EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY

01:377:4**

SYLLABUS FOR XXX SEMESTER 2014

Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, Rutgers University

INSTRUCTOR:Brandon L. Alderman, Ph.D.

OFFICE:Loree Building Rm 146

PHONE:(848) 932-7028

EMAIL:

OFFICE HOURS:

CLASS HOURS:

CLASS LOCATION:

REQUIRED TEXT:

Buckworth, J., Dishman, R. K., O’Connor, P. J., & Tomporowski, P. (2013). Exercise Psychology (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

OPTIONAL TEXTS:

Lox, C. L., Martin Ginis, K. A., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2006). The psychology of exercise: Integrating Theory and Practice(2nd ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway Publishers.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the conclusion of this course, student-learners will:

  1. list and describe definitions, distinctions, and proposed causal mechanisms of most major psychological theories that have been employed to study human behavior in the context of physical activity. This includes theories in the areas of personality, anxiety, motivation, goal-setting, and social support, among others, as listed in the schedule.
  2. analyze, distinguish, and apply the theoretical knowledge to respond to challenges commonly encountered in the arena of physical activity. This will be documented through quizzes, exams, and, a brief overview of current and contemporary research.
  3. identify, analyze, and apply the theoretical knowledge and skills related to challenges encountered when attempting to manage and/or alter behavior.
  4. engage in discovery and independent critical thinking by undertaking a semester-long

problem-solving exercise. This will involve (a) identifying a research question or real-life

problem of personal interest, (b) using information technology to seek and locate

pertinent sources of research information, (c) critically reviewing and evaluating this

information (including the examination of the reported research methods and

quantitative or qualitative data), and (d) synthesizing it to arrive at a conclusion or plan

of action to solve the problem. This will provide the students with the experience

necessary to answer similar questions independently during their professional careers in a scientifically informed and responsible manner.

5.demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary natureof the study of physical activity. For example, the student-learners will explain and provide an appropriate

example of the linkages between psychological stress, chronic disease, and physical

activity.

6.demonstrate sensitivity to issues of diversity by describing research evidence on such

topics as gender differences in exercise-related outcomes, and the cognitive and

emotional changes associated with the aging process.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Student-learners are responsiblefor:

  • reading and attempting to understand the chapters and/or readings prior to each class period
  • working problems from the book on your own to aid in your understanding of the material
  • the lecture material provided each day

It is expected that student-learners will:

  • attend all classes
  • be punctual for class
  • verbally participate in class discussions
  • seek help from the instructor if you are having difficulty with any portion of the course

Evaluation

As with any introductory class, this course will cover a lot of material. The grading policy has been developed to assist you in keeping up with the material and assessing your demonstrated competency of the course material.

Tentative Value of Assignments

Quizzes (approximately 10)10%

Review of Literature15%

Exam #125%

Exam #225%

Exam #325%

Class Participation (+ attendance)TBD

Quizzes: Approximately ten quizzes will be administered over the course of the semester. Quizzes may or may not be announced. Quizzes will consist of two or three short answer questions or approximately five multiple choice questions covering assigned reading material. Quizzes will generally be administered on the day immediately preceding class discussion of the material. Importantly, the quizzes not only contribute 10% to the final grade, but also serve aspreparation for the exams, since a number of the questions that you will encounter in the quizzes are likely to be repeated in the exams. It is, therefore, essential that you keep up with the lecture materialsand assigned readings as closely as possible.

No make-up quizzes will be given. If you know that you will be unable to take a certainquiz on the scheduled day, you must make arrangements to take it earlier.

Literature Review:In your professional careers, you will undoubtedly face many problems of a psychological nature. The purpose of this exercise, therefore, is to help you develop skills that will allow you to address these problems without relying exclusively on your past experience and intuition (or authority). Searching for other sources of knowledge will allow you to become familiar with, and take advantage of, the scientific literature. Briefly, this exercise involves the development of a paper (5-7 typed, double-spaced pages) with the following structure: (a) identifying and describing aresearch question or real-life problem of personal interest, (b) using information technologyto locate, review, and critique at least 5 relevant research-based articles from scientific journals, (c) critically reviewing and evaluatingthis information (including examining the reported research methods and quantitative or qualitative data) to arrive at a conclusion, a proposed solution, and/or a justified course of action designed to solve the problem, and (d) including references in APA format (which do not count toward the required 5-7 pages). More detailed instructions will follow in class.

Exams: Three exams will be administered to assess your ability to synthesize the information dealt with in this course. Collectively these exams will constitute 75% of your final grade. The exams will primarilyconsist of objective-type questions, i.e. multiple choice and matching, but will also contain short answer and/or essay questions. The second and third examsmay be comprehensive in that they will cover all course material to date, including questions from the quizzes and previous exams.

Tentative Class Outline and Schedule
DATE / TOPIC / READING ASSIGNMENT(S)
Week 1 (Sep. 3) / 3-Sep / T / Overview of the Course & Syllabus / Syllabus
6-Sep / F / Intro to Exercise Psychology / Chap 1
Week 2 (Sep. 10) / 10-Sep / T / Fundamentals of Research / Chap 2
13-Sep / F
Week 3 (Sep. 17) / 17-Sep / T / Behavioral Neuroscience / Chap 3
20-Sep / F
Week 4 (Sep. 24) / 24-Sep / T / Stress / Chap 4
27-Sep / F
Week 5 (Oct. 1) / 1-Oct / T / Affect, Mood, and Emotion / Chap 5
4-Oct / F / Catch-up / Review
Week 6 (Oct. 8) / 8-Oct / T / EXAM #1
11-Oct / F / Anxiety / Chap 6
Week 7 (Oct. 15) / 15-Oct / T
18-Oct / F / Depression / Chap 7
Week 8 (Oct. 22) / 22-Oct / T
25-Oct / F / Cognitive Function / Chap 8
Week 9 (Oct. 29) / 29-Oct / T
1-Nov / F / Sleep & Pain / Chaps 10-11
Week 10 (Nov. 5) / 5-Nov / T
8-Nov / F / Self-esteem / Chap 12
Week 11 (Nov. 12) / 12-Nov / T / Self-esteem; Catch-up / Review
15-Nov / F / EXAM #2
Week 12 (Nov. 19) / 19-Nov / T / Correlates of Physical Activity / Chap 13
22-Nov / F
Week 13 (Nov. 26) / 26-Nov / T / No class – Thanksgiving Recess
29-Nov / F
Week 14 (Dec. 3) / 3-Dec / T / Theories of Behavior Change / Chap 14
6-Dec / F
Week 15 (Dec. 10) / 10-Dec / T / Intervention Strategies / Chap 15
13-Dec / F / Reading Day
Finals Week / 19-Dec / Th / FINAL EXAM – 8:00-11:00 AM

** This schedule is tentative and will more than likely change throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to adhere to any changes. **

Attendance

  1. If you hope to do well in this course, it is essential that you attend all class sessions.I realize that certain factors and situations may arise which might lead you to rethink whether ornot your attendance needs to be a part of your day, but, if you choose to skip class at any time,realize that (a) this will impact your grade and (b) it is your responsibility (not mine) to get thenotes from those missed classes. Further, potentially important contributions are missed when students choose NOT to participate in class. Please be respectful of others’ views and open to express yours in an appropriate manner!Attendance will be monitored by random checks as well as by quizzes administered at the beginning of class. I reserve theright to send a student over to the Dean of Students Office for documentation of extendedabsences from class.
  1. Punctuality is also very important. Please be considerate of others and arrive to class by 9:15 am.

Assignments

  1. All written work is due the day and time specified by the instructor. Work turned in after specified time/date will be considered late and a deduction of a letter grade will be made for each day late (weekends count as one day). Any homework assignments will be due by the beginning of class that the assignment is due, unless otherwise noted.
  1. Unless specified in writing, all assignments are to be independently completed by each student.

Exams

  1. Three exams will be given during the semester. Please see above for details about the exams.
  1. Procedures for taking exam are as follows: (1) All personal materials (e.g., books, notes, backpacks, hats, coats, etc.) should be placed on the floor before taking the quiz/exam; (2) all electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, etc.) should be turned to the off position and stored away (e.g., in your backpack); (3) A writing implement, test booklet, and answer sheet will be provided for you; (4) During the exam you should stay focused on your work and not let you eyes wander to your neighbors test; (5) Upon completion, turn your (quiz/exam) over and await further instructions or bring your testing materials to the instructor before leaving the room. Failure to follow these procedures may result a failing grade on the quiz/exam.
  1. The instructor reserves the right to adjust grades at the end of the semester. These adjustments will only be made if they are beneficial to the student and will be based on the instructor’s expertise and professional opinion that the final grade is not reflective of the student’s actual performance.

Absences

  1. If you are on an athletic team and will be missing class, you should provide the instructor with a written schedule (of road trips) prior to absence. Prior to, or immediately following your road trip (the next class day), you should provide the instructor with the University Approved Excuse. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. This policy will also govern any University Approved Excused Absence.
  1. Students will be allowed to make up assignments only in the event that a University Approved Excuse is provided prior to or the following class day after the absence. (NOTE: The University will not provide approved excuses for visits to the Student Health Center. These excuses will not be accepted unless the physician indicates that student should not attend class.) Make-up tests must be taken prior to absence, unless instructor indicates otherwise.

Cell Phones

12. Cell phones should either be turned off or on silent mode during class and examinations. If you are expecting an emergency call, please inform the instructor before class begins. In this case, you will be asked to set your ringer to “vibrate” and leave the phone with the instructor.

Honor Policy: Rutgers University is built upon a strong foundation of integrity, respect, and trust. All students are expected to know and follow the academic integrity policy of Rutgers University. This policy can be found at Should you have any questions about this policy, please contact the instructor.

Special Needs and Accommodations: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent her/him from fully demonstrating her/his ability should contact Dr. Alderman as soon as possible to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation. It is recommended that students with disabilities contact the Office of Disability Services (

**Important Caveat: This course schedule and course guidelines are all subject to (and likely will) change. It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of any and all changes by attending class and maintaining an open line of communication with the instructor.