GRADUATE PROGRAM IN PSYCHOLOGY

Course Descriptions

    The goal of this course is to have each student finish the semester with a complete review of a specific content area in Psychology, such as might appear in a professional journal.  Students will learn how to use library resources, search the literature, find studies relevant to their projects, and integrate and make use of the literature.  On the basis of this work, students will develop the ability to formulate viable research hypotheses.  In the ideal case, the literature review will lead to a thesis proposal.  But if a student decides to work on a different topic for a thesis, important research skills will have been learned.

56:830:580. Research Methods (3 credits)

    This first-semester course and Statistics and Research Design, given the following semester, form a two-semester sequence.  Research Methods covers designing, conducting, and analyzing research, including issues of ethics, informed consent, control groups, measurement, and data collection.  It covers basic research designs and statistical analyses, including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and archival research, and associated statistical, computer, and graphical techniques, with the goal of preparing students to design and carry out methodologically sound research projects.

56:830:590. Research / Fieldwork Practicum (3 credits)

    This is an apprenticeship with an experienced researcher.  Students choose a faculty mentor and apprentice themselves in a collaborative project.  Students in the basic track will participate in an empirical project.  Students in the applied track will work with a faculty member in analyzing a problem in an applied setting and developing a proposed solution.  The proposed solution must include successfully negotiating implementation of the project in the context of an organization, agency, business, or other setting.

    Students in the Research / Fieldwork Practicum participate in a seminar in which their projects are discussed with the instructor and other first-year students.  This course combines the advantages of an apprenticeship model with the advantages of a seminar model.  Each student has an individual faculty advisor who supervises his or her individual work.  Students' work is tailored to their interests.  Through presentations by other students in the seminar, instructor comments and suggestions, and active participation in group discussion and feedback, each student gains knowledge of research strategies and methods used in multiple settings.  The grade is based 1/2 on the recommendation of the faculty advisor, and 1/2 on participation in the seminar.

56:830:650. Statistics and Research Design (3 credits)

    This second-semester course is a continuation of Research Methods, and builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in that course.  The focus is on the multivariate design issues students will confront in applied research settings.  The course covers between- and within-subjects designs and mixed models, regression and covariance analysis, and other univariate and multivariate techniques, relying on computerized data analysis and graphical representation.

    Students are expected to complete three "content" courses (electives).  Four content courses will be taught on a rotating basis.  These 500-level courses will also be open to advanced undergraduates.

56:830:620. Program Evaluation (3 credits)

    A survey of methods of program evaluation, including targeted research, primary and secondary prevention, meliorative programs, the assessment of pilot programs, evaluation of training and educational programs, and the study of broad policy issues.  Consideration is given to the assessment and reporting of results, including the use of objective/quantitative measures and qualitative assessment of goals that depend on descriptive performance criteria.  The iterative process of evaluation, triangulation methods, and meta-analysis are emphasized.

56:830:655. Psychological Measurement (3 credits)

    Science begins, observed the Scottish physicist Lord Kelvin, "when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers."  Although psychological constructs are more elusive than those studied by Kelvin, it is no less important to measure them.  This course will consider the basic techniques for measuring psychological variables and the criteria for evaluating the resulting scales.  Students will have an opportunity to apply these concepts by developing an instrument to assess some construct in their own area of interest and studying its psychometric properties.

56:830:660.  Human Factors and Information Processing (3 credits)

    An examination of human information processing in terms of both theoretical models and empirical methods for assessment.  A focus on the person as a factor in the design and operation of complex systems.  Emphasis will be placed on both the theoretical analysis of the "model human operator," and on real-world applications of information processing theories, such as the design of displays, the sequencing of complex tasks, the use of "virtual reality" aids, and the minimizing of human error.  Students will complete short projects to demonstrate relevant methodologies.

56:830:638. Survey Research Methods (3 credits)

    This course teaches how to do several different types of survey research.  Topics covered include: the purposes of survey research, methods of data collection, reliability and validity in measurement, questionnaire construction, interviewing and questionnaire administration, sampling, methods of minimizing and correcting for non-response, survey data analysis with SPSS, and the reporting of survey research results.  Students are guided through the design, administration, analysis, and write-up of small scale survey research projects.

56:830:680. Individual Research and Thesis (1 semester = 3 credits)

    An individual thesis project, carried out under faculty supervision, including the development and presentation of a written proposal, data collection and analysis, and production of a written final document.

56:830:688. Thesis seminar (1 semester = 3 credits)

    A graduate seminar in which advanced students present individual research projects.  This seminar is conducted by a single faculty member, but students continue to meet with their faculty advisor on an individual basis as they complete their thesis project.

56:830:800. Matriculation continued (0 credits)

Continuous registration may be accomplished by enrolling for at least 3 credits in standard course offerings, including research courses, or by enrolling in this course of 0 credits.  Students actively engaged in study toward their degree who are using university facilities and faculty time are expected to enroll for the appropriate credits.