Psychologie | Psychology

Faculté des sciences sociales | Faculty of Social Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: APPLICATIONS

PSY 1102 C

Victor Emerson
Fall 2020

COURSE OUTLINE

Class schedule: Wednesday, 16h00-17h20

Friday, 14h30-15h50
This course is held entirely on-line. You will be able to
access the course material via two on-line platforms
(TopHat and Brightspace). See details in Teaching
Methods section below.

Professor’s office hours: Contact me by e-mail suggesting a time. I will contact

you using Google Meet.

E-mail: vemerson@uottawa.ca

SUPPORT STAFF FOR THE COURSE

For any questions concerning quizzes or course content, contact your teaching assistant.
Please contact the course coordinator or his assistants with regard to final exam deferral.

Teaching assistant: Erin McClung emccl085@uottawa.ca

Course Coordinator: Dr. Sylvain Gagnon sgagnon@uottawa.ca
Coordinator’s Assistants: Damiem Rolon-Mérette drolo083@uottawa.ca
Audrey Renaud-Da Costa arena030@uottawa.ca
School of Psychology: Vanier Building, Room 3002 613-562-5801 psycho@uottawa.ca
Please contact the coordinator or their assistants with regard to final exam deferral:

Any questions sent by email should receive a response within two business days or during the
following class if taken place within the 48 hours following receipt of the email. Note that the
professor reserves the right not to answer an email if the level of language used is inadequate.

OFFICIAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

Heredity, environment, and human development. Intelligence. Personality. Mental health,

abnormal behaviour and therapeutic approaches. Social psychology.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES

The goals of this course are to provide an overview of the vast field of psychology and to
illustrate the scientific methods used to study behaviour.

ORGANIZATION OF THE COURSE

Each student is assigned to a specific section: (e.g., PSY 1102 A, PSY 1102 B, PSY 1102 C, etc.).
Due to the large number of students registered in this course (over 3000), we have to control
the registration in the different sections. When you register, you are automatically assigned to
one section that has its own Top hat course code (see below). A professor and a teaching
assistant are assigned to each section. All professors follow a similar procedure. Thus, all Intro
sections are substantially the same in content, structure and assessment. You cannot switch to
a different section of the course during the semester than the one assigned to you.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be delivered using the TopHat platform. Class notes, which are based on the
textbook and may contain additional contextual information, will be posted on-line before each
class. However, all quizzes and the final examination will be based on material in the TopHat
textbook.

Lectures will be delivered on-line using Adobe Connect, about which you will be contacted. All
lectures will be recorded (and available through Adobe Connect), so you can hear them
synchronously or asynchronously. You are expected to watch the lectures on the weeks that
they are scheduled, so as to stay up-to-date on the course material. You will have four quizzes
based on lecture/textbook material over the semester (see schedule below).

I will also use Brightspace as an announcement system for the course. Please make sure you
have your notifications for Brightspace announcements turned on for this course (you can
change this by logging into Brightspace, clicking on your name in the upper right-hand corner,
and selecting Notifications).

BIBLIOGRAPHY: TEXTBOOK

We will be using Top Hat for Introduction to Psychology: Applications/Foundations as the

textbook, quizzing platform, and for virtual lectures. You will be able to submit answers to in-
class questions using Apple or Android smartphones and tablets, laptops, or through text
message.

This material is exclusively online. You will need to buy (1) an access to the platform (1 year
access code) as well as (2) an access to the Introduction to psychology textbook. You may buy
the access codes from the Ottawa bookstore or directly from Top Hat. Top Hat charges $48 for
one-year access and $95 for the textbook. No other Introduction to Psychology textbook can be
used in this course. Take note that this textbook is also used in the other intro course in
psychology (Introduction to psychology: Fundamentals, PSY 1101).

For instructions on how to create a Top Hat account and enroll in our Top Hat course, please
refer to the invitation sent to your school email address or consult Top Hat's Getting Started
Guide (https://support.tophat.com/s/article/Student-Top-Hat-Overview-and-Getting-Started-
Guide).
If you already have a Top Hat account, go to https://app.tophat.com/e/126257 to be taken
directly to our course. If you are new to Top Hat, go to https://app.tophat.com/register/student
and search for our course with the following join code: 126257.

Supplemental Textbook: Resource: if you would like a read-only version of the textbook in your
language of choice please go here for English (https://app.tophat.com/e/300589) and here for
French (https://app.tophat.com/e/082235). This is a supplemental resource and marks will not
be allocated to completion of the read-only textbook.

Should you require assistance with Top Hat at any time please contact their Support Team
directly by way of email (support@tophat.com), the in-app support button, or by calling 1-888-
663-5491. Specific user information may be required by their technical support team when
troubleshooting issues.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The passing mark for this course is 50%. The final exam, identical for all English sections, is worth
35% of your final grade. This exam, containing 100 multiple-choice questions, will be based on
the textbook only. The date of the final exam is set by the central administration of the
University, and it is usually scheduled at the end of the exam period. THEREFORE, WE
STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU CONSULT THE EXAM SCHEDULE BEFORE PLANNING ANY TRIPS
OR HOLIDAYS.

Of the remaining 65%, (A) 4 marks will be attributed to participation in research projects (see
ISPR, below), (B) 8 marks will be attributed to readership, and (C) the allocation of the remaining
53% will be spread over 4 major quizzes (15% for each of 3 quizzes and 8% for the fourth quiz;
see schedule, below). Quizzes are also based on the textbook.

ABSENCE FROM EXAMS

Midterms
For midterms, arrangements should be made with your professor. Absence must be justified by
a medical certificate, which should be presented to the professor in charge of your section
within 5 working days following the exam.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS IS NOT A VALID REASON.
MISREADING THE EXAM SCHEDULE IS NOT A VALID REASON.
Final exam
Arrangements regarding the final exam must be made with the course coordinator or his
assistants. Absence from the final exam must be justified by a medical certificate together with
a copy of the Request for a Deferred Mark form (DFR), which may be obtained at your academic
secretariat, duly completed. These should be presented to the course coordinator or his
assistants within 5 working days following the exam. PLEASE NOTE that all deferred final exams
for the Fall 2020 term will be written during reading week in the following Winter 2021 term.

GOING ON HOLIDAYS IS NOT A VALID REASON. MISREADING THE EXAM SCHEDULE IS NOT A
VALID REASON.

(A) ISPR: PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH: INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF PARTICIPATION IN

RESEARCH (4%)

The ISPR gives students the opportunity to learn about ongoing research in human behaviour
through the experience of participating in studies. The system is about cooperation between
researchers and students; students learn about studies and their methodologies while
contributing directly to the advancement of research. While we would like all students to
participate in research, we realize that some students may not be interested, and these students
can come in to view educational films in lieu of research participation.

ISPR participation accounts for four points of your final grade. Participation options include
completing online surveys or viewing educational films. Generally, one point is earned for each
hour of participation, with details listed online in study descriptions. Slots do fill up at the end
of the term, so complete your studies early. There may not be availabilities if you wait until
the last week. The ISPR opens for students on September 16 at 09h00, and the deadline for
completing all participation is December 9 at 23h59.

ISPR participation portal: http://uottawa.sona-systems.com

To log in: UserID: your uOttawa email address
Password: your university student number

For more detailed information about the ISPR, please visit this link.
If you have questions and you can’t find the answers online, contact ISPR Administration at
ispr@uottawa.ca

(B) READERSHIP (8%)

Readership points are designed to encourage you to read the textbook modules prior to the
quizzes. You can earn one point per completed module (7 modules = 7%). These points will
be given once you provided an answer to all the questions embedded within a given
module. You will have until 11:59pm the day prior to the quiz to complete your readings.
Students who complete all seven modules on time will receive at the end of the term one
bonus point for a total of 8 marks.

(C) QUIZZES (53%)

Quizzes will cover two modules (quizzes 1, 2 and 3) or a single module (quiz 4). Each quiz will be
made of 30 (quizzes 1, 2, and 3) or 15 questions (quiz 4). Quizzes will begin at a designated date
and time (see dates below). At that time, the quiz is going to be available on the Top Hat
platform for completion. For quizzes made of 30 questions, you will have 40 minutes to
complete them, while for quiz 4 you will be allowed 20 minutes to complete it. Once a response
is entered, you will not be able to change your answer.

Components of Final Mark

Evaluation format Weight Date and time

Quizzes (total) 53 %
Quiz 1 15 % Wed. 30 Sep. 16h00
Quiz 2 15 % Wed. 21 Oct. 16h00
Quiz 3 15 % Wed. 18 Nov. 16h00
Quiz 4 8% Wed. 02 Dec. 16h00
Participation in research 4% ISPR system
Readership points 8% Before each quiz
Final exam 35 % To be announced [End of
term final exam period]
Policy on class attendance, language quality, exams and late submissions
There will be a penalty for late submissions. Unless you have a medical note documenting that
you are unable to complete the assignment on the due date, you will be deducted 5% for every
day the assignment is late (including weekend days) up to a maximum of 7 days. After 7 days,
the assignment will no longer be accepted.

University regulations require all absences from exams and all late submissions due to illness to
be supported by a medical certificate.

Students who are excused for missing an exam will be required to write a deferred exam, except
where the professor offers a re-weighting scheme which applies to the student’s case.
Professors may decline to offer a deferred exam and instead re-weight the remaining pieces of
work only if (i) the re-weighted scheme is indicated on the syllabus and (ii) it respects both the
25 percent rule (Academic Regulation 9.0) and the final exam rule.

PLEASE NOTE that all deferred final exams for the Fall 2020 term will be written
during reading week in the following Winter 2021 term.

DFR forms must be completed for both midterms and final exams. The form can be obtained at
https://socialsciences.uottawa.ca/students/undergraduate-forms . Once completed, the form
with supporting documentation (ex. medical certificate) will automatically be sent to the
academic unit which offers the course. The request must be completed within five working days
of the exam and must respect all the conditions of Academic Regulation I9.5
(https://www.uottawa.ca/administration-and-governance/academic-regulation-9-evaluation-of-
student-learning).

Absence for any other serious reason must be justified in writing, to the academic assistants of
the Faculty, within five business days following the date of the exam or submission of an
assignment. The Faculty reserves the right to accept or refuse the reason. Reasons such as
travel, jobs, or any misreading of the examination timetable are not acceptable.
We suggest that you advise your professor as early as possible if a religious holiday or a religious
event will force you to be absent during an evaluation.
COURSE SCHEDULE: TOPICS COVERED

The calendar below shows the dates of the classes,Fall

PSY1102C including
2020 the planned contents, and of the
quizzes.

DAY, DATE TIME WEEK CLASS TOPIC AND CHAPTER

Wed 09 Sep 16h00 1 1 Introduction. Chapter 4: Development.
Fri 11 Sep 14h30 1 2 Chapter 4: Development.
Wed 16 Sep 16h00 2 3 Chapter 4: Development.
Fri 18 Sep 14h30 2 4 Chapter 4: Development; Chapter 10: Intelligence
Wed 23 Sep 16h00 3 5 Chapter 10: Intelligence.
Fri 25 Sep 14h30 3 6 Chapter 10: Intelligence.
Wed 30 Sep 16h00 4 7 Quiz 1 (15%), ch. 4, 10. Chapter 12: Personality.
Fri 02 Oct 14h30 4 8 Chapter 12: Personality.
Wed 07 Oct 16h00 5 9 Chapter 12: Personality.
Fri 09 Oct 14h30 5 10 Chapter 13: Social Psychology.
Wed 14 Oct 16h00 6 11 Chapter 13: Social Psychology.
Fri 16 Oct 14h30 6 12 Chapter 13: Social Psychology.
Wed 21 Oct 16h00 7 13 Quiz 2 (15%), ch. 12-13. Chapter 14: Psych. disord.
Fri 23 Oct 14h30 7 14 Chapter 14: Psychological disorders.
26-30 Oct Study week – no classes.
Wed 04 Nov 16h00 8 15 Chapter 14: Psychological disorders.
Fri 06 Nov 14h30 8 16 Chapter 15: Treatment of psychological disorders.
Wed 11 Nov 16h00 9 17 Chapter 15: Treatment of psychological disorders.
Fri 13 Nov 14h30 9 18 Chapter 15: Treatment of psychological disorders.
Wed 18 Nov 16h00 10 19 Quiz 3 (15%): ch. 14-15. Chapter 16: Health, stress.
Fri 20 Nov 14h30 10 20 Chapter 16: Health and stress.
Wed 25 Nov 16h00 11 21 Chapter 16: Health and stress.
Fri 27 Nov 14h30 11 22 Chapter 16: Health and stress.
Wed 02 Dec 16h00 12 23 Quiz 4 (8%): chapter 16. Review.
Fri 04 Dec 14h30 12 24 Review.
4% 09 Dec 23h59 Closing of ISPR.
35% 10-22 December 2020 Final exam period.
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Beware of Academic Fraud!
Academic fraud is an act committed by a student to distort the marking of assignments,
tests, examinations, and other forms of academic evaluation. Academic fraud is neither
accepted nor tolerated by the University. Anyone found guilty of academic fraud is liable to
severe academic sanctions.
Here are a few examples of academic fraud:
• engaging in any form of plagiarism or cheating;
• presenting falsified research data;
• handing in an assignment that was not authored, in whole or in part, by the student;
• submitting the same assignment in more than one course, without the written
consent of the professors concerned.
In recent years, the development of the Internet has made it much easier to identify
academic plagiarism. The tools available to your professors allow them to trace the exact
origin of a text on the Web, using just a few words.
In cases where students are unsure whether they are at fault, it is their responsibility to
consult the “Writing and Style Guide for University Papers and Assignments.” It can be
found at: http://socialsciences.uottawa.ca/undergraduate/writing-style-guide
Persons who have committed or attempted to commit (or have been accomplices to)
academic fraud will be penalized. Here are some examples of the academic sanctions,
which can be imposed:
• a grade of “F” for the assignment or course in question;
• an additional program requirement of between 3 and 30 credits;
• suspension or expulsion from the Faculty.
For more information, refer to the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity:
http://www.uottawa.ca/vice-president-academic/sites/www.uottawa.ca.vice-president-
academic/files/academic-integrity-students-guide.pdf
and Academic Integrity Website (Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost)
http://web5.uottawa.ca/mcs-smc/academicintegrity/home.php