Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychological Science Department
|
|
Chair: Susan Trumbetta;
Professors: Abigail A. Bairda, Randolph R. Cornelius, Kevin Holloway, Susan Trumbetta, Michele Tugade, Debra Zeifman (and Dean of Studies);
Associate Professors: John Mark Cleavelandab, Allan D. Clifton, Dara N. Greenwood, Jannay Morrowa, Carolyn F. Palmerb;
Assistant Professor: Hadley Bergstrom, Lori Newmana, Bojana Zupan;
Lecturers: Nicholas A. de Leeuw, Julie A. Riess (and Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School).
a On leave 2019/20, first semester
b On leave 2019/20, second semester
ab On leave 2019/20
Advisers: The department.
Major
Psychological Science: I. Introductory
-
PSYC 105 - Introduction to Psychological Science Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental psychological processes, their nature and development, and contemporary methods for their study through a survey of the major research areas in the field. Areas covered include the biological and evolutionary bases of thought and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning, memory, thinking, personality, developmental, and social psychology. Some sections of this course are taught as a traditional introductory survey. Other sections may take a more topical focus to their survey. In all sections, students are expected to participate in three hours of psychological research during the semester. The Department.
Topic for 2019/20a: Saving the planet: What’s Psyc got to do with it? This topical Introduction to Psychological Science focuses on climate change. It covers all of the topics of an introductory survey course, examining many of them through the lens of humans’ relationships with their environments, broadly construed. We apply the tools of evidence-based reasoning to identify facts and misinformation in climate change narratives. As we consider the genetic and physiological scaffolding of human and non-human behavior, we focus on organisms’ adaptations to and effects on their environments. We examine the role of the natural environment in physical and mental health and consider how insights from Psychological Science may inform individual and collective behaviors that support a sustainable environment. Sue Trumbetta.
Topic for 2019/20b: Sex on the Brain: The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the science of psychology via an exploration of contemporary research and theory on sex and sexuality. Special attention is devoted to scientific methodology in the study of sex and sexuality in order to give you a solid understanding of how psychologists and other scientists conduct their research and build theories about phenomena associated with sex.
Please note: This is not a human sexuality course; it is a psychology course that uses the study of human sexuality to introduce you to psychology. You leave the course not only with an understanding of the physiological, evolutionary, learning, developmental, personality and social psychological perspectives on human sexual behavior, among other topics, but also with the necessary knowledge and conceptual tools to continue your explorations in psychology and other experimental sciences. Randy Cornelius.
Open to all classes.
Enrollment limited.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 108 - Reading and Writing in Psychological Science Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This first-year writing seminar is designed to develop critical reading skills across a range of work in Psychological Science and to practice different kinds of writing. Open only to first year students, this course satisfies the college requirement for a First-Year Writing Seminar. The specific topics of these first-year writing seminars in Psychological Science vary, and despite its variety of topics, this course may not be repeated for credit.
Topic for 2019/20a: Growing Up Poor in America. Poverty can have profound effects on the psychological development of children. In this course, we explore scientific and anecdotal accounts of those effects. Specific topics we explore include stress, relationships, racism and resilience. Readings include articles on the science of child development, including brain development, as well as memoirs and accounts of children’s experiences. Writing focuses on reporting scientific findings, and on relating that science to everyday life. Nicholas de Leeuw.
Open only to first year students; satisfies the college requirement for a First-Year Writing Seminar.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
Psychological Science: II. Intermediate
-
PSYC 200 - Statistics and Experimental Design Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An overview of principles of statistical analysis and research design applicable to psychology and related fields. Topics include descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, concepts of reliability and validity, and basic concepts of sampling and probability theory. Students learn when and how to apply such statistical procedures as chi-square, z-tests, t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The goal of the course is to develop a basic understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the appropriate use of statistical software for performing complex analyses. Janet Andrews.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or its equivalent, COGS 100 or NEUR 105 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 201 - Principles of Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The study of the individual under social influences, including such topics as attitude formation and change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence processes, group dynamics, attribution theory, and interpersonal communication processes. Psychology 201 may NOT be taken if PSYC 205 has already been taken. Dara Greenwood.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 209 - Research Methods in Social Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of research methods in social psychology. Every stage of the research process is considered including hypothesis generation, operationalization of variables, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Observational, questionnaire, and experimental approaches are considered. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Michele Tugade.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 201 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 221 - Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A survey of major principles that determine the acquisition and modification of behavior. Topics include the relation of learning and evolution, habituation and sensitization, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, stimulus control, choice behavior, animal cognition, concept formation, perceptual learning, language, reasoning, and self-control. Kevin Holloway.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 222 - Psychological Perspectives on the Holocaust
1 unit(s)
(Same as JWST 222 ) The Holocaust has spawned several now classic programs of psychological research. This course considers topics such as: anti-Semitism and stereotypes of Jews; the authoritarian and altruistic personalities; conformity, obedience, and dissent; humanistic and existential psychology; and individual differences in stress, coping and resiliency. The broader implications of Holocaust-inspired research is explored in terms of traditional debates within psychology such as those on the role of the individual versus the situation in producing behavior and the essence of human nature. The ethical and logical constraints involved in translating human experiences and historical events into measurable/quantifiable scientific terms are also considered. Debra Zeifman.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 223 - Evolutionary Psychology
1 unit(s)
The study of evolutionary theory, with attention to how it informs the developmental, ecological, genetic, and physiological explanations of behavior. Mark Cleaveland.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 229 - Research Methods in Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 229 ) An introduction to experimental and observational methods in animal learning and behavior. Laboratory experiences have included audio recording and quantitative analysis of animal sounds (bat echolocation and birdsong), operant conditioning, census taking, determining dominance hierarchies, and human visual and auditory psychophysics. Kevin Holloway.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 231 - Principles of Development Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The study of principles and processes in developmental psychology, surveying changes in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the life span. Major theoretical orientations to the growing person are illustrated by empirical material and supplemented by periodic observations of children in natural settings.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 233 - Health Psychology
1 unit(s)
Health Psychology is the scientific study that applies psychological theory and empirical research to examine the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. Students taking this course will gain a firm foundation in health psychology, and learn about the various scientific approaches to understanding the mind/body connection. This course takes a biopsychosocial approach and considers research and theory related to health promotion, illness prevention, and behavior change. Students learn about psychophysiological processes relevant to health psychology (e.g., immunology) and examine health processes in diverse populations with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds and health status. Topics may include health enhancing and health damaging behaviors, pain management, stress and coping. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating primary sources, drawing from empirical studies in psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine. Michele Tugade.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 237 - Early Childhood Education: Theory and Practice
1 unit(s)
(Same as EDUC 237 ) What is the connection between a textbook description of preschool development and what teachers do every day in the preschool classroom? This course examines curriculum development based on contemporary theory and research in early childhood. The emphasis is on implementing developmental and educational research to create optimal learning environments for young children. Major theories of cognitive development are considered and specific attention is given to the literatures on memory development; concepts and categories; cognitive strategies; peer teaching; early reading, math, and scientific literacy; and technology in early childhood classrooms. Julie Riess.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 231 and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period; 4 hours of laboratory participation.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 239 - Research Methods in Developmental Psychology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Problems and procedures in developmental research are examined. The course considers issues in the design of developmental research, basic observational and experimental techniques, and reliability and validity of developmental data. Students may work with children of different ages in both laboratory and naturalistic settings. Carolyn Palmer.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 231 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 241 - Principles of Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 241 ) The role of physiological systems, especially the brain, in the regulation of behavior. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and pharmacology), topics may include: sensory mechanisms, motivational systems (e.g., sleep, eating, reproductive behaviors), emotion, learning and memory, language, stress and psychopathology. Hadley Bergstrom, Lori Newman.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or its equivalent, or NEUR 105 .
Recommended: .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 243 - Topics in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 243 ) The study of the functions of particular brain structures and their relation to behavior and mental activity. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience the course focuses on such topics as: perception, attention, memory, language, emotion, control of action, and consciousness. Neural alterations related to learning disabilities, neurological and psychiatric disorders may be examined as well. Abigail Baird.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 249 - Research Methods in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 249 ) The study of experimental methods in physiological psychology. In addition to exploring issues related to the ethics, design, measurement, analysis and reporting of research, laboratory topics may include: neuroanatomy, behavioral responses to pharmacological and/or surgical interventions, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, neurochemistry and histology. Hadley Bergstrom, Bojana Zupan.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 , and PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 253 - Individual Differences and Personality Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An introduction to contemporary approaches to understanding personality. The focus of the course is on evaluating recent theories and research that attempt to uncover the underlying dimensions that distinguish one person from another. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior in interactions with others; the development of personality over time; and people’s intuitive theories about personality, including their own. Randy Cornelius.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 254 - Emotional Engagement with Film Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as FILM 254 and MEDS 254 ) While movies engage our emotions in psychologically significant ways, scholarship on the psychological allure and impact of film has existed primarily at the interdisciplinary margins. This course aims to bring such scholarship into the foreground. We begin with a careful examination of the appeal and power of narrative, as well as processes of identification and imagined intimacy with characters, before taking a closer analytical look at specific film genres (e.g., melodrama, horror, comedy, action, social commentary) both in their own right and in terms of their psychological significance (e.g., why do we enjoy sad movies? How do violent movies influence viewer aggression? How might socially conscious films inspire activism or altruism?) In addition to delving into theoretical and empirical papers, a secondary goal of the course is to engage students as collaborators; brainstorm and propose innovative experimental methods for testing research questions and hypotheses that emerge in step with course materials. Dara Greenwood, Sarah Kozloff.
Prerequisite(s): For Psychology majors - PSYC 105 ; for Film majors - FILM 175 or FILM 209 ; for Media Studies majors - MEDS 160 .
Two 75-minute periods plus outside screenings.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 259 - Research Methods in Personality and Individual Differences Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in personality and individual differences. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses; the operationalization of variables; the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data; and the communication of results. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Randy Cornelius.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 253 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 262 - Principles of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. The course considers behavioral, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to understanding psychopathology. Topics may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Allan Clifton, Susan Trumbetta.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 .
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 269 - Research Methods in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in psychopathology and clinical psychology. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses, operationalization of variables, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and presentation of results. The focus is on the development of skills particular to research with clinical populations including ethical considerations, structured clinical interviews, behavioral observations, reliable and valid assessment, and measurement of change over time. Jannay Morrow.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 262 .
Two 2-hour periods.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 281 - Topics in Cognitive Psychology: Cognition and Education Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
A presentation of various topics in human cognition and education including collaborative learning, multimedia learning, working memory, testing effect, metacognition, judgement and decision making, and false memory. Current theory, research, application and integration of cognitive theories in educational settings are emphasized. Bavani Paneerselvam
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or COGS 100.
Two 75 minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 289 - Introduction to Neuroanatomy Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)
This course is a lab-based 0.5 credit, 6-week course strongly focused on comparative neuroanatomy, from neurocytology to neural pathways/systems and gross anatomy. It is designed for Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, and Biology majors as well as other students interested in gaining a more thorough, hands-on understanding of central nervous system (and to a small extent peripheral nervous system) structure and function. Laboratory exercises are the focus of the course and include tissue dissection, slide preparation and analysis, as well as evaluation of published micrographs, prepared tissue slides and virtual neuroanatomy tools. Bojana Zupan.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or BIOL 106 .
Both first and second six-week course.
One 3-hour period and one 50-minute period.
-
PSYC 290 - Community-Engaged Learning Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 2 unit(s)
Individuals or group field projects or internships, with prior approval of the adviser and the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The department.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year. The Department.
Course Format: INT
Psychological Science: III. Advanced
Open to seniors. For majors, satisfactory completion of a research methods course (PSYC 209 , PSYC 229 , PSYC 239 , PSYC 249 , PSYC 259 ) is a prerequisite for these courses. Seminar seats are assigned according to a department lottery system. Please contact department office for lottery information. Non-majors and juniors should consult the instructor.
-
PSYC 301 - Seminar in Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An intensive study of selected topics in social psychology. Emphasis is placed on current theories, issues, and research areas. Dara Greenwood, Michele Tugade.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 321 - Seminar in Animal Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An in-depth analysis of selected mechanisms of learning and behavior. Topics can vary from year to year, but may include animal cognition, language and communication, behavioral ecology, and recent advances in the theory and neurophysiology of learning and behavior. Hadley Bergstrom.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 323 - Seminar in Evolutionary Psychology
1 unit(s)
Applications of comparative psychology to a specific topic. Topics can vary from year to year, and have in the past included altruism, sex differences, aggression, language, etc. The focus is how theory and data from other species inform questions about human functioning.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 or BIOL 340 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 331 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Seminar in current issues, research, and theory in developmental psychology. Topics vary and may include laboratory work.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 231 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 336 - Childhood Development: Observation and Research Application Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as EDUC 336 ) What differentiates the behavior of one young child from that of another? What characteristics do young children have in common? This course provides students with direct experience in applying contemporary theory and research to the understanding of an individual child. Topics include attachment; temperament; parent, sibling and peer relationships; language and humor development; perspective taking; and the social-emotional connection to learning. Each student selects an individual child in a classroom setting and collects data about the child from multiple sources (direct observation, teacher interviews, parent-teacher conferences, archival records). During class periods, students discuss the primary topic literature, incorporating and comparing observations across children to understand broader developmental trends and individual differences. Synthesis of this information with critical analysis of primary sources in the early childhood and developmental literature culminates in comprehensive written and oral presentations. Julie Riess.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 231 and permission of the instructor. For Psychology Majors: completion of a research methods course.
One 3-hour period. and 4 hours of laboratory observation work.
-
PSYC 341 - Seminar in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Analysis of selected topics in physiological psychology. Topics vary from year to year but may include learning, memory, human neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, sensory processes, emotion, and motivation. Hadley Bergstrom.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 343 - Seminar on States of Consciousness
1 unit(s)
A consideration of conditions giving rise to disruptions of awareness and implications for behavioral integration. Topics serving as areas of discussion may include: sleep and dreaming; hypnosis and hypnagogic phenomena; drug behavior and biochemistry; cerebral damage; dissociations of consciousness such as blindsight; psychopathologic states.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 .
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 353 - Seminar in Individual Differences and Personality Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Intensive study of selected topics in personality and individual differences. Theory and empirical research form the core of required readings. Topics studied reflect the interests of both the instructor and the students. Allan Clifton.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 253 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 362 - Seminar in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An intensive study of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. Topics vary but may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Abigail Baird, Sue Trumbetta.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 262 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 364 - Seminar in Behavior Genetics
1 unit(s)
This course explores genetic contributions to complex behavioral phenotypes. Its primary focus is on genetic contributions to human behavior with some attention to comparative and evolutionary genetics. Quantitative methods are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): A research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 380 - Seminar: The Person in Context
1 unit(s)
This seminar explores the influence of individual differences and situational variables on behavior. This course focuses on empirical research in personality and social psychology.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 384 - Topical Applications in Psychological Science Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work.This course focuses on topical applications of psychological science. Dara Greenwood.
Topic for 2019/20b: Topical Applications in Psychological Science: Students will read and discuss current research on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.), covering a range of psychological perspectives (Developmental, Personality, Social, Health) and will develop a research project to be conducted and analyzed in the second half of the semester. The goal will be to build on and extend existing research by surveying Vassar students and other populations about their own use of social media and how it intersects with their social and emotional well-being . Dara Greenwood.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; each instructor sets content-specific prerequisites.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 386 - Advanced Research Methods in Psychological Science Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. This course focuses on advanced research and statistical techniques of psychological science. Abigail Baird, Allan Clifton, Jannay Morrow. Allan Clifton.
This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of interpersonal relationships using Social Network Analysis (SNA). We will examine theory and applications of SNA using primary literature and weekly discussion. We will work with various software packages to analyze archival datasets. Students will develop independent research projects applying SNA to investigate a topic of interest. Allan Clifton.
This course focuses on empirical approaches to understanding self-control and emotion regulation. During the semester, students synthesize research focused on topics related to coping with stress and negative emotions, willpower, grit, and delay of gratification. We will develop a group project or set of individual research projects that tests hypotheses related to self-control. This course represents a consolidation and extension of the research methods and analytic techniques introduced in 200-level research methods courses. We use SPSS software to analyze archival and newly generated datasets on self-control and emotion regulation. Jannay Morrow.
This course will focus on Human brain imaging. It will explore the different structural and functional techniques that are currently used to study the human brain. Experimental design as well as data analysis will be heavily emphasized. In addition to brain imaging software we will be using SPSS for off-line data analysis. Prior experience with neuroanatomy/physiology is suggested but not required. Students will be expected to create their own research question (from previously acquired data sets) and complete the necessary analyses. Abigail Baird.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; each instructor sets content-specific prerequisites.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 389 - Seminar Special Topic: Tools for Transformation
1 unit(s)
What’s the science behind self-help? What processes keep us mired in habit, and what processes help us transform? And why do we need so many guides? In this seminar we explore methods of awareness and self-transformation, particularly examining theory and research evidence of effectiveness. Additionally, we sample a variety of evidence-based practices, in class and course projects. Students engage in a project of personal value, and interview others about methods that work for them. We consider principles of motivation, development, neuropsychology, creativity, cognition, relationship, individual differences, and topics of specific interest to enrolled students.
Prerequisite(s): At least two 200-level psychological science courses, and a research methods course (may be concurrent).
One 2-hour period.
Not offered 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS -
PSYC 390 - Senior Research Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
Graded independent research. A student wishing to take this course must first gain the support of a member of the psychology faculty, who supervises the student as they design and carry out an empirical investigation of some psychological phenomenon. In addition to a final paper and regular meetings with their faculty sponsor, students also attend weekly meetings organized by the course instructor. Both the course instructor and the supervising faculty member participate in the planning of the research and in final evaluation. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 397 - Senior Empirical Thesis Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This is a year-long thesis project conducted collaboratively with a participating faculty member on an empirical research project. In Psychology 397, students work to identify a conceptual question of interest, read and integrate background literature on that topic, and formulate a novel research plan. In PSYC 398 , students carry out their proposed studies by collecting data, statistically analyzing the results of the study, and interpreting how the results relate to the study’s original hypothesis and existing findings in the field. Both semesters involve intensive writing, with detailed feedback from the primary faculty adviser and a second faculty reader, as well as a formal presentation of the research findings to other students and faculty. Completion of PSYC 398 is required to receive credit for Psychology 397. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Psychology research methods course and permission of the instructor.
One 4-hour period.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 398 - Senior Empirical Thesis Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
This is a year-long thesis project conducted collaboratively with a participating faculty member on an empirical research project. In PSYC 397 , students work to identify a conceptual question of interest, read and integrate background literature on that topic, and formulate a novel research plan. In Psychology 398, students carry out their proposed studies by collecting data, statistically analyzing the results of the study, and interpreting how the results relate to the study’s original hypothesis and existing findings in the field. Both semesters involve intensive writing, with detailed feedback from the primary faculty adviser and a second faculty reader, as well as a formal presentation of the research findings to other students and faculty. Completion of Psychology 398 is required to receive credit for PSYC 397 . The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Psychology research methods course and permission of the instructor.
One 4-hour period.
Course Format: INT -
PSYC 399 - Senior Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor; each instructor sets content-specific prerequisites.
Course Format: INT
|
Print this Page