ADVANCED TOPICS IN PERSONALITY
PSYC 4411 – LAB
FALL 2017
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
Instructors: Maryam Tajmirriyahi and Vivian Ta
Email:
Office Hours and Location: Maryam: LS 506; Tuesdays 2-3pm
Vivian: LS 504; Wednesdays 11-12pm
Lab Location: Life Science Building / Room 420
Lab Time: Friday 2:00pm - 3:50pm
Course Description:
This lab will provide instruction and hands-on experience in the statistical procedures used by personality psychologists (e.g., internal consistency, validity, factor analysis, intraclass correlation). This lab will also provide the opportunity to design original research projects.
Objective:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to analyze personality data using SPSS and be able to design and propose original research projects in the area of personality psychology.
Course Structure:
· In Lab:
1. Lecture to review weekly topic
2. In-class assignment and practice with SPSS
3. Discussion of assigned readings
· At Home:
1. Homework – SPSS Assignment or Writing Assignment
Lab Grading: A point system will be used to calculate lab points:
7 SPSS Homework Assignments 21 points (3 points per assignment)
4 Writing Assignments 12 points (3 points per assignment)
4 Quizzes on Assigned Readings 12 points (3 points per quiz)
14 Lab Meetings – Attendance 14 points (1 point per day)
Total Lab Points: 59
1. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:
Seven SPSS homework assignments will be assigned over the semester to enhance your hands-on computer skills and to assess your knowledge and understanding of the class material. Four writing assignments will be assigned over the semester. Homework assignments can be found on Blackboard under the “Homework Assignments” tab and must be turned in on the due date at the assigned time at the BEGINNING of class (within the first five minutes of class or not accepted). Electronic copies of homework will NOT be accepted; a paper copy must be submitted (unless the assignment is due via Blackboard or SafeAssign)!
2. ATTENDANCE:
Attendance will be taken EVERY class period and will count towards your final grade for the course. Students must attend the ENTIRE class period to get credit for attendance.
3. PARTICIPATION:
Students will be expected to read the text and review lecture notes prior to lab and must be prepared to
ask questions and engage in discussion.
4. ABSENCES & LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
1. LAB ABSENCES:
· Excused Absence- This is defined as “an absence for which there is a valid excuse to miss a class period due to illness, court summons, religious holidays or a death in the family”. If you encounter one of these unlikely circumstances during the semester, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. Documentation (e.g., plane ticket, medical note from doctor, etc.) will be required to excuse an absence.
· Unexcused Absence- Any absence that does not fit the criteria described above.
2. LATE LAB ASSIGNMENTS:
· All eleven homework assignments are due on the announced due date at the assigned time. Work turned in after the announced date and assigned time WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This policy will be strictly enforced. Homework assignments will not be accepted late unless you notify the instructor prior to the due date and have an excused absence with documentation.
*All lab assignments will be posted on Blackboard. If you miss a lab meeting (whether excused or unexcused) it is your responsibility to check Blackboard for assignments. In addition, if you know well in advance that you will be absent for a class, please contact the instructor for coursework and assignments, which may be turned in ahead of time.*
* The course schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. *
LAB SCHEDULE FOR PSYC 4411
FALL 2017
Week # / LAB DATE / LAB TOPIC / LAB HOMEWORK / HOMEWORK DUE1 / 8/25 / Lab Introduction / - / -
2 / 9/1 / Internal Consistency / SPSS #1 / 9/8 in lab
3 / 9/8 / Convergent & Discriminant Validity / SPSS #2 / 9/15 in lab
4 / 9/15 / Importance of Aggregation / SPSS #3 / 9/22 in lab
5 / 9/22 / Self & Observer Reports of Personality / SPSS #4 / 9/29 in lab
6 / 9/29 / Factor Analysis of Big Five / SPSS #5 / 10/6 in lab
7 / 10/6 / Stability of Personality Traits Across Time / SPSS #6 / 10/10 at 12:30pm via BLACKBOARD
8 / 10/13 / Review Exam 1 / - / -
9 / 10/20 / Intraclass Correlation to Assess Heritability / SPSS #7 / 10/27 in lab
10 / 10/27 / Predictors of Scale Reliability / WRITING #1 / 11/3 at 2pm via BLACKBOARD
11 / 11/3 / Conventional Morality Scale / WRITING #2 / 11/10 at 2pm via BLACKBOARD
12 / 11/10 / Sense of Self / WRITING #3 / 11/17 at 2pm via BLACKBOARD
13 / 11/17 / AIAF, ED, and/or Rudeness Scale Study / WRITING #4 / 11/28 at 12:30pm via BLACKBOARD
14 / 11/24 / THANKSGIVING BREAK! / - / -
15 / 12/1 / Review Exam 2 / - / -
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