Psychology
Chair Russell G. Coulter-Kern, Marcie L. Coulter-Kern, David C. Johnson, Jack W. Wiley
The goals of the department are to assist students in (a) understanding the basic concepts and methods used in psychology, (b) understanding the relation of psychology to other disciplines, (c) preparing for graduate work in psychology, in fields such as clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, counseling psychology, industrial organizational psychology, neuropsychology and social psychology, (d) preparing for professional training in such fields as social work, medicine and education, (e) preparing for work in such fields as business, education and mental health.
Baccalaureate Degree
Major in psychology; 42-44 hours: PSYC 110, 201, 224, 225, 227, PSYC 235 or 250; PSYC 241, 341, 444; 3-4 hours of electives selected from departmental courses or PEAC 218; one course selected from PSYC 346, 347, or 349.
Major in psychology, cognitive neuroscience concentration; 43-44 hours: PSYC 110, 201, 224, 225, 235, 241, 250, 341, 360, 362, 444.
Major in psychology, industrial organization concentration; 41-44 hours; PSYC 110, 201, 224, 225, 341, 355, 444; PSYC 235 or 250; PSYC 241 or MATH 210; BUS 350 or PSYC 357; one course selected from: BUS 340 (BUS 111), PSYC 372, 376.
Majors must successfully complete the senior comprehensive evaluation prior to graduation. Details are available from the department chair.
Minor in psychology, 19 hours: PSYC 110; 15 hours of electives selected from departmental courses or PEAC 218.
Minor in cognitive neuroscience; 20 hours: PSYC 110, 235, 250, 360, one course selected from departmental courses.
Minor in industrial organization; 18-20 hours; PSYC 110, 201, 345, 355; one course selected from: BUS 340 (BUS 111), PSYC 372, 376.
Courses PSYC
110 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental life which includes an overview of the biological, social and cultural influences on behavior. In addition to three hours of lecture meetings per week, all students will participate in a field experience that provides hands-on exposure to course content. C-4HY. Fall, Spring.
201 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 hours
The scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another within and across cultures. Topics include the interaction of culture and gender, conflict and peacemaking, social beliefs and judgments, conformity, persuasion, prejudice, aggression and attraction as they vary. All students will participate in applied research or other practical experience. When offered on campus, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 301L is required. C-3RC.
201L SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY LAB - 1 hour
Students will participate in applied and field-based research. When PSYC 301 is offered on campus, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 301L is required.
224 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
In this course we study and apply theory and research in developmental psychology across the life-span. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of physical, cognitive, and social aspect of development from conception to old age, death and dying. Prerequisite: PSYC 110
225 BEHAVIOR DISORDERS - 4 hours
The scientific study of the causes (etiology), symptoms (diagnosis) and treatment of various forms of psychopathology. Topics include a review of anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, personality disorders and childhood disorders. All students will participate in a laboratory experience. Prerequisite: PSYC 110. Fall.
227 ORGANIZATION PSYCHOLOGY – 4 hours
This course focuses on psychological research centered on how organizations are structured and factors that help employees to thrive in these settings. In this course students will examine research and theory related to motivation and engagement, stress and well-being, fairness and diversity, leadership, and working in teams. Prerequisite: PSYC 110
235 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
An introduction to topics in cognitive psychology including: attention, perception, neurocognition, memory, knowledge, reasoning, decision making, problem solving, language and imagery. Laboratory projects and experiments provide hands-on experience with course topics. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in psychology.
241 STATISTICS AND RESEARCH DESIGN I - 4 hours
This course is designed to introduce students majoring in psychology to common statistical analysis skills rooted in the interpretation of psychological research. This course is the first in a sequence of three statistics and research design courses, and is intended to lay a strong foundation for critical statistical analytical skills required in more advanced coursework in psychology. Topics will include a review of descriptive methods, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, analysis of variance and an introduction to statistical analysis software. Prerequisite: PSYC 110, MATH 105 or placement. C-1Q. Spring.
250 COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE - 4 hours
This course examines the biological foundations of mental processes. Specifically, we will explore how neurons, brain structure and neural function (the biological foundation of the brain) enable cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, decision making and thought. Prerequisite: PSYC 110
307 PSYCHOLOGY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY - 4 hours
This course focuses on the study and application of marriage and family research and theory. Students learn about a wide range of topics associated with functional and dysfunctional relationships. The emphasis will be on romantic and marital relationships, viewed through the lens of psychological theory and research. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
311 ATTENTION AND DISTRACTION - 4 hours
Attention is a broad term that includes such things as the influence of our expectations and how we allocate our limited mental resources. In this course we will study the following questions: What is attention? What are its manifestations and its functions? Students will discover how disorders of attention affect students in the classroom and how advertisers capture our attention. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
341 STATISTICS AND RESEARCH DESIGN II (W) - 4 hours
A beginning study of experimental and non-experimental research methods in contemporary psychology. Students study the basic methods of measurement, hypothesis formation, data collection, data analysis and interpretation. Laboratory projects provide hands-on experience. Prerequisite: FYS or ENG 111; PSYC 110; PSYC 241 or MATH 210. Fall.
345 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS - 4 hours
An introduction to the theory and practice of psychological measurement. Topics include theory and practice of test construction, validation and interpretation. Laboratory projects include practical experience in course topics. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
346 STATISTICS & RESEARCH: APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
Students will be introduced to a variety of statistical and research methods used in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, psychological testing or survey development. Students will learn statistical methods used in the development of assessment measures, reliability coefficients, validity coefficients and factor analysis. Specific attention will be given to data input, data transformation, and analysis using SPSS. In addition, students will learn how to accurately interpret and explain research. All students will be expected to present their research at a research conference. This course prepares students for graduate school research. Only one of PSYC 346, PSYC 347, or PSYC 349 may be counted toward electives in the Psychology major or minor. Prerequisite: PSYC 341.
347 STATISTICS & RESEARCH: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
Students will be introduced to a variety of statistics and methods used in cognition research. The class closely mimics the graduate school experience in cognitive psychology, including programming, scheduling participants, conducting experiments and learning lab management skills. Only one of PSYC 346, PSYC 347, or PSYC 349 may be counted toward electives in the Psychology major or minor. Prerequisite: PSYC 341.
349 STATISTICS & RESEARCH: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
Students will be introduced to a variety of statistical and research methods used in Developmental Psychology. Students will learn advanced SPSS skills and hone advanced statistical skills in using tests such as ANOVA, factorial design, multiple regression, correlation and chi square. Students will conduct research, analyze data and present findings at research conferences. This course prepares students for graduate school research. Only one of PSYC 346, PSYC 347, or PSYC 349 may be counted toward electives in the Psychology major or minor. Prerequisite: PSYC 341.
352 CULTURE AND PSYCHOLOGY - 3 hours
The study of how culture influences human development, motivation, thinking, abnormal behavior and social interaction. It includes an in-depth comparison of US culture with one other non-US culture. C-3GC. January.
355 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
Industrial/Organizational Psychology is the application of scientific methods and psychological principles to industrial and organizational behavior. Topics include: job analysis, personnel selection, performance appraisal, assessment reliability and validity, the legal context for personnel decisions, work motivation, work attitudes, leadership and occupational health. These topics are studied to maximize both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
357 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT - 4 hours
This course focuses on both theory and practice related to organization development. Practitioners of organization development use behavioral science knowledge to increase organizational effectiveness and well-being. Students will learn about various techniques for planned, organization-wide interventions that are typically managed by those in leadership positions of an organization. Prerequisite: PYSC 110.
360 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
An introduction to the biology of behavior. Topics include a review of the function of the nervous system, brain and behavior. Laboratory projects and experiments provide hands-on experience with course topics. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in psychology.
362 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION - 4 hours
Sensation involves the process of getting information about the external world to our brain via touch, taste, sight, smell and sound. Perception is the active process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting this sensory input. This course will explore theories and experimental methods used to study sensation and perception, addressing issues such as why we see the sky as blue, how we recognize our friend's face and how we perceive the richly detailed visual scenes we encounter. The emphasis is on visual sensation and perception as it is our most well-examined sense. Prerequisites: PSYC 110 and 235.
366 COUNSELING THEORY AND PRACTICE - 4 hours
A survey of the major counseling theories. Laboratory projects include practical experiences. Prerequisites: PSYC 110, 224, 325. Spring.
372 LEADERSHIP & MOTIVATION - 4 hours
This course focuses on theories of organizational leadership and employee motivation. Students will review research findings which evaluate the validity of alternative theories of leadership and motivation. Special emphasis will be given to new research exploring what employees most want from top leaders and employers. They will then apply these research findings to specific organizational challenges. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
374 ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING - 4 hours
This course will focus on research and process-based models of organizational consulting. Students will learn about collecting and analyzing data to provide recommendations for organizational improvement. They will also learn about the personal competencies deemed essential for success as a consultant. In addition, students will gain insight and perspective on how to design and develop a successful consulting practice. Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
376 PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY - 4 hours
This course focuses on research and theory related to employee selection, training and performance appraisal and feedback. Attention will be given to the evaluation of employee selection methods and the lawful, ethical and practical application of methods such as interviews, ability tests and personality inventories. This course will also cover employee training needs analysis, program design and evaluation. In addition, students will learn about theory and research related to performance appraisal and feedback. Prerequisite: PSYC 110 and PSYC 227.
444 SENIOR SEMINAR - 4 hours
A capstone course for psychology majors that includes a review of major historical and contemporary issues in psychology. Topics include a laboratory component designed to help prepare students for the Senior Comprehensive Evaluation in psychology, graduate study and future careers. Prerequisites: Senior standing. Fall.
460 DIRECTED PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH - 1-4 hours
Guided research in psychology is carried out under the direction of a faculty mentor. Students will develop a research question, collect and analyze data and communicate results. This course may be repeated for a total of four hours. Prerequisite: PSYC 341.
476 FIELD PLACEMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY - 1-12 hours
Supervised field placement in a clinic, hospital, school, agency or laboratory. Three semester hours may be used to meet major requirements. Prerequisites: PSYC 110 and consent of instructor.
380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and college dean also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.
385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.