3.7
Quality3.6
Difficulty83%
Would Retake222
Reviews83%
Would Retake
222
Reviews
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5
79
4
68
3
44
2
23
1
8
What Students Say
“His tests are very hard and very poorly written”
PSYC202 - 2.0 rating“Literally the greatest professor you will ever have”
PSY202 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
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Textbook Required
27%
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5.0
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5.0
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201
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Reviews (222)
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Ok guy, likes you to know he has a pHd and will keep reminding you.
I've never had a professor cry so much in class.
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If he would ever stop talking about his kids and their skiing shinanaggins, and his damn Ph.D., and use words that have less than 12 letters, he'd be okay. His music is always a plus though.
Pretty good professor, but he does think pretty highly of himself.
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Good and interesting, but kind of hard on grading scale.
never shut up about his phd and got side tracked way too easily. knows his stuff though.
hated him
IF HE KNOWS YOUR FACE HE WILL HELP YOU ON EXAM QUESTIONS IF YOU ASK
run and save yourself!!
I was wary of taking the class because I had heard he was a hard teacher but found him to be quite the opposite. his lectures were clear and interesting and for the most part i enjoyed them. Roberts also allows one dropped grade which is helpful.
plays Jimmy Hendrix at the beginning of the lecture.
Tests suck if you didn't spend a lot of time studying. Lecture's not real exciting; knows what he's talking about tho.
Good Prof, knows what he's talking about. Tests are almost ALL lecture notes. If you print out the notes online and go to class, pretty easy class. also interesting
He was a good teacher. His lectures were pretty interesting. It is not a very hard class. He is pretty full of himself though.
He was an ok teacher. Too many PhD comments though, it got kinda ridiculous. You need to study a lot and go to class.
The class is very interesting if you are into knowing what makes people act the way they do. Read the book, go to lecture, know bold terms and you will be fine.
Pretty interesting class. His lectures were interesting too. They were all power point and you could print out an outline ahead, so it made notetaking easier. I really liked this class and prof and would recommend it.
Lectures are very organized a pretty interesting most of the time. This guy really knows his stuff but make sure you study hard for his tests because they can be very picky.
Great teacher...funny and knows what he's talking about. As long as you go to lecture you should be at least ok on the tests. Very helpful and provides GREAT study reviews before tests. Plays music to before class starts. DONT SKIP CLASS...
Great Prof. Makes lectures easy to pay attention to. Tests can be very hard; doing extra credit helps a lot. Plays Hendrix before class. Overall, very cool guy with challenging tests. Don't miss class.
Good professor, but he definitely wanted you to know that he was the expert.
hard exams. boring lecture. not worth takng this class.
Full of himself. Test are very nitpicky
Don't waste your time going to class. The best way to study for the test is to copy your notes and do the online stuff. I got an AB and almost never to that hellish lecture with the arrogant ****. DON'T take the class if you don't need to!!
too much info during lectures to know what to study for during tests
Eh. He's very intelligent and interesting when you get used to his attitude. Comes off as arrogant to some, but he'll explain anything you need help on if you go to his hours. Very difficult tests that require you to think well beyond the basic notes.
With a smaller class size I really liked this professor. Lots of interesting discussions, not a whole lot of lecturing. Writing a paper sucks, but taking this class it worth it for Honors credit.
very nice guy, pretty funny, and makes time for extra study sessions
good man!
His course is one of the best I have taken at UW. The material he teaches in lectures is usually represented word for word on the exams. Be sure to know every vocab word in the assigned reading because they will be on the test!!Excellent Prof.!
a difficult A, but not too hard to get an AB. He is approachable and helpful. I don't think hes arrogant.
The man does have an interesting attitude, but it's tolerable, and he does help you if you try and get it. However, the tests are tougher than you'd expect for a 3 credit class, and they make you feel like there could have been better notes given.
VERY difficult class for a basic 3 cr. psych class.
Very thorough and clear in his lectures. Very entertaining, presents interesting material. Easy to communicate with. Tests quite challenging and detail-oriented! But if you do a lot of the easy extra credit experiments you can still do pretty well.
disrespectful and overly full of himself
No Comments
didn't explain things well and never told us what he specifically wanted. Also, papers were graded at a grad school level!
Test based closely on notes. Not a hard class if you learn notes and read chapters at least once. He doesn't always answer questions clearly and goes off track a lot.
He's kind of funny...I didn't mind his attitude at all. Tests aren't bad if you read and pay attention...
Tests are all based on the notes and a handful of questions mentioned just once in class. So if you pay attention every class its easy to ace his tests, but he makes it tough to stay awake for a power lecture. Kind of full of himself but at heart a good guy.
Tests are 90% notes 5% class videos 5% book. If you take this class, study the notes hardcore, then memorize vocab/ideas from the summary at the end of each chapter. Tests are quite hard, dont get angry if you get C's on the first few. Allows you to drop 1 out of first 3 tests - must study.
Too many people complain about this guy. I thought he was great-the attitude is easy to deal with, and the material is interesting enough that it shouldn't matter how much you have to study.
Awesome guy! He's fun and exciting but I found the tests to be DIFFICULT! There was a TON of reading but other than that its a great class
intersting class, and seems like a nice guy. but the tests are terrible. the hard multiple choice kind.
Favorite professor ever.
one of the most difficult intro courses i've taken, hes a nice guy, but don't trust him if he says "this won't be on the test"
Nice guy, interesting music choices (love Jimi Hendrix) and overall a good informative teacher.
Roberts is an interesting professor. Recommend reading over the notes on a daily basis, since tests are very detailed. Good professor, good class!
Good class. Roberts is an intersting professor. Makes jokes, but could see how some people might find him offensive. Tests are difficult, but not impossible. Studying for them must go beyond memorization. Read 2 additional books besides the textbook but they are helpful for understanding material.
Lectures are hard to stay awake in. Power point is pretty much read. A really neat person though.
Awesome teacher. Very laid back, sometimes gave lectures in shorts and a t-shirt. Very clear and explained everything very well. Class was easy (If you attend lecture (Or buy someone's notes)), just the grading scale was curved so 30% got c's so be careful
Of all the Psych professors for 202, Roberts is the best. Try to take him if you can, you'll have the best shot and doing well in this class with him.
Horrible teacher. Made lectures incredibly boring. Notes were scattered and didn't coordinate with the book.
A little too full of himself for my taste
anyone who says this class is easy is LYING. it is extremely interesting, and you can certainly get an A, but it is not easy. Roberts is full of himself, but he's awesome - he loves what he does, and when i took the class (2003) he started running review sessions, which made him more accessible and the class easier to understand. i miss this class!! one of my favorites i've taken here.
Wonderful lecturer, extremely passionate about the subject. Keeps the class moving, is very engaging, likes to mix things up with different forms of media. Gets a little hard to follow when he starts talking about neuroscience (especially if you're science-stupid, like me), and writes nearly impossible exams. Worth it, though, if you choose classes based on professor quality rather than easy A-ness
Awesome prof
I loved this class. It was extremely difficult and the final grade is based off of the best 2/3 tests and a final exam, but he is a great lecturer, extremely passionate about the subject and his job, and presents the material in interesting ways. The novels and case studies are all very interesting as well.
A must take class at this college, especially with Caton. He makes the class fun and interesting. Great lecturer...some of the exams were tough, but if you studied good you'll be fine. The final was a piece of cake-not a cumulative when I took it.
No Comments
Class is HARD but you learn alot. Keep up with the reading and study the material often and you can do well. Grade is based off of 2/3 exams and the final, plus there is extra credit. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT - its easy and will bump your grade up one letter. Overall a very interesting guy but somewhat difficult of a class.
Keeps the class interesting, has a lot of energy and is very knowledgeable
Prof. Roberts is great! At first he seems really intimidating but you realize that he truly cares about the material and about how the students do. He makes the information as relatable as possible, infusing his own stories at times! Highly recommended!
This guy rocks!! He is so full of energy and very quirky. His exams are rough-- but any psych course with a crazy-hard bell curve will have that problem. I always looked forward to going to class. Thumbs up!!
very caring man
Great professor! He's hilarious and keeps class interesting, which is good b/c his tests are based mostly on lecture. Tests are fine if you study and know the vocab words. Caton is definitely the best professor I have had so far.
Definitely a mild oddball, he occassonally got riled up when our 8 am class wouldn't provide him with answers to his obvious questions quickly enough. Generally entertaining and effective, he is a solid prof. Test material is quite predictable for the most part, so an A would be easy enough- if it weren't for the BS curve :(
this class sucked. yeah hes a good human, but getting up at eight am to listen to him talk about pointless crap, then listen to him get pissed off when a someone doesnt participate in a class of 300 really sucks. only take this class if you are required to. hes weirdly full of himself and he cries and its gets so awkward. read the text
Information in psych 202 is really easy, but there is so much of it and you have to memorize it all. Roberts' lectures are next to pointless IMO, just review outlines frequently and go to the textbook's website. Also, make sure you know every study and specifically what the results were. My advice, take the class at a tech school over summer.
Tough class, you have to know how to study the right way for it. And the curve is supremely hard, makes it hard to get an A or even a B there.
HARD CLASS. hes a nice guy but really boring. the curve in this class is rly tough. The first section is a lot of memorization and the test is rly hard. The material gets more interesting but the tests are tough. Dont take this class if you dont have too. but if u do, read the text book
Good but confusing at times.
The midterms are hard, but not that bad. I didn't go to lecture after the first one and did just fine (B & AB) but then the final is strongly based on lecture. Other psych professors do this too. Do not let them trick you into not coming to lectures, you will regret it.
Tough class, but great professor. He posts the power points on the class website before class, so you can just print them out and then don't have to spend the entire class scribbling notes. GO TO LECTURE, READ THE BOOK, AND DO THE EXTRA CREDIT. I thought I was for sure going to get a C in the class, but my extra credit bumped me up to a BC.
He is such a great professor that who uses podcast, and is always willing to help. He's generous too!
Very complex material on the exam. Really picky about what to know for the exams.
he is a great teacher and makes psych interesting. Have to read the textbook to get a good grade yet this class will teach you how to learn. Do your extra credit which gives you alot of extra points and you will be fine
Very challenging course. The bell curve makes it nearly impossible to get a good grade, but extra credit can keep you from totally destroying your GPA. All readings are a must, as is attending lectures if you are to succeed. Overall course was very interesting, and Prof Roberts is a fantastic teacher, although he does make you work.
DO NOT TAKE ANY PROFESSOR OTHER THAN ROBERTS!!! His tests are WAY easier, all lectures are on podcast and you only need to know the bolded words out of the textbook. I was expecting 202 to be so much harder but Roberts made it fun and interesting!
Roberts is... an eccentric guy. You will learn a lot if you do the readings and go to lecture (he even makes them into a podcast) but the tests are impossibly hard. He also enjoys randomly calling on people, which can be stressful.
You must read all the text he assigns or you'll do terribly on all the exams. He's very conceited. Very competitive class. I've heard you should take Divine if you can. Avoid.
What a great teacher. I can't imagine taking this class by anyone else. He opens up greatly about his life to the class in interesting ways that are more easily relatable concepts of psychology and thus you remember things. Great guy and plays music in the mornings before class (some solid 70s rock to wake you up, including some bob marley). Sign u
Psych202 will be hard no matter what, but Caton's Podcast lectures are very helpful. He is interesting and entertaining and very willing to help. Very demanding work load. More reading than other sections. The curve makes it hard to get a good grade. DO the extra credit, and listen to the Podcasts. He was an awsome professor al in all.
A first-rate professor. His class is not at all easy, but you will learn something.His lectures are very engaging and informative.He plays music before class, makes use of videos in class, and tries to create a discussion during lecture.Readings from textbook are extensive and other materials are also assigned.Read and go to class if you want an A
He was a fun professor to have in class but the tests are very hard and he assigns a ton of reading
There is a good amount of reading, but it's not excessive. Tests aren't to difficult, especially once you learn how he tests. I didn't care much for him as a person as he can be arrogant and feels the need to call out every person whose phone rings.. but he does seem to care about what he's teaching and genuinely seems to want his students to learn
Exams are multiple choice but much harder than most multiple choice; you actually have to know the info pretty well. Pretty difficult but I didn't read the textbook besides skimming before exams.
He knows exactly what he is teaching. However you have to study really really hard if you want A or B. If you want to major in Psych, he is good or else don't take him. Outside class, he is a really sweet man to talk with. Has lunch with students.
He is a fantastic professor who knows his topic very well and cares about his students. His lectures are interesting and relevant. The curve is just as tough no matter which class you take, so if you have to take it, TAKE ROBERTS. Also do the extra credit, it will help boost your grade. Tests are MC and he also makes podcasts of all lectures.
Has interesting lectures and is really easy to understand. Always available to answer questions after class if you need help. Tests can be hard but once you learn how to study for them its not too difficult to get an A or AB-the curve is the worst part. If you need this class I would take Roberts
Very annoying and hard to learn from. Overgrown hippie.
I strongly dislike this class and professor. I find him egotistical and much too in love with the sound of his own voice. I would not recommend him to anyone. He knows his stuff, but presents and explains it poorly because he constantly babbles on about himself.
I hate this class because of this professor. I think is psych is really interesting, and this man has made it completely unenjoyable. Wouldn't recommend him to anyone so take it from someone else
Very hard tests. I would not recommend this class
Honestly, I thought the class has been easy. He gives out note sheets with almost everything you need to know for the tests. If you go to lecture, read the textbook, and look over your notes before exams, it's not hard to get an A.
jumps from slide to slide on powerpoints
caton is an amazing professor. you have to work hard and do your part though, the tests are very difficult and it's a lot of time and effort for a 3 credit class. caton is always willing to talk to students and even takes time out of his own schedule to have study sessions with students.
So this class is a lot of work. That being said, Prof. Roberts is a wonderful lecturer and makes you want to go to class. His exams are difficult because about 70% of the questions have none or all of the above, and a&b or b&c as choices. However, know the material inside and out and you can do well.
Very difficult and stressful class, especially for only three credits. Roberts is a good professor, he manages to make the class interesting and not go so slow. However the curve is insane, makes it impossible to get a A and very difficult to get a B. Difficult exams, the class average on the exams and overall is a C.
He's so interesting. Never has a professor so inspired me before. He doesn't just read from his notes. He uses interesting and well worded examples.
Difficult!!! Dont know how to prepare for the exam!!
He himself is good. But the exam is sooooo difficult! You sometimes don't know what to concentrate. And the questions are confusing. Choose coffey to hold your GPA.
Caton's class is very hard to say the least. He definetley deviates from the other 202 professors in his lecture material, and exams are just as difficult. He doesn't tell you how to study for them either so it is up to you to formulate good notes. I loved him but he is very self centered and ignorant, and very demanding. take with caution.
Oh Caton. Much too liberal for my taste, but he really provides you with all the tools to ace the class. Listen to his podcasts if you miss a lecture, scan the readings and jot down notes on terms, and know EVERY WORD of the notes he gives you. The exams are 90% lecture so this class really shouldn't be that difficult if you pay attention.
Terrible class. The tests are made out to screw everyone. For a 3 credit class you have devote way too much. Stay away from Roberts if possible.
Caton should use DSM-IV to diagnose himself, i think he would find out that he suffers from a narcissistic personality disorder. this class the hardest class i've ever taken, try and find other psych profs to take it with. If you do take it with Caton read all the readings and go to his study sessions and lecture.Also DO EXTRA CREDIT!
Brilliant, brilliant man. I didn't do well in the class, but I learned so much. Extra credit was also available when I took the class (Fall 2008)
This professor makes going to psych painful. He always gets off topic, loves to talk about himself, and is no help for the exams. He writes the notes himself, and yet when he speaks he jumps around and is very scattered and hard to learn from.
If you prepare for exams by just skimming through notes, you will never get a satisfactory grade.(works same for every class, as you know) Just work hard, and you will be rewarded. Good course is not about easiness, but all about how much you learn out of it.
Dr. Roberts isn't so bad- just make sure you review EVERYTHING he mentions in class (attending lecture is a must!) His exams are not easy, but you will end up with a decent grade if you study hard and do the extra credit. Overall I think he is an interesting guy who can get his students to laugh every so often.
Worst professor I have ever had in my life. His voice drives me crazy and I can't even concentrate on him through his lectures. His tests are the hardest things I've ever taken. He jumps from topic to topic and tries to structure his sentences to make him sound smart but he doesn't even make sense. Stay away from this professor.
Tough tests. He cares about his job, but he can be a bit insensitive. The most irritating thing is that his level of expertise isn't very good on half of the course material. He makes generalized statements that are horribly inaccurate.
Great professor! Tests are tough but most of the questions come from lecture. He's a really interesting guy and truly cares for his students!
Just go to lectures and review the notes
"review your notes" yeah more like memorize everything ever said in class. worst teacher i've ever had
This a a fairly challenging class. I felt that the professor could be highly insensitive and would make fun of some of the questions asked in class. It made me not want to speak up and ask questions when things were unclear. When people say "review your notes," it really does mean memorizing practically everything to get an A. Graded on a curve
Funny guy. keeps lectures interesting and even entertaining. MUST go to lectures if you want to pass this class. most of test covered in class
Tough class. Expects a lot from you and there are a fair number of very specific questions on his midterms. The material is interesting but it's made tougher than it needs to be (it's a Business School pre-req.).
Tells a lot of stories and wastes a lot of time doing that. He likes to rush through the important details when he realizes he is running out of time. You basically need to memorize everything!
The WORST professor ever! Insensitive, rude, and loves to hear himself talk. He doesn't wear a microphone because of some psychology crap reason that he thinks is relavent. Ridiculously hard tests that just test memorization - especially figures from the book and useless things he has said in class.
I did well in the class. You don't really have to read every detail in the textbook. Just review your notes.
WORST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD. TESTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PSYCHOLOGY DO NOT TAKE PROFESSOR ROBERTS OR YOU WILL NOT LIKE IT ANYMORE!
This class is extremely difficult. Listen to every little topic discussed in lecture because it will be on the test. He made me go from relatively interested in psych to no interest at all. Though i do like the music at the beginning, this guy tries way too hard to be the "cool professor"
Decent. I enjoyed the subjects covered. I learned most of the material from the textbook and the printed notes he provides. Lecture simply expands upon those. Exams were challenging but not impossible, and the opportunity for extra credit exists.
A lot of people really like this guy for whatever reason, but he turned out to be the worst professor I've ever had. The class wasn't particularly challenging, but I couldn't stand going to lectures. He seemed very condescending in my opinion and made you feel stupid for asking questions. He was very full of himself and looked down on students.
Lecture is actually pretty interesting because Roberts puts some enthusiasm and humor into lectures. Labeling the class as hard or easy is redundant because the psych department bell curve relies strictly on your scores relative to other students. Definitely enjoyed having Roberts, but people have mixed opinions
Class was challenging (for a non-Psych major), but interesting. Made lectures worth going to, even had review sessions every day before lecture (which I couldn't attend). Not known for being completely student-friendly, but consider taking him for a worthwhile college experience.
Roberts, I thought, was an overall good professor. Tests are hard, but he offers all of the study tools necessary to succeed in his class, you just need to take advantage of them. Make sure to read the textbook but you only need to pay attention to the pictures/charts and bold/italicized words.
I really enjoyed Caton's class and as far as i can tell he is one of the best psych professors at Madison. Go to lecture! He intentinally leave out info in the the notes to make sure people come. I found the lectures to be very interactive and cool. Overall, eventhough i am not a psych major, i found the class very interesting and entertaining.
The curve for the class sucks (not his fault. Just warning you. It is definitely a weed out class. Its very hard to do well) The material is very interesting, but there is so much of it, and you simply need to KNOW everything for the tests. Hes a good guy, thinks hes funnier than he is.
Roberts is the most unhelpful professor I have ever had on campus. He thinks he's being a good teacher, but really he's just condescending. His lecture notes would be helpful if he actually got through them without droning on with irrelevant stories. He is extremely unapproachable and his tests are very hard. Memorize everything. Good luck.
Great professor. His lectures were great. He always makes them interesting and relevant. His tests weren't bad. If you know the book material and notes very well and you'll get an A or AB no problem.
Likes to hear himself talk, goes off on weird tangents. Great at connecting with students. Tests are fair and very hard, like all of the 202 classes. Just know everything. Memorize the power points and extra notes written during class. Know bold/italic terms in book. Do the extra credit!!!
CANNOT STAND THIS MAN. Loves the sound of his own annoying voice. Can't stay on one topic for more than 90 seconds. Uses unnecessary large words to make himself sound smart, but hardly knows anything. Have to take notes and know mostly everything from the book. Do the all of the extra credit
Great class taught by a professor who keeps the topic interesting and relevant. Although his tests are pretty hard, you retain more from lecture when you're not wanting to fall asleep the whole time.
Caton is fantastic. He knows a lot from many disciplines, and has nice bits of wisdom. He's very smart, but isn't afraid to tell the class honestly when he doesn't know something. His lectures are very interesting, and have made me way more interested in the material. You've got to work hard, but if do, the class will be a blast.
His stories are entertaining. He's funny at times. If you ask a question that is stupid he will let you know. Tests are ridiculous. Know every detail from the multiple chapters, videos, online readings, and chapter books. I was interested in majoring in psych. not anymore. Caton ruined it for me. way too much work for a 3 credit class. do the ec.
This class is pretty bad. A lot of material covered. The tests are entirely multiple choice, but many of the questions are worded really strangely. Caton is a really smart guy, but is not very open to questions and can be a little snotty at times. Don't take this class unless it is required for your major!
Excellent professor, my favorite of the semester. Very approachable and easy to connect with. Go to his office hours before exams, it helps a ton. Most of the information on the tests is from the notes, but some is from the book so READ. Know the vocab and italicized terms. If you study for the exams you'll easily pull off an AB or an A.
Caton was really passionate about the course material and tried his best to clarify information during the class. He even made online videos of his lectures. The tests were pretty straight forward if you did the reading and attended lectures. No cum. final! GO TO LECTURE.
I really loved Caton's class. Going to lecture was fun and the video recordings of the lectures were so helpful when studying for tests. However, it is a lot of work for a 3 credit class and many exam questions will be on the reading so there's no way to get around it. If you have to take intro to psych, take it with him!!!
Very helpful, clear, and Caton definitely knows what he is talking about. The class is quite challenging, especially regarding the exams, but I have learned a lot in this psychology class.
Good teacher and passionate about the subject. Classes are interesting. Really cares about students and wants them to do well and gives them tips to do so
Caton moves around a lot when he teaches, making it easier to stay focused. His exams are 90% based on lecture--I didn't read the book and I turned out mostly fine. Help can be hard to get from him because he'll want you to be able to figure out the answers for yourself. That said, he's a really awesome guy and he teaches really well!
Caton is a fair teacher. His tests are all multiple choice and difficult, but there is a curve. The curve is also strict, but the Extra Credit can help you. You would be a fool to not do all the EC
His ideas are all jumbled and hard to follow i though. Also took AP psych in high school and passed AP test with a 3. Took his class to be an easier class but still got a C in the class. Very difficult and confusing for a 3 credit class.
You will definitely get out what you put in for this course. 1)He offers review sessions before class that are REALLY helpful and he gives away potential test question answers. SO GO! 2)If you show interest, he'll make sure you succeed. 3)His T.A. is really helpful. 4) His tests are 95% lecture, 3% assigned readings (articles), and 2% textbook. :)
Great teacher, does a good job in getting you to understand the material. Additionally, he offered review session before just about every test. His exams were fairly tough and he asked some very specific questions that didn't quite seem fair. Overall, I had a good experience in Professor Roberts' class.
Overall a very nice guy. Caton was great at answering Email questions promptly and more than willing to meet up in person as well for help. The main issue I had was that so many random readings and books were placed on top of the huge textbook. It made it very hard to know what to study, and where the focus was.
Tests can be a little difficult, though is multiple choice.
Caton is awesome, he he very responsible to the materials he talks about. More importantly, he records the class video clip, which is helpful to review.
He jumps around a lot and always tries to sound smart. I had to translate what he's really trying to say in my head to understand the material. The exams were killers. They asked questions regarding the details - things that he mentioned only once in class. Make sure to read the textbook and all the additional readings.
Extremely good teacher. Read additional readings and test questions are STRAIGHT from lecture notes, so make sure you know every corner of your notes. Best professor I've had at Madison.
Can be challenging at times but as long as you print off the lecture notes and read the reading prior to going to class its a breeze. Midterms are from the lecture notes and diagrams in the book. It's really not hard to get an A in this class! Show up and stick with it
Caton is probably the best psych 202 professor at the UW. He posts almost all of his material online so it is easy to catch up. Exams are difficult, but fair. The only poor thing I have to say about him is that he assigns extra readings that other professors don't. Also he is involved in PLA so join if you can! It helps a lot.
He is very helpful and knowledgable. His tests are hard but fair. All material is online so it's super easy to catch up if you are behind. He has a genuine interest in his students
Full of himself to the extreme!! Material is straightforward enough, but he is not a strong lecturer. Tells unrelated stories and takes forever to get to his point. I am a senior and decided to take this course because I was interested. He was a very unpleasant person to learn from, and I give every professor I have a chance. Avoid his course.
Confusing in lecture, but provides tons of resources to help clear things up, including lecture videos online, additional readings that reinforce topics, and videos. Very responsive to questions in the middle of tests and seems to actually care that people are learning, unlike a lot of professors.
I love Caton! One of my favorite professors- he is very calming and kind. Incredibly helpful and understanding, really wants students to do well in the class, and extra credit is offered
Caton is the best professor ever! Take this class with him ONLY!
I like him, he's pretty cool. I feel like sometimes he pulls ideas out of nowhere, though. But he is pretty cool and generally a very nice guy.
Caton is an excellent professor. He is passionate about psych and really knows his stuff. Glance over the readings, but memorize your notes! The exams are 80% notes. Take advantage of the "study method" he tries to teach you; it will help you immensely!
Caton is one of my favorite professors at Madison. His exams were difficult but fair--he posted lectures online, offered study sessions, extra credit, and was available to talk to. Exams require a lot of studying. Those who did poorly did not study enough. Wonderful class and very good, interesting, articulate professor.
Caton is an overall great professor. For a 60 yr old man he is very enthusiastic. your grade will indeed have to be earned but it is indeed doable especially with the multiple extra credit that he offers to the class. take advantage of his "question method" that he teaches. It's so helpful. study in advance and read the books (short novels)
I think psychology is really interesting, but for the life of me I could not focus for the entire class. Caton is a nice guy, but I don't think he teaches that well. I always went into the exams feeling prepared (I studied my notes thoroughly, read all the readings, and used his extra study materials) but never received good grades. :(
Caton was the best! I wouldn't have wanted to take psych 202 with any other professor! I've heard from others that their tests are even harder and the lectures are boring. Caton's lectures are very intriguing and easy to understand! All you have to do is print out the notes outline and fill in the blanks.
Take Caton's FIG! He's a really cool guy and his Contemplative Neuroscience class is eye-opening to say the least. His tests for 202 aren't that difficult, and he prepares you well.
Goes off on a lot of tangents. Basically just reiterates what's in the text and reads off his slides. You basically teach yourself the class.
He is boring, full of himself, and by the end of the class you will hate psych.
Caton is awesome. People hate him sometimes because he's blunt and doesn't care what anyone thinks. He does go off on tangents, I will admit. But if that confuses you, then just go to the TA and ask questions. He is a fair grader and is very straightforward with everything the class entails. He lets you know exactly whats on the test.
Lectures: Information overload, riddled with hints at possible exam ?s, very fast paced. HW: Don't read the book. 95% of Exam ?s come from lectures. Exams: HARD. Very specific. Some ?s said once. Advice: Do all Extra Credit. Watch Lectures online. Reattach Videos and reread his PPTS. In summary, AVOID him.
Caton is hilarious and knows his stuff but his tests are crazy hard. Unless you have a a natural aptitude for psych I recommend you study a ton. You can look forward to the wide range of music he plays from his iTunes before each lecture.
Caton is very full of himself and likes to be wordy about things which I didn't like. However, he does give you the tools to succeed in the class. The tests aren't easy so make sure you study. Also, make sure psych interests you before you sign up
Loved Caton so much as a person, even when he goes off on his tangents. Was definitely one of the hardest classes I've ever taken. You really need to study as well as read the book.
Professor Roberts cares tremendously about his students. He is always available for extra help and he is very student friendly in his policies such as delaying homework deadlines if something came up. 202 is a tough class and he has high expectations, but it was refreshing taking a course with a professor who focused so much on his students
I would highly recommend taking Caton for your Psych 202 course. Read the book once and know the vocab words and figures, study your lecture notes, briefly read the other readings, and you will be fine. Caton is absolutely fair if you do these things, but more importantly, you will get something out of his class. Enjoyable and stimulating professor
Caton really cares about his students and wants them to succeed, but his tests are unfair and hard. He asks questions that don't illustrate a students knowledge of the concepts but rather the students ability to memorize minescule facts. If you're looking for a class where you purely memorize and don't learn than take this course.
Best teacher I have ever had. A kind and intelligent professor who has fair exams that require lots of work and attention to class.
He's a funny guy and really cares about his students. He's all about the "question method" when you study. DO the extra credit by volunteering in studies and participate in the Peer Learning Association, and you shouldn't have a problem getting an A in intro psych.
He's a really cool guy, he definitely has a lot to share. Sometimes gets kind of far off topic in lecture, but overall a great guy. Posts recorded lectures online, but going is still recommended. Doesn't allow cellphone use during lecture. Tests are very heavy in lecture material.
Tests are so hard and go over so much material not taught or mentioned in lecture
He is a super good professor. Very clear and tests are fair. Gives extra credit so do that. Join a PLA and you shouldn't have too much trouble getting an A.
Makes lectures interesting imo and sometimes humorous. Graded work is 4 NON-cumulative exams and online chapter quizzes. You get 3 attempts per quiz and it takes the highest one. No time limit either. Have your book out and those are easy. Recorded lectures and his notes are available online. As long as you care and try you should get at least a B.
Clear concise and enjoyable class. Caton Roberts is dynamic, intense and humorous. Everything is really straightforward and the 4 non cumulative midterms (no final) are fair: no need to study the textbook to get an A. You'll still need it for weekly readings/ online homework.
I found Caton to be well organized and passionate about the subject.
Future students, listen to me when I say read every reading, DO THE QUESTION METHOD (it works!), go to office hours, make concept maps, pay attention in lectures and re-watch them later on Learn@UW and last, but not least, get ready to enjoy some awesome music before each lecture. Caton will go out of his way to make sure you succeed; work hard!
Literally the greatest professor you will ever have! Use the question method and concept maps and you will pass with flying colors. Re-watch lectures and look at slides before each exam too.
Use his question method and concept maps and you will pass with an A. Think you don't need it and won't use it and you will fail. It's as simple as that. Take it seriously!
4 tests, no final. Pretty hard class, manageable if you put the time in. JOIN A PLA, the tests are pretty much the study guides you get. Dont read book, reference it for vocab, do extra credit, helps a lot. Streams lectures in case you miss. Plays jimmy hendrix before class. Awesome guy, really cool. only read articles/books for last test.
Caton knows the material like the back of his hand. It really helps to print out the lecture notes before lecture so that you can jot down additional notes + not have to worry about missing important info, as there is a lot. Tests are straight forward as long as you review the lecture notes throughly. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT (NOT HARD). Overall: GOOD
genuinely cares about his students, tests are all fair, use his question method, do the extra credit, and join a PLA and you should get a good grade with no problem
His tests are very hard and very poorly written.
This class is completely reasonable. I put in minimal work for an A. Join a PLA just to get the outlines; Roberts writes them and there's nothing on the tests that's not on those outlines. Plus, 15 extra credit points just for taking some surveys! As for online quizzes, they are the same as the free quizzes on the textbook website.
Well-versed and truly cares about the things he's lecturing on. As with any power lecture, it can be a bit slow at times. Plays Jimi Hendrix before classes. 5 point (online) quizzes frequent during the semester, nice grade boosters. Tests are fair if you do PLA outlines and actually try with them. Great guy! If you put in effort, an A is doable.
Caton is an amazing professor with so much knowledge and so many life experiences. Pre-lecture quizzes are easy & can usually be found online. Don't need the book except sometimes on quizzes. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT. Tests are a breeze if you join a PLA & memorize the outlines he provides. Lectures can be long just because it's a power lecture.
Caton is a professor who truly cares about his students and goes out of his way to add extra office hours in order to be accessible to students. As long as you attend lectures and pay attention, the class should be fairly straight forward. My recommendation is to join a PLA and regardless of attending the sessions fill out the outlines in depth.
Professor Roberts is a good professor that I had no problems with. Before class he always jammed to Jimi Hendrix which was pretty cool. If you join a PLA the tests will be relatively easy. Just put in the effort to do the PLA worksheets and you should do well. Professor Roberts seems tough in class but just pretend your discussing when he asks.
Roberts was a great professor, I would definitely take him again. He offers up to 15 extra credit points (boosts your grade a half a letter grade) and his quizzes aren't that difficult. Lectures could get long, but that could be because it's a power lecture. The class overall isn't bad and his tests are hard but they definitely could be worse.
Psyc is a very challenging class, but Canton Roberts is a great teacher. It's important to take advantage of every extra credit opportunity he gives out because you will need it. Come to class, utilize the study methods he suggests and the notes he provides for lecture. If you put in the work, you'll do fine. If not you're in for a world of hurt.
Caton is a good guy. He genuinely cares about how his students perform. He goes out of his way to extend office hours in case you need help or didn't perform well on an exam. The class itself is structured nicely and you can get a lot of extra credit. His lectures are great and you can tell he really cares.
Caton is a solid professor. He gives great examples and does push his students. I 100% recommend doing a PLA group; it helps immensely with preparing for exams. However, my only negative comment about Caton is that he can get rather political; he often brings politics into his discussions when it truly isn't necessary. Overall, though, take him.
Caton is easily my favorite professor yet. He opened up class on the first day by telling the class about a psychotic break he had in high school after dropping acid. Lectures were interesting. Work is required for this class, but as long as you read the textbook and study for tests you're fine. PLA groups helped too. Offers lots of extra credit.
He knows what he's teaching. Sometimes he has mid sentences pause to make sure students understand. Very nice professor. Join PLA and do the psych extra credit! You don't really need to read the TEXTBOOK. Quizzes are easy if you know how to use the internet (if you don't have the book). Exams based notes, few book readings and videos in class
Caton adds a lot of supplemental material (three books, videos, articles) to the course besides the textbook. Join a PLA and do the extra credit - they help! Grade is made up of four exams and online quizzes that have the weight of an exam. I've heard he's a lot more difficult than other psych professors - I was always busy with this class.
Took this as an easy A class, stopped going to lecture halfway through the semester and listened to them online instead because Caton called people out and talked about himself too much. Don't buy the books or textbook. Do the extra credit and PLA guides that he sends out. Everything from tests is from his lectures.
Caton is an amazing professor, if you attend and focus on lecture and make sure to put in the work studying you can succeed. He records and posts his lectures in case you miss a class, which is super helpful. Join a PLA and go to office hours before exams and an A is extremely possible. I would take a class with Caton again in a heartbeat!!!
This isn't a terrible class, but it definitely wasn't my favorite. Caton covers material clearly, but talks about himself a lot. Tests are manageable if you literally memorize every scrap of material and can recall it without looking at your notes. Tests are entirely based on lecture and the PLA really helps to study for the exams.
worst professor I've ever had in my life. His information is outdated, he is rude and condescending and unprofessional. I am a psychology major and had already taken many psychology classes at a previous college, but I had to take this to get into higher level courses and I've never been so disappointed in a class or a professor in my life.
He's inspirational with his stories
I was a freshman coming into this class & Caton was very rude. He yelled at me in front of many people for getting a D on the first exam. I then went to his office hours where he proceeded to tell me to drop the class and offered no advice. He made me feel extremely bad for being a student on financial aid and not being able to drop the course.
Caton is by far my favorite professor! I've been told you don't need to read the textbook, however I think it's helpful to see the information written out as well. The exams are based on lecture only, which includes most of the information from the book. As long as you put in the time studying and attend PLA this will be an enjoyable class!
Caton is very rigid about everything, he has been using the same powerpoint for over 4 years. He is very available to talk to, but he will shut you down very quickly if you try to ask why you got something wrong on a test. Don't bother buying the text book & the two additional books he wants you to read, they were not needed. Lecutres are online.
Caton is a great guy, super relatable, and understanding. He is funny and makes lecture super interesting- I looked forward to going to class. Attendance is basically necessary for you to succeed, while the textbook is completely irrelevant except for vocab words on the quiz. Tests are super straightforward, just really understand your lecture note
I liked Caton at first... then I didn't... but you know what. he kept it real from jump...... And thats why he's the best prsych professor in that university.
He is a great professor. He cares about his students a lot and wants them to be successful not just in his class but also in their furture. I am an international student, his class is hard for me. But if you need to take psych class, I definitely recommend him.
Caton cares about his students as long as you make an effort to get to know him. Quizzes are super easy and the tests are multiple choice. Attending lectures is necessary to succeed which wasn't hard since I actually enjoyed the material.
Roberts actually cares and gives really interesting lectures with lots of personal details. Very funny and rarely boring. Records all lectures and uploads them quickly. Overall, great guy. Always draws smiley faces in his O's (:
Caron was a great professor. His lectures were organized and interesting and he made it possible to pass the class by telling you what he was expecting. There were no between the line kind of questions. Thankful to have had him for his final year at UW- Madison.
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