Psychology 2030A 650 SU23
The Maladjusted Mind
If there is a discrepancy between the outline posted below and the outline posted on the OWL course website, the latter shall prevail.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
LONDON CANADA
Department of Psychology
Summer 2023
Psychology 2030A Section 650
The Maladjusted Mind
- CALENDAR DESCRIPTION
This course will survey various categories of maladjusted behaviour and consider different explanatory models and treatment strategies for the control of such behaviour. Theories of human adjustment and maladjustment will be reviewed.
Antirequisites: Psychology 2050, 2310A/B and 3310F/G
Antirequisites are courses that overlap sufficiently in content that only one can be taken for credit. If you take a course that is an antirequisite to a course previously taken, you will lose credit for the earlier course, regardless of the grade achieved in the most recent course.
Prerequisite: Not Applicable
3 lecture hours; Course Weight: 0.5
Unless you have either the prerequisites for this course or written special permission from your Dean to enrol in it, you may be removed from this course and it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites.
2.0 COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor: Ian R. Nicholson
Office and Phone Number: Victoria Hospital E1-611
Office Hours: By appointment through Zoom
Email: inichols@uwo.ca (Dr. Nicholson checks this e-mail every evening, not during the day)
Time and Location of Classes: Asynchronous
Delivery Method: Virtual
Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Health and Wellness @Western https://www.uwo.ca/health/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you. You may also contact Accessible Education at aew@uwo.ca or 519-661-2147.
2.1 Online Learning Notice:
Please note: For courses delivered in an online format, include an online component, or are required to pivot online, students must have a reliable internet connection and computer that are compatible with online learning system requirements. Some courses may also require the use of a remote proctoring platform to ensure assessments are taken fairly in accordance with Western’s policy on Scholastic Discipline for Undergraduate Students and Scholastic Discipline for Graduate Students. Please refer to the course syllabus for further information.
3.0 TEXTBOOK
Title: Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach (Sixth Canadian etext Edition)
Authors: Barlow, D.H., Durand, V.M., Hofmann, S.G., & Lalumière, M.L.
Year: 2021
Please ensure you purchase the etext edition.
Every year I am asked by students such questions as "I have a copy of a book by the same name but with different authors, is that good enough?”, “I have a copy of an earlier edition, is that good enough?”, or "I have a copy of the American version of the text, is that good enough?".
To be honest, I don't know if it is "good enough". I am not familiar with these texts. I can tell you that the course (and the midterm tests/final exam) are based in the material in this edition of this textbook by these authors. I don't know if these other versions will prepare you for the midterm tests and final exam. My guess is that some of the material is the same and some is unique. I can't tell what part of the midterm tests and final exam, however, is unique to this specific version of this text compared to some other text or earlier version.
Sorry I can't be more help with these questions. I know texts are expensive so please be careful if buying a used textbook.
Relying on the wrong textbook is not considered grounds for accommodation for a midterm test or final examination.
4.0 COURSE OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of the course is to provide students with an overview of the major forms of psychopathology and their treatment. The course will begin with addressing some of the fundamental aspects of the foundations of any study of abnormal psychology including understanding the profession of psychology, research, psychological assessment, and diagnosis. It will then move into discussions of several different types of psychological disorders, including several related to physical functioning. We then conclude with a discussion of psychopathology across the lifespan. All issues will be presented from both a theoretical and a practical perspective.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES |
ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT LEARNING OUTCOMES |
ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES |
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Depth and Breadth of Knowledge
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Knowledge of Methodologies
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Application of Knowledge
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Awareness of Limits of Knowledge
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5.0 EVALUATION
The evaluation and testing formats for this course were created to assess the learning objectives as listed in section 4.0 and are considered necessary for meeting these learning objectives.
First Midterm Test (33% of final grade) – 3 June 2023 @ 2:00pm (London)
Content of test: The first midterm test will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 1, 3, 4, and 8 as well as the lectures posted online and the extra readings posted each week in the Weekly Lessons in weeks 1 through 4 of the course. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. The test will be 120 minutes long.
Copying of test questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the test: The test will be administered synchronously online through the Proctortrack tab on our OWL site. Tests are closed-book, and it is expected that all students will complete the tests independently with no communication between classmates. You will have 120 minutes to complete the test from start to finish (plus additional time for students who have documented recommended academic accommodations which allow for extra time). All questions will be randomized and will be “linear” in nature, meaning you CANNOT return to questions you have already answered. This is done to try and limit collaboration between students during the exams. Online tools will be used to analyse response patterns to monitor potential inappropriate student collaboration during the test. Once you start, you cannot stop or pause (unless your recommended academic accommodation allows for hourly breaks).
The test will be proctored remotely and, by taking this course, you are consenting to the use of the proctoring software and acknowledge that you will be required to provide personal information (including some biometric data) and the session will be recorded. Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service. More information about this remote proctoring service, including technical requirements, is available on Western’s Remote Proctoring website at: https://remoteproctoring.uwo.ca. See “Section 10 Policy on the Use of Exam Proctoring Software” for more information about exam monitoring/proctoring software. Students are reminded to ensure they complete the Proctortrack onboarding in the weeks prior to their first use of software for the midterm test.
Unable to write a midterm test: The makeup test is scheduled for 7:00pm (London) on 14 June 2023. If you are unable to take a test as scheduled, you must obtain permission from your academic dean via your Academic Counsellor order to make up the test. See “Section 11 Policy on Accommodation for Illness or Other Absences” for information on seeking accommodations.
Please note the Western policy that instructors are not permitted to receive documentation directly from a student, whether in support of an application for medical grounds, or for other reasons. All documentation required for absences that are not covered by the absence reporting policy must be submitted to the Academic Counselling Office of a student’s home faculty. The current policy on student absences is available here. Information on accommodation appeals and medical certificates is available here. Once the verification of your eligibility for a makeup test has been received from your Academic Counsellor, a student will be added to the list of those who will be provided access (after the first midterm test has been written) for a make-up test.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/
For more information on the Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests, students should read the
“Section 15.0 FAQ on Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests” at the end of the syllabus.
Second Midterm Test (34% of final grade) – 8 July 2023 @ 2:00pm (London)
Content of test: The second midterm test will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 5, 6, 7 (pages 198-209 only), 12, and 14, as well as the lectures posted online and the extra readings posted each week in the Weekly Lessons in weeks 5 through 8 of the course. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. Students are NOT responsible on this test for material from earlier in the course (i.e., material covered in the earlier midterm test). The test will be 120 minutes long.
Copying of test questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the test: The test will be administered synchronously online through the Proctortrack tab on our OWL site. Tests are closed-book, and it is expected that all students will complete the tests independently with no communication between classmates. You will have 120 minutes to complete the test from start to finish (plus additional time for students who have documented recommended academic accommodations which allow for extra time). All questions will be randomized and will be “linear” in nature, meaning you CANNOT return to questions you have already answered. This is done to try and limit collaboration between students during the exams. Online tools will be used to analyse response patterns to monitor potential inappropriate student collaboration during the test. Once you start, you cannot stop or pause (unless your recommended academic accommodation allows for hourly breaks).
The test will be proctored remotely and, by taking this course, you are consenting to the use of the proctoring software and acknowledge that you will be required to provide personal information (including some biometric data) and the session will be recorded. Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service. More information about this remote proctoring service, including technical requirements, is available on Western’s Remote Proctoring website at: https://remoteproctoring.uwo.ca. See “Section 10 Policy on the Use of Exam Proctoring Software” for more information about exam monitoring/proctoring software.
Unable to write a midterm test: The makeup test is scheduled for 7:00pm (London) on 12 July 2023. If you are unable to take a test as scheduled, you must obtain permission from your academic dean via your Academic Counsellor order to make up the test. See “Section 11 Policy on Accommodation for Illness or Other Absences” for information on seeking accommodations.
Please note the Western policy that instructors are not permitted to receive documentation directly from a student, whether in support of an application for medical grounds, or for other reasons. All documentation required for absences that are not covered by the absence reporting policy must be submitted to the Academic Counselling Office of a student’s home faculty. The current policy on student absences is available here. Information on accommodation appeals and medical certificates is available here. Once the verification of your eligibility for a makeup test has been received from your Academic Counsellor, a student will be added to the list of those who will be provided access (after the second midterm test has been written) for a make-up test.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/
For more information on the Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests, students should read the
“Section 15.0 FAQ on Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests” at the end of the syllabus.
Final Exam (31% of final grade) – date/time to be determined by Registrar
Content of exam: The final will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 9, 13, 15, and 16, as well as the lectures posted online and the extra readings posted each week in the Weekly Lessons in weeks 9 through 12 of the course. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. Students are NOT responsible on this test for material from earlier in the course (i.e., material covered in the earlier midterm test). The test will be 120 minutes long.
Copying of exam questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the exam: The exam will be administered synchronously online through the Proctortrack tab on our OWL site. Exams are closed-book, and it is expected that all students will complete the exam independently with no communication between classmates. You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam from start to finish (plus additional time for students who have documented recommended academic accommodations which allow for extra time). All questions will be randomized and will be “linear” in nature, meaning you CANNOT return to questions you have already answered. This is done to try and limit collaboration between students during the exam. Online tools will be used to analyse response patterns to monitor potential inappropriate student collaboration during the exam. Once you start, you cannot stop or pause (unless your recommended academic accommodation allows for hourly breaks).
The exam will be proctored remotely and, by taking this course, you are consenting to the use of the proctoring software and acknowledge that you will be required to provide personal information (including some biometric data) and the session will be recorded. Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service. More information about this remote proctoring service, including technical requirements, is available on Western’s Remote Proctoring website at: https://remoteproctoring.uwo.ca. See “Section 10 Policy on the Use of Exam Proctoring Software” for more information about exam monitoring/proctoring software.
As a reminder, do not make plans for travel during the final exam period (31 July 2023 until 3 August 2023) until you know when your final exams will be.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/
Exam conflicts: If you have a conflict, please contact your Academic Counsellor at your Home Faculty. Only then can arrangements be made for you to write your examination. The date for the makeup examination will be set after the Registrar sets the date for the final examination for this course.
Unable to write or missed a final exam: If you cannot write an examination in the regular period, you may request from the Dean’s Office of your Academic Faculty the privilege of writing a special examination at a later date. This privilege is based on compassionate, medical, or religious grounds with the appropriate supporting documents. The makeup exam will be scheduled after the date/time for the Final Exam has been scheduled.
For more information on the Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests, students should read the
“15.0 FAQ on Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests” at the end of the syllabus.
5.1 POLICY ON MISSING COURSEWORK
A makeup test/exam will be scheduled for all students who miss the scheduled test/exam with appropriate documentation. Students who miss a test/exam without documentation will receive a grade of zero. Because all tests are non-cumulative, missing one test will NOT result in reweighting other academic requirements in the course.
The expectation for course grades within the Psychology Department is that they will be distributed around the following averages:
70% 1000-level to 2099-level courses
72% 2100-2999-level courses
75% 3000-level courses
80% 4000-level courses
The Psychology Department follows Western’s grading guidelines, which are as follows (see: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/general/grades_undergrad.pdf
A+ 90-100 One could scarcely expect better from a student at this level
A 80-89 Superior work that is clearly above average
B 70-79 Good work, meeting all requirements, and eminently satisfactory
C 60-69 Competent work, meeting requirements
D 50-59 Fair work, minimally acceptable
F below 50 Fail
Note that in the event that course grades are significantly higher or lower than these averages, instructors may be required to make adjustments to course grades. Such adjustment might include the normalization of one or more course components and/or the re-weighting of various course components.
Policy on Grade Rounding: Please note that although course grades within the Psychology Department are rounded to the nearest whole number, no further grade rounding will be done. No additional assignments will be offered to enhance a final grade; nor will requests to change a grade because it is needed for a future program be considered. To maximize your grade, do your best on each and every assessment within the course.
6.0 ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION SCHEDULE
First Midterm Test (3 June 2023): 33% of final grade
Second Midterm Test (8 July 2023): 34% of final grade
Final Exam (date to be determined): 33% of final grade
7.0 CLASS SCHEDULE
Week 1 – What is a Psychologist?
8 May 2023 – 14 May 2023
Chapter 1 - "Abnormal Psychology in Historical Context"
Week 2 – Research in Psychopathology
15 May 2023 – 21 May 2023
Chapter 4 - "Research Methods"
Week 3 – Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
22 May 2023 – 28 May 2023
Chapter 3 - "Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis"
Week 4 – Affective Disorders (first midterm test: 3 June 2023)
29 May 2023 – 4 June 2023
Chapter 8 – “Mood”
Week 5 - Anxiety and Related Disorders
5 June 2023 – 11 June 2023
Chapter 5 - "Anxiety"
Chapter 6 – “Preoccupation and Obsession”
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders section (pages 172-183) ONLY
Week 6 – Schizophrenia and Dissociative Disorders
12 June 2023 – 18 June 2023
Chapter 7 – “Trauma and Dissociation”
Dissociative Disorders section (pages 198-208) ONLY
Chapter 14 – “Psychosis”
Week 7 – Disorders of Control
19 June 2023 – 25 June 2023
Chapter 12 – “Substance Use and Impulse Control”
Week 8 – Physical Health
26 June 2023 – 2 July 2023
Chapter 6 – “Preoccupation and Obsession”
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (pages 161-172) ONLY
Week 9 – Disrupted Daily Living
3 July 2023 – 9 July 2023 (second midterm test: 8 July 2023)
Chapter 9 – “Eating”
Week 10 – Personality Disorders
10 July 2023 – 16 July 2023
Chapter 13 – “Personality”
Week 11 – Disorders and the Age Spectrum – Childhood
17 July 2023 – 23 July 2023
Chapter 15 – “Neurodevelopment”
Week 12 – Disorders and the Age Spectrum – Old Age
24 July 2023 – 28 July 2023
Chapter 16 – “Aging and Neurocognition”
8.0 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum.
With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers. We acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices that Indigenous Peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) endure in Canada, and we accept responsibility as a public institution to contribute toward revealing and correcting miseducation, as well as renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through our teaching, research, and community service.
9.0 STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC OFFENCES
Students are responsible for understanding the nature and avoiding the occurrence of plagiarism and other scholastic offences. Plagiarism and cheating are considered very serious offences because they undermine the integrity of research and education. Actions constituting a scholastic offence are described at the following link: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf
As of Sept. 1, 2009, the Department of Psychology will take the following steps to detect scholastic offences. All multiple-choice tests and exams will be checked for similarities in the pattern of responses using reliable software, and records will be made of student seating locations in all tests and exams. All written assignments will be submitted to TurnItIn, a service designed to detect and deter plagiarism by comparing written material to over 5 billion pages of content located on the Internet or in TurnItIn’s databases. All papers submitted for such checking will be included as source documents in the reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of papers subsequently submitted to the system. Use of the service is subject to the licensing agreement, currently between Western and Turnitin.com (http://www.turnitin.com).
Computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
In classes that involve the use of a personal response system (PRS), data collected using the PRS will only be used in a manner consistent to that described in this outline. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make every effort to ensure that data remain confidential. However, students should be aware that as with all forms of electronic communication, privacy is not guaranteed. Your PRS login credentials are for your sole use only. Students attempting to use another student’s credentials to submit data through the PRS may be subject to academic misconduct proceedings.
Possible penalties for a scholastic offence include failure of the assignment/exam, failure of the course, suspension from the University, and expulsion from the University.
10.0 POLICY ON THE USE OF EXAM PROCTORING SOFTWARE
Tests and examinations for online courses will be conducted using a remote proctoring service.
By taking this course, you are consenting to the use of this software and acknowledge that you will be required to provide personal information (including some biometric data) and the session will be recorded. Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service. More information about this remote proctoring service, including technical requirements, is available on Western’s Remote Proctoring website at: https://remoteproctoring.uwo.ca.
In the event that in-person exams are unexpectedly canceled, you may only be given notice of the use of a proctoring service a short time in advance.
11.0 POLICY ON ACCOMMODATION FOR ILLNESS OR OTHER ABSENCES
Western’s policy on Accommodation for Medical Illness can be found at:
https://www.westerncalendar.uwo.ca/PolicyPages.cfm?PolicyCategoryID=1&Command=showCategory&SelectedCalendar=Live&ArchiveID=#Page_12
If you experience an extenuating circumstance (e.g., illness, injury) sufficiently significant to temporarily make you unable to meet academic requirements, you may request accommodation through the following routes:
- For medical absences, submitting a Student Medical Certificate (SMC) signed by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner in order to be eligible for Academic Consideration;
- For non-medical absences, submitting appropriate documentation (e.g., obituary, police report, accident report, court order, etc.) to Academic Counselling in their Faculty of registration in order to be eligible for academic consideration. Students are encouraged to contact their Academic Counselling unit to clarify what documentation is appropriate.
Students must see the Academic Counsellor and submit all required documentation in order to be approved for certain accommodation.
https://www.registrar.uwo.ca/faculty_academic_counselling.html
Students seeking academic consideration:
- are advised to consider carefully the implications of postponing tests or midterm exams or delaying handing in work;
- must communicate with their instructors no later than 24 hours after the end of the period covered SMC, or immediately upon their return following a documented absence.
Students seeking accommodation for religious purposes are advised to contact Academic Counselling at least three weeks prior to the religious event and as soon as possible after the start of the term.
12.0 CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR RETURN TO LOCKDOWN: IN-PERSON & BLENDED CLASSES
In the event of a COVID-19 resurgence or any other event that necessitates the course delivery moving away from face-to-face interaction, all remaining course content will be delivered entirely online, either synchronously (i.e., at the times indicated in the timetable) or asynchronously (e.g., posted on OWL for students to view at their convenience). The grading scheme will not change. Any remaining assessments will also be conducted online, as determined by the course instructor.
13.0 STATEMENTS CONCERNING ONLINE ETIQUETTE
In courses involving online interactions, the Psychology Department expects students to honour the following rules of etiquette:
- please “arrive” to class on time
- please use your computer and/or laptop if possible (as opposed to a cell phone or tablet)
- please ensure that you are in a private location to protect the confidentiality of discussions in the event that a class discussion deals with sensitive or personal material
- to minimize background noise, kindly mute your microphone for the entire class until you are invited to speak, unless directed otherwise
- In classes larger than 30 participants please turn off your video camera for the entire class unless you are invited to speak
- In classes of 30 students or fewer, where video chat procedures are being used, please be prepared to turn your video camera off at the instructor’s request if the internet connection becomes unstable
- Unless invited by your instructor, do not share your screen in the meeting
The course instructor will act as moderator for the class and will deal with any questions from participants. To participate please consider the following:
- If you wish to speak, use the “raise hand” function and wait for the instructor to acknowledge you before beginning your comment or question.
- Please remember to unmute your microphone and turn on your video camera before speaking.
- Self-identify when speaking.
- Please remember to mute your mic and turn off your video camera after speaking (unless directed otherwise).
General considerations of “netiquette”:
- Keep in mind the different cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the students in the course.
- Be courteous toward the instructor, your colleagues, and authors whose work you are discussing.
- Be respectful of the diversity of viewpoints that you will encounter in the class and in your readings. The exchange of diverse ideas and opinions is part of the scholarly environment. “Flaming” is never appropriate.
- Be professional and scholarly in all online postings. Use proper grammar and spelling. Cite the ideas of others appropriately.
Note that disruptive behaviour of any type during online classes, including inappropriate use of the chat function, is unacceptable. Students found guilty of Zoom-bombing a class or of other serious online offenses may be subject to disciplinary measures under the Code of Student Conduct.
14.0 OTHER INFORMATION
Office of the Registrar: https://registrar.uwo.ca
Student Development Services: www.sdc.uwo.ca
Psychology Undergraduate Program: https://www.psychology.uwo.ca/undergraduate/index.html
If you wish to appeal a grade, please read the policy documentation at: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/appealsundergrad.pdf
Please first contact the course instructor. If your issue is not resolved, you may make your appeal to the Undergraduate Chair in Psychology (psyugrd@uwo.ca).
Copyright Statement: Lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, outlines, videos and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. You may not record lectures, reproduce (or allow others to reproduce), post or distribute any course materials publicly and/or for commercial purposes without the instructor’s written consent.
Policy on the Recording of Synchronous Sessions: Some or all of the remote learning sessions for this course (if scheduled) may be recorded. The data captured during these recordings may include your image, voice recordings, chat logs and personal identifiers (name displayed on the screen). The recordings will be used for educational purposes related to this course, including evaluations. The recordings may be disclosed to other individuals participating in the course for their private or group study purposes. Please contact the instructor if you have any concerns related to session recordings. Participants in this course are not permitted to privately record the sessions, except where recording is an approved accommodation, or the student has the prior written permission of the instructor.
15.0 FAQ ON MIDTERM TESTS, FINAL EXAMS, AND PRACTICE TESTS
This section of the syllabus is based on frequently asked questions I have gotten over the years about the midterm tests, final exam, and the practice tests.
Q: I don't see anything on the syllabus about the practice tests. How do they affect my grade?
A: The online practice tests are, just as their names suggest, for practice only. You do not need to do them. They are simply there to help you prepare for the tests and final exam. They are written to be in the style and level of detail necessary for the tests and final exam.
Many people do these practice tests, but many don't, and that's OK. However, an analysis we have done on student grades has demonstrated that students who do them, on average, have higher grades on the tests.
Q: I am looking for the practice tests but don’t see them posted.
A: To try and make certain that the questions match the level of detail of the actual tests, we develop the practice tests after developing the actual tests. So, they may not be available until the weekend before the actual test.
Q: Do I need to know names (or dates, numbers, material in the boxes, etc.) for the midterm tests and final exam?
A: Every year, I am asked some variant of this question about the midterm tests and final exam. My response is that I don't answer these questions. Unfortunately, over the many years I have taught this course I have tried to answer such questions and routinely have run into problems. I have tried in different ways and, with each way, I find myself causing problems for myself and, more importantly, for the students.
I think the better question, that really underlies a lot of these questions, is "What level of detail do I need to know to best study for the midterm tests or final exam?".
The best way I have found to answer this question is not to answer directly but, instead, direct people to the practice tests. The questions on those practice tests are similar in the level of detail for the questions based on textbook that you are expected to answer.
Interestingly, when writing questions about a test, the question can look as if you “need to know” something that is simply put in the question that helps the test-taker recall the material but is not “needed” to know. There is a related, interesting issue when writing questions. For those who write test questions, it is referred to as “teaching in the stem”. If you give more information in the stem, some students will benefit from the added direction that the additional information provides. Other students, however, will be slowed because they must read more that they don’t need to answer the question.
For example, I could write a question as:
“Nicholson and Nicholson’s (2015) research on twin pairs with dyslexia has shown that genetic factors make up:”
or I could say:
“Research on twin pairs with dyslexia has shown that genetic factors make up:”
or I could say:
“Genetic factors for dyslexia make up:”
All three of these examples are looking for the exact same information. However, they vary in the amount of additional context that is provided and may make the question easier to answer (although they make it longer to read). In this instance, you don’t need to know Nicholson and Nicholson’s 2015 research study, you only need to know the amount that dyslexia is determined by genetic factors. But, if you do know the Nicholson and Nicholson study, the question might be easier for you. Also, the first version of the question is about three times longer than the last version, so would take three times longer to read. That is one of the challenges in writing multiple-choice questions. The longer the question, the more time it takes to read – but, the longer the question, the more information is there to help you answer the question.
Sorry I can't be more direct in my responses. I realize that it is likely disappointing to those wanting more specific direction.
Q: On which test or exam are Chapter 2, Chapter 7 (first half), Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 17, or Chapter 18?
A: They are not on either of the tests or on the final exam. Due to the length of the course, we can't cover everything from the textbook. When I first started teaching this course, I tried to work in all of the chapters in the textbook, but it became more disjointed and difficult for students. I have narrowed the course down over the years and, this year, those chapters are not included.
Q: I can’t see Chapter 5 on the first midterm test. But we are studying Chapter 5 the week of the midterm so, it must be on the first midterm test, right. There must be an error on the syllabus, right? (or substitute Chapter 9 and the second midterm in these questions).
A: The syllabus is correct. Chapter 5 is on the second midterm test, not the first midterm test. Chapter 9 is on the final exam, not the second midterm test.
The reason is that students are still studying Chapter 5 at the time of the first midterm (and, later Chapter 9 at the time of the second midterm). Many students in the course, since it is Distance Learning course, are working full time and spend much of the weekend working on the course. It would be unfair to test someone on a Chapter in the textbook when many students have not had time to review it yet because we are still working on it in class. I only cover material on the tests that we have finished reviewing. Thus, even though we are in the middle of working on a Chapter when the test occurs, that Chapter will be on the next test, not this one.
Q: The practice questions seem easier than the real questions on the midterm tests and exams. There were questions on the midterm tests/final exam that were not reflected in the practice content. Is that fair?
A: Believe it or not, this is common across almost all tests and exams. Even when practice questions are based on unused test questions (so are expected to the same as the actual questions) or if they are old questions from earlier tests, they will often *appear* easier. There is something about taking the practice questions that is less pressure and, apparently, causes the questions to appear easier. Also, while the practice questions were chosen to give students an idea of the depth of knowledge required, they can’t cover all of the content the questions on the midterm tests and final exam will cover (if that were the case, we would just be assessing your ability to memorize practice questions). I promise, the practice questions are chosen to be similar in breadth and depth of knowledge required as the actual midterm tests and the final examination.
Q: I am not doing as well on the tests as I normally do on tests and don’t think they reflect the work I am capable of doing. Can I do an extra assignment to better demonstrate what I am capable of and raise my grade?
A: I am sorry, but that is not possible. To keep it fair for all the students in the course, I need to adhere to the rules set in the syllabus for grading. If there are exceptional circumstances, please discuss these with your Academic Counsellor and I will work with the Academic Counsellor to ensure that you are not penalized for such occurrences. There are no “extra assignments” available for this course.
Q: Where do the questions come from?
A: The practice questions come from a question bank provided by the textbook publishers. Those questions are at the level of detailed information that are expected (by the textbook publisher and authors) for the students to know. I take some questions and put them on the practice test. I take other questions and use them as the basis for questions I write based on the textbook. The questions are different, but they are based on the same expected level of knowledge (for example, if a question was about a scenario about a Freudian defense mechanism, I will write a question of similar length and detail about another defense mechanism). I do my best to write the questions based on the course readings and the lectures. The practice test will let you see what that expectation is for the questions on the test.
Q: How does my Internet service affect my use of OWL for midterm tests and the final exam.
A: While OWL can assume the load of the students writing the test, the same cannot be said about your home Internet service. One thing to keep in mind is that your home Internet bandwidth is limited. If you are sharing a house with 4 other people and one is on OWL watching a course lecture video while interacting with online learning activities, one is gaming online, one is streaming a movie, and one is attending a Skype video birthday party for their grandmother along with a couple dozen others (and you are streaming music during the test), your bandwidth may not handle the load and slow down while loading questions. Slowdowns and freezing may be an annoyance to the others in the house but can cause you serious problems during a timed test. Please keep *your* Internet access as strong as you can. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have appropriate and stable internet connections. Issues with connectivity or settings originating at the student connection end are not considered adequate for missing or failing to complete a quiz.
Q: When will the Final Exam be for the course?
A: I am afraid I don’t know that until midway through the course. I do not know the date and time of the Final Exam until it is determined by the Office of the Registrar. When the date and time is released, it is released publicly. That is, students can find the information from the Registrar at the same time that I can learn of it (and often learn of it before I do).
Q: When should I do the Proctortrack Onboarding?
A: You need to do the Proctortrack Onboarding before your first midterm test in this course. The university recommends that it be done at least 8 hours before the test. I am urging you not to delay on it. If you run into problems on it, you may not be able to get it rectified before the test is to start. Delaying the Onboarding and then running into problems at the time of the test will not be taken as a reason for a makeup test. It is in your best interest to do the Onboarding in the days before your first midterm.
Here is the link to the information from Western on the use of Proctortrack https://registrar.uwo.ca/academics/examinations/remote_proctoring/pdfs/StudentGuidetoProctortrack.pdf
Here is the link to the page on the Registrar's office on Proctortrack: https://registrar.uwo.ca/academics/examinations/remote_proctoring/using_protortrack.html
Here is a link to a video on Onboarding in Proctortrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52jbDkpAtio
I would also ask that anyone with a Recommended Academic Accommodation to please ensure that their Proctortrack Onboarding is done by Thursday, June 8 at 6pm (London) if you want to ensure that your accommodation is made for the upcoming test administration in Proctortrack. Accommodations have to be entered into the Proctortrack system by the instructor. This entry can only be done after the student has successfully completed their Onboarding in Proctortrack. I can only ensure that the necessary exceptions are built in a student's Proctortrack profile after the student has completed the Onboarding and, to ensure that it is entered in time for the midterm on Saturday, the Proctortrack Onboarding must be completed by Thursday.
Q: How I get help with Proctortrack if I need it?
A: If you have a problem with Proctortrack (even during the test), do reach out to me. Now that I have had to move the student tests onto Proctortrack, I am not able to assist students with any issues they might have in using the system. If you run into a problem, please contact the "Exam Chat Support" service using the link on the left side of the OWL website. Please DO NOT email me about these issues. Sending me an email about problems accessing the test or other issues with Proctortrack will needlessly delay you - you will be waiting for me to reply to your email and the reply will likely be to urge you to contact Exam Chat Support. I have had students think that emailing me will be faster than waiting for Exam Chat Support but I can assure you that the opposite is actually true when it comes to Proctortrack.
