Psychology of Learning
Psy 3620
Spring 2008

Teaching Philosophy

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled" --Plutarch

Course Materials

Required textbook:  Learning and Behavior, 5^th edition, by Paul Chance (2003).

Catalog Description

Introduction to basic principles and concepts of learning with particular emphasis on the application to problems of human learning.  Prerequisite Psy 1879 (Introductory Psychology).

Course Objectives

• Specific Objectives
  • Know how inherited behaviors relate to learned behaviors.
  • Be able to compare the different research approaches to learning and know various ways to measure learning.
  • Understand how Pavlovian and Operant conditioning work and their applications.
  • Know what factors predict when a particular behavior will occur, particularly the influence of discriminative stimuli and availability of reinforcement.
  • Know how we learn by watching others.
  • Be able to predict in what situations forgetting is more likely to occur.
  • Understand the limits of learning.
• General Objectives
  • Learn how to think critically by examining and writing about important historical and current research in psychology.
  • Understand the application of learning principles to everyday life.
  • Become better learners and teachers.
  • Enjoy learning about learning.

Requirements and Grading

Exams

Questions on the midterms and final are multiple choice, T/F, and short answer.  Exam items will be based on material covered in lecture and in the textbook.  Make-up exams will be given for University-approved absences.  The final exam is comprehensive:  approximately half will cover material covered since the last exam and the other half will cover material covered throughout the semester.

Journal Article Critiques (see instructions) or Sniffy the Virtual Rat

You will be required to write 3 journal article critiques or complete the Sniffy lab exercise. If you do not complete the first journal critique by the deadline, I will assume that you are doing Sniffy.

Sniffy the Virtual Rat

• "Sniffy", a computerized simulation of a live rat, will be used by students to enhance their understanding of Pavlovian and operant principles discussed in class. The software is installed on the computers in the 4th floor of the library. The manuals are available for 3 hour checkout from the reserve desk at the library. Sniffy is due the same date as the 3rd journal critique. It will take you 6-8 hours to complete the Sniffy exercises. Download Sniffy worksheet (Word or PDF formats).
• Here are 3 ways to get help with Sniffy:
  • Flash tutorial with some audio links to get you past the first few exercises (Exercises 20-22).
  • A little help on Exercise 5.
  • View the tutorials packaged with Sniffy by clicking on Windows "Start menu", "Programs", "Sniffy Pro", "Sniffy Tutor"
  • Ask questions, provide answers, and edit existing content at the Sniffy Wiki (SniffyPedia): http://psych.eiu.edu:3455/Sniffy/Home

Academic misconduct

Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated.  Academic misconduct will result in failure of the course and appropriate disciplinary action, according to university guidelines.

Reading Schedule, Important Dates

Please read the chapters in the textbook before class in order to enhance understanding of demonstrations, examples, and group discussions.   Please note this schedule is subject to change. 

If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accommodations, please contact the coordinator of the Office of Disability Services (581-6583) as soon as possible.

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Comments: jrstowell@eiu.edu