February 2011 - Wilkes University

THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AT WILKES
PSYCHLES
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 4
Executive Editor: Chelsea Uselding
Co-Editors: Ashley Bringmann, Justine Pevec, Nicole Pollock, and Kathryn Welsh
Advisor: Dr. Deborah Tindell
Acting Advisor: Dr. Robert Bohlander
De-Stress Day!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Mid-December is a time that students have learned to both dread and look forward to.
As finals week arrives, consuming insane amounts of caffeine in order to stay up late studying
becomes a 24/7 ritual, while at the same time these tests, presentations, and papers are the
only factors that stand in the way of an entire month of freedom.
As a means of relief during this stress-inducing time, the psychology faculty takes it
upon themselves to give all psychology students a chance to take a break from their studies and
celebrate the end of yet another successful semester. What better way to release some of that
built up stress than to eat the comfort foods that remind you of your mom‘s cooking? On December
15, 2010, the Psychology Department held it‘s semi-annual ―De-Stress Day‖—where
homemade chicken noodle soup and macaroni & cheese filled the bellies of all who attended.
As this article is being read, the chaos that finals week once produced is now a memory
of the past, and yet another semester has swung into full gear. However, when that stress begins
to resurface during the new semester, just remember that De-Stress Day will once again
make its appearance, but this time bearing heaps of ice cream and an assortment of toppings!
-Co-editor, Justine Pevec
-Co-editor, Justine Pevec
INSIDE
PSYCHLES:
De-Stress Day 1
Capstone Celebration
Psychology Quotes
Step by Step Profile
Psychology Club News
Psi Chi News
Recent Alum:
Katie Nadeau
Student of the Month:
Meaghan Williams
Texting at Wilkes
Word Find
Cryptoquote
Career of the Month
Movie Review
2
3
4
Calendars 8-9
Alum of the Month:
Dr. Paul Gore
Psych in the Media
Student Question of
the Month
5
6
7
10
11
Crossword Puzzle 12
Connecting the Dots
Puzzle Solutions
13
GRE prep 14

PAGE 2 PSYCHLES
Senior Capstone Celebration!
After faring through the endless drafts of PSY 300, students enter the most important class they will take as a psych
major: Senior Capstone. After the stress of writing and conducting a research project, a celebration is necessary!
All students who took Capstone in the fall of 2010, as well as their Capstone advisors Dr. Schicatano and Dr.
Thomas, went to Rodano‘s to celebrate as a group that they had cleared their biggest hurdle at Wilkes University.
The group sat at long table which made it easy for everyone to interact and enjoy each other‘s company.
Ben Andrews, Senior psychology major, thought the event went well and that everyone was happy to celebrate
their accomplishment together.
Meaghan Williams, Senior psychology major, described the dinner as ―a very nice way to end a rewarding
Capstone experience.‖ All Capstone students would like to thank Dr. Schicatano and Dr. Thomas for arranging the
dinner. Congratulations seniors!
Psychology Quotes
―Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also.‖
– Carl Jung
-Co-editor, Nicole Pollock
Pictured (from left): Dr. Thomas, Andreanna Estades, Frantzddyn Pamphile, Laureen Jones, Ben Andrews, Brittany Daniels, Sara Kaspriskie, Mari
Gabriel, Alison Kasper, Meaghan Williams, Alista Panteloukas, Cathy Stiles, Danielle Sanko, Peter Polyak, Dr. Schicatano, and Matt Watkins.
―A failure is not a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to
stop trying.‖
– B.F. Skinner
-Co-editor, Justine Pevec

PAGE 3 PSYCHLES
Step by Step
Step by Step, Inc. is a non-profit agency that serves people of all ages with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities,
and autism. According to their website, they serve over 2,000 people in all different regions of Pennsylvania.
Step by Step provides a variety of services including children‘s behavioral services/counseling, community rehabilitation
services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and living support programs.
Psychology Club visits a Step by Step community home once a month in Kingston to do different activities like
carve pumpkins, make cookies, and make Christmas decorations. There is a small number of people who live there,
and only one is vocal; however, they always look forward to students coming! Step by Step usually accepts 4 to 5 volunteers
at a time to spend time with residents from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Students at Step By Step carving pumpkins!
From left: Brandon Hector, Carrie Early, and Hannah Connor
This past semester, Nicole Pollock, Brandon Hector, Hannah Connor,
Carrie Early, Sean LaFleur, Ashley Scott, and Shaney Rivers
have all visited the Step by Step group home to spend time with the
residents. It is a great experience because you get the chance to feel
like you are making a difference in someone‘s day, not to mention
learn a little about what it is like to interact with people with mental
disabilities in a real-life setting and not out of a textbook.
Visit dates to Step by Step are set-up around student‘s availability;
so, come to a Psychology Club meeting for more information or
contact nicole.pollock@wilkes.edu.
More information about all of Step by Step‘s services can be found
at www.stepbystepusa.com.
Psychology Club News Psi Chi News
Psych Club ended the Fall semester with an annual
holiday party at their last meeting. Everyone relaxed
and enjoyed some sweets before the stress of
finals and holiday shopping started.
Meetings will resume Tuesdays @ 11 in Breiseth
316.
An EPA deposit was due before break. An informational
meeting will be held in the near future for
those who deposited.
A Step by Step date will be set following the first
meeting of the semester.
-Co-editor, Nicole Pollock
-Co-editor, Nicole Pollock
Psi Chi recently accepted new members! For those
accepted, congratulations! If you are interested in
joining Psi Chi, applications for membership will
again be accepted in the Spring.
Meetings will begin January 27th and will be held
every other Thursday at 11am in Breis 305.
Keep your eyes peeled for Psi Chi‘s annual Family
Feud event! Sign ups will be held in early April!
-Executive editor, Chelsea Uselding

PAGE 4 PSYCHLES
Recent Alum: Katie Nadeau
Katie graduated from Wilkes with her BA in Psychology last spring, so I thought it
would be a good opportunity to catch up with one of our Alums to see how their transition to
graduate school has been going. Katie is currently a freshman at the University of Southern
Maine (USM), and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She agreed to answer
some questions about the transition that she had to undergo only five months ago. (Pay attention
seniors, this will be relevant to those of you who are planning on pursuing higher education
after your undergraduate degree!)
Did you find your transition from undergraduate to graduate school difficult?
I found that once the nerves went away and I grasped the concept that graduate
school does not have to be as difficult as I am assuming it to be, the transition was
very do-able. The most difficult aspect for me in this transition was remembering that
these courses represent my life, my career choice; therefore, I need to learn what the
instructors assign as well as go further to absorb information on my own time such as
the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) monthly magazine issues.
What would you say was the most dramatic difference that you encountered?
In undergrad, I experienced a larger occurrence of taking exams than I did for writing papers, this being the most
dramatic difference between graduate school and undergrad. However, I did feel prepared for the large amount of writing that
I encountered immediately after beginning the program. Another noticeable difference was the instructors ‗supervision‘ over
the students. In undergrad, especially in a small school like Wilkes, professors are preparing students to develop independence
and responsibility in terms of being on time with assignments. On the graduate level, instructors already expect students to
have successfully developed these qualities.
What could Wilkes or you, personally, have done to better prepare yourself for the transition?
I can honestly say that Wilkes University, especially my professors in the psychology department, made a positive
impact on my ability to enter [this] situation. On a personal note, I could have better prepared myself for the transition by
curing or improving my procrastination habit before entering grad school. I learned quickly that procrastination is not acceptable
and will not aid in my goal of becoming an occupational therapist
Finally, I would like to give the advice to shadow a person in the field of interest to you before applying to further education in
the area. Loving the subject is what makes graduate school achievable and enjoyable.
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with the Wilkes psychology students who will be
graduating next semester?
Focus on making yourself happy. Even after a four-year degree, it is sometimes difficult for a person to know what
he/she wants to do in terms of a career. If possible, do some soul searching. If applying to graduate school, get your materials
in early, especially in terms of official transcripts from the UCOM. Also, focus on your graduate school essays. I went to the
career services building and made several appointments with Carol Bosack and Lisa Mulvey to review my essays and to improve
them. They were great assets to the application process in terms of increasing my confidence in the material that I was
sending in to each school. Also, email Sharon Castano about improving your resume; do not be afraid to ask your professors
for guidance in life or careers choices, as well as for essays and graduate school applications. They are the best tools that students
have access to and they will help in any way possible.
-Co-editor, Justine Pevec

PAGE 5
Student of the Month: Meaghan Williams
What is your favorite memory at Wilkes?
Texting Study at Wilkes
PSYCHLES
Meaghan Williams is a senior Psychology major with a minor in both Neuroscience and Sociology.
She is from Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate, I hope to attend Kutztown University to obtain my M.Ed in
Secondary Counseling.
What activities are you involved in on campus?
I'm the Co-President of Psi Chi, Social Events Chair of the Psychology Club,
Captain of the Wilkes Women's Volleyball team, and a member of the Letterwomen's
Club.
What made you choose Wilkes?
I chose Wilkes for its proximity to my hometown (I only live 40 minutes away)
and for the small class sizes. I attended a small high school, so that made my transition to
Wilkes that much easier. I had heard nothing but great things about all of Wilkes' academic
programs, and I was also interested in playing Volleyball.
My favorite memory at Wilkes would have to be my Senior Night this past October for Volleyball. I've played with
my fellow Seniors for the past four years, and they've become my best friends. Senior Night was a great end to my college
athletic career. I learned a lot from the game and my teammates, and wouldn't change anything about my experience.
Any advice for other psychology majors?
I would advise a Freshman to not sweat the small stuff. Mistakes are bound to be made, but you can only learn from
them. Just be proud of yourself, work hard, and make time for yourself when you can!
Wilkes University has recently been in many nationwide publications due to a study conducted by Wilkes‘ own Psychology
Department professors, Dr. Tindell and Dr. Bohlander. The study focused on the prevalence of texting in the classroom and
how much of a distraction it‘s becoming. The study sparked a lot of interest and was quickly picked up by The Associated Press as
a story. Many Wilkes students were quoted in the article, arguing their stance on texting in the classroom. The article by The
Associated Press also went on to highlight the fact that texting in class is a nationwide phenomenon, and is inciting many professors
to create stricter classroom behavior policies.
We are very proud of the psychology department, specifically Dr. Tindell and Dr. Bohlander, and the fact that their research
has sparked so much debate nationwide! It just demonstrates that Wilkes University is a great institution whose professors
and students will always be asking tough questions and seeking answers.
If you would like to read the whole story from The Associated Press, it is located on the ABC website, at http://
abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=12248889.
-Executive editor, Chelsea Uselding

PAGE 6 PSYCHLES
Word Find
Famous Psychologists
H Z D Y Y B W W X S S X H D T
W O L R A H S O K F M R P A D
T K N Y P F F I L R Z Q U T T
S S Z K V F N X N S D P A O X
O N D J Z N C B S V A F D K I
K X P N E V V T B Y Y M S I F
F S L R O O O Y E O G R O W X
A R X T Z L V U C O E S L V Z
X L E T I V J H K G E J E N G
F T L U B A U K O E Z U R O Q
J Q C P D P Z R S E L L I S X
X X Y I O G A H G X I Y K V Q
T E E Z A R Q A C A Y G S Z Y
R F B Y C R T R H V S F O C G
Y F D I F V E W F P Y N N M I
Cryptoquote
WORD BANK
ALLPORT
BECK
ELLIS
ERIKSON
FREUD
HARLOW
MASLOW
PAVLOV
ROGERS
SKINNER
-Co-editor, Kathryn Weksh
“US IMG ZYNJ IZZN JZV MHWG UR H MHEEGL JZV IGYT IZ
RGG GWGLJ FLZQNGE HR H YHUN”
— HQLHMHE EHRNZA
Clue: This psychologist created the hierarchy of needs.
—Executive editor, Chelsea Uselding

PAGE 7
Career of the Month: Forensic Psychologist
Movie Review: Black Swan
PSYCHLES
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and many other television shows are making the job of forensic psychologist look
glamorous and are making the field a more popular career choice for individuals. This exciting career is a good choice
for those looking for something in-between psychology and law.
The job of a forensic psychologist can vary greatly; it is determined by what type of court system they work in.
In the criminal court system, a forensic psychologist would be looking to see if the criminal has any disorders that would
make it impossible for them to appear in court or if the disorder is the reason they committed the crime. They determine
the intent for murder and if someone can be deemed ―insane‖ as a reason for what they did.
In a family court, forensic psychologists act as counselors for family support and determine if the way the family
works is appropriate for all members of the family. They give important information to people making decisions about
people‘s lives such as who gains guardianship of children and completions of wills.
This field of forensic psychology is growing rapidly due to the exposure people gain from watching television
and other types of media. Forensic Psychology is a good way to help people, so those looking to help people find justice
within the court system should look into forensic psychology as a career choice.
SOURCES:
http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/career/forensic-psychologist.html
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/a/forensicpsych.htm
Photo from www.foxsearchlight.com/
blackswan
SPOILER ALERT!
-Co-editor, Ashley Bringmann
Black Swan is about a ballerina, Nina, who aspires to be named the queen
swan in her company‘s production of Swan Lake. However, the role requires Nina
to play both the pure white swan, and the seductive, evil black swan. While Nina
has no trouble embodying the role of the white swan, she struggles with the black
swan and soon finds competition in the arrival of a new ballerina, a free-spirit
named Lily. The stress of the role soon finds Nina at the breaking point, as she
struggles with her innocence, her freedom, and her sanity.
This movie is one of the most provoking and intense movies I have ever
seen. As you see the world through Nina‘s eyes, you begin to question what reality
is. Like Nina, the viewer is experiencing two different worlds, two different movies.
You never know what is actually happening, and what is purely a figment of
Nina‘s deranged mind. Since you never know what is truly happening, you never
know what is coming next, which leaves the viewer completely enthralled, trying
to unravel the truth.
Overall, this movie delivered everything I could have wanted. The ballet
scenes were beautiful, and the horror scenes made me jump out of my seat. The
plot, acting, cinematography, choreography, and music were all beautiful. I recommend
that anyone who hasn‘t seen this movie, see it immediately, before it
(hopefully) sweeps at the Oscars.
-Executive editor, Chelsea Uselding

PAGE 8 PSYCHLES
January 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
26 27 28
2 3
9
10
16 17
23
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
Classes Resume
30 31
4
29 30 31 1
5
6 7
11 12 13 14 15
18
Psychology Club
11am
Breis 316
24 25
Psychology Club
11am
Breis 316
Winter Break
Winter Break
Winter Break
19
20
26 27
Psi Chi Meeting
11am
Breis 305
8
21 22
28 29

PAGE 9 PSYCHLES
February 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
30 31 1
6 7
13
14
Happy Valentine’s
Day!
20 21
27
President’s Day
28
Psychology Club
11:00am
Breis 316
8
Psychology Club
11:00am
Breis 316
15
Psychology Club
11:00am
Breis 316
22
Psychology Club
11:00am
Breis 316
2
9
3
Connecting the Dots
6-7:30pm
Ballroom
10
Psi Chi Meeting
11:00am
Breis 305
4
11
5
12
16 17 18 19
23
24
Psi Chi Meeting
11:00am
Breis 305
25
26
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12

PAGE 10 PSYCHLES
Alum of the Month: Dr. Paul Gore
Dr. Paul Gore graduated from Wilkes University in 1970 with a B.A. in
Psychology. He went on to get his M.A. in Education and Clinical Psychology, as
well as a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He currently works as a clinical psychologist,
and as Director of Behavioral Health at the Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles,
CA. We caught up with Dr. Paul Gore to see what he’s currently doing, and what
his time at Wilkes was like.
Can you tell us more about your current job?
The Saban Free Clinic (formerly The Los Angeles Free Clinic)
has been serving the underserved and underinsured of Los Angeles for
over 40 years. We have 3 sites in the Hollywood area where patients can
receive medical, dental, and behavioral health services. On a daily basis I
direct a department of therapists and case managers to help our patients
through counseling and linkages for psychosocial needs. No two days are
alike for me. I have been in this position for 7 years and find it exciting,
rewarding, fulfilling, stimulating and often exhausting.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I like to keep my life balanced outside of work. Keeping in good physical shape is important and I work out
regularly at a gym, play tennis, travel, hike, and have completed the LA Marathon seven times. I have a 21 year old
daughter, Terra, in college. In December I will complete a certificate program at the UCLA School of Public Health in
Healthcare Management Leadership. I stay current with the cultural arts in Los Angeles, especially theater, and have
been known to dabble on stage in an occasional role.
What was your fondest memory of Wilkes?
The people. The classmates. The lifelong friends that came from Wilkes. Staying up all night talking in the
dorm trying to figure out life and who we were. Walking along the river banks and trestle in the middle of winter.
The late 60‘s were an exciting time to be in college and a time of change in society and within ourselves.
How did Wilkes help you achieve your goals, and reach the career you have now?
Wilkes started me on the road to a career in psychology. Beginning as a Biology major, I decided my passion
was in working with people and understanding the mind and human behavior.
What advice would you like to give current Psychology students at Wilkes?
Enjoy this special time in your lives. The field of Psychology is ever-changing and evolving. Be open to new
ideas. Become a critical thinker. A degree in Psychology can lead in many directions. The field is wide open and is
evolving more and more into the business and healthcare worlds. If an idea from a professor, a class, a book, or life
resonates within you, commit to it and trust it will lead you to your passion and dream.
-Executive editor, Chelsea Uselding

PAGE 11
Psychology in the Media
PSYCHLES
So what‘s your New Year‘s resolution? I cannot count the number of times I have been asked this over the
last few weeks. Personally I don‘t really understand why anyone would make one. Does anyone even keep them?
According to a study done by a Psychology professor from the University of Hertfordshire, Richard Wiseman,
50% of 3,000 people surveyed were confident about keeping their resolutions. Out of those, only 12 percent
actually kept their resolutions within the first two weeks.
This begs the question of why can‘t we keep up with our resolutions? One theory is that we don‘t fulfill
promises when we are not making them for ourselves. During New Year‘s, we make resolutions because it is tradition
to do so, not because we are really motivated to achieve them.
Another study from Dr. Alan Marlatt from the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of
Washington states that people are motivated to either stop or start something with a resolution; however, it is better
if you are motivated to do both. This study also went on to show resolutions are often too big and complex to
stay motivated, and instead of breaking them down into manageable parts, we completely give up.
It‘s all comes down to motivation. Having motivation makes a person emotionally capable of doing something
they wish to achieve. Thus, with insufficient motivation, we fail to meet goals. So if you made a resolution
this year, use these theories to succeed: make your goals manageable, and be motivated to both start and stop
something.
SOURCES:
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/the-new-year-is-a-time-to-set-goals-1042951.html
http://www.asylum.com/2011/01/03/only-about-one-in-ten-new-years-\resolutions-succeed/
http://www.highlandernews.org/opinions/resolution-making-a-useless-tradition-for-making-life-changingdecisions-1.1834033
30%
20%
Student Question of the Month
50%
Snow days
Seeing my friends
My classes
-Co-editor, Ashley Bringmann
We asked 10 students,
what are you most
looking forward to
this spring semester?
- Chelsea Uselding, Co-editor

PAGE 12
Across
4. The father of American Psychology
6. If well known for his concepts of self-efficacy and
social learning
7. He is well known for his stage theory of psychoso-
cial development
8. The founder of psychoanalysis
9. He is known for his concept of archetypes and the
collective unconscious.
12. He developed a trait theory of personality that
described three broad categories of personality traits.
13. Psychologist best known for his stage theory of
cognitive development
14. Is often referred to as the father of behaviorism
-Created by Co-editor, Ashley Bringmann
Crossword Puzzle
PSYCHLES
Down
1. Best known for establishing the very first psychology lab
in Leipzig, Germany.
2. A prominent psychoanalyst best known for her theories
of neurosis, feminine psychology, and self psychology.
3. Famous for his hierarchy of needs and concepts of self-
actualization.
5. She developed the ―Strange Situation assessment.
10. He was the first to study classical conditioning.
11. An important contributor to the development of human-
istic psychology.

PAGE 13 PSYCHLES
Connecting the Dots
On February 3rd, 2011, Undergraduate Alumni Relations will host it‘s 4th annual Connecting the Dots event!
The event will give Wilkes students a chance to socialize with about 25 alumni from various professions. The event
will be held in the Ballroom, on the second floor of the SUB from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. All students are encouraged to
attend to make important connections for future jobs and internships!
Solutions
Word Find Crossword Puzzle
H Z D Y Y B W W X S S X H D T
W O L R A H S O K F M R P A D
T K N Y P F F I L R Z Q U T T
S S Z K V F N X N S D P A O X
O N D J Z N C B S V A F D K I
K X P N E V V T B Y Y M S I F
F S L R O O O Y E O G R O W X
A R X T Z L V U C O E S L V Z
X L E T I V J H K G E J E N G
F T L U B A U K O E Z U R O Q
J Q C P D P Z R S E L L I S X
X X Y I O G A H G X I Y K V Q
T E E Z A R Q A C A Y G S Z Y
R F B Y C R T R H V S F O C G
Y F D I F V E W F P Y N N M I
Connecting the Dots
February 3rd, 2011
6:00-7:30pm
Ballroom
Cryptoquote
―If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.
-Abraham Maslow

PAGE 14 PSYCHLES
-Kathryn Welsh, Co– editor
Department of Psychology
84 W. South St.
VOCABULARY
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AT
WILKES UNIVERSITY
PSYCHLES
Deborah Tindell, Ph.D., Departmental Coordinator
Department of Psychology at Wilkes University
570-408-4565
deborah.tindell@wilkes.edu
Chelsea.Uselding@wilkes.edu
Nicole.Pollock@wilkes.edu
William.Schweitzer@wilkes.edu
Kathryn.Welsh@wilkes.edu
Compunction n Remorse; uneasiness caused by guilt.
Tocsin (n) -A warning signal; a bell that is used to sound an
alarm.
Propitious (adj.) - Auspicious; presenting favorable
circumstances; benevolent.
Deliquescent (adj.) - Tending to melt.
Devolve (v) - To deputize; to pass duties on to somebody
else.
Source:
http://www.mygretutor.com/vocabularyGREDifficult.aspx
GRE Practice
View Psychles Online!
http://wilkes.edu/pages/3342.asp
Also follow us on Twitter!
MATH: Coordinate Geometry
Two real number lines intersecting at right angles at
the zero point on each number line define a rectangular coordinate
system, often called the XY-coordinate system or XY-plane.
The horizontal number line is called the x-axis, and the vertical
number line is called the y-axis. The lines divide the plane into
four regions called quadrants (I, II, III, and IV).
Each point in the system can be identified by an ordered
pair of real numbers (x, y), called coordinates. The xcoordinate
expresses distance to the left (if negative) or right
(if positive) of the y-axis, and the y-coordinate expresses distance
below (if negative) or above (if positive) the x-axis.
Source:
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/
GREmathPractice.pdf