Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

PSYCHOLOGY101 General PsychologyA general study of the field of psychology, suitablefor both the student who wishes only onecourse in psychology and the student desiringa basic course as foundation for further studyin psychology. (Each fall and spring)120 Statistics for PsychologistsStandard statistical tools used in psychology tosummarize data, describe relationships amongvariables, and make inferences from samples topopulations. Discussion of theory of probabilityand probability distributions, hypothesis testing,and exploration of computer packages. Examplesand problems are derived from psychologyresearch. Prerequisite or corequisite for Psychology201. May not be taken by students whohave completed Social Sciences 120, Mathematics120, or equivalent. (Each fall or spring)125 Research Practicum(1/4 course credit unit)Supervised research study in psychology usinganalytical and behavioral science researchtechniques. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 andPsychology 201. May be repeated for a total ofone course credit unit.201 Research Methods in PsychologyStudy of the basic research techniques used inthe scientific study of psychological processes.Extensive laboratory work includes applicationof inferential statistics to psychological data.Comparison of the strengths and weakness ofvarious experimental, quasi-experimental, andqualitative research designs, with attention toethical and theoretical issues as well as methodologicalones. Involves completing a reviewof the literature in a defined area of psychologyculminating with a detailed research proposal.Ensures that all students can adhere to standardsoutlined in The Publication Manual of the AmericanPsychological Association. Prerequisite: Psychology101 and Social Science 120, Mathematics120, or equivalent. (Each fall and spring)215 The Physiological Basis of BehaviorAn intensive study of the physiological aspectsof organisms which affect and control behavior.Primary attention is directed toward an investigationof the central nervous system functions.Laboratory exercises are part of this course. Prerequisite:Psychology 101. (Each fall or spring)220 Introduction to Cognitive PsychologyAn examination of some of the problemsstudied by psychologists in the fields of information-processing,perception, and cognitiontogether with representative theories and methodsproposed for their solution. This course iscross-listed as Cognitive Science 120. Prerequisite:Psychology 101. (Each fall or spring)222 Environmental PsychologyAn examination of such topics as: effects oftemperature on human behavior, psychologicalconstraints of architecture, efforts to inducepeople to produce less trash, effects of officelighting on work productivity and satisfaction,and international policies over land. Environmentalpsychology looks at both ways in whichphysical environments affect human thoughts,moods, and behaviors, and ways in whichhuman behavior may impact the physical environment,particularly as it relates to ecologicalissues. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 recommended.(Every other year)225 Research Practicum(1/4 course credit unit)Supervised research study in psychology usinganalytical and behavioral science researchtechniques. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 andPsychology 201. May be repeated for a total ofone course credit unit.230 Educational PsychologyIntensive study of the application of psychologicaltheory and research to education. Explorationof how the classical psychological theoriescan be applied to understanding and facilitatingthe learning process in the classroom. Prerequisite:Psychology 101. (Each fall or spring)235 Psychology of GenderSurveys the field of gender psychology, consideringthe views of experts in the field. Courseexplores gender differences and possible etiologyof these differences; gender identity developmentand sexual orientation; communicationstyles; gender and violence; and genderissues in physical and mental health. Prerequisite:Psychology 101. (Every other year)240 Social PsychologyAn examination of scientific theory and researchconcerning how the thoughts, feelings,and behaviors of individuals are affected byother individuals or by the group. The courseinvestigates such topics as attraction, persuasion,and attitudes. Prerequisite: Psychology101. (Each fall or spring)245 Death and DyingIntensive study of the psychological factorsrelated to the phenomenon of loss. Coursework140 |COURSES OF INSTRUCTION