PSYC 230 - Current Topics in Psychology Research

May be repeatable for credit.

SECTION 01: SPRING 2023 & FALL 2022 TOPIC - RESEARCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND BODY IMAGE: This course represents an introduction to examining the effects social media has on body image. The research will be designed to provide students with an increased understanding of social media and how it relates to a variety of body image issues such as body dissatisfaction, appearance comparisons, internalization of beauty ideals, and self-objectification. Students will work together, and collaborate as a team on a project. Students are expected to commit for one year, and will receive training in various stages of the research to include literature reviews, formulating research questions and design, data collection and analysis. To enroll in the research students will interview with Dr. Baker to discuss their experiences and interests. Students must meet the prerequisites C- or above in the following PSYC 105, PSYC 108, and PSYC 109.

SECTION 02: SPRING 2023 & FALL 2022 TOPIC - RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE APPLICATIONS TO PSYCHOTHERAPY: Dr. Stevens examines how affect, which includes emotions and feelings, influences our behavior and thinking based on the neuroscience of the brain, and more specifically at the role of these affective processes in the etiology and treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder. Actual work depends on the stage of the research project, and may include literature reviews, data collection and follow-up, data analysis and interpretation, argument building, and writing and presentation of findings. This is a collaborative course where students work as a team on current research. Students must meet the prerequisites C- or above in the following PSYC 105, PSYC 108, and PSYC 109; PSYC 173 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

SECTION 03: SPRING 2023 TOPIC - RESEARCH IN CULTURE & MINDFULNESS: This research course explores the intersections of mindfulness and meditation, relationships, and cultural variables using a variety of methodological approaches. Students will engage in ongoing projects at various stages of research, allowing for an opportunity to get experience with the multiple phases of the research process. Depending on the projects active each semester, this may include literature reviews, recruiting participants, collecting data, analyzing data, and helping conceptualize results. The choice of project(s) are up to student discretion. Opportunities for presentation at various local and national conferences will be supported. Students must meet the prerequisites C- or above in the following PSYC 105, PSYC 108, and PSYC 109.

This course fulfills the lab/research requirement of the psychology major.

 

Prerequisites: For 2022-2023 PSYC 105, 108, & 109

Vary by offering. 

Minimum grade of C- required. 

Anticipated Terms Offered: Periodically