Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Psychological Science

Department Faculty
Daniel Graham, Associate Professor, Chair
Stephanie Anglin, Assistant Professor
Elizabeth Belcher, Assistant Professor
Jamie S. Bodenlos, Professor
Emily Fisher, Associate Professor
Julie Newman Kingery, Professor
Michelle L. Rizzella, Associate Professor

The Psychological Science curriculum forms a developmentally coherent program of study that begins with courses designed to provide foundational knowledge that supports learning in advanced courses. This first of these courses is PSY 100, which provides a broad survey of several sub-disciplines, introduces students to the basic assumptions of both scientific and applied psychology, provides content in psychology that complements the liberal arts curriculum, and serves as a foundational course for those who Major/minor in psychology. Within the next level of the curriculum (i.e., 200-level elective courses) are courses that focus on helping students to a more in-depth understanding of particular sub-disciplines of psychology. Also at the 200-level, our statistics and research methods in psychological science courses (i.e., PSY 201/202) emphasize developing questions that further our understanding of behavior, gathering evidence to test answer those questions, and quantifying, analyzing and interpreting that evidence to draw make conclusions. Coursework at the 200-level supports the learning of content in our 300-level courses. At the 300-level, our special topics seminars focus on advanced content and processes via reading and analyzing the primary research literature in particular subdisciplines of psychology. Our advanced theory and design and capstone research courses provide advanced experiential learning of research and data analysis. Across all levels of our curriculum, courses emphasize different goals of the Colleges' general curriculum in addition to disciplinary content of psychology. Courses also make connections across various sub-disciplines within psychology and interdisciplinary connections with other fields of study. Faculty in the department represent various sub-disciplines of psychology (e.g., personality, social, clinical, developmental, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience, sensation and perception) and they utilize their expertise in a particular area to teach courses across the curriculum.

Mission Statement

The Psychological Science curriculum provides students with a broad introduction to the study of behavior and its underlying processes with an emphasis on psychology as an empirical science. The department is committed to providing undergraduates with an outstanding education in the knowledge, skills, and values representative of scientific and applied aspects of psychology. In the context of a liberal arts education, we strive to strengthen the general education of our students by making connections between our curriculum, the goals of the Colleges’ curriculum, and other disciplines and programs. As part of the Natural Science Division at HWS, we consider psychology a scientific discipline and emphasize inquiry that utilizes a scientific methodology while also recognizing the contributions of other methodologies. The department values direct engagement with the research process, and all students have opportunities to experience research in their classes. Students learn about patterns in thinking, emotions, and behaviors, how to evaluate the data that let us discover these patterns, and how to apply this information to their own lives and the world around them.

Offerings

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. In order for 300-level courses to count toward the major/minor, students must take them in their junior/senior years with the appropriate prerequisites (unless the Chair of Psychological Science gives permission otherwise)

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 and PSY 202. Furthermore, the department recommends strongly that PSY 201 and PSY 202 are 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 and 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 advisor 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 advisor 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.

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 advisor 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: Neuroscience: Behavioral, Cognitive & Perceptual Processes and one capstone course pair from Group B: Behavior in Context: Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social. 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.

Psychological Sciences Major (B.A.)

12 courses
Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of concepts and principles, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends of major areas in psychology.
• Apply the scientific method to acquire knowledge and to think critically about psychological phenomena.
• Abide by high ethical standards and engage in behavior that reflects an understanding of and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
• Produce completed research projects and communicate their results in a variety of formats including oral presentations and scholarly papers appropriate for professional psychology audiences.
• Develop and refine skills (e.g., project-management, teamwork skills) that will prepare them for future professional and personal aspirations.

Requirements:
PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202; one course pair from capstone Group A: Neuroscience: Behavioral, Cognitive & Perceptual Processes; one course pair from capstone Group B: Behavior in Context: Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social; one 300-level special topics seminars; three additional Psychological Science courses, 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; and one course from outside the department dealing with behavior. (A list of approved courses can be found on the departmental web pages). 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 Major (B.S.)

15 courses
Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of concepts and principles, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends of major areas in psychology.
• Apply the scientific method to acquire knowledge and to think critically about psychological phenomena.
• Abide by high ethical standards and engage in behavior that reflects an understanding of and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
• Produce completed research projects and communicate their results in a variety of formats including oral presentations and scholarly papers appropriate for professional psychology audiences.
• Develop and refine skills (e.g., project-management, teamwork skills) that will prepare them for future professional and personal aspirations, especially in careers in STEM-focused fields.
• Provide additional focus on material from other natural sciences that complement material in Psychological Science.

Requirements:
All of the requirements for the B.A. in psychological science, plus three additional courses in the natural sciences, approved by the advisor. 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 Minor

7 courses
Requirements:
PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202; one 300-level capstone research course pair (either group); and two additional elective psychological science courses. 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.

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 299 Sensation and Perception

300-Level Capstone Research Course Groups

Group A: Neuroscience: Behavioral, Cognitive and Perceptual Processes
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: Behavior in Context: Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social
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 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 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 495/496 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 to 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, 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, 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 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. (Belcher, 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, offered annually)

PSY 255 Psychological Science and Law  This course focuses on the scientific study of psychology and law with an emphasis on how psychological theory and research from subdisciplines (e.g., cognitive, social) informs the discourse surrounding controversial issues of the criminal justice system. Topics include eyewitness memory, interrogation and confessions, race and the law, jury decision-making, deception, expert testimony, and reconstructed/repressed memories of traumatic events. (Rizzella, offered alternate years)

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 and 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: PSY 304. 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 and 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 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 PSY 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 328 Advanced Theory and 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 330 Advanced Theory and 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 examine 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. (Belcher, offered annually)

PSY 335 Advanced Theory and 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. Prerequisites: Any two 2XX psychology courses or permission of the instructor. (offered occasionally)

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 and 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. Prerequisites: 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. (Belcher, 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 GSIJ 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. (Belcher, offered annually)

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 and 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 428 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 and 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 and 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 450 Independent Study

PSY 453 Capstone Research in Clinical Psychology  Students will apply the deep understanding of methods and design in clinical psychology gained in PSY 353 to carry out their own clinically-based psychological research project. In this course, we will review statistical analyses and techniques required to do research in the 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 456 1/2 Credit Independent Study

PSY 495/496 Honors

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 499 Psychology Internship