Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 6601  Advanced Psychological Statistics and Research Design    
6 credit hours  
Statistics applied to psychological research: statistical inference, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance including simple and advanced experimental designs, correlation, and an introduction to regression along with other multivariate methods. Also to be presented will be the logic of experimental and quasi-experimental methods including naturalistic approaches to hypothesis testing. Class 3 hrs and Lab 3 hrs a week.
PSYC 6603  Advanced Assessment    
3 credit hours  
A survey of classical and modern test theory including the study of the principles of psychological testing to provide a basis for technical evaluation of test materials and creation of measures for applied purposes. Topics covered include reliability and validity, generalizability, test bias, scale construction, test development, and other issues related to psychological measurement.
PSYC 6605  Personnel Psychology    
3 credit hours  
An examination of the methods and procedures used to select, place, and evaluate personnel. Students are expected to become proficient in the design of selection systems and evaluation of job performance.
PSYC 6606  Advanced Psychological Statistics and Research Design I    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: Good Standing (CGPA of at least 3.00 out of 4.3) in the MSc in Applied Psychology Program
Statistics applied to psychological research: Statistical inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regressions. Also to be presented will be the logic of experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational research methods including non-parametric approaches to hypothesis testing.
PSYC 6607  Advanced Psychological Statistics and Research Design II    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: PSYC 6606
Continuing statistics applied to psychological research: Research designs and statistical tests for mediation and moderation (including analyses within regression, and analysis of variance including factorial designs), meta-analytic approaches, diary studies, and/or other emerging methods in the field of applied psychology. Class 3 hrs and Lab 3 hrs a week.
PSYC 6610  Applied Multivariate Analysis    
3 credit hours  
Students examine the purposes, analysis, and interpretation of a sample of multivariate techniques, such as: multiple linear and logistic regression, multivariate analysis of variance and post-hoc procedures, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, structural equations modelling, latent class analysis, and/or multi-level modelling, using a major computer statistical package. Class 3 hrs and Lab 3 hrs a week
PSYC 6615  Training and Development    
3 credit hours  
An examination at an advanced level of topics related to training and systematic organizational development. Students are expected to become proficient in the design and evaluation of training and development systems.
PSYC 6620  Topics in Engineering Psychology    
3 credit hours  
Selected topics related to the application of experimental psychology to the study of human factors involved in work, e.g., the description, evaluation and/or design of jobs and equipment, the psychophysiology of human performance, system development, person-machine interactions, accidents and safety.
PSYC 6625  Organizational Psychology    
3 credit hours  
This seminar course examines theory and research in areas considered to be the domain of organizational psychology. Although topics may vary depending on faculty and student interest, core areas include work attitudes, leadership, motivation, work groups, and stress.
PSYC 6635  Occupational Health Psychology    
3 credit hours  
Theory, research, and professional practice in the domain of Occupational Health Psychology will be examined. Specific topics will vary across offerings however discussions will cover topics in stress, workplace health interventions, work-life balance, workplace mistreatment, and occupational safety. Emphasis will be placed on applying scientific knowledge to organizational practice.
PSYC 6641  Organizational Conflict and Negotiation    
3 credit hours  
Students are introduced to theories, research and methods, and skills related to organizational conflict and negotiation: negotiation and decision-making theory, conflict styles and types, work conflict and its resolution, managing the conflict of employees, and intergroup conflict, including gender and cultural issues. The course is divided between traditional research seminar and applied exercises.
PSYC 6645  Ethics and Professional Practice    
3 credit hours  
An introduction to the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and to the ethical decision making process. An overview of the basic business skills and knowledge necessary to practice development.
PSYC 6650  Correctional Psychology    
3 credit hours  
Students are provided with an overview of the role of psychology in the Canadian correctional system. Topics include dominant theories of criminal behaviour, models of offender management, correctional planning, operations, and special populations (young offenders, women offenders, mentally disordered offenders, Aboriginal offenders).
PSYC 6655  Justice Field Experience    
3 credit hours  
Students are provided with an overview of the role of psychology in operational aspects various legal processes (e.g., criminal and civil trials), and forensic facilities (e.g., prisons). Students will meet legal professionals (e.g., lawyers, judges, parole officers) to discuss the evidence-based information they seek from psychology.
PSYC 6660  Forensic Tests and Measurement    
3 credit hours  
Students review the construction, theoretical underpinnings, and psychometric properties of commonly used forensic measures, including risk assessment tools, as well as other measures that are commonly encountered in forensic psychology (e.g., credibility assessment). Common professional and ethical issues in forensic measurement will be addressed.
PSYC 6665  Psychology and Law    
3 credit hours  
Students examine research on several topics in the area of psychology and law, such as eyewitness testimony, experts in the courts, police selection, forensic interviewing, and jury decision-making.

PSYC 6670- 6679 Special Seminar: Topics
3 credit hours
Presentation of topics not covered in the regular graduate curriculum offered according to student interest and the availability of qualified faculty.

PSYC 6680  Program Evaluation    
3 credit hours  
Students study applied program evaluation in a forensic context and focus on evaluation planning, methods, and communicating results in an applied context, including a detailed introduction to types of evaluations, developing evaluation plans, logic models, performance indicators, and special considerations in evaluating programs in forensic and criminal justice settings. Students have the opportunity to apply research and evaluation constructs.
PSYC 6690  Practicum and Directed Readings    
6 credit hours  
Supervised training in the application of psychological principles, techniques, and instruments, in various practical settings. Students are expected to accumulate at least 500 hours of practicum training coordinated with relevant readings.
PSYC 6695  Thesis    
6 credit hours  
Experimental research or field study conducted under the supervision of an advisory committee.

PSYC 6790 - 6799 Directed Study in Psychology
3 credit hours
These courses are intended to supplement the course offerings in psychology and allow students to delve deeper into a subject of particular interest to them. Students must show some initiative and be willing to work independently.

The following courses are available only to students registered in Saint Mary’s University’s doctoral program in Psychology or with permission of the Chairperson of the Department of Psychology to students registered in other programs.

PSYC 7500  Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Psychology    
3 credit hours  
This in-depth seminar course examines specific issues in Organizational Psychology, such as Organizational Development and Organizational Theory.
PSYC 7600  Doctoral Seminar in Personnel Psychology    
3 credit hours  
This in-depth seminar course examines specific issues in Personnel Psychology, such as recruitment, selection, and placement.
PSYC 7800  The Development and Context of I/O Psychology    
3 credit hours  
This course examines the history of I/O psychology and its relationship with other fields of psychology.
PSYC 7900  Independent Research I    
3 credit hours  
This first-year independent research project will involve the application of research methods, statistical methods and data analysis resulting in a written report.
PSYC 7950  Independent Research II    
3 credit hours  
This second-year independent research project will involve the application of research methods, statistical methods, and data analysis, resulting in a written report.
PSYC 8000  Dissertation    
3 credit hours  
Experimental research or field study conducted under the supervision of an advisor committee.