Sensation and Perception
Psy 3680
Spring 2009

Teaching Philosophy

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled" --Plutarch

Course Materials

Required textbook: Perception, 5th ed. (2006), by R. Blake & R. Sekuler.

Catalog Description

Survey and study of the basic principles of sensation and perception relative to a person's interaction with the environment. Significant applied and life span trends are considered.

Course Objectives

• Demonstrate understanding of major concepts, theories, and research in sensation and perception.
• Demonstrate understanding of the importance of individual differences in sensation and perception.
• Use creative and critical thinking to apply your knowledge of sensation and perception to real-world issues.
• Improve your abilities to use the language of scientific psychology in reading, speaking, and writing about topics in sensation and perception.

TurningPoint

TurningPoint is the EIU campus standard for student response systems. As part of this class, you are required to purchase a TurningPoint clicker from the Bookstore, at the cost of approximately $35. The instructor may use TurningPoint software to do class polling of student opinions and knowledge, generate discussion, and promote active learning. You must register your clicker in WebCT so the instructor can record your individual responses.

A portion of your grade will depend on "clicker" participation in class. As long as you participate on half of the days or more that I record participation, you will receive the full participation points. If you participate in less than half of the days, your participation points will be reduced accordingly.

Requirements and Grading

Grading is based on a standard percentage scale (90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D, <60%=F)

Exams

Questions on the exams are multiple choice and short answer.  Exam items will be based on material covered in lecture and in the textbook.  Make-up exams will be given for University-approved absences. The final exam is comprehensive. Approximately half will be over material covered since the last exam and the other half will be over material covered throughout the semester.

Journal Article Critiques (see Handout)

There are several purposes of the journal article critiques. First, it provides you an opportunity to research areas of sensation and perception that interest you. Second, you gain valuable practice analyzing and writing about published research. Third, it provides a way for you to earn course credit through critical writing, as a complement to taking tests. Finally, you will gain experience using the electronic library resources to become a better researcher of information.

Sensory Deprivation Paper

Your assignment will be to go without one of the following two senses for a minimum of 4 consecutive hours during part of the day that you would normally be active (not while sleeping). You may choose to go without vision (blindfold) or hearing (ear plugs) or both. Include a title page with your name on it. Write at least 2 full pages (double-spaced, 1" margins) describing what you did, for how long, how it affected you, and how you view people who have a permanent visual or auditory disability. Also comment on how you would deal with a permanent loss of that sense.

Academic misconduct

Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated.  Academic misconduct will result in zero points for the assignment, and appropriate disciplinary action according to university guidelines.

Reading Schedule, Important Dates

Please read the chapters in the textbook before class in order to enhance understanding of demonstrations, examples, and group discussions.   Please note this schedule is subject to change. 

If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accommodations, please contact the coordinator of the Office of Disability Services (581-6583) as soon as possible.