University Bulletin 2001-02 Psychology University Bulletin 2001-02
Psychology


Objectives


Undergraduate Concentration

The faculty in the psychology department believe that a strong scientific and research foundation in psychology best prepares students to be informed consumers of psychology and to continue with graduate training in psychology, whether one's career choice is clinical, applied, or research oriented. The psychology department at Brandeis therefore emphasizes a rigorous, scientific approach to the understanding of human behavior. The program examines the most up-to-date and comprehensive psychological research and theory and provides opportunities for direct involvement in psychological research and application. Faculty conduct research in diverse areas that include cognitive science, normal and abnormal development, social interaction, spatial orientation, linguistics, perception, memory, life span development, and effects of brain damage.

Graduate Program in Psychology

The graduate program in psychology leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The goal of the program is to develop competent research psychologists and teachers who will become contributors to knowledge in psychology. Toward this end, an emphasis is placed on research activity, starting in the first term of graduate study. The program of study reflects a belief that the student should develop an area of research specialization and also be exposed to a range of topics in general psychology. Dissertation supervision is available in the following areas: sensation, perception, memory and cognitive science, learning, comparative, developmental, life span development, cognitive or social aging, personality, psychopathology, social psychology, and linguistics.


How to Become an Undergraduate Concentrator


Concentrators study varied aspects of basic and applied areas of the field. The focus of the department is on basic scientific research, in which there is a high level of undergraduate involvement. About a dozen students write honors theses each year, while twice that number conduct independent study, research, or reading projects funded by undergraduate research program grants. The clinical psychology practicum at Brandeis enables students to spend one day per week working in a mental health facility.

Concentrators develop a solid background in scientific method and a strong foundation in the fundamentals of psychology, making them highly competitive candidates for postgraduate study; recent psychology concentrators have gone on to graduate work in clinical and scientific research areas of the field. These features of the undergraduate program make Brandeis psychology graduates especially attractive to employers in the mental health and business professions. PSYC 1a should be taken no later than the sophomore year.


How to Be Admitted to the Graduate Program


The general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, as specified in an earlier section of this Bulletin, apply to candidates for admission to this area of study.

An undergraduate major in psychology is not required. Students with inadequate preparation may make up their deficiencies during their first year but without residence credit. Students are admitted on a competitive basis, which includes evaluation of previous academic records, recommendations, and results of the Graduate Record Examination (Aptitudes and Psychology Achievement Tests).


Faculty


Joseph Cunningham, Chair

Emotional and cognitive development. Clinical psychology.

Theodore Cross

Psychological statistics.

Paul DiZio

Human spatial orientation and motor control.

Maurice Hershenson

Visual space perception. Visual information processing.

Derek Isaacowitz

Emotion and Aging.

Ray Jackendoff

Linguistics. Semantic theory. Music. Consciousness.

Michael Kahana

Human memory and learning.

Raymond Knight

Clinical psychology. Experimental psychopathology.

Margie Lachman, Graduate Advising Head

Life span development. Adult personality.

James Lackner

Spatial orientation. Human movement control. Adaptation to unusual force environments.

Joan Maling

Linguistics. Syntactic theory. Historical syntax. Metrics.

Ricardo Morant

Experimental psychology. Perceptual mechanism. Sensation and perception.

Robert Sekuler

Visual perception. Cognitive processes.

Aurora Sherman

Social relations and health. Aging.

Patricia Tun

Aging and speech comprehension and memory.

Malcolm Watson

Developmental psychology.

Arthur Wingfield

Human memory.

Jerome Wodinsky

Comparative psychology. Learning theory. Sensory physiology.

Leslie Zebrowitz

Social psychology. Person perception.

Edgar Zurif

Neurolinguistics. Psycholinguistics.


Requirements for the Undergraduate Concentration


A. Of the 10 courses required for the concentration, a minimum of seven must be psychology courses.

B. PSYC 1a (Introduction to Psychology).

C. Two quantitative courses from the following: MATH 10a or 11a; MATH 10b or 11b; PSYC 51a. This requirement should ordinarily be fulfilled by the end of the sophomore year.

D. Two laboratory science courses (e.g., BIOL 22a [Formerly BIBC 22a] or BIOL 21b; CHEM 10a, 11a, or 15a; CHEM 10b, 11b, or 15b; COSI 21a or b; PHYS 10a or 11a, PHYS 9b, 10b or 11b; PHYS 22a [combined lecture and lab]; PSYC 152a). At least one of these courses must be taken with the accompanying lab (e.g., BIOL 18a or b; CHEM 18a or b; CHEM 19a or b; COSI 22a or b; PHSC 9b [combined lecture and lab]; PHYS 18a or b; PHYS 19a or b). This requirement should ordinarily be fulfilled by the middle of the junior year.

E. One course from Group I: NPSY 12a (Sensory Processes), PSYC 11b (Physiological Psychology), PSYC 13b (Perception), PSYC 14a (Comparative Psychology), PSYC 15a (Biological Bases of Motivation), NBIO 45a (The Physiological Basis of Psychological Processes).

F. One course from Group II: LING 100a (Introduction to Linguistics), LING 150b (Introduction to Cognitive Science), NPSY 22b (Cognitive Processes), PSYC 13b (Perception), PSYC 21a (Learning and Behavior).

Note: PSYC 13b may be counted toward fulfillment of either the Group I or the Group II requirement, but not both.

G. One course from Group III: PSYC 31a (Personality), PSYC 32a (Abnormal Psychology), PSYC 33a (Developmental Psychology), PSYC 34b (Social Psychology), PSYC 36b (Adolescence and the Transition to Maturity).

H. Two specialized psychology courses or seminars (any 100-level seminar other than PSYC 152a). PSYC 161a and 161b (Clinical Psychology Practicum I and II), count only as one course.

I. The department recommends that students planning to apply to graduate school take PSYC 51a, PSYC 152a, and PSYC 195a. PSYC 51a and PSYC 152a are also typically required for senior honors research in the Group III content area and are prerequisites for a number of 100-level seminars. These two courses and/or two semesters of calculus may be required for Senior Honors Research in the Group I and Group II content areas.

J. All courses that count toward the concentration must have a grade of C- or better.


Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts


The psychology department offers a master's program in general psychology for part-time or full-time students. Full-time students are expected to complete the degree in one year. Students desiring to continue their studies toward the Ph.D. must apply for admission to that program.

Course Requirements

The requirement for the degree will be eight courses as follows: two semesters of Advanced Psychological Statistics, one semester of Research Methodology, four courses from Social and Developmental and from Cognitive Neuroscience as specified. Master's Project Readings to culminate in a Master's Thesis, which is either an empirical research project or a comprehensive literature review.

Applicants should specifically mention their interest in this program when they apply. Students in the Ph.D. program may petition for a Master of Arts degree upon completion of the following requirements: (1) one year minimum residency, (2) acceptable master's thesis, (an acceptable first-year research report will count as a Master's Thesis) and (3) completed breadth requirements.


Requirements for the Joint Degree of Master of Arts in Psychology and Women's Studies


Interested students must first be admitted to the Ph.D. program.

A. PSYC 152a (Experimental Psychology).

B. PSYC 210a and b (Advanced Psychological Statistics I and II).

C. PSYC 300a and 302a (Proseminar in Social and Developmental Psychology I and II).

D. A course in PSYC 220-240 series with successful completion of first-year research project in psychology. This project must be on an issue relevant to women's studies.

E. One additional course in psychology from 100-level courses.

F. WMNS 205a or another designated foundational course in women's studies.

G. Two courses listed as electives with the women's studies program.

H. Eight-part colloquium series.


Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy


Program of Study

Although there is a three-year minimum residency requirement, four years of full-time graduate study are usually required for the Ph.D. The student is expected to carry four courses per term during residency.

Research

Each student will devote one-quarter of his/her time to research the first term of the entering year. For all subsequent terms, students shall devote a minimum of one-half time to research.

Research Reports

Students will submit reports on their research for the preceding year, in journal form, by the beginning of the third term for social/developmental students and by the end of the third term for perception/cognition students. The second project will be submitted by the beginning of the fifth term for social/developmental students and by the end of the fifth term for perception/cognition students. Satisfactory completion of the research projects is required for continuation in the program. Students who have satisfactorily completed the research requirements will be permitted to continue their work toward the doctorate with no formal requirement of a master's degree.

Course Requirements

Entering students will take PSYC 210a and two advanced courses in the first term of residence, and one advanced course and PSYC 210b in the second term. After that they will take two advanced courses each term in the second year and one each term thereafter until completion of the specialty examination. The advanced courses should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. Each term a student must take at least one graduate-level course or seminar (100-level or above) that is not an independent readings or research course. Only selected 100-level courses, determined by the psychology program, will count as advanced, graduate-level courses. Graduate level course selection will not be restricted to the psychology program but will be arranged by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Specialty Examination

During the student's third year, he or she will be examined in the historical, theoretical, and empirical literature related to the student's area of specialization, broadly conceived. The chair of the program, in consultation with the student and advisor, will appoint a three-member committee to administer the qualifying examination. The examination may be in either oral or written form. A student may petition the program to take the examination a second time if necessary.

Breadth Requirement

All graduate students must demonstrate breadth in the field of psychology. This breadth requirement is fulfilled by demonstrating competence in at least six of the nine areas listed below. The requirements may be satisfied in any of three ways:

A. By having completed an undergraduate or graduate course in that area.

B. By completing an undergraduate or graduate course offered in that area at Brandeis.

C. By successfully passing the equivalent of any undergraduate final examination for that course.

Of the six courses, a minimum of two should be taken from areas in Group A and a minimum of two from Group B.

Group A

1. Physiological/Sensory Processes

2. Perception

3. Learning/Comparative

4. Cognition/Memory

5. Cognitive Science/Linguistics

Group B

1. Developmental

2. Social

3. Personality

4. Abnormal

Teaching Requirements

As a part of the graduate training program, each student is required to serve as a teaching fellow each semester until they have passed the qualifying examination with the exception of the first semester.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement.

Dissertation and Defense

Following the completion of all examinations, the student will prepare a prospectus of the proposed dissertation study in consultation with a faculty dissertation sponsor. The prospectus may be based on the student's preliminary research. Upon approval by the faculty of the program, a dissertation committee of three or more members will be appointed by the program chair, including the dissertation sponsor as chair of the committee. The dissertation sponsor will be responsible for advising the student throughout the performance of his or her work, in consultation with the remaining members of the committee at appropriate times in the course of the work. From time to time, the committee will report the student's progress to the program faculty.

The dissertation should provide evidence of originality, scholarship, and research ability. It should be a contribution to knowledge, ordinarily an experimental investigation, but not necessarily so. Upon submission to the chair of the program of a copy of the dissertation, signed by all members of the dissertation committee and one member from outside of the University, and a successful defense of the dissertation before all members of the program, the award of the Ph.D. will be recommended to the Faculty Council of the Graduate School.


Courses of Instruction



(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students


PSYC 1a Introduction to Psychology

[ ss ]

Enrollment limited to 125.

A survey of contemporary scientific psychology. Topics include brain and behavior, perception, learning, cognitive processes, motivation, intelligence, child and adult development, personality, social behavior, and the relationship between normal and abnormal behavior. Usually offered every semester.

Messrs. Morant and Sekuler

PSYC 11b Physiological Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

Analyzes the biological bases of behavior. Introduces the neural, sensory, motor, and secretory systems, from molecular to highly integrated levels. Emphasizes established research on neural control (and disorders) of "simple" behaviors like twitching a muscle or feeling pain and complex ones like locomotion, reproduction, aggression, learning, thinking, and sleeping. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. DiZio

NPSY 12a Sensory Processes

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a, or MATH 10a, or permission of the instructor.

Examines the human senses, emphasizing sight and hearing, studied from standpoints of anatomy, physiology, and psychophysics. Insights from the study of special observers including developmentally immature humans, members of nonhuman species, and people with abnormal sensory systems. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Sekuler

PSYC 13b Perception

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a. Enrollment limited to 45.

A survey of the field including topics such as visual directions, stereoscopic vision, monocular size-distance and shape-slant perception, perception of motion and movement, form perception, and psychophysics. Usually offered every semester.

Mr. Hershenson and Mr. Morant

PSYC 14a Comparative Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

The analysis of the behavior of organisms from a comparative and evolutionary perspective considering genetic, humoral, sensory, and experiential factors in the control of behavior. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wodinsky

PSYC 15a Biological Bases of Motivation

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a. Enrollment limited to 20.

Topics include hunger, thirst, migration, and sexual behavior. Evidence from biology, neurophysiology, and endocrinology is evaluated. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wodinsky

PSYC 21a Learning and Behavior

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

Current theories of learning will be explored in the light of experimental evidence derived from animal roles. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wodinsky

NPSY 22b Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a or MATH 10a, and sophomore standing in psychology or neuroscience.

Cognitive factors in perception, attention, memory, and language. Experimental investigations will be emphasized. Usually offered every fall.

Messrs. Kahana and Wingfield

PSYC 31a Personality

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a. Enrollment limited to 30.

Covers major personality theories and related research. Emphasis will be on application of theory, issues in personality assessment, and personality development across the life span. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Lachman

PSYC 32a Abnormal Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

A general introduction to psychopathology. Various theoretical models will be discussed. The techniques and findings of research, clinical and experimental, will be emphasized. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Knight

PSYC 33a Developmental Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

An examination of normal development from conception through adolescence. Emphasis will be given to theoretical issues and processes of development in the cognitive and social domains with an emphasis on how biological and environmental influences interact. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Watson

PSYC 34b Social Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a.

An introduction to research and theory on social behavior. Topics include social perception, socialization, social interaction and relationships, attitude change and social influence, and behavior in groups and organizations. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 36b Adolescence and the Transition to Maturity

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a. Enrollment limited to 30.

Examines the core issues (identity, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality, etc.) that define development during adolescence. Heavy emphasis is placed on using case material to understand theoretical perspectives on adolescence and the struggles of adolescents. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Scarlett

PSYC 51a Statistics

[ qr ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a or the permission of the instructor. Students must consult with department one semester before anticipated enrollment. This course normally should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. Signature of the instructor required.

Covers the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics. Techniques useful in the behavioral sciences will be emphasized. Students learn the theory of statistical decisions and practical application of computer programs. Usually offered every semester.

Messrs. DiZio and Knight

PSYC 92a Internship and Analysis in Psychology

Signature of the instructor required.

Provides an opportunity for the student to supplement an off-campus internship experience with a related research project. The specific requirements of the research component are negotiated by the student and the sponsoring faculty member. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 98a Readings in Psychological Literature

Signature of the instructor required.

Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 98b Readings in Psychological Literature

Signature of the instructor required.

Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 99d Senior Research

Signature of the instructor required.

Usually offered every year.

Staff


(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students


PSYC 101b The Psychology of Adult Development and Aging

[ ss ]

Enrollment limited to 30.

This course describes the sensory, cognitive, personality, and social changes that occur in normal aging. The emphasis will be on pathways to successful aging in the context of a shifting balance of gains and losses in psychological and physical functioning. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the spring of 2001.

Ms. Lachman

PSYC 103a Seminar in the Neuropsychology of Language

(Formerly PSYC 203a)

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: LING 173a or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken PSYC 203a in previous years.

Considers empirical and experimental analysis of the neurological organization of the language faculty. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Zurif

NPSY 120b Man in Space

[ sn ss ]

Enrollment limited to 25.

Topics include how orbital flight is achieved, spacecraft life support systems, circulatory dynamics, sensory-motor control and vestibular function in free fall, and the physiological and psychological adaptations necessary in space flight, and how astronauts must readapt on return to Earth. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lackner

NPSY 125a Advanced Topics in Perception and Adaptation

[ sn ss ]

Enrollment limited to 10.

Covers current issues and theories in vision, vestibular function, proprioception, and adaptation to unusual force environments from psychological and biological perspectives. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Lackner

NPSY 127a Motor Control

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 11b and NPSY 12a or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

Surveys control of posture, movement, gesture, and speech from various perspectives; including muscle properties, reflex organization, central neural mechanisms, spatial representations, learning, and development. Emphasizes research in physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and artificial intelligence. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. DiZio

PSYC 130b Life Span Development: Adulthood and Old Age

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a, 31a or 33a, 51a, 152a, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Seminar on advanced topics in life span developmental theory and methodology. Substantive emphasis will be on cognitive and personality changes that occur in the second half of life. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Lachman

PSYC 131b Seminar in Health Psychology

[ wi ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a, 51a, and 152a. Signature of the instructor required.

An examination of the social and psychological factors important for well-being, physical health, and effective medical care. Psychological perspectives are applied to such topics as health promotion and compromise, the stress-illness relationship, social relations, chronic illness, dying, health care provider and patient interactions, and the health care system. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Sherman

PSYC 132a Children's Play and the Developing Imagination

[ ss ]

Examines the origins, forms, effects, and determinants of children's play including parent/infant play, peer play, play common to different age groups, and the use of play in educational and therapeutic settings. Readings of classic and current papers on play; student observation studies, analyses of children's jokes, toys, games, playgrounds, and problem playing.

Mr. Scarlett

PSYC 133a Seminar in Nonverbal Communication

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a, 51a, and 152a or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Seminar in advanced topics in nonverbal communication covering theoretical and methodological issues. Topics will include one or more of the following: physical appearance; emotion communication; deception; impression formation. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the fall of 1999.

Ms. Zebrowitz

PSYC 135b Seminar in Social Cognition

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a, 34b, 51a, 152a, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Considers the antecedents and consequences of social perceptions, including appearance stereotypes and demographic stereotypes. Attention is given to social perception accuracy, self-fulfilling prophecy effects, and mechanisms for coping with stereotypes. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Zebrowitz

PSYC 136b Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 33a. Juniors and seniors have priority for enrollment. Signature of the instructor required. Although topics vary from year to year, the course may NOT be repeated for credit.

Provides students with detailed information about theories and special topics of research in developmental psychology. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Watson

NPSY 137b Cognitive Modeling

[ sn ss ]

Prerequisites: MATH 10b, and PSYC 51a or NBIO 136b. Enrollment limited to 18.

A general introduction to the construction and simulation of mathematical models of human cognitive processes. The major emphasis will be on models of human learning and memory. Students will be expected to have some background in computer programming. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Kahana

PSYC 145b Aging in a Changing World

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a, 51a, 152a, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Psychological issues related to the aging process are examined in a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics include intellectual functioning, memory loss, personality changes, and physiological changes in later life. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 2000.

Mr. Isaacowitz and Ms. Lachman

PSYC 152a Experimental Psychology

[ qr ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a and 51a. In order to pre-enroll in this course, students must consult with the department one semester before anticipated enrollment. This course normally should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. Signature of the instructor required. A library intensive course.

The laboratory/lecture offers supervised practice in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, and formal presentation of experimental results. Taught in multiple sections. Usually offered every semester.

Sec. 1: Ms. Lachman and Ms. Zebrowitz

Sec. 2: Mr. DiZio, Ms. Zebrowitz and Staff

NPSY 154a Human Memory

[ sn ss ]

Prerequisite: NPSY 22b. Enrollment limited to 18.

Presents a systematic analysis of current memory research and theory with an emphasis on list learning experiments and neural network models. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Kahana

PSYC 155a Seminar in Visual Space Perception

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 13b. Signature of the instructor required.

Seminar will discuss current issues in visual space perception. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Hershenson

NPSY 159a Advanced Topics in Episodic Memory

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: NBIO 140b or NPSY 154a, and permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Deals with current topics in the study of episodic memory. Discussions and readings on topics such as memory for temporal order, category learning, associative symmetry, item versus associative recognition, theories of search in free recall, and the memory systems controversy. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Kahana

PSYC 160b Seminar on Sex Differences

[ ss ]

Prerequisite: PSYC 1a, 51a, 152a or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Considers research evidence bearing on sex differences in the cognitive domain and in the social domain, evaluating this evidence in light of biological, cultural, and social-cognitive theories as well as methodological issues. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Zebrowitz

PSYC 161a Clinical Psychology Practicum I

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a and 31a or 32a. Students must enroll in this course in order to enroll in PSYC 161b and should only enroll in this course if they are also able to enroll in 161b in the next semester. Signature of the instructor required.

In conjunction with PSYC 161b, provides intensive supervised experience in mental health intervention. Students do clinical work eight hours a week and relate their experience to empirical and literary readings in weekly group supervision. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Cunningham

PSYC 161b Clinical Psychology Practicum II

[ ss ]

Signature of the instructor required.

In conjunction with PSYC 161a, provides intensive supervised experience in mental health intervention. Students do clinical work eight hours a week and relate their experience to empirical and literary readings in weekly group supervision. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Cunningham

PSYC 165a Seminar in Experimental Psychopathology

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 32a, 51a, 152a, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

Focuses on how researchers study deviant behavior and what they have learned about the causes and life course of psychopathology. Focuses on two broad classes of psychopathology--sexual aggression and schizophrenia--and examines the interplay of biological and environmental variables that cause and sustain disordered behavior. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the spring of 1998.

Mr. Knight

PSYC 167b Schools of Psychotherapy

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a and 32a. (Latter may be taken concurrently.)

The theories and techniques of several schools of psychotherapy and behavior modification are considered. The theories of personality, methods of intervention, goals of therapy, and relevant research will be emphasized. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Knight

PSYC 169b Disorders of Childhood

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a, 33a, or permission of the instructor. Seniors and juniors have priority for admission. Signature of the instructor required.

Issues of theory, research, and practice in the areas of child and family psychopathology and treatment are reviewed in the context of normal developmental processes. Usually offered every fall.

Mr. Cunningham

NPSY 174b Visual Cognition

[ ss sn ]

Prerequisite: NPSY 12a or permission of the instructor.

Higher-order processes in vision. Visual impact of cognitive and other top-down influences, including attention, expectation, plasticity, and learning. Focus on visual recognition, contour formation, segmentation, temporal binding, face and object perception. Studies of visual perception in brain-damaged individuals. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Sekuler

NPSY 175b The Neuroscience of Vision

[ sn ss ]

Prerequisite: NPSY 12a or permission of the instructor.

Examines the neural basis of human vision from several complementary perspectives. Relates visual capacities of human observers to the structure and function of the visual system. Considers computational and functional neuroimaging approaches to vision. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Sekuler

PSYC 193b Tests and Measurements

[ ss ]

Prerequisites: PSYC 1a and 51a.

Covers test theory, types of measurement, the theory and measurement of reliability and validity, and test construction. The measurement of intelligence, achievement, and personality are considered. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the fall of 2000.

Mr. Knight

PSYC 195a Seminar in Psychological Theory

[ ss ]

Signature of the instructor required.

Analysis of relationship between theory and observation for modern psychological theories emphasizing the nature of explanation in psychology. Historical approaches are discussed in modern context. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Hershenson

NPSY 196b Advanced Topics in Cognition

[ sn ss ]

Prerequisite: NPSY 159a or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.

This seminar covers current issues and research in memory, speech perception, and processing resource limitations. Emphasis will be placed on the current literature in the field. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wingfield

NPSY 199a Human Neuropsychology

[ sn ss ]

Prerequisite: NPSY 22b or BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a), or permission of the instructor.

Designed as an introduction to human neuropsychology. Topics include cerebral dominance, neuroanatomical mapping, and localization of function, with special reference to language, memory, and related cognitive function. Usually offered every spring.

Mr. Wingfield


(200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students


NPSY 207b Seminar in Perception

(Formerly PSYC 207b)

Examines the various aspects of visual, vestibular, motor, and proprioceptive information by which objects and events in three-dimensional space are perceived by human observers. Current research in psychology and artificial intelligence is considered. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Lackner

PSYC 210a Advanced Psychological Statistics I

In conjunction with PSYC 210b, this course teaches students how to do independent data analysis in psychology at a Ph.D. level. Topics include methods for describing data, exploratory data analysis, elementary probability theory, null hypothesis significance testing and alternatives, the binomial distribution, contingency table analysis, one-way and factorial analysis of variance, and repeated measures analysis. Students receive extensive instruction in the use of the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Usually offered every year.

Mr. Cross

PSYC 210b Advanced Psychological Statistics II

Prerequisite: PSYC 210a.

This course is a continuation of PSYC 210a. Topics include statistical power analysis, simple correlation and regression, multiple regression, nonparametric statistics, and a brief introduction to multivariate procedures. Students learn to use multiple regression as a general data analytic system. More advanced instruction in SPSS is also provided. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Cross


PSYC 220-240a and b Courses in Research

Usually offered every year.

220a and b Research in Spatial Orientation

Mr. Lackner

221a and b Research in Semantics and Conceptual Structure

Mr. Jackendoff

222a and b Research in Human Spatial Orientation

Mr. Morant

224a and b Research in Speech Perception and Cognitive Processes

Mr. Wingfield

225a and b Research in Visual Space Perception

Mr. Hershenson

226a and b Research in Cognitive Processes and Psychopathology

Mr. Knight

227a and b Research in Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics

Mr. Zurif

228a and b Research in Syntax and Comparative Germanic

Ms. Maling

229a and b Research in Person Perception

Ms. Zebrowitz

230a and b Research in Animal Behavior

Mr. Wodinsky

231a and b Research in Social Psychology

Staff

232a and b Research in Developmental Psychopathology

Mr. Cunningham

234a and b Research in Life Span Development; Adult Personality

Ms. Lachman

236a and b Research in Developmental Psychology

Mr. Watson

238a and b Research in Human Memory

Mr. Kahana

239a and b Research in Human Motor Control

Mr. DiZio

242a and b Research in Forensics

Mr. Knight

243 a and b Research in Emotion and Aging

Mr. Isaacowitz


PSYC 250a Advanced Research Project

Usually offered every year. Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.

Staff

PSYC 250b Master's Project Readings

Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 253a Advanced Research Methods in Social Perception

Prerequisite: PSYC 152a, PSYC 51a or PSYC 210a.

Usually offered every year.

Ms. Zebrowitz

PSYC 280a and b Advanced Readings

Offered every year. Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.

Staff

PSYC 300a Proseminar in Social and Developmental Psychology I

Offers an in-depth review of primary sources in several major topic areas of social and developmental psychology. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

PSYC 302a Proseminar in Social and Developmental Psychology II

Offers an in-depth review of primary sources in several major topic areas of social and developmental psychology. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

PSYC 315d Faculty Research Seminar

Required of all first-year graduate students. Taught by all faculty members of the program, the course exposes students to faculty members' current research. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 316a Social/Developmental Psychology Research Seminar

Required of all social/developmental graduate students who have not been admitted to candidacy. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PSYC 400d Dissertation Research

Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.

Staff


CONT 300b Ethical Practice in Health-Related Sciences

Required of all first-year graduate students in health-related science programs. Not for credit.

Scientists are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of addressing ethical issues and values associated with scientific research. This course, taught by University faculty from several graduate disciplines, will cover major ethical issues germane to the broader scientific enterprise, including areas or applications from a number of fields of study. Lectures and relevant case studies will be complemented by two public lectures during the course. Usually offered every year.

Staff


Cross-Listed Courses


ANTH 161b

Culture and Cognition

BCSC 1a

The Brain: From Molecules to Control of Movement

COSI 310b

Seminar in Artificial Intelligence

LING 100a

Introduction to Linguistics

LING 150b

Introduction to Cognitive Science

LING 153a

Consciousness

LING 173a

Psycholinguistics

LING 183a

Social Cognition from a Cognitive Science Perspective

LING 197a

Language Acquisition and Development

PHIL 39b

Philosophy of Mind

PHIL 141b

Topics in the Philosophy of Psychology