INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
(8 Week)
Revised 8/16/2014
Instructor: Dr. Chrystie Meziere
Northeast Campus Office: Room 2419
E-mail: cmeziere@tulsacc.edu
Office Hours by Phone (918-695-2075)
M-R
3:00pm – 5:30pm
Campus Office hours by appointment
Distance Learning Office
Phone: (918) 595-7282
Toll Free: 1 (888) 822-2973
On-line Course: Fall 2014
Course Dates: 08/18 to 10/12
Course ID:
PSYC 1113-290, 11629
PSYC 1113-291, 16977
PSYC 1113-190, 12646
Prerequisite: None
Liberal Arts Division Office
Associate Dean: Ernest Evans, MS
Room NEC 1102
Phone: (918) 595-7089
TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS:
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Required Text: Discovering Psychology, 6th Edition, by Don & Sandra Hockenbury
(Worth Publishers), 2014, ISBN-10: 1-4641-6349-9 or ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-6349-4
NOTE: An electronic version of this text is available through the TCC bookstore.
Not Required but available: Study Guide for Discovering Psychology 6e (packaged with
the textbook in the bookstore) by Cornelius Rea, (Worth Publishers), 2014: ISBN-10: 14641-7898-4 or ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-7898-6
Required Respondus Lockdown Web Browser: All online assessment for this course requires
this lockdown browser which can be downloaded to your desk top from this link:
http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/information.pl?ID=992533045
Required word processing software: All TCC students can download and install a free copy of
Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2008 for Macintosh.
Very Important: Word Perfect and Microsoft Works are not compatible with this online course.
Please do not submit any documents in these formats.
Required: Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.12 (or later), Adobe Flash Player, and Adobe Shockwave.
All are free and available at: http://www.adobe.com
Video viewer: Microsoft Media Player, VLC or another video viewer
www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A survey of the major areas of study in psychology such as: motivation, learning, physiology, personality
theories and treatment social psychology psychological disorders, perception, memory, and cognition.
No laboratory.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Acquire understanding of core psychological concepts and theories in the scientific study of
behavior and mental processes
2) Acquire understanding of relationship between psychological studies and how research
findings are being applied to human concerns
3) Utilize critical thinking skills in evaluating psychological theories and research evidence
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND REVIEW ACTIVITIES
The learning objectives are excellent tools to help you focus on important points in the chapter. Use the
learning objectives, online practice quizzes, flashcards, and other review activities on our Blackboard site
and at the publisher web site to help check your learning progress prior to the test. The direct address for
the Discovering Psychology 6th Edition Web Companion is:
http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/discoveringpsych6e/
ON-LINE TEACHING METHODS:
The learning activities for this class include: reading assignments, Web and blackboard activities, online
videos, and practice tests. Web and blackboard activities, video clips, and other learning activities are
designed to help highlight some of the most important text material However, it is important to note
that Web and blackboard activities and online videos are not designed to cover all the information
assigned from the text. The textbook is the primary source for the information that you will need to
master in this class. Setting up a daily reading schedule of assigned text chapters is absolutely critical to your
success in this class.
This online class is broken into four major sections. Each section includes: (a) two assigned chapters, (b)
a Web and/or blackboard activity, (c) required video clips, (d) two 25 question practice tests, (e) a quiz
over the Web activity and required videos, and (f) a test over the two assigned chapters.
Reading Assignments: 8 chapters from the text are covered in this course. These chapters will:
(a) give you a solid introduction to the science of psychology; (b) prepare you for more advanced
psychology classes; and, (c) provide you with research-based applications that can be used to
enhance and improve your life.
Practice Quiz: Each assigned chapter has a 25 question practice quiz. The practice quizzes are an
excellent tool to help you gauge if you are studying effectively. The practice quizzes are set up to
give you maximum flexibility. You can take the practice quizzes as many times as you want.
There is no time limit on the practice quizzes. But, you must get at least 80% of the answers
correct (20 out of 25 question) to get the 10 points for doing each practice quiz. If you take the
practice quiz more than once, Blackboard automatically reports your highest practice quiz score.
Initially take the practice quiz as though it were the real test to assess your current knowledge.
All of the practice quiz questions provide realistic examples of the kinds of questions you can
expect on the actual test. The practice quizzes must be completed before you take the actual test.
Web and Blackboard Activities: The Web and Blackboard activities are designed to be
interesting and to help highlight text information. For some videos or web activities, you may be
required to post your thoughts and reactions on a discussion board or individual activity.
Videos: There are required and a few optional video clips. The optional video clips are clearly
labeled “optional” in the video title, and will not be included on the video/web activity quiz. All
the video clips were selected to: (a) help illustrate text information; and, (b) highlight some of the
diverse research topics that psychologists investigate.
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Web Activity/Video (WAV) Quizzes: Posted at the same time as the major chapter exams there
will be a 30-50 question quiz over (a) the Web activities and (b) the required videos for each
section. All videos are required unless labeled as “Optional” in the video title. WAV quizzes can
be taken on-line and they will be time-limited.
Please note: The WAV quiz must be taken prior to taking the test. However, you do not
have to take the WAV quiz and the test on the same day. You have a four day window to
distribute your quiz and test taking. Both must be completed by the end of the four day
assessment period (Mondays at midnight).
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES:
Exams: There are 4 exams, which cover two chapters each, and 4 WAV quizzes in this course. These
assessments follow an objective format (i.e., multiple choice, true/false, matching) unless otherwise
noted by the instructor. Each assessment is timed and is password protected.
The passwords will be sent to your TCC e-mail account AND posted to our blackboard announcements
when the assessment period begins.
Assessments are taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser for exam security. If technical
problems occur during testing you must contact the instructor by phone within 5 minutes of the
difficulty. (contact number will appear in test directions).
Exam Procedures – On-Line: This course is 100% on-line, therefore, all assessments for this class
can be taken on-line and are timed. You may take each exam only once during a four day period.
Exam Procedures – On-Campus (option for those who do not wish to take tests on-line):
1. For those with a disability or
2. For ANYONE who wishes to test without time limits …
you may arrange to take the exam in the Northeast Campus Assessment Office during their hours of
operation. You will need picture ID.
If you live outside the Tulsa area, you can arrange to take tests at another proctored location by
sending e-mail to your instructor well in advance of the assessment to make appropriate
arrangements.
Optional Final Exam: Any student can elect to take an optional final (Chapters 1, 2, and 5) to:
(1) replace their lowest test score; or,
(2) substitute for a missed test.
Bonus Points: There are bonus points on each exam and there will be TWO bonus point opportunities
during the semester. One bonus opportunity requires ATTENDANCE at an event. One bonus
opportunity is available on-line. In fairness to all students in this course, every bonus opportunity is
available to each student and additional opportunities for bonus points will not be manufactured for
individual students. Study well and take advantage of each grade opportunity offered during the course.
No Make-up Test Policy and Late assignment Policy: Students are expected to meet assessment
and assignment due dates. Because you have multiple days to take each test and they are available to
you on-line, there are no make-ups in this class.
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If you know you have a schedule conflict, you can always take a test early.
Call or send an e-mail and we will make the necessary arrangements.
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If you miss a major exam you may elect to take the optional final.
Please do not wait until the last minute on the last day to take exams. No-make ups!!
If the unexpected occurs and you have technical difficulties, cannot access a computer, or cannot get to
the assessment office you will miss the testing window.
Late papers are accepted but will be reduced an additional 3 points for each day late.
Late entries on discussion board are not accepted after grading for that discussion board has started.
Any extra credit or bonus points available for the regularly scheduled tests or activities may not be
earned or applied to late work or to the optional final exam.
If you decide not to complete an assignment, I appreciate notification of your intent.
PERSONAL GRADE TRACKING SHEET
Exam 1
WAV Quiz
(100 points)
(45 points)
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Exam 2
WAV Quiz
(100 points)
(45 points)
_____________
_____________
Exam 3
WAV Quiz
(100 points)
(45 points)
_____________
_____________
Exam 4
WAV Quiz
(100 points)
(45 points)
_____________
_____________
OPTIONAL Final Exam
(100 points)
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Self-Introduction w/ Photo and IAT
Behaviorism Discussion Activity
Piaget Video Analysis
Personality Self-Assessment Write-up
Personality Disorder Assessment Write-up
(10 points)
( 5 points)
(10 points)
(10 points)
( 6 points)
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Chapter Practice Quizzes
(8 x 10 points each)
Total
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________/700____
Bonus Points for Course Feedback
(10 points) _______________
Bonus Points for Suicide Intervention Training - on-campus (10 points) ________________
GRADING: You can generally expect to see a grade posted to the Blackboard grade book within 7 to 14
days from the due date for the assignment. Grades and instructor feedback (where appropriate) will be
posted as replies to you on discussion board or can be obtained by clicking on your score for the
assignment in the grade book.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students have a “TCC” email address (ex: jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All
communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your “TCC” email address; and
you must use this email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
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For information about the TCC e-mail system for students, please visit
http://www.tulsacc.edu/office365/students
E-mailing Your Instructor: cmeziere@tulsacc.edu
Use above e-mail address when communicating with me and follow this format in subject line:
Your FIRST & LAST NAME: Course: Brief statement of issue
An example: Charlie Brown: Intro Psych: Don’t see my post on discussion
Response Time: You can expect a response to your e-mails within 24 hours.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance in this on-line course is considered to be regular participation in the discussion boards and
timely submission of assignments and tests.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL, INCOMPLETES, and GRADE DISPUTES:
I may elect to “administratively withdraw” any student who has not actively participated in the course up
to and including the first exam. Beyond this, an AW or Incomplete will not be given out without
legitimate documentation of extenuating circumstances and a current “passing” status in this course.
Appeals for an AW, I, or altered grade requires that you submit your justification to me in writing for
consideration ALONG WITH documentation to support the request. Upon receipt, I will review your
justification and documentation, and decide whether or not the request has merit. Verbal requests or
disputes over these issues will not be entertained.
YOUR NEXT PSYCHOLOGY CLASS
As the basic survey class designed to familiarize students with the overall field of psychology,
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 1113) serves as the prerequisite to most undergraduate psychology
classes. After successfully completing this class, consult with your academic advisor about any
other psychology classes you might need to take to complete your major. Beyond that, if you have
electives available, other psychology classes that you would probably find interesting include:
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PSYC 1313 – Human Relations
PSYC 2023 – Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2423 – Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 2523 – Child Psychology
PSYC 2533 – Adolescent Psychology
SYLLABUS CHANGES
Although it is very unlikely, changes to the syllabus or the class requirements may be necessary due
to extenuating circumstances or to maintain course continuity. Students will be notified in writing
of any changes to the syllabus via your TCC e-mail account and on the class Blackboard site.
See menu item “Activities Schedule” for weekly assignments and dates
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BELOW ARE THE TCC REQUIRED SYLLABUS STATEMENTS
COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Last day to w/d: 5pm Friday September 26th
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Check the TCC
Academic Calendar for deadlines. Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned
to the course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course
('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change to an audit from a course after
the drop/add period can alter the financial aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may
receive an outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop
participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have
financial aid consequences for the student.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that
is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Please refrain from use of
profanity in your discussion posts.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community college to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918)
595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others
about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned
or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a
policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary
actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly
students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
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Require student to redo task, or require the student to complete a substitute assignment/test;
Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;
Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and
semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
www.tulsacc.edu
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain
skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a
backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking,
Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: TCC rarely closes and Blackboard is always available except for a
brief maintenance period every Wednesday morning at about midnight. If extreme weather
conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and
television stations. This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
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TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: TCC is a tobacco Free college in accordance with the Governor’s
Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma States, section 1-1523 which prohibits
smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace, and all
vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This Order
includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all grounds,
buildings, facilities, and parking lots. TCC’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all
campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus
Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy.
Violations of the policy may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
TRANSFERABILITY: Please visit with the TCC Counseling Center or the Counseling Center at the
college or university to which you plan to transfer to determine transferability status of this course.
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IMPORTANT NOTE about BLACKBOARD AVAILABILITY and TESTING: Blackboard is
available 24/7 except for maintenance every Wednesday morning from approximately 12:00am to
4:00am. If you decide to work on-line Tuesday evenings, going past midnight WILL cause you to be
disconnected (and you may not even know it!). When you submit or attempt to save you will learn
that you have not been online AND your work will be lost! Plan ahead and use time wisely!
Important Academic Dates listed in the Fall 2014 TCC Calendar:
Labor Day (college closed) – Monday, September 1st
Last day to audit or withdraw with “W” grade from this 4 week course – Friday, September 26th
ASSIGNMENT OF FINAL GRADES:
All together, there are 700 points possible from the required activities and tests for this course. At the end
of the semester, letter grades will be assigned according to the following cumulative point totals:
A ........................... 623 to 700 Points .................................. 89% to 100% of total points
B ........................... 546 to 622 Points .................................. 78% to 88.9% of total points
C ........................... 469 to 545 Points .................................. 67% to 77.9% of total points
D ........................... 390 to 468 Points .................................. 56% to 66.9% of total points
F ........................... 389 Points and Below...............................Below 55. 9% of total points
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY DATES MATERIAL AVAILABLE and TESTS ARE DUE
Due dates and Blackboard grade book abbreviations (in parentheses) for assignments are noted below
SECTION 1:
08/18 to 08/31
Week 1 Reading:
Week 2 Reading:
Chapter 1 Introduction/Research Methods
Chapter 11 Social Psychology
Respondus Quiz (RQ):
Discussion Board (DB)
Practice Test (PT1)
Practice Test (PT11)
(Bonus Points)
Personal Introduction and IAT
Chapter 1
Chapter 11
(6 Points)
(10 Points)
(10 Points)
(10 Points)
WAV QUIZ Preparation
Section 1 Web Activities
Section 1 Required Videos
08/29 to 09/01
Due Sun. 08/24
Due Sun. 08/24
Due Sun. 08/24
Due Sun. 08/31
Nothing to turn in
Web Activity/Video Quiz (WAV1)
EXAM # 1 (E1)
Web/Video Quiz
Chapters 1 and 11
(45 Points)
(100 Points)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SECTION 2:
08/31 to 09/14
Week 3 Reading:
Week 4 Reading:
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Practice Test (PT2)
Practice Test (PT4)
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
WAV QUIZ Preparation
Section 2 Web Activities
Section 2 Required Videos
Neuroscience and Behavior
Consciousness and Variations
(10 Points)
(10 Points)
Due by Sun. 09/07
Due by Sun. 09/14
Nothing to turn in
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09/12 to 09/15
Web Activity/Video Quiz (WAV2)
EXAM # 2 (E2)
Web/Video Quiz
Chapters 2 and 4
(45 Points)
(100 Points)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SECTION 3
09/14 to 09/28
Week 5 Reading:
Week 6 Reading:
Chapter 5
Chapter 9
Practice Test (PT5)
Practice Test (PT6)
Chapter 5
Chapter 9
Learning
Developmental Psychology
WAV QUIZ Preparation
Conditioning Discussion Board (DB)
Peer Check Post on DB
Section 3 Web Activities
Video Analysis: Piaget Stages of Cognitive Devel
Section 3 Required Videos
09/26 to 09/29
Web Activity/Video Quiz (WAV3)
EXAM # 3 (E3)
(10 Points)
(10 Points)
Due by Sun. 09/21
Due by Sun. 09/28
(5 Points)
Due by Fri. 09/19
Due by Sun 09/21
(10 Points)
Due by Sun. 09/28
Web/Video Quiz
Chapters 5 and 9
(45 Points)
(100 Points)
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SECTION 4
09/28 to 10/12
10/10 to 10/13
Week 7 Reading:
Week 8 Reading:
Chapter 10
Chapter 13
Personality and Assessment
Psychological Disorders
Practice Test (PT10)
Practice Tests (PT13)
Chapter 10
Chapters 13
(10 Points)
(10 Points)
Due by Sun 10/05
Due by Sun 10/12
WAV QUIZ Preparation
Section 4 Web Activity 1: Big Five Personality Reflection (10 Pts)
Section 4 Web Activity 2: Personality Disorders Reflection (6 Pts)
Section 4 Web Activities: Library of Congress Freud Exhibit
Section 4 Required Videos
Due by Sun. 10/05
Due by Wed. 10/08
Nothing to turn in
Web Activity/Video Quiz (WAV4)
EXAM # 4 (E4)
BONUS POINT OPPORTUNITY
(45 Points)
(100 Points)
Due by Sun 10/12
Web/Video Quiz
Chapters 10 and 13
(Note: All students must take Test #4. Test #4 cannot be taken as a make-up test. If you fail to take Test #4
during the time it is available you will receive a zero for the test)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------10/10 to 10/13
Optional Final Exam:
Chapters 1, 2, and 5 (see conditions in syllabus)
NOTE: This course is scheduled to end on October 12th and all work can be completed by that
date (including the Optional Final Exam). To accommodate those who wish to test on Monday
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or to take the Optional Final Exam after Exam 4 the test date is extended to Monday, October
13th.
NEC Testing Center
Operating Hours: Fall 2014
Phone: 918-595-7534
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Monday thru Thursday: 8 AM until 7 PM
Friday: 10 AM until 5 PM
Saturday: 8 AM until 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
Labor day: Monday, September 1: Closed
Thanksgiving Break – Wednesday Nov. 26th to Sunday Nov. 30th: Closed
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All students may take assessments from a home computer IF there is a reliable connection. However, if your
computer cannot handle the test format reliably (stay connected) then you need to test on campus. This option
is available to ALL students and may be especially desirable for those who wish to test without time
limits. Below are the testing center hours for those who want to take their tests on campus.
Important reminders:
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Testing on-campus is OPTIONAL. You are welcome to test from home but must adhere to strict time limits
if you test outside of the assessment office.
You are required to show some form of valid photo identification.
The Testing Center opens and closes on schedule, and it is not their responsibility if you show up late and
don't have adequate time to finish the test. If the Testing Center Staff tell you that you have to stop because
the center is closing, then you have to stop.
Do not create unnecessary anxiety for yourself by waiting until the last minute to take tests.
The Testing Center Staff is already familiar with the rules for using materials in this class. However, you are
responsible to turn your materials into them when the time limit expires if you plan to continue testing
beyond the time limit. Failure to turn in your materials at the time limit will result in failure on the exam.
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