Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and of underlying mental and physiological processes. Students are introduced to the goals of psychological science, the nature of scientific thinking, and the scientific methods psychologists use to study, explain, and predict animal and human behavior. A variety of content areas are discussed. Students apply their knowledge in weekly laboratory activities with animals and human participants, using various scientific methods. Lecture/laboratory [NS]
An introduction to basic research design, measurement, and the use of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychological research. Topics include correlation, regression, reliability, validity, hypothesis testing, nonparametric techniques, and inferential statistics such as t-tests and analysis of variance. SPSS or JASP is utilized in a computer component of the course and APA Style reporting of statistical results is covered.
An introduction to research methods used to conduct empirical studies in psychology. Students learn how psychological research is designed and conducted, data are analyzed, and findings are reported in APA Style. Students read professional journal articles of psychological research, developing skills necessary to draw critical conclusions and design research studies. SPSS or JASP is utilized in the laboratory component of the course. Lecture/Laboratory [Q]
How do people learn another language? The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to a vibrant and expanding branch of language science and, more generally, to cognitive science as it relates to the study of second language acquisition. This course is designed for those interested in theories and processes of language learning or for those seeking a career in language teaching. [SS, W]
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in organizations, especially work organizations. Course topics include the historical development of I-O psychology, relevant research methods and statistics, the impact of legal and judicial decisions, job analysis and evaluation, employee selection, performance appraisal, training and development, organizational socialization, motivation, job satisfaction and employee attitudes, organizational stress, leadership, power and politics, group processes, and organizational theory, culture, structure, and change.
This course introduces students to the field of psychology that examines the influence of culture upon human behavior, cognitive processes, and/or affective experience. We will focus on such topics as cultural factors in communication (verbal, nonverbal), personality and identity, gender roles, health (mental and physical), parenting, and/or group dynamics. [GM1, GM2]
Physiological Psychology is the branch of neuroscience concerned with the physiological mechanisms that govern behavior. It is an interface between neuroscience and psychology which is directed toward understanding how the structure and function of the brain (neuroscience) relates to behavior, thought, and emotion (psychology). In this introductory course we will examine the anatomy and physiology which underlies behavior. Students my not earn credit for both NEUR 201 and PSYC 223.
This course examines the neurological, physiological, and psychological effects of psychoactive drugs, such as sedatives, stimulants, opiates, antidepressants, alcohol, and hallucinogens. The use of psychoactive drugs in treating mental disorders such as schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness is also explored.
This course uses a biopsychosocial perspective to examine theories of development from the prenatal stage of development to late life. We will examine processes underlying physical, cognitive, neurological, social and personality development over the lifespan. Classic and current research is highlighted to show how evidence is generated in developmental science. Practical application is emphasized.
Personality refers to an individual's consistent patterns of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This survey course examines different theories regarding how each person becomes unique, including biological, trait, psychodynamic, humanistic, learning, and cognitive perspectives. Personality research and personality assessment also are discussed.
This course examines current practices in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and explores theories about the causes of these disorders. Major psychological disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and schizophrenia are evaluated in light of the latest research findings.
The psychological bases of social phenomena in individuals and groups. Topics include theory and methods, social perception, attitudes, prejudice and discrimination, leadership, aggression, small groups, attraction and love.
This course examines some of the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and client-centered therapy. Students are involved with both conceptual and practical aspects of each approach.
This course examines the role of psychology in all aspects of health care. Students study and discuss such issues as the use of psychological methods in preventive medicine and treatment; research methods for examining and improving interpersonal relationships within the health care setting; and the role of psychology in health care delivery.
This course introduces students to the theory and research underlying instructional practice. Topics include cognitive and behavioral approaches to learning, components of effective teaching, classroom motivation, measurement and testing issues, and consideration of individual differences.
This course is an introduction to cognitive psychology - the study of how humans process (i.e., acquire, store, and use) information. Topics include perception, attention, memory, imagery, problem solving, expertise and other processes that allow us to function in the world. This course will provide you with a survey of the phenomena and theories of human cognition through an exploration of past and present research within the field.
This course offers an overview of the psychology of families. The primary goal of this course is to step beyond our personal experiences and place families within a broader social, historical, and cultural context. This class will primarily take a psychological science perspective in understanding family function; however, multi-disciplinary perspectives will be incorporated throughout the semester with a focus on diversity in American families.
This special topic course offers an overview of the psychology of families. The primary goal of this course is to step beyond our personal experiences and place families within a broader social, historical, and cultural context. This class will primarily take a psychological science perspective in understanding family function; however, multi-disciplinary perspectives will be incorporated throughout the semester with a focus on diversity in American families.
This course explores the world of human sport performance from a psychological perspective. The course serves as an introduction to the fundamental foundations of sport psychology theory and practice, examining topics such as motivation, team dynamics, the anxiety-performance relationship, leadership, personality, and techniques for mental performance enhancement.
Human psychology shapes technology and in turn is shaped by technology. PSYC 271: Psychology of Humans & Technology examines this reciprocal relationship from the disciplinary perspective of psychological science. The course surveys past, contemporary, and emerging technologies, with a focus on their relationships to human psychology. Topics include tools and cognition, psychology of entrepreneurs and engineers, and psychology of online behaviors and social media, as well as the psychology of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and human-robot interaction.
This course focuses on theory and application in the areas of measurement, research design, and statistical analysis and interpretation. Topics include coverage of selected multivariate techniques (e.g., multiple regression, discriminant analysis, factor analysis), measurement theory, and meta- analytic techniques. Emphasis is on developing the necessary skills for success as an independent researcher. Lecture/laboratory. [NS, W]
This course examines Pavlovian and operant relations involved in behavior change (in an evolutionary context) and how these factors continue to be discovered in animal and human experimental work. Lectures set the stage for a series of experiments conducted during laboratory sessions, and class discussions of additional readings and experimental work will cover research design issues, data analytic techniques, and written presentation of experimental findings. Lecture/laboratory. [NS, W]
Perception examines human sensory and perceptual systems in detail. The course covers: 1) the historical foundations and philosophical significance of the study of perception; 2) contemporary research methods in perception; 3) the types of physical stimuli sensed by humans and the physiology of sensory systems; 4) the role of perception in psychological science, especially with respect to the organization and assimilation of information from the senses; and 5) practical applications of knowledge about human perception. [NS, W]
This advanced course examines the neural, hormonal, and physiological bases of animal and human behavior. Physiological aspects of such topics as language, learning and memory, feeding, sexual behavior, emotions, sleep, and neurological disorders are covered. In the laboratory, students will conduct discovery-oriented research utilizing a variety of techniques employed by physiological psychologists and neuroscientists. [NS, W]
This advanced course examines how social psychologists conduct research. Students read and critique primary sources on such topics as altruism and compliance. In the laboratory component, students conduct research projects illustrating various social psychological methods. Lecture/ laboratory. [NS, W]
This advanced course focuses on development during childhood, youth and/or adulthood. The laboratory component focuses on current theoretical models, recent research, and assessment and analytic methods in relation to a range of course-relevant topics. Students conduct research projects related to the topics under study in laboratory or field settings. [NS, W]
This advanced course studies the research methods clinical psychologists use to ethically and effectively assess, research, and treat psychological diagnoses. In the laboratory component, students will both learn about the kinds of research questions and analyze the kinds of data that clinical scientists and practitioners do. Specific topics may include psychosocial treatment development, factors that define an empirically supported treatment, common research strategies and data analytic techniques, current research trends, and ethical considerations in clinical psychology research. Lecture/Laboratory. [NS, W]
This advanced course will cover issues in a sub discipline of cognition (e.g., perception, memory, or language). Theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects of the subject will be examined, including how researchers ask and experimentally answer questions using behavioral, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging approaches. In the laboratory component, students conduct empirical research projects further exploring these topics. [NS, W]
This advanced course provides an overview of the role of psychology in the design of the systems with which humans interact. The course examines how knowledge of the psychological capabilities, limitations, and preferences of humans can be used in design and practical applications to increase the efficiency, usability, and desirability of systems and decrease human errors, accidents, and annoyance. The laboratory component provides hands-on practice with human factors methods. Lecture/Lab. (Formerly PSYC 226) [NS, W]
This course takes a bio-psychosocial approach to understanding the symptomatology, etiology, and treatment of unipolar depression and bipolar disorders. Current controversies and topics of interest in the field are emphasized. Recent studies highlighting novel, cutting-edge research and treatment paradigms are discussed. Key topics such as comorbidity, diversity and cultural considerations, and suicide are explored.
An experientially based course in which students apply their knowledge from academic course work to a field setting and explore research relevant to their field activities. The internship site matches the student's interest (e.g., human service agency; personnel department, etc.). Field supervision/seminar. [W]
In this advanced course, students learn about topics related to health-focused psychology research in community settings. Topics include the creation and evaluation of community-based programs and interventions, dissemination and implementation science, and mixed methods research. Students will discuss and evaluate peer-reviewed research on a range of health-related topics. In the laboratory component, students engage in a community-based research project focused on health psychology. Lecture/lab. [NS, W]
A seminar devoted to a subject of interest to students and faculty. Announcement of the proposed subject is made before the registration period each semester. Open to psychology majors or by permission of instructor.
An opportunity for students to pursue a topic of choice with the guidance of a faculty member. Students examine the topic for one or two semesters. The work includes reading primary and secondary sources and culminates in paper of distinguished quality. Students are limited to one of PSYC 391-392, PSYC 395-396, PSYC 491-492, or PSYC 495-496 in a given semester. [W]
This seminar course serves as the capstone for the Psychology major. It will examine the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of a specific topic within the discipline of psychology from a wide range of perspectives, building on the student's experiences in prior courses. The specific topic will vary by instructor, but will include similar activities such as reading and discussion of primary sources as well as writing and presenting original research. [W]
An opportunity for students to engage in an empirical study with the guidance of a faculty member. Students undertake a research project in an area of choice designed for one or two semesters. The work culminates in a data-based paper of distinguished quality. Students are limited to one of PSYC 391-392, PSYC 395-396, PSYC 491-492, or PSYC 495-496 in a given semester. [W]
An opportunity for students to engage in an empirical study with the guidance of a faculty member. Students undertake a research project in an area of choice designed for two semesters. Students are expected to ask a novel question of existing data or collect novel data to address a questions of interest. The first semester culminates in a proposal of distinguished quality; the second semester culminates in a data-based paper of distinguished quality. Students are limited to one of PSYC 391-392, PSYC 491-492, or PSYC 495-496 in a given semester. [One W credit only upon completion of both 495 and 496]