PSYCH 103 - Introduction to Behavioral Research - Daniella Yerumyan

Introduction

Welcome to PSYCH 103 Introduction to Behavioral Research. My name is Daniella Yerumyan, and I am excited to work with you this term. I currently teach psychology at both College of the Canyons and California State University, Northridge. I bring a passion for making psychology relevant and engaging for students at every level.

This hybrid course is accelerated and will move quickly due to its 8-week format. If you are new

to hybrid learning, don’t worry- I will provide clear guidance, support, and consistent

communication to help you succeed.

Please read this letter carefully, as it contains important details about class meetings, course

materials, and how to get started.

Course Description

This course focuses on how psychologists build knowledge using the scientific method. Rather than memorizing facts, you will learn how to ask research questions, evaluate evidence, and understand how research findings are applied in real-world settings. While research methods can feel challenging at first, it is very manageable with steady engagement and organization.'

Behavioral Research Methods introduces students to psychology as a scientific discipline. Topics in this course include:

• Psychology and the scientific method

• Goals of behavioral science

• Basic and applied research

• Measurement and research design

• Experimental and non-experimental methods

• Evaluating research findings and psychological claims

By the end of the course, you will be able to read, evaluate, and design psychological studies and communicate research ideas using APA 7 style. This course is not math-heavy but it does require careful reading, attention to detail, and thoughtful participation.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a HYBRID course which means that part of the course is in-person and part of the course

is administered online via Canvas, the college’s learning management system. The meeting dates

for the course will be posted via the MyCanyons registration system. The in-person meetings are

required. This course is fast-paced due to the 8-week format, so regular participation is essential.

You will complete:

• Research proposal

• Weekly reading

• Chapter quizzes

• Reflective writing and video-based activities

• In-person exams during scheduled class time using Scantron 882 and pencil (Exams will

not be administered on Canvas, but rather during in-person meetings)

Quizzes will be posted in Canvas and then completed outside of class hours.

Technology Requirements

To participate fully in the course, you will need:

• Reliable internet access

• A computer or tablet with access to Canvas

• A webcam and microphone for Zoom office hours

• Ability to open PDFs and submit quizzes

• Scantron 882 forms and pencils for in-person exams

Canvas Log-In Information

The course will open on the first day of class at: https://coc.instructure.com

Use your CanyonsID login:

• Username: your COC email address (i.e. username@my.canyons.edu)

• Password: your MyCanyons password

Need help? Visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for guidance, or use Canvas Chat

Support, available 24/7.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all in-person class sessions. According to the College of the Canyons

policy (BP 4233), students may be dropped after missing 10% of class time - which is especially

important in an 8-week class. Be present, stay engaged, and communicate early if you’re facing

challenges.

Types of Assessments

Students will complete:

• Research proposal

• Weekly reading

• Chapter quizzes

• Reflective writing and video-based activities

• In-person exams during scheduled class time using Scantron 882 and pencil (Exams will

not be administered on Canvas, but rather during in-person meetings)

Quizzes will be posted in Canvas and then completed outside of class hours.

Textbook Information

We will use this psychology textbook for the course:

Methods in Behavioral Research, 15th Ed., Cozby, P.C., & Bates, S.C.

Other Relevant Course Information

Getting Started

Log into Canvas on the first day of class, to access the syllabus, Week 1 assignments, and

announcements. Students who do not attend the first class meeting may be dropped as a no-show.

If you’re trying to add the class, please attend the first in-person class and email me in advance.

If you have questions before class begins, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to meeting

you and learning together this term.

Warm regards,

Professor Yerumyan

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: 02/08/2026 Sub#: 2024 Sub ID: 207647