Psychology

PY 110 Introduction to Psychology (3)
The application of psychological principles to the understanding of human behavior (not open to conditionally accepted first semester freshmen).


PY 205 Sport Psychology (3)
This overview course is designed to introduce the student interested in the three major fields of sport psychology (applied, teaching, and clinical). Theories and techniques used to enhance performance and personal growth of athletes and coaches will be explored. Prerequisite: PY 110 (not open to freshmen).

PY 225 Infancy and Childhood (3)
An introduction to normative physiological, social, cognitive, and emotional development as a continuous process from conception through late childhood. Prerequisite: PY 110.


PY 227 Adolescence and Adulthood (3)
The course covers bio-psycho-social issues of development of the human being from puberty through advanced age. Key transitions in the family, interpersonal, educational and occupational realms of life are highlighted. Prerequisite: PY 110.


PY 230 Behavioral Statistics (3)
Quantitative analysis of behavioral measures including descriptive, correlational, and inferential methods. Report writing in the behavioral sciences is also emphasized. Knowledge of basic algebra is recommended.

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PY 260 Social Psychology (3)
An analysis of individual, group, and collective behavior from both psychological perspectives. Topics include general theories, methods and empirical data on attribution, social perception, attitude formation, and conformity. Prerequisite: PY 110 (not open to freshmen).


PY 290 Abnormal Psychology (3)
An examination of the signs and symptoms of behavioral pathology and the interplay of social, learning, and physiological factors in the etiology of mental disorders. Prerequisite: PY 110.


PY 301 Research Methods (3)
An introduction to the principles and methods of organizing, conducting, and interpreting behavioral and social research. Examination of survey, experimental, single case design, evaluation, and observational techniques as well as issues of
measurement are addressed. Prerequisite: PY 230.


PY 302 Psychology Research Methods (3)
The primary goals of this course are to teach students to design and conduct research projects, to use statistical software to analyze data, and to interpret statistical results. Students will learn to write a research report that conforms to the publication specifications of the American Psychological Association and will become familiar with the ethical issues related to the use of human subjects. Prerequisites: SW / PY230 Behavioral Statistics and junior class standing.


PY 305 History and Systems of Psychology (3)
A review of major historical and theoretical perspectives in psychology. Important figures in the history of psychology as a science and as a profession will be considered. Prerequisite: PY
110.


PY 315 Theories of Personality (3)
A comparative study of classical and recent theories of normal personality structures and development with an examination of the supporting research. Prerequisite: PY 290 (not open to freshmen).

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PY345 Addictive-Compulsive Behavior (3)
This course will examine a wide variety of addictions such as: drugs, work, food, gambling, and video gaming. It will investigate the addictive processes upon the brain, personality, mood, and motivation. A strong focus will be on addiction’s disruption of family interactions, occupational life, and other social complications. Prerequisite: PY110


PY420 Industrial / Organizational Psychology (3)
This course is designed to examine the practices of industrial / organizational psychology. These include but are not limited to personal practices, performance assessment, job and workplace design, job satisfaction, behavior within organizations, systems of management, and safety in the workplace.


PY 430 Memory and Cognition (3)
The course explores the information processing approach to memory and thinking. Topics include memory processes, concept formation, and reasoning. Prerequisite: PY 110 and junior/senior standing.


PY 450 Neuroscience (3)
An examination of the biological and physiological basis of behavior and development with special emphasis on the neural substrates. Prerequisite: PY 110, 4 hours of Natural Science and junior/senior standing. Offered in alternate years.


PY 195, 395 Special Topics (3)
Advanced topics of a specific and narrow, but timely, nature and involving a faculty member’s area of expertise selected for examination and discussion. Prerequisite: PY 110 (not open to freshmen). Offered on demand. May be repeated.

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PY 497 Field Experience (1-6)
Students will apply the skills and knowledge they have learned as a psychology major in a company or agency in the community. This opportunity is typically available to students who are interested in mental health, but other work settings will be
considered. Students may be required to investigate possible field experience locations. Final eligibility for a field placement will be determined by the participating agency. Field placements are not always available; students who are interested in a field experience should speak with a psychology professor 6 months prior to the
semester in which they wish to enroll. Prerequisites: 15 hours of psychology and junior or senior standing at time of enrollment. Offered by request. (Graded Pass/Fail)


PY 498 Senior Seminar (3)
The primary component of this class is the completion of a research project designed by the student. Students are expected to have a proposal for their research project before the first day of class. Students who did not complete a research design in a previous course (such as PY301) must contact the professor before enrolling in the course. Students will collect and analyze their data and then write a report that meets the publication specifications of the American Psychological Association. The
second significant component of the course is the completion of psychology-related service learning project chosen by the student. In preparation for graduation from Defiance College students will research career options and graduate school programs. Prerequisites: Students must have completed PY230 Behavioral
Statistics and Psychology Research Methods ( PY302). Students must also have junior or senior academic standing.


PY 499 Advanced Independent Research (1-4)
An individualized, non-classroom course that involves an independent research design directed toward some specific hypothesis. The student must submit application and proposal through a faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: PY 301 and 302.
Offered on demand. May be repeated.
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