Psychology Graduate Course Catalog Courses numbered between G89.1016 and G89.2199 are primarily for Master of Arts students and are scheduled in the evening, enabling the working student to attend on a part-time basis. Other courses, for students in the doctoral program, are scheduled in the morning or afternoon. Not every course is offered each term. In addition to the regularly offered courses in the various master's and doctoral programs, a number of electives are also offered each year. Introductory Master's Statistics
G89.1016 Fulfills M.A. statistics requirement. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on diagnostic quiz. Cohen. 3 points.
Basic statistics for psychological research. Includes brief introduction to descriptive statistics, t-tests, power, correlation and regression, ANOVA (through two-way mixed designs), and chi-square tests. The use of statistical software is introduced. Psychoanalytic Theory
G89.1080 Prerequisite: undergraduate course in personality theory or abnormal psychology. Samstag. 3 points.
The development of Freudian psychoanalysis in historical perspective. Guided reading of primary texts. Psychology of Music
G89.2002 Aiello. 3 points.
This course addresses music as a projection of the mind and as an emotional response. It examines musical meaning, and evaluates cognitive, behavioral, and nuerological responses to music listening. It looks at the perceptual and cognition processes that we apply in listening to music in general and to selected musical elements in particular. Principles of Learning
G89.2010 Ausch. 3 points.
Examines major theories of learning with relevance to instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning, motivation, and affect. Explores relevant research on traditional and contemporary issues in learning. Emphasis is on human learning and behavior modification. Sensation and Perception
G89.2011 Staff. 3 points.
Experimental foundations and theoretical approaches to problems of sensing, perceiving, and interpreting sensory information. Receptor function and physiology, discrimination, adaptation, attention, perceptual learning, and psychophysical methods of research and assessment. Physiological Basis of Behavior
G89.2012 Carr. 3 points.
Survey of biological and chemical correlates of behavior, especially concerning the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system, as related to sensation, drive, emotion, learning, and memory. Psychology of Social Behavior
G89.2014 Lutz. 3 points.
Current theory and research in social behavior and social issues. Topics include social cognition, attribution, affiliation and social comparison, aggression, equity and social exchange, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, and group dynamics. Applications are discussed. Theories of Personality
G89.2015 Staff. 3 points.
Current theories and research are reviewed from several perspectives, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, trait, social-learning, and cognitive. Topics include personality development and consistency, personality change, biological determinants, sex differences, anxiety, the self and self-esteem, and personality as a social inference. Intermediate Master's Statistics
G89.2016 Fulfills M.A. statistics requirement. Prerequisites: undergraduate course in statistics and satisfactory performance on diagnostic quiz. Cohen. 3 points.
Topics in experimental design and correlational analysis, including multiple correlation and regression, selected complex factorial designs, and multiple comparisons. Introduction to the use of statistical computer software. Philosophy, History, and Systems of Psychology
G89.2018 Westerman. 3 points.
The course will provide students with a broad perspective on the discipline of psychology through study of relevant work in philosophy, examination of the history of the field, and consideration of some of the major systems for explaining human behavior. Consideration of philosophy will include issues directly related to work in psychology (e.g., mind-body relations), and discussion of implicit philosophical commitments reflected by efforts in the field. While a good number of broad philosophical and historical issues will be examined, two main themes will be addressed throughout the course: (1) issues about the place of meaning and interpretation in psychology, and (2) the role played by culture (given that investigators and the people they study are members of a culture). Child Development
G89.2020 Getzfeld. 3 points.
Major issues in child development, examined in light of current research and theoretical formulations. Cognitive development, social development, origins of temperament, the role of early experience, language acquisition, concept formation, the origin of play, moral development, and intelligence testing, from several theoretical points of view, including learning theory, Piagetian system, and psychoanalysis. Cognitive Psychology
G89.2025 Staff. 3 points.
Survey of what modern cognitive psychology says about problem solving and reasoning, memory, language, imagery, and pathology of language and thought. Physiological Basis of Abnormal Behavior
G89.2030 Prerequisite: G89.2012 or the equivalent. Carr. 3 points.
Examines recent developments in the attempt to relate basic biological processes to behavioral disorders and/or mental illness. Discusses animal models of abnormal behavior, their usefulness in making discoveries, and their relevance to human disorders. Topics include physiological influences on anxiety, particularly the role of hormones, biochemical factors in depression, and relationship of stress to these changes; biochemical theories of schizophrenia; genetics and abnormal behavior; and psychosomatic disorders. Neuropsychology
G89.2031 Uysal. 3 points.
Introduction to human brain behavior relationships, with emphasis on the organization of higher mental functions and the roles of the major cerebral areas. Topics include neural basis and common disorders of language, perception, movement, memory, and behavior control; aging and dementia; developmental disabilities; differences between the hemispheres; and clinical evaluation procedures. Introduction to Industrial/ Organizational Psychology
G89.2032 Required of all M.A. students in industrial/organizational psychology. Eggebeen. 3 points.
Personal, social, and environmental factors related to people's attitudes and performance in industrial and other organizations. Topics include personnel selection and evaluation, training and development, job analysis, attitudes and motivation, leadership, group dynamics, organizational structure and climate, and job design and working conditions. Foundations of Psychopathology
G89.2034 Pierro. 3 points.
Covers several broad categories of disordered psychological functioning as classified by the current psychiatric nomenclature. Focuses on a select number of major diagnostic entities. Emphasizes the formal, structural, experiential, and intrapsychic factors that serve as a foundation for understanding such behavior. Course helps students develop an understanding of the consistencies between behavior that is considered normal and that which is considered pathological. Psychology of Violence
G89.2036 Staff. 3 points.
Surveys the current clinical, theoretical, and research approaches to studying aggressive and violent behavior—including cognitive models and biological variables—in relation to mental illness. Students review the literature on the antecedents of violent behavior as well as the evaluation and treatment of violent patients, along with related forensic issues. Forensic Psychology
G89.2038 Pearson. 3 points.
Covers several areas that form the interface between the legal system and psychology. Topics include the causes, treatment, and prevention of criminal behavior; eyewitness testimony, expert witnesses, jury composition, and the role that psychological factors play in the presentation of a course case; and the role of punishment. Current Issues in Psychology
G89.2040, 2041, 2042, G89.2043 Staff. 3 points.
Cognitive Neuroscience
G89.204X Josipovic. 3 points.
This course will explore the brain basis of cognition. We will focus on the higher cognitive functions, such as: language, imagination, creativity, aesthetic perception, sense of self, contemplative and religious experiences, and the nature of consciousness. The students will have an opportunity to visit one of the most active and exciting fields of research today--the neural basis of human mind. Positive Psychology and the Brain
G89.204X Josipovic. 3 points.
This course will compare modern Western approaches to actualizing human potential (including their latest incarnation, Positive Psychology) to their roots in Asian contemplative traditions. These theoretical approaches will provide a context with which to understand the latest neuroscience discoveries in meditation research. The course will include an experiential component (you will be asked to keep a meditation journal) in order to supplement the third-person science of brain functioning, with a first-person subjective methodology.
Emotion and Its Development
G89.204X Ausch. 3 points.
This course will examine human emotions from various theoretical perspectives including psychodynamic, phenomenological, biological, and cultural approaches. Topics include the development of emotional life from infancy through adulthood; the expression and development of specific emotions such as anger, anxiety, shame, joy, and romantic love; and the major cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions that have arisen to help us navigate the complexities of human emotional life. Personality Disorders
G89.204X Rombone. 3 Points.
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with current clinical and research approaches associated with Personality Disorders. Assessment, the psychiatric interview, and DSM-IV diagnosis will be related to the three major clusters of personality disorders included in the DSM-IV. This course will include both didactic and experiential components, the latter in the form of in-class discussion, weekly reaction papers, and a final paper for the course.
Psychology of Diversity
G89.204X Forte. 3 points.
This course will review current theories and research on diversity especially as they relate to the workplace. Students will examine psychological principles and research as they relate to human behavior and how we perceive and interact with people who have different backgrounds, values, cultures, experiences and ideas. Additionally, there will be special emphasis on the dynamics of diversity in the workplace and the identification and examination of strategies to successfully manage diversity.
Culture, Thought, and Emotion
G89.204X Ausch. 3 points.
This course is designed to introduce students to the complex interrelationship between individual psychological life and culture. Such an approach helps us to understand diverse societies, but even more importantly, helps make explicit how 'western-ness' can shape the ways in which one thinks and feels. Sample topics include the relationships between culture and thought, emotion, biology, childhood and technology.
Health Psychology
G89.2051 Ruhland. 3 points.
Basic overview of the field, including behavior modification, stress, coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke, pain, the immune system, AIDS and cancer, issues in pediatric health psychology, smoking, and weight control.
Gender Roles
G89.2053 Howell. 3 points.
Examines the complex, interrelated topics of sex and gender differences; the psychology of women; the psychology of men; and the social and personal “realities” created by gender interactions.
Developmental Psychopathology
G89.2054 Staff. 3 points.
Overview of the major categories of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence. Theoretical, empirical, and clinical studies are examined and discussed. Traumatic Stress Reactions
G89.2057 Reis. 3 points.
Deals with the spectrum of psychological, biological, and social sequelae of experiences of traumatic stress. Traumatic stresssors studied include combat exposure, childhood sexual abuse, natural and man-made disasters, and political prisoner/refugee experiences. Relevant research illustrates the differential effects of traumatic experiences across groups (e.g., gender, developmental level) and over time. Psychology of Decision Making
G89.2059 Mourad. 3 points.
Exploration of the psychological processes that underlie people's judgments and decision making. First identifies some general rules that capture the way people make decisions. Then explores how people make decisions in numerous domains, including consumer, social, clinical, managerial, and organizational decision making. Looks at both rational and irrational patterns in the way people select options. Discusses the impact of the media on our choices. Also examines how different ways of presenting options and different decision-making strategies can influence decision outcomes. In general, emphasizes the applied implications of the various perspectives on decision making. Introduction to Psychological Testing
G89.2060 Karp. 3 points.
Broad introduction to the field of psychological assessment, including an understanding of the conceptual issues underlying different approaches to testing and assessment. Surveys the major types of tests used in the field of assessment and addresses the development of the most commonly used instruments. Examines testing with regard to psychometrics (reliability, validity). Theories of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies
G89.2062 Masia. 3 points.
Exposes students to the full range of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the underlying assumptions and theoretical models (including its empirical foundations in classical and operant conditioning as well as social learning theory). Also provides students with the practical application of these theories to a wide spectrum of specific psychological problems and psychiatric disorders.
Psychology of Addiction
G89.2063 Rombone. 3 points.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to conceptualization, theory, technique, and relevant research associated with the Psychology of Addiction. Various aspects of addiction, namely Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, Gambling, Self-Injury, The “Love” Relationships, and Internet addiction, will be reviewed. This important and engaging course will include both didactic and experiential components in order to promote a comprehensive approach to learning about addiction. Clinical Research Design
G89.2066 Prerequisite: G89.1016 or equivalent. Ruhland. 3 points.
Basic principles of research design, with emphasis on methods and strategies used in the area of clinical psychology. Applied Research Methods
G89.2067 Prerequisite: G89.1016 or equivalent. Eggebeen. 3 points.
Development and design of field research and quasi-experimental techniques addressed to applied and theoretical questions: problems of control, selection of variables, nonobtrusive measures, sampling, etc. Evaluation research is emphasized. Personnel Selection
G89.2070 Prerequisites: G89.1016 and G89.2032, or the equivalents. Rotolo. 3 points.
Development and evaluation of personnel selection techniques, including mental ability tests, personality inventories, interviews, work simulations, biographical information, and drug tests. Strategies for evaluating the validity, fairness, and overall utility of a selection process are addressed. Performance Measurement and Rewards
G89.2071 Prerequisite: G89.2032 or the equivalent. Eggebeen. 3 points.
Considers the conceptual and practical issues concerning job analysis, criterion development, and performance measurement. Critical review of alternative approaches and evaluation of their use in providing information to meet various organizational objectives, including performance appraisal, training and development, personnel selection, administrative decisions, and compensation. Work Motivation and Attitudes
G89.2072 Flippen. 3 points.
Analysis and application of motivational theories and principles to individuals and groups in the workplace. Evaluation of the theory and application of various programs and techniques tried previously, including job enrichment, participative management, improved supervision, compensation systems, goal setting, management by objectives, reinforcement, and leadership development and influence techniques. Training in Organizations
G89.2073 Jones. 3 points.
Development of skills in designing and evaluating training programs. Examination of stated or intended purposes of training programs and methods used to analyze training needs. Organizational Development
G89.2074 Prerequisite: G89.2032 or the equivalentand G89.2067. Dattner. 3 points.
Survey of methodological approaches to planned change, including organizational diagnosis, data collection, interventions, feedback, and evaluation. Specific types of interventions covered include strategic planning, organizational design, culture change, team building, survey feedback, goal setting, and career development. Counseling Psychology
G89.2075 Ziehler. 3 points.
Review of basic counseling theory and techniques. Covers processes underlying individual and group counseling, identification and evaluation of behavioral outcomes, case management, and counseling ethics. Surveys specialized counseling approaches and the needs of special populations. Leadership and Strategic Change
G89.2076 Flippen. 3 points.
The nature and evolving definition of leadership is traced from early conceptualizations of trait, social exchange, and behavioral contingency theories to current approaches involving charismatic, transactional, and transformational leadership. Power, influence, information, and politics are examined as these relate to effective leadership. The importance of leadership behavior in promoting adaptive learning and high-performance organizations is considered in light of leadership selection, development, and succession planning. Personality and Organizational Behavior
G89.2077 Adler. 3 points.
Reviews theory and empirical research in industrial/organizational and personality psychology to explore the effects of individual differences on workplace outcomes, such as job performance, work attitudes, leadership, and turnover. Examines the Big Five personality model; such specific dispositions as self-esteem, achievement motive, emotional intelligence, and explanatory style; and interactionist, psychodynamic, and evolutionary personality theories in order to better understand the relationship between personality and organizational behavior. Management Consulting
G89.2078 Eggebeen. 3 points.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the consulting process through practical, hands-on engagement with I/O principles and practices. It will include an opportunity to learn and demonstrate the skills of client problem definition, analysis, solution and presentation. Course topics cover the basics of the consulting process dealing with resistance to change and adding value for clients. Students consult on projects with actual clients, role-play difficult consulting situations, discuss and apply consulting models, tools, and techniques, present their plans and solutions to the class and debate the merits of alternative strategies. Executive Coaching and Development
G89.2079 Gans. 3 points.
Executive Coaching is an advanced elective on theories, methods, and techniques of coaching executives for leadership development and management effectiveness. The organization benefits from the leadership development gained from coaching executives in terms of: accelerated delivery of strategic objectives; developing greater organizational resilience in response to change; and improving quality of work life. Coaching is a tailored learning program for behavioral change and optimized performance. Coaching differs from other types of training programs because of the individualized relationship established between the client and coach over an extended time frame. The course examines coaching engagement processes, how assessment is used, feedback mechanisms, and techniques for counseling for enhanced performance. Although the focus of the course will be on individual coaching, applications to team development will be included. The course includes lectures, guest lectures, a mentoring assignment in which coaching skills can be practiced, and a project in which each student defines a professional development goal and is coached by a student peer to achieve it over the course of the semester. Introduction to Family Therapy
G89.2080 Ziehler. 3 points.
Review of major approaches to family treatment. Covers patterns of family communication and interactions; family conflict and mechanisms of conflict resolution; effects of psychotherapeutic interventions on family functioning; theories and definitions of family psychopathology. Psychology of Adolescence
G89.2082 Browning. 3 points.
In-depth study of selected topics in adolescent psychology through a reading of primary sources. The readings follow a historic line, beginning with psychoanalytic contributions in the 1930s (Anna Freud, Karen Horney) and continuing through Erikson, Piaget, Elkind, Youniss, and Gilligan. Topics covered include early theoretical conceptions, cognitive development, identity, peer relations, and more recent papers concerned with multicultural and gender issues. Two psychopathological conditions (suicidal behavior and eating disorders) are studied, as prototypes of adolescent problems, along with descriptions of adolescent psychotherapies. The various approaches to research in adolescence are ascertained by paying special attention to the method(s) employed by each author. Group Dynamics
G89.2083 Gans. 3 points.
The focus of this course is group theory, research and process. The objective of this course is to develop your knowledge, skill and experience in how groups function and the dynamics of human interaction in a group setting. Students examine their own individual behavior in a group setting including the factors that impact their behavior as well as how others perceive and respond to them. Upon completion of this course students should have acquired and demonstrated in effective communication skills including: reflecting, clarifying, linking, paraphrasing, summarizing, receiving and giving feedback, probing, challenging, mediating, and owning. Students take on a role in defining goals for their teams and work on group p rojects, which may include a service learning project in the community, as an example of how groups operate to come to an understanding of individual and group differences and how diversity affects dynamics. NOTE: This is an experiential course; your active participation should demonstrate your growing understanding of the academic concepts and growing skill in group dynamics. Cross-Cultural Psychology
G89.2084 Gulcur. 3 points.
Introduces master's degree students to the fundamental concepts, perspectives, values, and strategies of cross-cultural psychology, which focuses on understanding human behavior in its sociocultural context. Takes the perspective that psychological processes can be compared for similarities and differences across cultures, as well as analyzed in their “indigenous” forms. This means that the psyche has both universal and culture-specific components; thus, while some phenomena (e.g., depression) exist in almost all cultures, their causes, manifestations, and meanings may be culture-specific and not comparable. Interpersonal Approaches to Psychotherapy and Psychopathology
G89.2085 Westerman. 3 points.
Examines a variety of interpersonal approaches to psychopathology and psychotherapy through consideration of theory, research, and practice. Considers long-standing, fundamental issues regarding (1) the role of interpersonal relationships in human nature and (2) how to conceptualize interpersonal behavior. Includes some discussion of recent critiques of work on psychopathology and psychotherapy, which argue that efforts—even including certain supposedly interpersonal efforts—reflect and support an overly individualistic view of the person.
Organizational Climate and Culture
G89.2086 Rotolo. 3 points.
The course will cover basic as well as advanced concepts involved in the theory, measurement, and importance of organizational climate and culture. Each class session is a mix of lectures, case studies, class discussion, and applied projects focusing on research and theory as well as practical issues and techniques used in applied settings. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of: 1) the various models used to define organizational climate and culture; 2) the impact of climate/culture on various organizational and individual phenomena; 3) methodologies used to measure organizational climate and culture; and 4)concepts and methodologies of culture change.
Quality of Work Life
G89.2090 Gans. 3 points.
Considers major theories, research, and best practices contributing to quality of work life as a core part of business strategy. Topics include work-life quality as a function of organizational structure and design; assessment, evaluation, and intervention schemas; stress management; organizational culture and diversity; and the application of emotional intelligence to leadership and team building. Independent Study
G89.2110 Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. 3 points.
Supervised reading and/or research with a faculty member on a topic selected by the student. Theories of Psychotherapy
G89.2121 Staff. 3 points.
Overview of the theories of therapeutic change, covering the various interventions currently practiced, ranging from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral-based techniques through the existential-based, nondirective and Gestalt modalities. Fieldwork
G89.2125 Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Cohen. 3 points.
Supervised practicum in a selected agency, clinic, or human resources department. Placement, according to occupational needs and goals of the student, may vary from planning and administration to clinical practice. Joint supervision by the academic and qualified agency staff. Research Methods and Experiences
G89.2126 Prerequisites: G89.1016 or equivalent, and permission of appropriate sponsor. Aaronson. 3 points.
Students do collaborative research for about 10 hours a week under the supervision of faculty or other qualified researchers. In addition, weekly class meetings provide information on a variety of research methods and experimental design issues. The course is often taken by students who plan to expand their research into a master's thesis and by students who plan to apply to a Ph.D. program. Independent Research
G89.2140 Enrollment is subject to the availability of appropriate projects. Prerequisites: one core C course and permission of appropriate sponsor. 3 points. Master's Seminar
G89.2199 Open to students in the master's program who are completing a thesis. Prerequisites: G89.1016 or equivalent, one core C course, and permission of appropriate sponsor. Staff. 3 points. DOCTORAL COURSES To take courses at the 2200 level and beyond, students must be admitted to doctoral study or get the instructor's permission. Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Neuroscience
G89.2201 Identical to G80.2201. Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. Feldman. 4 points.
Team-taught, intensive introduction to basic neuroscience. Lectures and readings cover neuroanatomy; basic biophysics; cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience. Sensory and Motor Systems
G89.2202 Identical to G80.2202. Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. Feldman. 4 points.
Team-taught, intensive introduction to integrative neuroscience. Lectures and readings cover sensory and motor systems and higher functions of the nervous system. Laboratory in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Neuroscience
G89.2203 Identical to G80.2203. Corequisite: G89.2201. Semple, staff. 3 points.
Team-taught, state-of-the-art teaching laboratory in neural science. First semester includes neuroanatomy, histology, and cellular and molecular neuroscience. Laboratory in Sensory and Motor Systems
G89.2204 Identical to G80.2204. Corequisite: G89.2202. Semple, staff. 3 points.
Team-taught, state-of-the-art teaching laboratory in neural science. Second semester includes sensory neurophysiology, modern neuroanatomical tracer techniques, psychophysics, and computational neuroscience. Mathematical Tools for Neuroscience
G89.2206 Identical to G80.2206. Prerequisites: undergraduate calculus and some programming experience. Simoncelli. 4 points.
Basic mathematical techniques for analysis and modeling of neural systems. Includes homework sets based on the MATLAB software package. Cognitive Development
G89.2209 Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. Adolph. 3 points.
Introduction to central issues in the study of cognitive development, which aims to (1) provide breadth by reviewing the major theoretical approaches, classic tasks, and paradigms for studying and understanding cognitive development (constructivist, nativist, biological, information processing, and systems approaches) and (2) provide depth by considering the strengths and shortcomings of each theory and the pros and cons of different research strategies for investigating the central questions of cognitive development (characterizing change, underlying change mechanisms, generality of change, and stability of behaviors across individuals and circumstances). Math Tools for Cognitive Science and Neuroscience I
G89.2211 Maloney, Daw. 3 points
Intensive course in basic mathematical techniques for analysis and modeling of behavioral and neural data, including tools from linear systems and statistics. In 2008, first semester Math Tools is being offered jointly for students from Neural Science and Psychology, as an alternative for the first-semester of the two-semester psychology sequence.
Judgment and Decision Making
G89.2212 Prerequisite: elementary probability theory. Maloney, staff. 3 points.
Covers normative and descriptive theories of individual decision making, the classical experimental literature, and recent work, such as the Prospect Theory of Kahneman and Tversky. Language Acquisition
G89.2214 Prerequisite: instructor's permission or a graduate course in linguistics or psycholinguistics. Marcus. 3 points.
Development of grammatical structure in children's language; word learning; views of the nature of the acquisition process; what the study of language development says about the nature of language. Research Methods in Social/ Personality Psychology
G89.2217 Staff. 3 points.
The basics of conducting social and personality psychology research. Students receive practical instruction in research design, methodologies, statistical analysis, and evaluation of published research articles for soundness of design and validity of conclusions. Computational Models of Cognitive Science
G89.2219 Marcus. 3 points.
Introduction to computational modeling, connectionist and symbolic, in cognition and language; why modeling is important, what makes a good model, and how models can inform experimental work. Topics include object permanence, linguistic inflection, and the acquisition of grammar. Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
G89.2221 Identical to G80.2205. Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. Curtis, Suzuki. 3 points.
Provides a detailed background in four major areas: (1) neuroanatomy of the brain and spinal cord; (2) cognitive neuroscience, including discussions of consciousness, cognitive neuroscience techniques, as well as high-level sensory perception/recognition; (3) learning memory and emotion, including conditioning and motivation; and (4) cellular mechanisms of plasticity. Perception
G89.2223 Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. Landy. 3 points.
In-depth survey of psychophysical and modeling methodology, and vision and auditory research. Topic areas include linear systems theory, signal detection theory, optics, spatial vision, motion analysis, depth perception, color vision, auditory coding of intensity and frequency, sound localization, and speech perception. Psycholinguistics
G89.2226 Part of core curriculum for doctoral students in cognition and perception. McElree. 3 points.
Graduate-level introduction to the cognitive processes and linguistic structures that enable language comprehension and production, with an emphasis on lexical, syntactic, and semantic structures and processes. Intermediate Statistical Methods in Psychology
G89.2228 3 points.
Review of introductory statistical methods, with special emphasis on sampling distributions, statistical inference and estimation, statistical power, and sample size estimation for common statistical tests. Methods include measures of association, t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square. Use of statistical computer software. Regression
G89.2229 Prerequisite: G89.2228 or the equivalent. 3 points.
Multiple regression/correlation as a general data analytic system. Sets of variables as units of analyses, representing group membership, curvilinear relationships, missing data, interactions, the analysis of covariance and its generalization; logistic regression; nonparametric statistics. Computer applications. Theories of Personality and Psychotherapy
G89.2231 Andersen. 3 points.
Surveys and evaluates a broad range of theoretical perspectives on the nature of the mind, behavior, and personality, and their implications for psychotherapy. Simulation and Data Analysis
G89.2233 Prerequisite: elementary calculus and some programming experience in any language. Maloney. 3 points.
Covers topics in numerical analysis, probability theory, and mathematical statistics essential to developing Monte Carlo models of complex cognitive and neural processes and testing them empirically. Most homework assignments include programming exercises in the MATLAB language. Linear Systems
G89.2236 Prerequisite: elementary calculus. Maloney. 3 points.
Introduction to linear systems theory and the Fourier transform. Intended for those working in biological vision or audition, computer vision, and neuroscience and assumes only a modest mathematical background. ANOVA
G89.2239 Prerequisite: G89.2228. 3 points.
Complex analysis of variance designs and their computation. Individual Behavior in Organizations
G89.2241 3 points.
Theory and research regarding attitudes and motivation of members of work organizations. Social and Group Behavior in Organizations
G89.2242 3 points.
Introduction to the major theories and research concerning social and group behavior in organizations. Topics include leadership, conflict, power, and influence; group processes, performance, and decision making; organizational culture, design, and development; and international dimensions of organizational psychology. Psychometric Test Theory
G89.2243 Prerequisites: G89.2228 and G89.2229. 3 points.
Theory and practice of measurement; classical test theory (reliability and validity); item response theory; latent trait methods, including factor analysis; and logistic latent trait models. Provides computer experience with methods. Multivariate Statistical Analysis
G89.2244 Prerequisite: G89.2229 or permission of the instructor. Maloney. 3 points.
Theory and application of multivariate statistical methods in the behavioral sciences. Topics include matrix algebra, univariate/multivariate general linear models, multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, canonical correlation, and principal components analysis. Emphasis is on computer applications in the analysis of multivariate data. Structural Equation Methods
G89.2247 Prerequisite: G89.2229 (regression). Shrout. 3 points.
Students apply and critique structural equation methods for studying relationships among multiple variables, including path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, latent variable regression models, and methods designed for categorical data. Emphasis is on practical data analysis and public presentations of findings. Analysis of Change
G89.2248 Prerequisite: G89.2229. Shrout. 3 points.
Current issues and methods involving the analysis of change in the behavioral and social sciences, including latent change approaches, hierarchical linear models, and survival analysis, as well as classical methods for the analysis of change, including change scores, mixed model ANOVA, regression, and MANOVA. Research Seminar in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology
G89.2252, 2253 Prerequisites: G89.2228, G89.2284. May be repeated for credit. Heilman. 3 points per term.
Planning and conducting research in industrial/organizational psychology. Issues and options in research design, implementation, and data analysis are discussed. Students perform, report on, and discuss individual research projects. Leadership and Supervision
G89.2254 3 points.
Psychological questions, theories, and empirical data relating to leadership and supervision in the formal organization; psychological theories of leadership, the change process, and performance evaluation. Psychology of Justice
G89.2255 Tyler. 3 points.
Introduction to psychological theories about social justice. Examines the four major theoretical frameworks of justice theory: relative deprivation, distributive justice, procedural justice, and retributive justice. Using these frameworks, the course examines the role of justice in social attitudes and behavior, the influence of justice on the advantaged and disadvantaged, the scope of justice concerns, the nature of the justice motive, and cultural differences in conceptions of justice. Psychology of Group Behavior
G89.2256 3 points.
Topics and issues involving the psychology of small group behavior. Contemporary theory and research in laboratory and field settings. Emphasis on group processes affecting individual perception and behaviors within the group. The impact of supraorganizational or contextual constraints on formal and informal group processes. Law and Psychology
G89.2257 Tyler. 3 points.
Examines the interface between psychology and the law and legal institutions. Considers a variety of topics, including the use of empirical evidence by the courts; decision making by legal actors (judges, juries); why people obey the law; how to resolve social conflicts, etc. Intervention and Social Change
G89.2269 Prerequisite: G89.2290. Seidman, Yoshikawa. 3 points.
Models and processes of social change, both planned and naturally occurring. Topics include intervention and change processes at setting, organizational, institutional, and societal levels and their relationship to behavior across the life span. Theories of intervention are integrated with discussion of change endeavors throughout the course. Outcomes of interest include mental health problems, antisocial behavior, competence, HIV risk and protective behaviors, and positive development. Primary Prevention
G89.2272 Seidman, Yoshikawa. 3 points.
Examination of the idea of prevention from its earliest roots in the field of mental and public health through to contemporary perspectives on the promotion of well-being. Seminar in Social/Personality Psychology
G89.2279 3 points.
Systematic introduction to current research topics, including person perception, trait structure and heritability, attribution, stereotyping, affiliation, achievement, gender, helping, equity and justice, aggression, intergroup relations, and cross-cultural research. Automaticity
G89.2280 Staff. 3 points.
The history of two distinct models of thought—one conscious and intentional, the other automatic and unintentional—as research topics in psychology. Explores the meaning and nature of these forms of thought and their interaction and impact on social psychological phenomena, from perception through judgment to behavior. Explores motivation, free will, and nature and purpose of consciousness. Basic Research Methods in Social Behavior
G89.2284 Heilman. 3 points.
Introduces research methods and issues in the scientific study of social behavior. Topics include the logic of inquiry and theory development; ethics of research with human participants; research design; methods of data collection; and application of research principles to investigations in laboratory, community, and organizational settings. Advanced Research Methods in Social Behavior
G89.2285 Prerequisite: G89.2284. 3 points.
Practice in idea formulation, data analysis, and report writing. Current research from relevant journals examined critically. Projects carried out in groups. Organizational and Community Processes
G89.2290 Hughes, Seidman. 3 points.
Major theories and approaches to the study of people in context and to understanding how individual behavior and functioning are influenced by features of settings. Emphasis on social and community organizations, including formal and informal structures, and communities and neighborhoods as social and functional systems. Foundations of Social Cognition
G89.2291 Staff. 3 points.
Introduction to the historical roots of and current trends in social cognition. Stages in information processing (including attention, categorization, explanation, inference, and recall) and their relation to judgment, behavior, and social issues, such as prejudice and discrimination. Also the role of situational and personality mediators. Psychology and Social Issues
G89.2292 Seidman, Shinn, Yoshikawa. 3 points.
Relationship of current topics in public policy to psychological theory and evidence. Examination of psychological approaches to policy-relevant issues in the context of other disciplines: public policy analysis, economics, sociology, and anthropology. Current social issues addressed may include poverty, education policy, welfare reform, immigration policy, and health policy. Evaluation Research
G89.2293 Prerequisites: G89.2229 and a course in research methodology. Shinn. 3 points.
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation research. Political, strategic, and ethical issues; designs and analysis techniques for process and outcome evaluations; needs assessment; measuring change; goal attainment; cost analysis; and time series analysis. Ecological Assessment
G89.2294 Shinn. 3 points.
Methods for assessing the social, organizational, and community contexts of human behavior. Reliability and validity of measures of context. Methods for aggregating individual attitudes or characteristics (e.g., perceived social climate, census data), measuring theoretically important features of ecological units directly, and assessing transactions between people and environments. Seminar in Psycholinguistics
G89.3210 May be repeated for credit. Marcus, McElree. 3 points.
In-depth examination of topical issues in language comprehension, production, and acquisition. Sample topics: mechanisms for syntactic and interpretative processing; modular and nonmodular approaches to language comprehension; statistical and rule-based approaches to language acquisition. Culture and Child Development
G89.3211 Prerequisite: a doctoral-level course in developmental psychology. Staff. 3 points.
Focuses on theoretical and empirical work, from a variety of disciplines (including psychology, anthropology, education sociology, history, and evolutionary psychology), that considers the role of cultural factors in children's cognitive and social development. Rather than simply debating notions of cultural specificity versus universality, participants are asked to consider the potential contribution that analyses of cultural factors can make to our understanding of children's development in general. Students are active participants in organizing and leading class discussion and are required to prepare a research proposal that addresses a specific issue regarding the role of cultural factors in development. Social Development of African American Children
G89.3212 Hughes. 3 points.
A variety of approaches to understanding the status of African American children and families are available in the social science literature. The primary purpose of this course is to anchor existing research on African American children in a cultural context and in the nature of children's encounters with mainstream culture. Topics covered include perspectives on culture and ethnicity; language; peer group and school experiences; racial socialization; and influences of the media, community violence, poverty, and racism on children's development. Field and Intervention Research Design and Methods
G89.3213 Seidman. 3 points.
Examines how to ask questions, develop theory, and choose and implement research designs and methods of data collection in naturalistic social settings. Designing and decomposing the effects of both longitudinal and intervention studies are highlighted. The philosophical, social, cultural, ethical, and political values and issues impacting the research enterprise as well as the trade-offs between ideal procedures and what can actually be accomplished are underscored throughout the course. Social/Personality Development
G89.3214 Ruble. 3 points.
Presentation of major theories and issues concerning the development of children's social awareness and behavior, including early attachment processes, socialization, social perception, and social behavior and motivation. Seminar in Cognitive, Perceptual, and Language Development
G89.3220 May be repeated for credit. Adolph, Johnson, Marcus. 3 points.
Advanced topics in developmental psychology. Topics may include conceptual development, language acquisition, motor skill acquisition, and perceptual learning and development. Seminar in Perception
G89.3233 May be repeated for credit. Carrasco, Landy, Maloney, Pelli. 3 points.
Advanced topics in perception. Topics have included object recognition, space perception, binocular stereopsis, visual cue combination, feature analysis, visual-motor coordination, visual attention, and fMRI methods in perception. Behavioral Neuroscience
G89.3241 Identical to G80.3241. Prerequisite: G89.2202 or equivalent. LeDoux. 3 points.
Survey of basic areas in behavioral neuroscience. Areas of primary interest include behavioral and neurobiological analysis of instinctive behavior, conditioning, motivation and emotion, and learning and cognition. Seminar in Selected Research Topics in Social Psychology
G89.3282 May be repeated for credit. 3 points.
Considers significant current research areas in social/personality psychology. Presentations by guest speakers and by students engaged in their own research programs constitute a major portion of this course. Attitude Theory
G89.3286 Staff. 3 points.
Contemporary theories of attitude formation, structure, and change; attitude measurement; derivative research and current controversies among the leading theories; related concepts such as beliefs, values, and public opinion. Practicum in Community Research
G89.3287, 3288 Seidman, Shinn, Yoshikawa. 3 points per term.
Closely supervised field research experience involving a social endeavor. With faculty supervision, students choose projects providing them with experiences in the processes of pre-entry, entry, development, and implementation of a social intervention, as well as its evaluation, feedback of its results, and responsible exit. Advanced Seminar in Community Psychology
G89.3290 May be repeated for credit. 3 points.
In-depth examination of a current research area in community psychology. Advanced Topics in Organizational Psychology
G89.3296 Prerequisite: graduate course in social psychology. 3 points.
In-depth examination of a current research area in organizational psychology. Dissertation Research
G89.3301, 3302 May be repeated for credit; however, no more than 6 points may be counted toward the 72 points required for the doctorate. 3 points per term.
Discussion of proposals and methodology for doctoral dissertation, planning of dissertation work, and reports of progress. Preproposal Research in Psychology
G89.3303, 3304 Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. 3 points per term.
Research for one or two terms in addition to the doctoral research. Reading Course in Psychology
G89.3305, 3306 Open only to advanced students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. 3 points per term.
Planned program of intensive readings in a defined area of psychology with supervision of a member of the department. Research in Problems in Psychology
G89.3321, 3322 Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 points per term.
Supervised research on a special problem apart from the doctoral thesis, in addition to G89.3303, 3304. Seminar in Memory and Cognition
G89.3326 May be repeated for credit. Davachi, McElree, Murphy, Phelps, Rehder. 3 points.
In-depth examination of topical issues in memory and cognition. Sample topics: mathematical models of memory and cognitive processes; aging, memory, and cognitive control; imaging methods in cognitive tasks; current controversies in categorization.
Special Topics: System Justification Theory
G89.3404 Jost. 3 points
According to system justification theory, people are both consciously and unconsciously motivated to defend, bolster, and justify aspects of the societal status quo. In this seminar we will read and discuss the relevant research literature in order to critically evaluate the evidence pertaining to the theory and consider the broader implications of that evidence.
Math Tools for Cognitive Science and Neuroscience
G89.3404, 3405 Prerequisite: trigonometry and calculus. Some experience with programming is desirable but not necessary. Maloney. 3 points.
A two semester sequence that covers (first semester) linear algebra, linear systems, mathematical probability, expectation, convergence, simulation methods, estimation, resampling methods, the linear model including regression and ANOVA (second semester) hypothesis testing, Bayesian methods, extensions to the linear model including GLM, selected topics in multivariate statistics and machine learning. There are weekly exercises that involve programming.
Person Perception within Dyads
G89.3405 West. 3 points
This course focuses on theoretical and methodological approaches to studying dyadic and group-level person person processes. Topics covered will include person perception within a wide variety of close relationships (including romantic, friendship, and family relationships) and new acquaintance relationships (including friendships and intergroup relationships). Much of the focus will be on understanding how basic perception processes operate in dyad and group-level contexts; processes such as self perception, perceived partner perception, and metaperception. In addition, new methodological approaches to studying dyads and groups will be introduced. It is recommended although not required that students have taken at least one graduate course in statistics prior to enrolling in this course.
Psychology and the Design of Legal Institutions
G89.3405 Tyler. 3 points
This joint law school-psychology seminar provides an overview of the literatures in which law and psychology interface. These include legal decision making by judges and juries; evidence; studies of legal procedures and institutions; and research on compliance and rehabilitation.
The Relational Self
G89.3406 This seminar will cover research literatures on the manner in which the self develops, is defined, and is maintained in the context of interpersonal relationships. It will be a true seminar in that participants will read journal articles and chapters each week before class so we can all discuss these works in depth. Selected topics will be covered that involve relational aspects of the self, including the social-cognitive process of transference, relational schemas, attachment processes, contingencies of self-worth, self-protective processes, and relationship-protective processes, interdependent self-construal, self-standards/roles/norms, social identity, and culture. Seminar in Current Topics
G89.3391, 3392, 3393, 3394, 3395, 3396, 3397, 3398, 3399, 3400 May be repeated for credit. 3 points per term.
The department offers several seminars each term, reflecting the interest of advanced students or members of the faculty in contemporary problems in psychology theory, research, or practice. Updated |
