Psychology 390: Psychology of Learning

TA:  Mark Meyer    @   meye4182@vandals.uidaho.edu

Course Description

This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of learning theories and some general applications. The course will take a historical/empirical approach and assist you with understanding basic concepts of classical, instrumental, operant, and cognitive learning.  
In addition to basic course concepts, the course is designed to make you apply these concepts through the use of animal simulation software. 

Course Objectives

This course is designed to provide an overview of various learning theories, with an emphasis on classical, operant, and cognitive approaches. Throughout the course, information will be provided that encompasses classic experimental studies and how that information is applied in a variety of settings.  
Other objectives: To increase your research and writing proficiency

Required Texts:

Kline.   Learning:  Principles and Applications  5th ed.  Sage Publishers

Alloway, T., Wilson, G., Graham, J., & Krames, L.  Sniffy:  The Virtual Rat.  Most Recent Edition  Wadsworth Publishers.

Optional Texts:

Grading/Evaluation/Proficiency

There will be several requirements for this course.

Sniffy Exercises: You will be required to purchase and perform several computer exercises with Sniffy: The Virtual Rat. From the information you observe, you will develop some brief papers that you will submit through Blackboard.  Basically, do the exercises in each chapter. Then, write a brief paper describing what you observed and submit it through Blackboard. Although you can work together, all write-ups must be your own.  Material too similar will be considered cheating.  (100 points)

Exams: There will be three multiple choice exams to examine and develop your knowledge of the material. Each exam will be open book, or open note. That is, you can use any book or lecture information you wish to help you. However, do not let the format of the exams fool you.  Although each exam is multiple choice, and all questions and answers are randomized.  Thus, the exam you get will not be the same as your friend's exam.  Feedback from students indicate the exams are fair but difficult.  I also use a lot of integrative questions. Thus, you WILL NOT usually find the answer straight out of the notes.  I strongly suggest that you study as you would for a close book exam and spend at least one hour per night to perform well.  Make sure you know the material BEFORE taking the exam

Total = 300 points

Term Paper:  ONLY REQUIRED FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
The term paper will be an original work (not a revision) of a major empirical or literature review of any learning issue or topic you find interesting.  Topics may include learning disabilities, research areas such as autoshaping, or areas such as social learning.  The paper must be ink/laser jet quality computer type, in APA style, and have a minimum of 10 professional journal or book citations with no more than three governmental internet sources. The use of popular press articles can be used but will not count toward your citations.  DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE. 

Each paper will be graded on APA format, clarity, discussion of the topic area, reference quality, and general approach to your presentation. Once completed, you will email a copy of your completed document IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL (Do not send attachments).  I can pull it out in the correct format on my end.  You should keep a copy of the email for your records in case anything disastrous happens to mine

Minimum length = 5 pages, Maximum length = 15 pages   The paper is due WEDNESDAY, ONE WEEK BEFORE THE FINAL.

Note:  This paper must be your own work.  Use of other students papers, cutting and pasting material from the web without giving the author credit, etc. is considered plagiarism will will result in an "F" grade in the class.
Total = 100 points

Extra Credit 

You can receive extra credit for this course by reviewing and writing a 10 reference paper on an learning topic of your choice.  The paper must be in APA style, with no more than three governmental internet sources. The use of popular press articles can be used but will not count toward your citations.  DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE.  Each paper will be graded on APA format, clarity, discussion of the topic area, reference quality, and general approach to your presentation. Once completed, you will email a copy of your completed document IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL (Do not send attachments).  I can pull it out in the correct format on my end.  You should keep a copy of the email for your records in case anything disastrous happens to mine. Minimum length = 5 pages, Maximum length = 10 pages.   Use of other students papers, cutting and pasting material from the web without giving the author credit, etc. is considered plagiarism will will result in an "F" grade in the class.

All extra credit is due Wednesday before the final exam.

Grading

Cheating/Plagiarism:  If you cheat, plagiarize, use someone else's material, or cut and paste material directly from the internet without providing appropriate credit and I catch you, you will receive an "F" grade for the class and be referred to the Dean of Students for expulsion from the University.  Do not even think of cheating or plagiarizing material in this class.