Psychology

Kimberley A. Phillips (1994), Chair, Associate Professor of Psychology and Biology
B.S., Wofford College;
M.S., Ph.D., University of Georgia

Ralph Cebulla (1964), Professor of Psychology, Emeritus
B.A., San Jose State University;
M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University

Gwen Fischer (1982), Professor of Psychology, Emeritus
B.A., University of Chicago;
M.Ed., Ph.D., University of Toledo

Michael. D. Gumert (2006), Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S., East Stroudsburg University;

M.S., Bucknell University;

Ph.D., University of Georgia

Ryan D. Honomichl (2007), Assistant Professor of Psychology

B.A., University of Redlands;

M.S., Ph.D., UC Davis

Andrew J. Konick (1967), Professor of Psychology
B.A., Fairmont State College;
M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

Michelle R. Nario-Redmond (2007), Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology

B.A., University of Tulsa;
M.A., Ph.D., Kansas University

Department web address:

http://psychology.hiram.edu/index.html

 

Introduction

The study of psychology contributes to a liberal arts education by introducing students to the scientific method, to a body of knowledge about behavior, as well as to the process of integrating  theoretical perspectives. Such studies lead to a better understanding of one’s own and others’ behavior, allow insight into a variety of perspectives, lead to a greater appreciation of and respect for others, stimulate intellectual curiosity, encourage personal growth and a feeling of social responsibility.

A major in psychology enables students to pursue a variety of post-baccalaureate activities. Many psychology majors continue their studies in graduate school, where they may specialize in such areas as clinical, counseling, developmental, experimental, physiological, social, or sports psychology.  Others enroll in a variety of professional programs such as law, medicine, education, speech pathology, rehabilitation, or social work. Some enter directly into careers such as management, human services, rehabilitation, or recreational supervision. Some of our majors obtain employment as a direct consequence of an undergraduate internship. 

Requirements for a Psychology Major

Students considering psychology as a major or minor are encouraged to seek a mentor/advisor in the department before making any final decision about a major or minor.  Acceptance as a major is contingent on a student passing both Psychology 101 and 215 with a minimum grade of C.  A pre-requisite for enrolling in 215 is a minimum grade of C in Psyc 101.

I. Psychology Core courses

PSYCH 101, 215, 216, and 480

II. Correlative courses

BIOL 152 and MATH 108

III.  Psychology breadth requirement:  students choose a minimum of one course from each of the four core groupings:

Behavioral Neuroscience (327, 328, 347; 430);

Developmental (250, 261, 262, 324);

Clinical (254, 344, 361, 454);

Research Methods and Applications (217, 220, 315, 365). 

Departmental Honors

Many majors will be encouraged by their mentor/advisor to do an internship or a research project.  In order to be considered for departmental honors, a student must complete either an internship or independent research under the supervision of a faculty member.  Any exceptions to these requirements must be discussed and agreed to by the departmental faculty.

Enrichment

We strongly recommend that majors enrich their background with an introductory course in computer programming, a field experience (298) or internship (498), an independent research project (481) or special topics courses (280, 281).

Additional Special Opportunities

We encourage students to assist with faculty research projects or to develop their own projects. Computer terminals and programs are available for conducting experiments, simulations and for data analysis; video-taping equipment can be used for animal or child developmental research or student training; we have a playroom equipped for unstructured small group play with an observation area which can be used to study young children; we also have equipment for individual cognitive assessment interviews. Comparative and physiological laboratories include facilities for maintenance and study of several species of animals, including rodents and fish; a histology laboratory is equipped for the investigation of neural and hormonal factors in behavior. The Hiram psychology department belongs to the Ohio Consortium for Undergraduate Psychology Conferences which meets every spring. We encourage students to present their research at this and other conferences.

The department has contacts with many social service agencies in the area. Students may arrange internships or field placements which provide an opportunity to work with adolescents, young children, or older adults. These human services experiences can be arranged in many different contexts, from the criminal justice system to residential or out-patient treatment facilities.

Requirements for Minors

A minor in psychology consists of six courses: Psychology 101, 215 and four additional courses from any of the core groupings listed above. Students minoring in Psychology must pass both Psychology 101 and 215 with a minimum grade of C.  One type of minor could be a specialization in one of the tracks represented by the four core groupings. For example, a student with an economics/management major might choose the applied/assessment track represented by Group D. For some other students, a combination of courses across tracks may better complement a particular major. We recommend you discuss your selection of courses with a faculty advisor from the department.

Departmental Offerings

101 General Psychology MM                                                                4 hours

This course introduces you to the scientific study of behavior. We examine the role of heredity and environment in the development of the individual. We show how motivation, emotion, learning, perception, intelligence, personality, and the developmental, social and biological bases of behavior have all been studied scientifically. We also examine the implications of psychological research and theory for contemporary problems.

120 Cross-Cultural Psychology                                                           4 hours

In an increasingly international world, we need to understand people from other cultures. This course will introduce the study of psychology in the context of cross-cultural research. In addition to using descriptions of psychological research, case studies, films and group projects, we’ll explore psychology in its cultural context by email contact with classes in other countries to discuss the issues we are studying. This course serves as an enrichment course for the major. It is suitable for freshmen, has no pre-requisites and will satisfy a social sciences general education requirement.

215 Experimental Methods SM                                                            4 hours

Topics covered include types of experimental design and control, problems of definition, measurement, reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and ethics in experimentation. Laboratories provide experience in human behavioral research, with an emphasis on methodology, analysis, and interpretation of data.  Offered yearly. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Also listed as Biology 215.

216 Learning: Theory, Methods, and Application                                4 hours

This course will begin with the findings and theories in operant and classical conditioning. Application of these techniques and other complex forms of learning will be applied to issues in learning and retention. Laboratories and class projects will emphasize experimental design and data interpretation. Prerequisite: Psychology 215.

217 Psychological Testing                                                                   4 hours

This course will use traditional psychometric methods to examine issues in intellectual and personality assessment. The emphasis will be on reliability, validity, and utility of current techniques of psychological tests. Additional topics will include the legal and ethical controversies associated with the measurement of human ability. Prerequisites: Psychology 101 and 215.

220 Industrial Psychology                                                                   3 hours

This course will survey a range of psychological principles   and research finding that have been applied to business and industrial settings. Topics will include the traditional ones such as testing, personnel selection and human factors; and will include recent developments in job satisfaction and motivation, human relation training and decision-making strategies. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

250 Development Across the Life Span                                              3 hours

This course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a broad perspective on the entire range of human development, from conception to old age. We explore the common principles which describe developmental changes across all ages, as well as the differences in thought, emotion and behavior from age to age. The theories of Piaget and Erikson are particularly useful to understand both the commonalities as well as the differences.

254 Abnormal Psychology                                                                   3 hours

Study and descriptions of various forms of abnormal behavior. The relation between abnormal behavior and values. Various models employed to understand abnormal behavior are evaluated. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

261 Psychology of Childhood                                                              4 hours

We will study principles of development from infancy through middle childhood. We examine social, emotional, cognitive changes, as well as the role of parents, schools, and community in supporting that development. Learning to observe and/or interview children is an important part of the course. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

262 Psychology of Adolescence and Young Adulthood                      4 hours

We will study physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development during the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. We will look at the influence of family, peers, schools and culture by using different theoretical perspectives to analyze case studies. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

280 Special Topics Seminar                                                           1 - 4 hours

From time to time, the department will offer special topics in psychology, based on particular interests of department members or the availability of visiting faculty.

281 Independent Study                                                                  1 - 4 hours

Students may arrange to pursue topics of individual interest upon making an individual agreement with a faculty member.

315 Program and Policy Evaluation                                                    4 hours

This course will focus on the methods used in program and policy evaluation. The topics will include instruments design, data collection procedures, needs assessment and utilization of findings. The role and responsibilities of evaluators will be examined. Material will be drawn mainly from the literature dealing with health and social service delivery systems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 108 or Psychology 215.

324 Exceptionality UD                                                                         3 hours

This course examines the philosophical, historical, legal and ethical foundations of services for individuals with disabilities. Characteristics of specific disabilities, etiology, and socio-psychological implications are explored. Categorical and non-categorical classification systems; assessment, diagnosis and evaluation; and educational adaptations and assistive technologies are included. Participants will explore the impact on families of disabilities at different life stages, from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Includes observation at a community site. Also listed as Education 324.

327 Neuroscience                                                                                4 hours

An examination of the physiological correlates of behavior with emphasis on the nervous and endocrine systems. Beginning with neuroanatomy, the course will examine vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems, sensory and motor processes, mechanisms of arousal, and nervous system development. Laboratories focus on the relations between physiology and behavior, and will prepare students for further independent work. Prerequisites: Psychology 101, either Biology 215 or Psychology 215 , and Biology 152. Also listed as Biology 327.

328 Animal Behavior                                                                           4 hours

A survey of the modern field of animal behavior, tracing its origins from European ethology and American comparative psychology. Extensive coverage will be given to the topic of vertebrate social behavior, including social organization, sexual behavior, aggressive behavior, and parent-offspring interactions. Efforts will be made to integrate results from field and laboratory research. Laboratories emphasize techniques for recording, quantifying, and analyzing behavior. Prerequisites: Psychology 101, Biology 152 and either Biology 230 or Psychology 215. Also listed as Biology 328.

344 Social Psychology                                                                         4 hours

In the attempt to study the relationships between the individual and society, social psychology is the convergence of psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Issues to be studied include: language, thought and communication; identity, morality, cooperation and competition, aggression, violence and war; attitudes and attitude change, prejudice, discrimination and racism; authority, freedom, obedience, and justice; interpersonal attraction and love. Offered yearly. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or Sociology 155. This course is also listed as Sociology 344.

347 Primate Behavior and Ecology                                                     4 hours

This course is an introduction to the study of primate behavior and ecology.  We will begin with an overview of the living primate species. Then we will consider the biological and social problems that primates face (e.g., finding a place to live, finding food, finding protection from predators, growing up within a complex social group, finding mates, and rearing young who can survive and reproduce), and the various solutions to these problems. Throughout the survey, we will examine the ways scientists have extracted general principles of behavior from the data, particularly those that are concerned with evolutionary processes. Methods of research used in the study of primate behavior will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Biology 152, Psychology 101, and either Biology 215 or Psychology 215. This course is also listed as Biology 347.

361 Introduction to Counseling and Clinical Psychology                    4 hours

This course familiarizes the student with the research and practice of clinical psychology, including psychological assessment, clinical decision making, and varieties of psychological therapies. A segment of the course is devoted to developing and practicing interviewing skills (e.g., presentation of self, sensitive listening and accurate responding, and clear effective communication.) Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and 254.

365 Perception and Cognition                                                             3 hours

The course will begin with the examination of basic sensory processes and their relationship to complex models of human perception, learning, and thinking. Research in language, problem solving, concept formation, memory systems and artificial intelligence will be considered. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and 215.

430 Behavioral Endocrinology                                                            4 hours

Behavioral endocrinology is the study of the role hormones play in the physiology and behavior of animals. The interaction of behavior and endocrine system function is necessary to understand how psychological and biological systems express behavior. In this course, students will acquire an understanding of the feedback loop among behavior, endocrine and neurological function. Students will study how the endocrine system functions under normal conditions as well as under conditions of pathology. Topics include the influence of endocrine function on sexual behavior, social interaction, and physiological function. Students will gain laboratory experience in behavioral neuroendocrinology. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, Biology 152, and either Psychology 215 or Biology 215.

 

454 Personality                                                                                    4 hours

Students study the major theories of personality, their adequacy understanding human behavior and their impact on societal views of human nature. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

480 Senior Seminar                                                                             4 hours

Students and faculty will discuss classical and contemporary issues in psychological research and theory. These discussions will be based on theoretical articles and major reviews of research. Students will have the opportunity to examine a variety of professional publications. Students will take an active role in leading discussions, as well as in selecting topics. Each student will research and present a lecture to fellow students and faculty on a topic of interest.

481 Independent Research                                                            1 - 4 hours

Students may work independently or in small teams assisting faculty with their research projects. May be taken by arrangement with faculty.

298/498 Field Experience/Internship                                          1 - 4 hours

In a placement at a social service, mental health, research, or child care agency, the student will participate in the activities of the agency, supervised by the on-campus supervisor as well as an agency supervisor. Students will participate in on-campus discussions of readings which raise a variety of ethical issues. In a journal, students will reflect upon their experiences. In a formal paper, students will analyze and discuss the organizational structures and staff-client relationships. Permission of instructor required. We expect that students who enroll in Field Experience (298) will have minimal background in psychology (perhaps only General Psychology and a one-credit-hour course) and/or want to observe at an agency that does not provide training or allow undergraduates direct interaction with clients. We expect that students who enroll in an Internship (498) will have a more extensive background in the social sciences and will be trained by the agency to work with clients.

Will be offered every year. Students must arrange an internship prior to registration for the term in which they plan to complete their hours at the agency. Hours worked at the agency may be completed during any term. On-campus discussions will be arranged as needed.

Additional Information