The Michigan Prevention Research Center carries out field surveys and experiments focused on work and well-being. Students have access to the outstanding library and computer facilities at the University of Michigan. Personality Psychology At Michigan, graduate study in personality psychology is designed for the student who is primarily interested in a teaching and research career with emphasis on the organization, assessment, development, and dynamics of personality. The program aims to provide the specialized advanced training that will prepare the student for productive teaching and research in his or her chosen area of concentration and also to encourage the diversity of background that is a prerequisite for sound performance in the classroom, laboratory, and applied settings. In addition, faculty research programs cover a broad range of personality research techniques, namely, content analysis, experience sampling and time-series methods, standard personality inventories and scales, act frequency analysis, survey methods, projective techniques, psychophysiological assessment, life history analysis, mathematical modeling, performance measurement, and standard laboratory experimentation.
Interdisciplinary work is valued and encouraged.
Students determine the focus of their own individual programs of study and are encouraged to work closely with faculty members. The curriculum within the personality area is designed to provide the student with a broad background of psychological knowledge, while at the same time allowing early concentration in a specialized area of interest. A one-semester course on personality research presentations is also encouraged. Student and faculty associated with personality area program share the facilities of all the diverse research institutes on campus, such as the Institute for Social Research, the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, and the Mental Health Research Institute. Social Psychology Doctoral study in Social Psychology at the University of Michigan is designed primarily as preparation for a research career in either academic or non-academic settings.