Gordon, W. C. (1989). Learning and Memory. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Krames, L., Graham, J., & Alloway, T. (1995). Sniffy the virtual rat (Version 4.5). Pacific Grove, CA:

Brooks/Cole.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to basic principles of learning and memory and their real-world applications. We will discuss several types of learning and the relative effects of nature and nurture on each. In addition, we will discuss competing theories of how both learning and memory are acquired and enhanced. Your opinions and reactions to the reading are important and valuable. Therefore, discussions, rather than lecture, will be the main class activity. In addition, you will be expected to apply your knowledge of one type of learning in both a project and a paper.

There will be three exams each worth 100 points. The format of the exam may vary but you can expect multiple choice, short answer and possibly essay questions. Worth 300 points

You will design and carry out a project to demonstrate one of the following: a) classical conditioning, b) operant conditioning, c) verbal learning, or d) memory. Your project should show practical applications of a particular type of learning or memory feature. For example, teaching an animal or person a special skill or changing the rate of an existing behavior. The exact nature of your project must be approved in advance before beginning. You will present your project to the class on the designated day. In your class presentation you should show proof of the learning or memory change through video or live demonstrations if at all possible. In addition, you will turn in a report containing the details of your project as it progressed from beginning to end. Your project will be evaluated on the following components: a) the degree of difficulty and time, b) the creativity of your idea and technique, c) the usefulness of the project, and d) the completeness and clarity of your description of the project. Worth 100 points

Learning and memory principles have been or could be applied to almost every conceivable topic in psychology. You are to select a topic or real-world problem and write a 6-8 page paper describing how a particular aspect of learning or memory has been applied to that subject. For example, you might describe the research on how classical conditioning has been used to help individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder. You are required to use at least 5 references so you should start your literature search early this semester. These references must be from psychology/sociology journals (not magazines) and books. Internet sources are permissible, but must be approved by me. This paper should be typed and formatted in APA style. Worth 100 points

During class time we will review the important concepts and research presented in the textbook. I will expect everyone to be familiar enough with the chapter to participate in a meaningful discussion/review of the material. Therefore, you must read the assigned chapters before coming to class. This grade will be based on both attendance and class participation. Worth 100 points

Date Topic

1/11 Syllabus

1/13 Ch. 1

1/18 Ch. 2

1/20 CC Lab with earthworms

1/25 Ch. 3

1/27 Applied CC discussion

2/1 Classical Conditioning Presentations

2/3 Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3)

2/8 Ch. 4

2/10

2/15 Lab session (Magazine training & shaping)

2/17 Lab session (Schedules of reinforcement)

2/22 Ch. 5

2/24 JP Abner: Behavior Modification

2/29 Dog training

3/2 Operant Conditioning Presentations

3/7 Ch. 6

3/9 Memory Strategies

3/14 SPRING BREAK

3/16 SPRING BREAK

3/21 Ch. 7

3/23 Norma Morrison: Learning Disabilities

3/28 Verbal Learning Presentations

3/30 Exam 2 (Chapters 4-7)

4/4 Ch. 8

4/6 Ch. 9

4/11

4/13 Ch. 10

4/18

4/20 Ch. 11

4/25

4/27 Memory Presentations

5/1 10:30 Exam 3 (Chapters 8-11) Papers due!