Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology (M.S.-Ph.D.)

The Experimental Training Committee (ETC), in conjunction with the Psychology Department, has evolved a finite set of goals and objectives for all graduate students in the Experimental Psychology program. This list is considered dynamic and aspirational. Specific program activities designed to help students meet program goals and objectives are continuously subject to scrutiny and modification. Moreover, program objectives may expand or contract as outcome data inform the ETC of areas of success or relative ineffectiveness. The five program goals (numbered), objective list (lettered), and associated competencies are presented in outline form below.

Goal 1 – Area-Specific Research Knowledge and Expertise: Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant for conducting independent research in a specialized area.

Objective 1A - Develop knowledge and expertise in a specialty area: Understand relevant theories and research in a specialized area; develop expertise in the area through completing research projects (e.g., thesis, dissertations and other projects) and disseminating research findings (i.e., publications).

Objective 1B - Active Research Participation: Consideration, integration, and synthesis of relevant literatures; formulation of defensible hypotheses; delineation of a method of study; implementation of an empirical study; analysis of data; formulation of defensible inferences or conclusions based on a study's findings; and clear communication of findings in written and oral formats.

Goal 2 - Breadth of Knowledge and Integration of Core Areas in Psychology: Students will demonstrate breadth of knowledge and ability to integrate across several core areas in psychology. 

Objective 2A - Core Psychology Knowledge: Understand basic principles and critically evaluate major theories of psychology; demonstrate awareness of contemporary scholarly work in several core areas of psychology (e.g., behavioral neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, cognitive, developmental, health, social, and personality); understand the historical foundations of contemporary psychology; and relate and apply core psychological knowledge to the investigation of research hypotheses.

Objective 2B - Integration of Research and Theories in Core Areas in Psychology: Understand the relationships among several core areas in psychology; integrate across theories and research in different core areas; identify how these areas complement each other in answering research questions.

Goal 3 – General Competencies in Research Methodology and Analysis: Students will demonstrate competence in understanding research methods, design, and statistical analyses.

Objective 3 - Competence in Research Methodology: Understanding of basic research designs and conditions associated with their appropriate use; knowledge of basic and advanced quantitative methods for sampling, describing, and analyzing behavior; critical evaluation of research, yielding informed and critical consumers and producers of published research.

Goal 4 - Effective communication skills: Students will communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, about their research and issues related to their profession.

Objective 4A - Presentation of Psychological Research: Formulate specific educational objectives for academic or professional presentations; review psychological research and organize central points; use appropriate media; communicate clearly in a manner appropriate for given audiences and lead question-and-answer discussions.

Objective 4B - Presentation of Psychological Knowledge and Teaching: Present existing research and theories clearly and systematically to different audiences, including students and lay people; gain experience in teaching and mentoring junior students.

Goal 5 - Professionalism: Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Objective 5A - Professionalism: Demonstrate professionalism in classes, communication with colleagues and faculty, and research practices.

Objective 5B - Professional Identification: Active involvement with local, regional, and national psychology groups and organizations.

Goal 6 - Ethical Research Conduct: Students will receive training, demonstrate knowledge, and act in accordance with ethical research principles and appropriate codes of conduct.

Objective 6A - Ethical Knowledge: Knowledge of the APA code of conduct, including awareness and sensitivity to research conditions in which ethical principles may be a concern. Seek appropriate information and consultation when faced with ethical issues.

Objective 6B – Ethical Conduct: Acquisition of attitudes and skills that facilitate raising ethical concerns when they become apparent. Demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to ethical research conduct.

Goal 7 - Respect for Diversity: Diversity takes many forms, including of scientific perspectives, and sociodemographic variables, and therefore psychologists must both embrace the commonalities and differences between perspectives and groups.

Objective 7A – Knowledge Regarding Diversity: Familiarity with the Psychology Department commitment to ethical practices and collegiality, and acquisition of an awareness of the diversity that exists on campus and in the field of psychology.

Objective 7B – Respect Regarding Diversity: Acquisition of a broad knowledge for commonalities and differences in scientific perspectives and socio-demographic groups in their own work and academic experiences. Demonstration of respect for diverse scientific perspectives and socio-demographic group differences.