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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

Course Description:

Examines the basic principles and concepts of research methodology used in psychology including, naturalistic observation, case study, questionnaire, correlational research, and laboratory experiments. Research design and the process of data analysis are also reviewed using classic studies, while providing added insight into the scientific method.

Transfer credit: CSU & UC

Student Learning Outcome:

Differentiate and apply basic research methods in psychology, evaluate research using critical thinking and skeptical inquiry, utilize effective research tools and resources, and communicate effectively using APA format.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method.
2. Develop and test hypotheses.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of general research designs, experimental and non-experimental methods, and standard research practices.
4. Select appropriate research designs to test hypotheses.
5. Explain the ethical treatment of human and animal participants in research and the institutional requirements for conducting research.
6. Assess the generalizability of study results.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in APA style.
8. Critically evaluate research reports.

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.

There will be a Discussion Board conversation among classmates each week for 4 weeks. For example, week 1 the prompt is a prompt for students to introduce themselves to the class. A prompt will be provided with an activity that will spark responses. Each student will need to respond to the prompt with their thoughts. Students will need to select two other students’ initial responses and provide feedback on their thoughts.

Initial responses to the prompt are +10 points and due THURSDAYS by 11:59 PM. Student response to one other student’s post is +10 points. Student response to a second student’s post is +10 points. Therefore, the total points for each discussion board assignment are +30 points. Both responses to other students’ posts are due by SUNDAYS 11:59 PM.

There will be 5 exams worth 100 points each making this section total 500 points. Students will have the 120 minutes to complete the exam. Exams are due SUNDAYS by 11:59 PM. The Exams will cover the content in the textbook, lectures, chapter tests, and Canvas Modules.

All exams are CLOSED book; however, you can use your notes, Knowledge Checks, and other homework assignments. The examination process for this course will be 100% on Canvas. All exams will be administered using Honorlock unless otherwise specified or previous arrangements are made. Typically, my exams consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and fill in the blank with an occasional essay question here or there depending on the topic of the question. I also like to throw in ?bonus question for extra points throughout the exam. My analysis of the exam responses will determine whether certain questions should be thrown out. If during taking an online exam, you come across a problematic question, answer the question to the best of your knowledge and then email me as soon as the exam finishes with the actual question you had problems with. Do not give me the question number from Canvas as the exam questions are randomized for each student. If enough students report the same problem or I see that many students end up getting the question wrong, I will throw it out and give you the points for that question. Changes to the exam dates and requirements are at the discretion of the course instructor.

Students with AAC accommodations will be able to take the exam in the COC Learning Center (TLC).

Remember, if you are having an issue with a particular question, you may not be the only one and bringing it to my attention may help everyone else with the same issue. I take grading these exams very seriously due to the overall percentage they count toward your course grade.

Study Tip1: I highly recommend writing down problems you missed from the Knowledge Check Quizzes at the end of each chapter in your notes so those questions are available to you during Exams.

Study Tip2: Complete any study guide questions available while reviewing the modules. You may use your responses to those questions while taking the chapter tests. 

Study Tip3: If you come across a quiz or exam question that says it is out of zero (0) points, that means it is a ?bonus question for extra points.

Students will be required to attend the APA 1 and APA 2 Guided Learning Activities, or GLAs, offered through the TLC or online (see Canvas). When they go to the TLC, have their student COC ID number and be sure to complete the APA1 and APA2 GLAs. These will be worth +30 points each, for a total of 60 points. APA/GLAs are due SUNDAY by 11:59 PM weeks 2 and 4.
 

Students may complete either the Online Research, Essay Structure 1, OR Avoiding Plagiarism GLAs for 10 bonus points towards their final course grade.

The purpose of the Semester Project is for you to learn how to identify a testable hypothesis and explain what testing methods can be used, backed by empirical scholarly evidence in the Literature Review. This project will require you to use all the knowledge learned throughout the semester. I do have a soft due date for turning in the Semester Project which is by SUNDAY 07/06/2025 by 11:59 PM. The project should be submitted through Canvas as a PDF. I am not able to grade any Google Docs, so please submit as a PDF. The page requirement is 5-7 pages. The number of scholarly sources needs to be 5+ sources. No penalties for late submission of the assignment, but the absolute last day to submit is 07/10/2025 by 11:59 PM at which point the Canvas course will be closed. Students who submit their Semester Project after 07/10/2025 will not be graded. Once the Canvas course is closed, no more submissions will be accepted.

Students will have opportunities to earn extra credit ?bonus points throughout the semester. All extra credit assignments are due the last week of class, WEDNESDAY 07/09/2025. The extra credit points earned will be applied to your semester grade. More assignment details will be provided on Canvas along with a grading rubric. Other extra credit opportunities may be made available based on the discretion of the course instructor.

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

Fraud

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 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) /studentservices/aac/
• AAC Forms and Application /studentservices/aac/application/index.php
• Student Access Resources /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 . 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. is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the 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: 06/11/2025 Sub#: 1934 Sub ID: 196210