The course is a survey of the major theories, research and methods of psychology as the science of behavior and cognition. Students complete a project consisting of a brief paper reporting on a published journal article or applying psychological research findings to a practical problem. Students also receive credit for participating in research conducted by other students or faculty. This course is a survey of empirical research regarding the behavior of small interdependent groups of individuals such as family units, work teams, and friendship networks.
Students produce a research paper demonstrating scholarship.
PY 203 is a Distinction in Leadership Studies designated course. This course is an introduction to empirical research design, statistical data analysis, and scientific hypothesis testing. Working in small teams, students design and execute a small-scale research projects and present the results in poster format. The course includes a laboratory component in which students learn computer data analysis. Civic and moral issues regarding the social dilemmas created by the consumption of finite environmental resources are discussed.