Description:

With the advent of new research technologies, increasing attention is being paid to examination of the physiological correlates of important psychological processes such as attention, information-processing, learning, emotion, and stress. Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these research tools, a central goal of this course, will be developed through hands-on experience and discussion. Students will be given an opportunity to learn to use computer-based data acquisition tools to collect and analyze information about the physiological correlates of human behavior. Students will write a review on the use of psychophysiological correlates in an area of psychological research that they choose and complete a project that demonstrates what they have learned about psychophysiological data collection and analysis.

Instructor:  Dr. Mark Kruger
Office:  Social Science Center 16
Office Phone:  ext 7415    (507-933-7415) email: mgk@gustavus.edu

Class Meeting Times 1:30-3:20 PM TR

Office Hours: 9:00 - 9:50 AM TR

TEXTS:

Andreassi, John L. (2006) Psychophysiology: Human Behavior and Physiological Response, Fifth Edition. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty: Any form of academic dishonesty such as cheating on tests, plagiarism, deliberate misrepresentation of fact, or interfering with the work of other students will result in dismissal from the course and a failing grade. In addition, a complaint will be lodged with the Academic Dean’s office. If you have any question concerning whether or not your behavior may be viewed as dishonest, you are responsible to ask your instructor. Students will be asked to sign the honor code pledge at the beginning of the course.

Grades: Evaluation will be based on participation, completion of lab assignments, the project assignment and presentation, a midterm, and a final exam. The midterm and final exam dates are fixed. Students who have a conflict with a test date must contact me at least three class days (e.g. Monday before a Thursday test) before the scheduled test. Makeup tests not arranged before hand will only be given to students if there has been a death in the family, a similar unplanned emergency or illness has taken the student out of classes. In the case of illness or a family emergency beyond the control of the student, students can schedule a makeup test upon their return. Students are reponsible for determining if they are too ill to take a test. Students who miss an extended period of classes should consult with Dr. Kruger to determine whether it is possible to finish the course or whether withdrawal is a better option.

Disability Services

Any student may ask for extra time or a change in testing setting and I will attempt to meet their needs so long as it does not compromise the fairness of my exam.

“Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Art of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) work together to ensure ‘reasonable accommodation’ and non-discrimination for students with disabilities in higher education. A student who has a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, learning, or attentional disability that may have an effect on the student’s ability to complete assigned course work should contact the Disability Services Coordinator in the Advising Center.”

Disability Services Coordinator Laurie Bickett (x6286) can provide further information.