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New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
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Psychology
Chair of the Department of Psychology:
Mary Ann Foley
Professors: Robert M. Oswalt, Joan
Delahanty Douglas, Sheldon Solomon, Mary Ann Foley, John J.
Berman, Hugh Foley
Visiting Professor: Virginia Murphy-Berman
Associate Professor: Holley Hodgins
Assistant Professors: Patricia M.
Colby, Denise L. Evert, Grant Gutheil, Flip Phillips, Gregory
A. Goodwin
Visiting Assistant Professors: Cay
Anderson-Hanley, Jennifer Mistretta Hampston
The mission of the psychology major is to provide students with
a foundation of concepts, issues, discoveries, and methodologies
for the scientific study of psychological processes. In part,
this foundation is achieved by exploring a number of perspectives
within the field including biopsychological, perceptual, cognitive,
developmental, social, and clinical phenomena. Faculty expect
that Skidmore psychology majors will acquire basic knowledge
about several areas and gain quantitative and research skills
necessary to make informed judgments about psychological research.
In addition, students will learn to evaluate, integrate, and
think critically about theoretical and applied issues and to
communicate their knowledge of psychology effectively through
written and oral forms. Thus, students are encouraged to take
writing-intensive courses as preparation for the major.
Faculty encourage students to distinguish between the minimum
requirements for a major in psychology and the preparation necessary
for graduate study in psychology. Those students who plan to
pursue graduate work in psychology should also consider choosing
to complete a significant laboratory experience in addition
to PS306. Several opportunities for this lab experience are
available to majors including advanced lab courses (e.g., PS304,
320), advanced statistics (PS318), independent study, or a summer
collaborative research experience. A course in mathematics or
computer programming might be particularly helpful.
THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR: To complete
a major, students must take a minimum of thirty credits in psychology.
Only three of these courses may be taken at another institution.
Included among the thirty credits are the following required
ones: PS101, 217, 306, and at least ten credits from three different
clusters listed below:
4. Personality Abnormal Psychology: PS210,
211,
308.
Of the thirty credits presented toward the major, these credits
should include at least four courses at the 300 level.
Only one regular semester course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory
basis may count toward the major. Only two one-credit PS275
Research Experiences may count toward the major, both of which
must be taken as s/u. None of the required courses or any 300-level
psychology course, except PS399, may be taken by majors on a
S/U basis.
The grade-point average for the thirty credits presented toward
the major must meet the minimum requirement of 2.0. Of these
credits, only one course may have been completed with a grade
of D.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAJORS: In conjunction with the relevant departments,
the Psychology Department offers majors in biology-psychology
and psychology-sociology. See Interdepartmental
Majors.
HONORS: To be eligible for departmental honors in psychology,
a student must meet the requisite grade point average, complete
a research project in Senior Research Project I and II or a
major paper in Senior Seminar, and be recommended for departmental
honors by the department.
PSI CHI: Psi Chi is the national honor society
in psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging
scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Eligibility
requirements include major interest in psychology, completion
of at least four psychology courses, a grade-point average of
3.5 or higher in psychology, and a grade-point average of 3.3
in all college courses.
There is no formal program for a minor in psychology. Those
interested in taking some psychology courses without actually
completing a major are encouraged to select a set of courses
relevant to their needs. Members of the department are happy
to assist in this selection process.
PS 101. INTRODUCTION
TO GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the science
of psychology through a survey of theories, methods, facts,
and principles of behavior. Open to first-year students. The
Department
NS 101. NEUROSCIENCE:
MIND AND BEHAVIOR 4 An interdisciplinary examination
of the neurobiological bases of behavior and mental processing.
Topics include the structure and functioning of the nervous
system, brain-behavior relationships, and hormonal and genetic
effects on behavior and mental processing. Laboratories develop
students' understanding of functional neuroanatomy, neural transmission,
and human psychophysiology. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement). Psychology
and/or Biology Faculty
PS 204. EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 The application of psychological
principles to problems of student learning, student achievement,
teaching methods, and educational assessment. Prerequisite:PS101 or consent of instructor. G. Gutheil
PS 205. SOCIAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 A survey of theory and research
on the nature and causes of individual behavior (thoughts, feelings,
actions) in social situations. Prerequisite:PS101. H.
Hodgins, S. Solomon, P. Colby
PS 207. INTRODUCTION
TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT 4 Theories and research evidence
as well as methodological problems will be re viewed as they
relate to physical, psychological, and social development of
the individual from birth through adolescence. Prerequisite: PS101 or consent of instructor.
J. Douglas, G. Gutheil
PS 210. PERSONALITY 4 Considers major theories of personality
to gain an understanding of how genetic and environmental factors
interact to influence human behavior. Prerequisite:PS101. S.
Solomon, P. Colby
PS 211. APPLIED
PSYCHOLOGY 3 The application of the principles
of psychology to individual and social problems in such areas
as business and industry, law, health, the environment and consumer
behavior. Prerequisite:PS101. J.
Berman
PS 212. THEMES
IN CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY 3 Introductory exploration of selected
themes in contemporary psychology with special attention to
major trends of theoretical interest and research activity.
Such themes might include decision-making, narratives in psychology,
health psychology, environmental psychology. (This course may
be repeated for credit with focus on a different theme.) Prerequisite:PS101. The
Department
PS 213. HORMONES
AND BEHAVIOR 4 An introduction to the study
of how hormones coordinate the behavioral and physiological
components of important psychological processes like reproduction,
defense, aggression, learning, and emotions. A comparative approach
(cross-species) is used to explore the endocrine system and
many of the effects of hormones on both the body and the brain.
Whenever possible, research findings in humans are integrated
into the discussion. To help illustrate hormone/behavior relationships,
several in-class experiments are conducted using both animal
and human subjects. Prerequisite: PS101 G.
Goodwin
PS 217. STATISTICAL
METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY I 4 A survey of methods used to describe,
correlate, and make inferences about frequency distributions,
including the use of binomial distribution, normal distribution,
t-distribution, chi-square, sign tests, and the analysis of
variance. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab a week. Prerequisite:
PS101
or consent of instructor. J. Douglas,
H. Foley, F. Phillips
PS 222. PSYCHOANALYSIS
AND SIGMUND FREUD 3 An introduction to Sigmund Freud
and his theory of personality psychoanalysis. The course will
examine cultural, social, and intellectual antecedents; entail
readings by and about Sigmund Freud; and explore ways in which
Freud's ideas have had a profound influence on other disciplines.
Prerequisite: PS101
or consent of the instructor. R. Oswalt
PS 231. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the relationship
between the brain and mind through the assessment of human patients
(and animals) with brain damage. This focus will show how scientists
are better able to understand components of the mind (i.e.,
processes related to attention, perception, cognition, personality,
emotion, memory, language, consciousness) and behavior, and
how this information can be used to refine theories of psychological
functioning. A case-study approach of humans with brain damage
will be adopted in this course. Prerequisite:PS101. D.
Evert
PS 251. SPECIAL
SEMINAR SERIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 A topical seminar, lab or discussion
group may be offered as a follow-up link with a particular departmental
offering (e.g., an extension to a 3-credit course) or as a free-standing
experience in psychology (e.g., a film series with focus on
contemporary psychological issues). Discussion may focus on
additional topics as a follow-up from a previous learning experience
or may provide exploration of a new topic not covered in a traditional
departmental offering. The frequency with which the seminar
meets (i.e., once a week for the full term or twice a week for
the first half of the semester) will vary depending on the goal
of the seminar. Prerequisite:PS101
or permission of instructor. The Department
PS
275, 276. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 An introductory exploration of
conducting research in psychology. Its purpose is to provide
students with an interactive research experience in a particular
laboratory or clinical setting. Students will experience various
aspects of the research process, e.g., the planning and implementation
of research, protocols for data collection, and testing of hypotheses.
Exposure to research methodologies within a particular area
of psychological inquiry should enhance the student's ability
for more independent work. No more than two of these experiences
may count toward the requirements for the psychology major.
The experience is open to non-majors. Must be taken s/u. Permission
of the instructor is required. The Department
NS 277. INTEGRATIVE
SEMINAR IN NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH 1 A study of selected areas of
neuroscience research and techniques. Both primary source articles
and first person accounts by faculty in the Biology and Psychology
departments are used to introduce the theoretical and practical
aspects of neuroscience research. Emphasis will be placed on
understanding the multiple levels (e.g. molecular to behavioral)
at which research topics in neuroscience can be addressed and
also the ways in which research techniques define the types
of questions that can be asked at a given level of analysis.
Prerequisites: NS101 and at least two of the following:
BI233, 236, CH105, PS217, 306, or 304. Psychology
and/or Biology Faculty
PS 302. ADULT
DEVELOPMENT 4 Psychological aspects of human
growth and function from maturity to senescence, with consideration
of research procedures and problems as well as recent findings
and relevant theory. A field project is required. Prerequisites:PS207 and 217, or permission of instructor. J.
Douglas
PS 304. PHYSIOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 The study of physiological structures
of the central nervous system, muscles, and glands in humans
and animals with emphasis on the use of animal models to understand
human psychopathologies such as anxiety, depression, and drug
addiction. Laboratory sessions are used to test various animal
models of psychopathology to better understand their validity
and limitations. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per
week. Prerequisites: NS101 and PS217. G.
Goodwin
PS 305. COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT 4 The systematic study of the development
of intellectual capacities in the child. Current theories and
research relevant to the child's development and use of symbolic,
mediational, and linguistic processes will be surveyed. Prerequisites:
PS101 and 207, or consent of instructor. G.
Gutheil
PS 306. EXPERIMENTAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 A theoretical and empirical introduction
to psychology as a natural science. Emphasis will be on the
basic phenomena in physiological psychology, cognition, perception,
and social psychology and the principal experimental paradigms
employed in their investigation. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab a week. Prerequisites: QR1, PS101, 217.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) H.
Foley, M. Foley, F. Phillips
PS 307. ADVANCED
PERSONALITY 3 A detailed examination of factors
that influence personality development. Attention is devoted
toward understanding how different aspects of human personality
can account for the development of various social institutions.
The development and evaluation of hypotheses to understand personality
processes, and strategies to induce change are also considered.
Prerequisites: PS210 and 306.
S. Solomon, P. Colby
PS 308. ABNORMAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the history
and study of abnormal behavior including neurosis, psychosis,
character disorders, addiction, sexual dysfunction, mental retardation,
brain damage, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy. Prerequisite:
PS101 or consent of instructor. R.
Oswalt
PS 312. ADVANCED
SEMINAR IN MAJOR ISSUES OF PSYCHOLOGY 3 A critical examination of fundamental
areas of controversy in current theories, research findings,
and applications of psychology. Such topics might include consciousness,
autobiographical memory, or nonverbal behavior. (This course
may be repeated for credit with focus on a different issue.)
Prerequisites: three courses in psychology. A.
Infant Development G.
Gutheil
PS 315. CLINICAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the history
and methods of clinical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal
behavior including Freudian psychoanalysis, client centered
therapy, group psychotherapy, and behavior modification. Prerequisite:PS308. R. Oswalt
PS 317. PSYCHOLOGICAL
TESTING 3 An introduction to the history,
theory, administration and interpretation of psychological tests,
including tests of intelligence, achievement, interests and
personality. Prerequisite: PS101 or consent of instructor. R.
Oswalt
PS 318. STATISTICAL
METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY II 4 A study of advanced techniques
and controversial issues in experimental design and analysis.
The course will emphasize computer analysis of a range of experimental
designs. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab a week. Prerequisites:
PS217 and 306. H. Foley
PS 320H. SOCIAL
PSYCHOLOGY INVESTIGATONS OF THE SELF 4 This course offers an opportunity
to acquire hands-on research experience and experimental skills
in a small laboratory group. Students will read journal articles
on selected topics in social psychology, design a study, collect
data, and use a computer data analytic statistical package to
analyze their data. Three hours of lecture and two hours of
lab a week. Prerequisite:PS217, or consent of instructor. H.
Hodgins
PS 321. MOTIVATION
AND EMOTION 3 An examination of the principal
constructs employed in theories of motivation and emotion. The
current status of both biologically based and psychologically
based theories will be reviewed. Prerequisites:PS101
and 306 or consent of instructor. H.
Hodgins
PS 323. PSYCHOLINGUISTICS 4 An examination of the acquisition
of language in the light of milestones in sensorimotor and cognitive
development. The relationship of language to thought will be
of central concern. Also covered will be bilingualism and disturbances
of linguistic development. Prerequisite: PS101. J.
Devine
PS 324. COGNITION 3 The study of the way in which
people acquire and use information in a variety of circumstances.
Topics include attention, pattern recognition, language, memory,
skill acquisition, problem solving, decision making, and artificial
intelligence. Prerequisite:PS101. M.
Foley
PS 325. PERCEPTION 4 The study of the way in which
people use sensory input to identify and interpret information
in the world. The course will examine contributions of sensory,
neural, and cognitive factors to perceptual experience. Discussions
will cover general perceptual principles, but will emphasize
visual and auditory processes. Three hours of lecture, two hours
of lab a week. Prerequisite:PS101. H.
Foley, F. Phillips
PS 326. HEALTH
PSYCHOLOGY 3 A study of the relationships
between psychological factors and well-being using biopsychosocial
perspectives. This multidisciplinary approach integrates knowledge
from physiology, psychobiology, personality, social psychology,
and sociology to understand health, illness, and well-being.
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students
with the conceptual basis, research methods, and research findings
in the field of health psychology. Prerequisites:PS101
and 217. P. Colby
PS 331. PSYCHOLOGY
OF WOMEN 3 Examination and analysis of a
number of important ideas regarding women's psychological experience.
Topics to be studied include theories of female development,
self-concept, sexuality, psychological disorders, violence against
women, and mother-daughter relationships. Prerequisite:PS207. J. Douglas
PS
371, 372. INDEPENDENT STUDY 3, 3 Individual reading and/or research
under the guidance of a member of the staff. Prerequisites:PS101 and consent of instructor. The
Department
PS 375. SENIOR
RESEARCH PROJECT I 3 Students will work with an individual
faculty member to develop a major research project. This development
will include definition of topic, review of the scientific literature,
the learning of any necessary research techniques, execution
of any necessary preliminary research, and submission of a written
proposal to the faculty supervisor. Each student will make an
oral presentation of the proposal to other senior thesis students.
Prerequisites:PS306 and consent of instructor.
PS 376H. SENIOR
RESEARCH PROJECT II 3 Students will work with an individual
faculty member to complete the major research project developed
in Senior Research Project I. A final project will be submitted
in thesis form to the faculty supervisor at least two weeks
before the end of the term. Prerequisite: PS375. May
not be taken concurrently with PS378. Senior Research Project
II may be used to fulfill the thesis requirement for departmental
honors in psychology.
PS 378H. SENIOR
SEMINAR 3 Students work with course instructor
to complete a major, written project. The project can be a synthesis
of the literature in a particular topic area of psychology,
or an original theoretical formulation. The final project should
demonstrate a conceptual integration of the material, and should
demonstrate both originality and independence of work. In addition
to the written project, each student will make an oral presentation
summarizing the project. The written version of the project
will be submitted at least two weeks before the end of the spring
semester. Prerequisite: PS306. This course may be used
to fulfill the thesis requirement for departmental honors in
psychology. May not be taken concurrently with PS376.
PS 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY 3 Professional experience at the
advanced level for juniors and seniors. This experience may
include work-study projects in one of several professional settings,
including mental hospitals, nursing homes, schools, developmental
centers, advertising agencies, laboratories, and communication
agencies. Requires faculty sponsorship and department approval.
Prerequisites: five courses in psychology (specified
by the faculty according to the nature of the internship). Must
be taken S/U.
