Course Catalogue:Psychological Science
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Psychological Science provides students with a broad introduction to the study of behavior and its underlying processes with an emphasis on psychology as an experimental science. The Department of Psychological Science offers a major and a minor. To count toward the major or minor, courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better. In order for courses to count toward the Psychological Science major or minor, the following prerequisites must be met: 200-level courses require PSY 100 as a prerequisite; 300-level special topics seminars require PSY 100 and at least one 200-level course, which might be specified; 300-level capstone research course groups require PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202, and at least one other 200-level course, which might be specified. Refer to individual course descriptions for specific 200-level prerequisites.
The Psychological Science department strongly recommends students planning to major or minor in Psychological Science to take PSY 100 as soon as possible and then co-requisite courses PSY 201 & PSY 202. Furthermore, the department recommends strongly that PSY 201 & PSY 202 is either completed (with a grade of C- or higher), or in progress (with student in good standing), before students declare the Psychological Science major (preferably before the end of their sophomore year), or before they declare their Psychological Science minor (junior year). In addition, after taking PSY 100, students interested in majoring or minoring in Psychological Science should ideally take only one 200-level elective course before completing PSY 201 & PSY 202. Students who earn below a C- in more than one Psychological Science course may be restricted from retaking Psychological Science courses or enrolling in courses from the same category (e.g., 200-level, 300-level capstone research course groups, etc.). In such cases, students are urged to consult with their Psychological Science adviser or the Department Chair to consider available options and/or alternate plans. These recommendations are intended to support student success in choosing and completing Psychological Science as a major/minor. All students are encouraged to work closely with their adviser to meet the department's recommendations.
Advanced Placement: Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology Exam may enroll in courses for which PSY 100 is a prerequisite without having taken PSY 100. However, Psychological Science majors and minors who bypass PSY 100 must complete the same number of departmental courses as any other Psychological Science major or minor (see below). To meet this requirement, students who use an AP exam score in lieu of PSY 100 must complete one additional Psychological Science course at the 200-level or higher in place of PSY 100. Similarly, Psychological Science majors or minors who take BIOL 212 (Biostatistics) as a substitute for PSY 201 & PSY 202 must complete two additional Psychological Science courses at the 200-level or higher in place of PSY 201 & PSY 202. Statistics courses taken in other departments at HWS may be substituted for PSY 201 & PSY 202 with approval from the Psychological Science Department Chair.
Students are eligible to receive academic credit toward the Psychological Science major for a maximum of two courses taken at institutions elsewhere. This two-course limit includes courses taken abroad that are not taught by HWS Psychological Science faculty. Students pursuing the Psychological Science minor may transfer a maximum of one course toward the Psychological Science minor, including courses taken abroad that are not taught by HWS Psychological Science faculty. A grade of C- or higher must be earned for all transfer courses. Students planning to transfer courses from another institution while they are students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges must consult with and secure approval from their Psychological Science adviser and the Department Chair prior to enrolling in a course by utilizing the Transfer Credit Request Form or the Course Substitution Form (for courses already listed on a student's transcript), which can be obtained on the HWS website. For those transfer students who had previously matriculated at another institution prior to their attendance at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the number of transfer courses accepted toward the Psychological Science major or minor is negotiable. In such cases, the Psychological Science Department Chair determines which courses will count toward the major or minor.
Psychological Science majors fulfill the capstone requirement by successfully completing two 300-level Psychological Science capstone course pairs. Majors must take one capstone course pair from Group A (i.e., cognition/ biological/neuroscience) and one capstone course pair from Group B (i.e., cultural/societal/individual differences). The course numbers/titles and prerequisites for capstone research course pairs are included below. Across these co-requisite courses, students read primary literature (both classic and contemporary) and discuss key theoretical and methodological issues relevant to a particular sub discipline of Psychological Science. Students gain hands-on experience with the scientific method through a variety of research activities, and/or by designing and conducting their own experiments and/or studies. Each capstone course pair requires a major writing component and students are required to give a final oral and/or written presentation on the work that they have completed during the semester.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (B.A.)
13 courses
PSY 100 and PSY 201 & PSY 202; one course pair from capstone group A; one course pair from capstone group B; two 300-level special topics seminars; four additional Psychological Science courses, only one of which may be at the 400-level, one of which must be the prerequisite for a capstone group A course pair, and one of which must be the prerequisite for a capstone group B course pair. All courses must be passed with a grade of C-or higher. Credit/no credit courses can only be counted toward the major in the 400-level capstone course pairs.
Psychological Science B.A. Major, Declaration/Audit Form
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (B.S.)
16 courses
All of the requirements for the B.A. in psychological science, plus three additional courses in the natural sciences, approved by the adviser. All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. Credit/no credit courses can only be counted toward the major in the 400-level capstone course pairs.
Psychological Science B.S. Major, Declaration/Audit Form
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR
8 courses
PSY 100 and PSY 201 & PSY 202; one 300-level capstone research course pair (either group); and three additional elective psychological science courses, only one of which may be at the 400-level. One of the electives must be a prerequisite for either a group A or B capstone research course. All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. Credit/no credit courses can only be counted toward the minor in the 400-level capstone course pairs.
Psychological Science Minor, Declaration/Audit Form
200-LEVEL ELECTIVE COURSES
PSY 203 Introduction to Child Psychology
PSY 205 Adolescent Psychology
PSY 220 Introduction to Personality Psychology
PSY 221 Introduction to Psychopathology
PSY 227 Introduction to Social Psychology
PSY 230 Biopsychology
PSY 231 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 233 Psycholinguistics
PSY 244 Latin American Psychology
PSY 245 Introduction to Cultural Psychology
PSY 275 Human Sexuality
PSY 299 Sensation and Perception
300-LEVEL CAPSTONE RESEARCH COURSE GROUPS
Group A
PSY 314 & PSY 414 Advanced Theory and Design in Behavioral Neuroscience & Capstone Research in Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 335 & PSY 435 Advanced Theory and Design in Cognition & Capstone Research in Cognition
PSY 398 & PSY 498 Advanced Theory and Design in Sensation and Perception & Capstone Research in Sensation and Perception
Group B
PSY 303 & PSY 403 Advanced Theory and Design in Developmental Psychology & Capstone Research in Developmental Psychology
PSY 323 & PSY 423 Advanced Theory and Design in Personality Psychology & Capstone Research in Personality Psychology
PSY 327 & PSY 427 Advanced Theory and Design in Social Psychology & Capstone Research in Social Psychology
PSY 348 & PSY 448 Advanced Theory and Design in Cultural Psychology & Capstone Research in Cultural Psychology
PSY 353 & PSY 453 Advanced Theory and Design in Clinical Psychology & Capstone Research in Clinical Psychology
300-LEVEL SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINARS
PSY 309 Topics in Sensation & Perception
PSY 344 Topics in Personality Psychology
PSY 345 Psychology for the Public Good
PSY 346 Topics in Cultural Psychology
PSY 352 Topics in Clinical Psychology
PSY 359 Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 370 Topics in Developmental Psychology
PSY 373 Topics in Social Psychology
PSY 375 Topics in Cognitive Psychology
OTHER COURSES
PSY 045 1/2 Credit Teacher Assistant
PSY 050 Teacher Assistant
PSY 450 Independent Study
PSY 456 1/2 Credit Independent Study
PSY 495 Honors
PSY 499 Psychology Internship
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology This course offers a comprehensive survey of the methodology and content of present day psychology. Emphasis is placed on the development of a critical evaluative approach to theories and empirical data. (Fall and spring, offered each semester)
PSY 201 Statistics in the Psychological Science. A survey of basic procedures for the analysis of psychological data. Topics in this course include basic univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics; hypothesis testing; and a variety of analyses used to examine data of single group, between group, within group, and factorial designs. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Corequisite: PSY 202. (offered each semester)
PSY 202 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychological Science. An experience-based course where students will learn about general, college-level research methodologies in the field of psychological science. Students will learn about different research designs, data collection, and how to present research in a professional manner. Students will design, implement, and report on a research project carried out during the semester. Prerequisite: PSY 100; Co-Requisite: PSY 201. (offered each semester)
PSY 203 Introduction Child Psychology This course provides an overview of the major theories that guide the study of child development, as well as the normative physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that take place from infancy through late childhood. This course also considers contextual influences (e.g., the family, peers, schools, culture, and the media) on development and several key themes (e.g., how children shape their own development, individual differences, and the use of research findings to promote children's well-being). Students can take either PSY 203 or PSY 205 (not both), and exceptions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Kingery or staff, offered at least alternating years)
PSY 205 Adolescent Psychology This course examines the developmental processes and social forces that contribute to adolescence as a distinct part of the life span. Emphasis is placed on major theories, research findings, and the biological, cognitive, and social changes that occur during adolescence. This course also focuses on contextual influences (i.e., the family, peers, schools, neighborhoods, the media) on development and issues such as intimacy, identity, sexuality, autonomy, and psychological problems (e.g., eating disorders, depression, antisocial behavior). Students can take either Psy 203 or Psy 205 (not both), and exceptions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Kingery, Staff, offered at least alternating years)
PSY 220 Introduction to Personality Major theoretical approaches and contemporary research are evaluated to assess the current state of knowledge about intrapsychic, dispositional, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural domains of personality functioning. The personal, historical, and cultural contexts of theory development are emphasized. Application of personality concepts to individual lives is encouraged to enhance understanding of self and others. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Anglin, offered annually)
PSY 221 Introduction to Psychopathology This course primarily focuses on understanding the diagnosis, etiology, and evidence-based treatment of adult psychological disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding psychological disorders through theoretical models, empirical evidence, and through the reading of memoirs of individuals with a variety of disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Bodenlos, offered annually)
PSY 222 Developmental Psychopathology This course focuses on developmental psychopathology, an approach that emphasizes examining the risk factors that make it more likely that individuals will develop psychological disorders, as well as the protective factors that contribute to positive adjustment. Key concepts in developmental psychopathology are discussed, including risk, resilience, and developmental pathways. Contexts that influence both adaptive and maladaptive development (e.g., families, neighborhoods, peer interactions) are also discussed. Specific psychological disorders (e.g., autism, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression) that emerge from infancy through adolescence are covered, with an emphasis on the risk/protective factors, course, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment strategies for each disorder. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Staff, offered occasionally)
PSY 227 Introduction to Social Psychology This course introduces students to theory and research in social psychology, the study of the nature and causes of individual and group behavior in social contexts. Emphases are placed on understanding social psychological theories through studying classic and current research and on applying social psychological theories to better understand phenomena such as person perception, attitude change, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, romantic relationships, conformity, aggression, and inter-group relations. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Fisher, offered annually)
PSY 230 Biopsychology This course examines how the human nervous system is related to behavior. Lectures are designed to concentrate on aspects of biopsychology that are interesting and important to a broad audience. The intent is to make connections among several areas of specialization within psychology (e.g., developmental; cognitive; and clinical) and between other disciplines (e.g., philosophy; biology; chemistry). A format is employed that presents basic content to support the presentation of contemporary topics. Information is presented assuming knowledge from an introductory level Psychology course. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (offered annually)
PSY 231 Cognitive Psychology This course is designed to provide a general understanding of the principles of cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology is the scientific approach to understanding the human mind and its relationship to behavior. The course introduces students to classic and contemporary empirical research in both theoretical and practical aspects of a variety of cognitive issues. Topics included are pattern recognition, attention, mental representation, memory, language, problem solving and decision-making. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Rizzella or staff, offered annually)
PSY 233 Psycholinguistics The course is designed as an overview of how studying language from a psychological perspective addresses the following general question: What structures and processes that originate in the brain allow us to communicate effectively? Basic concepts of linguistics and psycholinguistics will be introduced. Students will learn how language is perceived, how it is acquired and processed at various levels of the cognitive architecture, how it is stored, and how it is produced for communication. Multilingualism and various language disorders will also be covered. Prerequisite: PSY 100 (offered occasionally)
PSY 235 Cognitive Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of neural structures and their relationship to behavioral functions. Cognitive neuroscientists attempt to bridge cognitive theory with theories of neural function and organization. In this course, we will seek to identify neural mechanisms that give rise to cognitive processes such as attention, emotion, language and memory. We will cover basic neuroanatomy and investigative methods used to make inferences on the relationship between brain function and cognitive processing. Topics include Cognitive Control, Visual Recognition, Language Acquisition, Language Deficits, Memory, Emotions, Memory Disorders and Attentional Awareness. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (offered occasionally)
PSY 244 Latin American Psychology Psychological science in Latin America is a growing field yet it also has a long and rich history, with the first psychology laboratories in Latin America founded in Brazil and Argentina, both in 1899. This course will focus on both historical aspects and trends of Psychological Science in Latin America (such as positivism and psychoanalysis) as well as current trends (such as behaviorism and neuroscience). Special attention will be paid to the impact on Latin American psychology of indigenous ways of knowing and other topics such as ethnicity, gender, cultural values, and imperialism/colonialism. Course readings will focus on psychological scholarship about Latin America by Latin American researchers and scholars. Prerequisites: PSY 100 OR LTAM 210 OR permission of the instructor. (Ashdown, offered occasionally)
PSY 245 Introduction to Cultural Psychology Cultural psychology is the systematic study of the influence of sociocultural factors on human behavior. This course examines theory and research that pertain to the role of culture and context in human experience and functioning. The relationship among culture, biology, evolution, and behavior is emphasized. Course readings focus on the diversity of human experience in domains such as cognition and intelligence, emotion and motivation, socialization and development, social perception and interaction, and mental health and disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or LTAM 210. (Ashdown, offered annually)
PSY 275 Human Sexuality The primary aim of this course is to explore contemporary issues of the human sexualities. Emphasis is given to psychosocial and cross-cultural research of the 20th century and the sequel of institutional forces designed to pathologize sexual expression. Topics include variations of sexual behavior, sexual response, sexual deviance, and sexual dysfunction and treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Ashdown, offered occasionally)
PSY 299 Sensation and Perception Perception of the world through the senses is one of the most sophisticated yet least appreciated accomplishments of the human brain. This course explores how people experience and understand the world through the senses, using frequent classroom demonstrations of the perceptual phenomena under discussion. The course introduces the major facts and theories of sensory function and examines the psychological processes involved in interpreting sensory input, as well as the evolutionary foundations of human perception. The primary emphasis is on vision, though other senses are considered as well. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (Graham, offered annually)
PSY 303 Advanced Theory & Design in Developmental Psychology. An upper-level and in-depth exploration of the research designs, methodological approaches and theoretical foundations underlying scientific research in the field of developmental psychology. Attention is given to ethical issues in conducting research with children, research design (correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental), statistical analysis, and the interpretation and critical evaluation of published research. Through writing assignments, student presentations, and extensive discussion, the primary aim of this seminar is to understand the scientific approach to studying children's social, emotional, and cognitive development as well as contemporary issues affecting children (e.g., peer victimization, role of the media, childhood obesity). Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202, and PSY 203 or PSY 205. Co-requisite: Psy304. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Kingery, offered annually).
PSY 309 Topics in Sensation & Perception This course provides an in-depth exploration of a specific topic in sensory perception using advanced readings from the primary literature. Topics covered vary from semester to semester; recent instantiations have examined relations between human artwork and the human visual system. Other topics might include study of a particular sensory system (e.g., hearing or touch), study of a particular sensory ability (e.g., color vision), or study of a particular issue in perception (e.g., perceptual development). Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 299 or permission of the instructor. (Graham, offered annually)
PSY 314 Advanced Theory & Design in Behavioral Neuroscience. This course utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that involves a variety of perspectives from Psychology, the other natural sciences and philosophy to examine how behavior is derived from a nervous system. Utilizing a lecture discussion format an extensive overview of original literature in Behavioral Neuroscience is covered to exam key concepts, theories, and methodologies. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 230. Corequisite: PSY 414. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (offered occasionally).
PSY 323 Advanced Theory and Design in Personality Psychology This course provides an in-depth examination of contemporary theory and research methods in personality psychology. Students will read and critically evaluate empirical, theoretical, and methodological articles in personality psychology and discuss their limitations, implications, and applications. Students will learn and practice applying methodological and statistical techniques to test personality research questions. Considerable attention will be given to practical, ethical, and theoretical considerations in conducting, interpreting, and reporting personality research. Over the course of the semester, students will apply course content to conduct an original research project in co-requisite 423 (Capstone Research in Personality). Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 220. Co-requisite: PSY 423. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Anglin, offered annually).
PSY 327 Advanced Theory & Design in Social Psychology This course is designed to acquaint students with correlational and experimental research, theory, and approaches in social psychology. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students will learn the theory and logic behind the decisions that social psychologists make in their research process. The class will examine classic and contemporary empirical articles to explore the historical context of psychological research and consider contemporary problems and solutions in research design. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 227. Corequisite: PSY 427. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Fisher, offered annually).
PSY 335 Advanced Theory & Design in Cognitive Psychology An in-depth examination of theory and experimental methodology in the field of cognitive psychology is covered. Key ideas and concepts relevant to cognitive psychology research, including theories, methods and design, statistical analysis and interpretation and implications are discussed. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 231 or PSY 235. Corequisite: PSY 435. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Rizzella, offered annually).
PSY 344 Topics in Personality This course explores classic and current theory and research pertaining to fundamental and contemporary issues in personality psychology. The course follows a seminar format that emphasizes critical analysis and articulation of ideas, both in discussion and in writing. Topics are announced in advance. Possible topics include scientific integrity and communication; personality and culture; personality development; self and identity; personality and interpersonal relationships; ethnic identity; personality and emotion. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 220, or permission of instructor. (Anglin, offered annually)
PSY 345 Psychology for the Public Good As the study of how and why people think, feel, and act the way do, psychological science has a lot to say about current events in our global world. In this course, students and the instructor will explore how psychological science can be applied to current events. Topics to be discussed could include climate change, gender identity, immigration/refugee issues, and others. This course will count as a "Topics" course requirement for Psychological Sciences and as an elective for psychology minors. Course will be offered occasionally. Pre- requisites: Any two 2XX psychology courses or permission of the instructor. (offered occasionally)
PSY 346 Topics in Cultural Psychology This course provides an in-depth examination of a contemporary topic in cultural psychology. Topics may include: cultural influences on human development; intercultural communication; death, dying, and grieving; sexualities across cultures; social perception across cultures; cultural influences such as religion, education, or politics; diversity and intercultural training; prejudice and discrimination; or identity. Course activities draw upon extensive readings in the primary and secondary literature of the selected topic. Prerequisites: PSY 100; and PSY 245 or PSY 227 or PSY 203 or PSY 205 or PSY 275. (Ashdown, offered annually)
PSY 348 Advanced Theory & Design in Cultural Psychology An upper-level and in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations underlying scientific theory and research design in cultural psychology. Topics will include advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental, non-experimental, and quasi-experimental research design, cultural equivalency in data collection, modeling techniques, and special considerations when conducting culturally-based research. Prerequisites: PSY 100 & PSY 201 & PSY 202 & PSY 245. Co-requisite: PSY 448. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Ashdown, offered annually).
PSY 352 Topics: Clinical Psychology The scope of this course varies from covering general clinical issues to a more in-depth analysis of one topic area. The topic is announced in advance and may include health psychology, aging and mental health, eating and obesity, mindfulness or positive psychology, Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 221. (Bodenlos, offered annually)
PSY 353 Advanced Theory & Design in Clinical Psychology This course uses the scientist practitioner model to cover and review the major methodological approaches and theory to the study of clinical psychology. Students will read empirical studies and theoretical articles in the field of clinical psychology. Evidence based treatments will be discussed through the lens of a scientist and practitioner. Through writing assignments and discussion, the aim will be to understand the scientific approach to studying contemporary issues in clinical psychology. Prerequsites: PSY 201, PSY 202, PSY 221 and co-requisite: PSY 453. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Bodenlos, offered annually).
PSY 359 Topics Behavioral Neuroscience This course surveys literature and theory representative of an important contemporary conceptual issue in behavioral neuroscience. Each year topics for the course are announced in advance. The course is designed to include a nonspecialized group of students having a varied distribution of psychology courses and interested in developing conceptual relationships among different subdivisions within psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and at least one other psychology course. (offered occasionally)
PSY 370 Topics in Developmental Psychology This course surveys the theoretical and empirical literature associated with a contemporary issue in the field of developmental psychology. Topics are announced in advance. Possible topics include: developmental psychopathology, friendship, mindfulness, and developmental transitions. Across topics, emphasis is placed on risk factors, the protective factors that contribute to positive adjustment, and the development of resilience. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 203 or PSY 205. (Kingery, offered annually)
PSY 373 Topics in Social Psychology This seminar surveys the empirical and theoretical literature associated with a significant contemporary issue in social psychology. Topics are announced in advance. Possible topics include applied psychology, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, political psychology, interpersonal relationships, persuasion and social influence, altruism and prosocial behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 227 or WMST 223. (Fisher, offered annually)
PSY 375 Topics in Cognitive Psychology This seminar involves an in-depth exploration of a variety of related topics in cognition. Topics covered in the recent past include language, psycholinguistics, memory representation, autobiographical memory, memory reliability and cognitive aging. Students are expected to play an active role in the class by making substantive contributions to class discussion. Prerequisites: PSY 231. (Rizzella, offered occasionally)
PSY 398 Advanced Theory and Design in Sensation and Perception This course provides a deep and rigorous treatment of experimental methodology in the field of sensory and perceptual psychology spanning humans as well as other animals. Key ideas and concepts relevant to perceptual psychology research, including theories, methods and design, statistical analysis and interpretation and implications are discussed. Topics may include sensory coding, physiological optics, sensory thresholds, evolutionary adaptation to the sensory environment, impacts of perception on behavior, and advanced brain imaging technologies. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or AP Psychology credit (see Psychological Science curriculum); PSY 201; PSY 202; and PSY 299 OR PSY 230 OR PSY 231 OR PSY 235. Co-requisite: PSY 498, This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Graham, offered annually).
PSY 403 Capstone Research in Developmental Psychology This course provides students with hands-on experience conducting research in the field of developmental psychology. Students gain direct experience with research methods such as questionnaires, parent and/or child interviews, and behavioral observation. Throughout the semester, students analyze data from existing data sets, design and conduct an observational research study with children in an applied setting, and develop a research proposal for an original study. Skills emphasized include conducting literature searches, selecting appropriate measures, analyzing data and interpreting results, and developing written reports of research findings. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202, and PSY 203 or PSY 205. Corequisite: PSY 303. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Kingery, offered annually).
PSY 414 Capstone Research in Behavioral Neuroscience The overarching goal is for students to experience how a program of research in an area of Behavioral Neuroscience occurs. In order to accomplish this goal the course is designed to replicate the experience of being part of an established research group. The overall structure of the course is complemented by its corequisite, PSY 314, which provides a seminar, which will study the scientific literature in an area of Behavioral Neuroscience from which students will derive questions to research. PSY 414 provides a semester long research experience which will educate students in a variety of techniques, run pilot studies, develop a research proposal and eventually execute a well-developed research project. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 230. Corequisite: PSY 314. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (offered occasionally).
PSY 423 Capstone Research in Personality Psychology This course provides students with hands-on experience designing and conducting personality research. Students will apply the concepts discussed in co-requisite 323 (Advanced Theory & Design in Personality) to design and conduct an original empirical research project. Students will engage in each step of the research process, performing a literature review, formulating a research question and hypothesis, designing a study to test their hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing the results, and interpreting and communicating their findings. Special emphasis will be given to practical and ethical concerns in personality research and scientific best practices at each step of the research process. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 220. Co-requisite: PSY 423. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Anglin, offered annually).
PSY 427 Capstone Research in Social Psychology This course provides students with hands-on instruction in the social psychology research process. Students design and carry out original research. The process includes extensive reading about the research topic, selecting appropriate measures and variables, collecting data from human participants, using quantitative analysis to interpret the data, and communicating about the study in a professional manner. Through this experience, students become familiar with the practical and ethical challenges of designing, conducting, and interpreting social psychological research studies. (Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 227. Corequisite: PSY 327. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Fisher, offered annually)
PSY 435 Capstone Research in Cognitive Psychology Students will gain integrative experience in cognitive psychology research through replication of previous research and original experimentation. In conjunction with knowledge gained in this course and its co-requisite (PSY 335 Advanced Theory & Design in Cognitive Psychology), students will design and carry out multiple research experiments in selected areas in cognition, including an original research project. Students will gain extensive experience in developing hypotheses, understanding experimental design, collecting & analyzing data, and disseminating findings in a venue similar to professional cognitive psychologists. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202 and PSY 231 or PSY 235. Corequisite: PSY 335. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Rizzella, offered annually).
PSY 448 Capstone Research in Cultural Psychology Students will apply the deep understanding of methods and theory in cultural psychology gained in PSY 348to carry out their own culturally-based psychological research project. Working in small groups, students will identify a short list of hypotheses, analyze data to test their hypotheses, and present their findings in a formal research paper and oral presentation. Prerequisites: PSY 100 & PSY 201 & PSY 202 & PSY 245; Co-Requisite: PSY 348. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Ashdown, offered annually)
PSY 453 Capstone Research in Clinical Psychology Students will apply the deep understanding of methods and design in clinical psychology gained in Psy353to carry out their own clinically-based psychological research project. In this course, we will review statistical analyses and techniques required to do research in field of clinical psychology. Students will identify hypotheses, analyze data to test their hypotheses, and present their findings in a formal research paper and oral presentation. They will engage in peer review of the work. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202, PSY 2221; Co-Requisite: PSY 353. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Bodenlos, offered annually)
PSY 498 Capstone Research in Sensation and Perception This course provides hands-on experience in the practice of scientific investigation into sensory system function and perceptual phenomena. Through guided experimental units covering human and non-human sensory and perceptual systems, and through a semester-long student-directed original research project, students will gain extensive direct experience with research methods aimed at investigating major phenomena in sensation and perception. Prerequisites: PSY 100; PSY 201; PSY 202; and PSY 299 OR PSY 230 OR PSY 231 OR PSY 235. Corequisite: PSY 398, offered concurrently. This course is one way for students to partially meet the capstone requirement for the Psychological Science major. (Graham, offered annually).
PSY 450 Independent Study
PSY 456 1/2 Credit Independent Study
PSY 495 Honors
PSY 499 Psychology Internship