GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I
PSY 101
COURSE SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Vanessa Mitchell
TELEPHONE: (931) 823-7065 or 1-800-563-8220 EXT. 203
e-mail address: vanessa.mitchell@volstate.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours will be posted by the instructor on her office door.
SEMESTER: Fall 2004
REQUIRED TEXT: Invitation to Psychology by Carole Wade and Carol Travis Third Edition
OPTIONAL TEXT: Writing Papers in Psychology by Rosnow and Rosnow
Invitation to Psychology – Study Guide (Wade and Travis)
SPECIAL NOTICE:
It is the intent of Volunteer State Community College to fully comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended, all regulations implementing those laws and orders, for the promotion and ensuring of equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. It is the intent of VSCC to be free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, or physical appearance. It is the intent of VSCC to fully comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Pay Act of 1963, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1976, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicable state status and all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
A. GRADING:
There are a total of 570 points possible for this course. These are accumulated as follows:
Test 1 Chapters 1, 2, and 4 = 100 points (Sept. 24)
Test 2 Chapters 5, 6, and 7 = 100 points (Oct. 22)
Test 3 Chapters 8, 9, and 10 = 100 points (Nov. 19)
Test 4 Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14 100 points (Dec. 13)
RESEARCH PROJECT = 100 total points
(Due on Nov. 24)
GROUP PRESENTATION = 30 points
QUIZZES = 40 points
4 unannounced chapter quizzes
will be given. Each is 10 points.
TOTAL POINTS = 570 points
NOTE: It is important to remember that these are tentative test dates depending on
the amount of time required to adequately cover the material. The last day to withdraw from the Fall semester and receive a “W” is November 10.
Students who are absent on dates when a major test is given will ONLY be permitted to make-up the test if they provide documentation for an excused absence, i.e., doctor’s note, court appearance receipt, etc. Students are permitted to make-up one major test with appropriate documentation for absence - this cannot be the final. The missed test must be made up within the same week that it was originally scheduled. Students will not be allowed to make-up missed quizzes.
The final grade and test grade scales are below:
FINAL GRADE SCALE TEST GRADE SCALE
570-515 = A 100-90 = A
514-459 = B 89-80 = B
458-403 = C 79-70 = C
402-347 = D 69-60 = D
Below 346 = F Below 59 = F
Other possible grades in this course:
N = Audit No grade or credit. The student must have registered as an audit in order
to receive this grade.
W = Withdrawal –
A grade of W is given by the Admissions Office after a student has processed a drop/add form or has dropped the class on-line. NOTE: The instructor does have the right to administratively withdraw a student from class resulting in a grade of W; but this is not automatic. Students wishing to withdraw must do so before the drop date of November 10.
An incomplete is given at the discretion of the instructor and must meet the following conditions:
(a) Student attends regularly.
(b) Student has completed 80% of the course work and is passing.
(c) The instructor feels the student can realistically complete the course work in the following semester.
NOTE: If the course work is not completed prior to the exam period of the following
semester, the grade is automatically converted to an “F” by the Admissions Office.
A grade of “F” is given when any one of the following situations occur:
(a) Failure to accumulate sufficient points to pass as set forth in the syllabus.
(b) Failure to take the final exam.
B. ATTENDANCE:
Students do not receive a grade for attendance. Students are expected to have regular and prompt attendance because failure to exhibit regular attendance seriously impairs the student’s ability to succeed in this course. Any reason for absence should be indicated to the instructor, preferably in advance.
C. ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES:
IT IS NOT MY POLICY TO GIVE MAKE UP EXAMS.
Students who are absent on dates when a major test is given will only be permitted to make up the test if they provide documentation for an excused absence (doctors’ note, court appearance receipt, etc.). Students are permitted to make up one major test with appropriate documentation for absence (this cannot be the final exam). Students will not be allowed to make-up missed quizzes.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS:
There will be no extra credit assignments in this course.
D. CHEATING:
Cheating is defined as plagiarism, talking to another student during a test or exam, looking at another student’s work during a test or exam, use of notes or books during a test or exam, or turning in a paper that is not the student’s own work. Any student caught engaging in these behaviors will be given an automatic failure for the course regardless of the grade at that point.
Cheating also defined as using your cellular telephone to textmessage another student and/or sending photographs of your exam to someone else
E. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
If Volunteer State is officially open all classes will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled tests, quizzes, or exams will be given. Any missed work will be subject to the policies outlined in this syllabus.
F. CLASSROOM DEPORTMENT:
All policies and procedures for classroom misconduct are discussed in the Student Handbook, pages 17-24.
As a point of emphasis, this instructor will not tolerate any activity which is disruptive to the classroom setting, which adversely affects others, and which is considered by the instructor to the unethical, immoral, or illegal. Students will be dismissed from the class and the issue of misconduct brought before the Dean of Students.
The instructor will not allow smoking, drinking or eating in the classroom. All cellular telephones and beepers must be turned off - unless your occupation in one that requires you to be available at all times. Parents are asked not to bring their children to class.
RESEARCH PROJECT
The objective of this assignment is to encourage students to become familiar with the mechanics of scientific research as it relates to psychology.
The student is required to write a 7-9 page research paper on any topic of interest that relates to psychology. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and must contain at least six (6) references cited in the body of the paper and a bibliography. If you choose to use Internet resources, you must copy the pages you have cited and attach them to your appendix section. Five points will be deducted from your grade for each Internet resource you do not copy and place in the appendix section. Additionally, one of the references must be a book.
1. Obtain your TBR/UT Borrower’s Library Card by seeing Brent Carter. After you receive your card, this will allow you to use the Tennessee Technological University Library in Cookeville to find materials related to your topic. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your instructor.
2. You must footnote within the text of your paper with parentheses following all quoted material. All sources must be referenced regardless of whether it is a direct quote or not. For example, (Jones, p. 67). Your bibliography should be the last sheet of your report and should list all of your sources properly. All sources in your bibliography must be referenced within the text of the paper or points will be taken off.
4. Research paper is due on Nov. 24.
Contents must include:
1. Title page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Methods
a. Subjects
b. Procedure
c. Results
d. Discussion
5. References/Bibliography
RESEARCH PAPER TIMELINE:
Topic must be turned in typed (double-spaced) with a hypothesis.
(5 points)
3. Submit introduction section of paper (Due Oct. 1) – Must
be typed (35 points)
4. Research paper due (Nov. 24)
1. Title page (5 points)
2. Abstract (5 points)
3. Introduction You must include your introduction that was
due on Oct. 1 in your paper. Failure to do so will result in a 15 point reduction.
5. Methods (45 points)
a. subjects
b. procedure
c. results
d. discussion
6. References ( 5 points)
********Keep a copy of all of your work as it will not be returned.
NOTE: The research paper constitutes a major portion of this course. It is important that the timeline for the research material be enforced; therefore, materials that are not turned in as specified will not be accepted after the due date. Failure to submit materials on the due date will result in the student receiving a “0” for that portion of the research. Failure to submit the research paper on the due date will result in the student receiving a “0” for the research project. Incomplete research papers will not be accepted or graded.
GROUP PRESENTATION
During the first class meeting, students will be assigned to a group. Each group will be assigned a psychologist or an influential individual in the field of psychology. Students will be asked to research the individual in the library and on the Internet in order to obtain as much information on that individual as possible especially looking in depth at how that this individual conducted research. The group will then be required to give a group presentation to the class on the individual. Groups are encouraged to be creative in their presentations. Points will be deducted for reading the entire report. This is a group effort and your participation in the group will reflect in your grade.
SERVICE-LEARNING COMPONENT
The student will be allowed to substitute one of the quiz grades with a grade he/she earns based on this service-learning component. This assignment is strictly optional, and the student can decide not to participate. If a student chooses to complete this activity, he/she must choose one of the following activities, and then on or before December 1, 2004, he/she must turn in a one-page, typed, double spaced journal entry (report) on what he/she learned from the activity or organization the student participated in. The organizations and/or groups that each student is working with will be contacted to insure that the student did participate. Additionally, the activity cannot be something that the student does in his/her regular job. Activities include:
1. Psychology Club - Join the Psychology Club and actively participating in
all of their activities. (Student will be allowed to miss only one psychology club meeting.)
violence. (Contact Lori Taylor at 1-800-707-5197 or 526-5197)
Sept. 17 beginning at 8 a.m.until 2 p.m. - Children’s Marble Day
Sept. 18 – Marble Tournament beginning at 8 a.m. until completion.
Mid. November – Christmas Lights and Decorations
Other Times available be contacting Ranger Hughes. You must contact Ranger Hughes to participate.
STATEMENTS:
PLAGIARISM STATEMENT:
According to the Volunteer State Community College Handbook, “Plagiarism is using other people’s ideas as your own work, copying all or parts of someone else’s work, having another person write the assignment, getting too much assistance in writing, or failing to document accurately the use of source material” (14). Plagiarism is punishable by possible failure in the course, to be judged by the teacher, and a definite zero on the project. Students are responsible for seeking help if they are unsure about how or when to cite sources; ignorance of the rules is not a justification for plagiarism.
FINANCIAL AID STATEMENT:
Students who are receiving Title IV financial assistance (Pell Grant, Student Loan or SEOG Grant) must regularly attend class or be subject to repay PART or ALL of the Federal Financial Aid received for the semester.
GOALS:
PRIMARY The primary goal of this course is to provide information
GOAL which enables students to identify, analyze and
understand the various concepts, theories, theorist, mental illness, and treatment options in the field of Psychology.
OTHER To expose students to the vast research available in psychology.
To help students research assigned topics and topics of interest using theoretical concepts (behavioral, cognitive, etc.).
To help students develop critical skills by contrasting theories and weighing advantages of one particular theory over another.
To help students develop college level written and oral communication skills.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
PRIMARY The degree to which outcomes of the primary goals have
EDUCATIONAL been achieved will be determined by the assessment of the specific
GOALS course outcomes. The course also, will be assessed by the students
through faculty evaluation.
OTHER The degree of accomplishment pertaining to research and the
GOALS critical skill goals will be determined through assessment of the
student’s achievement of specific course outcomes and evaluation of research projects.
OUTCOME Outcome statements will be assessed through class discussion and
STATEMENTS written examination.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course the student should have knowledge of the following concepts and areas of study. He/she will have demonstrated his/her ability to:
Chapter 1 – What Is Psychology?
1. Distinguish psychology from pseudoscience.
2. Summarize the early history and development of psychology.
3. Compare and contrast the major principles of the learning, psychodynamic, cognitive, biological, and sociocultural perspectives in psychology.
4. Distinguish between basic and applied psychological research.
5. Discuss and give examples of the concerns of the various specialties in psychology.
6. Distinguish between psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other practicing mental health professionals.
7. List and apply the essential elements of critical thinking.
8. List and discuss the characteristics of descriptive research methods.
9. Describe and give examples of case studies, naturalistic observation, laboratory observation, psychological tests, and surveys, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
10. List and discuss the characteristics of correlational studies, and identify examples of positive and negative correlations.
11. Distinguish between independent and dependent variables and identify examples of each.
12. Distinguish between experimental and control groups.
13. List and describe the types of descriptive statistics.
14. Describe how inferential statistics are used and explain statistical significance.
Chapter 2 – Theories Of Personality
1. Define personality.
2. List and discuss the major trait theories of personality, including the theory that there are five fundamental factors.
3. Discuss the issue of heritability of personality and temperament, including cautionary considerations.
4. Compare and contrast the behavioral and social-cognitive learning approaches to personality.
5. List and explain problems associated with the learning theories of personality.
6. Describe two kinds of cultures and give some examples of how cultural norms vary.
7. Explain the basic principles of Freud’s psychoanalytic approach to the study of personality, and list the emphases shared by modem psychodynamic theories.
8. Describe the structure of the personality, according to Freud, and explain the defense mechanisms listed in the text.
9. Describe the five psychosexual stages of personality development identified by Freud.
10. Discuss the challenges to psychoanalytic theory made by Jung and the object-relations school.
11. Summarize the criticisms of psychodynamic theories.
12. Summarize the principles of humanistic psychology proposed by Maslow, Rogers, and May.
13. Explain the differences between the public and private personalities.
Chapter 4 Neurons, Hormones, and the Brain
1. List and describe the features and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
2. Distinguish between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
3. Describe biofeedback.
4. Distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
5. Describe the structure of a neuron, and explain how impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another.
6. Describe the roles of neurotransmitters and endorphins.
7. Describe the functioning of those hormones in which psychologists are especially interested.
8. List and describe techniques that psychologists use to study brain functions.
9. List and describe the location and function of each of the major portions of the brain.
10. Summarize the functions of the brain’s two hemispheres, and explain theft relationship.
11. Explain the activation-synthesis theory of dreaming.
12. Summarize the evidence on whether there are sex differences in the brain, and how any differences might affect behavior.
Chapter 5 – Sensation And Perception
1. Distinguish between sensation and perception.
2. Distinguish between anatomical and functional codes in the nervous system.
3. Define psychophysics, absolute and difference thresholds, and signal detection theory.
4. Explain sensory adaptation, sensory deprivation, sensory overload and selective attention.
5. List the characteristics of light waves and their correspondence to the visual experience.
6. Identify the parts of the eye and describe how they convert light to vision.
7. Discuss two theories of color vision and how they relate to stages of processing.
8. Explain how form, distance and depth perception occur.
9. List and explain visual constancies, and distinguish them from visual illusions.
10. List the characteristics of sound waves and their correspondence to loudness, pitch and timbre.
11. Identify the parts of the ear, and describe how they convert sound to hearing.
12. Explain how the auditory system provides information about distance and direction.
13. List and explain the factors that affect gestation (taste) and olfaction (smell).
14. List the four skin senses.
15. Describe the gate-control theory of pain.
16. Describe the internal senses of kinesthesis and equilibrium.
17. Summarize the evidence for innate abilities in perception, and describe the psychological and cultural influences on perception.
18. Discuss the evidence on the effectiveness of “subliminal perception” tapes and ESP.
Chapter 6 – Thinking And Intelligence
1. Define and distinguish between concepts, propositions, and cognitive schemas.
2. Distinguish between subconscious processes, nonconscious processes, and
mindless processes.
3. Discuss the roles of algorithms and heuristics in problem solving.
4. Distinguish between inductive, deductive, and dialectical reasoning, and between informal and formal reasoning.
5. List and describe the stages of reflective judgment according to the studies by
King and Kitchener.
6. Discuss six types of cognitive bias that can influence reasoning.
7. List the factors that can reduce the influence of cognitive biases.
8. Define and explain the “g” factor in intelligence.
9. Distinguish between the psychometric approach and cognitive approaches to
intelligence.
10. Discuss the objectives, uses, and criticisms of IQ tests.
11. Describe the components of Stemberg’s theory of intelligence, and discuss whether these components are measured on most intelligence tests.
12. Describe Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.
13. Describe how genes affect intelligence.
14. Describe factors other than intelligence that contribute to achievement.
15. Discuss the cognitive abilities found in nonhuman animals.
Chapter 7 - Memory
1. Discuss the reconstructive nature of memory.
2. Describe factors that influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimony of adults and children.
3. Compare recognition, recall and priming, and explicit and implicit memory.
4. Describe the information-processing approach to memory.
5. Describe the “three-box model” of memory and explain its components.
6. Describe the parallel distributed processing model of memory.
7. Discuss the role of sensory memory.
8. Describe the processes and limitations of short-term memory (STM), and list and discuss ways STM can be expanded.
9. Describe the characteristics of long-term memory (LTM), and explain how information is organized.
10. Distinguish between procedural and declarative memories, and between semantic and episodic memories.
11. Explain the limitations of the three-box model in accounting for the serial position effect
12. Describe techniques for keeping information in short-term memory and for transferring information to long-term memory.
13. List and discuss theories of why forgetting occurs.
14. Discuss hypotheses about why childhood amnesia occurs.
15. Describe the relationship between a person’s “life story” and actual memories.
Chapter 8 - Learning
1. Identify the two types of conditioning shown by behaviorists to explain human
behavior.
2. List and explain the four components of classical conditioning.
3. List and explain the major principles of classical conditioning.
4. Compare the traditional and recent views of how associations are formed between unconditioned and it conditioned stimuli.
5. Describe both the impact of classical conditioning on everyday life and the therapeutic technique of counterconditioning.
6. Compare and contrast the principles of operant and classical conditioning.
7. List and explain the three types of consequences a response can lead to
between positive and negative reinforcement, and primary and secondary
reinforcement.
8. Describe shaping, extinction, and stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination in operant conditioning.
9. Distinguish between continuous and intermittent schedules of reinforcement.
10. Describe how superstitions might be learned according to operant conditioning.
11. List and discuss six limitations of punishment as a way of controlling behavior, and
state a more effective strategy.
12. Describe real-world applications of operant conditioning.
13. Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcers and discuss the effects of extrinsic reinforcers on motivation.
14. Explain social-cognitive learning theory.
Chapter 9 – Behavior In Social And Cultural Context
1. Describe the interests of social and cultural psychology.
2. Explain how norms, roles, and rules influence behavior and cognition.
3. Summarize the two controversial studies described in the text and discuss how they illustrate the influence of roles on behavior.
4. List and explain reasons why people obey authority.
5. Summarize the principles and components of attribution theory.
6. Define attitudes and identify important influences on attitudes.
7. List and explain persuasive and manipulative techniques of attitude change.
8. Discuss some reasons for conforming to social pressure in a group.
9. Explain the ways decision making and individual behavior can be influenced by group processes including diffusion of responsibility, deindividuation, groupthink, and group polarization.
10. Define altruism and list the factors that lead to altruistic behavior.
11. Discuss the factors that lead to dissent and nonconformity.
12. List and explain various sources of social identity.
13. Define ethnocentrism and explain its consequences.
14. Describe ways in which stereotypes are useful and discuss three ways in which they distort reality.
15. Define “prejudice” and describe the psychological, social, and economic factors that perpetuate it.
16. Discuss the approaches that have been taken to reduce prejudice and conflict between groups, and describe their outcomes.
Chapter 10 Psychological Disorders
1. Discuss the ways in which abnormal behavior has been defined.
2. Distinguish between projective and objective tests and summarize the strengths and weaknesses of both types of test.
3. Describe the purpose and contents of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV).
4. Summarize the positions supporting and criticizing the DSM-IV.
5. List and describe the principal characteristics of the anxiety disorders.
6. Distinguish between feeling blue, major depression, and bipolar disorder.
7. Explain the various theories that attempt to account for depression.
8. List the general features of personality disorders and of the three specific personality disorders discussed in the text
9. Describe the features of antisocial personality disorder and the theories explaining its causes.
10. List and discuss the characteristics of dissociative identity disorder.
11. Describe the current controversy about the validity and nature of dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder).
12. List the signs of substance abuse.
13. Distinguish between the biological model of addiction and the learning model of addiction.
14. List the components that interact to influence addiction and abuse.
15. Describe the symptoms of schizophrenia.
16. Explain the biological and vulnerability-stress models of schizophrenia.
Chapter 11 – Approaches To Treatment
1. Discuss the uses of antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and lithium in treating emotional disorders.
2. Summarize the problems inherent in treating psychological disorders with drugs.
3. Describe the procedures used in attempts to control brain activity with surgery and electroshock.
4. List and explain the goals and principles of the four major schools of psychotherapy.
5. Describe the results of efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
6. Discuss the factors most likely to lead to successful therapy and discuss the role of the therapeutic alliance.
7. Discuss which therapies and which therapeutic structures work best for specific problems.
8. Discuss the circumstances in which therapy can be harmful.
Chapter 12 – Emotion, Stress And Health
1. Describe the role of facial expression in emotional experience.
2. Summarize evidence about the origin of emotion in the brain.
3. List and discuss some of the physiological changes that accompany emotional experiences.
4. Describe and discuss the two-factor theory of emotion.
5. Explain, with examples, how cognitive processes can affect emotions.
6. Distinguish between primary and secondary emotions and describe contradictory views on primary emotions.
7. Discuss how culture can influence the experience and expression of emotion.
8. Compare and contrast different expectations for emotional expression in men and women.
9. Describe Selye’s stages of stress response, and compare his theory to current theories.
10. Differentiate between positive stress and negative stress.
11. Describe how the immune system can be affected by stress.
12. List and discuss the major sources of stress.
13. List and discuss the personality factors that affect health and the ability to cope with stress.
14. Define locus of control and explain its relationship to health and well-being.
15. Distinguish between primary and secondary control, and explain how they differ across cultures.
16. List and discuss the emotional factors that affect health and the ability to cope with stress.
17. List and explain the major methods of coping with stress.
Chapter 13 – The Major Motives Of Life
1. Distinguish between drives based on physiological needs and those that are learned.
2. Discuss the need for affiliation as a source of human motivation.
3. List and explain three categories or theories describing varieties or styles of love.
4. Summarize the findings from biological research on the sexual behavior of men and women.
5. List and explain interpersonal and cultural factors that influence the sexual attitudes and behaviors of men and women.
6. Discuss the motivational factors involved in rape and unwanted sexual behavior.
7. Describe traditional and current approaches to understanding the origins of sexual orientation.
8. Discuss the evolutionary view of sexual motivation.
9. Describe how physiological and genetic factors affect weight.
10. Describe how cultural factors affect weight.
11. Tell why dieting is not always a good thing and describe some strategies for losing weight.
12. List and explain the factors that motivate people to work and to succeed.
13. Discuss how working conditions can affect motivation.
14. List and discuss four types of motivational conflicts.
15. Summarize Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and discuss whether motives can be
ranked.