This is an archived copy of the 2014-2015 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Psychology (PSYCH)

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

PSYCH 101. Introduction to Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Fundamental psychological concepts derived from the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior and mental processes. Applications of psychology.

PSYCH 101H. Introduction to Psychology: Honors.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Enrollment in the University Honors Program
Fundamental psychological concepts derived from the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior and mental processes. Applications of psychology.

PSYCH 102. Laboratory in Introductory Psychology.

(0-2) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in PSYCH 101
Laboratory to accompany 101.

PSYCH 111. Orientation to Psychology.

Cr. 0.5. F.S.
Program requirements and degree/career options. Required of psychology majors. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 112. Psychology Learning Community Seminar.

(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits. F.S. Prereq: Participation in Freshman Learning Community
Topics include orientation to academic program requirements, career awareness, strategies for successful transition to college, connections with other disciplines, and applying psychology via service learning opportunities. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 131. Academic Learning Skills.

(0-2) Cr. 1. F.S.
Efficient methods of time management, goal setting and motivation, and other learning strategies such as note-taking, reading, and test preparation. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 132. Motivation and Academic Learning Skills.

(0-2) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 131
Continued development of academic learning skills with an emphasis on motivation and application of learning strategies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 230. Developmental Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Life-span development of physical traits, cognition, intelligence, language, social and emotional behavior, personality, and adjustment.

PSYCH 250. Psychology of the Workplace.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
Survey of theories and research methods of psychology applied to the workplace. Consideration of employee selection, training, performance evaluation, leadership, work groups, employee motivation, job attitudes and behaviors, organizational culture, organizational development, human factors, and job design from the scientist-practitioner approach.

PSYCH 280. Social Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Individual human behavior in social contexts. Emphasis on social judgments and decisions, attitudes, perceptions of others, social influence, aggression, stereotypes, and helping.

PSYCH 291. Introductory Research Experience.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101, sophomore classification, and permission of intructor.
Beginning level supervised research experience in a faculty laboratory. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 301. Research Design and Methodology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: STAT 101; 1 course in psychology
Overview of the principal research techniques used in psychology with an emphasis on the statistical analysis of psychological data.

PSYCH 302. Research Methods in Psychology.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 301, ENGL 250
Discussion of and experience in designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing research reports in psychology.

PSYCH 310. Brain and Behavior.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Survey of basic concepts in the neurosciences with emphasis on brain mechanisms mediating sensory processes, arousal, motivation, learning, and abnormal behavior.

PSYCH 312. Sensation and Perception.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Survey of the physiology and psychology of human sensory systems including vision, audition, smell, taste, the skin senses, and the vestibular senses.

PSYCH 313. Learning and Memory.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Survey of fundamental concepts and theories related to learning and memory derived from human and animal research.

PSYCH 314. Motivation.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Theory and research on motivation at biological, environmental, and psychological levels. Topics include emotion, eating, sex, music, addictions, incentives, goal performance, personality, coping, self-determination and purpose.

PSYCH 315. Drugs and Behavior.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Biologically based examination of the effects of drugs on behavior and social interactions, including recreational drugs and drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

PSYCH 316. Cognitive Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Overview of human cognition, including sensation and perception, attention, memory, education, language, and judgment and decision making.

PSYCH 318. Thinking and Decision Making.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101; STAT 101 or MATH 104 or equivalent
Understanding human reasoning and decision making, including evaluating evidence, judging probabilities, emotional influences, and social dilemmas, with emphasis on the mechanisms that underlie decision making.

PSYCH 333. Educational Psychology.

(Cross-listed with C I). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 230 or HD FS 102, application to the teacher education program or major in psychology
Classroom learning with emphasis on theories of learning and cognition, and instructional techniques. Major emphasis on measurement theory and the classroom assessment of learning outcomes.

PSYCH 335. Abnormal Psychology of Children and Adolescents.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101; PSYCH 230 or HDFS 102
Psychopathology of children and adolescents,including childhood depression and anxiety disorders. Consideration of multiple probable causes and corresponding therapies.

PSYCH 346. Psychology of Women.

(Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 2 courses in psychology including PSYCH 101
Survey of theory and research related to major biological, interpersonal, and cultural issues affecting girls' and women's psychological development and behavior.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

PSYCH 347. U.S. Latino/a Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Two courses in Psychology including PSYCH 101
Historical, political, and social contexts of psychological and mental health constructs in terms of their validity and utility for use in Latino/a people in the U.S. Unique aspects of psychological functioning particular to Latino/a peoples in the U.S.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

PSYCH 348. Psychology of Religion.

(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Nine credits in psychology
Survey of psychological theory and research investigating religious and spiritual attitudes, beliefs and practices.

PSYCH 350. Human Factors in Technology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: PSYCH 101; junior classification
Understanding human behavior and cognition in the context of modern technologies. Focus on emergent interactive technologies, human computer interaction, user centered design, usability analysis, and usability testing.

PSYCH 360. Personality Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Historical and contemporary theory and research on development and expression of personality with a focus on normal functioning.

PSYCH 380. Social Cognition.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 101 or PSYCH 280
How people understand themselves and others, including attribution, social categories and schemas, the self, social inference, stereotypes, and prejudice.

PSYCH 381. Social Psychology of Small Group Behavior.

(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: SOC 305 or PSYCH 280
A survey of small group theory and research from an interdisciplinary, social psychological perspective.

PSYCH 383. Psychology and Law.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 101 or PSYCH 280
Survey of topics in the interface between psychology and the legal system including but not limited to theories of crime, policing, eyewitness reliability, jury behavior, competence and insanity, and trial processes.

PSYCH 386. Media Psychology.

Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: PSYCH 101 or PSYCH 230 or PSYCH 280
Theories and research on the psychological mechanisms (e.g., attitudes, perceptions, emotions, arousal) by which media influence children and adults. Topics include media violence, educational media, advertising, music, video games, media literacy, and ratings.

PSYCH 401. History of Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 4 courses in psychology
Philosophy and science backgrounds of psychology. Development of theories and causes of events in academic and applied psychology.

PSYCH 410. Behavioral Neurology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: PSYCH 101; PSYCH 310 or equivalent
Examination of the neuroanatomical foundation of cognition, affect, and action from a neurological perspective. Focus on basic and applied research with neurological patients.

PSYCH 411. Evolutionary Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Junior classification, three courses in psychology; one course in biology
Examination of the application of the principles of evolutionary biology to the understanding of human behavior. Evolutionary perspectives on brain development, cognition, language, mating behavior, sex differences, altruism, artistic behavior, and criminal behavior are explored. Arguments by those critical of the evolutionary approach to psychology are also examined.

PSYCH 413. Psychology of Language.

(Cross-listed with LING). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 101
Introduction to psycholinguistics. Topics may include origin of language, speech perception, language comprehension, reading, bilingualism, brain bases of language, and computational modeling of language processes.

PSYCH 422. Counseling Theories and Techniques.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 3 courses in psychology
Overview of the major counseling theories and techniques, with emphasis on the key concepts of each theory, the role of the counselor, therapeutic goals, and the main techniques derived from each theory.

PSYCH 422L. Laboratory in Counseling Theory and Techniques.

(0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Three classes in psychology and credit or enrollment in PSYCH 422.
Learn basic counseling skills such as active listening, reflecting feelings, empathy, confrontation, immediacy and self-disclosure. Supervised practice using basic counseling skills.

PSYCH 440. Psychological Measurement I.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: PSYCH 301 and 9 credits in psychology, STAT 101
Principles of psychological measurement, including concepts of reliability and validity; interpretation of scores; factors influencing performance; construction and use of measures of ability, achievement, and personality.

PSYCH 450. Industrial Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 2 courses in psychology including PSYCH 101, STAT 101
Theory, content and methods of industrial psychology related to the effective operation of organizations. Application of psychology principles to topics including different approaches used to select employees, how to conduct performance appraisals, and how to train and keep employees safe. Work attitudes and behaviors of employees as well as relevant legal issues. Statistics including regression and correlation are used.

PSYCH 460. Abnormal Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 courses in psychology including PSYCH 101
Description of major forms of maladaptation including anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance dependence, and schizophrenia. Factors in the development of behavior deviations. Research pertinent to the description, development, and maintenance of abnormal behavior.

PSYCH 470. Seminar in Psychology.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology
Current topics in psychological research and practice in the following areas.

PSYCH 470A. Seminar in Psychology: Counseling.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology

PSYCH 470B. Seminar in Psychology: Experimental.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology

PSYCH 470C. Seminar in Psychology: Individual Differences.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology

PSYCH 470D. Seminar in Psychology: Social.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology

PSYCH 484. Psychology of Close Relationships.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 9 credits in psychology including PSYCH 280
Theories and research concerning the functions, development, and deterioration of close relationships. Influence of psychological processes on friendship, romantic, marital, and family relationships. Topics include mate selection, interdependence, trust and commitment, power and dominance in relationships, sexuality, divorce, gender roles, and family interaction.

PSYCH 485. Health Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Junior classification, 6 credits in psychology
Application of psychological theory and research methods to issues in physical health. Psychological factors in illness prevention, health maintenance, treatment of illness, recovery from injury and illness, and adjustment to chronic illness.

PSYCH 487. Human Agression.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: PSYCH 230, PSYCH 301; PSYCH 313, PSYCH 316, or PSYCH 380
Theory and research on development and occurrence of human aggression; implications for prevention and treatment.

PSYCH 488. Cultural Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 280 and PSYCH 301; junior classification
Examination of the ways that cultural beliefs, values, and ideologies shape cognitive, developmental, social and other psychological phenomena.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

PSYCH 490. Independent Study.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification, 6 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor
Supervised reading in an area of psychology. Writing requirement. No more than 9 credits of Psych 490 may be counted toward a degree in psychology.

PSYCH 491. Research Practicum.

Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification, permission of instructor, and credit or enrollment in PSYCH 301
Supervised research in an area of psychology. Primarily for students intending to pursue graduate education. No more than 9 credits of Psych 491 may be counted toward a degree in psychology.

PSYCH 492. Fieldwork Practicum.

Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification, 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor
Supervised fieldwork in one of the following applied psychology settings. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. No more than 9 credits of Psych 492 may be counted toward a degree in psychology.

PSYCH 492A. Fieldwork Practicum: Human Services.

Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification, 12 credits in psychology and permission of instructor
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

PSYCH 492B. Fieldwork Practicum: I/O Psychology.

Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification, 12 credits in psychology including PSYCH 450 or PSYCH 250 and enrollment in PSYCH 450, and permission of instructor.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

PSYCH 501. Foundations of Behavioral Research.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: STAT 401 or equivalent
Ethical issues, research design, sampling design, measurement issues, power and precision analysis, interpretation of statistical results in non-experimental, quasi-experimental, and experimental research, use of statistical packages.

PSYCH 508. Research Methods in Applied Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 440 and PSYCH 501 or STAT 401
Methods and issues in applied psychological research. Role of theory in research, fidelity of measurement, selection of subjects, sampling, ethical issues, experimenter bias, data collection methods, power analysis, and professional standards for writing research articles. Emphasis on research methodological issues, not statistical issues.

PSYCH 516. Advanced Cognition.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 316
Theoretical models and empirical research in human cognition including perception, attention, memory, concepts/categorization, imagery, and judgment and decision making.

PSYCH 517. Psychopharmacology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 310, PSYCH 315, or equivalent and permission of instructor
Fundamentals of drug-behavior interactions with emphasis on psychoactive drugs and their use in experimental, therapeutic, and social settings.

PSYCH 519. Cognitive Neuropsychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 310 and PSYCH 316 or PSYCH 313; graduate classification or permission of instructor
Psychological models and related neurological substrates underlying cognition in normal and brain-damaged individuals.

PSYCH 521. Cognitive Psychology of Human Computer Interaction.

(Cross-listed with HCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate classification or instructor approval
Biological, behavioral, perceptual, cognitive and social issues relevant to human computer interactions.

PSYCH 522. Scientific Methods in Human Computer Interaction.

(Cross-listed with HCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: PSYCH 521 and STAT 101 or equivalent
Basics of hypothesis testing, experimental design, analysis and interpretation of data, and the ethical principles of human research as they apply to research in human computer interaction.

PSYCH 533. Educational Psychology of Learning, Cognition, and Memory.

(Cross-listed with C I). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Learning, cognition, and memory in educational/training settings.

PSYCH 538. Developmental Disabilities.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: 9 credits in human development and family studies or psychology or permission of instructor
Theories, research, and current issues regarding the intersection of development and disabilities. Investigation of interventions with individuals and families. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).

PSYCH 542. Applied Psychological Measurement.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: PSYCH 440
Principles of psychological measurement, including concepts of reliability and validity; interpretation of scores; factors influencing performance; test construction and use of measures of intelligence, ability, achievement, vocational interest, and personality. Ethical and multicultural issues in measurement.

PSYCH 544. Practicum in Assessment.

(2-1) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 542 and admission into the PhD program in counseling psychology
Supervised practice in designing and implementing observational systems and in administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting individual tests.

PSYCH 560. Advanced Personality Psychology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 4 courses in psychology, including PSYCH 360
Advanced analysis of contemporary theory and research on personality measurement, development, heritability, and social expression.

PSYCH 561. Psychopathology and Behavior Deviations.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 460
Examination of theoretical perspectives and current research pertinent to the major forms of adult dysfunction including: adjustment, anxiety, mood, somatoform, dissociative, sexual and gender identity, personality, schizophrenic, eating, and substance abuse disorders.

PSYCH 562. Personality Assessment.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 360, PSYCH 440, PSYCH 542, and PSYCH 501 or STAT 401 and admission to the PhD program in counseling psychology
Principles, concepts, and methods of personality assessment. Though not a practicum course, exposure is given to a variety of objective, projective, and situational tests.

PSYCH 580. Advanced Social Psychology: Psychological Perspectives.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 4 courses in psychology, including PSYCH 280
Current theories, methods, and research in social psychology with an emphasis on cognitive and interpersonal processes such as attribution, social cognition, attitude change, attraction, aggression, and social comparison.

PSYCH 590. Special Topics.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor
Guided reading on special topics or individual research projects in the following areas.

PSYCH 590A. Special Topics: Counseling.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor

PSYCH 590Q. Special Topics: Cognitive.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor

PSYCH 590R. Special Topics: Social.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor

PSYCH 590Z. Special Topics: General.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 credits in psychology, and permission of instructor

PSYCH 592. Seminar in Psychology.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 hours in psychology or graduate classification.
Seminar in the following areas.

PSYCH 592C. Seminar in Psychology: Developmental.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: 12 hours in psychology or graduate classification.

PSYCH 592P. Seminar in Psychology: Research Methods and Psychometrics.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 hours in psychology or graduate classification.

PSYCH 592Z. Seminar in Psychology: General.

(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: 12 hours in psychology or graduate classification.

PSYCH 594. Quantitative Behavioral Methods.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: PSYCH 501 or equivalent
Specialized quantitative methods for social and behavioral research problems in the following areas.

PSYCH 594A. Quantitative Behavioral Methods: Classical psychometric theory.