Professors: Matthews, Roberts

Associate Professors: Enloe, Hatzenbuehler

Assistant Professors: Berent, Dehle, Dombeck, Farmer, Gordon, Guajardo, Turley-Ames, Vik

Academic Outreach Adjunct Faculty: Dickey

Professors Emeriti: Hartman, McGee

Psychology is defined as the science of behavior. Its domain ranges from the natural to the social sciences and includes such diverse topics as sensation and perception, brain function, learning and conditioning, emotion, and interpersonal relations. With the use of objective and systematic observation, psychologists hope to answer questions such as how do people learn,
what are the effects of tranquilizers on the behavior of normal and disturbed people, what are the roots of prejudice and strife between groups and nationalities, how does conscience develop in children, and what are the neurophysiological bases for perception, motivation and memory.

Most of the hindrances to solving the crucial problems of the world today lie more in the minds of men and women than in technological deficiencies. The study of psychology can help a young person to understand him or herself, other people and the turbulent interpersonal forces around him or her, and can lead to an interesting and satisfying profession.

Students wishing to declare a major in psychology must have completed 24 credit hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Majors in the psychology program have as their core the following courses:
 

PSYC 101	Intro to General Psychology I	3 cr
PSYC 102	Intro to General Psychology II	3 cr
PSYC 227	Basic Statistics	3 cr
PSYC 228	Introduction to the Theory of Measurements and Test Construction	3 cr
PSYC 303	Experimental Psychology	4 cr
PSYC g431	Physiological Psychology I	3 cr
PSYC g472	History of Psychology	3 cr
PSYC 491	Seminar	2 cr

 
One of the following courses:
 

PSYC g435	Animal Behavior	3 cr
	OR
PSYC g445	Psychology of Learning	3 cr

 

One of the following courses:
 

PSYC 341	Social Psychology	3 cr
	OR
PSYC g401	Theories of Personality	3 cr
		TOTAL: 30 cr

 

Elective Courses
In addition, the student must take 15 additional credits in psychology; 12 of these must be at the upper-division level. Students who are preparing for graduate study are strongly encouraged to take two of the following as part of their required electives:
 

PSYC g404	Sensation and Perception	4 cr
PSYC g432	Physiological Psychology II	3 cr
PSYC g446	Cognitive Processes	3 cr

 

Minor in Psychology
 

PSYC 101	Intro to General Psychology I	3 cr
PSYC 102	Intro to General Psychology II	3 cr
PSYC 227	Basic Statistics	3 cr
PSYC 228	Introduction to the Theory of Measurements and Test Construction	3 cr
PSYC 303	Experimental Psychology	4 cr
	OR
PSYC 310	Applied Techniques	4 cr
		TOTAL: 16 cr

 
In addition, the student must take 6 additional elective credits in psychology.

Psychology Courses
Courses that satisfy Goal 12 of the General Education Requirements are PSYC 101 AND PSYC 102. PSYC 101, PSYC 102 or PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR are prerequisites of all upper-division courses in psychology.

PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology I 3 credits. Brief history of the development of psychology as a science and a study of individual behavior in terms of development, personality, and adjustment. Satisfies Goal 12 of the General Education Requirements. F, S

PSYC 102 Introduction to General Psychology II 3 credits. Biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, higher cognitive processes, intelligence, and social influences on behavior. Satisfies Goal 12 of the General Education Requirements. F, S

PSYC 200 Child Abuse 3 credits. Investigation into the psychological and social factors which contribute to child abuse and neglect, and to their identification, treatment, and prevention. S

PSYC 205 Human Sexuality 3 credits. The psychological, biological, and sociological aspects of human sexuality. Emphasis on gender identity, the human reproductive system, human sexual expressions, and sexual problems in males and females. D

PSYC 211 Personality and Adjustment 3 credits. The lifelong development of personality and the search for self-realization will be emphasized. Opportunities and crises common at various periods will be discussed. PREREQ: PSYC 101. D

PSYC 225 Child Psychology 3 credits. Study of the child, taking the clinical viewpoint, emphasizing the development of the child as a whole person rather than an approach centering on the development of various functions. F, S

PSYC 227 Basic Statistics 3 credits. Consideration of statistical techniques and methods used in psychological investigations in terms of derivation, application, and limitation. PREREQ: MATH 143. F, S

PSYC 228 Introduction to the Theory of Measurement and Test Construction 3 credits. Brief history and survey of the development of psychological test instruments and an introduction to the theory and mechanisms of test construction. PREREQ: PSYC 227. F, S

PSYC 250 Female and Male Roles 3 credits. Examines the biological and social factors involved in the present-day conceptions of male and female and the relations between the sexes. D

PSYC 301 Abnormal Psychology I 3 credits. The role of biological, psychological and sociological factors in the development of abnormal behavior of a functional nature. Neuroses, character disorders, functional psychosis, behavior disorders of childhood, and maladaptive groups. Explanatory and predictive value of several models of psychopathology. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 102. F, S

PSYC 302 Abnormal Psychology II 3 credits. Alcoholism and drug dependence, psychosomatic disorders, organic brain syndromes, and mental retardation. Contemporary approaches to assessment and treatment of abnormal behavior, including a survey of psychotherapeutic methods. PREREQ: PSYC 301. D

PSYC 303 Experimental Psychology 4 credits. Introduction to the methods of psychological research. Students will be required to perform experiments. PREREQ: PSYC 227, PSYC 228. F, S

PSYC 310 Applied Techniques 2 credits. Acquaints students with techniques in selected areas of applied psychology, such as stress management, animal training, human factors, behavior modification, etc. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: PSYC 101 OR PSYC 102. S

PSYC 332 Psychology of Adolescence 3 credits. Critical review of work related to the physiological, cognitive, and emotional development of the adolescent personality. General concepts relating to specific characteristics of adolescent behavior will be developed. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 102 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S

PSYC 341 Social Psychology 3 credits. Study of the impact of social and cultural forces upon the individual and of the interaction between individuals producing social phenomena. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 102. F, S

PSYC 397 Workshop 1-2 credits. Workshops aimed at the development and improvement of skills. Does not satisfy requirements for a major or a minor. May be repeated. Graded S/U. D PSYC g401 Theories of Personality 3 credits. Detailed study of the leading theories of

personality with emphasis on the Freudian, Neo-Freudian, humanistic and existential theories. PREREQ: PSYC 225 OR PSYC 301. S

PSYC g402 Study of Personality 3 credits. Critical study of some of the leading traits and situational determinants in the area of personality with emphasis on the empirical research supporting the validity of these constructs and determinants. PREREQ: PSYC g401 OR PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR. D

PSYC g404 Sensation and Perception 4 credits. The anatomical and physiological bases of sensation will be reviewed. Moreover, traditional and contemporary theories of perception will be critically considered. Students will be expected to do laboratory work illustrating basic concepts of sensory and perceptual functions. PREREQ: PSYC 303, PSYC g431. S

PSYC g411 Advanced Psychopathology 3 credits. The study of various forms of behavior pathology, primarily neuroses, psychoses, and affective disorders, including mental deficiency and antisocial behavior. Alternative theories of etiology and treatment will be examined by careful analyses of current empirical literature. PREREQ: PSYC 301. F

PSYC g412 Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology 2 credits. Topics include informed consent, confidentiality, deception, duty to protect, competency, malpractice, dual and collegial relationships, and impaired professionals in research and practice. PREREQ: 24 credits in psychology or permission. S

PSYC g417 Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team 1 credit. Introduction to principles, techniques of interdisciplinary evaluation. Disciplines emphasized: Audiology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology. Cross-listed: NURS g417, SOWK g417, SPA g417. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S

PSYC 423 Community Practicum 1-6 credits. Students work in public and private agencies by observing or participating in professional activities at a level consistent with their education. Four hours per week per credit. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F, S

PSYC 425 Psychology Clinic Practicum 1-6 credits. Undergraduates observe and assist graduate students and faculty in the delivery of psychological services. Four hours per week per practicum credit. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F, S

PSYC g427 Advanced Psychometric Methods 3 credits. Critical review of the major approaches to psychological assessment of individuals and groups with emphasis on administration and interpretation of paper and pencil personality tests. PREREQ: PSYC 227, PSYC 228. D

PSYC g428 Personality Assessment 3 credits. Survey of psychometric instruments and techniques used in research and in applied settings. Includes approaches to evaluation of instruments and topics related to interpreting and applying data obtained from their use. PREREQ: PSYC 228 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D

PSYC g431 Physiological Psychology I 3 credits. Introduction to neuropsychology with an emphasis on methods, basic neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. PREREQ: PSYC 303. F

PSYC g432 Physiological Psychology II 3 credits. Survey of the physiological bases of psychological processes, including learning, emotion, motivation, sensation, and perception. Emphasizes current research and theory concerning brain mechanisms and behavior. PREREQ: PSYC 431 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AS

PSYC g435 Animal Behavior 3 credits. Study of experiments in animal learning that have thrown light upon the problem of understanding human learning. Course is concerned with both observation and experimental studies of habit formation, conditioning, related endocrinology, and nerve structure as they are associated with behavior capabilities. PREREQ: SIX HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY BEYOND PSYC 101 AND PSYC 102 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AS

PSYC g443 Advanced Social Psychology 3 credits. In-depth study of current theory, issues and research in the field of social psychology. Emphasis is on newly emerging research areas such as nonverbal communication; human uses of space; development of moral and ethical values; helping behavior, and compliance obedience research. PREREQ: PSYC 303 AND PSYC 341 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F

PSYC g444 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 credits. Theoretical models of the social-emotional development of the child are evaluated. Current empirical research is emphasized, highlighting the interaction of cognitive and social development on individual, sibling, peer, and family function. F (starting 1998)

PSYC g445 Psychology of Learning 3 credits. Survey of the major principles of learning. Including the processes underlying classical and instrumental conditioning and motor behavior. PREREQ: PSYC 303 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F

PSYC g446 Cognitive Processes 3 credits. Survey of current theories of human learning and cognition, including decision-making, information processing and an emphasis on model building and current research. PREREQ: PSYC g445. AS

PSYC 451 Clinical Psychology 3 credits. Surveys the field of clinical psychology; with emphasis on past and present status, diagnosis, assessment, critical topics related to intervention, the clinical psychologist's professional role, and student training. PREREQ: PSYC 301. D

PSYC g453 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Child Therapy 3 credits. Review of the psychopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major psychosocial disorders of childhood. PREREQ: PSYC 225 OR FCS 302 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S

PSYC g454 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Adult Therapy I 3 credits. Review of the psychopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major psychosocial disorders of adults. PREREQ: PSYC 445 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F

PSYC g455 Behavioral Assessment 3 credits. The assessment of social deviance through self-report, observational and mechanical technologies. Emphasis on the clinical utility of measurement strategies in the description of deviant behavior, treatment selection, and treatment evaluation. PREREQ: PSYC g445 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S

PSYC g458 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Adult Therapy II 3 credits. Continuation of theoretical models and treatment methods of the major psychosocial disorders of adults, including associated psychopathology and diagnostic material. PREREQ: PSYC g454 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S

PSYC g463 Clinical Psychology and the Law 2 credits. An introduction to the field of forensic psychology by exposing students to the primary areas in which clinical psychology relates to the legal system. Emphasis will be on expert testimony by clinicians in matters of criminal responsibility, mental competency, civil commitment, and child custody. D

PSYC g464 Dilemmas of Youth 3 credits. This course surveys theory and research concerned with dilemmas of identity formation. Personal accounts, literature-classical and psychological-will serve to illustrate dilemmas and explain their resolutions. F

PSYC g465 Behavioral Medicine 3 credits. Psychological issues of health, disease states, and prevention. Critical evaluation of clinical research and practice, including nontraditional healing techniques and current models used to understand health and disease. PREREQ: PSYC 101 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AS

PSYC g472 History of Psychology 3 credits. Modern psychology in historical perspective. Genesis and development of fundamental problems and methods, with emphasis on specific fields of research. PREREQ: FIFTEEN HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY BEYOND PSYC 101 AND PSYC 102 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F, S

PSYC g483 Special Problems 1-3 credits. Research or readings in a special area of interest to be arranged on an individual basis with individual faculty. PREREQ: 24 HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY. D

PSYC 491 Senior Seminar 2 credits. Library, field, or experimental research in an area selected by the instructor, including oral and written presentation of results. PREREQ: SENIOR STATUS AND PSYCH 303. Graded S/U. F, S

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY