Introduction to Experimental Psychology

The goal of experimental psychology is to try to understand why people think and act as they do. How do we interpret and use the information gathered by our senses? Why do we pay attention to some things and not others? How do we learn things? How do we remember things, and why are some things forgotten? What is the source of our beliefs? What is the process by which we make decisions? This course will focus on the ways in which psychologists have attempted to answer these questions over the past century and a half using scientific methods. Readings will consist of a comprehensive text and selected journal articles. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments as well as a substantial research paper at the end of the semester. QUA, REA,WRI