University of Vermont Department of Psychology PSYC206A (CRN: 13532) & PSYC206B (CRN: 13174) Motivation Spring 2009 Tuesday & Thursday 4:00-5:15 p.m. and 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Lafayette 302 Judith A. Christensen, Ph.D. Office: Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center 26 Woodside Drive East Colchester, VT 05446 Contacts: (Work) 655-4990 (FAX) 655-3095 (E-mail) [email protected] (best choice) [email protected] Hours: Before or after class by appointment or other times by appointment * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * READINGS: TEXTBOOK: Franken, R.E. (2007). Human motivation (6th ed.) Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Learning STUDENT SELECTIONS: * One (1) research article related to Motivation of your own choosing to use as a basis for one (1) written critique. * Six (6) or more research articles or books on a topic related to Motivation of your own choosing to use as a basis for one (1) Literature Review Paper. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS WHAT IS MOTIVATION? What are its sources or origins? We’re all familiar with the concept. We use the term in our everyday language though we may not recognize at this point how many different meanings it carries. Each of us may even have some thoughts about its origins. For example, how often have you found yourself saying, “I’m just not motivated to study tonight”? Is it that we are unmotivated or that we do not want to behave in a particular way? Thus, we are always motivated in some way that may or may not match with external, or for that matter, internal expectations! Think about it! Motivation study examines all conditions that exist within the person, within the environment and within the culture that explains ‘why we want what we want’ and ‘why we do what we do.’” As a biobehavioral course, we will examine the complex array of motivational sources that are both internal and external to an individual through a review of the most recent research on this topic. This, along with your own process of “self-discovery,” may help you understand what motivates some of your behaviors and notothers (although this is not a self-help course). Taken together, the text, class presentations and discussions, and the research that you choose to incorporate into this course should provide you with an excellent foundation on the subject of motivation as well as an appreciation for its complexity. Course Goals: 1. To develop an appreciation of the basic information in motivation psychology, including both research and theory, as well as an understanding of the complexity of motivational processes; 2. To gain an understanding of research methods in motivation psychology, together with the ability to evaluate critically the research in this area both in written and class presentation formats; 3. To master writing a review in APA writing style and format of the literature on a topic of your choice, related to motivation psychology. This paper must demonstrate an understanding of the research, an ability to synthesize information, and a mastery of APA writing style and format. 4. An ability to apply your knowledge to your own motivational processes (for example, when you solve problems, make decisions or force yourself to do something you don’t really want to do) through weekly reflection logs and class discussions and to professional areas such as education, business, law, clinical psychology, and social relationships. Prerequisites and Course Expectations Prerequisites for this course are PSYC001, PSYC104 and PSYC109. If you do not meet this requirement, you must see me immediately to discuss whether other courses may be substitutes for this requirement. The course requires a fairly sophisticated background in psychology. Foundational theories and current research and methodologies of this significant area of psychology will be reviewed and discussed. Participants in this course are expected to (1) complete all readings, labs, written and presentation requirements within the time allotted, (2) attend class and be an active member in all class discussions, (3) present research as required in a professional manner, and (4) provide support and encouragement to other class members when they are making class presentations. Participants will also have an opportunity to engage in self-directed learning by selecting topics of interest for exploration and enlightenment. Because many students who take this course expect to attend graduate school at some future time, course objectives emphasize the student’s ability to (1) locate and evaluate high quality relevant research from appropriate psychology journals and books, (2) synthesize and critique readings (text and research articles/books) in both verbal and written formats using APA format and style, (3) present material in a classroom setting with appropriate aids (e.g., handouts, PowerPoint, overheads) in different contexts (i.e., formal class presentation, student-led discussions, poster presentation), and (4) participate actively in all class discussions. Finally, this course is designed to permit “self-discovery” through personal reflection on the readings, discussion of points of interest to students, and self-selection of material for intensive personal study. Academic Honesty: Any violation of the UVM Code of Academic Integrity (plagiarism, collusion, cheating or fabrication) in written work or on examinations will be reported to the Center for Student Ethics and Standards (CSES) at The University of Vermont. If you are unfamiliar with this Code, you should carefully review it and be completely familiar with it. (Please see: http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf). It is against the Academic Integrity Code for you to give and/or receive unauthorized assistance on graded assignments (collusion) or to use someone else’s thoughts or words without citation (plagiarism). Any violations of the Code will result in disciplinary action.COURSE REQUIREMENTS As a general rule, I will not accept written assignments more than one week late unless you and I have worked it out by the original due date. Anything late without prenotification will have a late penalty. ALL WRITTEN WORK MUST BE TYPED USING 12 POINT TIMES NEW ROMAN