WSU Graduate Courses - Psychology/PSY

PSY 504 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Scientific psychological principles, procedures, and methods applied to human behavior in organizations.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105 AND PSY 110

PSY 506 ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

(Also listed as HFE 506.) Introduction to the study of human factors in the design and operation of machine systems.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105 AND PSY 110.

PSY 507 TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (Credits: 4)

Introduction to the construction and use of attitude scales, aptitude and ability tests in organizational settings with emphasis on the use of standard tests.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105, PSY 110 AND MTH 127.

PSY 509 PSYCHOLOGY OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR (Credits: 4)

The contributions of psychology of health care.Focus is thoeretical and practical, emphasizing the integration of physiological and psychological knowledge.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105 AND PSY 110.

PSY 511 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

An overview of the facts and theories pertaining to abnormal behavior. Topics include classification and diagnosis, causes, and treatment of abnormal behavior. For nonmajors only.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105 AND PSY 110.

PSY 521 COGNITION AND LEARNING (Credits: 4)

Cognitive processes with emphasis on learning and memory systems. Topics include short-term memory, retrieval mechanisms, conceptual structures and skills tests (IQ), mnemonic techniques, and amnesias.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 105 AND PSY 110.

PSY 531 PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY (Credits: 4)

Survey of contemporary perspectives in personality psychology.Research methods, assessment stragegies, and applications are compared.

PSY 541 LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Survey of theory, research, and methodoligical issues in the study of development across the life-span.

PSY 551 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Current theories and experimental findings regarding the determinants of social behavior.

PSY 561 CONDITIONING AND LEARNING (Credits: 4)

Introduction to experimental findings and contemporary theories of conditioning, learning, and motivation.

PSY 571 PERCEPTION (Credits: 4)

Study of the active processes by which organisms gather, interpret, and respond to environmental stimuli.

PSY 591 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (Credits: 4)

An introduction to the physiological mechanisms of behavior including relationships between the brain, hormones, and behavior. Specific topics may include reproduction, emotion, sleep, learning and memory, schizophrenia, and stress.

PSY 592 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE II (Credits: 4)

Advanced materials on the physiology of behavior. Sensory, motor, ingestive, and cognitive systems, and addictive processes are evaluated in terms of underlying neural and hormonal systems.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 591.

PSY 601 ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: PACKAGED COMPUTER PROGRAMS (Credits: 4)

The use of canned computer programs such as SPSS, SAS, and BIOMED in the design, analysis, and interpretation of behaviorally oriented research.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 302, PSY 303, AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN
PSY 602 OR INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.

PSY 602 ADVANCED RESEARCH DESIGN AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS (Credits: 4)

Use of factorial designs and multivariate tests in psychological research.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 300.

PSY 611 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Theories and research relating to causes, symptoms, and influence of abnormal behavior.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 311, PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 619 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

(Also listed as BMS 910.) Detailed examination of selected areas in cognition and learning.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 391.

PSY 621 ADVANCED TOPICS IN COGNITION AND LEARNING (Credits: 4)

Detailed examination of selected areas in cognition and learning.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 321.

PSY 625 HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACE (Credits: 4)

Examination of critical factors (nature of tasks to be performed, human capabilities/limitations) in the design of effective computer interfaces.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 321, CS 142.

PSY 631 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PERSONALITY (Credits: 4)

Examination of selected topics in personality, including theory, research, and application.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 331, PSY 302, AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 632 PRACTICUM IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Provides an opportunity to work in an applied psychological setting under supervision. The setting will be consistent with the individual student's interests (mental health agency, industrial or organizational setting, etc.).

PREREQUISITE: INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION.

PSY 633 DEVEOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Survey of theoretical approaches to the description and explanation of childhood psychopathology, overview of current research in childhood psychopathology, and description of methodological problems involved in clinical research with children.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 341, PSY 541, PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR
INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.

PSY 639 THEORY AND RESEARCH IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Overview of contemporary clinical approaches, research techniques, and empirical data.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 311, PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 641 ADVANCED TOPICS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Review of current theory, research, and applied issues in selected aspects of development across the lifespan.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 341, PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 643 PSYCHOMETRICS (Credits: 4)

Measurement theory and its application to test development including concepts of reliability, validity, discriminatin, and prediction.

PREREQUISITE: INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.

PSY 644 ADVANCED TOPICS IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Theories and research findings in selected topics in industrial psychology.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 304 OR INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.

PSY 647 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING (Credits: 4)

Overview of the theories, methods and research related to human aging. Focus on both current research and application from psychology.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 302, PSY 303 AND PSY 341 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 651 ADVANCED TOPICS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Detailed examination of selected areas of current research in social psychology.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 351, PSY 302, AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 655 PSYCHOLINGUISTICS (Credits: 4)

Experimental findings in the areas of animal communication and human language with emphasis on their implications for current theories of language. Includes production and reception of speech, acoustic signal, speech mechanism, personality and speech behavior, development and deficiencies, and communication.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 661 ADVANCED TOPICS IN CONDITIONING AND LEARNING (Credits: 4)

Continued study of conditioning, learning, and motivation.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 361, PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 665 INFORMATION PROCESSING (Credits: 4)

Also listed as BMS 905). Study of cognitive skills (e.g., attention) and the scientific paradigms used in their investigation.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 321, PSY 302, AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 671 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PERCEPTION (Credits: 4)

Emphasis on modern controversial issues and theories.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 371, PSY 302, AND PSY 303.

PSY 675 SIGNAL DETECTION THEORY (Credits: 4)

Presents signal detection theory in the context of Thurstonian scaling and statistical decision theory. Studies the application of signal detection theory in various areas of psychology including psychophysics, memory, physiology, and psycholinguistics.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 302, PSY 303 AND STT 160 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 678 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (Credits: 4)

Physiology, phylogeny, and ontogeny of behavior.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 302 AND PSY 303 OR INSTRUCTOR'S
PERMISSION.

PSY 681 HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Major trends in the development of psychology from its beginning to the present.

PSY 688 SEMINAR IN SPECIAL TOPICS: (Credits: 1 TO 4)

Topics vary.

PSY 690 INDEPENDENT READINGS IN SELECTED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 1 TO 4)

Topics vary. Graded pass/unsatisfactory.

PSY 698 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (Credits: 1 TO 4)

Original problems for investigation.

PSY 700 PRINCIPLES OF INSTRUCTION IN PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Survey of available instructional material and discussion of educational theory and techniques leading to more effective instruction. For psychology majors only. Department permission required. Graded pass/unsatisfactory.

PSY 701 RESEARCH DESIGN AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS (Credits: 4)

The foundation of experimental design and quantitative techniques will be developed. Students are expected to understand assumptions underlying each technique or procedure. They must also understand their applications to experimental and field research and to experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Both complex analyses of variance, multiple regression and non-parametric techniques will be covered. Computation and computer skills must be mastered. First year research projects and their design and analysis will be reviewed.

PSY 702 RESEARCH DESIGN AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS: ANOVA (Credits: 4)

Continuation of PSY 701.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 701.

PSY 703 RESEARCH DESIGN AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS: MULTIPLE REGRESSION (Credits: 4)

Issues in multiple regression are reviewed using statistical software programs. These issues include bivariate regression, continuous and categorical predictors, interaction effects, and statistical power.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 702.

PSY 707 MULTIVARIATE METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Issues in multivariate analysis are reviewed using statistical software programs. These issues include path analysis, principle components analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural regression models.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 703 OR PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT.

PSY 717 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MEMORY (Credits: 3)

Modern molecular biological investigations of the process of learning and memory. Implications for the development of a molecular theory of memory processes are considered.

PSY 721 ENGINEERING PSCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

A survey of psychological principles and methods pertinent to issues of human-machine interactions. It is emphasized that basic and applied research inform each other and are both necessary for advancing the field.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 321 OR PSY 465

PSY 724 HUMAN FACTORS IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT (Credits: 4)

The role of human factors in system design is examined from a cognitive systems engineering perspective.The analytic tools of CSE are explored and applied in design projects.

PSY 725 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN SOCIAL PSCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

The experimental method as it is applied to social psychological problems. Provides experiences in both laboratory and field techniques.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 325 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 726 ATTITUDE STRUCTURE AND CHANGE (Credits: 4)

Attitude as a social psychological concept, including problems of measurement, empirical findings, and theoretical models.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 325 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 727 SMALL GROUPS (Credits: 4)

Current theory and research in selected areas of small groups, including communications, group norms and conformity, group structure, and leadership.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 325 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 729 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (Credits: 4)

Current theory and research in selected areas of small groups, including communications, group norms and conformity, group structure, and leadership.

PSY 731 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY (Credits: 4)

Contemporary theories of the development, organization, and dynamics of personality.

PSY 732 PERSONALITY STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT (Credits: 4)

The major approaches for describing personality structure will be discussed and the results of factor analytic studies will be summarized. Implications of personality structure for behavior will be explored and the interactionist model will be described and evaluated. Relevant data on individual differences and tests will be summarized and evaluated. Consistency of differences across situations as well as application of results will be discussed.

PSY 733 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Seminar on policy formulation and programming for community-oriented approaches to mental health problems. Covers history, policy, and program development difficulties; social problems versus illness models of psychopathology and treatment, and preventive interventions.

PREREQUISITE: ABS 701 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 735 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE (Credits: 4)

Overview of the systems approach to organizational diagnosis, planning, and intervention in human service organizations. Behavioral interventions are emphasized.

PREREQUISITE: ABS 701, 702, 703, 721, 722 OR CONSENT OF
INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 740 SEMINAR IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Provides an overview of the major topics in industrial/organizational psychology. Traditional as well as developing topics are surveyed.

PSY 741 PERSONNEL SELECTION (Credits: 4)

In-depth review of the psychological basis of personnel selection including recruitment techniques, criterion development, performance evaluation, validity generalization, and instruments. Theoretical, practical, and legal issues are covered.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 740/ABS 770.

PSY 742 BEHAVIOR IN ORGANIZATIONS (Credits: 4)

Review of behavior in organizations within a framework of psychological theory and research. Topics include socialization, careers, organizational design, and leadership.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 740/ABS 770.

PSY 743 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP (Credits: 4)

Designed to explore the theories, research, and practice of leadership in work organizations from a psychological perspective.

PREREQUISITE: ABS 770 OR PSY 740.

PSY 745 RESEARCH METHODS IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

The course focuses on the unique methodological challenges faced by I/O researchers. The empirical problems that the complex nature of organizations and their uncontrollable environments pose for researchers are discussed. Theory, causation, and experimental validity are reviewed. Various research designs (e.g., true experiments, quasi-experiments, correlation and regression analysis, ethnographic study) are presented and scrutinized. Methods of data collection (e.g., unobtrusive measurement, survey, qualitative) are reviewed. Meta-analysis as a research method is discussed.

PSY 751 PROSEMINAR IN HUMAN FACTORS PSYCHOLOGY:I (Credits: 4)

In-depth review of major areas of human factors research. The areas reviewed in this course complement those areas reviewed in PSY 752.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 721 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 752 PROSEMINAR IN HUMAN FACTORS PSYCHOLOGY: II (Credits: 4)

In-depth review of major areas of human factors research. The areas reviewed in this course complement those areas reviewed in PSY 751.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 721 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 753 GROUP PROCESSES AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR (Credits: 4)

Theories and data on social behavior will be reviewed. Topics will include attitude and attitude change, social perception, prejudice, and group decision-making. Possible applications will be discussed.

PSY 759 SEMINAR IN HUMAN FACTORS (Credits: 0 TO 1)

Weekly discussions of topics in Human Factors.

PSY 761 HUMAN LEARNING AND MEMORY (Credits: 4)

Phenomena, principles, and problems of learning and retention.

PREREQUISITE: CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 762 ADVANCED LEARNING (Credits: 4)

Experimental findings in animal and human learning with emphasis on their implications for current theories in learning.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 361, 362 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 763 ADVANCED MOTIVATION (Credits: 4)

Experimental findings in animal and human motivation with emphasis on their implications for current theories of motivation.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 361, 362 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 766 HUMAN INFORMATION PROCESSING LABORATORY (Credits: 1)

Laboratory experiments in human information processing illustrating basic cognitive phenomena. Practical experience in measurement techniques and experimental design.

PREREQUISITE: COREQUISITE: PSY 665.

PSY 771 PERCEPTION (Credits: 4)

Selected problems in perception with emphasis on theoretical interpretations.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 372 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 773 SENSORY PROCESSES (Credits: 4)

The basic physiology of the senses and the peripheral nervous system. Emphasis on receptor mechanisms and neural coding processes.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 371 OR 375 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 775 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Intensive laboratory involvement with the instrumentation and surgical techniques used in physiological psychology including: GSR, EMG, EKG, and EEG recordings; animal behavioral changes produced by electrical stimulation of the brain and/or lesions of brain structures.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 375-376 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.

PSY 776 VISUAL SCIENCE (Credits: 4)

Study of visual systems including psychophysical measurement, temporal and spatial properties, display criteria, colorimetry, and visual system modeling.

PSY 778 CORTICAL VISUAL PROCESSES (Credits: 4)

In-depth consideration of visual processes that originate in the cerebral cortex. Topics include binocular vision, motion perception, eye movements, and the application of these to human factors research.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 776 AND PSY 777.

PSY 782 INSTRUMENTATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Review of instrumentation used in psychological research and applications-relevant microprocessor and analog devices will be described. Topics will include displays, timing, transducers, A/D/A, amplifiers, and logical control. Students will construct and modify devices.

PSY 784 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES (Credits: 1)

Seminar in which professional issues and ethics are discussed.

PSY 785 INTERMEDIATE STATISTICS (Credits: 4)

Statistical methods and interpretations encountered in experimental studies and presentations of behavioral data.

PSY 790 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (Credits: 1 TO 15)

Research conducted under faculty supervision.

PSY 797 INTERNSHIP (Credits: 1 TO 15)

Internship in private or governmental organizations under the direction of a faculty advisor. Does not count for graduate credit toward the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in psychology. Graded pass/unsatisfactory.

PSY 799 THESIS RESEARCH (Credits: 1 TO 15)

Research conducted for the M.S. thesis. Research must be approved by supervisory committee, submitted in writing and defended by public oral examination.

PSY 823 DISPLAY DESIGN (Credits: 4)

Principles and techniques of visual display design are discussed from the cognitive systems engineering perspective.

PSY 825 AVIATION PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

The application of psychological principles and methods in the aviation domain.The focus is on the dynamic pilot-cockpit interface, its cognitive processing demand, and implications for designs of technological support.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 721 OR PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT.

PSY 841 APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

Reviews age changes in sensation, perception, learning, and cognition.Focuses on domains including medical and consumer products, driving and skilled activities, and architecture.Research techniques include field observations and cognitive task analysis.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 703.

PSY 842 WORK MOTIVATION (Credits: 4)

Work motivation theories are examined in terms of their empirical support and practical usefulness. Goals and the setting of objectives by employees are discussed. The design of work is discussed.

PSY 845 ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY (Credits: 4)

The structuring of organizations is discussed in terms of centralization, formalization, and complexity. Issues of division of labor, span of control and departmentalization and delegation are examined. Mechanistic versus organic models of organizational design are compared and contrasted. The role technology plays in design is addressed. The environment's impact on organizational design is examined including uncertainty, information processing and adaptation. Matrix designs are evaluated in terms of their efficiency and flexibility.

PSY 862 TRAINING, SIMULATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS (Credits: 4)

Advances in computer science and artificial intelligence have provided us with the potential to develop instructional systems that are capable of improving the effectiveness of training. The modules that comprise an instructional system (expert diagnosis, instructional, and environmental modules) are discussed. Theories of information processing, learning, and memory that can be used to guide the development of these systems are also discussed. Evaluation of training programs are analyzed in depth.

PSY 864 COGNITIVE MODELING (Credits: 4)

Review of computer models for cognitive processing, including propositional and connectionist approaches. Development and evaluation of mathematical models.

PSY 873 VESTIBULAR FUNCTION (Credits: 4)

Role of vestibular organs in space orientation. Stimulus parameters, anatomy, neurophysiology, psychophysics, perception, performance, and motor responses are examined with special reference to aerospace vehicles.

PSY 875 PSYCHOACOUSTICS (Credits: 4)

Advanced examination of auditory psychophysics and perceptual processes involving consideration of peripheral and central auditory physiology whenever possible.

PSY 881 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS IN PSYCHOLOGY (Credits: 4)

A review of the history of psychology that explores the major trends in the development of the field. The relation of modern psychology to its antecedents will be explored.

PSY 886 TOPICS IN HUMAN FACTORS (Credits: 1 TO 4)

Seminars with in-depth coverage of special topics in human factors. Topics vary. Permission of Instructor. May be taken for a letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

PSY 888 TOPICS IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL (Credits: 1 TO 4)

Seminars with in-depth coverage of special topics in industrial or organizational psychology. Topics vary. Permission of Instructor. May be taken for a letter grade or pass/unsatisfactory.

PSY 891 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (Credits: 4)

(Also listed as BMS 914.) Coverage of the neurobiological basis of behavior. Focuses on motor function, ingestion, mating, learning, memory, rhythmical influences, and emotion.

PSY 894 ENGINEERING PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY (Credits: 4)

The application of psychophysiological measures to problems in engineering psychology will be addressed. Electroencephalographic, oculomotor, cardiovascular and respiratory measures will be reviewed. Relationship to workload, attention, circadian rhythms, stress, and display design will be explored.

PSY 968 MANUAL CONTROL AND PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS (Credits: 4)

Description of human control processes and their models. Analyses of human skills and skill typology.

PREREQUISITE: PSY 665 OR EQUIVALENT.

PSY 991 PSYCHOBIOLOGY OF STRESS (Credits: 4)

The effects of psychological stress on neuroendocrine and other physiological systems are explored. The implications of these relationships for disease processes and human performance are discussed.

PSY 999 DISSERTATION RESEARCH (Credits: 1 TO 15)

Original research of a quality that is publishable in refereed journals. Research must be acceptable to the supervisory committee, submitted in writing and defended by public oral examination.