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Psy 307 Special Topics: Psychology Myths
Spring 2024

Note: for password protected documents, use the password on the syllabus handed out in class

Major due dates​
  • Update: Exam 1 moved to February 12, see updated presentation schedule
    • Study tip: for myths 1-14 in the book, be able to answer:
      • Why do people believe the myth?
      • Why is the belief incorrect (what is the evidence)?
      • How important is it to dispel this myth (see handout "Why should we care?" from textbook introduction)?
  • UPDATE: Exam 2 moved to Wednesday March 6
  • April 3, paper/poster topics due
  • UPDATE: April 8, no class meeting
  • May 1, Exam 3 at 12:10, over the last set of myths (28-50, excluding 36 and 48)
  • May 3, papers/posters due: APA format for papers/posters, body of paper 1500-2000 words in length
    • Sample student papers in APA Style
Dr. Thompson's Office Hours (in DePaul Hall, room 107)
  • Monday 9:30-11:30
  • Thursday 9-12 (except April 11)
  • Friday 1:30-2:30 (except April 12)
  • other times available by appointment​
Discussion topics for each myth
  • What is the origin of the myth?
  • What is the evidence it is a myth, and how common is the myth?
  • How does the myth influence people?
  • Is the myth important to dispel?
  • What evidence disproves the myth, and how convincing is that evidence?
  • How can the myth be corrected?
Presentation order (myth # from the "50 great myths" book)
  • April 10: Brianna (41), Desiree (42), Sara (43)
  • April 15: Alyssa P (44), Kayla (45), Alyssa G (46)
  • UPDATE: April 17: Paige (47), Corinne (50), Jaida (49)
  • UPDATE: April 22: Everyone read this paper by Pezdek and Reisberg
    • Amani: summarize the sections on myths 1 and 2
    • Christopher: summarize the sections on myths 3 and 4
    • Lindsay: summarize the sections on myths 5 and 6
  • UPDATE: April 24: No reading assignment—we will summarize the results of our class study