There will be three non-cumulative examinations, each covering roughly one-third of the course material. Each exam is worth 50 points (out of a total of 350). The exams will cover readings, lectures, class activities/discussions, and videos. 

Dates for exams are listed in the course schedule. There are no scheduled "make-up" exams.  If there is a scheduling problem, you must speak with me prior to the (day of the) exam. The only valid excuses for missing an exam are: (a) official University business, (b) illness, or (c) family emergency. All of these require documentation (e.g., letter from doctor) to be valid.  

A study guide will be posted on the web page one week prior to each exam ( I will write the exam based on this guide!). 

• Exam Guide #1 

• Exam Guide #2 

• Exam Guide #3

Exam format and sample questions:

There are (up to) four sections to each exam:

I. Multiple Choice 
 Each question is worth 1 point.
Tips: Read the questions and ALL responses carefully and eliminate incorrect responses before selecting your answer.

Sample questions:

1. The current perspective known as behaviorism may be traced to the philosophy of:

   1. Jean Jacque Rousseau

   2. John Locke

   3. Charles Darwin

   4. Jean Piaget

    

2. Two observers are sent to watch children's aggressive behavior on the playground. Afterwards they compare notes and find that observer A recorded twice as many aggressive acts as observer B. Their measure of aggression is NOT:

   1. simple enough

   2. reliable

   3. representative

   4. predictive

II. Short answer questions:  
Each short answer question is worth 3 points.  Partial credit is possible on some questions.
Tips: Short answer questions are designed to be answered in two or three sentences. Be brief. (I am looking for quality not quantity). Answer ONLY the question posed. Read the question twice before answering.

Sample questions:

1. Name one advantage and one disadvantage of longitudinal studies.

2. What are "critical periods"? Give an example.

III. Statistics/Statistical issues 
These questions require some computation (formulas provided) and/or interpretation of statistics. Problems and questions will be similar to those provided on the problem set.

IV. Short essay:
Essay questions are designed to be answered in about a page and a half (depending on the size of your writing). The essay question is worth 10 points, and partial credit is possible (though not guaranteed). I will select ONE question from a list of 3-4 presented on the study guide.
Tips: Be succinct! There is no need to restate the question in your answer, as it is right in front of me as I grade your response. Develop and follow an outline for your question.

**Please note: The sample questions I've provided don't necessarily apply to the content material you will have to know for your particular exam. They are intended to provide you information about the form (not the content) of the questions.

General Study Suggestions:

1. The best way to do well on any exam is to study as you go. Go over your class notes and readings (taking notes on your readings is helpful!). Note any confusions you are having and ASK QUESTIONS AS THEY COME UP. Clear up your confusions in class or (better) come see me during office hours (or make an appointment), or drop me an email. 

2. Use the study guide to list information about each term or concept. You will quickly see what "holes" you have. Often flashcards are useful for this purpose. Remember, I write the exam directly from the study guide, so structure your studying around the study guide. 

3. To study for the essay question, write a one-page outline for each of the possible questions listed on the study guide. Study from these outlines.

4. Study with a friend (or friends). Quiz each other.

5. Don't wait until the night before to study for the exam. It is unlikely that you will be able to do all the things you need to do well on the exam in one evening!

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