Psychology
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes, encompassing an array of specialty areas. The Wabash Psychology Department strives to equip psychology majors with an understanding of the scientific method.
Our curriculum scaffolds students’ mastery of scientific inquiry through three levels. The first level includes Introduction to Psychology and two semesters of Research Methods and Statistics. The intermediary level includes two sequences of courses that engage students in concepts and research methods in specific areas of psychology. The final level allows students to use their knowledge to pursue their own questions in a junior-level writing course in which students review the scientific literature on a topic of interest, and a senior year empirical capstone research project guided by a faculty advisor. The Psychology Department also usually offers summer research internships that allow students to gain hands-on research experience beyond their coursework. Psychology majors considering graduate school in any field are strongly encouraged to pursue internships or other hands-on research experiences.
Student Learning Goals
Knowledge Base: to acquire a degree of mastery of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology and how psychological principles apply to behavior.
Critical Thinking: to become habitually inquisitive, trustful of reason, and honest in facing personal biases; to actively evaluate knowledge and ideas.
Scientific Inquiry: to develop an understanding of scientific methodology; to develop skills in using scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena; to develop skills in conducting psychological research with appropriate research methods.
Communication: to become competent and confident in the oral and written skills needed to speak and write with facility and sophistication about psychological issues and research.
Psychology and Responsible, Ethical Citizenship: to become aware of how psychological inquiry informs one’s personal and professional conduct and of the relevance of psychology in developing effective social institutions; to understand how the results of psychological inquiry can inform one’s actions as an ethical, responsible citizen in a diverse world in order to enhance human flourishing.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | ||
| PSY-101 | Introduction to Psychology | 1 |
| Research | ||
| PSY-201 & PSY-202 | Research Methods & Stats I and Research Methods & Stats II 1 | 2 |
| Writing | ||
| PSY-301 | Literature Review | 1 |
| Intermediate-Advanced Course Sequences | ||
| Select two from the following: | 3 | |
| Child Development and Research in Developmental Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology and Research in Social Psychology | ||
| Cognition and Research in Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Sensation and Perception and Research in Sensation and Perception | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience and Research in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Senior Project | ||
| PSY-495 & PSY-496 | Senior Project and Senior Project | 1 |
| Elective | ||
| One elective credit in Psychology | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral Requirement 1 | 1 | |
| Principles of Neuroscience | ||
| Principles of Neuroscience | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| Total Credits | 1 | |
- 1
Psychology majors completing PSY-204 Principles of Neuroscience can apply this credit as both the required elective credit in Psychology and the required collateral credit.
Students planning to apply to graduate school are strongly urged to take the maximum of 11 course credits.
If considering a semester abroad, keep in mind that most of these courses cannot be transferred in from another school.
Written Senior Comprehensive Examinations in Psychology require majors to:
- organize and synthesize information to support their thoughts on questions of broad interest to psychologists
- to demonstrate knowledge across major content areas of Psychology
- to demonstrate competence with the scientific method and statistics
Faculty Advisors
Majors are strongly urged to select an advisor from the Psychology Department when they declare their major.
Advanced Placement Credit
Students who earned a score of 4 or above on the Psychology Advanced Placement exam or 6 or above on the Psychology International Baccalaureate Higher Level exam may earn credit for PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology by taking any 200-level Psychology course and completing it with a grade of B- or better. The department recommends against taking PSY-201 Research Methods & Stats I as a first course in Psychology; students wishing to earn this credit should consult the chair of the Psychology Department for assistance in selecting an appropriate course. Such PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology credit does not count toward a major or minor in Psychology.
Off-Campus Study
Psychology majors and minors considering taking courses at other campuses, or abroad, should be aware that it is difficult to meet our PSY-201 Research Methods & Stats I and PSY-202 Research Methods & Stats II requirements at other schools. Because both courses combine research methods and statistics, most off-campus statistics courses do not substitute for either requirement. This means you should plan to take PSY-201 Research Methods & Stats I and PSY-202 Research Methods & Stats II at Wabash. Permission to spend the junior year abroad requires completion of PSY-201 Research Methods & Stats I and PSY-202 Research Methods & Stats II prior to going off campus.
Recommended Sequence of Courses
If not starting the psychology major until sophomore year or later, please consult with a member of the psychology faculty to determine an appropriate path.
| Freshman | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PSY-101 | Introduction to Psychology | 1 |
| Neuro/Bio Co-Requisite | ||
| Principles of Neuroscience | ||
| Principles of Neuroscience | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| Credits | 1 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| PSY-201 | Research Methods & Stats I | 1 |
| PSY-202 | Research Methods & Stats II | 1 |
| Start a sequence | 1 | |
| Child Development | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Complete Neuro/Bio Co-Requisite | ||
| Credits | 3 | |
| Junior | ||
| Complete first sequence (if not completed sophomore year) | 0.5 | |
| Research in Developmental Psychology | ||
| Research in Social Psychology | ||
| Research in Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Research in Sensation and Perception | ||
| Research in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Start/finish second sequence | 1.5 | |
| PSY-301 | Literature Review | 1 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Senior | ||
| PSY-495 | Senior Project | 0.5 |
| PSY-496 | Senior Project | 0.5 |
| Finish second sequence | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Requirements for the Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | ||
| PSY-101 | Introduction to Psychology | 1 |
| Rsearch & Methods | ||
| PSY-201 | Research Methods & Stats I | 1 |
| Select one from the following: | 1 | |
| Child Development | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Psychology Electives | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 5 | |
PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology
A survey of concepts, principles, and theories of
an empirical science of behavior. Topics include
behavioral biology, learning, memory, sensation,
perception, cognition, motivation, emotion,
social behavior, personality, and
psychopathology.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-102 Human Sexual Behavior
An overview of human sexual anatomy, development,
function, and diversity. Emphasis is on the
psychological aspects of sexuality including the
study of attitudes towards sexuality, sexual
preference, love and marriage, contraception, and
commercial sex. Particular attention is paid to
the development and enactment of sex roles, the
construction of gender, and sex differences.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
PSY-105 Fatherhood
An introduction to the psychological research
into issues surrounding fatherhood. Topics to be
covered include the role of fathers in children's
development, the effect of being a father on
adult development, men's views on fatherhood, the
effect of fatherhood on romantic relationships,
and balancing work and home life.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: GEN-105
PSY-107 Health Psychology
In this course we will discuss the ways in which
our thought processes and behaviors affect our
health. Some behaviors promote or impair health.
Other behaviors influence our willingness to seek
medical help. We will discuss topics such as
stress, sleep, exercise, diet, smoking, and
drinking. We will also discuss health psychology
from diverse perspectives, such as culture, race,
and gender. The course will consist of lectures,
discussion, and reading of primary literature.
Health Psychology will be beneficial to pre-health
students, and others who want to know more about
how to improve and maintain their own health. This
course counts for the Psychology major and minor,
and for the Global Health minor.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: GHL-107
PSY-110 Special Topics
Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to
Student Planning's section information for
descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-201 Research Methods & Stats I
An introduction to the principles and techniques
involved in the design and analysis of
psychological research. Development of abilities
in quantitative analysis and reasoning,
decision-making, and hypothesis testing are aided
by conducting behavioral research projects. Not
recommended for first-semester freshmen.
Prerequisites: PSY-101
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science, Quantitative Literacy
PSY-202 Research Methods & Stats II
A continuation of Research Methods and Statistics
I, with a focus on more advanced research designs
and statistical procedures. Students will conduct
behavioral research projects.
Prerequisite: PSY-201. Note: PSY-202 assumes
mastery of the content from PSY-201; we strongly
recommend that students take PSY-202 only if they
received a grade of "C" or better in PSY-201.
Prerequisites: PSY-201
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science, Quantitative Literacy
PSY-204 Principles of Neuroscience
An introduction to the study of the nervous
system, with a focus on basic anatomy and
physiology. Students will learn about the basic
organization of the nervous system,
neurophysiology, sensory processing, movement,
development, and neuroplasticity through a
systems approach to brain function. Several
laboratory experiences will be built into the
course to reinforce the principles discussed in
class. This course counts toward distribution
credit in Natural Science and Mathematics. This
course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: PSY-104NSC-104
PSY-210 Intermediate Special Topics
Various topics at the intermediate level may be
offered from time to time. Refer to the Course
Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage
for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-211 Cross Cultural Psychology
This course explores the ethnic and cultural
sources of psychological diversity and unity
through cross-cultural investigation. Topics
include human development, perceptual & cognitive
processes, intelligence, motives, beliefs &
values, and gender relations.
Prerequisites: PSY-101
Credit: 1
PSY-213 Language Development
This course investigates the processes by which
language develops. In this discussion-based
class, we will explore theoretical explanations
concerning the mechanisms by which language
develops and empirical data on the development of
phonological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic
competence in both typically developing and
atypical populations. We will also explore forms
of communication other than spoken language, such
as sign language and communicative systems in
nonhuman animals. This course often includes
visits to research laboratories at other
universities and to other sites that allow
students to observe and learn about variability
in language development.
Prerequisites: PSY-201 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisites: PSY-201 (may be taken concurrently)
Credit: 1
PSY-214 Psychology and Law
An overview of the sometimes-cooperative, sometimes-adversarial relationship between psychological science and the justice system. Major topics include eyewitness memory, interviewing suspects, forensic analysis, jury composition and decision making, punishment severity and fairness, the use of psychological experts, and popular depictions of forensic psychology. Readings will include not only scientific findings in social, cognitive, and clinical psychology, but also U.S. Supreme Court opinions relevant to course concepts.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-220 Child Development
This course explores the process of child
development with particular emphases on cognitive
and social development from infancy through early
adolescence. We will discuss the development of
observable behaviors such as language and
aggression, the underlying mechanisms that guide
and shape development, and empirically-grounded
practical recommendations for fostering healthy
development. Additional topics include the roles
of nature and nurture in development, the
formation of parent/child attachment, social
cognition, autism, and peer relationships and
their effect on social development. The
methodologies used by researchers, and the
appropriate interpretation of research findings,
will be an emphasis throughout the course.
Through weekly observations and naturalistic
laboratory assignments in local preschools,
students will learn and practice several of these
research methodologies. This course is offered in
the fall semester
Prerequisites: PSY-101 or PSY-105
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-222 Social Psychology
A survey of research findings and methodologies
of social psychology. Topic coverage deals with
social perception, attitude formation, attitude
change, and the psychology of group processes and
interactions. Students are encouraged to develop
their own research ideas. This course is offered
in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-201 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisites: PSY-201 (may be taken concurrently)
Credit: 1
PSY-223 Abnormal Psychology
An examination of the major disorders of human
behavior, including their forms, origins, and
determinants. Treatment strategies and issues are
explored in depth. Emphasis on empirical studies
and current research developments in
psychopathology.
Prerequisites: PSY-101
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-231 Cognition
An overview of the major information-processing
feats of the human mind, such as problem solving,
reasoning, memory, language, visual perception,
and the development of expertise. Students will
explore the scientific techniques used to
understand these invisible mental processes, and
our current knowledge of how these processes are
implemented in the brain. This course is offered
in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-201
Corequisites: Prerequisite: PSY-201.
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-232 Sensation and Perception
This course explores our sensory systems: vision,
hearing, touch, taste, smell, and perhaps other
systems such as balance. We will study both the
anatomy underlying these systems as well as
perceptual phenomena. Mini-labs are interspersed
throughout the course to experience these
phenomena. We will also read and discuss primary
research articles related to the topics covered
in class. This course is offered in the fall
semester.
Prerequisites: NSC-204, PSY-204, BIO-101 or BIO-111
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science, Global Citizenship, Justice, and Diversity
PSY-233 Behavioral Neuroscience
An introduction to the biological bases of
behavior. Examination of nervous system structure
and function is followed by an examination of the
neurophysiological foundations of motor ability,
sexual behavior, ingestive behavior, sleep and
arousal, learning and memory, reinforcement, and
language. This course is offered in the spring
semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-204, NSC-204, BIO-101, or BIO-111
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-235 Cognitive Neuropsychology
This course examines deficits in human cognitive
function resulting from brain damage. It draws on
principles of neuroscience, psychology, and
neurology for insights into how the brain
mediates the ability to use and integrate
capacities such as perception, language, actions,
memory, and thought.
Prerequisites: PSY-101
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
PSY-287 Intermediate Research
Individual students will work with a faculty
member to design and carry out intermediate level
empirical or library research on a topic of their
choice. A brief proposal outlining the work to be
conducted, and an anticipated timetable for
completion, must be approved by the faculty
supervisor no later than two weeks following the
first day of classes. If the faculty supervisor
believes the project will require longer than one
semester to complete, the student may be allowed
to register for a one-year course (with no
additional course credit); this should be
determined prior to registration. Offered in the
fall (287) and spring (288) semesters.
Prerequisites: PSY-201
Credits: 0.5
PSY-288 Intermediate Research
Individual students will work with a faculty
member to design and carry out intermediate level
empirical or library research on a topic of their
choice. A brief proposal outlining the work to be
conducted, and an anticipated timetable for
completion, must be approved by the faculty
supervisor no later than two weeks following the
first day of classes. If the faculty supervisor
believes the project will require longer than one
semester to complete, the student may be allowed
to register for a one-year course (with no
additional course credit); this should be
determined prior to registration. Offered in the
fall (287) and spring (288) semesters.
Prerequisites: PSY-201
Credits: 0.5
PSY-301 Literature Review
An introduction to the principles of searching
for and reporting on published literature in
psychology. Students will learn strategies for
searching databases, identifying credible
sources, and developing a theoretical background
on a topic. This course features extensive
training and practice in writing APA-style
manuscripts, and is intended to prepare students
for PSY 495/496, Senior Project.
Prerequisites: PSY-201
Credit: 1
PSY-310 Special Topics
Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to
Student Planning's section information for
descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
PSY-320 Research in Developmental Psychology
This course will provide students with in-depth
coverage of the methodological tools and
statistical analyses used by developmental
psychologists. Students will read and discuss
contemporary research on a given topic that will
vary from year to year. Students will gain
experience analyzing complex data sets obtained
from prior research or from a research project
conducted with the professor. This course is
offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-202 and PSY-220
Credits: 0.5
PSY-322 Research in Social Psychology
Students will cover a particular area of research
in social psychology in more depth than is
possible in a survey course. The topics covered
will reflect contemporary issues in the field and
may differ in different semesters. The course
will cover primary research and theoretical
works. A research proposal will be constructed,
and students may carry out a research project in
collaboration with the professor. This course is
offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-202 and PSY-222
Credits: 0.5
PSY-331 Research in Cognitive Psychology
This course is designed for students who have
completed Cognitive Psychology (PSY 231) and are
interested in conducting research on memory and
other cognitive processes. Students will learn
research techniques specific to cognitive
research. Topics will vary from year to year and
will include questions from both classic and
contemporary cognitive psychology. This course is
offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-202 and 231
Credits: 0.5
PSY-332 Research in Sensation and Perception
In this course, students will conduct experiments
involving at least two sensory systems, obtaining
experience with psychophysical experimental
methods. Students will write complete APA-style
scientific papers for each experiment, including
a clearly stated hypothesis, a brief literature
review, a clear explanation of the methodology,
application of the proper statistical techniques,
an analysis of how the results supported or
failed to support the hypothesis, and an abstract
summarizing the experimental findings. This
course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-232
Credits: 0.5
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: NSC-332
PSY-333 Research in Behavioral Neuroscience
Students in this course will become involved with
research in an area of behavioral neuroscience.
The topic covered will reflect contemporary
research issues in the field and may differ in
different years. Major course components will be
discussion of primary literature in neuroscience
and collaboration with the professor in
conducting and writing up an experiment that is
directed toward possible publication. Recent
topics have focused on memory and drug addiction,
and how neural recordings are used to understand
how information is encoded by the brain. This
course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-233
Credits: 0.5
PSY-387 Advanced Research
Individual students will work with a faculty
member to design and carry out empirical or
library research on a topic of their choice. This
advanced-level project requires that students
become well versed with the primary literature of
the field. Prior to registering, the student
should discuss his research idea with (and obtain
the approval of) the faculty member who will
supervise the project. A brief proposal outlining
the work to be conducted and an anticipated
timetable for completion must be approved by the
faculty supervisor no later than two weeks
following the first day of classes; students not
meeting this deadline must drop the course until
a later semester. If the faculty supervisor
believes the project will require longer than one
semester to complete, the student may be allowed
to register for a one-year course (with no
additional course credits); this should be
determined prior to registration. Typically,
one-half course credit is granted for a
faculty-directed project. If the student is
primarily responsible for designing and carrying
out an independent project, a full course credit
may be given (this must be determined prior to
registration). In either case, completion of the
course requires submission of an APA-style
written report (to the faculty supervisor) and a
15-minute oral presentation of the project to
psychology faculty and students prior to final
examination week of the semester the grade is
awarded. Offered in the fall (387) and spring
(388) semesters.
Prerequisites: PSY-202 and 1 of the following groups: 220/320,222/322,
231/331,232/332 or 233/333
Credits: 0.5-1
PSY-388 Advanced Research
Individual students will work with a faculty
member to design and carry out empirical or
library research on a topic of their choice. This
advanced-level project requires that students
become well versed with the primary literature of
the field. Prior to registering, the student
should discuss his research idea with (and obtain
the approval of) the faculty member who will
supervise the project. A brief proposal outlining
the work to be conducted and an anticipated
timetable for completion must be approved by the
faculty supervisor no later than two weeks
following the first day of classes; students not
meeting this deadline must drop the course until
a later semester. If the faculty supervisor
believes the project will require longer than one
semester to complete, the student may be allowed
to register for a one-year course (with no
additional course credits); this should be
determined prior to registration. Typically,
one-half course credit is granted for a
faculty-directed project. If the student is
primarily responsible for designing and carrying
out an independent project, a full course credit
may be given (this must be determined prior to
registration). In either case, completion of the
course requires submission of an APA-style
written report (to the faculty supervisor) and a
15-minute oral presentation of the project to
psychology faculty and students prior to final
examination week of the semester the grade is
awarded. Offered in the fall (387) and spring
(388) semesters.
Prerequisites: PSY-202 and one of the following groups: PSY-220 and
PSY-320, PSY-222 and PSY-322, PSY-231 and PSY-331, PSY-232
and PSY-332, or PSY-233 and PSY-333
Credits: 0.5-1
PSY-495 Senior Project
Students in this two half-course sequence will
complete a year-long capstone project intended to
integrate the content and skills they have
learned in the major and develop expertise in an
area of interest. This project will consist of
either an empirical study or a community-based
practicum. The empirical study will be one that
the student plans and carries out with general
guidance from a faculty mentor. For the
community-based practicum option, students will
work with a professional involved in the delivery
of psychological services. All projects will
culminate in an APA-style manuscript, poster
presentation, and a talk at a regional
undergraduate research conference. Students
intending to register for PSY 495 must first meet
with a faculty member in the Psychology
Department to choose which type of project they
wish to pursue and to propose an area of
specialty.
Prerequisites: PSY-202, and PSY-301 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisites: and PSY-301 (may be taken concurrently)
Credits: 0.5
PSY-496 Senior Project
Students in this two half-course sequence will
complete a year-long capstone project intended to
integrate the content and skills they have
learned in the major and develop expertise in an
area of interest. This project will consist of
either an empirical study or a community-based
practicum. The empirical study will be one that
the student plans and carries out with general
guidance from a faculty mentor. For the
community-based practicum option, students will
work with a professional involved in the delivery
of psychological services. All projects will
culminate in an APA-style manuscript, poster
presentation, and a talk at a regional
undergraduate research conference.
Prerequisites: PSY-495
Credits: 0.5