Psychology

Although memory is generally accurate, some illusions and distortions in remembering are unavoidable. We will review both neuroscience and cognitive research on a variety of different memory problems, ranging from relatively benign tip-of-the-tongue experiences to untrustworthy eye-witness testimony. Our ultimate goal will be to understand the neural basis and cognitive processes that contribute to these constructive memory phenomena.

This course aims to discuss the state-of-the-art in the large field of cognitive aging and the main lifespan predictors that lead to healthy aging.

Longitudinal data analytical techniques will be introduced to investigate sustainability issues.

Human neuroimaging technologies and analytics methods enable exploration of the form, function, and connectivity of the living brain. Students will gain familiarity with the origins of brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), be able to discuss the technical foundations of image reconstruction, view and process raw neuroimaging structural and time-series data, and make inferences about the brain in health and in disease.PSYC 4200 or PSYC 5265 recommended. Some background in coding using Matlab, R or Python is recommended. Other majors with Instructor's Permission.

This course explores the psychology behind susceptibility to mis/disinformation, including cognitive biases, decision-making in uncertainty, and more. It delves into cutting-edge research and strategies for reducing susceptibility through video interventions and online games. It presents hands-on experience with lots of online materials ranging from responding to misinformation susceptibility scales, to engaging with online videos and games.

Topical Offerings in Psychology

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of psychology.

Critical examination of an important current problem area in psychology.  May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 14 credits in psychology and instructor permission.               

Overview of research and theory related to sexual orientation across the lifespan from the standpoint of the social sciences. Topics include conceptualization of sexual identities, origins and development of sexual orientation, sexual identity formation and disclosure. Selected issues such as couple relationships, employment and careers, parenthood, and aging are also explored, since they may be affected by sexual orientation. Prerequisite: Third- or fourth-year psychology major

This course examines cognitive processing biases in anxiety and related disorders. To understand, for example, why a person with social anxiety sees only the one scowling face in a room full of smiles, we consider automatic processing of emotional information. The course critiques cutting-edge research on how these processes contribute to anxiety and related problems, and if it is important to change the processes to reduce psychopathology.

One fundamental question in psychology is what makes humans such intensely social beings. In this course we will examine the evolutionary, developmental, and brain foundations that underpin our ultrasocial nature.

This course will survey contemporary research and theory in affective science. We will examine the origins, functions, and behavioral and social consequences of emotions, paying particular attention to cross-cultural and cross-species evidence.

In this course we will investigate how historical and social contexts of different types of inequality inform individual¿s psychological processes. Further, we will discuss how these psychological processes may, in turn, exacerbate or mitigate inequality.

This course will cover contemporary data and theory in high level cognitive processes, including reasoning, choice, problem solving, creativity, and collaborative thinking.

A broad perspective on the expanding field of social neuroscience. A. Topics include but are not limited to social perception, social cognition, person perception, theory of mind, attitudes, and interpersonal processes. Emphasis on understanding the reciprocal interaction between brain function and everyday social behaviors. Prerequisite: PSYC 2200 or BIOL 3050.

A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a departmental faculty member. The thesis may be based on empirical research conducted by the student or a critical review or theoretical analysis of existing findings. Prerequisite: Participants in the Distinguished Majors Program in Psychology.

A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a departmental faculty member. The thesis may be based on empirical research conducted by the student or a critical review or theoretical analysis of existing findings. Prerequisite: Participants in the Distinguished Majors Program in Psychology.

An overview of the structure of the vertebrate nervous system with an emphasis on the mammalian brain.

Develops skills in processing neural data and analyzing its relationship to stimulus or motor activity. Topics include information theory, receptive fields, point processes, and mixed-effects models. Emphasis is on implementing theoretical concepts with computer programs. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

Combines the study of the synaptic circuits function for producing measurable behaviors and the principles of pharmacology. Focus on basic concepts in behavior analysis, pharmacology, and neuropharmacology, and reviews research techniques for assessing the effects of drugs on the behavior of nonhumans and humans.

This course will cover the development of moral emotions, cognition, and behavior from infancy through middle childhood.

This course is designed to introduce the statistical language R, with the purpose of preparing students to use and apply quantitative methods in their future psychology research. Topics may include handling data structures, cleaning data, visualizing and presenting data, and reviewing introductory statistics using R. At least 1-2 semesters of previous formal programming experience required (i.e., CS1110 or PSYC 3310).

This course will provide a broad overview of neuroscientific research into social relationships. The field is relatively new, and changing quickly. After a brief review of the neuroscientific methods we are likely to encounter in this literature, the course will be oriented toward readings and discussion, with brief research proposals presented at the end. PSYC 2200 or BIOL 3050 recommended.

This class will provide the foundation necessary to start thinking mechanistically about how neural function gives rise to cognition. Although the focus will be on problems in psychology and neuroscience, the material will have potential for broad application and will cover topics including computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Current topical offerings in Psychology.