To start off, let me explain how the class is graded. There are three quizzes worth 30 points each (90 total), section reaction assignments worth 36 points (6 out of 8 are kept, and they’re pretty easy), a Rescorla-Wagner problem set worth 12 points (not too bad and very helpful for quiz 2), and a conditioning proposal worth 12 points (very straightforward and easy. It’s just half a page, single-spaced, and as long as you understand the concepts like Pavlovian conditioning, you’ll be fine). Altogether, the class totals 150 points.

Now that grading is out of the way, let me tell you how the class went for me. Before enrolling, I thought this would be an easy A based on the reviews. I expected the quizzes to be online through BruinLearn, as some comments suggested. To my surprise, we were told the exams would be in person. I was a little worried but figured it wouldn’t be too bad since the class was just about learning. Well, it is, but not in the way I expected. The professor does clarify this at the beginning of the course.

When the first quiz came around, I reviewed the material and thought it would be straightforward. I was wrong. I did really poorly on the first quiz and thought I had no chance of getting an A. But since I now knew what to expect, I worked hard for the second and third quizzes. I took detailed notes, did practice problems (especially on the Rescorla-Wagner Model), and rewatched every lecture from week 1 to week 7 to prepare for quiz 2. I did really well on that quiz, and it was basically what helped me secure an A.

It might be different next time, but I felt like a lot more content was packed into quiz 3 (five PowerPoint decks) compared to quiz 2 (only three). Quiz 2 was easier to digest because of that. Still, getting an A is very doable. Just don’t underestimate the content. The average for quiz 1 was a low B, but by quiz 2, once everyone had a better idea of what the class expected, a lot of people did much better.

Make use of office hours and really go through the practice exams the professor provides. I found the material interesting and would recommend Professor Wikenheiser. He was very understanding and supportive throughout the quarter. I had a personal issue during week 6 and wasn’t ready for the second quiz, so he let me take it during finals week instead. Overall, don’t underestimate the material. Exams are in person, attend office hours, and Professor Wikenheiser is a great instructor for this course.

Professor Wikenheiser was extremely understanding during difficult times on campus. He was also very clear when teaching the lecture material. I went into the class dreading it because the topic wasn't something I was particularly interested in. I can tell that the lecture material can be super hard to teach conceptually (especially Rescorla Wagner), but he made it so digestible and easy to understand. It was actually very impressive that we was able to do calculations in his head, let alone explain how the formulas you learn work since it could get very complicated. He's a very engaging lecturer and is an animal lover! Would definitely recommend going to in-person lectures, even though they are optional. He is very intelligent, friendly, and easy-going when it comes to assignments.

The 3 exams were online and pretty easy with a bunch of time allocated to do them (75 mins). He gave us a bunch of time to do the problem sets, which didn't take long to do and was pretty straightforward. Overall, if you're a psych major and need to complete Column A requirements, I would 100% recommend taking Psych 110 with Professor Wikenheiser. As someone who's more interested in social psych, Psych 110 and animal research was super fascinating to me! Professor Wikenheiser made it much better in my opinion.