PSYCH 103 - Introduction to Behavioral Research - Kathryn "Katye" McGill-Gartner

Introduction

Welcome to Psychology 103: Introduction to Behavioral Research! I am Katye McGill-Gartner, MPA, MSABA, your instructor. I'm so happy you're taking this class.

Knowing how to conduct research is a requirement for students pursuing a psychology degree. In this course, we will explore the basic foundations, concepts, and principles of behavioral research, which are used to discover everyday research findings worldwide.

• Instructor: Katye McGill-Gartner, MPA, MS (She/Her)
• E-Mail: kathryn.mcgill-gartner@canyons.edu
• Phone: (661) 491-0922 (texts & calls)
• Office: Seco Hall 206 or BONH-312

A little professional background about myself: I'm Katye McGill-Gartner and I will be the instructor for this course. My background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies from San Jose State University. I have certifications in Paralegal Studies in Civil Litigation and Corporate Law from California State University Los Angeles. I completed two Master's Degrees. One is in Public Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from California State University Fullerton and the other is in Behavior Psychology from Pepperdine University. I was also a certified Registered Behavior Technician with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Currently, when I am not teaching, I am a Senior Program Manager for Autism Learning Partners for the Antelope Valley. I create behavior intervention programs and supervise behavior technicians implementing those programs.

A little personal background about myself. I am a Santa Clarita native raised most of my life in the Saugus area of town. I graduated from Valencia High School back when Rye Canyon did not exist yet and there was only one road leading to campus. I attended COC while I was in high school just like you and it was the best experience I could have put myself through to get ready for the College University lifestyle. My goal in this course is not only to teach Psychology course content but also to help you navigate the waters of becoming a college student at a university.

Course Description

This course will examine the basic principles and concepts of research methodology used in psychology, including naturalistic observation, case studies, questionnaires, correlational research, and laboratory experiments. It will also review research design and data analysis using classic studies, providing added insight into the scientific method.

What to Expect in this Course

Assessments:

Students are expected to have a computer with an internet connection with access to Canvas. The best browser to use would be Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Types of Assessments

Course Modules: Review and take notes from the information posted in the course modules. Modules consist of written, visual, and audio content about the weekly topic. Notes taken of content from the modules and book are allowed for use during exams.

Proctored Online Exams: There will be four exams that consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer. Exams will be proctored using Honor Lock. Notes taken of content from the modules and book are allowed for use during exams. Exams are CLOSED BOOK and CLOSED INTERNET (i.e., no Canvas modules).

Written APA Research Assignment: Students will be required to complete a project that involves a literature review and experiment proposal. Students will be expected to conduct research on a psychology topic, summarize the articles, identify how they relate to their experiment, identify limitations to the research, and then write an experiment proposal to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as if the student were conducting the experiment on campus.

Discussion Board Responses: Students will be required to participate in 2 Discussion Board conversations. Students are required to respond to the prompt (+10 points) and two responses to two other student responses (+10 points).

Extra Credit Quizzes: Students will have Knowledge Check quizzes after each module that will give students access to potential exam questions.

Textbook Information

Textbook needs to be purchased by the first week of class. If this is your first time logging in, you'll need to complete the online Orientation Module for the class. 

Cozby, P.C., & Bates, S.C. (2024). Methods in behavioral research (15th edition). McGraw-Hill LLC.

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition). American Psychological Association.

Other Relevant Course Information

Due Dates & Late Policy Guideline:

Due to the short-term, fast-paced nature of this course, and the amount of ground we need to cover, it is imperative that you complete and turn in assigned coursework by the specified due dates.

I understand that deadlines are annoying and at times inconvenient; however, the purpose of the specified due dates is to ensure you can maximize your learning in the short time allotted.  One important skill a student can benefit from learning is effective and efficient self-management. My goal is to provide ways to facilitate opportunities for you to practice self-management skills and one way to do that is to set and enforce deadlines.

Life happens. My job as your instructor is to ensure your success throughout your college journey. One way I can do that is by making accommodations for students who communicate their circumstances with me throughout the semester involving late or missing assignments. If an assignment or exam is late or missing, let's chat and figure out how we can work together to get it turned in for credit. Communication is key. When an instructor is not in the loop about the challenges you are facing, transparency and direct communication are key when coming up with a solution for resolving the late or missing work. We are in this together!

Email & Text Communication with Your Instructor:

Please allow at least 24 hours for an email and text responses from me. Generally, however, I will respond much quicker.  Be sure to either send me a message through Canvas or use your Canyons e-mail address.  If you use your Canyons email address or send a text message, be sure to let me know that you are in my Psych 103 OnlineLIVE Class. If you do not use your Canyons email address, my email filter may automatically place your email into my spam filter, which could prevent me from seeing it in a timely manner. Please understand that any communication sent on a Saturday and Sunday may not receive as quick of a response as it would on a weekday. Any messages sent within an hour of an assignment or exam deadline may not receive a response in time. Please plan communication accordingly when you have an urgent question related to assignments and exams at the last minute.

Cheating, Plagiarism, Fabrication, and Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty, and/or Facilitating Academic Dishonesty:

Academic integrity is a core value of the academic community. It is essential for maintaining the quality of higher education, for the development of critical thinking skills, and for ensuring that academic achievements are based on merit. COC defines academic integrity as the ethical and honest pursuit of knowledge, scholarship, and intellectual growth. It involves upholding the values and principles that guide ethical behavior in academic work, including honesty, fairness, trust, and respect for the intellectual work of others.

At COC, we believe that academic integrity is one of the most important qualities college students need to develop and maintain. Conversely, academic dishonesty is any practice or behavior, whether intentional or unintentional, that undermines the integrity of material submitted for academic credit. Academic dishonesty violates the principles of academic integrity and can have serious consequences for both the individual and the academic community. Common types of academic dishonesty fall into one of three categories:

Plagiarism or Self-plagiarism

• Plagiarism is submitting someone else's work as one's own, or without adequate or proper attribution, including unauthorized use of A.I.-generated material.
• Self-plagiarism is resubmitting the same work from a different class without the current instructor's knowledge and approval (e.g., using the same term paper in more than one class).

Cheating

1. 5. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:
      • Copying from someone else's test, or any evaluated assignment.
      • Using an unauthorized aid during a test (e.g., phone, smart watch, notes or browser).
      • Unauthorized collaboration or communication with others during a test or an independent assignment, including downloading, uploading, sharing, or duplicating course materials.
      • Unauthorized use of generative A.I. or other web-based application.

Fraud

5. Examples of fraud include, but are not limited to:
   • • Having a test or an assignment completed by someone else.
     • Buying, selling, or otherwise obtaining or distributing term papers, assignment, or tests.
     • Falsifying, misinterpreting, or forging an academic record or supporting documents (e.g., submitting a fake doctor's note, misrepresentation of identity).
     • Improper access/obstruction of materials/systems (e.g., stealing a term paper or test).
     • Misrepresentation, falsification, or fabrication of data presented for surveys, experiments, and reports including authors, data or falsely claiming attendance at a class event.

It is the responsibility of all members of the academic community to uphold the principles of academic integrity and to prevent instances of academic dishonesty. Cases of alleged academic dishonesty may be referred to Student Conduct for investigation. Relevant disciplinary action policies can be found in the Student Conduct Code.

I cannot stress enough to you all how important it is to turn in your own original work for this Semester Project. Plagiarism is a serious problem due to the availability of so many different methods for writing papers using online generators and AI programs. I highly recommend using a plagiarism checker such as Grammarly or Turnitin.com to assist with enhancing grammar, content originality, citations, spelling, paraphrasing, and quoting sources. There is a free version of Grammarly and Turnitin.com as well as a subscription version. Grammarly or Turnitin.com subscriptions are not required. Please see the Syllabus in the Orientation Module on Canvas for additional details regarding plagiarism including consequences. Consequences can include but are not limited to a failing grade for this assignment up to expulsion from College of the Canyons.

Canvas

The course can be accessed via Canvas at cv.canyons.edu on the first day of the course. Follow the login instructions at the bottom of the screen to log in. Here, you can also access Canvas user guides with helpful tips for navigating and using Canvas. For any Canvas related issues please call the Canvas Student Support line at (661)362-3344 during college business hours, or (877)889-9052 for 24/7 support.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE tutoring resource to COC students including:

• Face-to-face & ONLINE tutoring
• Testing Center: offers test proctoring services for courses that have required proctored exams
• Study Jam Review Sessions
• Computers with over 300 software programs For more information visit the TLC Website.

Student Accommodations and Support in the Classroom

Any student who needs learning accommodations and support is encouraged to contact the Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) as early as possible. It is your right and responsibility to request accommodation through AAC. If for any reason you are having difficulty getting accommodation set up or need help with the accommodations process, please utilize me as a resource sooner rather than later to acquire the tools you need for success. More information on how to contact the AAC Department and their hours can be found on the website below, including forms and online applications for AAC to receive accommodation. Other student access resources through the AAC Department can be found on the website provided below.

• Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/aac/
• AAC Forms and Application https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/aac/application/index.php
• Student Access Resources https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/aac/student_access_resources.php

Other Important Student Campus Resources:

Students can find a list of campus resources in the Campus Resources Guide. Students have access to personal counseling and health resources while attending COC. Please feel free to contact me or Priscilla Benites LMFT for any questions or concerns throughout the school year. We are happy to consult with you about any concerns that come up life. Please also note that if you have an immediate concern, you can also contact anyone on the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), who will be more than happy to consult with you and assist in any way we can. In addition, you can place the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in your cell phone so that you have it handy in case you need it 24/7. That number is: 988, a new shortened number that you may have heard about. In addition, the center now has a 24/7 mental health back up system, so students can call in the evenings and weekends at (661) 362-3259.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 06/07/2025 Sub#: 1934 Sub ID: 196210