Research Methods I (33-203)
This course will focus on research methodology and data analysis used in psychological research. In the first few weeks of the course, you will be introduced to research design and experimental methods through lectures and demonstrations. In the second part of the course, you will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge in two group research projects, one involving human participants and one involving animal subjects. Please note that if you take Research Methods I in the fall you MUST take the second part of this course (Research Methods II) THIS Spring (2007) in order to satisfy the Methods Requirement for the Major. Research Methods I will cover the basics of APA style and correlational research methods. Research Methods II will cover experimental research methods and will involve one large research project working with animals.
Research Methods II (33-213)
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.
Principles of Psychology (+33-103)
An introduction to the many and diverse topics that fall within the broad domain of psychology. Students will be exposed 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.
Behavioral Neuroscience (33-463)
A detailed study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Study of current research concerning pain and pain relief systems, motivation, emotion, learning and memory, and the physiological bases for certain mental disorders. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-203.
Human Sexuality (33-303)
This course is an introduction to the psychology of human sexuality. It is broad in scope and will cover a variety of topics dealing with human sexuality, including male and female physiology, sexual orientation, sexual expression and variation, sexual difficulties, birth control, reproduction, prostitution, pornography, and many others. Note that many of the topics are often considered "controversial" or "taboo" for public discussion, and you will also be exposed to sexually explicit language, films, and other material. All topics will be approached in a mature manner (see “Atmosphere” section), but if you are easily offended by issues of this nature, this may not be the course for you. Previewing the textbook will give you a more complete idea of the nature of this course. This course is team taught by Dr. Guarraci and Dr. Giuliano.
Research in Behavioral Neuroscience (33-883)
This course is designed to be a hands-on laboratory-based experience, in which students work--with my help and supervision--on a substantive research project. The major goals of this course are to increase the depth of your knowledge about a specific content area within the discipline of Behavioral Neuroscience and to develop and sharpen your research skills by applying some of the principles gleaned from Research Methods, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Statistics, among other relevant courses. This experience should successfully prepare you for further independent research, such as that required for an honor’s thesis or for graduate work in behavioral neuroscience.
