you will map out your experiences. Part 2 must include answers to each of the following questions along
with any other details you see fit to help you in building a plan during your college career.


What are the entry requirements for your field of interest? (i.e., do you need a graduate degree, etc).
What degree is necessary (bachelors, masters, PhD, MD, etc.)?








What types of experience are necessary to enter the field?
How do you plan to meet the entry requirements and gain the experience necessary?
How long does getting the degree take?
What financial burden does the education to meet these requirement have?
Who could serve as an advisor and mentor at BYU to help you make the transition from student to
professional?
Do you need research experience to gain entry to your field? If so, how will you gain this experience?
Do you need professional experience to gain entry to your field? If so, how will you gain this experience?
MOST IMPORTANT--Outline how you plan to achieve your transition into the field. What are the steps
you need to take in order to be prepared to enter your field of interest?
The total assignment should be three double-spaced pages. The assignment is due to your TA's gmail account
by midnight on December 08, 2011
Policy on Late Assignments and Make-up Work
Since we allow you to drop two quizzes there will be NO make-up quizzes. Please strive to attend lecture each
week so that missing quizzes is not a difficulty. All assignments will be due by midnight on the assigned due
date. You will lose 4 points for each day late up to two days late beginning at 12:01am. Please do not turn in
assignments late. Any extenuating circumstances for late work must be cleared by Dr. Larson BEFORE the due
date arrives; otherwise, assignments will still be treated as late and the aforementioned policy will be applied.
Since you can turn your work in late for a reduced score, there will be NO make-up assignments provided.
Extra Credit
There is no extra credit offered for this course. Please complete the assignments, quizzes, and tests as they are
outlined here.
Summary of Points and Assignments
Exam
Final Exam
Assignments
SONA Research Participation
MAP Plan of Your Major
Psychology as Science: Mythbusters Project
Psychology Myth Paper
Career Summary and Transition Plan Paper
Quizzes (In Class)
12 Quizzes--you get to drop the lowest two scores
TOTAL AMOUNTS
Points Possible
% of Grade
100 Total
33.3%
100 Total
20
10
20
20
30
33.3%
100 Total
33.3%
300
100%
Grading Scale (Percentages)
A
AB+
B
95-100
90-94
87-89
83-86
BC+
C
C-
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
D+
D
DE
67-69
63-66
60-62
59 and lower
BYU Honor Code
In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic
work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your
own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and
additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming
Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and
working environment. It is the university's expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will
abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about
those standards.
Preventing Sexual Discrimination and Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an
educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in
education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual
harassment. BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to
students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to
your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor
Code Office at 422-2847.
Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably
accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to
complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767).
Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented
disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or
if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution
through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D285 ASB.
Plagiarism Policy
Writing submitted for credit at BYU must consist of the student's own ideas presented in sentences and
paragraphs of his or her own construction. The work of other writers or speakers may be included when
appropriate (as in a research paper or book review), but such material must support the student's own work (not
substitute for it) and must be clearly identified by appropriate introduction and punctuation and by footnoting or
other standard referencing.
Course Schedule
Date
Topics
Reading for Quiz
Assignments
Th - Sep 1
-Introduction to Course and Instructor
-Syllabus Review
-Focus on LEARNING!
None
None
-The BYU Psychology Major (MAP introduced)
-Gaining Experience with Faculty
Kuther Chapter 2
Kuther Chapter 3
pages 46-58
-Quiz #1
-Faculty: What I Wish Students Knew!
-Graduate Students: What I Wish I Would Have
Known!
Silvia Chapter 2
-Quiz #2
-The Science of Psychology
Silvia Chapter 3
-MAP Plan of
Major Due
-Quiz #3
-Finding Sources and Writing a Literature Review
Silvia Chapters 6
and 7
-Quiz #4
-Research Methods in Psychology
-How to Succeed in Psychology (i.e., Stats and
Research!)
Gernsbacher
Chapter 2
Silvia Chapter 5
-Quiz #5
-Careers in Psychology: What can I do with a
Bachelor's Degree?
Kuther Chapters 7
and 8
-MythBusters
Project Due
-Quiz #6
Th - Sep 8
Th - Sep 15
Th - Sep 22
Th - Sep 29
Th - Oct 6
Th - Oct 13
Th - Oct 20
-Careers in Psychology: Clinical Psychology
Gernsbacher
Chapter 13 and
Chapter 14 pages
198 to 203
-Quiz #7
-Careers in Psychology: Neuroscience and
Neuropsychology
Gernsbacher
Chapter 3
-Quiz #8
-Careers in Psychology: Health and Social Psychology
Gernsbacher
Chapters 15 and
16
-Quiz #9
-Careers in Psychology: Cognitive and Quantitative
Psychology
Gernsbacher
Chapter 6
-Psychology
Myth Paper Due
-Quiz #10
-Careers in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational and
Developmental Psychology
Gernsbacher
Chapters 11 and
17
-Quiz #11
Th - Nov 24
Thanksgiving Break
No class
No class
Th - Dec 1
-What are the Types and Models of Graduate School?
-How do I get into Graduate School?
Kuther Chapters 9
and 10
-Quiz #12
-Getting Out and Doing Something!
-Internships and Opportunities at BYU
None
-SONA
Participation
Due
-Career in
Psychology and
Transition Plan
Due
-No Quiz
FINALS WEEK--NO CLASS
No class
Take Final in
Testing Center
Th - Oct 27
Th - Nov 3
Th - Nov 10
Th - Nov 17
Th - Dec 8
Th - Dec 15