Syllabus

PY 355 General Experimental Psychology

Spring 2019 | Sections 001 & 002

Classroom Information:
Sect. 001: 11:00 am - 12:15 pm TR Ten Hoor Hall 319
Sect. 002: 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm TR Lloyd Hall 226

Instructor Information:
Craig Cummings, Ph.D.
Assistant NTRC Professor
Office: 168A Gordon Palmer Hall
Office Hours: 10:00 am -11:00 am on Tuesdays, or by appointment
Email Office Hours: MWF 9-10
Office Phone: (205) 614-3371
Fax: (205) 348-8648
Email: cwcummings@ua.edu

GTA Information
Sect. 001 Toni Rebaldo
Teaching Assistant
Email: tmrebaldo@crimson.ua.edu
Office: Gordon Palmer Hall 400
Office Hours: TBA
(appointments must be confirmed
in advance)

Sect. 002 Mikenzi Brasfield

Teaching Assistant
Email: mbbrasfield@crimson.ua.edu
Office: TBA
Office Hours: TBA

Prerequisites:
Undergraduate level PY 211 Minimum Grade of C- (or approved equivalent from other department)

Course Materials:
Textbook Leary (2012). Introduction to Behavioral
Research Methods (6th Ed) Pearson
Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0205203987
Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0205203987

Books are available at the Campus Supply Store and off-

campus locations.
Course Description:
This course is designed to give a basic knowledge of the methods used to conduct behavioral research.
The conceptual material in the textbook and assigned supplementary readings will be covered through a
variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussions, and group activities. However, we will be
unable to go over all material that is assigned to read in the course. Moreover, you will be tested on all
assigned readings regardless of whether they are covered during lecture.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course students are expected to:
1. Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of behavioral research methodologies.
2. Demonstrate the ability to operationalize behavioral phenomenon
3. …and identify experimental or non-experimental methods appropriately suited to their study.
4. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and interpret scientific literature.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills to address problems related to research design and the
study of behavior.

Grading Scale:

Grading Policy (100 total points): N % of final grade

In-Class Assignments (15%)
Class Participation/Active Learning ? 15 %

Out-of-Class Assignments (85%)

Online Chapter Quizzes 12† 15 %
Exams 3 50 %
Cumulative Final 1 20 %

†The
lowest reading quiz will be dropped.

Final Grade Point Distribution:

A+ = 97-100 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79 D+ = 67-69

A = 93-96 B = 83-86 C = 73-76 D = 63-66
A- = 90-92 B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72 D- = 60-62
Paperless Quizzes and Exams:
The formative and summative assessments in this course are entirely paperless. That is, all reading
quizzes and exams will be completed online in Blackboard. Unlike the reading quizzes, exams can only
be accessed and completed using the Respondus LockDown browser. For more information on the
LockDown browser refer to the How-To/FAQ document provided in the digital resources folder in
Blackboard.
Reading Quizzes: There will be a total of 13 online quizzes, one for each chapter we will cover over in
class over the course of the semester (Chapters 7 & 8 will be combined into 1 quiz). As noted in the
grading scale above (†), the lowest reading quiz grade will be dropped. Chapter quizzes will be freely
available beginning the second week of class and following each prior exam. That is, chapter 1-3
quizzes will be available starting the second week of class, chapter 4-6 quizzes will be available
following exam 1, and so on. Chapter quizzes will remain available until the scheduled deadlines. The
deadline for completing each chapter quiz is listed in the course calendar appended to the end of the
syllabus and available in Blackboard (for further detail refer to the absence policy). Once available, you
will be allowed to take each quiz until you demonstrate mastery of the material by earning 100%, or
until the deadline passes, whichever occurs first.

Reading Quiz Chapter List

Deadline Chapter
1/22 Ch. 1 Chapter 1 - Research in Behavioral Science
Chapter 2 - Behavioral Variability
1/29 Ch. 2 Chapter 3 - The Measurement of Behavior
2/5 Ch. 3 Chapter 4 - Approaches to Psychological
2/12 Measurement
Ch. 4
Chapter 9 - Basic issues in Experimental Research
2/21 Ch. 9 Chapter 10 - Experimental Design
2/28 Chapter 14 - Single-Case Research
Ch. 10
Chapter 11 - Analyzing Experimental Data
3/7 Ch. 14 Chapter 12 - Analyzing Complex Experimental Data
3/19 Ch. 11 Chapter 13 - Quasi-Experimental Designs
Chapter 5 - Selecting Research Participants
3/26 Ch. 12 Chapter 6 - Descriptive Research
4/2 Ch. 13 Chapter 7 - Correlational
4/16 Chapter 8 - Advanced Correlational Research
Ch. 5
Chapter 15 - Ethical Issues in Behavioral Research
4/18 Ch. 6
4/25 Ch. 7/8

Exams: We will take a total of 3 non-cumulative online exams. Exams will include a combination of
multiple choice, fill in the blank, diagram labeling, and essay questions. Some of the essay questions
may related to material from scientific-journal article not previously covered in class (provided in the
exam) and others will require you to answer questions based on studies we discussed in class.
The cumulative final will include all 14 chapters. Half of the exam will be weighted towards the material
already covered on Exams 1-3, the other half will be on new material covered since Exam 3.

Exam Availability (single attempt can be completed any time within date range)
1 12:00 am 2/17 - 11:59 pm 2/18
2 12:00 am 3/6 - 4:59 pm 3/8
3 12:00 am 4/7 - 11:59 pm 4/8
Final Exam 12:00 am 4/29 - 11:59 pm 5/3
In-Class Participation:
In addition to covering course material during lectures, concept-check questions will be built into the
lectures periodically. Follow the instructions posted in blackboard to learn how to use Kahoot! I do not
announce ahead of time when the Kahoot! sessions will occur and you are responsible for having a
smart phone, or other digital device, to participate. Also, while participating, be sure that you log into
Kahoot! with your MyBama username, otherwise you will not receive participation points.
On some days, class participation will be earned by complete individual, or group-based, in-class
learning activities.

Extra Credit:
You can write up to four article reviews in this class. Each article review is worth up to 1% of EC to be
added to your final grade. In order to receive full credit the review must meet all of the criterion
specified in the article review instructions, including proper APA formatting. All materials (articles,
assignment instructions, and submission instructions) needed to complete reviews can be found in the
Article Review folder.

Course Policies:

Academic Misconduct Policy:

All students in attendance at The University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe
standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University of Alabama expects from
its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline.
At the beginning of each semester and on examinations and projects, the professor, department, or
division may require that each student sign the following Academic Honor Pledge:
“I promise or affirm that I will not at any time be involved with cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or
misrepresentation while enrolled as a student at The University of Alabama. I have read the Academic
Honor Code, which explains disciplinary procedure resulting from the aforementioned. I understand that
violation of this code will result in penalties as severe as indefinite suspension from the university.”

Accommodations Policy:
If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon
as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary.
If you have a disability, but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call (205) 348-
4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY) or visit 1000 Houser Hall to register for services. Students who
may need course adaptations because of a disability are welcome to make an appointment to see me
during office hours. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services,
1000 Houser Hall, before receiving academic adjustments.
Athletes and Affiliated Groups:
Please provide me with a copy of your athletic schedule by the end of the second week of class. Also,
please be sure to provide me with a written excuse from affiliated university personnel for any make-
ups.
More information can be found in the Student-Athlete Handbook provided by the Center for Student
Athletic Services found here: rolltide.com/ot/cass.html.

Attendance Policy:
If you don’t attend class regularly (i.e., every day), you will most likely perform poorly in this course
and receive a low grade. Many assignments (15% of final grade) will be administered and submitted
during class. The date and the frequency of lecture-based concept check questions will not be announced
in advance. Thus, if you miss class, you might miss multiple point opportunities, which would reduce
your final grade. In short: show up to class.

Excused Absence and Make-up Policy:

All absence-related communications must be submitted by filling out an excused-absence approval form
and submitting it to the absence-approval section of the course’s Blackboard page. The GTAs and I will
not respond to absence related inquiries received outside of class or via email. Any and all questions and
concerns can be addressed by completing the excused-absence approval form.
You are responsible for knowing all information that is covered in missed classes. I encourage you to
contact fellow classmates to obtain this information. All lecture PPTs will be posted to Blackboard.
PPTs posted prior to class might change, final PPT versions will always be posted shortly after each
class.
There are no make-up opportunities for missed concept-check questions occurring the day of an
absence. This is non-negotiable, and one of the main reasons you have the opportunity to write EC
article reviews.
There are no make-up opportunities or deadline extensions for reading quizzes. This is non-negotiable,
and one of the main reasons that the reading quizzes remain freely available for a minimum of 7 days.
Missing scheduled exams: If you miss a scheduled exam due to one of the reasons listed below and/or
receive approval after submitting an excused-absence form, you will have the opportunity to take a
makeup exam during a mutually agreed upon time frame (i.e., a specific date following the original
deadline)
Excused Absences:
1. Illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student’s immediate family. (I may
request appropriate verification including a clear statement of the time period for which the
student is/was unable to attend class and confirming that the student is/was physically
incapable of attending class.)
2. The death of a member of the student’s immediate family. (I may request appropriate
verification.)
3. Trips for members of the student organizations sponsored by an academic unit, trips for
university classes, and trips for student-athlete participation in intercollegiate athletic events. (I
will require official notification from university personnel affiliated with the student
organization.)
4. Religious holidays. Anticipated absences due to the observance of such holidays must be
given no later than 10 days prior to the holiday.
5. Subpoena for court appearance. (I may request appropriate verification.)
6. Any other reason the instructor deems appropriate granted I am provided with sufficient notice
and have approved the reason prior to the anticipated absence.

Unexcused Absences:
Exams that are missed due to pre-arranged travel plans, common illnesses (e.g., upper respiratory
tract infection) or simply due to tardiness do not qualify for makeups. I reserve the right to
change the format of makeup exams.
Classroom Etiquette Policy:
You are expected to arrive to class on time and be in your seat at the beginning of class. Be respectful to
the students around you and silence your phone. Other than during Kahoots!, use of cell phones is not
permitted at any time. Your cell phone will be collected if it is not kept out of sight (i.e., put away in
your bag or pocket).
Use of a tablet and/or laptop computer is not permitted, unless it is part of a Kahoot! or active learning
activity. If I suspect that you are using your laptop for something other than the class activities listed
above, I will pause lecture and ask you to put your computer away for the lecture and/or duration of the
semester.
Limited exception to the digital device policy: You can schedule a meeting with me to discuss the use of
laptops in class. If we reach an agreement that your class time will be better served with the ability to
use your laptop to take in-class notes, then an exception will be made for you, thus allowing you to use a
laptop for note taking purposes with the understanding that the privilege can be revoked if you fail to
honor the agreement and are found using the device for non-note taking purposes.

E-mail Policy:
If you have any questions related to the course that are not answered in the course syllabus, the GTAs
and I will be happy to answer them. Refer to the first page of the syllabus to determine which GTA is
your primary email recipient. I ask that you direct all of your emails directly to your GTA. This will
ensure that you receive a prompt response. I have upwards of 400 students each semester and,
unfortunately, cannot respond to all student emails in a timely manner. The GTAs and I will try to
respond to all e-mails within 48 hours. My personal email office hours are MWF from 10 – 11 am (I will
answer all student emails in the order I receive them during these times).
In order to receive a response your email must
 … include the course number (i.e., PY355-001) in the subject line of the email.
 … include your first and last name in the signature line.
 … be sent from your UA (i.e., @crimson.ua.edu) email account.

Also, your email will not be replied to if

 … you inquire about something answered here in the syllabus.
 … you reply to a class-wide email. (compose a new email)
 … you inquire about makeup eligibility (refer to the makeup policy)
 …you inquire about a planned absence (refer to the makeup policy)
 … you want to know what was covered on day x (refer to the makeup policy)
 … you ask whether we are having class on day x (refer to the course calendar).

Minimum Student Technical Skills and Support Provided:

Participation in this course requires basic knowledge of computer technology and applications.
You should be able to:
1. Navigate and use Blackboard Learn (See Help for College or University Students
(https://help.blackboard.com/Filter/Student/College_or_University)
2. Download, install, and use Respondus LockDown Browser to complete online exams
(http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=594613873)
 3. Access Internet via high-speed connection such as DSL, cable modem, or a network interface (on-
campus https://oit.ua.edu/service/wifi/; off-campus https://oit.ua.edu/service/it-service-desk/) .
4. Send, receive, store, and retrieve email using official student email account
(https://oit.ua.edu/service/crimson-mail/)
5. Understand basic computer usage (https://oit.ua.edu/service/it-service-desk/).
6. Use Microsoft Word to write and save assignments as .doc or .docx files
(https://oit.ua.edu/software/microsoft-office-365/).‡
7. Send, receive, and open file attachments (https://oit.ua.edu/service/it-service-desk/).‡

‡These skills are only necessary for completion of optional EC article reviews.

Grade appeal Policy:

If you think that a question from one of the quizzes or exams was unfair I encourage you to submit a
written explanation to support your opinion. Please type your explanation and deliver it to me after class
or email me to schedule a meeting.

Emergency Contact Information:

UA's primary communication tool for sending out information is through its web site at www.ua.edu. In
the event of an emergency, students should consult this site for further directions. Additional course
information will be posted using Blackboard Learn.
Severe Weather Guidelines:
The guiding principle at The University of Alabama is to promote the personal safety of our students,
faculty and staff during severe weather events. It is impossible to develop policies which anticipate
every weather-related emergency. These guidelines are intended to provide additional assistance for
responding to severe weather on campus.
UA is a residential campus with many students living on or near campus. In general, classes will remain
in session until the National Weather Service issues safety warnings for the city of Tuscaloosa. Clearly,
some students and faculty commute from adjacent counties. These counties may experience weather
related problems not encountered in Tuscaloosa. Individuals should follow the advice of the National
Weather Service for that area, taking the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. Whenever the
National Weather Service and the Emergency Management Agency issue a warning, people in the path
of the storm (tornado or severe thunderstorm) should take immediate life saving actions.
When West Alabama is under a severe weather advisory, conditions can change rapidly. It is imperative
to get to where you can receive information from the National Weather Service and to follow the
instructions provided. Personal safety should dictate the actions that faculty, staff and students take.
The Office of University Relations will disseminate the latest information regarding conditions on
campus in the following ways:

 Weather advisory posted on the UA homepage

 Weather advisory sent out through UA Alerts to faculty, staff and students
 Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA at 90.7 FM
 Weather advisory broadcast over Alabama Public Radio (WUAL) at 91.5 FM
 Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA-TV/WUOA-TV, and on the website at
http://wvuatv.com/content/weather. WVUA-TV Home Team Weather provides a free service you can
 subscribe to which allows you to receive weather warnings for Tuscaloosa via e-mail or cell phone. Check
http://wvuatv.com/content/free-email-weather-alerts for more details and to sign up for weather alerts.
In the case of a tornado warning (tornado has been sighted or detected by radar; sirens activated), all
university activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. If you are in a
building, please move immediately to the lowest level and toward the center of the building away from
windows (interior classrooms, offices, or corridors) and remain there until the tornado warning has
expired. Classes in session when the tornado warning is issued can resume immediately after the
warning has expired at the discretion of the instructor. Classes that have not yet begun will resume 30
minutes after the tornado warning has expired provided at least half of the class period remains.

Notes:
 Course Calendar†
†
This is a tentative schedule and might change.

RQ
Chapter
Deadline
1/22 1
1/29 2
2/5 3
2/12 4
2/21 9
2/28 10
3/7 14
3/19 11
3/26 12
4/2 13
4/16 5
4/18 6
4/25 7/8

Exam Dates (single attempt can be completed any time within date range)

Exam 1 12:00 am 2/17 - 11:59 pm 2/18

Exam 2 12:00 am 3/6 - 4:59 pm 3/8
Exam 3 12:00 am 4/7 - 11:59 pm 4/8
Final Exam 12:00 am 4/29 - 11:59 pm 5/3