Experimental Psychology
Student Comments – Summer 2002
09/09/2002
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The paper, as painful as it was, will surely be helpful in the future as far as writing skills and APA style works. I liked the way Dr. Whatley gave us class time for the paper and how he insisted we work on it all semester long, by requiring certain sections to be done by a deadline. N/A While I know he thinks he is approachable, I was still very intimidated by him. Felt like my questions were stupid. I wish students would simply come and see me in my office; you will find I am VERY approachable and NICE.
The weekly quizzes that were given required students to become involved with the material and as a result, when test time came around they knew the material which prevented cram sessions. The textbook author's word-choice made comprehension of some of the material difficult. N/A
We have learned the APA style of writing which can help anyone who wants to pursue a carreer in Psychology. Grading system was moderately Harsh.  Especially for people who have not written an APA style paper. Must not have been too harsh as a couple of your classmates managed an "A" on the paper. They should be a bit more lenient about the grading on the paper.  It just seems like it is very hard. Clear, concise writing is very important in psychology. The grading was consistent with what you can expect in the upper-division psych courses for which this course is a prerequisite.
The paper. The textbook. Take more time to TEACH APA style or offer a course for this seperately. A workshop is offered through continuing education. Allow students to set up an experiment from start to finish. I would love to do this, but one semester is not enough time to teach you what you need to know and then let you conduct your own project. PSYC 4870 serves this purpose.
The knowledge I gained about writing a psychology paper. The book value was not useless however it was a little repetative. Pay us to come! Sure, why not. How about we give you a new car for perfect attendance? :)
How to present your work though an APA sytle paper. The tests. Get someone to teach APA to the grad students in the writing center.
learning how to write an empirical journal article. none. a few more opportunities for grades.
Learning how to do an experimental paper. N/A N/A
This course allowed me to further understand the complexities of experimental research. N/A N/A
I learned how to write an APA paper. N/A N/A
Learning about how to write and read experimental papers. The web site is an excellent source of information for the class.  It is believed by many students that the grades are being manipulated so the instructor is seen as not being easy, even when higher grades are deserved. Ex. the changes in the scores of the paper once a grade has been issued. The grades never increase but usually decrease. Perhaps this occurs, because the paper is worth two-exam grades and is not due until the end of the semester. A student can have an "A" average and turn in a poorly written paper and end up with a B, C, or worse. Be more specific about the paper during the begining of the term. It would be good to sugest that the student go ahead and format the paper before the class starts working on the paper ex) summary of design. Some people don't understand that when the class is doing this that it is a part of the paper but just practice work. I hope you understand this and are able to explain how the paper is worked on in class in more detail.