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Psychology Undergraduate Studies

 

PSYCHOLOGY 480-486 (DIRECTED STUDIES)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Directed Studies courses (Psych 480-486) provide opportunities for students to work one-on-one with faculty members in an area of interest to the student. Students typically choose to study an area of psychology that is not available in the regular course offerings. The general course descriptions for each Directed Studies course are noted below. The specific course requirements for the individual student will be noted in his/her course application/proposal. The degree requirement to be filled by taking the course is indicated by the course title.

Psych 480: Directed Studies - Elective
Conduct an extensive literature review and write a major essay/critique of a topic in any area of psychology.
Note: Students may also propose to conduct an empirical research project in an area of psychology and write a report of the research carried out.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors only; Level at least 3A; Psych average at least 75%

Psych 481: Directed Studies - Natural Science Advanced Psych
Conduct an extensive literature review and write a major essay/critique of a topic in a natural science area of psychology*.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors only; Level at least 3A; Psych average at least 75%

Psych 482: Directed Studies - Social Science Advanced Psych
Conduct an extensive literature review and write a major essay/critique of a topic in a social science area of psychology**.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors only; Level at least 3A; Psych average at least 75%

Psych 483: Directed Studies - Natural Science Research
Conduct an empirical research project in a natural science area of psychology* and write a report of the research carried out.
Prerequisites: Psych 291 and 292; Honours Psychology or Make-Up Psychology students; cumulative psychology average at least 75%.
Corequisite: Psych 391
Ethics clearance is required.

Psych 484: Directed Studies - Social Science Research
Conduct an empirical research project in a social science area of psychology** and write a report of the research carried out.
Prerequisites: Psych 291 and 292; Honours Psychology or Make-Up Psychology students; cumulative psychology average at least 75%.
Corequisite: Psych 391
Ethics clearance is required.

Psych 485: Directed Studies - Seminar
Conduct an extensive literature review in any area of psychology, write of a major essay/critique of the literature, and do an oral presentation (e.g., the course supervisor only; his/her lab group; his/her undergraduate or graduate class in a related area).
Prerequisites: Psych 291 and 292; Honours Psychology or Make-Up Psychology students; cumulative psychology average at least 75%.
Corequisite: Psych 391

Psych 486: Directed Studies - Advanced Statistics
Conduct an extensive study of advanced statistical techniques under the supervision of a faculty member. Course requirements will normally include assessment of competency through examination.
Prerequisites: Psych 291, 292, 391; Honours Psychology or Make-Up Psychology students; cumulative psychology average at least 75%.

*Examples of what we mean by 'natural science' include the study of:
cognitive development; social cognition; neural, physical, and chemical basis of behaviour; workings of memory and attention; cognitive factors that influence language acquisition, reading disabilities, or depression, etc.

**Examples of what we mean by 'social science' include the study of:
interpersonal and intergroup relations; evaluation of behaviour and leadership on productivity; how people are affected by their physical and social environment; attitudes and attitude change; stereotyping; prejudice and discrimation; etc.

ENROLMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR PSYCH 480-486

  1. Must use your uWaterloo email address and have access to the internet and a suitable library for the duration of the course.
  2. A Directed Studies course cannot be added to your schedule until the course application/proposal has been approved by the Psychology Undergraduate Chair.
  3. Cannot enrol in any one of the Directed Studies courses a second time.
  4. Cannot enrol in more than one of Psych 481-486 with the same faculty member.
  5. Normally cannot enrol in more than three of Psych 480-486.
  6. Cannot satisfy more than two psychology course requirements (1.0 units) with Directed Studies courses. If you want to take a third Directed Studies course, the third one counts towards the 'unspecified electives' for the degree not the Psychology course requirements.
  7. Cannot enrol in both Psych 481 and 482.
  8. Cannot enrol in both both Psych 481 and 483.
  9. Cannot enroll in both Psych 482 and 484.
  10. Cannot enroll in both Psych 483 and 484 unless you take at least one of Psych 392-399.

COURSE APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. It is your responsibility to find an appropriate course supervisor. See the list of faculty members on the Psychology Department website. The list can be sorted by 'Name' or 'Areas of Study'.

    When you approach potential faculty members, they might want to know such things as:
    a) Why are you interested in doing a Directed Studies Course?
    b) Why would you be a good candidate for such a course (e.g., What are you grades, previous related experience, future goals, etc.)?
    c) Why did you choose to approach a particular faculty member for supervision (e.g., previous contact with that individual, a match of interests, want to establish rapport with potential supervisor for an Honours Thesis project, etc.)

  2. You and the course supervisor must agree on the course number for the Directed Studies course (one of Psych 480-486) and complete the course application/proposal form provided below.

    For those proposing research with animals or humans (Psych 483 or 484), note also the requirements for ethics clearance.

  3. If your cumulative Psych average is less than 75%, please attach a note to your application explaining why you are interested in taking the course.

  4. Submit the course application/proposal form to the Psychology Undergraduate Office (PAS 4005) for approval by the eighth day of classes for the appropriate term.

  5. Keep a copy of the course description as well as the course application/proposal form for your records.

COURSE ENROLMENT

Your request for enrolment in a Directed Studies course will be reviewed by the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in Psychology (Colin Ellard). This step must be completed by the tenth day of classes.

The Psychology Undergraduate Advisor (Heather Smith) will do the following if the course application/proposal is approved:

  • The Registrar's Office will be notified to add the course to your schedule. You and the course supervisor will receive a copy of that message. The Departmental Ethics Review Committee Officer (Marg Ingleton) will also be copied on the message if you are enrolling in Psych 483 or 484.
  • A copy of the approved application form will be sent to your course supervisor.

If the course application has been denied, you and the proposed course supervisor will be notified.

FINAL GRADE

A numerical grade will be assigned by the course supervisor at the end of the term.

APPLICATION/PROPOSAL FOR A DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE (PSYCH 480-486)

To print the form only, highlight the form with the cursor and then select print 'selection' on your browser. Please print the form single sided to facilitate scanning etc. during the approval process.

You and your course supervisor must collaborate to complete this form. If course enrolment is approved, this form becomes the course outline/contract. Please type or print clearly.

COURSE REQUESTED:

Psych 480 - Directed Studies: Elective
Psych 481 - Directed Studies: Natural Science Advanced Psych
Psych 482 - Directed Studies: Social Science Advanced Psych
Psych 483 - Directed Studies: Natural Science Research
Psych 484 - Directed Studies: Social Science Research
Psych 485 - Directed Studies: Seminar
Psych 486 - Directed Studies: Advanced Statistics

A numerical grade will be assigned by the course supervisor at the end of the term.

ENROLMENT TERM REQUESTED (indicate term/year):

Fall __________ Winter___________ Spring________

NAME OF THE DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE SUPERVISOR:

_________________________________________

STUDENT INFORMATON

NAME

 
ID NUMBER

 
HOME PHONE NUMBER AND DATES VALID

 
LOCAL PHONE NUMBER AND DATES VALID

 

E-MAIL ADDRESS
(uWaterloo addresss only please for this course)

 
CURRENT ACADEMIC PLAN

General Psych

Honours Psych

CURRENT CUMULATIVE PSYCH AVERAGE

 

(If your Psych average is less than 75%, please attach a note to your app form explaining why you are interested in taking this course)
WILL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YEAR TWO (I.E., AT LEAST 10.0 UNITS) BY THE TIME YOU TAKE THE REQUESTED COURSE?

Yes No

(If you answered 'no', please attach a note to your app form explaining why you are interested in taking this course)

WHICH OF THESE PSYCH COURSES HAVE YOU COMPLETED?

 
  • Psych 291: Done In Progress

  • Psych 292: Done In Progress

  • Psych 391: Done In Progress

  • 1 of Psych 393, 395, 397, 399, 484: Done In Progress

  • 1 of Psych 392, 394, 396, 398, 483:
    Done In Progress

  • Psych 499A/B/C (Honours Thesis):
    Done In Progress
DID YOU TAKE A DIRECTED STUDIES COURSES IN PSYCH PREVIOUSLY? IF SO, WHICH ONE(S)?  
WHAT COURSE DO YOU WANT DROPPED FROM YOUR SCHEDULE (IF APPLICABLE) IF YOUR REQUEST TO ENROL IN A DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE IS APPROVED?  

 

 

DESCRIPTON OF THE DIRECTED STUDIES PROJECT

(Attach a page if more space is needed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETHICS CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED BEFORE RESEARCH WITH ANIMALS BEGINS (PSYCH 483)

Before submitting the Psych 483 application form for approval, the course supervisor and student must consult with the following people regarding the necessary procedures for obtaining ethics clearance for the project:

  1. Colin Ellard - Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs, Psychology Department
  2. Director, Office of Research Ethics - the acting Director until June 15, 2012 is Susan Sykes

ETHICS CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED BEFORE RESEARCH WITH HUMAN PARTICIPANTS BEGINS (PSYCH 483 OR 484)

(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COURSE SUPERVISOR)

Do you (course supervisor) currently have ethics clearance for the research proposed?
Yes No
If no, proceed to 'For a New Request for Research Ethics Clearance'.
If yes, proceed to 'For a Request for Research Ethics Modification'

A) For a New Request for Research Ethics Clearance (Form 101 or 101A)

Will this Psych 483 or 484 course involve deception research? Yes No
If you answered yes, go to item A.
If you answered no, go to item B.

Item A (deception research in Psych 483 or 484) - use Form 101:

Please submit Form 101 as soon as possible to the Office of Research Ethics (ORE). When completing the form, note the following:

    1. Under the heading "level of project":  
      • select “Other”
      • enter “Psych 483" (or Psych 484 if that is the case)
    2. The student must be identified on the form as a 'student investigator'.

Item B (non-deception research in Psych 483 or 484) - use Form 101A:

Please submit Form 101A as soon as possible to the Office of Research Ethics (ORE). When completing the form, note the following:

    1. Under the heading "level of project, non-thesis course projects":  
      • select “undergrad'
      • enter “Psych 483" (or Psych 484 if that is the case)
    2. The student must be identified on the form as a 'student investigator'.

B) For a request for Research Ethics Modification (Form 104)

If you (course supervisor) currently have ethics clearance for this project, a Form 104 Modification will be required by the Office of Research Ethics (ORE) to specify any changes to the original project.

Examples of changes requiring the submission of a Form 104 Modification:

  • adding a Psych 483 or 484 student as a 'student investigator' to project that already has full ethics clearance. 
  • if the original ethics clearance specified no deception and the student's research will involve deception.

C) Questions Regarding Ethics Clearance for Research with Human Participants

If in doubt about whether to submit Form 101, 101A or 104 for ethics clearance for the Psych 483 or 484 project, consult with the following people:

  1. Marg Ingleton - Departmental Ethics Review Committee Officer, Psychology Department
  2. Director, Office of Research Ethics - the acting Director until June 15, 2012 is Susan Sykes

WHAT IS ROLE OF THE COURSE SUPERVISOR FOR THE DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE?

(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COURSE SUPERVISOR)

For example:

  • How often will you meet with the student to discuss his/her work/progress (e.g., biweekly, weekly, monthly, as needed)?
  • Are you willing to give the student feedback on an outline and/or draft of the final paper(s)?
  • For Psych 485 (literature review and oral presentation), who will be the audience for the oral presentation (e.g., you only; your lab group; your undergraduate or graduate class in a related area)? The seminar is essential for those wanting to take Psych 485 instead of one of Psych 420, 453-463 (Honours Seminars). If there is no seminar component for the proposed course, use a different Directed Studies course number.
  • For Psych 486 (Advanced Statistics), what will be the mode of delivery of the course material?

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE STUDENT'S RESPONSBILITIES FOR THE DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE AND HOW WILL HE/SHE BE EVALUATED?

(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COURSE SUPERVISOR)

For example:

  • for Psych 483 or 484 (research projects), will he/she be graded separately on the research proposal, the data collection, statistical analysis, and the final paper?
  • for any of Psych 480-485, how many papers will he/she be doing, what are each worth, and what is the minimum number of pages required for each paper? When will each assignment be due?
  • For Psych 485 (literature review and oral presentation), what is the minimum time expected for the oral presentation (should be at least 20-30 minutes)? When will he/she do the presentation?
  • For Psych 486 (Advanced Statistics), will he/she be evaluated by midterm tests and a final exam?

Requirements:

  • The nature of the assignments should be of a sufficiently high level as to justify the request to count the course as the degree requirement specified by the course number.
  • Written work for the course must be of a sufficient length to cover the topic and be no less than 20 pages double spaced excluding references and appendices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS THERE OVERLAP BETWEEN THE WORK FOR THE DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE AND THE HONOURS THESIS (PSYCH 499A/B/C) PROJECT?

(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT)

If you (student) undertake both a Directed Studies Course and an Honours Thesis on closely related topics, it will be the responsibility of the Honours Thesis supervisor and the Directed Studies course supervisor to ensure that the Directed Studies work is not part of the normal preparation for and execution of the Honours Thesis. That is, you cannot increase the credit received.

  1. Are you currently enrolled in Psych 499? Yes No
    Have you completed Psych 499? Yes No

    • Name of the Thesis Supervisor (if applicable):

      _________________________________________
  2. If not, are you planning to enrol in Psych 499 in a future term? Yes No

    • Do you have a Thesis Supervisor? If so, the name:

      ____________________________________________

If you answered yes to question 1, please describe how this Directed Studies project is distinct from your Honours Thesis (attach a page if more space is needed):

 

 

 

 

COMMENTS FROM THE HONOURS THESIS SUPEVISOR AND THE DIRECTED STUDIES COURSE SUPEVISOR REGARDING PSYCH 499:

I certify that the work proposed for the Directed Studies project will not be part of the preparation or execution of the student's Honours Thesis project.

Honours Thesis Supervisor (if applicable): Yes No

Signature:________________________________________

Directed Studies Supervisor: Yes No

Signature:________________________________________

STUDENT AND SUPERVISOR AGREEMENT

We agree to the terms outlined above for this Directed Studies course:

Student's Signature and Date:____________________________________

Course Supervisor's Signature and Date: ___________________________

COURSE APPLICATION DECISION

(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE ASSOCIATE CHAIR FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY)

Decision:

Course application (circle): Psych 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486

Approved Denied

Comments (if applicable):

 

 

 

 

 

Signature and Date:

Last updated May 8, 2012