EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY SYLLABUS:

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              EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY               Dr. Thomas B. Perera

    An introduction to the historical roots and methods for the SCIENTIFIC 
study of human behavior with a special emphasis on proper experimental 
design and the highly critical evaluation of experimental results. 

Lab Manual: Perera, T. B. (1995). Laboratory manual for experimental 
           psychology. Upper Montclair, NJ: Montclair State University.
OPTIONAL
Text:   Kantowitz, B. H., Roediger, H. L., & Elmes, D. G. (1994).
           Experimental psychology. (5th or 6th ed.). St. Paul, MN: West.

Week                     Topic         Reading Chapter:    '94ed.  '96ed

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1.  Lecture   Introduction to Experimental Psychology    1,2,3   1,2,3
    Lab       Reaction Time Experiments                      8       8
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2.  Lecture   Research Methods           Appendix A & B, 4, 15    Same      
    Lab       Writing APA Format Research Reports            5       5
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3.  Lecture   Classical Conditioning                         9       9
    Lab       Human Classical Conditioning/Lie Detection/Biofeedback
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4.  Lecture   Instrumental Conditioning                      9       9
    Lab       Human Instrumental Conditioning                          
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5.  Lecture   Verbal Learning                               10      10
    Lab       Verbal Learning and Information Theory                   
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6.  Lecture   Learning and Transfer of Learning             11      11
    Lab       Motor Learning and Transfer of Learning                  
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7.  Lecture   Retention and Forgetting                      12      12
    Lab       Verbal Interference:  The Stroop Test                       
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    Midterm Examination
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8.  Lecture   Introduction to Perception. Abs Thresholds  6, 7     6,7
    Lab       Method of Adjustment:  The Normal Human Audiogram             
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9.  Lecture   Psychophysics I: Absolute Thresholds           6       6
    Lab       Method of Limits:  Visual Acuity Thresholds   
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10. Lecture   Psychophysics I: Absolute Thresholds           6       6
    Lab       Method of Constant Stimuli:  Two Point Touch Thresholds  
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11. Lecture   Psychophysics II:  Difference Thresholds       6       6
    Lab       The Difference Threshold for Brightness                  
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12. Lecture   Psychophysics II:  Difference Thresholds       6       6
    Lab       The Difference Threshold for Visual Illusions            
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13. Lecture   Psychophysics III:  Scaling                    6       6
    Lab       The Difference Threshold for Pitch & Weber's Law
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14. Lecture   Experiments in Complex Psychol. Phenomena 13, 14  13, 14    
    Lab       Loudness Scaling & Fechner's and Stevens' Laws
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    Cumulative Final Examination
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    There will be two exams, a number of APA format laboratory reports, an 
independent research project, and many lab exercises during the semester. 
    ON-Time ATTENDANCE is REQUIRED at EVERY class meeting.

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Professor Tom Perera
Montclair State University

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