2007-2008 Catalog

Washington College: Your Revolution Starts Here

Psychology

Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Psychology addresses the fundamental premises of human behavior and the brain's complex role in determining who we are. Students are kept abreast of the latest scientific advances and research methods in this burgeoning field. The department offers a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, as well as two specialized programs: a bachelor of arts concentration in clinical/counseling and a bachelor of science concentration in behavioral neuroscience.

The curriculum in psychology is designed to provide a strong background in the biobehavioral sciences and to prepare students for entry into graduate programs in experimental psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and related fields. The course offerings reflect both the basic scientific content of psychology and its application in the clinical setting or in the business world. The department heavily stresses faculty-student interaction through laboratories and internships. A psychology club is open to all interested students, and a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, also provides supplementary activities.

The curriculum is three-tiered. Students first survey the domain through a year-long general psychology course and then progress through a two-semester methods sequence in statistics and research design while they broaden and deepen their understanding through lab-oriented cognate coursework. Students preparing for graduate or professional school are encouraged to work with faculty in a mentor-apprentice fashion no later than their third year; such work often culminates in faculty/student presentations at conferences or co-authored professional publications.

In their last year, majors design and conduct an original research project or write a theoretical review to address some unanswered question in the field under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The conceptualization of the senior capstone project is orally proposed during the first semester of Senior Seminar (PSY 399). The results are presented both as a written thesis and as a poster presented during the second semester of Senior Seminar (PSY 400). Theses judged by the departmental faculty to be outstanding are given honors.

The Virginia Connor '85 Prize is awarded annually to the graduating psychology major "... who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the biobehavioral sciences." (See page 71 in this Catalog for additional honors and awards given by the department.) Recent graduates have earned their Ph.D. or M.D. from such universities as Toronto, Columbia, Purdue, Delaware, Drexel, South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia Commonwealth.

Grants awarded to the department by the National Science Foundation and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund have provided state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation within our newly renovated facility. The Daniel Z. Gibson/John A. Wagner Psychology Visitors Fund provides honoraria for prominent speakers. Money is also available to support student travel to professional conferences.

Teaching and research facilities include: computerized labs in biostatistics, biofeedback/psychophysiology,cognition, sensation and perception, a developmental/social lab with digital video capabilities, a psychometric testing lab complete with personality and cognitive instrumentation, a neuroscience lab with histology and surgery capabilities, a transcranial doppler, and a topographic EEG brain mapper.

Qualified students may spend a semester or two in their junior and/or senior year in which they earn academic credit and clinical experience providing psychological services. A wide array of internship and practicum experiences in local settings is available. Working closely with a therapy team, student interns participate in all aspects of treatment. A junior year abroad program allows students to broaden their horizons at approved institutions.

First-Year and Sophomore Courses

Psychology 111 and 112 count toward Social Science distribution requirements. Each course may be taken independently. PSY 111 is not a prerequisite for PSY 112.

Sophomore students who have completed PSY 111 and PSY 112 can consider taking 200-level psychology offerings. Students interested in pursuing psychology beyond the introductory sequence should complete a statistics course by the end of their sophomore year. This can be achieved by enrolling in any one of the following courses: BUS 215, ECN 215, MAT 109, or PSY 209. Most 300- and 400-level offerings have statistics as a prerequisite.

Major Requirements for the B.A. in General Psychology

Core Requirements

Psychology majors must satisfy the College's science distribution requirements through one of the following sequences: BIO 111, 112; CHE 111, 112; or PHY 111, 112. Potential majors should not enroll in any 100-level BIO, CHE or PHY courses other than the 111 and 112 courses to satisfy distribution.

The two-semester introductory psychology sequence, PSY 111 and 112, is required.

Completion of a two-semester methods sequence in statistics is required (one of either BUS 215, ECN 215, MAT 109, or PSY 209, followed by PSY 309).

All psychology majors, regardless of the concentration they may be pursuing, must complete the non-credit bearing two-semester senior seminar sequence (PSY 399, 400) during the last two semesters on campus.

Upper-level Course Requirements

Five upper-level semester courses in psychology are required beyond the core. Four courses must be selected from the following three areas in such way that at least one course is selected from each area and three are laboratory courses. Laboratory courses are marked with an asterisk.

General Experimental

Biological

Applied/Clinical

Senior Capstone Experience

Students majoring in psychology must satisfy their requirements for the degree by completing either an empirical research project or a theoretical review paper. Specific guidelines for the Senior Capstone Experience(SCE) are available in the Psychology SCE Handbook. The SCE in Psychology is graded as any other course and is a component of the student's GPA. A component of the SCE is participation in required events scheduled throughout the senior year as elements of the non-credit bearing Senior Seminar and completion of the ETS Psychology Major Field Test offered during the spring of every year.

Students with a dual major in Psychology and another discipline who wish to pursue an integrative capstone project must declare this intent early in the first semester of their senior year and secure an agreement from the relevant departments and faculty mentors before commencing their capstone project. The department cannot guarantee that an integrated project acceptable to both departments can be implemented in all instances.

MAJOR Requirements for the B.A. in Psychology with a Clinical/Counseling Concentration

Advisors: Dr. Siemen, Dr. Littlefield

The Clinical/Counseling (CC) Concentration in Psychology is designed for students with a particular interest in human services. CC coursework and related experiences will provide the foundation for careers or graduate work in a number of areas Including counseling, school psychology, clinical psychology, mental health, child care, rehabilitation psychology, and occupational therapy.

The Psychology Core

Students who choose the concentration in Clinical/Counseling Psychology must meet the core coursework requirements of all General Psychology majors.

Required Clinical/Counseling Courses

Clinical/Counseling students must take seven additional courses, three of which must be laboratory courses. These courses are chosen from the menu below.

Clinical/Counseling Core

No fewer than four of the following six courses.

Clinical/Counseling Lab Courses

Note: If pursuing a dual concentration with BN, only one of the courses above may be applied toward the requirements for both concentrations.

Biological Lab Courses

Recommended Clinical/Counseling Courses

Other Elective Courses

Senior Capstone Experience(SCE) in Clinical/Counseling:

This program requires satisfactory completion of the Senior Capstone Experience. A member of the Clinical/Counseling faculty must approve SCE projects for students in this concentration.

Major requirements for the B.S. in Psychology with a Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration

Advisor: Dr. Kerchner

The concentration in behavioral neuroscience is designed for students with a focused interest in the biological bases of behavior and thought. The concentration is well suited for students who are contemplating professional or research careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals, veterinarian medicine, animal science, neurology, and neuroscience. However, most of the courses in the concentration are open to all psychology majors and even to other majors. Because BN concentrators have more laboratory requirements than other psychology majors, students in the BN track receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

The Psychology Core

Students who choose the concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience must meet the core coursework requirements of all General Psychology majors.

Required Behavioral Neuroscience Courses

Behavioral Neuroscience Electives

Senior Capstone Experiencein Behavioral Neuroscience:

Completion of the Senior Capstone Experience is a graduation requirement. The BN advisor must approve senior thesis projects.

NOTE: Students in the BN concentration are encouraged to take additional psychology courses besides those in the BN core, as well as other upper-level BIO and CHE courses. Those students planning to apply to graduate neuroscience programs, medical, or veterinary schools should also consider taking BIO/CHE 409, MAT 201, MAT 202, PHY 111 and PHY 112. Such students should consult with the Pre-med advisor and/or the BN advisor.

Minor Requirements

The following courses fulfill the requirements for a minor in psychology:

Course Descriptions

111, 112. General Psychology

An introduction to the science of human and animal behavior. This course surveys the methods and major findings of the various fields of psychology. PSY 111 introduces the student to the cognitive, neurological, and biological aspects of psychology. PSY 112 covers the clinical, personality, and social aspects of psychology.

202. Life-Span Developmental Psychology

An examination of the growth and transformation of basic psychological processes across the span of life. Topics will include behavior genetics, development of the nervous system, sensorimotor and perceptual development, cognitive and emotional development, socialization, remediation of clinical and educational problems, and the physiology and psychology of normal and abnormal aging. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

205. Drugs and Behavior

A survey of human physiological and behavioral responses to commonly used drugs. Special emphasis is placed on nonprescription drugs (nicotine, alcohol, caffeine), psychotherapeutic agents (anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressant medications, anti-psychotic drugs), and other psychoactive drugs (opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana). Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112. Open to all majors. Non-majors can enroll with permission of the instructor.

209. Statistics and Experimental Design

Consideration of sampling theory, the design of experiments, and the analysis and presentation of data with emphasis on correlation, t-test, chi square, and the analysis of variance. Attention is given to parametric and non-parametric procedures. Students learn both to hand calculate and to use a simple computer analysis package to analyze data. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112, or two semesters of sociology.

210. Biopsychology

The study of the biological bases of human and non-human behavior. The emphasis is on the hierarchical organization of the nervous system and behavior. Specific topics include: structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems; mechanisms of neurotransmission; neurologic disorders; feeding; reproduction; aggression; sleep and dreaming; functional organization of sensory and motor systems; lateralization of function and language disorders; learning and memory; and the biological bases of emotion and psychopathology. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 or Biology 111, 112.

211. History and Systems of Psychology

Historical backgrounds of psychological theories and systems (i.e., Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychoanalytic, and Cognitive) with reference to the significant individuals, classic studies, and major trends in the field. The ways in which psychology has been both influenced by society and has altered society will also be discussed. The latter portion of the course focuses on contemporary trends in psychology. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

221. Social Psychology

The course surveys the major topics and theories of social psychology, such as social perception, attitudes, altruistic behavior, aggression, attraction, social cognition, as well as applied areas of social psychology and the legal system and the social psychology of health behavior. Special emphasis is placed on original research and recent developments in the field. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112, or two semesters of sociology.

231. Personality

Discussion of the major approaches to personality from the psychodynamic approach of Freud to the contemporary cognitive approaches of Kelly, Bandura, and Mischel. Research regarding major personality attributes (need for achievement, authoritarianism, intelligence) may also be discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

233. Psychopathology I

Evaluation of the etiology of various forms of behavior disorders (anxiety, mood, substance abuse, psychotic), their symptoms, and treatment. These disorders will be considered in relation to clinical theories, research, and practice. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

234. Psychopathology II

Evaluation of the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of behavior disorders within the broad areas of childhood/developmental disorders and medical/organically-induced abnormal behavior. Specific topics include eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexual disorders, learning disorders, autism, mental retardation, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dementia, delirium, and amnesia. Disorders will be considered in relation to clinical theories, research, and practice. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112. Psychopathology I is NOT a prerequisite.

304. Theories and Processes of Counseling

An examination of the major theories of counseling (psychoanalytic, rational-emotive, client-centered and behavioral), an examination of the major ethical and legal issues, and an opportunity to acquire practical counseling process skills such as listening, problem-solving, vocational counseling and goal setting. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112, or two semesters of sociology.

305. Psychopharmacology

An in-depth study of the chemistry and pharmacology of the nervous system. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the use of laboratory animal models in pharmacological research. The actions of pharmacological agents on both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system will be explored. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of behavioral measures to assess dose effects, tolerance and withdrawal, and drug interactions. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 210 or Biology 101, 102. The first semester of the core statistics sequence is recommended.

309. Research Design

A survey of appropriate research designs employed in psychological research. Emphasis will be on inferential statistics such as regression, analysis of variance, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, and appropriate a priori and post hoc tests of significance. Examples will be drawn from a wide range of behavioral sciences. Principles relating to the planning, implementation, and ethics of psychological research will be examined and emphasis will be placed upon evaluation of published research and presentation of one's own research. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to instruction in SPSS, a computer-based statistical package. Use of the World Wide Web as a research tool will be explored. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

313. Learning

A consideration of classical and operant conditioning paradigms of learning research. Cognitive theories of learning will be contrasted with the classical and operant theories. Emphasis in lectures and the laboratory will be on experimental research that utilizes nonhuman subjects, but the course will also address the application of these methods and theories to practical human affairs. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

316. Cognitive Psychology

A survey of research In the areas of human learning, memory, attention, problem-solving, and general comprehension processes. Special topics include: eyewitness testimony, reading and comprehension problems, and brain damage. A computer-based laboratory, topographic EEG/ERP, and eye movement research are used for class projects. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

317. Principles of Sensation and Perception

A survey of the methods by which humans detect stimuli, the mechanisms used to code and process stimulus information, and the mechanisms used to create meaningful percepts out of sensory information. Special attention is directed to psychophysics, sensory physiology, perceptual illusions, and experimental methods. A computer-based laboratory provides the opportunity to collect and evaluate data. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

319. Comparative Psychology

An approach to the study of behavior which considers the wide diversity among animal species and stresses the interaction between inherited factors and the demands of the environment. The emphasis in the lab will be on the methods and skills needed for quantification and analysis of behavioral data in naturalistic and laboratory settings. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 or Biology 111, 112; and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

320. Health Psychology

Inquiries into human physiological response patterns to such processes as thinking, emotion, and stress. Electro-encephalographic, neuromuscular, glandular, and dermal responses will be studied. Students will develop original research topics related to the investigation and treatment of psychophysiological disorders. Biofeedback theory and use will also be covered. Laboratory. Prerequisite: At least two courses in psychology beyond 111, 112 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

321. Experimental Social Psychology

Thorough and critical examination of current social-psychological thought and theory. Student-initiated research in laboratory or natural settings. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 (or two semesters of sociology), Psychology 221 (or equivalent) and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

323. Industrial/Organizational Psychology

This is a perspectives course in that students examine work and organizational behavior from psychological, business science, and sociological viewpoints. Topics in personnel psychology, job motivation, and job satisfaction from the area of I/O psychology are examined along with topics on corporate culture, group process, and leadership from the area of organization behavior. The final section of the course examines issues of sex roles and sex differences that occur in the workplace. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 (Psychology 221 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence are recommended).

333. Psychological Testing

An analysis of the construction, interpretation, and application of various psychological tests and measurement tools. Personality, intelligence, vocational, achievement, and aptitude tests will be evaluated. Offered as an honors course every other year, this course then involves an additional component of group research projects. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

399, 400. Psychology Seminar I and II

This is a required, but non-credit bearing, seminar for all senior psychology majors and departmental faculty. Occasional talks by invited speakers are scheduled, guidance is provided for post-graduate careers in psychology, and progress toward completion of the Senior Capstone Experience is insured via meetings between the student and their faculty mentor. A written and an oral report are prepared by each student. Open to majors and to others with permission of the instructor. Completion of both PSY 399 and 400 is a required component of the Senior Capstone Experience.

403. Behavior Modification

Concerns the development of skills in altering human behavior according to principles derived from experimental psychology. Attention will be focused on the advantages and limitations of this approach to behavior change and treatment. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112, and Psychology 213, or permission of the instructor.

410. Neuroscience Research Methods

This course is recommended for students who are preparing for graduate study in neuroscience or medicine and combines seminar and lab work. The topics discussed in the seminar vary from year to year (e.g., Psychopharmacology of Mood Disorders, Animal Models of Mental Illness, Cognitive Neurological Assessment) and may be repeated with permission of the concentration advisor. During the final portion of the course, students design and conduct a pilot research project. The project should be a means for the student to hone skills (e.g., perfect a specific surgical procedure) or develop methods (e.g., neural tract-tracing, histochemistry, quantitative neuroanatomy, neurological assessment, topographic EEG mapping) for his or her senior thesis project. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112 or Biology 111,112; and the first semester of the core statistics sequence; or permission of the instructor.

433. Child Assessment

This course provides the student with knowledge and experience in the clinical assessment of children. Students will learn observational techniques, behavioral scales, emotional testing, and measures of cognitive assessment (intelligence, language, and memory) that are specific to children and adolescents. Prerequisite: Psychology 333 and the first semester of the core statistics sequence.

490, 491. Psychology Internship

Supervised experience in an agency providing some aspect of psychological services. The class includes seminar sessions designed to help students achieve a fuller understanding of their placement experiences. A large variety of placements are available. PSY 490 is a four-credit course and may be repeated. PSY 491 is an eight-credit course, with twice the time commitment, and may not be repeated. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112, junior/senior standing, and permission of instructor.

SCE Senior Capstone Experience

The culmination of the student's academic experiences, the SCE in Psychology is intended to provide each student with an opportunity to deeply explore a research topic in psychology. In consultation with a faculty mentor, a process of active inquiry is facilitated that requires critical thinking, integration of acquired knowledge and skills, and mastery of intellectual accomplishment beyond the classroom. A theoretical review of a problem/question in the field or a data-driven research project is completed by each student.

Special Courses

190, 290, 390, 490 (491). Psychology Internship

Supervised experience in an agency providing some aspect of psychological services. The class includes seminar sessions designed to help students achieve a fuller understanding of their placement experiences. A large variety of placements are available. PSY 490 is a four-credit course and may be repeated. PSY 491 is an eight-credit course, with twice the time commitment, and may not be repeated. Prerequisite: Psychology 201, 202, junior/senior standing, and permission of the instructor.

194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Psychology

The study of topics in psychology that are not regularly offered in the curriculum. Courses may be interdisciplinary in nature. Prerequisite: Psychology 111, 112.

195, 295, 395, 495. On-campus Research

A ten-week on-campus summer research project to be guided by a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor will develop a research project, supported by a reading list and involving theoretical, laboratory, or field investigations supervised by the faculty mentor. Participants will produce a final report detailing the findings of their research. Selection of students will depend on academic background, scholastic achievement, and the results of a personal interview with the faculty mentor. Not offered as pass/fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus Research

Guided research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor will develop a research project, supported by a reading list and involving laboratory or field investigations supervised by the faculty mentor. Participants will produce a final report dealing with the finding of their research. Selection of students will depend on academic background, scholastic achievement, and the result of a personal interview with the faculty mentor. PSY 397 is reserved for research projects that occur off-campus. Not offered as pass/fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and psychology department chair.

197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Studies in Psychology

An in-depth study of an area of particular interest to a student and faculty member not regularly covered within the curriculum. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty mentor and psychology department chair.

440. Advanced Problems

Advanced independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The interested student must petition the psychology department chair for this course and show evidence of the maturity required for its completion. Prerequisite: Psychology 395, 396 or 397 and consent of the faculty mentor.

300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782