Psychology
Chair: Robert S. Stephens
University Distinguished Professor: T. H. Ollendick
Alumni Distinguished Professor: E. S. Geller
Heilig-Meyers Professor: R. A. Winett
Professors: M. A. Bell, W. K. Bickel, G. A. Clum, K. Deater-Deckard, J. W. Finney, and R. T. Jones
Associate Professors: D. K. Axsom, J. C. Dunsmore, R. J. Foti, B. H. Friedman, J. Germana, D. W. Harrison, R. J. Harvey, N. M. A. Hauenstein, J. Kim-Spoon, R. K. Pannenton, and A. Scarpa
Assistant Professors: M. T. Braun, A. D. Cate, P. Chiu, R. A. Diana, B. King-Casas, J. A. Richey, and S. W. White
Clinical Associate Professor: L. D. Cooper
Senior Instructor: K. A. Hoffman
Instructor: P. K. Harrison
Research Faculty: M. Cowart, K. Cuevas, C. T. Ramey, S. L. Ramey, and B. White
Affiliated Faculty: D. L. Brinberg, K. Carlson, B. Klein, T. Smith-Jackson, and D. G. Tatar
Adjunct Faculty: A. B. Allen, W. D. Crews, and R. W. Greene
Undergraduate Advising Coordinator: Cindy Koziol (231-5388)
Career Advisor: Kurt Hoffman (231-4005)
Web: www.psyc.vt.edu
Overview
The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program leading to the B.S. To graduate with a major in psychology, the undergraduate student must complete the Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE) requirements of the College of Science and the following departmental requirements:
A minimum of 28 hours of psychology including Psyc 2004, 2094, and three 4000-level courses, at least one with laboratory (Psyc 4964, 4974, and 4994 are not counted as 4000-level courses for purposes of this requirement).
Successful completion of at least one three-credit course from the Statistics Department, except Stat 3104. Stat 2004, 3604, or 3615 are recommended. (NOTE: No credit will be given for Stat 2004 if taken with or after any other statistics course.)
In addition to courses used to fulfill the Scientific Reasoning and Discovery requirement (Area 4) of the CLE, two courses (6 semester hours) in one of the following areas: biological sciences, chemistry, physics. These additional courses need not be in the same discipline as courses used to satisfy Area 4 of the CLE.
Successful completion of two courses (6 semester hours) from the disciplines of computer science, philosophy, and/or statistics. These courses may either be in the same discipline or from any two of the three disciplines. Courses used to satisfy CLE requirements or other Psychology department requirements may not also be used to satisfy this requirement.
To graduate with a minor in psychology, the undergraduate student must complete 18 hours of psychology including Psyc 2004, 2094, and one 4000-level course (Psyc 2964 and 4964 may not be used toward the psychology minor).
A program leading to the B.S. in psychology "in honors" is available for eligible students. Additionally, opportunities are provided for students to engage in a directed program of independent research. The department sponsors a chapter of Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society, and the Psychology Club. Information about these and other activities is available at the Academic Advising Center Office (109 Williams Hall) in the Department of Psychology.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Psychology can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSYC)
1004: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
The scientific study of behavior, behavioral research
methods and analysis and theoretical interpretations.
Survey of basic behavioral processes from sensory
and physiological mechanisms to personality types and
complex decision-making in humans. Requires enrollment
in 1 hour (0 credit) recitation.
(3H,3C)
1024: PATHWAYS THROUGH AND BEYOND THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
First Year Experience course introducing students to the
psychology major. Discussion of university resources
designed to promote student success. Emphasis on career
exploration, and finding relevant research and field
experiences outside the classroom.
(2H,2C)
1094: PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Philosophical foundation and ethical issues in psychological
research. Research design and methodology. Analytic
approaches to developing, understanding, interpreting
psychological data.
Pre: 1004 or 2004.
(3H,3C)
1524 (ENGL 1524): LANGUAGE AND THE MIND
Examination of what is unique about human language and the
evidence that language affects thought. Investigation of
how listeners categorize sounds, parse sentences, and access
meaning. Examination of what brain damage and speech errors
reveal about language in the brain and mind.
(3H,3C)
2034: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Basic principles of human psychological development from
the prenatal period through old age are examined. Surveys
recent literature within the areas of perceptual, cognitive,
and social/emotional development.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2044: PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
Survey of fundamental concepts, phenomena, and principles of
learning, such as reinforcement, Pavlovian conditioning
and retention/forgetting. Issues addressed are traditional
views of learning, biological and cognitive constraints, the
role of animal models, and the utility of learning theory.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2054: PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY
Study of human personality and psychological adjustment:
theory and research. Behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and
environmental determinants of personality. Psychological
adjustment and personality development.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2064: NERVOUS SYSTEMS & BEHAVIOR
Introduction to the workings of the nervous system and the
relation between those workings and behavior. Special
emphasis on human nervous systems and behavior.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2074: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Study of animal behavior: Comparative psychology and
ethology, behavioral genetics, evolution of behavior,
ecological aspects of behavior, predation, reproduction,
and parental care. Some consideration is given to the
relevance of animal behavior to human behavior.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2084: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction to the social behavior of the individual and
the group: social perception, attribution theory, attitude
formation and change, interpersonal attraction, aggression
and conflict, group dynamics, applied social psychology.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
3014: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Survey of various types of psychological disorders and of
contrasting theoretical views and representative research
on the etiology and prognosis of these disorders. Emphasis
on diagnosis and classification of disorders.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
3024: ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Survey of the effects of the environment on humans, and
vice versa. Topics include crowding, noise, air, and water
pollution and their effects on behavior. Research and
theories about person-environment relations.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
3034: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
An examination of theory, research, and practice as related
to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of
psychological disorders of children. Special emphasis on
the understanding of child behavior disorders from a
developmental, clinical-experimental point of view.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 3014.
(3H,3C)
3054: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Major theories, strategies, and methods for understanding
psychological contributions to health and disease;
psychological approaches to the treatment and prevention of
disease and unintentional injuries, and health and safety
promotion.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
3094: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Advanced research and analytical methods. Emphasis on
methods for specific research and/or practical questions,
critical evaluation of research publications. Extended
coverage of design and analysis principles and skills,
selection and completion of appropriate statistical
tests for given data sets. Student-driven empirical report
including literature review, methods, analysis,
interpretation, and implications for future research. PSYC
majors only.
Pre: 1094, (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615).
(3H,3C)
3154 (EDEP 3154): PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
Emphasizes theories of human learning and the
relationship of learning principles to educational practice.
Within the context of both cognitive and behavioral models
of learning, attention is given to instructional procedures,
student motivation and discipline, and the assessment of
educational progress.
Pre: 2004 or 1004.
(3H,3C)
4014: HISTORY AND SYSTEMS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Overview of modern theories in psychology by consideration
of current historical controversies. Traces roots of
psychology in natural and social sciences. Considers the
diversity of psychological study and the future of
psychology. Senior standing in psychology required for
undergraduate credit. Graduate standing required for
graduate credit.
(3H,3C)
4024: INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Overview of psychological theories, research findings, and
methods relevant to studying the behavior of individuals in
organizations. Topics covered may include prediction of job
performance, personnel testing, training and development,
and leadership.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), (STAT 2004 or BIT 2405 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615).
(3H,3C)
4034: ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Development of attention, cognition, social skills,
language, personality, and intelligence throughout the
life-span: an in-depth, critical evaluation of current
research and theory.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2034.
(3H,3C)
4044: ADVANCED LEARNING
Critical analysis of basic paradigms of Pavlovian and
Instrumental Conditioning with emphasis on general theories
of learning and issues involved in cognition, reinforcement,
and memory.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2044, (2094 or 1094).
(3H,3C)
4054: PERSONALITY RESEARCH
Research techniques used in contemporary personality
psychology: case histories, correlational methods,
experimentation, archival studies, and psychobiography.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2054, (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or BIT 2405).
(3H,3C)
4064: PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Presentation of concepts important for the study of
neuroscience and behavior with a special emphasis on the
classic topics of physiological psychology: brain-behavior
relations, sensory integration, physiological correlates of
motivation and emotion.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2064, (2094 or 1094).
(3H,3C)
4074: SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Overview of sensory and perceptual systems and their
integration in influencing behavior. Emphasis on sensory
receptor characteristics, neural structure, psychophysical
data, perceptual phenomena and issues, theories about the
human perceptual process.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2064, 2094.
(3H,3C)
4084: ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Examines social behavior from four major theoretical
orientations: reinforcement, field theory, cognitive,
and role theory. Topics may include social learning,
social exchange theories, group processes, attitude, and
person perception.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2084.
(3H,3C)
4094: THEORY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
Theory of psychological measurement and techniques used to
develop and evaluate psychological measures. Coverage of
standardization, measurement scales, reliability, validity,
score transformations, composite scores, weighted scores,
and test construction.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2094, (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615 or BIT 2405).
(3H,3C)
4114: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
An experimentally-oriented survey of human cognitive
processes which include attention, memory, and decision
making. Role of individual difference variables in each
area.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2044, (2094 or 1094).
(3H,3C)
4134 (ENGL 4134): LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Survey of theories, mechanisms, and processes in human
language development. Empirical overview of phonology,
semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. Developmental
trajectories of mono- and multilingual children. Cultural
constraints on language. Perception of language and
production of language, in typical and atypical
subpopulations (e.g., hearing impairment). Junior/Senior
Standing.
Pre: 1004 or 2004.
(3H,3C)
4214: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY
Design, operation, and analysis of experiments to study
human cognitive processes (e.g., attention, memory, and
decision-making).
Co: 4114.
(3L,1C)
4234: LABORATORY IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Research design and implementation in the study of
perceptual and motor development, language development,
cognitive development, and social development.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2034.
Co: 4034.
(3L,1C)
4244: LABORATORY IN ADVANCED LEARNING
Experimental techniques for studying the development,
maintenance, and retention of behavior change in humans and
animals. Laboratory exercises in Pavlovian and Instrumental
Conditioning, verbal learning and memory.
Co: 4044.
(3L,1C)
4254: PERSONALITY RESEARCH LABORATORY
Laboratory course in personality research techniques.
Emphasis on experimental, archival, questionnaire, and
psychobiographical approaches.
Co: 4054.
(3L,1C)
4264: LABORATORY IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Experimental techniques in the area of physiological
psychology including: handling and care of laboratory
animals, anesthetic and surgical techniques, and measurement
of physiological variables.
Co: 4064.
(3L,1C)
4274: LABORATORY IN SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Overview of the major experimental techniques and phenomena
of sensation and perception. Emphasis on psychophysical
methods, signal detection, dark adaptation, perceptual
illusions.
Co: 4074.
(3L,1C)
4284: LABORATORY IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Design, performance, and analysis of experiments in social
psychology. Various methodologies used in social
research (e.g., laboratory experimentation, field
observations) will be studied through actual performance of
experiments.
Co: 4084.
(3L,1C)
4294: LABORATORY IN PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
Design and implementation of psychological assessment
devices including issues of test construction, reliability,
validity, standardizing, and detecting test bias.
Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2094, (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 2405).
Co: 4094.
(3L,1C)
4354: SENIOR SEMINAR
For Psyc majors. Intended to provide in-depth coverage and
discussion of a small set of topics selected by members of
the seminar. Consent required.
(3H,3C)
4364: SENIOR SEMINAR
For Psyc majors. Intended to provide in-depth coverage and
discussion of a small set of topics selected by members of
the seminar.
(3H,3C)
4454 (ECON 4454) (NEUR 4454): NEUROECONOMICS
Neural processes related to reward, learning, reflection,
delay of gratification, and social interaction. Clinical
uses of neuroeconomics research techniques. Implications
of neuroeconomics, policy, law and business.
Pre: NEUR 2026 or ECON 3104.
(3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section.
Variable credit course.