FAQs about Exams:

Format of the Exam:

What is the format of the exam?
•     Exams will consist of 75 multiple choice questions. Essay versions of exams are available upon request.


Is the essay version of the exam harder that the multiple choice version?

• That depends. Many students find that essay exams are more difficult than multiple choice exams. However, some students find that they do better when they have the opportunity to explain what they know in their own words. You need to know what kind of student and what kind of test taker you are.


What is the format of the essay version?

• You will be asked answer 5 essay questions, each worth 15 points for a total of 75 points. For each question, you have a choice of 2 to 3 questions to select from.

Do you give a make-up exam if a student is ill, if there is a family emergency, if their car breaks down, or if they have to be out of town to attend a wedding?

• No, there are no make-up exams. The lowest grade out of the 4 exam scores will be dropped in determining a student's final grade. If a student misses an exam for any reason, including those listed above, that exam score (0 points) will the score that is dropped.

What happens if a student has a medical emergency or is hospitalized for more than one exam?

• That is the only situation in which a student could take a make up exam -- with two documented medical excuses. In that case, the student must provide documentation to Dr. Hudson and s/he will be allowed to take a make up exam. It will be given during the Psychology department common make-up exam time at the end of the final exam period.

What if a student has to miss more than one exam due to participation in sports or special academic programs?

• The student should contact Dr. Hudson discuss his or her situation.

    What is the best way to study for the exam?

• Go over your lecture notes and make sure they are organized.
• Review you notes on the textbook and the articles.
• Check the terms at the end of each chapter -- make sure you can define each and explain why each is important
• Pay close attention to the Review Questions from the class web page. Prepare answers to all of these.
• Go to the textbook publisher's web site and take practice quizzes.
• If you have questions about any of the material, go to Dr. Hudson's office hours and ask her to clarify.
• Study with a friend and quiz each other on the material.

• No, there may be some differences. However, there will also be many questions on the exam that are very similar. Use these for practice, but also make sure that you prepare answers to the Review Questions.

• Maybe not everything, but close. There may be some questions about key terms from the text that are not covered in the Review Questions. Make sure you know all the key terms.

• Yes, you should be able to define them AND explain their significance.

• For research reports, you should be able to state what the research question was, what the methods were, the subject population that was studied, what the results were in general terms, and what the authors concluded.
• For research review articles, be able to state the main points made in the review.

• Bring a few #2 pencils and an eraser.

    When will grades be posted?

• Usually within 2 days after taking the exam.

• They will be posted electronically on the FAS Gradebook system -- a link is available on the class web page.

• Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the grade distribution. Any adjustments would be made after all four exam scores are available. Don't count on your grade changing -- I have not made any adjustments in the last two years that I have taught this class.

    How can I review my exam?

• Go to your professor's office hours or visit the TA during her office hours. Records of your responses will be available for you to review. If you cannot make it to office hours, make an appointment with Dr. Hudson.

• Provide me with a written explanation of why you think your answer is correct. I sometimes give credit if a student presents a valid argument.

• Review your exam with Dr. Hudson. There may be a particular type of question that you find difficult or you may be misinterpreting the questions.
• Change your study habits -- see above for how to prepare for exams.
• Go to the Learning Resource Center -- they can teach you strategies for taking multiple choice exams.

• No, your final grade is based on your three highest grades. If you are content with your score after the first three exams, you do not have to take the final.