Catalog 2008-2009

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Division of Social Sciences

Professor Jacqueline E. Muir-Broaddus, PhD, Chair
Professor Traci Giuliano, PhD
Professor Jesse E. Purdy, PhD
Associate Professor Bryan D. Neighbors, PhD
Assistant Professor Paula Desmond, PhD
Assistant Professor Fay Guarraci, PhD
Visiting Instructor Kevin Woo, MS
Professor George Hampton, PhD (part-time)
Professor Steven Schapiro, PhD (part-time)

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mind. In this view, behavior refers to the observable actions of an individual person or animal and mind refers to an individual’s sensations, perceptions, memories, thoughts, motivations and emotions. The Psychology program emphasizes the position that psychology is first a science and then a profession and provides students with a broad background in psychology. The Psychology program prepares the student for graduate school in all areas of psychology, including biopsychology, child psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, comparative psychology, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, neuroscience, personality, social psychology and school psychology. Students not wishing to pursue graduate study in psychology will find the major to be useful preparation for other professional programs, such as law, medicine, and social work, and for careers in human services and related fields. The Psychology program is housed in the F.W. Olin Building, which has excellent facilities for conducting research with humans and animals, including state-of-the-art aquatic animal and neuroscience research laboratories and an excellent classroom laboratory.

Students may choose to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Psychology by completing the requirements specified in the catalog under “University Degrees.”

Major in Psychology (BA or BS): 35 semester hours, including Psychology 33-103, 204, 214, 433; four from 33-223, 233, 423, 443, 453, 463, 553; either six semester hours of research from 33-823, 833, 843, 853, 863, 873 or six semester hours of internship from 33-943, 946 (Capstone); three additional semester hours in Psychology.

Required supporting course in the major: Mathematics 52-113.

Minor in Psychology: 18 semester hours, including Psychology 33-103; 15 additional hours in Psychology, at least 12 hours of which must be above the introductory level.

NOTE: A minimum grade of C must be earned in any course for it to count as a prerequisite for a subsequent Psychology course.


Psychology (PSY)

33-103PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY. Students will be introduced to the methods and findings of both classic and current psychological research, as well as to the practical applications of this work. Emphasis is placed on acquiring a foundation of knowledge and critical skills that are necessary to evaluate psychological research. (Each semester) (ScS)
33-111INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. This course will introduce students to the major in Animal Behavior through reading, lecture and discussion of a wide range of topics related to the scientific study of animal behavior. Faculty members in the Animal Behavior program will present their various programs of research and students will read primary literature related to these presentations. Discussion will focus on these areas of research as well as the field of animal behavior. Must be taken P/D/F.
33-204RESEARCH METHODS I. This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence designed to teach the basic concepts of research methods used in the study of psychology. Its goals are to help students think critically in approaching problems, to provide hands-on experience with a variety of methodological techniques, to train students to analyze and interpret the results of a research study, and to enable students to communicate research findings to an audience of psychologists. Emphasis is placed on non-experimental research designs and the statistical analyses of those designs. Discussed are the methods of science used in observational and field research, archival research, and survey/correlational research. In addition, students are introduced to writing and presenting results according to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-103 and Mathematics 52-113. (Fall)
33-214RESEARCH METHODS II. This course is the second part of a two-semester sequence designed to teach the basic concepts of research methods used in the study of psychology. Its goals are to help students think critically in approaching problems, to provide hands-on experience with a variety of methodological techniques, to train students to analyze and interpret the results of a research study, and to enable students to communicate research findings to an audience of psychologists. Emphasis is placed on experimental research designs and statistical analyses of those designs. Discussed are the procedures used in between, within, and mixed designs with single and multiple factors. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204. Students will take the same instructor for both Research Methods I and II. (Spring)
33-223DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY. Developmental Psychology is a theory and research-based overview of the many ways in which nature and nurture combine to produce developmental outcomes in the biological, cognitive, intellectual, personality and social domains, with a focus on the childhood and adolescent years. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-103. (Each semester)
33-233PERSONALITY THEORY AND RESEARCH. A survey course that provides an overview of the major personality theories and the methods used in personality research. Included are type theories, trait theories and dynamic theories. The emphasis is on examination and evaluation of the experimental evidence pertinent to each theory. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-103. (Spring)
33-243PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING. A study of the statistical principles which underlie test construction and psychological evaluation and the most commonly utilized psychological tests (e.g., intelligence, personality). Each student has an opportunity to work with a group to develop and evaluate a psychological test, and to prepare and present a report on the process. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-103. Mathematics 52-113 recommended. (Spring)
33-253ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. See Biology 50-213. (NSL)
33-333EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY. An examination of psychology’s contributions to educational practice. Topics include intellectual and academic assessment principles and instruments, the application of theories of learning and cognitive development to instruction, theories of problem formation and resolution, and the recognition and handling of selected psychological challenges. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-223 and admission to Teacher Certification Program, or permission of instructor. Also Education 40-333. (Fall)
33-363EXOTIC SENSORY SYSTEMS. This course explores Von Uexkull’s concept of the Umwelt, or self-world, a domain defined not only by an animal’s perceptual capacities but also by its action systems. The course will examine different selfworlds from the perspectives of different species and consider how organism-environment interactions produce their sensory and perceptual worlds. Topics of interest include the biosonar capabilities of bats and dolphins, magnetoreceptors in birds, fish, and reptiles, electroreception in fish, and chemical communication through pheromones. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and students from diverse majors are encouraged to enroll. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-103. (Spring)
33-373FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY. This course focuses on the application of psychological knowledge in the civil and criminal justice systems. As a seminar course with emphasis on critical discussion and student presentations, it will include an exploration of the role that psychologists play in the courtroom (e.g. case preparation, jury selection) and in criminal investigation (e.g. profiling, interrogations). Emphasis will also be placed on the role of psychologists in evaluating various “states of mind” or “behavioral dispositions” which bear on judicial process, such as competency (to stand trial), insanity (defense), dangerousness (involuntary commitment), and criminally relevant forms of psychopathology (e.g. psychopathy, sexual deviance). (May term)
33-383HUMAN SEXUALITY. This course is an introduction to the psychology of human sexuality. It covers a broad range of topics, including male and female physiology, sexual orientation, sexual expression and variation, sexual difficulties, birth control, reproduction, prostitution, pornography and many others. The primary goal of this course is for students to develop a greater understanding of their own sexuality and the sexuality of others, as well as to become more knowledgeable about the topic of sex. Decisions and choices related to human sexuality affect people throughout their entire lives. The idea of this course is that the more knowledgeable and comfortable people are with these issues, the better able they will be to make informed decisions that reflect their own moral values, whatever those may be. (May term) (ScS)
33-393PSYCHOTHERAPY: THEORIES AND METHODS. This seminar will explore the process of treating mental health problems known as psychotherapy. Predominant focus will be on understanding how major theoretical systems in psychology (e.g., psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioral) translate into therapeutic techniques and how these techniques are carried out by therapists. Critical underlying issues will also be explored (e.g., the foundation of empiricism, ethical standards of care, the therapeutic alliance), as will different manifestations of psychotherapy (e.g., individual, marital, family, child). The professional landscape of the mental health field will also be investigated to provide students with information regarding the variety of degree programs, specializations, and career opportunities available. Although this is not a skills based course, the focus on the mechanics of conducting psychotherapy and on professional opportunities offers students a foundation with which to pursue careers in mental health. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-233. Psychology 33-423 recommended. (Spring)
33-423ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY. An overview of the field of clinical psychology that involves the scientific study of mental illness (psychopathology). The focus is on an empirically grounded examination of the symptomatic presentation, classification and cause of a broad range of psychological disorders. Methods used in the field to assess, treat and conduct research on the disorders will also be studied. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-214. Psychology 33-233 recommended. (Fall)
33-433BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE. An introduction to the neurosciences with an emphasis on the techniques used to study the neurobiological basis of behavior. The anatomy and function of the nervous system is a primary focus of the course and specific topics include how the nervous system mediates perception, emotions, thoughts, learning and memory processes. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204. (Spring)
33-443COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY. Cognitive Psychology is the scientific study of the mechanisms and processes involved in the acquisition and use of knowledge. The structure and function of working memory and long term memory are central to cognition, and hence are the primary focuses of the course. Other topics include a brief history of cognitive psychology, major theories of cognition and cognitive development and the effects of culture on cognition. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204. (Spring)
33-453PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING. Study of the traditional areas of learning psychology, including current theoretical and research considerations of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, aversive control of behavior and discrimination learning. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-214. (Fall)
33-463SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. An introduction to the field of social psychology, which is the scientific study of how the thoughts, feelings and actions of a person are influenced by other people and by social situations. Topics include the self, attitudes and attitude change, group behavior, prejudice and discrimination, prosocial behavior, conformity, relationships and emotion, among others. The focus is on historical development of these topics as well as on current research and theory in these areas. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204. (Spring)
33-543HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY. This course will introduce students to the field of health psychology, which is the application of psychological principles in understanding how the mind, body, and behavior interact in health and illness. Emphasis will be placed on the biopsychosocial model which considers the role of biological, psychological and social factors in health and illness. Topics of interest include health promotion and primary prevention of illness, stress and coping, pain management, and a variety of behavior-related medical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, eating disorders). Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204.
33-553HUMAN FACTORS. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of human factors, which is the scientific study of the role of human perceptual and cognitive capabilities and limitations in the design of consumer products, workplaces, and other systems. The primary goal of this course is to train students in the application of perceptual and cognitive theories to diverse systems. The course will address human-system interaction in both simple and complex task environments. Emphasis will be placed on familiarizing students with methodologies that are utilized in human factors research. Topics of interest include safety and accident prevention, stress and workload, human-computer interaction, and transportation human factors.
33-823RESEARCH IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY. Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning applied psychology. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Fall)
33-833RESEARCH IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE. Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning neuroscience. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-433 and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Spring)
33-843RESEARCH IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY. Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning clinical psychology. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-423 and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Fall)
33-853RESEARCH IN COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY. Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning animal learning and animal behavior. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-433 or 453, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Fall, Spring)
33-863RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL/COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY. Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning developmental and cognitive psychology. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 and 33-223 or 443, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Fall)
33-873RESEARCH IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. Laboratory or field based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning social psychology. Students work directly with a given faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-463 and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. (Fall)
33-001, 002, 003, 004SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
33-301, 302, 303, 304SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
33-901, 902, 903, 904TUTORIAL.
33-941, 942–944, 946ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. Field placement in an approved setting. Students are expected to complete 120 hours (33-943) or 240 hours (33-946) of supervised experience. All internships require certain prerequisites and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experience. Must be taken Pass/D/F (Spring or Summer)
33-951, 952, 953, 954INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.
33-983HONORS. By invitation only.