As part of your learning experience in this class, and to earn extra credit points, you will have the opportunity to participate as a subject in two research sessions (conducted by faculty and thesis students, with each session lasting a maximum of one hour) during the semester. This is a chance to learn about the process of psychological research firsthand. Descriptions of available research projects and opportunities for participation will be announced in class or posted on the bulletin board in the Psychology Department (Bicentennial Hall, 2nd floor).

If you sign up on the bulletin board to participate in a study, write down the date, time and place of your session, PLUS the telephone number of the researcher. When you agree to participate, you are forming a contract with the researcher to be present at the place and time selected. Do not miss your appointment unless you notify the researcher by telephone at least 24 hours ahead of time. (Do not call me if you need to cancel your appointment -- call the researcher listed on the sign-up form!) Notification of your participation will be sent to me by the researcher and I will add the extra credit points to your grade.

By participating in two research studies, you may earn extra credit points equal to one percent of your final course grade (the equivalent of adding about 5 to 7 points onto one of our 100-point exams). Participation in one study earns half that number of points. Note that you may receive extra credit for a maximum of two studies (i.e., you certainly may participate in more studies if you wish, but you will only receive credit for two).

If you do not wish to participate in the research projects but would like to earn extra credit points, you may write a brief paper. Writing one satisfactory paper (typed, double-spaced, two pages) will substitute for participation in one research project. For the paper, choose an issue from Taking Sides that we are NOT using for any of our class debates and answer the "Challenge Questions" in the book for that issue. As in the debates, your arguments should be based on empirical research data, not on your own personal opinion. Turn papers in to me (BIH-276) by Friday, May 5 to receive extra credit points.

To summarize your extra credit options: For maximum extra credit, you may either participate in two studies, or participate in one study and write one paper, or write two papers.