Transcript Document

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PS515: Learning &
Behavior
Unit 1 Seminar
Introduction and Course Overview
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Instructor & Seminar Information
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Instructor: Dr. K. Rex Shahriari, Licensed Psychologist
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Kaplan Email Address: [email protected]
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AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) Name: kurexs
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Seminar Day and Time (EST): Sundays at 9:00 p.m. EST
A reasonable facsimile 
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Course Materials
Textbook Information:
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Title: Learning and behavior: Active learning edition
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Author: P. Chance
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Publisher: Wadsworth
Title: Publication manual of the American Psychological Association
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3.
Author: American Psychological Association
Publisher:
Author
Title: Sniffy the Virtual Rat Pro Version 2.0
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Author: Alloway
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Publisher: Cengage
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Additional Software Requirements
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AOL Instant Messenger: If you are not an AIM Member you
can download the free service by visiting the following site:
http://www.aim.aol.com/
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Microsoft Word*
*Note that MicorsoftWorks is not the same as Word. Documents formatted in MS Works will
not be accepted.
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Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
1.PS515-1:
Demonstrate an understanding of scientific models
and theoretical bases of the learning process (MSP-1)
PS515-2: Evaluate the application of behavioral theories to a
range of educational or therapeutic issues (MSP-2)
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3.PS515-3: Use
current empirical research to evaluate ethical
and legal issues involving the application of behavioral
technologies (MSP-1, MSP-2, MSP-4)
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Our Units in a “nutshell”
1.
Introduction to Learning
2.
Innate Influences on Learning & Behavior
3.
Classical Conditioning and Applications to Psychology
4.
Principles of Operant Conditioning: Reinforcement
5.
Operant Conditioning: Schedules of Reinforcement
6.
Operant Conditioning: Punishment
7.
Social & Constructivist Learning Models
8.
Generalization, Discrimination & Stimulus Control
9.
Memory & Forgetting
10.
Reflection
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Grading
Assessments
Number
Points each
Total Points
Discussions
9
40
360
Sniffy Exercises
3
60/50/30
140
Projects
2
150
300
Final Project
1
200
200
Total Points
1000
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Late Penalty Policy for Unit
Projects (Units 1 – 8):
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Late projects (with extenuating circumstances) It is your
responsibility to inform me (ahead of time, whenever possible)
of extenuating circumstances that might prevent you from
completing projects by the assigned deadline. In those
situations, we will work together to come up with a mutually
acceptable alternative. Prior notification does not automatically
result in a waiver of the late penalties.
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Late projects (without extenuating circumstances) are
accepted with a penalty of one letter grade per week (not to
exceed a 3 letter grade penalty. For example, you submit an “A”
paper 3 weeks late, you would earn a grade of a “D” ). Late
projects for units 1 - 5 will not be accepted more than three
(3) weeks after the due date. Late projects for units 6 – 8 will
not be accepted after the last day of Unit 8.
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Late Policy for Unit 9 FINAL
PROJECTS
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Final Projects are due the Tuesday of Unit 9… Late final
projects with/without extenuating circumstances will be
accepted until the Saturday of Unit 10. Those without
extenuating circumstances will receive a one letter grade
deduction.
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Late Discussion Policy
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Discussion Boards are due Tuesday 11:59 pm ET of their
assigned unit. After the unit deadline of Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.
ET late Discussion Board responses will be penalized a
deduction of one letter grade per unit with a maximum late
penalty of 3 letter grades.
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Late postings for units 1 - 4 will not be accepted after
midnight Tuesday of Unit 5. Postings for units 5 - 8 will
not be accepted after midnight Tuesday of unit 9.
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All late Discussion Board work should be posted to the
appropriate unit on the Discussion Board. In addition,
please notify me via email when you submit late work to
any unit.
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Extenuating Circumstances
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If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from
completing projects, quizzes or participating in the class,
please contact the instructor to make alternative
arrangements. The possibility of alternative arrangements is
at the discretion of the instructor. Active communication is
the key to overcoming any hurdles you may encounter
during the term. If you are unable to contact your instructor,
you should contact your academic advisor.
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Incompletes
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Incompletes provide students with limited additional time to
complete coursework after the term’s end. To be considered
for an incomplete, you should have completed approximately
75% of the coursework. Please see the Kaplan University
catalog for further information. Whether or not to grant an
incomplete is your instructor’s decision. The deadline for
requesting an incomplete for the March C term is
Monday, May 23, 2011. Incomplete coursework is due
August 16, 2011.
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Netiquette
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Interactions in an online classroom are in written form. Your comfort level with
expressing ideas and feelings in writing will add to your success in an online course.
The ability to write is necessary, but you also need to understand what is considered
appropriate when communicating online.
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The word "netiquette" is short for "Internet etiquette." Rules of netiquette have grown
organically with the growth of the Internet to help users act responsibly when they
access or transmit information online. As a Kaplan University student, you should be
aware of the common rules of netiquette for the Web and employ a communication style
that follows these guidelines.
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Wait to respond to a message that upsets you and be careful of what you say and how
you
say it.
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Be considerate. Rude or threatening language, inflammatory assertions (often referred
to as "flaming"), personal attacks, and other inappropriate communication will not be
tolerated.
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Netiquette, continued
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Never post a message that is in all capital letters -- it comes across to the reader as
SHOUTING! Use boldface and italics sparingly, as they can denote sarcasm.
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Keep messages short and to the point.
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Always practice good grammar, punctuation, and composition. This shows that you’ve
taken the time to craft your response and that you respect your classmates' work.
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Keep in mind that threaded discussions are meant to be constructive exchanges.
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Be respectful and treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.
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You should also review and refer to the Electronic Communications Policy contained in
the most recent Kaplan University Catalog.
Use spell check!
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Evaluation
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Rubric criteria will be applied rigorously, so please refer to
them.