By Guest Blogger: Amy Williams Working day in and day out with a primarily teenage crowd can be a bit of a daunting task. Throughout the school system there are countless positions, situations, and jobs, which call for an… test_admin Comments Off on Resolutions for Parents in the New Year It’s a New Year and time for some resolutions. Typically we focus on ourselves with New Year’s resolutions, but this year maybe we should decide on a resolution that will help our children to succeed in school. Here are a… test_admin Comments Off on Understand the IEP before the Meeting -artwork by Paul King at It’s the time of year for IEPs. Too many times, parents sign plans without fully understanding. Do your homework before the meetings to understand the process of the meeting and some of the… Being a School Psychologist is not an easy career, but it IS a worthwhile career. To be honest, there are intense days, when the needs of so many children pile up, with solid timelines looming, reports to write, children to… test_admin Comments Off on After a Tragedy: Tips for Parents to Help Their Children As much as we wish we could, we can not completely shelter our children from the knowledge that horrible tragedies do occur. Thinking about tragedies can be terrifying to us and our children. Parents often feel unprepared for questions children… Do you wonder if your child might have ADHD? More than 5% of children now have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Parents often look at hyperactive or impulsive behaviors and wonder, “Is this normal or is this ADHD?”… This article was originally posted on School Psychologist Files. Sensory Processing Our senses help us understand and navigate our world. They help us feel, see, taste, etc. When one or more of those processes is more or less sensitive… I spend most days of my life working with various students who are at different parts in the sped referral process. I attend Child Study Meetings where we decide if we are going to evaluate a student. I observe and screen children… Dedicated to the lady at Walmart with the screaming kid and all of us “good parents” who have been that lady at Walmart. One of the most difficult behaviors for parents or teachers to address is explosive behavior, a child…

The Chicago School’s campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. is at the center of U.S. political and governmental affairs, contributing to significant networking and field work opportunities with health care and social service organizations as well as assistance-based government agencies. Build an education by serving a global community Located in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse city, our Washington, D.C. Campus also provides students extensive experience while serving underrepresented communities...

NOTE: Interviews for doctoral applicants to the clinical psychology program (entering Fall 2016) will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016. The deadline for submission of applications to the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is 11:59 PM, EST on December 1st . The application and all required credentials must be received by the graduate school by this deadline. Applications must be submitted online (please see the GRS admissions website for the online application), and must include a personal statement, at least 3 letters of recommendation, GRE scores and transcripts. Please note that you must enter the program name (Clinical) under specialization in the online application. Given the large number of applications we receive and the expense you incur by applying to multiple programs, we offer what guidance we can as to how you might assess your “fit” with the program and your general chances of acceptance. From 2009 to 2013, we received an average of approximately 700 applications per year and accepted an average of 8 students per year. In this competitive process, virtually all the accepted students met a number of criteria. The successful applicants in those years had a combined average Verbal and Quantitative score of 1300, and an undergraduate GPA averaging 3.6. Most of the successful applicants had scores and grades within a small range around these numbers. The Boston University program largely works on a mentorship model. The most important criterion for entry is that your interests and experience fit closely with a mentor who is able to accept a student in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to predict which mentors will have funding for a student at the time that you apply to the program. However, of the faculty members listed in the department, only a core group are clinical “mentors”. They are: You should locate and carefully read their published materials and website profiles and assess whether you have experience in their area of study. Successful applicants typically have actual working experience in research in a closely related field. You should indicate which mentors you are qualified to work with, and therefore you would like to consider your application, in your personal statement. Of course, we welcome all qualified applications. Our students cannot be described as fitting into any particular mold; we are extremely interested in applications from students from all ethnic/racial backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and nationalities. We hope this information will help you in the challenging process of selecting programs and submitting applications and that the experience will prove successful and satisfying.

​ According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for psychology related careers is expected to grow at a faster than average rate, making psychology degrees a worthwhile investment for the future. Some of the fastest growing opportunities available to psychology degree holders include positions in career counseling, special education, industrial and organizational psychology, genetics counseling and forensics investigation. More and more people are choosing to pursue college degrees online because of their greater flexibility and affordability. For someone looking to earn an online psych degree, we’ve put together a list of the best online college and university programs of 2016. Our rankings are based on several factors, including school reputation, student satisfaction, peer and instructional quality, and overall affordability. Only fully accredited schools were considered. Ranked # 24 in our list of the top 24 online colleges and universities of 2011 and #3 in our list of the top 10 online Catholic colleges and universities, Saint Leo University Online has established itself as a premier online school. St. Leo University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology prepares graduates to either pursue a course of graduate study or to gain employment in an entry-level psychology position, such as an admin job in a mental health research facility; such opportunities set grads of the program up for a long and fruitful career in the field. –>Click here for more information on Saint Leo University Online Recognized for its online programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2010 and ranked #14 by the Online Education Database , Walden University Online is known not only for its quality online degree programs, but also for its commitment to social change. Walden University Online currently offers Master of Science degrees in Psychology with 12 distinct concentrations, including Social Psychology, Health Psychology, and Media Psychology among others. –>Click here for more information on Walden University Online #4. UMass Online U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Massachusetts among its top 100 universities for 2011 and our editors gave UMass Online the #13 spot in our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011. UMass Online currently offers Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, one of its most popular undergraduate degree programs, along with a number of master’s level degrees in therapy and counseling. #5. Ohio Christian University Online Ranked #8 on our list of the top 10 online Christian colleges and universities of 2011, Ohio Christian University approaches all of its classes from a distinctively Christian perspective. Ohio Christian University Online currently offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that prepares students to conduct their own research in psychology or do counseling from a Christian perspective. #6. Brandman University Online Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review as one of the top universities in the Western U.S., Brandman University has quickly established a strong reputation for its online programs. Brandman University Online currently offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology designed to prepare students for a future in social work or graduate study in psychology. #7. Northcentral University Online Northcentral University Online is known for its faculty mentored approach to online education, allowing for greater individualized attention for students. Northcentral University Online currently offers several online master’s and doctoral degrees in General Psychology, Gender Diversity Studies, Health Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. A U.S. News & World Report tier 1 university and GetEducated.com’s “Best Buy, ” Southern New Hampshire University Online has established a reputation for quality and affordability in online education. SNHU Online currently offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development. ​

These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the American Psychological Association (APA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the References page, as well as APA sample papers, slide presentations, and the APA classroom poster. This workshop provides an overview of APA (American Psychological Association) style and where to find help with different APA resources. It provides an annotated list of links to all of our APA materials and an APA overview. It is an excellent place to start to learn about APA format. APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , (6th ed., 2nd printing).

Many aspiring psychologists are interested in the field because they want to work directly with patients or clients and help them cope with and resolve their problems. There are two branches of psychology that can fit this description: counseling psychology and clinical psychology. Though counseling and clinical psychology share many similarities, they are distinct disciplines that entail different job duties and educational paths. Counseling Psychologists A counseling psychologist is a psychology professional who helps patients or clients deal with life problems. Often, this means providing advice on how to resolve issues effectively, improve communication and enhance the health of social relationships. A counseling psychologist may teach a client new coping strategies and help him or her determine what resources, such as personal support systems and community services, they can use. Counseling psychologists may help people struggling with psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, but often they primarily work to address life changes, stresses and traumas that trigger these issues. While counseling psychology degree programs cover psychotherapy as do their clinical psychology counterparts, counseling programs often seek to utilize multicultural training methods to prepare aspiring counselors to work with clients of varied backgrounds, the American Psychological Association reported. Clinical Psychologists The field of clinical psychology approaches psychotherapy from less of an educational perspective and more of a healthcare perspective. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat psychological conditions similar to how healthcare workers would diagnose and treat physical medical conditions. These professionals use diagnostic tests and inventories to identify psychological conditions, including emotional and behavioral disorders.

Early Childhood Development An 8 page research paper that examines Piaget's period of childhood development. The writer also offers practical application of this knowledge mainly as it is applied in Montessori classrooms. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Send me the Paper | View Abstract Television's Influence on Children A 6 page research paper that examines the influence that television has on children. The writer focuses particularly on the negative effects of television violence and stresses that parental involvement is needed to mitigate and control television... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Neil Postman/Disappearance of Childhood A 10 page analysis of Neil Postman's book, The Disappearance of Childhood. In this book, Postman argues passionately that we are taking childhood away from our children. He presents an argument that encompasses not only the recent evolution of our... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Erik Erikson / Implications For Infant And Toddler Care-Givers This 10 page paper discusses Erikson's theories regarding psycho-social development and play. Like many personality theorists, Erikson believed that the child must progress through these stages in order to develop a healthy personality. Failure to... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Comparing Two Books on Children An 8 page comparison of Kathleen Berger's The Developing Person Through the Life Span and Marjorie Taylor's Imaginary Companions and the Children Who Create Them. These two very different books each address the way that human personality develops. Send me the Paper | View Abstract Dave Pelzer/ A Child called 'It' A 5 page research paper that focuses on Dave Pelzer's autobiographical account of a tortured childhood, A Child called 'It'. In examining this book, the writer first looks at how Pelzer's account fits in with current theory relating to family... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Children Today Are Not Encouraged to Use Their Imaginations This 5 page essay provides five examples of how children are not placed in circumstances which foster creativity. The examples are excessive television viewing, electronic gaming, traditional schooling, traditional community activities and... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Children and Divorce: The Advantages of Group Therapy A 9 page overview of the many impacts divorces inflicts on children. Emphasizes that group therapy can go a long way toward resolving these impacts and in optimizing child welfare. Concludes, however, that group therapy, however, is just as... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Single System Design and Intervention - A Four-Year-Old This 20 page report discusses the study of one four-year-old child Send me the Paper | View Abstract When Moms Work 5 pages. Daycare is not merely a place for parents to dump their children while they are at work all day; rather, it is an environment of inspiration, motivation and understanding. Where else can a toddler come into contact with so many various... Send me the Paper | View Abstract Television and Youth Violence 5 pages. Why is it that we are hearing more and more about violent crimes committed by children? The fairly recent phenomenon of school-aged kids killing their classmates and teachers for nothing more than the thrill of the act has parents and...

This course will cover the basic principles, research, and theories on testing and measurement of psychological constructs. It is expected that students complete the course with knowledge of various techniques for psychological testing; a familiarity of several professionally developed tests; the ability to develop, administer, and interpret certain tests; and knowledge of measurement theory which includes reliability and validity. This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks. This course is available to or as part of a degree or certificate program. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Representative. Measurement and Methods of Measurement Summarize the major assumptions and fundamental questions associated with psychological testing. Compare and contrast reliability and validity. Differentiate populations for which a selected psychological measure is valid. Analyze psychological measures. Test Construction Explain the steps in test development. Create a simple test. Measures of Cognitive Functioning Analyze measures of cognitive functioning. Describe theories of intelligence. Compare and contrast constructs of intelligence and achievement. Measures of Emotional and Behavioral Functioning Analyze measures of emotional and behavioral functioning. Explain the difference between personality measures and measures of interests and attitudes.

CalSouthern’s Master of Science (MS) in psychology degree program is designed to provide the strongest possible foundation in the study of psychology, while simultaneously allowing you to focus your studies on one of a variety of specialized fields, maximizing the relevance of your educational experience to your particular interests and career goals. By supplementing your required core courses with five elective courses in a specific topic area, you can customize your online MS in psychology with an emphasis on chemical dependency and compulsive disorders, industrial and organization psychology, pastoral counseling, sports psychology, and general psychology. The online MS in psychology degree program is an excellent option for a wide variety of students. People who are already working in mental health can utilize the MS to both enhance their skill sets and to position themselves for career advancement. The MS may also be the preferable degree program for people who want to transition into CalSouthern’s doctoral program and then perhaps pursue licensure as a licensed psychologist — it provides the most direct route to CalSouthern’s doctoral degree: the PsyD. Students in CalSouthern’s online MS in psychology program will benefit from a dedicated and accessible community of faculty, administration (even the deans readily make themselves available to you should you require their guidance), staff, and fellow students who are all eager to support you in your educational journey. Your faculty, as well as your personal academic advisor, are highly educated, experienced mental health professionals who are happy to share their expertise. It won’t take long for you to see what makes CalSouthern—and its School of Behavioral Sciences—different. It may be an online degree program—with the convenience and flexibility that allow adult, working students to study at their own pace and on their own time—but the dedication to service, integrity, and academic excellence combine to make CalSouthern a very humanistic, supportive environment. Explore CalSouthern and see the difference for yourself.

***Warning: This blog entry is one big spoiler alert, so if you haven't seen "Shutter Island" but want to then please refrain from reading this until you've paid your ten dollars and fifty cents. "Shutter Island" is one of those films that rips the rug out from under your expectations with the frequency and intensity of a magican's act. Initially, we think we are watching a well-intentioned U.S. Marshall named Teddy enter an insane asylum/prison hoping to uncover the whereabouts of a recently-disappeared patient/inmate. Later, our strangeness barometer begins to beep and we recalibrate our assumptions. Now we think we are witnessing a brave and bereaved soul searching for damning evidence that will expose Shutter Island as an expensive, cutting-edge torture chamber. Only during the final act (unless you've connected the foreshadowing dots), when our barometer falls off the charts, do we realize that the narrative is really about tragic psychosis and elaborate role play. Overall, I found the film to be a very intense, somewhat entertaining discussion of lines - the kind of elusive, easily blurred lines that exist between perception and reality, normalcy and insanity, even exceptional and subpar filmmaking. There is another extremely relevant though largely ignored line of which I'd like to discuss, the line between realistic and melodramatic portraits of clinical psychology. Although issues like delusions and 20th century inpatient treatment are aggressively examined within the plot, many of it's exclamation points are in fact question marks that warrant further discussion: Does Teddy suffer from an actual psychological disorder? Teddy is a strange case. In retrospect he presents as an intelligent, high functioning individual, so much so that his traumatic experiences during WW II merely dented, rather than overwhelmed, his coping resources. However, the mild and (then) socially acceptable alcoholism and workaholism he exhibited as a family man provided just enough emotional detachment to blind him from the murderous insanity bubbling up within his bipolar wife. One Saturday, an unsuspecting Teddy arrived home from a work trip to his three drowned children and a creepy, suicidal wife (whom he promptly put out of misery). Although such an experience would seem to virtually garuntee the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, somewhere along the way his symptoms tipped into the very real but much less common psychiatric condition known as Delusional Disorder. According to the DSM-IV you can be high functioning - cognitively, socially and emotionally - and not only suffer from delusions (fixed, adamant beliefs that run contrary to clear, consensual evidence) but experience such a state without clear mental hiccups. Teddy also meets this diagnosis, according to the manual, because he experiences the delusions for more then one month (don't ask me to explain the time cutoff) and not as the result of mood issues (he is not particularly depressed or anxious) drug addictions (the bottle is no longer a problem) or schizophrenia (much too socially savvy, and his delusions are not bizzare - "aliens landed in my kitchen"). As the DSM-IV further classifies Delusional Disorder via content of the delusion, a psychologist might also note that Teddy suffers from a Mixed Type. His mind generates themes of grandiosity (I'm going to uncover a mass conspiracy!) and persecution (I'm going to be prevented from ever leaving this island!) Suffice it to say that "Shutter Island" is not the most encouraging cinematic portrayal of mental health. Two main points that need to be addressed are the ‘cave scene' and the ‘final scene.' Cave Scene: In the early seventies - in real life, not fantasy - a researcher named David Rosenhan conducted an experiment that attempted to examine just how well the psychiatric community diagnosed craziness. It did not go well. A handful of research confederates posed as "fake" schizophrenics, entering an inpatient hospital with reports of hallucinations. Once inside they proceeded to act like their normal, high achieving selves every single moment leading up to discharge. Unfortunately they were not allowed to leave without a schizophrenia label and prescription for psychoactive medications. You may recognize remnants of this study in the cave scene, as a psychologist, a.k.a figment of Teddy's imagination, rails against the catch-22 of being pronounced insane despite being sane. Of course, this scene is a major melodramatic leap from reality. Paranoid if not vindictive psychiatrists, outdated if not illogical treatment approaches and helpless if not martyred patients is the stuff of the distant past if not absurdist conspiracy. The current reality is that diagnosis remains a complex mixture of art and science with psychological training consisting of gold standard scientific measures and astute, non-judgmental clinical perspectives. In fact, the field has entered unchartered territory with regard to patient rights, a balanced power dynamic between treator and treatee and well-reasoned, empirically-supported treatment. If only the reality was as edge-of-your-seat suspenseful...