Last updated: March 20, 2003 @ 12:45PM
Psychology
Chair
Sidney J. Segalowitz
Graduate Officer
Jane Dywan
Professors Emeriti
John J. Lavery, Edward W.G. Pomeroy
Professors
Jack R. Adams-Webber, Kathryn Belicki, John G. Benjafield*, Stefan M. Brudzynski, David DiBattista, Harry T. Hunt, Robert D. Ogilvie*, Joan M. Preston, Linda D. Rose-Krasnor, Stanley W. Sadava, Sidney J. Segalowitz, Paul D. Tyson, William G. Webster
Associate Professors
Anthony Bogaert, Nancy DeCourville, Jane Dywan, Dawn E. Good, Carolyn L. Hafer, Darla MacLean, John O. Mitterer, Peter Ramm*, Teena Willoughby
Assistant Professors
Michael Ashton, Willard Bradley, Kimberly Cote, Andrew Dane,
Adjunct Professors
Michael Alexander, Sherrie Bieman-Copland, Nancy Johnston, Don McCreary, Tomoka Takeuchi, Barry Willer
Associate Graduate Core Faculty
Gary Pickering, Miriam Richards
* on leave
General Information
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Linda Pidduck, extension 3543
Mackenzie Chown B326
http://www.psyc.brocku.ca/
The Department offers MA and PhD programs. Students may select Behavioural Neuroscience, Lifespan Development or Social/Personality as their focus. Both graduate programs are characterized by active faculty collaboration across these areas and the application of basic research. Both programs have a part-time option. The PhD program offers special opportunities for students to individualize their learning experience through independent study papers and apprenticeships.
Fields of Study
Behavioural Neuroscience
Behavioural neuroscience is a relatively new discipline that integrates concepts and methods from psychology, biology, chemistry, physiology and pharmacology in the study of the neurological underpinnings of behaviour. The basic tenet of the field is that behaviour ultimately reflects brain organization and that understanding brain function helps us to understand behaviour. Research in behavioural neuroscience may be on any of a number of levels of analysis, ranging from the single cell to the whole organism. Individual students working in the field at Brock will specialize in a particular area but they also must also learn to appreciate the concepts and methods related to other areas and other levels of analysis.
Within the program, students can gain experience working with neuroanatomical, neuropharmacological, electrophysiological and behavioural methods. Current research involves behavioural pharmacological studies of major neurotransmitter systems (cholinergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic) and their role in the production of vocalization and initiation of locomotor activity in rodents. At more molar levels, Brock researchers use a variety of electrophysiological and behavioural techniques to investigate, for example, the control of ingestive behaviours, the physiological basis of sleep and the consequences of sleep deprivation. Also studied are the neural correlates of attentional processes, the biological bases of normal and disrupted memory processes, developmental and age-related change in cognitive and emotional function, and the long-term sequelae of closed head injury.
Lifespan Development
From birth to death, development is shaped by changes both within the individual and in his or her environment. The Brock program emphasizes development through the lifespan studied from social, emotional, cognitive, and/or neuropsychological perspectives. Particular emphasis will be given to the theoretical and practical implications of measuring change over time in the contexts of normal development, decline, and rehabilitation. Laboratories are available for the study of infant cognitive development, parent-child interactions, children's peer relationships, play patterns in exceptional or normal children, childhood aggression, adolescent learning disabilities, and the neuropsychology of normal and abnormal aging, as well as atypical age-related decline.Current research involves special populations in the community from infants to older adults. Close links with faculty in Behavioural Neuroscience allow interested students to work towards an integration of neurological and experiential factors that help shape development throughout the lifespan. Brock University also enjoys strength in its Faculty of Education and interdisciplinary Department of Child and Youth Studies. Developmental research also is emphasized in the Youth Lifestyle Choices-Community-University Research Alliance (YLC-CURA) and participation in the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement. These associated departments and research initiatives provide unique opportunities for research and thesis collaboration.
Social/Personality
One major theme underlying Social/Personality Psychology at Brock is the study of psychological approaches to social issues - issues that have implications for understanding our interactions with other persons, groups, and institutions. Our faculty members are actively involved in basic and applied research on such diverse phenomena as states of consciousness, the structure of personality, media psychology, expert systems, factors related to mental and physical health, sexuality, and justice. Current research projects include the social psychology of justice (e.g., the "belief in a just world" hypothesis, reactions to victims, reactions to injustice); apology and forgiveness and their roles in restorative justice; the structure of personality, altruism and 'integrity testing'; issues involved in relative deprivation; stereotyping, attributed causes of group differences; health (e.g., adult attachment, physical and emotional health, problem drinking); gender and sexuality (e.g., sexual orientation, pedophilia, risky sexual behaviour, abuse); consciousness (e.g., meditation) and dream experiences (e.g., lucid dreams, nightmares); and media psychology (e.g., narrative structure and reality-status evaluations - processes, emotion, and outcomes, virtual reality). Social/Personality graduate students will enjoy a broad theoretical and methodological experience designed to prepare graduate students for careers in academic, research, and applied settings. At both the master's and doctoral levels, requirements are intended to give students breadth and depth of knowledge in the field. At the doctoral level, students will extend their teaching, research and applied skills to allow them to pursue post-graduate careers.
Research Facilities
The department has a number of well-equipped laboratories housing equipment for animal neurobehavioural studies, particularly for bioacoustic and locomotor analyses; animal labs with operant chambers, Y-mazes, automated activity cages, and provisions for surgery and histology; computer-driven sleep-state scorer and a program for power spectral analysis; portable computer systems for on- or off-site monitoring of sleep; RF-shielded, sound-attenuated rooms for the collection of EEG, ERP, GSR, EKG and EMG data; biofeedback and tachistoscopic systems; hypermedia laboratory equipped with high capacity computer equipment, voice digitizer, and a laser-vision player; observation rooms and play rooms with one-way mirror observation and video equipment; a library of personality, cognitive and neuropsychological assessment materials; portable computers for on- and off-site testing; laboratory space for individual and group testing and for analysis and storage of data; and an easily accessed pool of Psychology undergraduates who regularly volunteer for research participation.
Research activities are supported by highly efficient Electronic and Machine shops and by computer facilities capable of managing large data sets and all relevant statistical programs. The University Library has extensive holdings of material relevant to the three areas of specialization, as well as system-wide access to the many libraries in other Southern Ontario universities and teaching hospitals. We have on-line access to many scientific data bases, and to a large number of leading on-line journals.
GRADUATE STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY
Students applying at the MA level should indicate on their application whether they intend to pursue graduate studies through to a PhD so that their application can be considered in the context of their academic goals.
Master of Arts
Program Objectives
The objectives are to provide intensive research training in the fields of Behavioural Neuroscience, Lifespan Developmental Psychology and Social/Personality Psychology and to develop an appreciation of the scientific basis of psychology and the skills necessary to systematically examine basic or applied issues in the field of interest. Many graduates will pursue further training at the doctoral level; others will be prepared to work in a wide variety of occupations in which an appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual and methodological basis of psychology is of value.
Admission Requirements
Applications for admission to the MA program, on either a fulltime or a part time basis, will be accepted from students holding an honours BA in Psychology or equivalent, with an average of not less than 75 percent. Scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, both General and Psychology sections, must be submitted along with three academic reference letters and a personal statement of interest and goals.
The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and will consult with potential supervisors of suitable candidates. The Committee will offer admission to a limited number of acceptable applicants. Please note that in any given year students may not be admitted to all three areas.
Degree Requirements
Basic degree requirements include successful completion of the core course in research design, colloquium seminar, the thesis, and three additional half courses, at least two of which are in the field of specialization. The student will consult with the Graduate Officer and their Thesis Supervisor when planning a program of study.
Required courses for Behavioural Neuroscience include PSYC 5F90, 5F01, 5P10, 5Y05 and one of PSYC 5P11, 5P12, 5P13, 5P23, 5P56, 5V10-5V19, plus one half-credit course.
Required courses for Lifespan Development include PSYC 5F90, 5F01, 5P20, 5Y05 and one of PSYC 5P23, 5P24, 5P26, 5P27, 5V20-5V29, plus one half-credit course.
Required courses for Social/Personality include PSYC 5F90, 5F01, 5P30, 5Y05 and one of PSYC 5P32, 5P33, 5P37, 5P55, 5V30-5V39, plus one half-credit course.
Thesis
A thesis research proposal will be evaluated by the student's thesis committee before thesis research may formally begin. The thesis committee is comprised of the student's Supervisor and two other faculty members associated with the program in a core, resource or extradepartmental support capacity. An open thesis oral defence is required with the participation of an examiner external to the department. The thesis will demonstrate the student's capacity for independent work of acceptable scientific calibre.
Residency
For fulltime students, minimum residency for the program is one year of fulltime study. Parttime students must take the research methods course in the first year and successfully complete at least one half credit course per year thereafter. The thesis must be completed within three years of completion of the program course requirements. Students who are employed must ensure that there is sufficient flexibility in their work schedules to allow for attendance at courses, seminars, colloquia, and examinations, to engage in data collection, and to participate in meetings with supervisors as required.
PhD Program
Program Objectives
The objectives of the PhD program in Psychology are to develop a high level of research expertise and the capacity for assuming a critical and scholarly approach to basic and/or applied issues in the fields of Social/Personality, Lifespan Development, and Behavioural Neuroscience. The program adopts a skills-based approach, ensuring that students have access to hands-on training in basic research, teaching, and applied areas that will prepare them well for a broad range of post-graduate situations. They will build on the experiences acquired at the MA level by developing further the skills needed to achieve independent responsibility for learning, for seeking out and integrating relevant information from a variety of sources and perspectives, for achieving depth of understanding in a specific area of expertise, and for making original contributions to knowledge.
Depth of knowledge is fostered through required courses and individual study within the student's area of interest in addition to their dissertation research. Breadth and integration are achieved through a minimum of one course and one individual study paper outside of a student's primary area of interest in addition to active attendance at the Departmental colloquium and proseminar series. Required coursework provides the foundation for advanced statistical and methodological skills in preparation for thesis research. The acquisition of applied and job-related skills are facilitated through the completion of two of three apprenticeship credits from among teaching, research and community options. All PhD students have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants in each year of their program and they are given opportunities to increase their teaching responsibilities as they progress through the program.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the PhD program requires completion of an MA, M.Sc., or MASc in Psychology or its equivalent. Students must have achieved an A average for the previous two years of graduate study and evidence of research competence, normally demonstrated by a Master's Thesis. Students are selected by the Graduate Admissions Committee in consultation with a core faculty member who is willing to act as the student's supervisor. Please note that in any given year students may not be admitted to all three areas.
Master's students with backgrounds other than Psychology
In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of Psychology, the Admissions Committee will consider applications from students holding degrees in allied fields. To ensure that such applicants have a background in psychology adequate for successful completion of their graduate program, the following conditions for eligibility to the PhD program have been established. Applicants must first be sponsored in writing by an appropriate potential research supervisor from within the Department. Applicants must have completed a Master's thesis in another discipline that involved empirical research of scope and complexity comparable to that of a Master's Psychology thesis. Applicants must present recent evidence of suitable background knowledge in the form of a score for the Advanced Psychology (and/or Neuroscience equivalent) section of the Graduate Record Examination.
Degree Requirements
General degree requirements are the completion of two of PSYC 7F01, PSYC 7F02 and 7F03; PSYC 7F90, PSYC 7P03, PSYC 7P01 or PSYC 7P02; PSYC 7P40, PSYC 7P41
Additional required courses for each of the focal area programs are as follows:
Behavioural Neuroscience:
one of PSYC 7V10 or 7V11; PSYC 7Y10-7Y19
Lifespan Development:
one of PSYC 7V20 or 7V21; PSYC 7Y20-7Y29
Social/Personality:
one of PSYC 7V30 or 7V31; PSYC 7Y30-7Y39
Dissertation
A dissertation research proposal will be evaluated by the student's dissertation committee before dissertation research may formally begin. The committee is comprised of the student's supervisor and two other faculty members associated with the program in a core, resource or extradepartmental support capacity. An open dissertation oral defence is required with the participation of an examiner external to the University. The dissertation is expected to make a substantial contribution to scientific knowledge and demonstrate the candidate's ability for independent research, integration of knowledge, and depth of understanding.
Residency
For full-time students, the residency requirements will be a minimum of two years (six terms), post-Master's degree.
Students who hold an MA., MSc, or MASc in Psychology (or equivalent) may be admitted to the PhD program on a part-time basis. Part-time students are expected to complete the required statistical and methods course in the first year of their program, the two individual study papers within three years, and all non-dissertation courses before the PhD defence. The sequence of other courses will be planned jointly with the dissertation supervisor and the Graduate Officer. Students who are employed must ensure that there will be sufficient flexibility in their work schedule to allow for attendance at courses, seminars, colloquia, and examinations, to engage in data collection, and to participate in meetings with supervisors as required.
Undergraduate Courses
From time to time, students may wish to enrol in undergraduate courses to obtain proficiency in certain areas important to their graduate education. Such courses will not count toward academic credit in the Psychology MA and PhD programs.
Course Descriptions
Note: not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details. Courses are open only to graduate students in Psychology or with permission of the instructor and Graduate Officer.
PSYC 5F01
Research Methods, Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Statistical analysis and research design with emphasis on the Multivariate General Linear model as it applies to ANOVA and basic regression.
PSYC 5F90
MA Thesis
The preparation and public defence of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study.
PSYC 5P03
Introduction to Psychological Assessment
Theoretical issues and basic techniques will be explored. Students will gain experience in the administration of standard testing materials, the interpretation of test results, and the preparation of reports.
PSYC 5P10
Behavioural Neuroscience
An overview of current issues in behavioural neuroscience.
PSYC 5P11
Advances in Sleep Research
Current research regarding sleep and circadian rhythms. Topics include neurophysiological characteristics of sleep, anatomical and chemical mechanisms of sleep, phylogeny, and functions of sleep.
PSYC 5P12
Behavioural Neuroscience Techniques
Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a behavioural neuroscience faculty member other than the thesis supervisor and outside the thesis area.
Note: open to students outside neuroscience only with special permission.
PSYC 5P13
Cognitive Electrophysiology
An introduction to theory, methods and application of event-related potentials and EEG in the context of information processing.
Seminar, lab, 2 hours per week.
PSYC 5P20
The Concept of Development
An analysis of the meaning of the concept of development. Lifespan developmental theories and principles will be discussed. Methods associated with different conceptions of development will be examined, with applications to specific content areas (e.g., social competence, intelligence).
PSYC 5P22
Lifespan Cognitive Development
The origins and development of cognition over the lifespan from a dynamic systems perspective.
PSYC 5P23
Biological Perspectives in Development
A critical analysis of the usefulness of biological constructs in psychological development throughout the lifespan. Topics focus on the relation between brain development and behavioural capacity.
PSYC 5P24
Social Development
An examination of current theoretical, methodological and applied issues in social development, including topics such as ecological perspectives on social competence, the interaction of family and peer relationships and lifespan approaches to attachment.
PSYC 5P25
Learning Environments
The impact of the environment on development and learning is considered from the point of view of extant development and cognitive theory. The focus is on the deliberate construction of environments and in particular, computer environments, which are thought to foster development and learning.
PSYC 5P26
Developmental Disorders
A study of atypical developmental patterns, including genetically linked syndromes, psychosocial interference, discontinuities related to trauma and diagnostically recognized categories. In the latter part of this course intervention options and evaluation strategies will be examined, with a practicum being an integral part of the requirements.
PSYC 5P27
Lifespan Developmental Techniques
Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a developmental faculty member other than the thesis supervisor and outside the thesis area.
PSYC 5P28
Advanced Developmental Neurobiology
(also offered as BIOL 5P28)
A seminar course on the principles of neural development. Topics include cell lineage and early determinative events, trophic functions, growth and plasticity, synaptogenesis and gene expression in the establishment of the nervous system.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3P28 or 3P34 or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 5P30
Research and Theory in Personality and Social Psychology
Fundamental and contemporary issues in personality and social psychology are explored. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of the two fields from the perspective of interactionism.
PSYC 5P31
Social Psychology of Health
Situational variables in the development of specific diseases. Role of social support and social resources in dealing with stress and health promotion. Focus on health risk behaviour, including extensive study of psychological models of alcoholism and problem drinking, along with a consideration of approaches to behavioural changes in clinical and nonclinical populations.
PSYC 5P32
Social Cognition
Classic and current issues in social cognition research. General topics include attribution, social schemata, the self, affect and cognition and applications of social cognition.
PSYC 5P33
Community Psychology
An analysis of the contribution of individual difference and social influence traditions on the emerging field of community psychology. Particular emphasis upon changes taking place in the mental health system reflecting both an interactionist and social interventionist perspective.
PSYC 5P35
Dreaming, Imagination and Metaphor
Review of methods used in dream research (experimental and correlational strategies, content analysis and phenomenological description), emphasizing the complementary nature of these approaches. The contrast between normative features of dreaming and forms of dreaming in special groups (lucid dreaming, nightmares) will be examined. The relation of dreaming and related imaginative states of current research on metaphor will also be considered.
PSYC 5P36
Communication, Media and Technology
Social/personality aspects of media and technology; e.g., genre selection, programming techniques influencing viewer absorption, theoretical and research approaches and current topics such as fantasy, virtual reality and immigration into interactive internet communities.
PSYC 5P37
Social and Personality Research Techniques
Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a social personality faculty member other than the thesis supervisor and outside the thesis area.
PSYC 5P55
Social Psychology of Justice
Basic and applied research in the social psychology of justice. Basic research questions include: Is there a justice motive? What is a 'just' distribution of resources? What processes underlie responses to perceived injustices? Applied questions focus primarily on the social psychology of the trial and will cover such topics as jury selection, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making.
PSYC 5P56
Behavioural Genetics
(also offered as BIOL 5P56)
Developmental and environmental influences on the behaviour of invertebrates and vertebrates. Genetic links between morphology and behaviour, the inheritance of quantitative behavioural traits, genetic relatedness, the influence of behaviour on patterns of inheritance, especially in social species.
PSYC 5Y05
Colloquium Seminar I
In advance of each of 12 departmental colloquia, students will review and discuss reading(s) recommended by the speaker prior to their attendance at the colloquium. Each student will lead one discussion seminar.
PSYC 5Y06
Colloquium Seminar II
In advance of each of 12 departmental colloquia, students will review and discuss reading(s) recommended by the speaker prior to their attendance at the colloquium. Each student will lead one discussion seminar.
PSYC 5V01-5V09
Special Topics in Psychological Measurement and Analyses
Selected topics and issues may include qualitative data collection and analysis, multidimensional scaling, nonlinear regression and survival analysis.
PSYC 5V10-5V19
Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience
Selected topics in Behavioural Neuroscience.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P10 or permission of the instructor
PSYC 5V20-5V29
Topics in Lifespan Development
Selected topics in Lifespan Development
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P20 or permission of the instructor
PSYC 5V30-5V39
Topics in Social/Personality
Selected topics in Social/Personality.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P30 or permission of the instructor
PSYC 7F01
Teaching Apprenticeship
Students will take major responsibility for the development and delivery of a half-credit undergraduate course, under the mentorship of a faculty member. Development of a teaching portfolio will be required. Students will attend teaching workshops and courses offered by the Brock Centre for Teaching and Learning and participate in an observation-based assessment of their teaching skills. Specific requirements and evaluation criteria will be determined by the teaching apprenticeship supervisor and the student prior to registration and subject to approval by the Graduate Committee.
PSYC 7F02
Research Apprenticeship
Students will take a major "hands on" role in a research project, under the supervision of a faculty member other than the thesis supervisor. It is expected that the student will produce a research report of publishable quality that will be submitted for publication. Specific requirements and evaluation criteria for the apprenticeship will be determined by the research apprenticeship supervisor and the student prior to registration and subject to approval by the Graduate Committee.
PSYC 7F03
Community Apprenticeship
Students will participate in one of a variety of approved community settings and engage in activities such as policy analysis, needs assessment, community education, program evaluation, and service delivery. Specific requirements and evaluation criteria for the apprenticeship will be determined by the on-site community mentor, the university-based community mentor, and the student prior to registration and subject to approval by the Graduate Committee.
PSYC 7F90
Ph.D. Thesis
The completion of public defence of an original dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to scientific knowledge and demonstrates the candidate's ability for independent research, integration of knowledge, and depth of understanding.
PSYC 7P01
Multivariate Statistics for Psychological Research
Application of multivariate statistical techniques such as MANOVA, discriminate function analysis, simultaneous equation modelling, and loglinear analysis of psychological data.
Prerequisite: PSYC5F01 or equivalent.
PSYC 7P02
Psychological Measurement
Classical test theory and test construction principles, as well as measurement issues in the analysis of quasi-experimental designs in field settings.
Prerequisite: PSYC5F01 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 7P03
Professional Issues in Psychology
Ethical, social, and legal issues emerging from psychological research, teaching, and practice.
PSYC 7P40
Individual Study I
A paper in the student's primary area of interest but different than the thesis topic, usually directed by a faculty member other than the student's dissertation supervisor. The paper should be a potentially publishable review or potentially fundable grant proposal.
PSYC 7P41
Individual Study II
A paper outside of the student's primary area of interest, directed by a faculty member other than the student's dissertation supervisor. The paper should be a potentially publishable review or potentially fundable grant proposal.
PSYC 7V01
Special Topics in Psychological Measurement and Analyses
Selected topics and issues may include qualitative data collection and analysis, multidimensional scaling, and survival analysis.
PSYC 7V10
Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience I
Selected topics in Behavioural Neuroscience.
Prerequisite: PSYC5P10 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 7V11
Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience II
Selected topics in Behavioural Neuroscience.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P10 or equivalent or permission of the instructor
PSYC 7V20
Topics in Lifespan Development I
Selected topics in Lifespan Development.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P20 or equivalent or permission of the instructor
PSYC 7V21
Topics in Lifespan Development II
Selected topics in Lifespan Development
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P20 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 7V30
Topics in Social/Personality I
Selected Topics in Social/Personality.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P30 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 7V31
Topics in Social/Personality II
Selected Topics in Social/Personality
Prerequisite: PSYC 5P30 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
PSYC 7Y10-7Y19
Research Proseminar in Behavioural Neuroscience
Faculty and students will meet each week to discuss ongoing research and contemporary issues in Behavioural Neuroscience. In addition, students are required to attend departmental colloquia.
PSYC 7Y20-7Y29
Research Proseminar in Lifespan Development
Faculty and students will meet each week to discuss ongoing research and contemporary issues in Lifespan Development. In addition, students are required to attend departmental colloquia.
PSYC 7Y30-7Y39
Research Proseminar in Social/Personality
Faculty and students will meet each week to discuss ongoing research and contemporary issues in Social/Personality. In addition, students are required to attend departmental colloquia.