PSYCHOLOGY 434
RESEARCH IN LEARNING
PSYCHOLOGY 434: Research in Learning
Two hours lecture, Two hours laboratory
Prerequisites: PSYC 202, PSYC 333
An empirical and theoretical survey of the major areas in the psychology of learning. Data from both animal and human experiments will be discussed from varying points of view. Requires student to design an experimental project, construct apparatus as needed, collect data, analyze data and submit a report in the American Psychological Association (APA) format.
1. Introduction
2. Fundamental Principles
3. Reinforcement
4. Theoretical Issues in Reinforcement
5. Patterns of Reinforcement and Extinction
6. Avoidance and Punishment
7. Generalization and Discrimination
8. Comparative Cognition
9. Verbal Learning
10. Concept Learning
11. Forgetting
12. Short Term Memory
13. Memory for Meaningful Material
14. Pavlovian Conditioning
The course will consist of two lectures per week plus a minimum of three hours per week on a research-type of laboratory project. The laboratory times will be individually arranged. The topic may be anything that focuses on the learning process: using either animal or human subjects. There may be two tests and a final examination. The final grade will be based upon these evaluation procedures and the project report.
The student should learn the basic principles of learning. The processes involved in memory, retention and retrieval of information. The application of learning theory to applied uses in education and behavior modification will be emphasized. In appreciation of the scientific method, research procedures, experimental contracts and report writing will be stressed in the laboratory project.
Graded assignments may include in-class tests, a final examination, pop quizzes, the assignment and presentation of exercises, and projects, and in class preparation and participation. The laboratory report will be graded as twenty-five percent of the course grade.
None
DATE ACTION REVIEWED
September 2001 Updated and put in new format Alastair V. E. Harris