3.0
Quality3.8
Difficulty45%
Would Retake214
Reviews45%
Would Retake
214
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
214 total ratings5
47
4
50
3
35
2
29
1
53
What Students Say
“Avoid him if possible”
PSY100 - 3.0 rating“He wouldn't let me make up a heavily weighted assignment”
PSY216 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
84%
Textbook Required
35%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.82 avg changeRatings by Course
100216313
5.0
(1)PSY333PSY313
4.0
(1)PSY101
4.0
(2)PSY333
3.6
(11)PSY313
3.6
(25)Difficulty by Course
PSYCH100
5.0
PSY216
4.5
313
4.0
PSY061
4.0
PSY333PSY313
4.0
Reviews (213)
He is a power hungry, controlling, professor who thinks his class is all that matters. He doesn't believe that we have any other classes to worry about and thinks his 100 level class should be our #1 priority. He assigns papers due on the same day of tests one week before the test. Don't take this class if you can avoid it.
He did a good job keeping my attention. Quizzes and tests weren't to hard. As long as you put in the study time you will get a good grade. Wasn't very flexible if you missed class thou
Definitely one of the easier 100 professors. As long as you go to class, take notes, and study, you will be fine. While it is annoying to have a paper due the day of a test, it's only worth 10 points and they aren't strict on grading it. The lab is also pretty easy.
He was a good professor who made class funny. His tests were a little difficult but not extremely difficult if you knew what you were talking about. I got a 101 on one test so they aren't that hard. The tests consist of multiple choice short answer and essays. He requires you to go to class. Overall I liked the course.
He sends around a sheet for people to sign in on for attendance, with your section number. And if you forget that section number he takes off points. You have 5 projects to do, which he only gives you 3 or 4 days to do. You also have research hours and lab. 4 quizzes, 4 exams. He drops the lowest quiz grade.
His final is cummulative, so you have this massive review to look over.(~6 pages). Read the book. He's goes really quick in class. I'd avoid this professor if you can help it.
He's such a great lecturer. He provides many examples during class that are easy to relate. So it makes understanding the material much easier. He's funny and makes class enjoyable. You basically have to write down everything he says because the PP slides just outline. Would take him again in a heartbeat.
If you go to class and pay attention, you'll be fine.
Interesting and funny. Looked forward to his class. Never once tempted to get on facebook during class. Would take him again in a heartbeat! Tests are moderately difficult but he gives a clear study guide so there is no excuse to get less than an A/B except laziness.
Seems like a nice guy but next to impossible to follow. He gives out a study guide before each exam, which conveniently has nothing from the study guide on it. If you study extremely hard you'll be lucky to get a 70%. The quizzes and projects are easy if you pay attention, take notes, & study. The tests are what get you.
Terrible professor!! Lectures are extremely boring but easy to follow and attendance is mandatory for participation credit. Gives a study guide before exams but has nothing from the exam on it. Exams are hard and include lots of detail thats irrelevant to the chapters being tested. Avoid him if at all possible!!
I found his class kind of boring. He's not a terrible professor, but I didn't like going to his class at all. Not sure why. That being said, it was pretty easy and as long as you go to class to take notes and study, you can get an A. There are multiple choice tests as well as a few papers. More work than your average big lecture class.
Interesting class, good professor! He's very funny and gives good examples of concepts, but you need to write them down because they aren't on the powerpoints. Gives study guides which are helpful for exams. Study and read the material and you'll be fine!
I looooooved Archer. If you read the text book , pay attention in class , and complete the study guides you could very easily get an A or B. Archer is the type in which if you have a problem with anything with the class you must address him. He can't read your mind , no professor can , so don't be afraid to speak up!
Archer is a great professor...can easily get an entire class of 300 people laughing. Attendance is a must for this class. None of the work is hard if you listen to lecture and take good notes.
Didn't really enjoy him as a person, but it was not bad. Easily got an A after he warned the class that receiving an A would be very difficult. Must go to class to get a good grade.
Really hard teacher, especially in this class. Doesn't give out the homework on time so you don't have the whole time he should give. Went to him for help... still failed the exam.. A lot of work for this teacher.
he will warn you on the first day that it's hard to get an A in his class. he expects a lot from you. unlike other professors who just want you to know what something is, archer wants you to know how and why. he will help you as much as you need, but you HAVE to go talk to him. he can't read your mind. takes attendance, go to class.
You must attend class, Archer was at times hilarious and interesting to listen to. The test are somewhat hard, so you need to study quite a bit. If you had AP Psychology in high school, this class basically teaches the same content
Dr.Archer is super hard, but he is an EXTREMELY good teacher. You will truly learn the subject material if you take any of his classes. He gives study guides for every test..his tests are very hard, but the study guides are very good. Do not take his class if you do not study or are lazy. For real.
Dr Archer's class is very difficult, in a good way. He makes sure you learn the material and really understand it. He tries to add entertainment to his lectures but sometimes it is just not possible. He is very helpful when you seek help. Tests are hard but the study guides prep you well.
He is really hard , DO NOT CHOOSE THIS PROF. Enroll in the other class with the other prof.Dr Archer is not helpful, His Assistant teachers have no ideas about the assignments.
Very hard to pay attention in class, boring lectures. Projects assigned are very easy. Tests are VERY hard. Make sure you know everything he talked about in lecture (+more) and know very in depth explanations for everything. Amount of content on study guide is almost unmanageable, so study for exams as early as two weeks before.
Dr. Archer is a great teacher. Attendance is mandatory and graded and tests require a lot of studying but if you do the work it is easy to get an A.
The class isn't terrible but Dr. Archer is boring and attendance is mandatory...I learned the hard way. The notes don't correspond to the book. The test are kind of hard.
His exams are very difficult and are over lecture plus more. He goes pretty fast. The final is cumulative and a lot to study. Avoid this class. I know I wish I did.
Dr. Archer isn't a terrible professor, but I really didn't like going to his class. His lectures basically put me to sleep which was a problem because if you didn't pay attention in lecture and read the book extensively, you'd struggle hard on the exams. Exams are multiple choice and short answer/essay so you have to know the material very well.
He can be funny at times but talks about himself way too much. Lectures are boring most of the days except if the topic is interesting for the day. Tests can be hard with little studying but when you put the time in they are fairly easy. An A isn't handed to you but very doable. He's definitely willing to work with you and make sure you understand
Dr. Archer is a likable guy. His lectures are pretty easy to follow. If you go to class, take notes, and read the chapters an A is no problem. It is a lot of work though. I had to start studying at least a week before each exam. I have heard the other professors for this course were much easier.
I came into this class expecting an interesting class that wasn't an overload of work. Dr. Archer said on the first day of class, "You will almost certainly no get an A in this class, and you're going to have to work extremely hard for a B." I should have dropped there. Archer's test are very hard and his lecture was boring. Do not take this class!
Yes this guy is tough, but he knows his stuff. An A would be hard to get in his class, however after taking him i felt much more confident in my knowledge of psychology in general. i barely ever used the book and got mostly B's on tests and quizzes, just took detailed notes in class. You must actually study!. attendence mandatory. enjoyed the class
Dr. archers lecture is very interesting and you will learn if you just pay attention. Has some work you have to do in semester but keeps lecture very interesting and funny he knows the subject extremely well.
Very good teacher but his attendence policy is passing around a piece of paper and expected 300 something people to sign it. Learned a lot but you in order to pass you have to know examples of the definitions. Test are hard but if you truely know what the term is and not memorization you will be fine.
Archer was a very nice guy. Make sure you get a nice seat with the least amount of distractions- Considering, it almost impossible to pass his class without his examples to the definitions. His attendance is mandatory. Got more responses via e-mail from his than the TA.
Dr. Archer is a great professor and is very nice and helpful. Class was somewhat easy but does require some studying and reading. I thought he was awesome and I would take him again. I recommend him as I think he is one of the better psychology professors I've had. You can tell her genuinely cares about his students and their success in the course.
I've taken him a few times and earned an A for every class. He gives you a study guide over a week before the test and if you know that the test is cake. A lot of his answers are even word for word from the lecturebook. 216 (stats) is a hard class but he lets you have a note card as a cheat sheet and is very open to help.
I hated my life everyday that I had to attend his lecture. seriously. Yes, he knows his stuff, but he likes to make simple concepts hard. His exams are extremely hard, although he does give you a 100+ item study guide that you have to fill out. Exams are 50 MC and 10 Short answer. Take anyone besides him!! You'll thank me later...
Dr. Archer is a great professor! He's very clear and detailed in his lectures. You are expected to actually know the material, and be able to apply it. Tests were usually 80 points mc (two points a question) and the rest was short answer. He's very helpful, more than willing to meet with you to discuss material, and makes the class fun!
Dr. Archer was terrible. I had another psychology class with Freidrich and it was so much better. Archer's test are significantly harder and his study guides are significantly worse. Take Golding or Friedrich.
Dr. Archer's tests were a little hard, I must say. You must attend all of his lectures (you will receive an attendance grade at the end of the semester). He gives the students a sheet to pass around to sign every lecture. Great teacher. He gave me the challenge I wanted. Just come to his lectures and pay close attention and you'll be fine.
Dr. Archer's Personality Psychology class is not for the faint of heart, it is a class where you will work for your grade. Dr. Archer is a kind man with great teaching ability, but one of the hardest graders I have encountered at UK. Go to class, Study, and Expect to put in work!!
Dr. Archer has been very reasonable. I had to miss aprox. 5 classes due to a serious illness. Class is super interesting, must study about 3 to 4 hours a wk., start studying for the exam immediately. Tests include about 70 multiple choice, short answer, 4-5 essays and one paper due. Attendance is critical. Offered extra credit.
The class material is difficult. I guess that's why people are hesitant with it, but if you ask, then Dr. Archer will definitely help you out.
Dr. Archer is funny and his classes are generally interesting for a lecture class. You have to go to lecture! He posts his PowerPoints online but they're just the highlights and don't give much info. Most of the info you need to understand and for the tests come from him talking so take good notes. Tests are kinda hard. Look at the study guides!
The class has a lot of material. Go to class and take notes. He gives study guides that really help for the tests. The book is very helpful.
For a 100 level class, this class was tough. He tells you at the beginning of the semester that you have to work for an A and he isn't lying. You HAVE to go to class, take notes, read the book, and study. On the projects you have to really put forth the effort and think about what you're writing. It has been way more work than I expected.
Gives good lectures
He's really into what he does, but the class is kinda long and sometimes boring. The tests and quizzes aren't too bad, but there are always a few questions that are pretty tough
Went to office hours to go over my test and I was in there for 5 minutes total. All he said was for my to write the note and to come to class
hardest class as a freshman. attendance is mandatory and WILL affect your grade. notes arent posted so you have to go unless you solely rely on the book for test. test/quizzes are hard and most of the questions test your ability to comprehend terms, not just kno the definition. projects also hard and take 1-2 hours when they're only worth 10 points
Attendance is absolutely mandatory. Tests are all about the notes you take and a bit from the book. He tries to tell funny stories to make the class more fun but it's still long. The tests are very hard, so study as hard as you can.
Professor Archer is a stickler for the rules. He is very touchy about APA style citations and will take immediate disciplinary action if you plagiarize ,even if it is by accident. If you put in a little effort his class is not very challenge. His test are slightly tough.
He can be funny at times, but his lectures are pretty long and boring. He has multiple tests and quizzes throughout the semester and they are VERY difficult. I studied for his tests, felt like I did well, and when I got my grades back I saw that I wasn't doing so well. He is nice but overall I WOULD NOT recommend taking him. Get someone else!
I took archer for Psych 100 and I was up to my elbows in work. My final exam study guide was 20 pages, if that says anything. The worst part is that he never returns your tests, so you can't see what you missed to learn from it. He takes attendance every class as well. There are easier professors to take, don't take him.
I really enjoyed this class! Dr. Archer lectures a lot, but his lectures are extremely interesting, especially for being in a large class in Memorial Hall. The tests and quizzes are tough, but he gives good study guides before each exam. Doing the study guides helps a lot. Be sure to find a good study group for this class!
I took AP Psych in high school and thought Archer's class would be an easy A. Wrong. He's a tough tester and quiz giver. My TA even thought they were hard for our level. There are study guides but they're long. They help a lot. Also attendance matters even in a lecture as big as 200 students. He's pretty funny at times and isn't awful to listen to.
awful awful awful, hes a nice person but he takes it way too seriously, my organic wasnt as challenging as this 100 level ELECTIVE! he makes the exams and quizes was too detailed and he covers way too much info and expects you to know ALL of it even things he didnt talk about but are in the book. AWFUL
Dr. Archer is a great teacher. He makes sure you get the grade that you work for. Come to class ready to take notes and listen to his cool stories! He challenges you, so if you can't take it, don't sign up for him.
I didn't learn much from Dr. Archer. He wasn't my cup of tea. With over 400 students though, it is harder to get the class to engage. In my opinion, I would find someone else for this class if you find it hard to take notes from slides with no connection to understand the material.
He has clear powerpoints that he goes over, but he will go in depth on them, so you must pay attention because sometimes he will put it on the test. His tests are pretty hard, but he gives out a study guide, so as long as you study you'll be good. I rented the textbook for this and never cracked it open. Very nice professor had him for 2 semester
This is one of the hardest classes I've taken. He takes this class so serious and makes it way harder than it has to be. He does drop the lowest quiz grades, but the exams are so much harder than the quizzes. Avoid him if possible!!!
Dr. Archer is a great professor! He always keeps lecture interesting and gives great examples to go with the material. But, he is definitely the toughest PSY 100 teacher! Tests can be difficult if you don't take good notes because all of the questions are very applied. But as long as you pay attention and take notes, I would recommend him!
Dr. Archer is a really good professor. However, if you don't go to class, you miss a lot. He does not post the slideshow online so it is most beneficial if you go to class. His tests are harder, but if you work for the grade, you will get it. He's a really good teacher.
Dr. Archer is a great professor. He really cares about his students. The class is a lot of work, but the work that you do isn't extremely difficult. If you put in the time, you will get a fair grade.
Terrible professor. I actually enjoyed his lectures until I missed a class for a tragedy that left a family friend in critical condition. He wouldn't let me make up a heavily weighted assignment. He was extremely rude and showed no compassion towards me during this hard time. Do NOT take him!
While Dr. Archer is a nice guy he expects WAY TOO MUCH out of an intro class. The tests are SUPER hard & you don't get them back to know what you missed. The homework assignments take forever and are only worth 10 points. There are also quizzes and lab (online and in-seat). The textbook cost me $150 including online code for lab. Don't do it.
If you are not a good test taker, do NOT take him. Almost all assignments are quiz's and Exams. There are a few projects and labs are very helpful. I love archer as a person and I think he is a really good lecturer, but the exams are very difficult, at least for bad test takers.
Contrary to the things everyone says about Dr. Archer, he is an AWESOME teacher! I took his PSY100 class my freshman year. He makes you work for your grade, but he also makes sure you know the material very well and feel fully prepared for his exams and the way they will be worded. If you do bad on the exams, you didn't make use of his material
He is a very hard teacher. His tests are pretty difficult, not impossible but difficult. There are a lot of little quizzes and assignments that can be frustrating. He is a very good lecturer however and his classes are very engaging. I enjoy lecture but wish he had echo or at least put the slides online. Overall difficult but good teacher.
Dr. archer receives a lot of sh*t on this page but truly is great. YES, you need to go to lecture and study, but this is just like any other college class....??? He is very nice and understanding. He goes out of his way to help students that need it. He is very approachable. The class is very interesting and he is a GREAT PROFESSOR. u can get an A.
very sarcastic and will not let you do the minimum to pass the class
Great professor. He's funny. You need to do your work before the due date or you wont pass.
Dr. Archer is a great guy and he lectures well. However, the test are extremely difficult. Your grade relies primarily on test and quiz's. The labs and homework assignments are time consuming and are not worth much credit. If you struggle with test heavy class's that have tons of reading PSY 100 and Dr. Archers teaching methods are not for you.
Really makes psych interesting! He also tells awesome dad jokes.
Good professor! Takes attendance every day. The lab portion of this class is optional except for one time which was SO nice. Easy to understand lectures except he doesn't post the slides online so if you miss good luck getting them!!!
Archer is a good professor, but is not great with is lectures. He doesn't put all the information you need to know on the slides and expects you to take notes from his talking. If you miss class you will not do great in the class. Labs and homework are not hard though. Make sure to study hard for the tests. Not a lot of extra credit or practice.
I only had him for PSY orientation and it was just pass/fail so I didn't have to deal with tests orlectures. However, I can tell you that he takes his job seriously and tries his best to help his students understand everything. I enjoyed him and it was not hard to pass the class. Just do all of his assignments and follow the rubrics and you're good
This class was very difficult for an intro level class. Attendance is mandatory and he passes an attendance sheet around in a 400 person lecture. The tests make up most of your grade. I had to heavily study and there are labs due once a week, along with homework and quizzes. His lectures are pointless and he doesn't post the slides online.
Honestly psy100 will probably one of my favorite classes i've taken in college. I looked forward to going to this class because of the interesting stories he tied in to the lessons that made the material much easier to comprehend. the tests aren't too hard, as long as you study you'll be completely fine.
so many hours put into studying just to receive poor grades back
You will have a few papers to write and labs very often, but nothing too difficult at all. You will need to attend class because he will give you better notes and explanations of everything and you will understand the material so much better. He's a great teacher, funny and makes class interesting. Very kind and approachable.
If you go to class and read the book, you will go well in the class.
Never took a psych class before this, but he made the material really easy to understand. Gives really helpful examples in lecture. The ppts he uses aren't posted or helpful, but if you take thorough notes in class and memorize the key terms from the book the tests are usually pretty easy. Really good prof and would definitely recommend/take again
Honestly, if you just read the book and go to his class, you can easily get an A in his class. I would go to his class and not pay attention sometimes but I got through it because I was reading the textbook and he gets most of his tests questions from the book. It's an easy A if you read the textbook and made an effort to understand the materials.
Archer takes up the entire class teaching. He doesnt really make it interesting. I was bored the entire semester. You really have to work in this class. I would say take this class but with a different professor because it has the possibility of being interesting, just not with him.
Dr. Archer is a good professor. Sometimes lecture can be a little boring, but that's with any class. He makes interesting points. Yes, not all the material is gone over in class but we're in college. You should know by now to read the chapters that go along with the exam.
This class is awful.
PSY100 has been my favorite class at UK so far and Dr. Archer is an amazing professor. If you go to class and take notes and pay attention, you will be golden. He makes the content so easy to understand with his real world examples and he is hilarious. He makes psych very interesting and the class itself is an easy A.
His class is so difficult for a 100 course. It is hard to keep up with his slides and he talks about his children too often. Tests make it almost impossible for someone to get over a 70. I stay up studying day and night and I'm barely passing. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!
THE WORST. so annoying, I wish I had more characters to describe my distaste and resentment towards this man. Doesn't put lectures on Canvas (why?????? like I show up I just want to review the material thx) His lectures are soOOOO boring that I would love nothing more to lay down in the aisle and sleep because it ISNT worth listening. He is awFUL.
Lecture attendance is mandatory. He ave four 10 question quizzes throughout the semester that were worth 20 points. The quizzes were harder than the tests. Tests and quizzes take up most of the majority of you grade so if you do bad on them, you're screwed. Lecture is hella boring
I have never been more bored in my life. The desire to get up and leave this class everyday grows by the minute. He has managed to make interesting material into long dragged out material. Likes to think he is funny. His tests and quizzes are harder then should be because I imagine he has some confidence issue about himself. Take a different prof.
PSY100 is a large gen-ed class, but Dr. Archer is a good lecturer. There's a lot of work involved: online labs, quizzes, four exams, research study credit, and so on. But it's pretty manageable. Not an easy 100 level course, but if you're willing to put in a little work, you'll be fine.
Archer is a good professor. The material isn't that difficult to understand if you just pay attention to what he is saying and not just the powerpoints. Sometimes lecture can get boring, but paying attention is key. Grade is calculated by points, not percentages so make sure you are doing every lab, SONA, quiz, and homework.
Archer is a good lecturer. The topics that he covers in lecture are in depth. However, things appear on quizzes and tests that he doesn't cover in lecture, so you have to read the textbook. The "lab" only meets once a month and is a review for the upcoming exam. He takes attendance randomly so you have to show up. You should definitely study.
This is probably the worst class you could ever take at UK. I did everything I could to get a good grade in the class. The only things that knocked me down were the tests and quizzes. None of the study guide material he gives you correlates with the exams, and if it does it never made sense...t anyone. Do not take PSY 100 with him or any courses.
Dr. Archer is really passionate and knowledgeable about psychology and you can easily tell that through his lectures. Unfortunately, he treats PSY100 like it is a 400-level class. He makes the class way more difficult than it needs to be. If you can take a different professor, do it, if not, get ready to work very hard for an A.
Dr. Archer was a great lecturer. His tests were detailed, but not tricky. It is not all multiple choice, so you have to know it well.
I really enjoyed this class. I think he does a great job with lectures and tries to make them fun and enjoyable. attendance isn't mandatory, but he does random attendance checks during the semester. I would recommend him for this class.
Overall, this dude is alright. There is some out of class work every 2 weeks or so but it isn't difficult. When studying, you need to be able to actually apply what you're learning, if you do that the tests aren't bad. His lectures can be boring, go to class he doesn't post echo or slides.
I was worried about this class initially because of the negative comments here, but it was very easy. Tests are multiply choice with short answers, so memorization is important. I always had a biochemistry exam on the same day so neglected studying here a lot, but my lowest exam grade was a 94. Theres about 4-5 small assignments and a final paper.
Great guy, great professor.
The hardest class I've ever taken at UK. Exams are very difficult and very detailed. I failed every exam. Avoid this professor at all costs!
Probably the worst teacher I have had at UK. Super boring lectures, doesn't explain things well, makes the class way harder than it needs to be. I would never take him again because of they way he teaches compared to how hard his exams are. you are better off taking it it a different semester if you have to have him.
The whole class is a lecture, he talks THE WHOLE TIME. But he also interacts with the students. If you miss class I can guarantee that you will not get a good grade on a test or the quiz. You have to pay attention or you will definitely be lost. He doesn't talk about the textbook but that's where the material is so READ IT for test info!!!
Dr. Archer is wonderful. Even while teaching so many classes, if you need to discuss grading or make up exams he is more than willing to help. His class is difficult (especially for a 100 level) but he values you learning the material more than memorizing it. Lectures were always intriguing, not too much hw, however DO NO FORGET TO DO LABS. Take it
Very very boring lectures, but need to go or else you will miss notes. No study guides for exams that have very specific, obscure questions. Need to study for weeks in order to get decent grades on them. Quizzes are even harder than the tests. Way too difficult for a 100 level class. Outside of class homework is easy and quick.
Dr. Archer is like a love hate relationship. He gives extra credit at the end of the semester but the test are harder than need be. His lectures are good but it is easy to zone out while he is teaching. He is the head of the department so he's not the best option to take. He is decent, but the tests cover multiple chapters which is crazy.
Show up to each class, he will often drop something that will be on the test as people pack their bags to leave. Take notes, read the textbook and study and you'll do just fine. Do not sit in the back! It's not hard if you just study.
This is the worst class i have ever taken. It is ridiculously hard for a 100 level class and the labs take way longer than the time they say they will. There is too much work and the professor doesn't seem to notice that we have other classes. He didn't even respond to my email about class when I needed help. Do not take this class with him to pass
His opening line for PSY 100: I treat this class like a 300/400 level course. BEWARE!!! Doesnt post his notes online so you better read the book before the quiz because 7/10 questions you probably wont have learned when you take the quiz.
Dr. Archer was a very good professor. The exams were hard though, even using study guides and reading the book. Make sure to take notes during class to help you out with exams!
Dr. Archer is a great professor. He is very good at keeping his lectures interesting, and also does a good job covering the information that will be on the test. I have yet to need to read my textbook to get information for a test. As long as you are willing to study this is a fairly simple and easy class. I recommend taking the class with him.
As a pre-nursing major, I had to take this class and I found it even harder than ANA109, purely because I cant review the lectures on echo. For some reason Dr. Archer refuses to record his lectures. That makes it super hard to study for this class cause youre only studying from your notes, where you could have missed stuff that will b on the test
One of the worst professors UKY has to offer, rude, difficult to make work,
Make things way harder than necessary. U can have way better chances at getting better grades if take another prof. Peace.
Seems like everyone dislikes him but I really enjoyed his class. He explains things well and is able to explain things multiple times without losing patience.
Take his class and enjoy the advventure full of extreme challaanges.
Archer's class is lecture heavy, but he does a great job of making it interesting and funny. He gives plenty of time for people to take notes as he teaches and if you miss something, you can ask him to go back and he will to help you out. He does take random attendance throughout the semester, so you have to be in class, but it's an easy/fun class.
Dr. Archer talks about sex a lot. But he is funny. There was always something for this class-lab, homework, Sona, and if you missed any of it you could fail the class. He makes himself available, but his exams were tough IMO, and the study guides didn't prepare me very well. He lectures straight out of the textbook, and attendance points are big.
He is a great guy but he talks fast and barely repeats himself. If you do not show up then you will not pass because he does not post his slides or Echoes. I did not use my textbook but I know lots of people who relied on it. I would recommend recording his lectures yourself to listen to because if you miss something then you are SOL.
Most difficult class I have taken. Dont tempt it if you dont love endless ramblings about biology, anatomy, and psychology itself. This class will not make you love the topics if you dont care for them now. Endless out of class work makes me feel scammed out of a credit hour or even 2. Additionally, expects you to cheat and brags about it.
DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR!!! If someone says the liked the class they are lying. I am a 4.0 student and this is the most stressful class I have taken ever. He makes things unnecessarily hard and you could not pay me $10,000 to take this class again. Please take another professor if you want to keep your sanity and happiness.
He is rude and his lectures arent helping. Everything you need to know comes from the book. However, attendance is taken and counts for a decent part of your grade so if you skip on a day attendance is taken then its a rough hit to your grade. I took AP psych in high school and got an A and I thought I could fly by this class, NOT true.
if you love crying this is the professor for you. I have never taken a class this difficult in my life. there is no way I would count this as a level 100 class. he is not very helpful and caused a lot of unnecessary stress.
this is a high stress and hard class. if you don't do 2 of the labs you fail the class immediately. his exams and quizzes were way harder than they needed to be and he does not post his notes or lectures online. please take a different professor if you want to have a good semester.
Dr. Archer gets a bad reputation but hes amazing. You learn a lot in this class and he is hilarious in his lectures. It is an easy A if you read the material outside of class and take his notes during class. You cant be lazy if you want to succeed in his class.
Dr. Archer is a very nice person. He puts so much effort into his lectures and is very willing to explain concepts to students. He has stuck with a schedule throughout the pandemic and he did a great job. However, I give this man props for being able to create some of the hardest tests I've taken in this major. It is definitely not an easy A.
Dr. Archer was overall a decent professor. However, his tests were very difficult. As someone who has gotten all A's in Psych classes, his was the most difficult by far. The tests have many written questions at the end that require you to memorize word-by-word details from lectures. Every class is mandatory and there are no "free skips" either.
Dr. Archer was a great professor! He was king and was able to always get back to me when I needed help with assignments. His class is tough and runs almost like a 300 class. As long as you read, look through notes, do discussions, and participate, youll do fine.
Dr. Archer is a super smart teacher! His lectures show that he is very knowledgeable. Besides this, you have to read and take notes to succeed in his class. The quizzes and tests are really hard, so make sure you understand the material because he will only ask application questions. Other than this, I would totally recommend taking his class!!
If you dont want to hear ramblings about Freud and inappropriate humor, you need a different professor. You will want to drop out every day.
I enjoyed attending lectures because Dr. Archer made it entertaining by telling stories and applying it to the concepts that were taught. However, there were a lot of assignments that were time consuming yet they were beneficial since it was applying what you learned. Also, you should definitely prepare for the tests!
not great, ive never failed an exam before his class, totally ruined my gpa
This class is very tough. So much material on each exam. The professor isnt very nice and hes not approachable. Wouldnt take him again
Worst so far. If you're looking for an A it isn't here. Keep looking fellow students. Lecture heavy and tells stories rather then helping you pass. I dropped and got a much better grade with one of the female professors who teaches psychology.
I had Dr. Archer for PSY 333 and PSY 313. His lectures are very clear and he gives interesting assignments, but he is a tough grader, especially on written assignments. His tests are difficult but he always gives out a study guide that's helpful. Buy the textbook because there will be examples on exams that aren't in the lecture.
I've never had a professor that tried to make a 100 level class this difficult. He will dig up minute information that was barely if ever covered. The class average for the tests was a D. Don't take bad prof
Archer is a great lecturuer. I think this class is an easy A. Just read the text, listen to lecture, make flashcards and bam easy A! He is very very organized and clear. I really enjoyed going to class and learned a lot about myself as a person. He cares about his students and wants you to pass. Love love love Archer!
Dr. Archer clearly loves teaching and gives fun lectures. He tries to make them is interactive as possible. His tests are really difficult but there are a ton of quizlets that can help you out. Over all hes a great guy and I would take his class again!
Ray Archer is the type of professor that only cares about how you score as opposed to if you learned or not. He is concerned exclusively with Hayden-McNeil, which is what the homework is on and I must have lost more brain cells than I can count in his class because he is not a great teacher. Unfortunately the most incompetent teacher I have had.
funny guy. test quizzes and labs are the only grades
You can tell Dr. Archer cares a lot about what he teaches. I thought he was a nice guy and the homework assignments were pretty easy. If you go to class and pay attention then review your notes you should do well.
First, if you arent a psych manor, do not take this class. Recently got sick and had to provide everything under the sun to prove I was sick. In his lectures, he basically tells a broader perspective of what the book states. If you dont buy the book you will fail every test and quiz. He only goes off the book. Lectures can be pointless.
Almost all of the grades come from tests and quizzes which he makes impossible. He makes sexual jokes all the time in class. The notes/ going to class will not prepare you for the tests and quizzes. Don't take this class
His lectures are actually really interesting but I would not at all recommend his class. His average test scores are way too low for a 100's class and he doesn't seem to care that most of the class does not do well on them.
If you don't do well in this course, it's definitely for a lack of trying. For a 100s class, it's more in depth than I thought it would be. Dr. Archer is so smart and the coursework is not what you expect, but it is definitely not that hard. Watch lecture, take notes, actually TRY on the assignments, and you'll do great!
He could care less about your grade. His average for test are a D and he doesn't seem to mind that almost everyone in his class is failing. His lectures have nothing to do with what he test over. The whole test is out of the Hayden Mcneil book. I study for 10+ hours for all of his test and have never gotten above a 60. He is arrogant. DO NOT TAKE!!
Anyone who says this class is impossible just doesn't try. While the class is honestly harder than a 100 level should be, it is still not hard. Reading the textbook is a must for this course, as well as notes and attendance. This class is very easy to get an A in if you put in the effort to study.
I think this professor would do better with a smaller class size. The class was extremely large, personally my TA was not helpful whatsoever, I wouldnt recommend this class to anyone except for people who are psych majors.
Dr. Archer is the worst professor I've had so far in my academic career. I hated the way his class was set up, and I did not find him to be a good teacher in the slightest. He also would not let me make up a quiz I missed... while I was away on military orders to boost my grade. Not a likable man, and not someone I'd ever want to see again.
Dropped this class almost immediately when he started boasting and saying over and over about how hard and complicated this class is when going over the syllabus, i do not have the time for the stress this semester. my mental health is more important.
Im usually a pretty good test taker, study for an hour before I walk in and pull a passing gradebut this manIm not even in the test yet and I can already tell he DOES NOT know how to give a test. Ive been told by my upperclassmen that he acts like hes on your side, yet nobody makes As on his tests. If you can avoid him, please do
Will act like hes on your side but is not at All
Dr. Archer is a difficult prof to figure out at first. In the past youd take notes and memorize definitions but in his class you have to study the material and know how to apply it. Thats why lots of people suffer in this class because they dont write down the scenarios he gives verbally and the tests are basically all scenarios and application
Dr. Archer is okay. He's funny during class but the lectures just feel so long and are boring. If you read the textbook then you should be fine. He is also annoying about the ending of class and talks until the last possible minute even if hes just filling the space with random words. I recommend not taking it as a Tuesday/ Thursday class.
Literally the worst professor I have had DO NOT TAKE Ray if you're reading this you suck and I really don't like you
Dr. Archer is great with lectures, not much homework besides a lab assignment due once a week, and three other assignments due throughout the semester. Reading is very important but the textbook is interesting, there are occasional quizzes on chapters but you know about them in advance.
Just no. He as a person isnt awful, and I like psych and am a decent test taker, but the way his questions would be worded made it so hard to understand. Have lots of online homework, you HAVE to read the book to pass you really cant just rely on class lectures. Dropped the class halfway through because it was going to mess my GPA up
I like Dr. Archer, personally I don't think his class was too hard. You definitely need to read the textbook before the tests. The lectures are long and I feel like he can kinda ramble so its easy to zone out. He doesn't post his slides and takes random attendance throughout the semester.
Although, I don't think he is the best teacher ever, he is not a bad teacher. A lot of people say he's bad because they either don't go to class or they don't do any work outside of class. He states in the beginning that you need to do work outside of class and makes it very obvious that if you don't do work outside of class, you will not do well.
if youre not good at tests youre screwed....
the tests have nothing to do with the lectures and everything is in the book it was super annoying. Archer is actually a super funny guy in his lectures but the test are not easy.
For an entry-level psychology course, Dr. Ray Archer was awful. He is extremely knowledgeable about psychology, but he takes the most simple concepts and makes them difficult. If you are a hard worker, this class should be an easy A if you simply just put the effort in, but it's not. If you are taking other hard courses, I don't recommend Archer.
Ray Archer is the best professor I've ever had and would absolutely take him again. He isn't the professor to take if you're just trying to get a credit out of the way, but this class made me switch my major to Psychology
Archer is a great professor and is very passionate about psychology which is fun to listen to and makes it easy to learn. Although his tests are super hard and specific. He grades tough but overall very enjoyable class I learned a lot.
Dr archer is very passionate and a well liked teacher. Although he is a nice human, he is a very difficult teacher. His lectures don't make much sense and the test are all scenario based. I recommend going to class because he doesn't provide anything to take notes. SI/TA meetings are helpful. I recommend taking psych 100 with the girl!
Professor Archer was always very engaging and interesting during his lectures. He is very passionate about psychology and often has little mind quizzes for participation to help you understand the material in a fun way. This class also has very few assignments(2 homework, 4 tests, weekly online lab which is not hard at all, and SONA study).
I loved Dr. Ray Archer! I thought his lectures were very interesting, and honestly felt inspired by him at times. He was one of my first professors here, and the content is fun to learn and listen to. My advice for the tests is to read the entire chapter. There's even examples from the book on the tests. My only regret is not going to class more.
Although the exams were difficult and he didn't post slides, Archer was a great teacher. He didn't just read off the slides, he elaborated, provided real examples and encouraged us to take good notes. GOOD NOTES PAY OFF!! He provides an exam review sheet before each exam that helps. Attendance isn't mandatory but you'll struggle if you don't come.
Many of these reviews are misleading. I found Dr. Archer's lectures to be very engaging, and I enjoyed the class. It requires hard work, but it is far from impossible to do extremely well in this class if you pay close attention and study both the textbook and lecture notes. I wouldn't call it easy, but it was well worth the work.
Dr, Archer is very knowledgeable in psychology, but he expected too much from us in an INTRODUCTORY class. He acted like we already had background knowledge of the subject. His lectures did not cover half of what was on the test. He is not understanding when it comes to missing classes due to illnesses. His tests are SO hard.
Avoid at all costs. His grading criteria is never clear and it seems unjust and unfair. There are no rubrics. I wouldn't be surprised if he just gave out random grades. This class is difficult for no reason. If you're bad at tests and papers, good luck.
I absolutely loved Dr. Archer. He is so passionate about what he teaches. He is hilarious, and he definitely makes class very interesting and he always keeps my attention (which is big bc I got adhd). His exams are very application based, and my advice would be try to figure out how different concepts connect as well as make your own examples.
Unless you want your GPA to drop dont take his course. He grades rough, doesnt tell you where you are going wrong, there were multiple times he had our TA regrade assignment and exams because they were "graded too high".
HE IS TERRIBLE DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. This class is extremely hard for a level 100 class and you can never be late to class or skip unless you have a note. He is very extreme in his grading. As I stated earlier do not take this class unless you want to fail.
very hard for a level 100 class, would not recommend it at all. The class made me change my major from how difficult it is.
The hardest class I've ever taken. Homework assignments make up less than 10% of your final grade, so if you do not do well on the tests/quizzes it will tank your grade. The lectures are extremely boring and hard to get through. AVOID THIS CLASS AND PROFESSOR AT ALL COSTS. RUN.
Dr. Archer is an enjoyable person, however he talks a lot in his lectures which makes it hard to pay attention. He does not post the slides from class online for the course. I would not recommend taking this course for UK core, as it feels a little bit in depth for someone who is not a Psychology major.
It can be an overwhelming class, but Dr. Archer is the best professor I have ever had. Utilize his office hours. He is always very willing to meet and give feedback. I am sad that I wont have him in the Fall.
It was bad enough when I took him back in Spring 2022 and he spent an entire week over his syllabus. The man grades hard and made it very clear that he wants to give us a B because he didn't earn one when he took his PSY 100 course. He makes his tests tricky on purpose and seems very proud about it. If this man can be avoided, please avoid him!
Professor Archer is the hardest professor I have had thus far. This class takes a lot of time and energy, and if you are able to read the online book and listen and take good notes in lectures, it will not be horrible. The class is very hard but most people who hate him do not put in effort. Ultimately though the class will take up a lot of time.
He loves Psychology but for a 100 level class it is awful. I get tutored every week and study for everything and can not seem to do well on anything. Very tough grader will not give 100% and gives very bad notes. Lectures are hard to pay attention because he jumps around a lot and Is very unfair.
He's funny but the tests suck
This is not an easy 100-level class, and he will let you know that on the first day. Make sure you go to every single class, as he takes attendance 4 times per semester and that it worth the entirety of the percentage of your hefty attendance grade. Read the book, as his tests reflect both lecture and book material. An A is possible, just work hard
Dr. Archer is an amazing lecturer and he is so passionate about what he's teaching! His tests make up the bulk of the grade and are application-based, which means you have to know the material. He takes attendance sporadically but even if he didnt you need to show up to pass with the amount of content. I recommend reading the textbook to supplement
Dr. Archer is a really nice guy, and he's a breeze in PSY100. For social psych, he's tougher. He pulls material from both lecture and textbook, so you have to read lots and take notes. His lectures are decent though, so that's not a big concern. There are few assignments/quizzes beyond the exams, so grading can be tough. Attendance is required
- 7 assignments/quizzes, 4 exams for me (VERY exam-heavy grading) - posts powerpoints - goes over many things orally (not in powerpoints or book, come to class) - HAVE TO read the book - tough grader - more concept and relational based exams rather than definitions - he rambles a lot - if you've never had to really study before (like me), you will
Dr. Archer is a great professor and I really enjoyed his PSY100 class. I found the material very interesting and he is a good lecturer so the classes were engaging. The assignments are not difficult, although sometimes time consuming. If you go to class and pay attention you can definitely get a good grade. He takes attendance occasionally.
Do not take his class unless you want to spend 5-8 hours on homework assignments and labs. He enjoys the f
He likes that his class average on tests are always below 60%. He will make sure to take any points off that he can so spend lots of time on assignments. Tries to be tricky on purpose on his tests. I attended every class, took details notes, read the textbook, studied, and still never got above a 65 on test. Good luck
This class was one of the hardest classes I have taken. The information in this course is very interesting, I just think his grading is what kills this course. Tests are tough, & I never got over a C. Labs & homework were fine; I think the graders can sometimes be subjective. You must be willing to put an immense amount of time into this course.
All of these reviews are total bogus. Don't let them scare you. Dr. Archer's classes are lecture heavy and can seem overwhelming but I can't recommend him enough. I am 100% confident that the people who wrote these were in their first semester of college and would skip this class often. Go to class, pay attention, ask questions attend SI sessions.
Hardest 100 level class I've taken. Attendance isn't necessarily mandatory but, he does make it known that there will be a few days throughout the semester where attendance IS taken. Lectures are honestly quite boring even though he tries to make jokes. SONA requirement is probably the most annoying part of the class.
Dr. Archer is one of the best teachers I've had. Great lecturer, engages with the class to ask and answer questions and makes you think. Always has a life experience to relate to the content he's teaching. However, his tests are crazy difficult. Takes attendance for a grade. He's very friendly and even learned the name of every student.
Wonderful professor, genuinely cares about teaching students. Make sure you do your SONA credit early, and make sure you do your online labs. As long as you go to every lecture, take notes, and review them you'll easily pass his class.
I like Dr. Archer, but I did find his class to be pretty difficult and hard work. His tests are really difficult and there's a lot of them. I struggled, however, I do think some of his reviews are a bit harsh. I do feel this was a weed-out class because of the difficulty. Didn't like his lectures that much and felt like they were substantial enough
Dr. Archer does a good job at trying to keep engagement. However, the tests are incredibly hard for a 100-level course.
Dr. Archer was a great professor. He has very engaging lectures and tells you exactly what you need to do to pass this class. It's a decent amount of work for a 100-level course, and there are random attendance checks throughout the semester. PLEASE utilize the online textbook (questions on quizzes and exams are usually straight from the book).
Dr. Archer was an amazing lecturer, he was engaging and the topics were interesting. He is really passionate about what he teaches. The tests are hard and there are a couple big assignments but if you pay attention, study hard, and go to the SI review sessions you will be good.
I loved being in Dr Archer's class! He tells you on the first day that it is a tough class and he is not lying! The tests are difficult and are based on actually applying what we learned in class and not just on definitions. Be sure to read the textbook and attend every single class, also be sure to take time on assignments especially the labs & hw
Lecture heavy, be ready to read and take a lot of notes. Tests are hard and his study guides are super long and confusing. He is super strict when it comes to writing papers and it's hard to get a good grade. Most of the work is easy theirs just a lot of it.
Archer's class is challenging, but engaging. Attend every lecture, take detailed notes, and utilize resources like the textbook and Unstuckstudy for study prep. Tests are tough, but manageable with consistent effort. Overall, a rewarding experience for diligent students.
He teaches in class maybe 1/3 of what you actually need to know for assignments/tests. Basically have to figure it out on your own. So much work, and compared to other prof. definitely the worst.
He's a great teacher when it actually comes to the lectures, but it's impossible to properly prepare from his tests. His lectures and textbooks are very definition heavy with little examples but then exams and quizzes are all application of those definitions. Way too much to study and learn for the exams not being definition based.
Dont get me wrong. Dr. Archer is a great guy, has interesting lectures and is helpful if you go to his office hours, but do not take his Psych 100 class, unless you want to fail. make sure you use ALL of your free time to study for his class cause if you dont, youre most likely going to fail every quiz and exam. Good luck
Take good notes in class (write down everything he says) and use the study guides he gives you...the test is literally only topics from the study guide and all the short answers are on there too.
i love his class. although tough, extremely useful. he is very smart and knows what he is talking about. he learns all his students names, he is very caring. no homework, just 2 papers/projects, 4 tests, and a handful of quizzes.
Cumulative final sucks because it's all about memorization and not like math or something where you build off of previous work, just random facts. I had an easier time managing organic chemistry than this. Attendance points are taken randomly, and he gives extra credit if 75% of the class does TCE, most did not get credit. (take dif. lecturer)
Absolutely not recommend if you have DRC accommodations. He did the bare minimum when it came to meeting accommodations. No leniency at ALL. Very old school. Weekly multi-part homework assignments. Lab is just review for exams which is nice.
Literally up until the day of the final I was failing his class by less than a percent. His quizzes are mostly on one chapter and are 10 questions long, fairly easy most of the time. His exams which are 3-4 chapters worth are always insanely detailed and the short answer questions are very complicated.
Dr Archer is an incredible professor! He is a very good teacher and is very kind! I would definitely take his class again! His lectures are very informative and helpful and his tests and quizzes are just from the book and notes from the lectures as well!
Honesty is a great teacher and cares about you. However, he's so advanced in his field that he thinks you already know it. Doesn't take extra time to explain things in depth. He also doesn't give lecture notes out because they are "speaking points," so you really have to be listening. The final exam is not like anything we learned.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
84%
Textbook Required
35%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.82 avg changeRatings by Course
100216313
5.0
(1)PSY333PSY313
4.0
(1)PSY101
4.0
(2)PSY333
3.6
(11)PSY313
3.6
(25)Difficulty by Course
PSYCH100
5.0
PSY216
4.5
313
4.0
PSY061
4.0
PSY333PSY313
4.0