3.1

Matt Davidson

Psychology - University of Massachusetts - Amherst

3.1
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
53%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
3.1
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

53%

Would Retake

99

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

21

4

25

3

20

2

19

1

14

What Students Say

The material is dry but Davidson does his best to draw interesting connections to the world

PSYCH241 - 5.0 rating

Awesome guy, great class

PSYCH391 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

62%

Textbook Required

13%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 57 grades
Most common grades:
A (39)
A+ (5)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(44)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 63 reported grades
A: 39
A+: 5
Not sure yet: 4
B+: 4
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (21)
EXTRA CREDIT (20)
Get ready to read (13)
Caring (12)
Participation matters (11)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Lecture heavy (9)
Clear grading criteria (8)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.59 avg change
Jun
Sep
Dec
Mar
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PSYCH391

5.0

(2)

PSYCH350H

4.0

(4)

PSYCH241

3.2

(63)

PSYCH350

3.1

(14)

PSCYH241

2.9

(13)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSYCH360

5.0

PSYCH350

3.5

PSYCH391

3.5

PSCYH241

3.2

PSYCH430

3.0

Reviews (99)
5.0
3.0
PSYCH350H
Jun 16, 2008

He seemed quite nervous at first but warmed up after a couple of lectures and then did a great job of presenting some tough material. Attendance is not mandatory but a lot of the most interesting stuff comes through in the lectures so they are really worthwhile (even if it doesn't end up on the exam).

1.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Oct 29, 2009

Class averages are in the 60's for every exam. He refuses to scale them, and they make no sense even after extensive studying. Do not take child psych with him!

3.0
4.0
PSYCH350
Oct 31, 2009

Lectures are boring and required because PRS is 10% of your grade and you will need that full 10%. There are 4 exams, and the lowest is dropped. However the tests are extremely difficult and even after 2 questions were dropped the class average is a 69. This is a large Psych lecture course with multiple choice tests. The average should be 80's.

2.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Nov 1, 2009

His exams are so petty and annoying. Over 130 pages of reading material PER EXAM... and he picks one sentence to test you on. You leave the exams feeling very frustrated. The class exam averages are laughable and he doesn't care that we didn't do well. I don't recommend this class with him.

2.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Nov 12, 2009

This class is horrible. It is not only possible, but probable to study for days for these exams and fail. The questions are on minute details that are easy to miss in 350+ pages of reading per exam. He is extreme unreceptive to suggestions. His only suggestion to do better is to come to office hours. But he is so unhelpful is class, why bother?

1.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Nov 12, 2009

I have received an A in every single psych class on campus and will be lucky if I get a C- in this class. Not only does he put me to sleep during every single lecture, but he has no regard for students desiring to pass the exams...be prepared to get grades in the 60's and 70's.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Nov 17, 2009

Find another child psych class, this is more of a child development class, he focuses on very small details, I got to every lecture, review session and do all the readings and I'm lucky if I receive a grade in the 70s

1.0
5.0
PSYCH350
Nov 29, 2009

HORRIBLE!!! Avoid this professor!! You will find yourself studying soooo long for the exams and still getting grades in the 60's. The topic of Child Psych is not hard, but he makes everything so unclear. I am an A student and I think I'll be getting a C in his class if I'm lucky. Awful Awful! Take Child Psych with a different professor!!!!

5.0
4.0
PSYCH391
May 6, 2010

The prof did a great job of presenting the material and leading discussions in the class. There is a lot of reading for this class but if you keep up the material is very interesting and you start to see developmental psych from a new perspective. The prof does a great job of helping you see and learn that perspective.

2.0
5.0
PSYCH360
Apr 10, 2011

His lectures are so hard to follow and sleep inducing, that you come out thinking you heard the class in giberish. He is rigid about suggestions for improvements for the class. The slides are posted 2 hours before class, so its hard to be prepared even if you do follow his diatribe. Many students I have talked to are getting 70's or below.

5.0
4.0
PSYCH350
May 10, 2011

I found this class to be one of the most interesting in my 4 years at UMass. The prof did a great job of presenting material in an understandable way and spent tons of time helping students. There were study guides and reviews to help me through and I did great. Be prepared for lots of work but it is worth it in the end. Highly recommend!

3.0
2.0
PSYCH350
May 13, 2011

Really easy class. Was worried about it from comments on here, but as long as you do the reading before the exam and look over the slides, you'll do fine. He has a weird scale for the final grades which makes it easy to do well. PLus, he offers extra credit. His classes are dull but it's still an easy course. I got a 97.

1.0
4.0
PSYCH350H
May 15, 2011

There were 30 people in the honors section and you could hardly hear the professor. Although the exams were take home his wording of essay questions was ambiguous, making it unclear which of many answers he wanted to hear. Slides weren't very helpful and contradicted wording of the book and his wording on tests. No longer enjoy the subject matter.

5.0
1.0
PSYCH350H
Mar 29, 2012

Extremely nice professor and takes students' opinions into strong consideration. Exams are not difficult if you go to class and use study guide/online slides. I really enjoyed this class and Davidson is a very genuinely nice guy. Most definitely more comfortable in an honors setting (~30 students).

4.0
3.0
PSYCH350
Apr 13, 2012

His lectures are pretty boring and confusing but he is the sweetest guy ever! You can get away with not going to class as long as you go to the reviews because he answers all your questions and explains concepts in depth. Review sheets are available before exams and they have most of the information you need on them. I recommend taking this class!

5.0
1.0
PSYCH350
Apr 27, 2012

Great professor. His class was wicked easy and didn't require a lot of attention. If you like psych, you should enjoy this class. I would call it an easy A.

5.0
2.0
PSYCH350
May 2, 2012

Dr. Davidson is a very compassionate professor. He truly cares about the subject and how his students are understanding the material. If you take the time to email him or go to his office hours if you have difficulty, he will help you out a great deal. Read the chapters and you will do fine on the exams.

5.0
1.0
PSYCH350
May 2, 2012

He is a very nice man and a very good teacher. He is very quiet and sometimes hard to hear in lecture however his study guides along with review session make the class quite easy to understand as he holds them himself and explains everything perfectly. I got a's on every test and theres a nice scale that makes this class easy to do well in! take it

5.0
1.0
PSYCH350H
Dec 20, 2012

Davidson is a great professor. He shows a genuine interest in his students and is very willing to help you if you need it. I had no interest in child psych before taking this class, but he made the material interesting and easy to understand. It was an easy A.

5.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Nov 17, 2013

If you need to take Psych241 for your major, take it with Matt. He is SO sweet and really cares about his students. He encourages questions if you don't understand. The material is doable as long as you attend lecture and put in the effort to pay attention. Exams are definitely fair. Take psych241 with him, you won't regret it!

5.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 14, 2013

Take 241 with Davidson! I was apprehensive about taking this course, and he made it easy to get through. The information's very dry but he's well organized and explains things well. Super helpful and there's a nice balance for grading in the course. Just hope for a good TA- around 60% of the class is lab work, 40% is classwork.

5.0
2.0
PSYCH350
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2013

Take this course! Davidson is so nice and sweet. The class is easy- he hands out study guides for the test which is all you need to study. The review sessions are super helpful. Attendance is mandatory due to class assignments. However, you can miss up to three with no penalty. Just mind you that the class is more science based than socially.

5.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Mar 29, 2014

Take this course with Davidson if you can. I failed 241 before but it seems much easier this time around. He goes more slowly and gives examples that make sense to me. He posts the slides before class and gives out study guides that are very helpful. Don't bother with the textbook but you have to go to class for the quizzes and assignments.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Nov 1, 2015

Nice professor, definitely cares about helping students succeed. Psych 241 in general is a boring class, but he tries his best to get people engaged. Overall class sucks but if you do the work and moderately try you can get an A with extra credit/lab grades.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2015

Class is pretty boring but he tries really hard to get students engaged. He assigns iclicker questions randomly in class. Three tests and an optional final. Heavy lab based. Multiple scientific journals and research studies are done. Very easy online homework. Easy to get an A if you put in the work.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jan 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Material gets dry but pay attention in class and you should be okay. Online assignments are fine but just annoying. Lowest grade of 4 exams dropped (final optional). Lab grades and participation and online grades help boost your grade. Exams have MC, short answer, and open ended. Try not to get behind. iClicker for attendance. Explains clearly.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
PSYCH391
Grade: A
Mar 22, 2017
Would take again

Awesome guy, great class. Super dense readings often but he knows that they are dense and meets you half way. Would recommend this class for the 391 Neuro Req. One presentation, couple in class assignments, and out of class readings. Cheers!

2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Davidson is a nice guy, but he doesn't know how to teach a large lecture like Methods. He's very unclear in his teaching and doesn't prepare you well for the exams. The part of this class that saves you is the lab portion, which is worth 50% of your grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B+
Jun 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He seems like a decent guy but class is both painfully boring and irritatingly detailed (which is what makes the tests a bit hard). This class is too much effort for how little you learn- reading and question homeworks, papers for lab, how impossible it is to study for his tests (useless study guides). Survivable, not enjoyable. Hope for a good TA.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Oct 26, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Davidson was very dry and sarcastic to his students. I believe that he meant well, but his 'jokes' always came off as rude. If you do not go to class there is no way you'll understand what he is talking about on the test because the exam questions are presented in the same wording he uses in class. My TA saved my grade and sanity.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A+
Oct 28, 2017
Would take again

Professor Davidson is an extremely caring teacher. The class is well structured and your final grade is not entirely dependent on one facet of the course. The material is dry but Davidson does his best to draw interesting connections to the world. This is not a difficult course by any means - attend class and do the homework and you will get an A.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
1.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Nov 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Davidson is an awful professor. He makes everything ridiculously confusing and assigns a lot of work. He flat out said that he thought the class should be worth five or six credits because of the amount of work that he assigns. Thank god for my TA, she is the only thing that made the class bearable. If it weren't required I would have dropped it.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Nov 14, 2017
Would take again

Davidson is a good professor! I have had no problem with his lectures and the way he teaches, and for me he makes difficult concepts easier to understand. He is very clear on what he wants you to now for exams, and his review sessions before the exams are very helpful. He does use iclicker, for grading, so you do have to show up to lecture.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Davidson teaches a really dry subject, but it's clear he's trying to make it interesting. The lab is worth half of your grade so pay attention in lectures, but really commit time to the lab. There were two homework assignments every week, but they only took half an hour to complete. The tests were exactly like the examples in class so pay attention

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class and professor Davidson are awful. The material is god awful and there are so many assignments. The class and the lab are like two separate classes. The homework assignments are easy but the exams are very challenging. The labs take a long time, but are okay if you have a decent TA. If you work hard, you can get an A.

Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
Tests are tough
2.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Material is very dry and Davidson doesn't engage the class well. The lab component of the course doesn't line up well with the lecture material, and the class is just overall poorly structured. Exams are much harder than they need to be, but ample extra credit is available to boost your overall grade. Get a good TA as they do most of the grading.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
EXTRA CREDIT
Tests are tough
3.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jan 16, 2018
Would take again

This class is pretty tough and the material is very dry but Davidson really does his best to make it interesting. There's a lot of work, which is probably why people give him a tough time in the reviews, but he 's a good professor and will help you if you need it. Make sure you get a good TA though, as the lab doesn't match the lecture AT ALL.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Would take again
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Feb 6, 2018
Would take again

the material is pretty boring but he does his best to make it a little more interesting. he is a nice guy and you can do well in this class is you do the work and pay attention.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Apr 2, 2018
Would take again

I really enjoy this class. Professor Davidson is so kind and helpful and wants you to do well. The exams are based off of examples from class, as well as the homework, and the exam review sessions are SUPER helpful and sometimes he brings his dogs! Although the class material is a bit dry, thanks to the professor I didn't mind it at all.

4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2018
Would take again

not sure why Professor Davidson has such low ratings. The class is extremely easy to do well in because nothing is worth that much. If you do poorly on the exams there is still plenty of room to make up for it. The class itself is pretty boring but Matt is a nice and caring guy. He doesn't go too fast on anything and offers SO much extra credit!

5.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Apr 25, 2018
Would take again

I did not mind this class at all. It was definitely an easy A and exams are only worth 24% of your total grade. As long as you study the homework and go to the review sessions it's not bad. The lab is easy too but just stinks because its an extra 3 hours a week and its not extra credits. We usually get let out early though!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Matt is a good professor. The material would be pretty dry no matter who taught it, so I think he does a good job. There are plenty of assignments so you don't have to do amazing on exams to get a good grade in the class.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

There's so much work to do between homeworks and lab reports so it takes a ton of time out of my week. On that note, nothing is worth that much out of your grade, but if you miss more than 2 classes or labs, you drop a letter grade. Lectures are dry too but its dry material. Don't buy the new lab packet, he posts all the needed material on moodle

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
3.0
PSYCH430
May 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Professor Davidson gave late feedback on assignments/presentations. For the final poster presentation, which is worth 20% of your final grade, he did not give out any kind of rubric. Despite this, he graded posters based on his own interpretation of how we did. His lectures are boring and dry and he does not inspire any interest in the material.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B-
May 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Matt is a really nice guy who gives exams that are very much like the practice exams. I would say study the practice exams like hell. I did and I did very well on the exams. Also DO WELL ON THE LABS, the labs are the only reason I passed the class.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 27, 2018
Would take again

This class is a lot of work. It is not that it is necessarily hard but extremely hard to get through all of the work. Professor however cares a lot about his students. Absolutely go to him for help he cares a lot and is willing to help however he can. Also he holds exam reviews himself which are extremely helpful absolutely go to those.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
Caring
1.0
4.0
PSCYH241
Grade: B-
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

the WORST professor I have ever had. The lecture portion of the class was basically 1-2 quizzes everyday and in-between the quizzing while he was "teaching" he would just ask for class participation on what the answers were. You need to teach yourself the material from the book or you will not do well. The lab portion is pretty much unrelated

2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Dec 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Here's the thing- the class isn't hard, it's just boring. 1 to 2 quizzes each class, online quizzes once a week, a few additional assignments on the side, and lab papers. The lectures are extremely boring and there's a lot of work to do for this class. This professor is kind, but can't teach at all. No exams and no final. Good luck.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A+
Jan 2, 2019
Would take again

This class uses a flipped classroom so a lot of the material you will have to teach yourself. Class time is just used for quizzes every single day which gets rather annoying. The lab portion has papers due every few weeks but most of the lab time is spent working on them so they aren't too terrible. Overall it is a pretty easy A if you do the work.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A+
May 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

EZ A if you follow this: 1. Get a good TA (50% of grade is simple lab work with few stats. A good TA makes your life so much easier) 2. Quizlet is your friend. Look up answers for all online quizzes (there's 10). 3. Show up to class, assignment almost every class, and have a doc on your phone of the current key concepts (10 in-class quizzes).

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B+
May 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The most boring class taught by the most boring man. I didn't pay much attention to his lectures because a lot of it can be common sense but most of it is taken from the textbook. There are vocab quizzes every week and one final, which isn't too bad. There is only one group project at the end of the semester but with a good group its not that bad.

Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B-
Nov 21, 2019
Wouldn't take again

A ineffectual professor. Lecture is drier than saltines and likes to play the "this should be easy by now" card about once a class after mid-semester. Doesn't do a good job helping students understand concepts; usually assumes students have mastered material simply by doing the readings. Typically acts baffled when students don't know an answer.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Dec 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

absolutely horrible class and professor. expects you to teach yourself the entire course through the textbook. gives no clarification in class. ridiculously ineffective quizzes in class. avoid this class at all costs. professor is extremely boring, does not clarify points and just expects you to know everything. one of the worst/most boring yet...

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Dec 22, 2019
Would take again

This class was different from most but was pretty easy once I figured out the blended thing. There is a chapter quiz each week and activities every day but they are straightforward if your prepared. You get to talk to your friends a lot so that can be helpful, as long as someone is prepared. An easy A if you do the work and attend class regularly!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Dec 23, 2019
Would take again

I thought the Prof did a good job making dry material kind of interesting. Some of the examples were cool, imo. I will take activities over lectures any day, even if that means readings on my own. We are in college now and need to be able to learn some stuff on our own. Not the most entertaining class but an easy A if you do your homework!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Dec 23, 2019
Would take again

This class really made me think, rather than just memorize the material, and I liked that the activities were rolling assignments we worked through together. The Prof did a good job of covering key concepts and designs and was available for help whenever I needed it. There is a lot of support to do well in this course, you just need to use it.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

WORST. PROFESSOR. EVER.

Participation matters
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
PSYCH430
Grade: A
Apr 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I had him for Research Methods too, as every Psych major must, and he's is my least favorite professor by far. Beneath his veneer as a caring professor is a passive-aggressive man who looks down on you when you aren't following along in class/don't understand something. He grades harshly, and subjectively too. Overall if you can avoid him do it.

Tough grader
3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Apr 26, 2020
Would take again

Based on the date of the first comment I am confident this is from the student who was caught cheating three times before Feb 28th. They were turning in fake Dr. notes and other BS that required a charge be filed. Clear violations of the academic honesty policy require responses from faculty, or the policies will become worthless in the end.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Apr 26, 2020
Would take again

I genuinely do care about all my students. In addition to wanting you to do well, I care that you pay attention, that you follow instructions, and that you submit a complete assignment in a 400 level course. Also, I care that you ask questions when you have them rather than wasting time and getting frustrated. We will all be happier that way.

4.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B
May 1, 2020
Would take again

He's a nice guy, but soo monotone so drink your coffee first. Chances are you're a psych major who has to take this, but it'll be ok just make sure you do the reading quizzes!

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

As everyone else has said, this class is very boring and the material is dry. However, as long as you do the weekly homework, are at least somewhat present during the in-class quizzes -just look at the learning outcome sheet-, and spend more than 30 minutes on each of the 3 labs you should get an A. Lots of SONA credits and only one exam, the final

2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
May 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Unfortunately I had no choice but to take this class with Davidson because its a requirement but oh my lord if this isn't the most boring class and most dry monotonous lectures I've ever had... The course is ok itself but the delivery made it painful and the opposite of beneficial to a learning experience

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jun 6, 2020
Would take again

The textbook was mostly useless. It looks like so much reading but all you need to do is copy the important terms and read the highlighted parts (its online). There are in class activities every day that you need to do. Lectures are VERY boring, but its just because the material sucks. The class isn't hard if you just push through it.

Respected
Participation matters
Caring
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Apr 12, 2021
Would take again

I really enjoyed having Davidson for PSYCH 241! As a lot of comments have mentioned, research methods material will probably be boring no matter who teaches it. However, I found the lectures quite interesting because he clearly made an effort to add something more to them. He's also very understanding and willing to help. :)

Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
PSYCH241
Nov 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Overall the class itself was really hard, especially because his lectures and slides were all over the place. He was frequently really passive aggressive, especially over emails, which made me hesitate to contact him if I needed him in the class. This made the class really difficult.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Dec 2, 2021
Would take again

Prof Davidson is the kindest, most genuine man. If you are a hard worker who attends classes, takes VERY GOOD notes, and prepares for exams in advance - you will ace this class. He makes stats pretty interesting, is accessible, and explains the material so well. Only two exams and he is a very very fair grader. Definitely a must take !

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 2, 2021
Would take again

This class was okay. Not hard but not easy either. you are only graded on in class activities which are graded for completion, midterm and final. The material is boring but you need to watch the lectures to pass. Lectures are recorded and posted so there is no mandatory attendance. He offers SONA extra credit

Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
5.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A-
Dec 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Prof Davidson is definitely a very sweet and caring person, even if the lectures are not the most engaging. Most of the work from this class is done in the lab which is a lot of coding assignments and lab reports. Honestly not my favorite class but it's a requirement for psych majors, as long as you pay attention in lectures the tests aren't awful.

3.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B+
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

READ THE TEXTBOOK BEFORE CLASS. I think it's an awful class until I realize I didn't listen to him when he said read chapters beforehand. It makes a difference. If you're good at statistics you'll breeze through it, if not it'll be a challenge. The lectures are kind of confusing, but again the textbook really clears it up. Do the exam study guides!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
1.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I did not learn a single thing in this class, he reads everything right off the slides. Also you're really on your own learning the material because the only assignments you ever get are through lab sections, he never assigns work for the actual lecture and never makes sure his students understand the material, there are also ONLY 2 exams.

4.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2023
Would take again

Matt Davidson is such a nice guy.! Go to lecture, take good notes, and read the textbook (not that much at all) and you will be completely fine. Also go to lab and do the HW ** before ** your next lab and it is super manageable. 3 projects, in-class activities every week, exams can be a little hard but there is only 2. Overall not a bad class.

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
May 5, 2023
Would take again

Incredibly boring and material is very dry. Professor trys his best. DO SONA CREDIT! 2 exams and a cumulative final that are open note but pretty hard. The lab section is hard if you don't know how to use R Studio and if you have a bad TA its really rough. Just make it through the class. Important to take notes on everything and read the book.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 17, 2023

The content in this class is dry. Matt does his best but, it was hard to stay engaged. You are graded on in-class activities, three exams (2 of 3 scores kept) and lab reports/worksheets. Read the textbook and take notes according to the study guide. Attend lab to stay on track. The TAs are decent. Just an average class that you gotta get through.

Caring
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
May 18, 2023
Would take again

The material is dry and tedious. The lectures are somewhat helpful but can be hard to follow. My biggest advice is to read the textbook for each chapter, it's the quickest way to learn this stuff. 2 tests, optional final, in class assignments, and lab work. Lab work can be a lot but the TAs are helpful.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A-
May 23, 2023
Would take again

He seems like a kind guy, but the material is boring. I never went to class except on in-class assignment days, and I still did fine. Exams are open note and on Moodle, quick work. Attendance at lab sections is extremely important because they help you do your worksheets which are a big part of your grade. Read the book it's very helpful.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 30, 2023
Would take again

Exams are harder than lecture content, but are open note and online in class. 1/3 exams and 1/7 hws are dropped. Pay attention in labs, TAs go over how to do the hw and you pick it up quickly. In class assignments can also be done over zoom + some are dropped. This class is definitely more work than it is difficult, so just stay on top of lab hw!

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jun 2, 2023
Would take again

Davidson is a nice guy, outlines stuff really well and always finds ways to help students. The material for the class is really boring, and lectures can sometimes be difficult to take notes for. There are multiple projects completed in the Lab section, be ready to use R a lot. Do the study guides for the exams, very useful

Get ready to read
So many papers
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jun 2, 2023

In all honesty, Matt may be the least engaging professor at the school. I could not bring myself to pay attention to any aspect of what we learned in lecture. Learned far more in the lab component than anything else. SONA credits can boost your grade by 4%, so do that! Exams were online for our sem, which made things nicer, but be wary.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
4.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jun 3, 2023

Prof davidson is a very nice person, but his teaching is not that great. His lectures are very hard to follow and you never really know whats going to be on the test, he just kinda throws in a mix of everything that was even mentioned or could have been mentioned. The labs are very hit or miss depending on your TA.

Get ready to read
3.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Jun 20, 2023
Would take again

This class was pretty boring but it was the fault of the material not the prof. He was a nice guy who was very accommodating throughout the semester, and gave everyone the tools to succeed in the class. Not the most engaging lectures, and his tests didn't always seem to lineup with what was discussed in class, but a solid professor.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
2.0
4.0
PSCYH241
Grade: B+
Jan 11, 2024

Davidson is a nice person, but not a great lecturer. He is very disorganized with his lecture material which makes studying difficult. He's also not very good at answering student's questions about the material. Read the textbook for exams. Labs are incredibly useful because you gain practice in coding, data analysis, and scientific writing.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2024

Matt is not an end all professor, you'll survive this class, but his organization is bad. Moodle page is hard to navigate, unclear due dates, labs can be hit or miss depending on the TA. Exams are open notes, but 50 questions with 50 minutes. Lectures are dry. Attendance is not mandatory but he does zooms ONLY on friday for in class activities.

Test heavy
4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2024
Would take again

Really nice guy, just happens to teach a boring class no one cares about. He sometimes notices that fact and gets understandably frustrated. Really he wants to see students succeed, even gave me opportunity for points back after not doing surveys that were worth 10 exam points. I love his meditations before lecture, helps me adjust to ILC commute.

Caring
2.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A+
May 10, 2024

Matt is a very nice guy, but it is just so hard to stay engaged in lecture. The tests often times have very random questions, but there is lots of opportunity to get points and extra credit elsewhere. Unfortunately, I don't feel like I really learned anything in this class.

Caring
3.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 15, 2024
Would take again

This class is boring content wise but SO EASY TO PASS. Literally attending and participating gives you EC, you get EC for showing up to lab section (you're going to want to) R STUDIO IS HORRIBLE FOR LAB DATA. 3 reports for lab, 2/3 exams counted. literally everything else is EC for the class plus up to 4% from SONA EC. Exams take home except final.

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
May 23, 2024

I got a 50 and an 80 on the two exams, didn't take the final and i got an A. He gives out so much extra credit. Very nice man, go to labs, read textbook, hand things in on time and you're good. The material is just a little dull that it is hard to pay attention.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
1.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
May 24, 2024

Psych 241 is a very easy class. I barely paid attention in lecture and got an A easily. The course is mostly centered around the lab, so attending lab is important. Online exams were 50 questions in 60 minutes, which was a time crunch, but Matt gives a lot of extra credit so things even out. The material is rather monotonous but not hard.

EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
2.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A+
Jun 7, 2024
Would take again

The lecture itself was not needed, he does a participation activity every friday so don't miss class that day. He offers a LOT of extra credit, which is also great. The discussion was the hardest part. GO!! I had Erica and she was amazing, I heard other TAs can be harder. But most of your grade is from the work done in the discussion.

EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
PSCYH241
Grade: C
Jun 12, 2024
Would take again

Lab is where you use R studio and you get extra credit for going. My ta's were EXTREMELY helpful for using R. Lecture was important esp for exams. If you hated psych 240 then good luck. I was so thankful to get a C but definitely should have gone to more lectures. Def do SONA for extra credit too! Also has extra credit with weekly review sheets.

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A-
Sep 13, 2024
Would take again

Nice guy, sounds like Winnie the Pooh, just happens to teach boring content. He was responsive to feedback & gave many extra credit opportunities, if you put in the effort you'll get an A. My TA would often not let us know an assignment was due until the day of...Take good notes bc the tests are long & timed & hope you have a good TA.. good luck

Clear grading criteria
Caring
1.0
5.0
PSCYH241
Dec 2, 2024

This professor was extremely rude to me. When I reached out with a question he responded with, and I quote, "Next time do some research before reaching out to me". Overall, extremely condescending and disrespectful. I am very interested in this class content but I would never take another course with this professor.

4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

Very sweet guy, allotted 5 minutes of meditation time before class. Class material is super boring but it's not his fault. Pretty open communicator. Moodle was a mess though and the lab is annoying. Some tricky multiple choice questions on exams but overall not too bad.

5.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 7, 2025
Would take again

Nicest guy ever you can tell he really cares about his students and he loves what he does

5.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Apr 30, 2025
Would take again

I didn't do well on the first exam, but I barely studied and tried relying on it being open-book. I upped my grade with EC (based on the free + online textbook) and SONA (8 credits that add 4 points to final grade). Davidson is caring and sweet. The lectures can be a little boring. Office hours will help with R Studio assignments.

EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
Caring
4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 2, 2025
Would take again

He is really nice and cares about what he is teaching. But the lectures are so boring. They are so repetitive and you probably know more than half the material before taking the class. Exams are open note but your notes won't really help you. In class activity once a week. The projects are the only fun part but it's a pretty easy class.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 10, 2025
Would take again

He clearly cares and enjoys the material he teaches but lectures can become extremely boring at times. Exams are open note but won't help if you don't study well beforehand. Very straightforward course structure, with extra credit such as SONA (up to 4% increase on your final grade and prep guides). Also hope you get a good graduate TA for lab.

EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
3.0
PSCYH241
Grade: A
May 22, 2025

He's a nice person, but the class is poorly structured. Lectures are boring, very little guidance in lab on R Studio assignments, and exams are randomly difficult even though they're open-note. Many extra credit opportunities, if you do them you'll get an A, but this class is way harder than it needed to be. Would not take another class with him

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
4.0
2.0
PSYCH241
Grade: A
May 23, 2025
Would take again

Attendance is EC in lab + optional for lecture, exams are open note + online in person. Preparation guides every week for extra credit, so do those to help prepare for exams! Matt is sometimes disorganized on canvas as well, as he posts rubrics last minute and is constantly regrading many assignments. Caring, & wants students to succeed. EASY A.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

62%

Textbook Required

13%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 57 grades
Most common grades:
A (39)
A+ (5)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(44)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 63 reported grades
A: 39
A+: 5
Not sure yet: 4
B+: 4
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (21)
EXTRA CREDIT (20)
Get ready to read (13)
Caring (12)
Participation matters (11)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Lecture heavy (9)
Clear grading criteria (8)
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