Psychology 422
Learning and Memory

Lori L. Mills, Ph.D.
Spring, 2003

 Meeting Times:    MWF 1:25 - 2:20 p.m., Derthick 109

 Office Hours:    Hardin 206; Office Phone: 461-8663
                            e-mail: lmills@milligan.edu
                            Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
                            Other appointment times available on request.

Required Texts:  
Terry, W.S. (2003). Learning and memory (2^nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Krames, L., Graham, J., & Alloway, T. (1996). Sniffy, the virtual rat . Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Additional Resource:

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce you to basic principles of learning and memory and their real-world applications.  The over-arching controversy of the relative effects of nature and nurture on learning will be studied, as will several types of learning and their methods of acquisition. This class is intended to present an integrated approach to learning and memory, as well as expose you to research with both non-human and human participants.

Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1.      Understand the unique yet intertwining effects of biological and environmental factors on learning and memory.

2.      Understand and describe the three main types of learning, which are: classical conditioning, instrumental learning, and verbal learning.

3.      Apply the types of learning in real-world settings.

4.      Identify the processes involved in forming memories and the factors that affect the formation of memories.

5.      Appreciate individual differences in learning and memory.

6.      Examine critically learning and memory theories and research.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken at each class session. I do not have a formal attendance policy, but attendance and class participation will be considered when determining borderline grades.

Course Requirements: The required assignments for the course are as follows:

Total Points Possible: 700

             All assignments are due during class on the assigned dates. If, for some reason, you are unable to take a test or turn in an assignment at the designated time, discuss this with me before the deadline.

             The grading scale for the course is as follows:
 

CHAPTER EXERCISES

            For three of the chapters we cover, you will be assigned to do a relevant exercise outside of class. Summaries of your findings will be submitted, along with answers to questions that will accompany these exercises. You will be given each exercise one week before the date it is due.

            Grading criteria for these projects are located at the back of the syllabus. I strongly suggest that you read the grading criteria prior to collecting data for the exercises. Please attach the grading criteria sheet to the back of your report.   

COMPUTER EXERCISES

            You will be responsible for two exercises in which you “train” a virtual rat (“Sniffy”) to make certain responses using reinforcement and extinction. There are class sessions allotted to working on these exercises, but time outside of class will also be required. You will receive specific assignment sheets for these exercises.

TESTS

             Tests will consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer and short essay questions. I will give you study guides as tests approach.

 PAPER

            You are to write a 5-6 page paper on a particular aspect of one of the types of learning we discuss. More specifically, demonstrate some practical application that a particular type of learning has. You are required to use at least five references (excluding your textbook). Start early on your paper, as you may have to go to another library to get your references. You should use recent books or psychology/sociology journals (not magazines) in most cases. Internet resources are permissible, but must be approved by me. Turn in all reference materials with your paper. Quote rarely; instead, use your references to support what you have to say.

            Grading criteria for this paper are located at the back of the syllabus. I strongly suggest that you read the grading criteria prior to starting your paper. Please attach the grading criteria sheet to the back of your paper.

            References should be listed in APA style, as in the following:

Myers, D.G. (1987). Yin and yang in psychological research and Christian belief. Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 39, 128-139.

Mitchell, T.R., & Larson, J.R., Jr. (1987). People in organizations: An introduction to organizational behavior (3^rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

            Within the body of the paper, you would simply refer to these in this manner:

            (Myers, 1987) or (Mitchell & Larson, 1987)

            Only cite page numbers in the body of the paper if you are quoting.

            For more information about this writing style see the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which is on reserve in the library. 
 

       CLASS SCHEDULE