LAP - Psychology/Behavioral Science

This course offers an introduction to psychological assessment. Students review the concepts of personality, intellectual, and industrial/organizational assessment and the statistical concepts that underlie them. They further examine tests of various kinds, including objective, projective, and evaluative. Students concentrate on reliability and validity of the instruments as well as their use in clinical and non-clinical situations, with an emphasis on understanding the reported data rather than conducting the assessments. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 509, and LAP 510; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This class uses a hands-on model in which each student learns to administer standardized intellectual assessments including the Wechsler scales for intelligence and memory and several educational instruments. This class is focusedon the development of the skills necessary to work as a psychological assistant or a psychometrician. Prerequisite(s): LAP 501. 3 semester hours

This class uses a hands-on model in which each student learns to administer objective and projective personality assessment instruments including the MMPI, Rorschach and TAT. This class is focused on the development of the skills necessary to work as a psychological assistant or psychometrician. Prerequisite(s): LAP 501, LAP 502 or consent of the instructor. 3 semester hours

In this course students synthesize knowledge of abnormal psychology into a coherent model of mental health and treatment. They delve into theories of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. Students also discuss social, cultural, and political contexts in which these disorders occur and the influence these contexts have on the professional and on the mental health consumer. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 509 and LAP 510; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

An in-depth study of the biological, physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and personality development of humans from birth to death. Emphasis will be placed on the systematic changes and continuities that occur in individuals throughout development. Emphasis, also, will be given to the multicultural, normal, atypical and pathological aspects of human development. Additional topics will include research methodology, behavior observation and human assessment as it pertains to applied settings. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or department approval. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Cognitive psychology relates to aspects of human experience such as language, memory, attention, perception, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, logico-mathematical reasoning, moral and ethical judgment, and socio-cognitive aspects of human interaction. This course will compare current views of cognitive psychology. It will examine theoretical models explaining the development of cognition. Topics to be covered are the genetic approach of the construction of knowledge (Piaget), the relationship between social interaction, language acquisition and cognitive activity (Vygotsky), the development of moral and ethical principles (Kohlberg); the information processing approach, and different approaches explaining the development of intelligence (Sternberg, Gardner). Practical applications of these theories will be explored. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is an advanced study of individual behavior influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people. Students examine the major theories of self, cognition, social perception, biases, attitudes, social influence, relationships, group processes, violence and aggression, and prosocial behaviors; and further study the impact of culture on social interaction. This gateway course in the M.A. in Psychology program also provides an introduction to the graduate study of psychology as well as APA writing and style. Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing; or permission of Program Chair of designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 quarter hours

This course offers an advanced analysis of the numerous viewpoints on the nature and development of personality. This includes research and issues in current theories such as psychoanalytic, behaviorist, existential, interpersonal, humanistic, cognitive, biological/genetic and social psychological. Students also review and discuss selected techniques of personality assessment and psychotherapy and views on psychopathology. This gateway course in the M.A. in Psychology program also provides an introduction to the graduate study of psychology as well as APA writing and style. Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course compares current views of developmental and cognitive psychology. It examines theoretical models explaining the development of cognition, for example, the genetic approach of the construction of knowledge (Piaget), the relationship between social interaction, language acquisition and cognitive activity (Vygotsky), the development of moral and ethical principles (Kohlberg); and the information processing approach and different approaches explaining the development of intelligence (Sternberg, Gardner). Topics include language development, memory, attention, perception, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, logico-mathematical reasoning, moral and ethical judgment, and socio-cognitive aspects of human interaction. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 509 and LAP 510; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course offers an in-depth study of research design and methods in psychology and behavioral sciences from topic identification through data collection with a focus on application. Students review approaches for reading, interpreting, and critiquing published research; discuss qualitative and quantitative research design; explore ethical considerations in research; and design an experimental research project that culminates in a formal research proposal. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

In this course, students concentrate on the applications of statistical concepts to psychological research. Emphasis is placed on selecting and conducting appropriate analyses and interpreting data related to research in both academic and applied settings and in the use of software for quantitative statistical analysis. Students who take this course for three semester credit hours also cover principles of qualitative research in psychology. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 516 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course examines human biological systems and their relationship to behavior, with particular emphasis to the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neuroanatomy, and the endocrine system. Students examine changes in the systems throughout the lifespan and the effects of the various kinds of impairments on these systems. Prerequisite(s): LAP 509, LAP 510 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is an in-depth study of the psychological theories associated with organizational leadership. The course emphasizes traditional theories such as trait, behavior, and contingency, as well as more contemporary theories such as leader-member exchange theory and implicit, transformational, and transactional leadership. Students also examine the importance of gender, culture, morality, and other factors in leadership. Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course surveys the field of industrial/organizational psychology and examines its role in benefitting 21st century work organizations and employees. Students explore the application of psychological principles to the workplace and learn how I/O psychology contributes to the development of effective organizational practices. Specific topics include the history of I/O psychology, research methods in I/O psychology, personnel psychology (e.g., selection, performance appraisal, training), and organizational psychology (e.g., work motivation, job attitudes, group processes). Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology; or permission of the Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Emphasis on the shift from the biomedical model to the biopsychosocial model to understand the various influences on health and illness. The mind-body relationship will be explored via current research. The minimization of risk and promotion of health, including health lifestyle, prevention, maintaining compliance with appropriate regimens such as medication or exercise and diet will be explored. Lifespan considerations will be included. 3 semester hours

This course takes a scientist-practitioner approach to examining work motivation and job attitudes. Students examine influential theories of motivation and explore related organizational applications such as reward systems, work design, and job crafting. They also learn about the associated topic of job attitudes with emphasis on the causes and consequences of constructs such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 528, LAP 516, LAP 517; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course examines the measurement of individual differences and their effects on workplace performance and effectiveness. An exploration of measurement of attributes such as personality, cognitive ability, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity provides insight into the relationship between individual differences and job success. Measurement opportunities and challenges also are covered. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 528, LAP 516 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will examine the basic mechanisms of drug transport within the body, neuroanatomy and the autonomic and central nervous systems. Major classifications of psychoactive drugs are covered as well as over-the-counter drugs and non-controlled substances. Lifespan considerations for indications/ contraindications and use/abuse at various ages will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): LAP 520 or graduate standing and consent of advisor. 3 semester hours

This course examines the concepts and techniques related to the assessment of individuals to determine their level of skills, abilities, and personal characteristics as an evaluation of that individual's suitability for an organization, readiness for promotion, predicted job performance, and other employee issues. Students learn about the variety of assessment techniques available to evaluate work-related characteristics. Additionally, they explore the effects of multiculturalism in the workplace and how assessment influences company policies, productivity, and the cultural climate. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 509 and LAP 510; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to provide graduate students in psychology with an overview of key concepts in the field of community psychology such as prevention, empowerment, and intervention. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the MA in Psychology program. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

An in-depth study of organizations and the human factors involved in contemporary business practices. The course emphasizes employee production, job satisfaction, employee assessment and motivation. Major problems are dealt with in the course including conflict, harassment and low incentives. Practical use of updated Psychological methods are included. Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing or 2 previous undergraduate Psychology courses and consent of instructor. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides graduate students in psychology with an opportunity to synthesize a plan to highlight their skills and knowledge to prospective employers. Students demonstrate professional skills such as interviewing, curriculum vitae (CV) and résumé writing, and making presentations. Students model the uses of social and professional networking, as well as assess further educational and professional development options. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 509 and LAP 510; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This capstone course provides students with an opportunity to integrate concepts learned in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology program through a structured, faculty-led experience. Students engage in a comprehensive review of major topics covered in the program; identify and explore opportunities for future professional practice, research, and consulting; and complete a series of case studies, projects, and/or assessments that demonstrate achievement of all program learning outcomes. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 516, LAP 517, LAP 526, LAP 528, LAP 532, LAP 533, HRM 520, HRM 521, OBD 515, AND OBD 533; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed for graduate students to pursue an independent study in an area of psychology. Students must obtain permission from their graduate advisor prior to registration. Students will work under the direction of a faculty member who must approve the students' independent study projects. A paper is required for course credit. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and consent of the graduate advisor. 3 semester hours

This course provides an overview of a special topic in psychology that was not covered in one of the other psychology courses. Topics are to be decided by the instructor based on the students' needs in light of other course offerings. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing; previous undergraduate course and/or consent of instructor. 3 semester hours

Comprehensive Examination is one of two options offered for the Master of Arts in Psychology students as the final requirement for completion of the program. The Examination is an essay format assessment of the students' understanding of the major theories and current issues in Social Psychology, Personality/Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods. Prerequisite(s): Comprehensive examinations cannot be taken before completion of five full terms in the M.A. Psychology program. 1-3 semester hours

A thesis is one of two options offered to the Master of Arts in Psychology students. It is a formal written document which investigates a theory or particular point of view as the result of disciplined empirical inquiry. Prerequisite(s): By the end of the third term, a student in the M.A. in Psychology program can choose the Thesis option by petitioning the department for approval to do a thesis. If consent is granted, the student registers for the Thesis option. If consent is not given, the student must register for LAP 598 Comprehensive Examination. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours

Continuous registration required until thesis is complete. Prerequisite(s): Masters standing, consent of thesis advisor or program director, and prior registration for the required number of hours in LAP 599. Co-requisite(s): none. 0 semester hours

This course is designed to introduce and orient students to the Ph.D. in Community Psychology Program, outlining expectations as well as introducing students to resources (e.g., program expectations, basic understanding of Community Psychology, navigating library and technology systems, and accessing financial aid). Students reflect on community psychology as it relates to their work experiences and career aspirations. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Community Psychology PhD program; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 1 semester hour

The pilot research is a multi-term undertaking that builds to the dissertation in Community Psychology. Doctoral candidates create a formal, APA-style written document that investigates a social issue from the community psychology perspective in a disciplined empirical inquiry. Students engage in a literature review, formulate research questions or hypotheses for their study, design methodology, and develop a research proposal. Upon IRRB’s approval of the study, students collect, report, and interpret data. Their work culminates in defense of their papers. After earning required three credit hours in this course, continuous registration, identified by X in the course number, must be maintained until the research is complete. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Community Psychology PH D program. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours

Continuous registration required until research is complete. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Community Psychology Ph.D. program and prior registration for the required number of hours in LAP 601. Co-requisite(s): None. 0 semester hour

This course is designed to introduce students to the main principles of community psychology. Major topics include: history, theories, and constructs of community psychology. More specifically, constructs and theories include: the construct of community, social-ecological theory, social justice, empowerment, and prevention interventions. Students are also introduced to strategies for addressing social problems and making changes with communities including: coalition-building, systems theory, and community organizing. Additional considerations regarding navigating research within a community context are also explored, such as multiple conceptualizations of diversity and the importance of ethics. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course explores prevention and intervention methods for addressing social problems from a community psychology perspective including Key Integrated Social Systems (KISS), Ailing in Difficulty (AID), and Illness Correction Endeavors (ICE). Approaches to social problems are considered across cultures and from the micro-, meso-, exo- and macro-system levels. Current research on approaches to social problems are presented. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course explores how people organize for social change; specifically, how people build, and/or re-build, social capital within a community as well as physical infrastructure. Examples of topics covered include: introduction to the history of community organizing, diversity in community organizing, building relationships and organizations, organizing leadership, using the internet and other electronic social media in community organizing and development, and community visioning and planning. There is also strong emphasis placed on how culture influences all aspects of community organizing. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 600, LAP 605, and LAP 610; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course reviews the scientific method, including the importance of strong literature reviews, building the formulation of research questions/hypotheses. In-depth coverage of observational, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental research designs is emphasized, as well as detailing operationalizing variables, hypotheses, research questions, measurement, and study reliability and validity. Each of the following sub-sections of an APA-style Methods section of a research study is applied: Design, Participants, Procedures, and Instruments. Students also review ethical considerations in research. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 600, LAP 605, and LAP 610; or approval by Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course reviews qualitative research methods including interviewing, observing, documenting, and categorizing data. An introduction to understanding and conducting focus groups is provided. Students demonstrate how qualitative research focuses on understanding the insider’s view (emic) while quantitative research focuses on predicting, or controlling, with an outside objective view (etic). This course promotes hands-on application of various qualitative methods in community psychology through interviewing participants, observing participants, conducting a focus group, and analyzing qualitative data. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 600, LAP 605, and LAP 610; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This is an advanced statistics course offered within the Community Psychology PhD program. This course allows students to choose and apply appropriate statistical techniques in relation to their dissertations. Students further develop techniques in experimental, quasi experimental, and survey research. Both univariate and multivariate analysis techniques are explored. Issues of sampling, measurement, reliability, and validity are addressed. Students learn practical implications for the use of each technique in community psychology research. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 625, LAP 630, and LAP 698; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will examine all aspects of total survey design including setting objectives, sampling, questionnaire construction, data collection, design and analysis procedures and report writing. A hands-on exploration of SPSS will be offered including data coding, entry, and checking, a review of descriptive statistic procedures and report writing as well as how to develop tables and figures utilizing SPSS data and adhering to APA style. Prerequisite(s): LAP 600 & LAP 625. 3 semester hours

This course will examine promoting social change through the use of Social Marketing (focused on individual behavior change) as well as shaping public debate at the macro level. The 4 P’s (Price, Product, Promotion and Placement) of Social Marketing will be covered including review of successful applications, consideration of how to apply these Social Marketing principles to new topics and examination of the difficulties of applying this technique to complex social problems. Thought leadership will be covered with a specific focus on students finding their social issue expertise and learning how to position their arguments at a macro level. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is a graduate seminar with an emphasis on community psychology practice and the development of consulting skills. Students explore the role of community psychologist as consultant as well as the need for stakeholders to be partners in the process. Some processes to be examined are connecting people, clarifying roles, managing conflict, setting clear goals and creating a positive climate. Cultural and diversity issues will also be explored as they relate to consultation. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 600, or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course focuses on grant writing activities as they relate to the community. This includes effective grant-writing principles including the identification of potential grant opportunities and writing a proposal as well as conducting community needs assessments. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course will prepare students for professional writing, specifically within the field of community psychology. Topics covered will include APA style, outlining, literature reviews, writing for scholarly journals, crafting a narrative, writing for research presentations, ethical considerations and aspects of professionalism in writing. Students will learn to analyze published works and apply the writing skills to their class papers, externships, theses and dissertations. Prerequisite(s): LAP 600. 3 semester hours

This advanced writing course focuses on writing mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) results for dissertations. The course will address issues of data analysis/validation procedures, results presentation structure, choosing the most effective visual graphics or verbal representations (designing tables, charts, and graphs), guidelines for graphics, communicating data effectively and ethically for both scholarly and community stakeholders. Prerequisite(s): LAP 600, LAP 605, LAP 635 & LAP 698. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

This course will give students a philosophical background in community psychology and related fields, including social psychology, sociology, personality, health psychology, social work, and urban studies. A particular theory will be focused on each week: empowerment theory, sense of community, ecological theory, social psychology and personality, psychoanalysis, sociological models, and theories of stress. Students will learn to analyze theories and apply them toward interpreting real world situations. Prerequisite(s): LAP 600. 3 semester hours

This course provides an advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of cross-cultural communication processes and problems as they apply to working within diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic communities. Psychological and cultural factors which bring about and hinder effective interpersonal communication will be considered. Both verbal and nonverbal dimensions of communication will be analyzed. Strategies for improving communication skills within different community contexts are explored. Prerequisite(s): LAP 600, and LAP 605 or permission of Program Chair or designate. 3 semester hours

This experiential fieldwork/consultation sequence provides students the opportunity to explore multiple communities they seek to work with, both during the program and beyond. Students apply principles and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world action projects and build their professional networks. They gain hands-on community experience as they pursue personal learning objectives and professional development skills to community psychology in a variety of settings. The fieldwork sequence prepares students for the consultation project with local organizations, which focuses on research, advocacy, non-profit management, social marketing, community organizing and development, and/or grant writing. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD in Community Psychology program. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-5 semester hours

This course will offer students introductory hands-on, supervised experience in the community. Students will have the opportunity to pursue personal learning objectives related to community psychology in a variety of community settings. These learning objectives can focus on research, advocacy, non-profit management, or fundraising. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours. May be repeated up to 3 times not to exceed 3 semester hour.

This course introduces students to different types of program evaluations, including needs assessment, formative and process evaluation, monitoring of inputs, outputs, and outcomes, impact assessment, and cost analysis. Students engage in practical experiences through a series of exercises involving the design of a conceptual framework, indicators, and an evaluation plan to measure impact. Pre-requisite(s): LAP 625 or PPA 565, or another graduate quantitative analysis/methods course by approval of Program Chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed for Community Psychology doctoral students to pursue an independent study under the direction of a faculty member. The learning objectives for the independent study vary based on the choice of its focus, and typically draw from research, advocacy, non-profit management, resource development, social marketing, or community organizing and development, thus building toward the student’s career as a community psychologist. Students must obtain permission from the Program Chair prior to registration. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours

This course focuses community psychology doctoral students on developing successful dissertation proposals. Students learn the criteria of a successful proposal for the field of Psychology, identify and organize various sources of literature for writing a scientific literature review, discuss strategies for developing a written argument, formulate research questions, align research questions with data, identify strategies for successful collaboration with dissertation advisors, address project/time management strategies, and create peer support network for research. The course culminates in development of the dissertation proposal and its submission to the Institutional Research Review Board (IRRB). Pre-requisite(s): LAP 625 and LAP 630; or permission of Program Chair or designate. 3 semester hours

This course focuses on the complete dissertation process including conceptualization of a project, literature review, data collection, data analysis and publishing. Prerequisite(s): LAP 625, LAP 630, LAP 635. 1-6 semester hours. May be repeated up to 6 times not to exceed 6 semester hours.

Continuous registration required until dissertation is complete. Prerequisite(s) Doctoral standing, consent of instruction and prior registration or the required number of hours in LAP 699. 0 semester hours.