2001-2002 University Catalog -- George Mason University 2000-2001 Catalog

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Psychology (PSYC)

Psychology

100 Basic Concepts in Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite to all other courses in psychology. Introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline. Includes an examination of concepts and methods in learning, motivation, development, personality, and measurement.

110 Seminar in General Psychology (1:1:0). Corequisite: PSYC 100. Seminar exploring applications, implications, methods, and findings of psychology. Students must be enrolled concurrently in PSYC 100. Inclass work includes discussion that enriches the PSYC 100 lecture material, exploration of controversial issues in psychology, use of technology to broaden knowledge of psychology, and in-depth discussions of topics on which the instructor has special expertise. Short papers are required.

211 Developmental Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Review of major developmental theories including perspectives of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

230 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Examination of application of psychological principles and methods to problems commonly encountered in business and industry.

231 Social Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Study of human behavior development in a social matrix, including such topics as socialization, cultural behavior, group norms, and attitude formation.

260 Basic Research Methods in Psychology (1-3:0:0). Prerequisite: Six credits of psychology or permission of instructor and department. Introduction to research methods in psychology in the context of assisting faculty with research; individualized sections by arrangement with faculty. Methods taught vary but generally include basic data collection and recordkeeping methods in research. Course culminates in a paper describing techniques learned. No more than six credits in PSYC 260, 350, and 460 can be used toward a psychology major.

300 Statistics in Psychology (4:3:2). Prerequisites: Six credits of psychology including PSYC 301 as a prerequisite or corequisite, and three credits of mathematics course work, or permission of instructor. Descriptive and inferential statistics in design, analysis, and interpretation of psychological research with practical application using computers in laboratory.

301 Research Methods in Psychology (3:2:2). Prerequisites: Six hours of psychology or permission of instructor. Students are strongly encouraged to take PSYC 300 concurrently. General research design in psychology, with an emphasis on experimental design and control. Topics include use of human participants in research, reliability and validity, observational methods, and survey and longitudinal designs. Laboratory work will include designing and running research studies and writing manuscripts using appropriate style and format. PSYC 301 is a writing-intensive course.C)

304 Principles of Learning (4:3:2). Prerequisite: PSYC300 (grade of C or better) or permission of instructor. Principles of animal learning, including such topics as classical and operant conditioning, discrimination learning, and animal cognition. Laboratory projects require working with animal subjects. PSYC 304 is a writing-intensive course.

309 Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing (4:3:2). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 (grade of C or better) or permission of instructor. Principles of perception, including topics such as psychophysics, perceptual organization, perceptual learning, and perceptual constancies. Laboratory projects demonstrate and investigate perceptual phenomena. PSYC 309 is a writing-intensive course.

313 Child Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six credits of psychology including PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Study of human psychological development from conception to adolescence including such topics as genetic factors, emotional and intellectual growth, and environmental influences.

314 Adolescent Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six credits of psychology including PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Study of the biological and cultural changes accompanying adolescence, including the effect of these changes on emotional, intellectual, and social development.

317 Cognitive Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six hours of psychology or permission of instructor. An in-depth overview of important topics in cognitive psychology, including memory, attention, pattern recognition, problem solving, reasoning, and psycholinguistics.

320 Psychological Tests and Measurements (4:3:2). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 (grade of C or better) or permission of instructor. Examination and application of principles underlying the theory, interpretation, and administration of psychological tests, including a study of tests of intelligence, achievement, and ability.

321 Counseling Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC325 or permission of instructor. Review of the theories and methods in psychological counseling.

322 Behavior Modification (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC324 or permission of instructor. Examination of experimental principles of human and animal learning within the theoretical framework of applied behavior analysis, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of operant intervention programs across a wide variety of human situations.

323 Clinical and Social Psychology Research Techniques (4:3:2). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 (grade of C or better) or permission of instructor. Review and application of research techniques including interviewing, survey analysis, and process analysis. PSYC 323 is a writing-intensive course.

324 Personality Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Introduction to classical and contemporary theories of personality and a comparative evaluation of major theories in terms of relevant research studies.

325 Abnormal Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC100 and one of PSYC 211, 231, or 324 or permission of instructor. Study of development of abnormal behavior patterns, including such topics as methods of diagnosis and prevention of serious mental disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, psychoses, character disorders, and mental retardation.

326 Therapeutic Communication Skills (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 325 or permission of instructor. Introduction to understanding and use of basic therapeutic communication skills used in clinical and counseling psychology.

327 Psychology in the Community (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Psychology major with a minimum of six psychology credits and permission of the associate chair for undergraduate studies. Individual placements in applied psychology settings. A maximum of six credits of PSYC 327, 328, 421, 422, 548, and 549 can be applied to the psychology major.

328 Psychology in the Community Laboratory (1:0:0). Prerequisite: Psychology major with a minimum of six psychology credits and permission of course instructor and associate chair for undergraduate studies. Corequisite: Enrollment in psychology course for which this is service learning component. Course comprises one-hour service learning component linked to selected psychology courses. A maximum of six credits of PSYC 327, 328, 421, 422, 548, and 549 can be applied to the psychology major.

330 Psychology of Adjustment (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC100 or permission of instructor. PSYC 330 cannot be taken for credit by psychology majors. Nature of effective and faulty patterns of adjustment. Factors in healthy and unhealthy personality development, unique motivation patterns of individuals, and influence of personally significant groups on adjustment. Resources for personal growth and application of contemporary psychological principles to achievement of increased intellectual, emotional, and social competence.

350 Directed Reading and Research in Psychology (13:0:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 100, 300, and permission of instructor and department. Library research in psychology, culminating in a substantial formal paper; individualized sections by arrangement with faculty. No more than six credits in PSYC 260, 350, and 460 can be used toward psychology major.

362 Psychology of Women (3:3:0). Prerequisites:PSYC 100 and BIOL 103, 104, or permission of instructor. Behavior and attitudes of women; influence of sex chromosomes and sex hormones on behavior, influence of culture on sex role differentiation, and theories of sex role development.

372 Physiological Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC100 (grade of C or better) and BIOL 103-104, or permission of instructor. Survey of neuroscience, including basic neuroanatomy, neural and synaptic transmission, neural mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal behavior, and biological mechanisms of drug action.

373 Physiological Psychology Laboratory (1:0:2). Prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 372 or permission of instructor. Functional anatomy and physiology of the brain, including dissection of brain and eye, and a demonstration and practice in research methods for studying physiological mechanisms underlying behavior.

414 Behavior Disorders of Childhood (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 313 and 325, or permission of instructor. Review of the theories, methods, and research dealing with emotional and behavioral disorders of children.

415 Psychological Factors in Aging (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Examination of the sensory, perceptual, intellectual, and personality changes that occur in older people. Common adjustment problems as well as more serious adjustment difficulties are discussed. Applications of various personality theories of aging.

421, 422 Undergraduate Practicum in Psychology (3:3:0), (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 325 and 326 and permission of Clinical Review Committee. No more than six credits in PSYC 327, 328, 421, 422, 548, and 549 can be used toward the psychology major. Supervised experience in application of psychological principles requiring work in a nonclassroom situation.

423 Group Psychotherapy Techniques (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 324 or permission of instructor. Review of theory and methods of group therapy with emphasis on humanistic and interpersonal approaches, including applications to family therapy, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

435 Personnel Training and Development: A Psychological Perspective (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230; prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 320 or permission of instructor. Overview and critique of training methods currently used in industry from the viewpoint of psychological theory, including simulations, on-the-job training, supervisory/leadership skills training, computer-assisted instruction, and programmed texts. Principles of needs analysis, program development, and program evaluation are discussed within the framework of industrial psychology.

460 Independent Study in Psychology (1-3:0:0). Prerequisites: 18 credits of psychology including PSYC 301 (grade of C or better), a 2.500 GPA in psychology, and a written proposal approved before registration by instructor and the department. No more than six credits in PSYC 260, 350, and 460 can be used toward the psychology major. Advanced research methods in psychology in the context of individual student projects or assisting with research on faculty projects; individual sections by arrangement with faculty.

461 Special Topics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: See course description in Schedule of Classes. Selected topics reflecting interest in specialized areas. Announced in advance.

465 History and Systems in Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 18 credits in psychology including PSYC 301 (grade of C or better) or permission of instructor. Historical background and major theoretical systems in modern psychology. Approaches include behaviorism, cognitive/information processing approaches, and psychodynamic theories.

467 The Psychology of Working in Groups and Teams (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 60 credits including PSYC 100 or permission of instructor. Teaches students both the knowledge and the skills necessary to meet the communication, interpersonal and task-related challenges that arise when functioning in work teams. Through readings, classroom activities, and applied problem-solving exercises, students will acquire or refine the team-related competencies. Thus students will study the theory of group and team processes while gaining insight from feedback on their behavior in exercises in order to become a more effective member of a team.

472 Advanced Physiological Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 372 or permission of instructor. Rotating topics. Physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Selected topics include neuronal bases of learning and memory and biological bases of reinforcement and addiction. May be repeated once with approval of instructor.

490 Psychology Honors I. (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to Psychology Department Honors Program. Review of current topics and issues in psychology, including historical overview, theory and supporting data, and their influences on behavior. Topics will vary.

491 Psychology Honors II. (3:3:0) Prerequisite: PSYC300, 301, and 490. Introduction to advanced statistics, research methodologies, statistics packages, computing and information technology, and library technology appropriate for psychological research and pedagogy. Students are required to complete a proposal in preparation for admission to Psychology Honors III.

492 Psychology Honors III (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC491 and approval of proposal for final honors project or thesis. Completion of final honors project or thesis. Student must complete the project or thesis, present an oral defense before the committee, and a poster to the class. All students are expected to prepare a proposal to present their project or thesis at a regional or national conference or to prepare a manuscript for publication in an appropriate journal.

499 Senior Thesis (3:0:0). Prerequisites: Psychology major with 90 credits, an experimental psychology lab course, 3.000GPA in psychology, PSYC 460, permission of instructor, and prior approval of thesis proposal. Directed research on a topic agreed on by student and advisor. Student should take PSYC 460 with the same advisor to develop a thesis proposal before registering for PSYC 499. Student must complete a thesis and defend it orally before the advisor and two faculty members. With permission of department, students may take a second semester for a maximum of six credits.

506 Theories of Personality (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC324 or permission of instructor. Comparative review of prevalent theories of personality with special emphasis on their fundamental models and their similarities and differences.

530 Cognitive Engineering: Cognitive Science Applied to Human Factors (3:3:0). Prerequisite: An experimental lab course or permission of instructor. Application of cognitive theory to understand and predict the interactions among human cognition, artifact (i.e., tools and systems), and task. Recent research and case studies that emphasize empirical research, analytical modeling techniques, systems design, and the development of tools and methods are discussed.

531 Mammalian Neurobiology (4:3:3). Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits including PSYC 372, or BIOL213 and 303. Functional anatomy of the brains of mammals, with emphasis on human neuroanatomy. Introductory lectures on cellular, developmental, evolutionary, and physiological neurobiology are followed by regional and systems neuroanatomy. Anatomy is correlated with material from clinical neurology where possible.

532 The Social Psychology of Industry (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230 or 231. Problems associated with motivation, job satisfaction, and performance of personnel. Emphasis on effects of organizational practices.

541 Survey Research (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 or SOCI 221, or permission of instructor. Introduction to theory, method, and practice of survey research; students complete a survey research project.YC)

548, 549 Practicum in Gerontology (3:0:0), (3:0:0). Prerequisite: Completion of three of the required courses in the gerontology certificate program or permission of instructor. No more than six credits in PSYC 327, 328, 421, 422, 548, and 549 can be used toward the psychology major. Practical experience in a gerontological setting under supervision of a qualified professional for 150 contact hours per three credits.

555 Evolution of Brain and Behavior (3:3:0). Prerequisites: Completion of 60 hours, including either PSYC 372,or BIOL 213 and 303.Survey of comparative neuroanatomy of vertebrate brains in the context of evolutionary biology and in correlation with the evolution of behaviors and adaptations.

557 Psychometric Methods (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC611 and 612, or permission of instructor. Examination of the concepts of psychological measurement with emphasis on predictor test and criterion development. Discussion of reliability, validity, and specialized techniques used to develop tests of ability, interest, and personality.

558 Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 372 or permission of instructor. Examination of neuronal mechanisms involved in learning and memory, in animals ranging from invertebrates to humans.

559 Behavioral Chemistry (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC372 or permission of instructor. Neurochemistry and neuroendocrinology, including neurotransmitter synthesis, genetic aspects of neural functioning, mechanisms of action of neurotransmitters and second messenger systems, regulation of neuroendocrine systems, neuroendocrine effects on behavior, and neuroimmunology.

560 Advanced Applied Social Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 231 or permission of instructor. Study of major trends in social psychological research with emphasis on the ethical and practical problems posed by human experimentation. Topics include attitude measurement, attitude change, conformity, social perception, and small group interaction.

561 Behavioral Biology of Substance Abuse (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 372 or equivalent. Overview of the biological effects of substance abuse and the biological mechanisms underlying addiction. Topics include alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs; genetics of addiction; and neural systems underlying addiction and withdrawal.

592 Special Topics (3:3:0).. Special topics reflecting interests in specialized areas. Topic announced in advance.

597 Directed Reading and Research (1-3:0:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed reading or research for M.A. students in psychology. Independent reading or research on a topic agreed on by student and faculty member. May be repeated for a total of no more than sixcredits. A maximum of nine credits of 597, 792, 798, and 799 may be applied to a master's degree.

611 Advanced Statistics (4:3:2). Prerequisite: A screening test is given on the first evening of the class. This test must be passed to take the course. Open only to degree students. Integrates basic psychological statistics with an overview of research methodology (including experimental, quasi-experimental, field approaches, and measurement issues) from an advanced perspective. Lab work includes the use of computer packages for data handling and analyses. Students must enroll in 611 and 612 in sequential semesters.

612 Advanced Statistics (4:3:2). Prerequisite: A grade of A or B in PSYC 611. Open only to degree students. Integrates basic psychological statistics with an overview of research methodology (including experimental, quasi-experimental, field approaches, and measurement issues) from an advanced perspective. Lab work includes the use of computer packages for data handling and analyses. Students must enroll in 611 and 612 in sequential semesters.

614 The Psychology of Aging (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC100 and undergraduate or graduate course in aging. Review of the experimental literature in psychology of aging, including intellectual functioning, personality and adjustment, minor and major adjustment problems, and role changes in later life.

616 General Psychopathology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC325. Intensive survey of the current psychiatric nomenclature (DSM-III) of major types of psychopathological disturbances.

617 Child Psychopathology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC313 or 211, and 325. Intensive survey of major types of psychopathological disturbances of infancy and childhood.

631 Industrial and Personnel Testing and Evaluation (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 300 and 320. Study of administration, scoring, and interpretation of standard tests used by industry for selection and assessment of personnel.

633 Evaluative Research in Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 or permission of instructor. Examination of research techniques that are specifically designed to evaluate the human effectiveness of organizations and mental health programs.

635 Topics in Organizational Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230, PSYC 632, or MGMT 610. Selected topics reflecting interest in a specialized area of organizational psychology, announced in advance. Emphasis on recent experimental research literature related to the selected topic.

636 Survey of Industrial Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 or permission of instructor. Intensive survey of the historical and current issues in the major areas of applied (nonclinical) psychology.

638 Training: Psychological Contributions to Theory, Design, and Evaluation (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 636 or permission of instructor. Focus on the application of learning principles derived from psychological research in the development of training models and techniques of skill acquisition. Discussion of research designs and empirical results appropriate to training evaluation.

639 Survey of Organizational Processes (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230 or 632. Trains students at a conceptual/theoretical and an empirical level in organizational processes. Includes individual, interpersonal, intragroup, and intergroup phenomena as they exist in the context of organizational settings.

640 Techniques in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 300 or permission of instructor. Skills-oriented course that enables students to construct instruments and perform functions critical to both researchers and practitioners in industrial/organizational psychology. Focuses on conducting job analysis interviews,
developing and scoring task inventories, using critical incident and KSAO methods, and constructing performance appraisal and selection instruments.

645 Research Methods in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 530 and 611. Hands-on approach to selected current and/or classical human factors/applied cognition research methods (exact methods are announced in advance). Potential methods include cognitive task analysis, usability evaluation methods, critical incident analysis, reliability analysis, workload measures, verbal protocol analysis, and engineering models of human performance. May be repeated for credit.

646 Issues and Methods in Developmental Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 611, 612 and six credits of graduate developmental psychology. Examines techniques for measuring developmental change across the lifespan.

648 Developmental Psychopathology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six credits of graduate developmental psychology. In-depth look at the emerging discipline of developmental psychopathology. Specific disorders and contexts are discussed to illustrate how knowledge of normal development enhances how understanding of deviant development and how knowledge about maladaptive behavior illuminates principles underlying adaptive functioning.

652 Quantitative Methods II: Analysis of Variance (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 300 and either 304, 305, or 309. Basic concepts in experimental design, fundamental assumptions in analysis of variance, and analysis of variance and covariance designs. Multiple comparison tests are also reviewed.

654 Naturalistic Methods in Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 300 and either 304, 305, or 309. Theory and techniques involved in studying people in their natural environment. Primary emphasis is on quasi-experimental designs and methods of systematic observation.

666 Cognitive and Perceptual Development (3:3:0). Prerequisites: Six credits of child psychology and a course in experimental psychology, or permission of instructor. Survey of theory and research on the development of perception, language, memory, concepts, problem solving, and academic skills in children.

667 Behavior in Small Groups and Teams (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 231. Theories, methods, and topics relevant to individual behavior in a small group setting. Effects of the individual on the group, effects of the group on the individual, and interaction effects among individuals.

668 Personality: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 324 or permission of instructor. Presents a comprehensive overview of current theoretical and empirical approaches to personality. Areas of special relevance to clinical, developmental, and industrial/organizational psychology will be emphasized.

669 Social and Emotional Development (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six credits of developmental psychology or permission of instructor. Survey of theory and research relevant to the development of social relationships, emotional expressiveness and regulation, aggressive and altruistic behaviors, sex roles, and morality. Influences on such development, including parents, other adults, peers, siblings, and the broader culture will be emphasized.

671 Role and Function of the School Psychologist (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Open only to school psychology M.A. students or by permission of instructor. Roles and functions of the school psychologist within the educational environment. Certification and ethical standards of the school psychologist and current issues and trends are considered.

673 Consultation and Behavior Modification (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Open to practicing school psychologists and students in school psychology or by permission of instructor. Examines the theory and practice of behavior modification and consultation in the school environment.

678 Topics in School Psychology (1-6:0:0). Prerequisite: Open to practicing school psychologists and advanced students in school psychology or by permission of instructor. Selected topics reflecting a specialized area of school psychology. Contentvaries. Mayberepeatedforatotal of ninecredits.

684 Psychological Counseling Techniques (3:3:0). Open to practicing school psychologists or psychology graduate students with a prior course in counseling. Application of various counseling approaches and techniques to the school-age child and adolescent. Students gain experience in counseling techniques used in schools and contemporary practice.

701 Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior (3:3:0). Open only to degree students. Survey of concepts in learning, cognitive, and affective processes, including theories and supporting data and their influences on behavior.

702 Biological Bases of Behavior (3:3:0). Open only to degree students. Survey of physiological bases of behavior, including such topics as neural conduction and the role of specific neurotransmitters.

703 Social Bases of Behavior (3:3:0). Open only to degree students. Survey of social influences on behavior, including group processes, person perception, and attitude formation.

704 Life-Span Development (3:3:0). Open only to degree students. Survey of theories and research regarding life-span development and personality formation.

705 Historical and Philosophical Issues in Psychology (3:3:0). Open only to degree students. Important historical and systematic approaches to psychology and their relationship to the philosophy of science, structure of theory, and philosophical issues in psychology.

709 The Measurement of Intelligence (4:3:2). Open only to school psychology M.A. students. Permission of department required. Prerequisites: PSYC 617 or 822 and PSYC320 or equivalent; corequisite: PSYC 611. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of the major infant, child, and adult intelligence tests, with emphasis on individual tests. Development of IQ tests, theories of intelligence, and current trends and developments in intellectual assessment.

710 Psychological Assessment (4:3:2). Open only to school psychology M.A. students. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion as certified by the School Psychology Committee of PSYC 617, 709, 822, or 810 and permission of department. Study of major instruments used in clinical assessment, and their nature, problems, and predictive value; administration and scoring of the major techniques for evaluation of personality and organicity; and principles of interpretation of these procedures.

712 Child Neuropsychological Assessments (3:3:0). Open to practicing school psychologists, school psychology graduate students, Ph.D. developmental students, or by permission of instructor. Survey of basic theoretical and applied knowledge of the conceptualization and assessment procedures of the brain-behavior relationship in the school-age child and adolescent.

722 Advanced Child Assessment (4:3:2). Open only to school psychology M.A. or Ph.D. students. Prerequisites: PSYC 709 and 710 or PSYC 810 and 811, five intellectual assessments at the Psychological Clinic, and permission of department. Problems involved in diagnostic assessment of children with various handicapping conditions such as brain dysfunction, learning disabilities, retardation, and emotional disturbances.

730 Practicum in Applied Psychology (1-6:0:0). Open only to degree students in psychology. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Apply in writing to the area coordinator 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester. Practical experience in an organizational setting as assigned. Ph.D. students may repeat this course for a maximum of 15credits; M.A. students for a maximum of 6 credits. Course is graded S/NC.

732 Attention and Performance (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 530, graduate experimental course in psychology, or PSYC 701. Human factors seminar focusing on theories, concepts, issues, methods, techniques, and research in the area of attention and performance.

733 Issues in Personnel Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 636 or permission of instructor. Examination of the psychological literature on job analysis, job evaluation and compensation, performance appraisal, training, and EEOL selection issues. Methodological and psychometric issues in the interpretation and evaluation of personnel psychology research receive particular attention.

734 Seminar in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six graduate credits in human factors and applied cognition or permission of instructor. Emphasizes current research and application of human factors, ergonomics, applied cognition, and applied perception. May be repeated for credit.

735 Psychological Perspectives on Organizational Development (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Three graduate credits in industrial/organizational psychology or permission of instructor. Theories and methods in industrial/organizational psychology as they relate to organizational change and development. Actual training in organizational diagnosis and change through supervised field work.

736 Research in Human Performance Assessment (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Three graduate credits in industrial/organizational psychology or permission of instructor. Reviews taxonomic issues in the description and prediction of human performance. Concepts and methods in assessment of human abilities are discussed. Emphasis is onthe cognitive, psychometric, physical, and sensory-perceptual capacities required to perform human tasks.

737 Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Six graduate credits in human factors and applied cognition or permission of instructor. Emphasizes current research and development in human-computer interaction, cognitive systems engineering, cognitive ergonomics, and cognitive engineering. May be repeated for credit.

738 Simulation and Training (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC530, graduate experimental course in psychology, or PSYC701. Human factors seminar focusing on training issues from the perspective of the human factors professional. Special attention is given to the role of hardware and simulation techniques in the design of technical training programs.

739 Seminar in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230, PSYC 636, or permission of instructor. Rotating topics (e.g., leadership theories and management development, performance appraisal) to be announced in advance. May be repeated for credit.

741 Psychology of Work Motivation (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 230 or permission of instructor. Examination of the psychological literature of the need, cognitive, and reinforcement theories of motivation; organizational attachment (commitment, absenteeism, and turnover); job design and quality of work issues. Methodological and psychometric issues in the interpretation and evaluation of work motivation research are emphasized.

750 School Psychology Practicum (1-6:0:0). Open only to school psychology M.A. students. Prerequisite assessment courses: PSYC 709, 710, and 722 and testing experience in the Psychological Clinic. Apply in writing for permission of department 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester. Practical experience in school psychology.

754 Quantitative Methods III: Psychological Applications of Regression Techniques (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 611 and 612. Psychological applications of regression techniques are reviewed in a variety of contexts including experimental, field, and survey settings.

755 Statistical Packages for Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 611 and 612, PSYC 652 or 653 or equivalent. Introduction to manipulation techniques of statistical analysis appropriate for applied problems in psychology with three widely used statistical packages: BMD, SPSS, and SOUPAC.

756 Quantitative Methods IV: Multivariate Techniques in Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 611 and 612 or equivalent; PSYC 755 recommended. Survey of multivariate statistical techniques as applied to psychological research. Emphasizing analysis of complex designs and interpretation of multivariate data analyses resulting from computer processing.

766 Advanced Topics in Sensation and Perception (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 530 or 701. Emphasizes current research in sensation and perception. May be repeated for credit.

768 Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PSYC 530 or 701. Emphasizes current research in cognitive science. Topics may include computational cognitive models, the nature of expertise, diagrammatic reasoning, display-based problem solving, visual attention, decision making, goal-based versus event-based cognition, and situated action. May be repeated for credit.

780 Applied Developmental Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 704, or three credits of other graduate developmental psychology courses and permission of instructor. Examines how developmental theory, knowledge base, and methodology can be used to promote the health and welfare of individuals across the lifespan. Topics include contemporary social issues and child development, research in applied settings, developmental assessment and intervention, and program evaluation.

786 Assessment and Treatment in Gerontology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Course in the psychology of aging, PSYC 320 and PSYC 423, or equivalent courses. Functional assessment of older adults including the conceptual and methodological problems involved. Intervention strategies with older adults are examined, including interviewing, group work with older persons, milieu therapy, reality therapy, and the design of supportive environments.

790 School Psychology Internship (3-12:0:0). (Formerly PSYC 765 and EDUC 665.) Prerequisite: Completion of required courses in school psychology and permission of program coordinator. One-school-year, supervised field experience in which the advanced school psychology student functions as a full-time staff member within a school system. Student completes a paper on a practical research project involving an alternative school psychology role in the school system. Enrollment is for a total of 9 credits (thesis option) or 12 credits (nonthesis option) in increments of 3 credits according to placement. Students enrolled in PSYC 799 are not required to complete the practical research project.

792 Practicum in Developmental, Physiological, and School Psychology (1-6:1:0). Open to degree students in developmental, physiological, or school psychology M.A./Ph.D. programs. Interested students must apply to the area coordinator 60 days before registration. Prerequisites: Three credits of graduate developmental or physiological psychology or advanced standing in school psychology. Supervised experience in developmental, physiological, or school psychology.

798 Thesis Proposal (1-6:0:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Work on a proposal for master's thesis. May not be repeated for credit. No more than six credits of 798 and 799 may be applied to the master's degree. A minimum of nine credits of 798, 799, 597 or 792 may be applied toward the master's degree. Graded S/NC.

799 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:0). Research on approved master's thesis topic under the direction of a thesis committee with approval of the chair. Graded S/NC.

800 Studies for the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (variable credit). Prerequisite: Ph.D. admission to study in psychology. Program of studies designed by student's discipline director and approved by student's doctoral committee that brings the student to participate in the research of the discipline director and results in a paper reporting the original contributions of the student. Paper is presented in a subsequent Ph.D. summer seminar. Enrollment may be repeated.

810 Intellectual Assessment (4:3:2). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of individual adult and child assessment procedures. Problems of assessment and theories of intelligence are reviewed.

811 Personality Assessment (4:3:2). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Prerequisite: PSYC 810. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of adult and child projective and objective tests of personality functioning.

816 Neuropsychological Assessment (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PSYC 702, 810 and 811, or 709 and 710. Nature of brain-behavior relationships in adults and children. Concentrates on the major assessment techniques including Luria Nebraska, Halstead-Reitan, and Michigan Neuropsychological batteries.

822, 823 Psychopathology I, II (3:3:0), (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Provides an intensive integration of the psychopathology literature with mastery of the current psychiatric nosology.

830 Theories of Psychotherapy (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Prerequisites: PSYC 822 and 823. Review of the major approaches to psychotherapy, including the psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Students study individual, group, and family therapy from each of these perspectives.

831 Cognitive Therapy (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Survey of procedures for altering emotional distress and behavioral dysfunction within the conceptual framework of social cognitive theory and cognitive behavioral therapy.

832 Group and Family Psychotherapy (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Prerequisites: PSYC822, 823, and 830. Introduction to the major models of group and family functioning as well as current approaches to group and family psychotherapy. In addition to formal course work, students engage in experiential group exercises.

840, 841 Community Psychology: Theory and Practice (3:3:0), (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Introduction to the history, concepts, and practice of community psychology. Course work and practica focus on community mental health theory, consultation, prevention, program planning and evaluation, and human service management.

850 Teaching Practicum in Psychology (1:1:0). Workshop in effective teaching of selected undergraduate psychology courses. Required of and designed to guide graduate teaching assistants assigned to teach an undergraduate course (not a lab) for the first time. Topics include course planning, syllabus development, lecture resources, effective lecturing skills, use of audio visuals, leading of a classroom discussion, construction and grading of exams, student writing, instructional technology, and handling of student questions and problems. Individual critiques of teaching.

880 Clinical Foundations (3:3:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Focus on basic clinical/interactional skills, including basic therapy skills, psychodiagnostic interviewing, mental status exam, and interview management skills. Includes exposure to a variety of clinical settings and clients.

881 Assessment and Psychotherapy Supervision (3:0:0). Open only to clinical psychology Ph.D. students. Prerequisite: Permission of clinical director. Entails the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests for adults and children in a professional setting under supervision. Must be repeated three times for 12 credits and may be repeated for up to 18 credits.

890 Seminar in Professional Psychology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Doctoral students in psychology. Each section limited to students in one concentration of Ph.D. program. See area coordinator for requirements for section in each track. May be repeated for credit. Graded S/NC.

892 Special Topics in Psychology (3:3:0). Open only to Ph.D. students. Selected topics reflecting specialized areas in psychology. Content varies. May be repeated.

897 Directed Reading and Research (1-3:0:0). Clinical psychology Ph.D. students may not take this course for elective credit. Independent reading on a topic agreed on by a student and a faculty member. May be repeated. May not be repeated for degree credit by students who also register for PSYC 799.

998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (variable credit). Work on a research proposal that forms the basis for a doctoral dissertation. May be repeated. No more than 24 credits of PSYC 998 and 999 may be applied to doctoral degree requirements. Graded S/NC

999 Doctoral Dissertation (variable credit). Research on an approved dissertation topic under the direction of dissertation committee. May be repeated. No more than 24credits of PSYC 998 and 999 may be applied to doctoral degree requirements. Graded S/NC.


George Mason University: 2001-2002 University Catalog: Catalog Index: Course Descriptions:Psychology (PSYC)