Rationale for proposed Psychology courses

Rationale for proposed Psychology courses

PSYC 101, 102, 208, 212 and 215 are excluded because they have recently been approved by ED CO. PSYC 201 and 207 were approved at the November ED CO meeting, pending minor editorial amendments. 1. Have consistent outlines for all instructors who teach same Psychology

course (e.g., PSYC 101). Syllabi and all “sample” can vary for different Psychology instructors.

2. Update calendar descriptions for all courses. 3. Add course objectives for all courses. 4. Add sample evaluation for all courses. 5. Add sample course content/topic list for all courses. 6. To change the prerequisite from D to the SUSCA standard of C. Instructors

will retain the right to waive prerequisites. 7. On the template provided, “course goal and learning objectives” are together

as a heading. These have been separated into 2 categories (i.e., course goals and learning objectives) for PSYC 203, 204, 209 and 210 because objectives are measureable whereas goals are more abstract.

School of University Studies and Career Access

Psychology Department

PSYC 202

Research Methods in Psychology

Approved by Education Council: Date Credits: 3

Term: Total Course Hours: 60

Prerequisite: PSYC 102 Lecture Hours: 45

Lab Hours: 15

Co-requisite: None Clinic Hours: 0

Practicum Hours: 0

Instructor: Office Hours:

Lecture: lecture times Office:

Lab: lab times Phone:

e-mail:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the logic and application of various research methods in psychology.

Students formulate research questions and choose appropriate research designs. Direct

experience in data collection and research design is provided in the laboratory. Topics covered

will include the following: scientific methods and the major research designs used in

Psychology, critical analysis of research literature, and an introduction to research proposals.

Additionally, students will learn how to write a research report according to APA standards.

COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After successful completion of Psychology 202, students should be able to

1. understand and apply scientific methods in the discipline of psychology.

2. explain the difference between scientific and unscientific questions.

3. read and critically evaluate journal articles and research reported in the media.

4. explain ethical issues involved in psychological research.

5. discuss the characteristics, strengths and limitations of common research methods and

designs (e.g., descriptive, correlational, experimental).

6. design and conduct a study (i.e., collect data).

EDCO PROPOSAL LEAVE BLANK

7. define, explain, compare, and critically evaluate the following research methods

concepts:

a. Operational definitions and measurement

b. Reliability and Validity

c. Threats to Validity

d. Sampling

e. Standardization

8. develop a research proposal.

9. write effectively using APA format.

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND STUDENT CONDUCT:

Students are expected to conduct themselves with academic integrity and in accordance with

CNC’s established standards of conduct. Penalties for misconduct, including plagiarism,

cheating and personal misconduct are outlined in the Standards of Conduct: Student

Responsibility and Accountability document found in the policies section of CNC’s website. All

students should familiarize themselves with this document.

http://cnc.bc.ca/Visiting/CNC_Policies.htm

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES:

Students who require academic accommodations as a result of a disability should advise both the

instructor and Accessibility Services. Students requiring support should familiarize themselves

with the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities policy.


CLASSROOM BASED RESEARCH:

The class will be instructed on appropriate ways of conducting research with human subjects

based on the CNC Policy and Procedure for Ethical Research. The ethical framework for this

study will be articulated by the instructor in the classroom.

SAMPLE REQUIRED REFERENCE: Morling, B. (2018). Research methods in psychology (3rd ed.). London, Ontario: W. W. Norton

& Company, Inc.

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of the American

Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: author.



SAMPLE EVALUATION METHODS AND % OF TOTAL GRADE

STUDENT EVALUATION LETTER GRADE /

PERCENTAGES

Assignments: Examples of

possible assignments include a

research proposal, laboratory

activities, data collection and

reports, an article critique, a

proposal presentation.

40% A+ 90 % - 100 %

Exam 1 20% A 85 % - 89.9 %

Exam 2 20% A- 80 % - 84.9 %

Final Exam 20% B+ 76 % - 79.9 %

B 72 % - 75.9 %

B- 68 % - 71.9 %

C+ 64 % - 67.9%

C 60 % - 63.9%

C- 55 % - 59.9%

D 50 % - 54.9%

F 0 % - 49.9%

See BC Transfer Guide for transfer equivalencies: www.bctransferguide.ca/

http://www.bctransferguide.ca/

SAMPLE COURSE CONTENT (subject to change)

Week Topics

1 Introduction to Course

2 Scientific Methods in Psychology

Critical Thinking Skills

3 The Research Question

APA Method and How to Write in Psychology

4 Literature Searches

Meta-analyses

5 Ethical Issues in Psychology Research

Tri-council Policy Statement-2

6 Reliability and Validity

7 Measurement and Manipulation of Variables

8 Basic Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Principles

Descriptive Methods: Observation

9 Descriptive Methods: Surveys and Sampling

10 Correlational Methods

11 The Simple Experiment

12 Complex Experiments and Factorial Designs

13 Quasi-experimental Designs

14 Single subject Designs

15 Final Exam



PSYC 203

Introduction to Personality




Lab Hours: 0

Co-requisite: None. Clinic Hours: 0

Practicum Hours: 0




e-mail:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: The student is introduced to the field of personality through the examination of the major

theories and perspectives of personality (e.g., psychoanalysis, trait theory, biological, humanistic,

behavioural and cognitive theories). Personality development and personality assessment from

these approaches will be introduced. The refinement, research and application of these theories

will be explored and critically evaluated.

COURSE GOALS

1. To introduce the student to the basic framework, concepts and assumptions of the major

personality theories.

2. To critically evaluate personality theories from a scientific perspective.

3. To introduce the student to research methods used in personality research.

4. To introduce the student to personality assessment and to highlight obstacles or

limitations in the use of personality testing.

5. Students will develop abilities pertinent to scholarly discourse in the discipline of

Psychology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:


1. critically evaluate the major personality theories and perspectives:

a. Trait theory

b. Biological theories and influences (e.g., hormonal, genetic)


c. Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic perspective (e.g., psychosexual development, the

unconscious, defense mechanisms)

d. The behavioral perspective (i.e., conditioning and social learning)

e. The cognitive perspective (i.e. memory, dual process models)

f. The humanistic perspective (e.g., Maslow)

2. recognize, define, recall, explain, compare and critically evaluate the following

personality concepts:

a. Descriptive, correlational and experimental approaches used in personality

research

b. Psychometrics of personality assessment (i.e., reliability, and validity)

c. Situational influences on personality

d. Self-actualization, self-determination and self-regulation

e. Object relations and attachment

3. discuss controversies in personality assessment

4. write effectively, employing methods appropriate to the message and context














If classroom based research is conducted, the class will be instructed on appropriate ways of

conducting research with human subjects based on the CNC Policy and Procedure for Ethical

Research. The ethical framework for this study will be articulated by the instructor in the

classroom.

SAMPLE REQUIRED REFERENCES: Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2017). Perspectives on Personality (8th ed.).Toronto: Pearson





PERCENTAGES

Assignments 15% A+ 90 % - 100 %

Exam 1 25% A 85 % - 89.9 %

Exam 2 25% A- 80 % - 84.9 %

Comprehensive Final Exam 35% B+ 76 % - 79.9 %

B 72 % - 75.9 %

B- 68 % - 71.9 %

C+ 64 % - 67.9%

C 60 % - 63.9%

C- 55 % - 59.9%

D 50 % - 54.9%

F 0 % - 49.9%




Week Topics Chapter


What is Personality Psychology?

1

2 What is Theory?

Research Methods in Personality

2

3 Introduction to Personality Assessment

Controversies and Issues in Personality Assessment

3

4 Type and Trait Theories (e.g., Five Factor Model = Big 5) 4

5 Trait Assessment

The Motive Approach (i.e., Needs)

4

5

6 Genetics, Evolution, and Personality 6

7 Biological Processes and Personality 7

8 The Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Perspective (e.g., Freud) 8

9 The Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Perspective continued 8

10 Psychosocial and Attachment Theories (e.g., Erikson) 9

11 The Behavioural Perspective

(i.e., Conditioning and Observational Learning)

10

12 The Cognitive Perspective 12

13 Self-Actualization and Self-Determination

Self-Regulation Perspective

11

13

14 Integration of Theories 14

15 Final Exam



PSYC 204

Social Psychology




Lab Hours: 0


Practicum Hours: 0




e-mail:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: Social Psychology is the scientific study of how social influences affect people’s thoughts,

feelings, and actions. Major topics include affiliation, attraction, attitude and attitude change,

prejudice, conformity, obedience, aggression, altruism, and group dynamics. Social

psychological theories are presented along with a critical evaluation of research and research

methodology related to the above topics.

COURSE GOALS

1. Students will be introduced to major themes and theories in Social Psychology.

2. Students will learn about the relationships between individuals and their social situations

and how individuals are influenced by social phenomena.

3. Students will be introduced to scientific methods used by Social Psychology researchers.


Psychology.



1. recognize, define, recall, explain, compare, apply and critically evaluate the following:

a. Research methods used in Social Psychology

b. Current replicability issues in Social Psychology

c. Social cognition (e.g., schemas, heuristics)


d. Social perception (e.g., attribution, self-monitoring)

e. Attitudes; formation, measurement and change/persuasion

f. Conformity, compliance and obedience

g. Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

h. Group dynamics (e.g., leadership, social facilitation, conflict)

i. Aggression

j. Altruism and factors promoting prosocial behavior

k. Interpersonal attraction (i.e., liking, loving and close relationships)

2. be able to provide real-world examples of the above concepts and explain how social

psychology is used and misused.


















classroom.

SAMPLE REQUIRED REFERENCES: Aronson, A., Wilson, T., Fehr, B., & Akert, R. (2017). Social Psychology (6th Canadian ed).

Toronto, On: Pearson





PERCENTAGES

Assignments 15% A+ 90 % - 100 %

Exam 1 25% A 85 % - 89.9 %

Exam 2 25% A- 80 % - 84.9 %


B 72 % - 75.9 %

B- 68 % - 71.9 %

C+ 64 % - 67.9%

C 60 % - 63.9%

C- 55 % - 59.9%

D 50 % - 54.9%

F 0 % - 49.9%




Week Topics


2 Research Methods in Social Psychology (Scientific Method,

Correlational and Experimental Methods, Replication “Crisis”)

3 Social Cognition: Thinking about People

4 Social Perception: Attribution, Self-Perception, Impression

Management

5 The Self: Ourselves in Social Contexts

6 Attitudes and Attitude Measurement

7 Attitude Change and Persuasion: Influencing Thoughts, Feelings

and Behaviours

8 Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience

9 Group Processes: Social Facilitation, Decision-Making, Leadership,

and Conflict

10 Interpersonal Attraction: Liking, Loving and Close Relationships

11 Altruism and Prosocial Behaviour

12 Aggression and Violence

13 Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

14 Social Dilemmas and Social Psychology in your Life: Integrating

and Applying Themes

15 Final Exam



PSYC 209

Biological Psychology




Lab Hours: 0


Practicum Hours: 0




e-mail:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: This course provides an overview of contemporary knowledge about the interrelationships

among biological processes, the mind, and behaviour. Major topics include neuroanatomy,

cellular communication, nervous system development, neuroplasticity, and the influence of drugs

and hormones on behaviour. Methods of investigating biological processes and research

methodology in biological psychology will be studied. Sensory and motor systems as well as

higher cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and language will also be introduced.

Students will learn about the role of biological mechanisms involved in stress, addictions and

brain and psychological disorders.

COURSE GOALS

1. Students will be introduced to nervous system anatomy and physiology.

2. Students will learn about the role of the nervous system in many mental processes and

behaviours.

3. Students will learn about methods scientists use to investigate neurological processes.


Psychology.




1. recognize, define, recall, explain, compare and critically evaluate the following:

a. Methods of examining the structure and function of the nervous system (e.g.,

imaging)

b. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurochemistry

c. Neural conduction (e.g., action potentials)

d. Neural development and neuroplasticity

e. Behavioural genetics and evolution

f. Hormonal influences on behavior and internal regulation

g. Psychoactive substances

h. Animal research

2. be able to recognize or explain the role of the nervous system in the following

psychological processes

a. Cognitive processes (e.g., attention, learning and memory)

b. Consciousness and sleep

c. Sensation and perception (e.g., visual system)

d. Language

e. Emotion

f. Movement

g. A specific psychological disorder (e.g., depression, anxiety or schizophrenia)

h. A specific neurological disorder (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis)

i. Substance use and addiction

















If classroom-based research is conducted, the class will be instructed on appropriate ways of



classroom.

SAMPLE REQUIRED REFERENCES: Kalat, J. (2019). Biological Psychology (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.



PERCENTAGES

Assignments 15% A+ 90 % - 100 %

Exam 1 25% A 85 % - 89.9 %

Exam 2 25% A- 80 % - 84.9 %


B 72 % - 75.9 %

B- 68 % - 71.9 %

C+ 64 % - 67.9%

C 60 % - 63.9%

C- 55 % - 59.9%

D 50 % - 54.9%

F 0 % - 49.9%




Week Topics


2 Cells of the Nervous System

3 Neural Conduction

4 Nervous System Anatomy

5 Neuroplasticity

6 Behavioural Genetics and Evolution

7 Consciousness and Sleep

8 Attention

9 Sensation and Perception

10 Learning and Memory

11 Emotion

12 Movement

13 Hormones and Internal Regulation

14 Psychological Disorders

15 Final Exam



PSYC 210

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology




Lab Hours: 0


Practicum Hours: 0




e-mail:

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: Cognitive Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and mental processes. Major topics

include research methods in cognition, cognitive neuroscience, perception, attention, memory,

language, concept formation, imagery, problem solving, and embodied cognition. The role of

the nervous system in cognition will be studied. Topics may also include reading, expertise,

imagery, executive processes, meta-cognition, artificial intelligence, and comparative cognition.

COURSE GOALS

1. To examine major themes in Cognitive Psychology.

2. To help students understand how the mind works.

3. To help students gain an appreciation of mental processes in daily experiences.

4. To encourage critical thinking and scientific inquiry as they relate specifically to cognition.

5. To further refine students’ understanding and appreciation of the research methods used in

Cognitive Psychology.

6. To help students critically evaluate processes underlying human behaviour.

7. To develop abilities pertinent to scholarly discourse in the discipline of Psychology.




1. recognize, define, recall, explain, compare and critically evaluate the following:

a. Research methods in cognitive psychology

b. Types of attention (e.g., divided, selective)

c. Relationships between the nervous system and mental processes

d. Embodied cognition

e. Conception formation, categorization and schemas

f. Perception

g. Learning

h. Various ways of conceptualizing memory systems and processes

i. Verbal representation of knowledge

j. Visual representation of knowledge

k. Language and Reading

l. Decision-making, judgment, problem-solving

m. Reasoning

n. Intelligence


Note: If additional topics are included, students should be able to recognize, define, recall,

explain, compare and critically evaluate the concepts studied.

















classroom.



SAMPLE REQUIRED REFERENCES: Reisberg, D. (2012). Cognition: Exploring the Science of the Mind (6th ed.). New York: W. W.

Norton.



PERCENTAGES

Assignments 25% A+ 90 % - 100 %

Exam 1 25% A 85 % - 89.9 %

Exam 2 25% A- 80 % - 84.9 %

Final Exam 25% B+ 76 % - 79.9 %

B 72 % - 75.9 %

B- 68 % - 71.9 %

C+ 64 % - 67.9%

C 60 % - 63.9%

C- 55 % - 59.9%

D 50 % - 54.9%

F 0 % - 49.9%




Week Topics


2 Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology

3 Cognitive Neuroscience: Linking the Brain to the

Mind and Mental Processes

4 Embodied Cognition and Object Recognition

5 Attention

6 Perception

7 Learning

8 Memory

9 Memory and Knowledge – Motor Representation

10 Knowledge – Verbal and Visual Representation

11 Language

12 Decision-making and Judgement

13 Reasoning and Intelligence

14 Meta-cognition and Expertise

15 Final Exam

Rationale for proposed Psychology courses

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