BCS 208: Syllabus

CRN 71060

Spring 2012

Time & Location

Tuesdays, 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Meliora Hall 178

Personnel

Dr. Vikranth Rao Bejjanki (Instructor)
Meliora 405
Office hours: after class, or almost any time by appointment
585-273-5323

Kevin Dieter (Instructor)
Meliora 403
Office hours: after class, or almost any time by appointment
585-204-0837

Required Materials

Textbook: Exploring Research Methods in Psychology Using PsychMate
Software: PsychMate Student CD with the Activation Code
Software Guide: PsychMate Student Guide

Purpose

This course covers how to answer questions about sensory perception and cognition through experimentation, i.e., through observation under controlled conditions. In addition, it provides practice and guidance in writing technical reports. The principles of experimentation that are learned in this course apply to any domain, as do the writing skills. Specific skills that apply to experiments on sensory perception and cognition will also be covered. Thus, students learn how to do experiments and how to evaluate those of others, and they get first-hand experience with examples of sensory and cognitive phenomena.

Format: Class time is devoted primarily to experiments, with some lectures, demonstrations and discussion.

Course Requirements

Class attendance, participation and readings are mandatory. As most experiments are conducted in class, absence will make it difficult for you to write an adequate report. If you have an unexcused absence, you will be expected to write that week's report before seeking help from the instructors.
1. a. ONLY documented illnesses, family emergencies & official university events are excused absences (official UR events require an advance notice so that an alternative accommodation can be made)
One exam (multiple choice and short essay questions)
3. Completion of 11 assigned experiments (using PsychMate software)
Six experiment reports
1. Written in a format roughly following the American Psychological Association guidelines
2. Papers are due Tuesdays at 3:30 pm, one week after their assignment
3. LATE PENALTY: one letter grade for each day report is late
Final project & report
1. The final project will consist of the following
  1. An experiment designed by the students (with instructor consulting)
  2. Written report of the background, design, results and conclusions
  3. Revision of the written report (based on instructor comments)
  4. Brief oral presentation of the results (10 min, including 2 min for questions)

Grades

The grade for the course depends on the final project report (35%), six brief reports (45%), an oral presentation (5%) and the exam (15%). Reports are graded on both form and content. Form refers to adherence to the rules of grammar and style; content refers to the description of what was done and what was observed, the validity of the conclusions and the quality of the discussion of the experiment and its implications. The results obtained, per se, do not affect the grade, only the way in which the experiments are performed, interpreted and discussed.

To earn an A, a student must show originality and independence of thought.

Final project grading:

A or A-
Concise and well written; clear evidence of originality and independence of thought; follows presentation guidelines well; demonstrates clear understanding of methodology, data analysis
B+ B B-
Well written; some evidence of originality and independence of thought; adequate presentation; demonstrates some understanding of methodology, data analysis
C+ C C-
Adequate writing; no evidence of originality or independence of thought; presentation below expected level; little understanding of methodology, data analysis
D+ D D-
Poorly written; no evidence of originality or independence of thought; poorly presented; no evidence that methodology or data analysis is understood

Grading Scale (note that 93.00 is A-):

x > 93 A
90 ≤ x ≤ 93 A-
87 < x < 90 B+
83 < x ≤ 87 B
80 ≤ x ≤ 83 B-
77 < x < 80 C+
73 < x ≤ 77 C
70 ≤ x ≤ 73 C-
67 < x < 70 D+
63 < x ≤ 67 D
60 ≤ x ≤ 63 D-
x < 60 E

Special Needs

Students with physical handicaps, learning disabilities or who speak English as a second language are encouraged to contact the instructor immediately in order to identify needed instructional support. Arrangements for accommodation will be made as appropriate.

Academic Honesty

Any student suspected of cheating on an exam will be referred to the Board on Academic Honesty for investigation and possible punishment. Any evidence of copying, duplication or any evidence of plagiarism (copying someone else's writing, or failing to cite the work, ideas or writings of someone else, and presenting it as your own) will result in an Academic Honesty Incident Form being completed and an appropriate penalty imposed. The department takes academic honesty very seriously, and you should make sure that you are familiar with the University Policy available at http://www.rochester.edu/College/honesty/.

No incompletes will be given except for certified illness or family emergency.

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