Psychology (PSYC)

Douglas A. Behrend
Chair of the Department
216 Memorial Hall
479-575-4256
Email: psycapp@uark.edu

Department of Psychological Science Website

The Department of Psychological Science offers a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Psychologists are the scientists of human behavior and mental processes. They approach these areas from a variety of perspectives.

Clinical psychologists seek to identify the causes of abnormal behavior and to change these behaviors so their clients can live more satisfying and rewarding lives.  Cognitive psychologists are interested in how knowledge and behavior are acquired, retained, and retrieved.  Developmental psychologists study physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur throughout an individual's life.  Neuroscientists are concerned with the biological bases of behavior. Social psychologists investigate Social psychologists study our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and other people.  Each of these perspectives is represented by members of the faculty in the Fulbright College Department of Psychological Science.

The Department of Psychological Science is one of the largest and most productive departments in the university in many ways.  Our faculty members are active researchers who bring their scientific excitement and curiosity into the classroom.  In addition the faculty is deeply committed to providing individualized training to our students, which is accomplished through experience in a faculty member’s lab, or perhaps doing an honors project.  We are one of the largest undergraduate majors, and our graduates pursue graduate training in many areas, including counseling, psychology, business, law, and medicine.  Other graduates enter the workforce in diverse areas, including human and social services, business, banking, and non-profit organizations.

For requirements for advanced degrees in psychology, see the Graduate School Catalog.

Courses

PSYC 20003. General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103). 3 Hours.

An introduction to the field of Psychology, including the investigation of the biological bases of behavior; learning and cognitive processes; developmental and social psychology; and personality, psychopathology, and the treatment of psychological disorders. Students will be expected to complete a research requirement. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PSYC 200H3. Honors General Psychology. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the field of Psychology, including the investigation of the biological bases of behavior; learning and cognitive processes; developmental and social psychology; and personality, psychopathology, and the treatment of psychological disorders. Students will be expected to complete a research requirement. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 20103. Introduction to Statistics for Psychologists. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used by psychologists. A grade of C or better in PSYC 20103 is required as a prerequisite for PSYC 30703. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: (PSYC 20003 and (MATH 11003 or MATH 11103 or higher) each with a grade of C or better, and must be a Psychology major. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PSYC 20403. The Psychology of Health and Well-being. 3 Hours.

Introduces students to the application of psychological science to healthy, meaningful living across the age span. Explores key research findings related to issues in modern living, including social connections, emotional adjustment, romantic relationships, parenting and schooling, family life, and work life. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PSYC 21201. Careers in Psychology. 1 Hour.

Introduction to the knowledge and skill set needed for psychology majors to succeed in the major and to select and subsequently pursue a career path in psychology and related disciplines. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003 with a grade of C or better and must be a Psychology major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 21703. Research Literacy in Psychological Science. 3 Hours.

Training in critical evaluation of research in psychological science, including understanding statistics and research methods used by psychologists. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003 and a psychology minor. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 2810V. Laboratory Experience for Non-Majors. 1-4 Hour.

Laboratory experience in psychology for non-majors obtained by working as part of a faculty member's research team. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 30103. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

Theories and representative research in social psychology, emphasizing the influence of the social world on human behavior. Introduction to the problems, theories, and experiments of social psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 30203. Psychopathology. 3 Hours.

Describes the current classification of symptoms of psychopathology (e.g., mental disorders). Methods of studying psychopathology, theories of psychopathology, and empirically supported treatment approaches are covered. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PSYC 30303. Psychotherapy & Behavior Change. 3 Hours.

Describes the major approaches to psychotherapy (e.g., psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral) and theories of behavior change (e.g., theory of planned behavior). Barriers and motivators of behavior change will be explored experientially. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PSYC 30503. Psychology of Personality. 3 Hours.

Describes the definition and conceptualization of personality within psychology. Includes both historical (e.g., Freud, Jung) and more modern (e.g., Big Five traits) approaches, along with more specific domains of personality functioning (e.g., cultural identity, interpersonal relationships, emotion, motivation, cognitive schemas). (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PSYC 30603. Psychology of Diversity. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the psychology of diversity, including historical perspectives, biological and social bases of bias, individual differences, social identity, intergroup interactions, and power and privilege. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PSYC 30703. Research Methods. 3 Hours.

Training in execution and interpretation of experiments using the classical experimental designs. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: PSYC 20103 with a grade of "C" or better and a psychology major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 30903. Developmental Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 2103). 3 Hours.

Theories and representative research in the psychological factors influencing development, including both hereditary and environmental influences, from conception through adolescence. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 31003. Cognitive Psychology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to theories and research in cognition including memory, language, and problem-solving. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PSYC 31703. Biopsychology. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the biological basis of behavior. Lectures cover current research about the neural correlates underlying sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PSYC 3810V. Introductory Laboratory Experience for Majors. 1-4 Hour.

Introductory laboratory experience for psychology majors working as part of a faculty member's research team. Designed for students enrolling in their first semester of laboratory experience with any instructor in the department. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 392H3. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. May be repeated when the content is changed. Prerequisite: honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in psychology). (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

PSYC 40103. Special Topics in Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in social psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 30103 with a grade of C or better and an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003. Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 40203. Special Topics in Psychopathology. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 30203 with a grade of C or better and an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003. Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 40303. Educational Psychology. 3 Hours.

Psychological theories and concepts applied to the educational process. Investigates the learner and instructional variables in a wide range of educational settings. Prerequisite: Six hours of psychology, not including PSYC 20103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 40503. Psychological Tests. 3 Hours.

Nature and theory of individual and group tests of intelligence, personality, interests, and attitudes. Prerequisite: PSYC 20103 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 40703. Psychology of Learning. 3 Hours.

Theories and representative research on basic principles of learning and memory in both animals and humans. Prerequisite: Nine hours of psychology, not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PSYC 40803. Advanced Research. 3 Hours.

A lecture/laboratory course covering research in a specialized area of psychology. Provides experience with design, conduct, analysis, and presentation of research projects related to class topics. Successful completion of the class, including a formal paper in APA style, with a grade of C or better will fulfill the senior writing requirement. Prerequisite: Eighteen hours of psychology including a grade of at least a C in PSYC 30703 and senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 4090V. Advanced Independent Readings and Research. 1-3 Hour.

Advanced independent readings and research with a specific faculty mentor; used in special circumstances only. Prerequisite: Senior Standing and Instructor's and Department Chair's permission. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 41003. Special Topics in Cognitive Psychology. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in congitive psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 31003 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003 and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 41203. Perception. 3 Hours.

Explores the fundamental principles of human perception and examines how we interpret sensory information from our environment. Topics include physiological mechanisms of sensation and neurological processes required for perception. Emphasis is placed on the visual and auditory systems, with some exploration of other sensory modalities. Prerequisite: PSYC 31703 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 41303. Special Topics in Psychotherapy and Behavior Change. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in psychotherapy and behavioral change. Prerequisite: PSYC 30303 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 41403. History and Systems of Psychology. 3 Hours.

Examination of the concepts, methods, and systems which have contributed to the development of modern psychology. Prerequisite: Fifteen hours of psychology and senior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 41503. Special Topics in Psychology of Personality. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in psychology of personality. Prerequisite: PSYC 30503 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 41603. Special Topics in the Psychology of Diversity. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in psychology of diversity. Prerequisite: PSYC 30603 with a grade of C or better and an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003. Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 41703. Special Topics in Biopsychology. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in biopsychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 31703 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 41803. Behavioral Neuroscience. 3 Hours.

Examination of the biological basis of behavior. Surveys the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the mammalian brain and examines brain mechanisms underlying a wide range of behaviors and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 31703 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 41903. Comparative Psychology. 3 Hours.

Analysis of animal cognition and behavior from an evolutionary perspective, with emphasis on the role of the environment and interactions with other species in shaping the evolution of cognition and behavior within a species, and the evolution of differences between species and between humans and nonhumans. Prerequisite: PSYC 31003 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 42803. Advanced Seminar. 3 Hours.

A seminar/discussion class covering research in specialized areas of psychology. Students will read original sources and present their ideas and conclusions several formats. Successful completion of the class, including a formal paper in APA style, with a grade of C or better will fulfill the senior writing requirement. Prerequisite: Eighteen hours of psychology including a grade of at least a C in PSYC 30703; senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PSYC 42903. Special Topics in Developmental Psychology. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion in a specialized topic in developmental psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 30903 with a grade of C or better, an additional 6 hours of psychology courses not including PSYC 20003, and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 44303. Philosophy of Psychology. 3 Hours.

Explores philosophical issues concerning the domain, foundations and methodology of psychology, and the relation of psychological explanations to other scientific and philosophical investigations of the mind. Topics include cognitive architecture and the evolution of minds, extended or embodied cognition, perception and introspection, consciousness and attention, social cognition, thought and language. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PSYC 4810V. Advanced Laboratory Experience for Majors. 1-4 Hour.

Advanced laboratory experience for psychology majors working as part of a faculty member's research team. This course is designed for students continuing in a laboratory experience with an instructor they have already worked with in the department. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

PSYC 499HV. Honors Thesis Research. 1-6 Hour.

Honors research experience for majors obtained by working on honors thesis research with a faculty member. Prerequisite: Junior standing, instructor's permission and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.