Professor: Ryan (Chairperson)
Associate Professor: Berthold
Assistant Professors: Kelley, Olsen, Beery
Visiting Instructors: Cimini, Holmes, Mitchell

The major provides training in both theoretical and applied psychology. It is designed to meet the needs of students seeking careers in psychology or other natural or social sciences. It also meets the needs of students seeking a better understanding of human behavior as a means of furthering individual and career goals in other areas. Psychology majors and others are urged to discuss course selections in psychology with members of the department to help insure appropriate course selection.

A major consists of 32 semester hours in psychology, including PSY 110, 431, 432, and 436. Statistics also is required.

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 96.

The following course satisfies the cultural diversity requirement: PSY 341. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: PSY 225, 324, 431, 432, and 436.

A minor in psychology consists of 20 semester hours in psychology including PSY 110 and four other psychology courses (three of which must be numbered 200 or above) which must be approved by the department.

TOPICS

INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY

An introduction to the empirical study of human and other animal behavior. Areas considered may include: learning, personality, social, physiological, sensory, cognition, and developmental.

An introduction to research and theories on small group formation, structure, and performance. Topics include group communication, conformity, leadership, conflict, and decision-making. Emphasis will be placed upon applying principles of group dynamics to different types of groups. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor. May term only.

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

An introduction to the patterns of deviant behavior with emphasis on cause, function, and treatment. The various models for the conceptualization of abnormal behavior are critically examined. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

A study of the basic principles of human growth and development throughout the life span. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY

The study areas will include theories of adolescence; current issues raised by as well as about the "generation of youth"; research findings bearing on theories and issues of growth beyond childhood, and self-exploration. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

An introduction to the empirical study of the teaching-learning process. Areas considered may include educational objectives, pupil and teacher characteristics, concept learning, problem-solving and creativity, attitudes and values, motivation, retention and transfer, evaluation and measurement. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

LEARNING DISABILITIES

An examination of learning disabilities, emotional problems, and social problems of children. Topics will include the legal and educational rights of children with disabilities, the various categories of disability qualifying for Special Education services, assessment of children with learning disabilities, characteristics of and interventions to help children with learning disabilities and attention difficulties, the educational placements and support services available, and Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Prerequisite: PSY 110.

220

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS

The application of the principles and methods of psychology to selected industrial and organizational situations. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

COGNITION

An in-depth examination of the field of human cognition. Topics include perception, attention, short and long term memory, reading comprehension, problem solving and decision making. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the scientific nature of the discipline. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

A detailed examination of the applied analysis of behavior. Focus will be on the application of experimental method to the individual clinical case. The course will cover targeting behavior, base-rating, intervention strategies, and outcome evaluation. Learning-based modification techniques such as contingency management, counter-conditioning, extinction, discrimination training, aversive conditioning, and negative practice will be examined. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

A study of psychological theories and research on coping with normal developmental changes and common problems of adulthood. Focus will be upon adult transitions, stress management, intimate relationships, sexuality, parenting skills, and work adjustment. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

An examination of psychological theories and research on topics related to psychology and law. Areas covered include forensic pathology, psychological theories of criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making, expert witnesses, the insanity defense, and criminal profiling analysis. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and 116.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

The scientific exploration of interpersonal communication and behavior. Topics include attitudes and attitude change, attraction and communication, social perception and social influence, prosocial and antisocial behavior and group processes. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

An introduction to the physiological psychologist’s method of approach to the understanding of behavior as well as the set of principles that relate the function and organization of the nervous system to the phenomena of behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

PRINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENT

Psychometric methods and theory, including scale transformation, norms, standardization, validation procedures, and estimation of reliability. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and statistics.

PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

A review of contemporary theory and research on the psychology of gender differences. Special topics include sex differences in achievement, power, and communication; sex-role stereotypes; beliefs about masculinity and femininity; and gender influences on mental health. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

This course will explore the relations between a variety of types of family dysfunctions and child development and psychopathology. Specifically, topics in child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and children from violent homes, alcoholic homes, and homes with mentally ill parents will be studied. The course will focus on empirical literature about dysfunctional families and child development, biographical and political perspectives. Prerequisite: PSY 116 and 117, or consent of instructor.

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

A study of the scientific method, experimental design and the application of statistics to psychology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the place of research in the field of psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and statistics.

SENSATION AND PERCEPTION

The examination of psychophysical methodology and basic neurophysiological methods as they are applied to the understanding of sensor processes. Prerequisites: PSY 110, 431 and statistics.

PERSONALITY THEORY

A review of the major theories of personality development and personality functioning. In addition to covering the details of each theory, the implications and applications of each theory are considered. This course is best taken by Psychology majors in the senior year, because it integrates material from diverse areas of psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY

An off-campus experience in a community setting offering psychological services, supplemented with classroom instruction and discussion. PSY 448 covers the basic counseling skills, while PSY 449 covers the major theoretical approaches to counseling. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INTERNSHIP (See index)

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Honors in psychology requires original contributions to the literature of psychology through independent study. The most recent honors project was a study of the effect of self-esteem on attitude-behavior consistency.