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Valeri Farmer-Dougan, Ph.D.ProfessorIllinois State University
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Rescued (by) a dog! australianshepherdrescuemidwest.org
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Welcome to Psychology 360.01.This course presents an historical overview and introduces basic concepts of learning and learning theory. You, as the student, will be expected to become fluent in theories of habituation learning, operant conditioning and classical conditioning. After the introduction of basic theories, more modern theories are introduced and critiqued. Recent theories include radical behaviorist positions, math models (e.g. the matching law, Rescorla-Wagner theory), economic models (optimal foraging, behavioral economics) and cognitive approaches to animal learning. Throughout the course, applications to various human settings are interwoven with the basic research to demonstrate how basic research lays the foundation for therapy and applied situations. In addition, a re-occurring theme of the course includes an emphasis on biology and biological boundaries which impinge upon learning across species. Tests are essay, and require that the student integrate knowledge and demonstrate problem-solving skills, rather than just reiterate what was memorized from lecture. In addition, each student must complete a paper which reviews an area of learning of their choice, and integrates the literature review with information learned from the book and class. As an alternative to the paper, students may choose a rat laboratory. This consists of 9 laboratory units, conducted on your own (well, with partners) white rat. Choosing rat lab means committing to spend a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, with your rat. Partners may divide up these duties. Students will then write up the results of each laboratory. Keep this syllabus. It contains reading assignments, test dates, grade information, and other items which will be of use throughout the semester. |
 | Utilize your knowledge of the scientific method, and especially the single-subject versus group design methods. |
| Use learning theories to analyze information in the contemporary world. |
| Understand the application of behavior change through learning as it applied to all phases of human living |
| Begin to apply your knowledge of the field of learning and memory to enhanced study habits |
| Address contemporary social issues, such as the effects of reward, from the perspective of an individual informed and knowledgeable on the specific issues involved in the empirical study of ideas. |
| Understand the nature of human learning and development as it applies to the your own life and to the lives of those around you. |
| Recognize the learning processes involved in the interpretation of sensory input (perception) and the role that one's experiences play in this process. |
| Be conversant with societal issues such as the culture-specific definition of "reward and punishment" and the effects of learning in the field of mental health. |
| Obtain a sound foundation in the field of learning which is applicable in one's day-to-day living. |
| Become sensitive to the scientific evolution of thought through the tracing of the evolution of theories in such areas as classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, behavior systems theory, modern learning theories, and the use of learning in therapeutic treatments. |
| Become familiar with the ethics involved in research with human and animal subjects and the legal and moral responsibilities of those working with human and nonhuman subjects. |
| Understand the ecological dynamics of the individual within the environment. |
The book used in this course will be James E. Mazur's Learning and Behavior, 4th Edition (1997). This is available in the usual bookstore(s). I will also assign four readings which will be placed on reserve at the library, outside my door, and with the TA. These are listed in the syllabus and will be announced in class.
There will be daily assignments pertaining to the readings assigned in class. Daily homework will be graded as a "+" or "-". You will earn 4 points for each homework assignment you have completed. Thus, if you complete 24 of the 25 homework assignments, you will earn 96 points. If you only complete 16 of the homework assignments, you will earn 66 points. Homework can ONLY be turned in on the due date. This is an easy way to earn 100 points!
There will be FOUR (4) 100-point exams. Each of these exams will be equally weighted. You will have the entire class period to complete each exam. While no comprehensive final exam will be given, each test will build on the last. Each exam will contain short answer and compare and contrast questions, as well as several longer essay questions. Tests will cover material from both the text and lectures. Study guides will be given at least one week before each test. All definitions, names, etc., along with 20 essay questions, will be on this study guide. This guide should be helpful in preparing for each test.
If FOR ANY REASON you miss a test, please see me within 3 school days. Makeup exams will be given for true illness and extenuating circumstances.
As this is an upper division course, you will be required to write one 8-10 page term paper on a topic on learning OR participate in a laboratory in which you train a rat. The paper should include a minimum of 5 to 7 references from appropriate psychology journals. Topics will be assigned to you, although some flexibility will be given in regards to topics. A handout describing appropriate topics, appropriate journals, etc., and format and tips for the paper will be given later. The paper will be worth a possible 100 points.
An option to the term paper is the RAT LAB! For those of you who really hate term papers, there is an option. You and 1 to 2 partners will be responsible for shaping an actual rat to barpress, run the rat through several reinforcement schedules, teach your rat a discrimination and chaining task, and then write up the results of each lab into a paper. This paper will also be worth a total of 100 possible points. While you might not be spending the time in the library, remember that it will take approximately 30 minutes each day of the week (I let you off on the Weekends) for several weeks. You must be consistent if you want your rat to learn (its good preparation for parenting!).
Any cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating or plagiarism will result in an F in the course and referral to the Student Code Enforcement Review Board (SCERB) for disciplinary action. Cheating INCLUDES (but is not limited to): plagiarism of both published and unpublished written work, having another individual take or assist you with an exam, taking an exam for or assisting another individual with quiz or lab, performing or completing a class assignment or lab for another individual or having another individual perform or complete a class assignment or lab for you. Cheating is thus defined generally as representing work that is NOT your own as your work or allowing your work to be represented as anothers so that individual receives academic credit. Violators of this policy will receive a failing grade on that assignment or quiz, a possible failing grade for the course, and referral to the department chair and the SCERB for disciplinary action.
Points will be awarded in the following categories:
Tests: 4 tests, 100 points each = 400 points, or 80% of grade (17% each)
Rat Lab or Paper: = 100 points (17% of grade)
Daily Assignments = 100 points (17% of your grade!)
Total possible points = 600 points
A total of 600 points are available in the course. Grades will be awarded on the following basis:
A: 552-600 points
B: 504-551 points
C: 432-503 points
D: 360-431points
F: 359 points or below
Grades may be viewed at the P360 Mallard web site: https://mallard.its.ilstu.edu/psy360/
We will not be using this page for taking exams or completing assignments, but you may use it to check your grades. Before you do this, however, you must CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD! Be sure and email me with your new password. I will alter all unchanged passwords after 9/2/99, so that you must contact me to find out your grades! Also, be sure and log out (use the bottom icon on the left hand side), or anyone can view your grades!
If you have a disability, if English is your second language, or need other special considerations, please see me as soon as possible (that's before the first test!) to work out any special arrangements which might be needed. If you fail a test, please see me as soon as possible. I cannot help you after you have failed two or more tests!
The following is a tentative lecture schedule. PLEASE NOTE THE READING ASSIGNMENTS. You will understand the material better if you read the assigned material BEFORE the assigned date. Changes will be announce in class.
Week of Lecture Chapter (read before class
Aug 24 Intro to course and What is learning Chapter 1
26 Associationism Chapter 2
31 Innate Behavior versus Habituation Chapter 3
Sep 02 Basic Classical Conditioning Chapter 4
07 Parameters of Classical Conditioning
09 Inhibition vs Disinhibition and Generalization vs discrimination
14 Applications of Classical conditioning Reserve Reading #1
16 Theories of Classical Conditioning Chapter 5
21 Rescorla Wagner Theory
23 **** TEST #1 ******
30 Basic operant cond. Chapter 6
Oct 05 Reinforcement vs Punishment Chapter 7
07 Schedules of reinforcement
12 Extinction in Operant Conditioning
14 Avoidance and Punishment Chapter 8
19 Applications: Punishment, LH, Flooding
21 **** Test 2 ****
26 Prediction of reinforcement. Chapter 9 pp 206-223; Reserve Reading #2
28 Disequilibrium Models
Nov 02 Optimization models of reinforcement Chapter 9 pp 223-end
04 Biological Constraints
09 Stimulus control and behavioral contrast Chapter 10
11 Errorless learning and other applications
16 **** TEST 3 ****
18 Matching Law Chapter 14 (NOTE is out of order)
23 Other types of Optimization theories
Paper and/or final animal labs are due
25th Thanksgiving: Engage in satiation activities!
30 Self Control Reserve Reading #4
Dec 02 Comparative Cognition Chapter 11
07 What CAN animals do?
09 Applications to the Real World: Sea World and You!
Dec 15 Wednesday 3:10-5:10 P.M. (well, it's better than 7:50 AM): Test #4
