Student Handbook Academic Research Master of Arts in Psychology

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 1

Student Handbook Academic Research

Master of Arts in Psychology

2021-22

Department of Psychology

Humboldt State University

430 Behavioral and Social Sciences Building 826-3670

Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 826-3755

Program Coordinator:

Amber Gaffney, Ph.D.

Amber.gaffney@humboldt.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator: Kevin Colando 826-3965

kevin.colando@humboldt.edu

Students are responsible for following the Psychology Department and the Academic Research Graduate Program

policies and procedures delineated in this handbook. Students should read this document at the beginning of their

graduate program.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 2

CONTENTS

CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................... 2

PREREQUISITES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ................................................. 3

GENERAL COURSE OF STUDY ................................................................................................. 3

Requirements for Degree (All Specialization Areas) .................................................................. 3

Blended Requirements for Degree .............................................................................................. 4

Course of Study Notes ................................................................................................................. 4

DEGREE REQUIREMENT NOTES ............................................................................................. 4

SOCIAL/COGNITIVE OPTION .................................................................................................... 5

Prerequisites ................................................................................................................................ 5

Required Courses ........................................................................................................................ 5

Elective Courses from Other Departments .................................................................................. 5

NEUROSCIENCE OPTION ........................................................................................................... 6

Prerequisites ................................................................................................................................ 6

Required Courses ........................................................................................................................ 6

Elective Courses (9-19 units) ...................................................................................................... 6

Elective Courses from Other Departments .................................................................................. 6

DEVELOPMENTAL OPTION ...................................................................................................... 7

Prerequisites ................................................................................................................................ 7

Required Courses ........................................................................................................................ 7

Elective Courses (2-19 units) ...................................................................................................... 7

Elective Courses from Other Departments .................................................................................. 7

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OPTION ................................................................................................ 8

Prerequisites ................................................................................................................................ 8

Behavior Analysis Program Overview ........................................................................................ 8

THESIS POLICY FOR THE M.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY .............................................................. ..9

AR PROGRAM ADDITIONS AND MODIFICATIONS TO GENERAL THESIS POLICY .... 12

PROJECT GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................. 14

POLICY ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS ..................................................... 15

ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROGRAM POLICIES .................................................................... 15

Grades and Incompletes ............................................................................................................ 15

Misconduct and Non-compliance .............................................................................................. 15

Requirements to Change Status to Advance to Candidacy ....................................................... 16

Continuous Enrollment .............................................................................................................. 16

Leave of Absence ...................................................................................................................... 16

University and Program Policy on 7-year Limit to degree and Establishing Coursework

Currency .................................................................................................................................... 17

FUNDING SOURCES .................................................................................................................. 17

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT FACULTY AND RESEARCH INTERESTS ....................... 18

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 3

PREREQUISITES AND

REQUIREMENTS

FOR ADMISSION

In addition to Humboldt State University requirements, the Department of Psychology requires the

following criteria be met for admission to the program as a classified graduate student:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent

• Statement of purpose

• Selection of a specialization area of interest (see Specializations) and desired thesis advisor

• Completion of 24 units of undergraduate coursework in Psychology including PSYC 104

(Introduction to Psychology), PSYC 241 (Introduction to Psychological Statistics), and

PSYC 242 (Introduction to Research Design & Methodology) or equivalent course.

• A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.25 in Psychology courses.

• (Neuroscience Option) BIOL 105, CHEM 107, PSYC 321, and PSYC 325 (or equivalent).

• (Social/Cognitive Option) PSYC 324 and PSYC 335 (or equivalent)

• (Developmental) PSYC 311 or CD 350, PSYC 438, and CD 464 or PSYC 418 (or

equivalent).

• (Behavior Analysis Option) PSYC 320 and PSYC 322 (or equivalent).

• Admission will also be based on a match between student and faculty interests and the

willingness of a faculty member to supervise the student's thesis or project research. We

strongly recommend that students contact faculty in their area prior to application.

• A student may be conditionally admitted to the program if the undergraduate degree lacks

one or more prerequisite courses within their option area.

For students in the 5

year (Blended) Pathway, the requirements are as follows:

• All requirements listed in the section above titled Prerequisites and Requirements for

Admission, except completion of B.A.

• Completion of the departmental application (contact department office for form).

• Admission is also based on a match between student and faculty interests and the willingness

of a faculty member to supervise the student's thesis or project research.

GENERAL COURSE OF STUDY

We offer a master’s degree with a focus of study in one of three Options: Social and

Environmental Psychology, Neuroscience, and Developmental. A fourth Option: Behavior

Analysis, is not presently admitting students. Each area provides a background in methodology

and statistics that is paired with courses relevant to the area

Requirements for Degree (All Specialization Areas)

• At least 30 units in Psychology or supporting courses as defined by Specializations or

approved by graduate committee. At least half of these must be at the graduate level.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 4

• Completion of PSYC 641 (3) Research Methods: Philosophy and Design, PSYC 642 (3)

Research Methods: Evaluation, and PSYC 647 (3) Academic Research Proseminar in the

first year.

• Completion of PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance or PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate

Statistics.

• Continuous enrollment in PSYC 690 (1-6) Thesis or PSYC 692 (1-3) Project.

• Completion of either a Thesis or Project as a culminating experience.

• Completion of additional courses outlined in the one of specialization areas (see pages that

follow).

• Elective courses selected in consultation with the thesis advisor and program coordinator to

complete unit requirements.

Blended Requirements for Degree

• All requirements listed in the section above titled Requirements for Degree (All

Specializations) with the following deviations.

• Completion of PSYC 641 (3) and PSYC 642 (2) in the Senior year.

• All General Education Coursework must be completed prior to the 5

year.

Course of Study Notes

• Students who complete courses required for their M.A. (e.g., PSYC 345/478/488) as

undergraduates may substitute approved electives from their emphasis areas.

• For students interested in pursuing doctoral study, we recommend completion of the thesis

option and both PSYC 578 Analysis of Variance and PSYC 588 Regression/Multivariate

Statistics.

DEGREE REQUIREMENT NOTES

• California State University requirements allow students to count only 6 units of thesis/project

(690 or 692) toward the 30-unit requirement.

• California State University requirements allow students to count only 9 combined units of

thesis/project (690 or 692), teaching assistantships/internship (683 or 684), research

practicum (495 or 695), and independent study (499 or 694) toward the 30-unit requirement.

• In the event that the department does not offer a required course, we will provide a

reasonable alternative.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 5

SOCIAL/COGNITIVE OPTION

The Social/Cognitive option focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by

others and the mental processes underlying these influences. Our program prepares students for

application to Ph.D. programs in either Social or Cognitive Psychology.

Prerequisites

PSYC 324 and PSYC 335 (or equivalent)

Required Courses

PSYC 622 (3) Advanced Learning and Behavior OR

PSYC 635 (3) Advanced Social Psychology

Elective Courses (8-19 units)

PSYC 336 (3) Social Influence & Persuasion

PSYC 345 (4) Psychological Tests and Measurement

PSYC 487 (3) Evolutionary Psychology

PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance

PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics

PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship

PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship

PSYC 480/680 or other courses in other departments relevant to the concentration as approved

by advisor and AR coordinator.

Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses (see

Requirements for Degree) and may count 622/635 toward electives if they complete both

courses.

Elective Courses from Other Departments

These electives represent courses suggested by the Social/Cognitive emphasis area. The student's

thesis advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many of these

courses have prerequisites, please consult the HSU Catalog before adding these courses to your

contract.

STAT 504 Multivariate Statistics

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 6

NEUROSCIENCE OPTION

Neuroscience is the study of the physiological bases of behavior, particularly how the brain

affects behavior. The Neuroscience Option provides an extensive background in biological bases

of behavior and numerous research opportunities. Our program prepares students for application to

Ph.D. programs in the field of Neuroscience and neuroscience. Students with degrees in Biology

(or closely related fields) may apply for admission to the Neuroscience option without 24 units of

Psychology if they have completed PSYC 104, PSYC 241, and PSYC 242 (or equivalents). These

students would complete prerequisite Psychology courses (in addition to the required coursework)

after admission to the program to bring them to a total of 24 prerequisite units overall.

Prerequisites

BIO 105 Principles of Biology

CHEM 107 Fundamentals of Chemistry (may also use CHEM 109/110)

PSYC 321 Intro Behavioral Neuroscience

PSYC 325 Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience

Required Courses

PSYC 625 (3) Advanced Psychobiology

PSYC 672 (3) Advanced Psychopharmacology

Elective Courses (9-19 units)

PSYC 487 (3) Evolutionary Psychology

PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance

PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics

PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship

PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship

PSYC 480/680 or courses in other departments relevant to the concentration as approved by

advisor and AR coordinator.

Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses (see

Requirements for Degree)

Elective Courses from Other Departments

These electives represent courses suggested by the biological emphasis area. The student's thesis

advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many of these courses

have prerequisites, please consult the HSU Catalog before adding these courses to your contract.

BIO 340 Genetics or BIO 345 Genetics with a Population Emphasis

BIO 410 Cell Biology

CHEM 328 Organic Chemistry CHEM

438 Introductory Biochemistry ZOO 310

Animal Physiology

ZOO 374 Introduction to Human Anatomy

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 7

DEVELOPMENTAL OPTION

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development from both normal and atypical

development. The Developmental option prepares students to work with a wide variety of

children and their families or pursue Ph.D. study.

Prerequisites

PSYC 311 Human Development or CD 350 Lifespan Development

PSYC 438 Dynamics of Abnormal Behavior

PSYC 418 Developmental OR CD 464 Atypical Child Development

Required Courses

PSYC 518 (3) Developmental Psychopathology

PSYC 632 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychology

Elective Courses (2-19 units)

PSYC 303 (3) Family Relations in Contemporary Society

PSYC 345 (4) Psychological Tests and Measurement

PSYC 414 (3) Psychology of Adolescence and Young Adulthood

PSYC 419 (3) Family Violence

PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance

PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Statistics

PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship

PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship

PSYC 480/680 or other courses in other departments relevant to the concentration as approved

by advisor and AR coordinator.

Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses (see

Requirements for Degree)

Elective Courses from Other Departments

These electives represent courses suggested by the developmental emphasis area. The student's

thesis advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many of these

courses have prerequisites, please consult the HSU Catalog.

EDUC 318 Gay and Lesbian Issues in Schools

EDUC 377 Educ of Excptnl Individuals

CD 352 Parent-Child Relationships

CD 366 Exceptional Children and Families

CD 467 Working with Culturally Diverse Families

CD 479 Policy Analysis and Advocacy

Soc 306 The Changing Family

Soc 330 Social Deviance

Soc 430 Criminology

Soc 584 Qualitative Research Methods

SW 530 Social Welfare Policy and Services

SW 550 Human Development, Diversity, and Resources

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BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OPTION

Behavior Analysis is the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications

to produce improvements in human behavior through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior.

The Behavior Analysis Option develops students' skills in conducting behavioral research and providing applied

behavioral intervention services for children and adults in areas including education, developmental disabilities,

and behavioral consulting. This program is designed to provide the coursework that constitutes part of the

requirements for becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

Prerequisites

PSYC 320 Behavior Analysis PSYC 322 Learning and Motivation

Behavior Analysis Program Overview

Course # Credits

1st Year

PSYC 641 Research Methods: Philosophy and Design 4

PSYC 647 Academic Research Proseminar 3

PSYC 578 ANOVA or PSYC 588 Multivariate Statistics 4

PSYC 680 Ethics and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis 3 BACB

PSYC 690 Thesis 1

PSYC 642 Research Methods: Evaluation 2

SPED 722 Autism Intervention Strategies 2 BACB

PSYC 622 Advanced Learning and Behavior Analysis 3 BACB

PSYC 682 Fieldwork 3

PSYC 690 Thesis 1

Total: 26

2nd Year

EDUC/PSYC 680 Single-Case Research Designs 3 BACB

PSYC 683 Graduate Teaching Assistantship 3

SPED 706 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers 3

SPED 731 Classroom Management and Behavior Supports 1

PSYC 682 Fieldwork 3

PSYC 690 Thesis 1

PSYC 655 Social-Behavioral Evaluation 3

PSYC 682 Fieldwork 3

PSYC 690 Thesis or

PSYC 692 Master’s ABA Project 1

Total: 21

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 9

THESIS POLICY FOR THE M.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY

Deviations from the general policy are noted in the section titled AR PROGRAM ADDITIONS

AND MODIFICATIONS TO GENERAL THESIS POLICY. The information below comes from

the department handbook and is outdated with regard to course #s and hiring of consultants.

Each Psychology Thesis Committee will be composed of three members, two of whom must be

full-time members of the Psychology Department (or those who are normally full-time but are

serving part-time in other units). The Thesis Chair must be a full-time member of the Psychology

Department. If a third member is chosen from outside the Psychology Department, this member

must have the appropriate graduate degree and the approval of the Thesis Chair and the

Department Chair. (Adjunct Professors are not eligible to act as Thesis Chair - Apr. 25, 1985.)

It is the responsibility of the student to locate a Chair interested in the thesis topic. In consultation

with the Chair, other potential members of the thesis committee are to be identified.

The Chair bears the final responsibility for all aspects of the thesis.

The Chair is responsible for making sure the student has the necessary tools and skills to

perform the data analysis and interpret the results of the chosen research project. The student is

responsible for understanding all aspects of the research, including the statistics and computer

methods. In the thesis proposal, the design and statistical analysis should be presented in detail.

The student will be expected to demonstrate understanding of these matters at the final oral

Defense Meeting.

To assist students who wish to use the computer for statistical analysis of thesis data, the

department hires consultants and offers workshops in addition to regular courses that include

instruction on this matter. Consultants hired by the department are expected to assist only in

organizing data and computer commands, and should not be asked for other help, e.g. choice of

statistics, entering data or interpretation of results. These latter activities are to be the

responsibility of the student with help from the thesis committee. Students may hire others to

assist in the use of the computer, and to enter data or other clerical chores, if they choose. In all

cases, a student must inform the thesis chair of plans to get assistance from other individuals on

the thesis. Students are to be advised that they will be expected to discuss knowledgeably all

aspects of the thesis at the oral defense meeting, including statistical design, computational

details, and interpretation of findings.

1. Psychology Department Guidelines Regarding the Use of Statistical Techniques, Computer Programs and

Psychological Tests in Masters Theses and Projects (Approved October 1990)

a. Graduate students are required to take PSYC 241 as a prerequisite for all three graduate

programs. Psychology 341 (Intermediate Statistics) is required in the Academic Research M.A.

and School Psychology programs and is strongly recommended in the Counseling program.

b. The student shall be responsible for mastering or understanding all statistical procedures used in

their thesis research. Conversely, students should not employ procedures that they do not

understand. It is expected that the student will be asked questions about their statistical

procedures during the thesis proposal meeting or thesis defense.

c. Statistical procedures for a thesis should be selected upon consultation with the Thesis Chair

(generally the Committee Chair, but occasionally other committee members). It is recognized that

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 10

students vary in their level of understanding of statistics. Consequently, the Chair should consider

both the power of a statistical procedure and the level of the student's understanding in making a

recommendation. In some cases, a less powerful procedure may be recommended over a more

powerful technique if the latter procedure is beyond the student's understanding. (Note - "Less

powerful" does not mean "inappropriate." If the only appropriate procedure for answering a

particular research question involves a high level of sophistication, that procedure must still be

the technique of choice.)

d. With rare exceptions, it is expected that thesis advisors will only require statistical procedures

within the advisor's range of understanding. That is, the advisor (rather than other faculty) has the

primary responsibility for knowledge about a statistical technique. In some circumstances, at the

design phase of the study, the advisor may defer to other thesis committee members or the

department statistical consultant for such information.

e. Each semester, the department will designate at least one faculty member as department statistical

consultant. Graduate students should only contact the consultant after referral by their Thesis

Chair. Although other faculty may be available for consultation, students should not presume that

this will be the case.

f. The consultant position will receive credit for two weighted-teaching-units per semester or

appropriate credit for time spent. The position should rotate among interested faculty.

g. Students who plan to use computer statistical packages are strongly urged to take a seminar in

Computer Statistical Packages. (Note added by AR Program Chair 7/10/03 – the current Psych

241, 341, 541 sequence includes extensive coverage of computer packages)

h. Students who plan to use Psychological tests in their research are required to meet A.P.A. and test

publisher user qualification standards for access to testing material.

The student who plans to do research with B level tests (e.g., FIRO-B, Myers-Briggs) must have

taken Psychology 545 (Psychological Testing) in addition to completing graduate program

prerequisites and courses in the area of research.

The student who plans to do research with C level tests (e.g., the MMPI, WAIS) must meet all

requirements for level B tests and also complete the appropriate graduate assessment course for

the specific area of research:

i. Research in personality, clinical and social & industrial psychology - Psych 646

(Personality Assessment).

ii. Research in perception, learning and cognition - Psychology 616-617 (Intelligence

Testing) or Psychology 651 (Diagnosis of Psychological Difficulties).

(Note: APA standards do not make any distinction between test user qualifications for

applied practice and qualifications for psychological research. For example, the APA's

"Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" require the same user qualifications

for clinical practice, employment testing and program evaluation research.)

The full Thesis Committee should have an opportunity to react to the thesis proposal as early as

possible in the development of the research plans, when, in the judgment of the Chair, the

proposal is sufficiently formulated to warrant further examination and input.

Following the Proposal Meeting, the thesis proposal shall be submitted to the Institutional

Review Board. (2000-1) Data collection shall follow the approval of the proposal by means of a

formal IRB letter.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 11

The student should be familiar with and follow the APA standards for ethical research and work

with humans and animals, as presented in the following APA publications: Ethical Principles in

the Conduct of Research with Human Participants; Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care

and Use of Animals; and Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests and Manuals.

The proposal and final thesis should be written in the style and form presented in the APA

Publication Manual, with modifications as requested by the Thesis Committee, and comply with

HSU Office for Research & Graduate Studies requirements for exact format.

When, in the judgment of the student and the Chair, the final draft of the thesis is complete,

copies of the draft should be distributed to the other Committee members, after which a final

Oral Defense meeting will take place, during which the student will be asked to demonstrate

knowledge and competence in the area of the thesis research. After Committee approval, the

final typing and signing of the thesis will take place.

Any formal action, including approval of proposal and the oral defense, requires the presence of

all Committee members.

Replacement of a member of the Committee requires the approval of the Chair, and the

person to be replaced, if possible.

The student should plan the thesis on the presumption that faculty members have no

obligation to be available to work on theses during the summer.

To complete the thesis within two years, the following timetable is strongly

recommended:

1. Spring semester of first year or in the early part of the Fall semester of the second year:

proposal meeting and submission of proposal to IRB.

2. Fall semester of second year: collect data and complete analysis

3. Early spring semester of second year: begin writing final draft with thesis chair

4. 5th week of spring semester: first draft completed and given to thesis chair

5. 9th week of spring semester: final draft to Committee

6. 10th-13th week of spring semester: Oral Defense Meeting

7. 14th week of spring semester: Final copy typed, signed & submitted to the Office for Research

& Graduate Studies (Deadline: 10 days before end of semester)

N. Any exceptions to this policy require recommendation from the Department Chair and

approval of the respective Graduate Program Committee.

O. All students working on M.A. theses and projects must be enrolled in specific research

and/or supervision courses, e.g., either PSYC 690 (Thesis) or PSYC 692 (PPS Project) or

PSYC 682 (Counseling Supervision), for every semester during which the work is being

conducted (even during the summer). All students working on a thesis or project in the first

or second year of their M.A. programs must be enrolled for a minimum of 4 units in their

appropriate course. Students in their third year and beyond have the alternative of enrolling for 1

Extension unit in PSYC 495. This alternative requires the approval of your thesis or project chair,

since department faculty receive no teaching credit for extension courses. Students must submit a

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 12

"Request for Program Variation" form with an attached "Request for Credit through Extension

Criteria for Eligibility" form.

AR PROGRAM ADDITIONS AND MODIFICATIONS TO

GENERAL THESIS POLICY

The following additions to the thesis policy have been developed as an aid to master’s students in

the AR program. For information on the University thesis requirements must also be followed. For

university thesis requirements, including requirements for thesis formatting, refer to the Office of

Research and Graduate Studies general format of the thesis, refer to the Culminating Experience

For Master's Students at

http://www.humboldt.edu/academicprograms/gradstudies/thesisguidelines.html

Once the student’s thesis or project proposal has been approved by the student’s thesis

committee, changes in the committee are normally not made. However, if a student requests a

change of committee member, approval of the student’s Thesis Chair will be required. If a

student requests a change of Thesis Chair, approval of the committee will be required. If a

majority of the committee has been changed at the student request, a new proposal, proposal

meeting, and acceptance of the new proposal by the current committee will be required.

When, in the judgment of the thesis Chair, the proposal is sufficiently formulated to warrant

further examination and input, the full thesis committee should have an opportunity to react to

the thesis proposal as early as possible.

The proposal must be approved by all thesis committee members at a proposal meeting. If

changes to the proposal are requested by the committee, such changes must be reviewed by

the Thesis Chair, or if need be, by the thesis committee as a whole, before final approval is

given. If the research involves human (or animal) subjects, the student is required to submit

forms to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at HSU for the Protection of Human Subjects

in Research (The IRB approval number is required on the Advancement to Candidacy forms).

For projects using animal subjects, a Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

approval is required (refer to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies) A copy of the final

(after all requested and approved changes have been made) thesis proposal should be also be

given to the AR Coordinator at the time of IRB submission.

The student must follow the American Psychological Association (APA) standards for

ethical research and work with humans and animals, if applicable.

The thesis must follow the standards and style for psychological research reports as presented

in the APA Publication Manual (6th Ed.), with the modifications listed below.

1. Include all front materials and pagination as stated in HSU Thesis guidelines

2. Figures and Tables appear in the text rather than at the end

When, in the judgment of the Thesis Chair and the student, the final draft of the thesis is

complete, copies should be distributed to the other committee members. The student is

should schedule a time (usually 1 - 2 hours) for a final oral defense of the thesis. This

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 13

meeting should be scheduled at least two weeks after the final draft of the thesis has been

distributed.

Any final action, including approval of the oral defense, requires the presence of all

committee members. The final Oral Defense should include substantive demonstration of the

candidate's knowledge and competence in his or her area of research.

After the oral defense, revisions, and approval of the final thesis by the thesis committee, the

student will submit a hard copy (paper) and electronic copy (word document file) of the final

thesis to the AR Coordinator for evaluation and approval. Please allow at least one week for

the coordinator’s review and subsequent revisions.

Distribution of the final bound copies of the thesis are as follows: two copies to the HSU

library and one to the Psychology Department, and typically one to the Thesis Chair

The student should plan the thesis on the presumption that faculty members have no

obligation to be available to work on theses/projects during the summer.

For continuous enrollment or when working with their Thesis Chair, students must enroll in

PSYC 690 (Thesis) or PSYCH 692 (Project). The AR program does not allow the PSYC 495

option noted in item O of the general thesis policy.

Any exceptions to this policy require approval of the AR committee.

To complete your thesis the following schedule is recommended:

1. Spring semester of senior year or first year of MA: proposal meeting and submission

of proposal to IRB or IACUC.

2. Fall semester of 5th year or second year of MA: collect data, complete analysis, and

begin writing final draft

3. 3 week of spring semester: first draft completed and given to thesis chair for review

and comments

4. 9 week of spring semester: final draft to Committee

5. 11

-12

week of spring semester: Oral Defense Meeting, make revisions, final

approval by committee

6. 14 week, paper and electronic copies to AR Coordinator, make revisions as

necessary.

7. End of spring semester: Final copy typed, signed & submitted to the Office for

Research & Graduate Studies.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 14

PROJECT GUIDELINES

As an alternative to a thesis, students may choose to complete a research project. According to

the Culminating Experience for Master's Students at Humboldt State University,

“A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to a professional field. It shows originality and

independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and

summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives,

methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation.” (pp. 3)

The thesis policy on the preceding pages is relevant to projects

with differences summarized below. Thesis

Project

Committee Membership

3 faculty members, 2 of whom

must be full time members of

the psychology department

faculty.

2 faculty members. Chair must

be a full-time member of the

psychology department

faculty.

Proposal

Committee must approve a

formal thesis proposal that

typically consists of the first

three or four chapters

(depending on format) of the

thesis. Student defends the

proposal in a formal meeting.

Committee must approve, does

not require a formal proposal

defense meeting.

Final Defense

Committee must approve the

final thesis. Student defends

the thesis in a formal meeting.

After the final defense and any

subsequent required revisions,

a hard copy (paper) and

electronic copy are submitted

to the AR Coordinator for

review and evaluation.

Committee must approve, may

require a formal defense

meeting.

After the final committee

approval and any subsequent

required revisions, a hard copy

(paper) and electronic copy are

submitted to the AR

Coordinator for review and

evaluation.

Final Form: for information

regarding proper format of

thesis/project.

See HSU Graduate Handbook

for information regarding

proper format of thesis.

Informally bound (e.g. spiral)

with cover and back.

Disposition

2 bound copies for HSU

library; 1 bound copy for

Psychology Department; 1

bound copy for the thesis

supervisor.

2 “informally bound” copies

for the Psychology Department

Test Library; 1 copy for

project supervisor.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 15

POLICY ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

A policy has been developed as a guide for master’s students in our Academic Research

Program. This policy is consistent with the requirements of the HSU Committee for the

Protection of Human Subjects in Research (IRB) and American Psychological Association

(APA) policies on research with human subjects or animals.

Every effort will be made to protect subject anonymity and confidentiality in all academic

research. Where required by APA and IRB policy, the informed consent of subjects will be

obtained with the consent process and materials identified in the methods section of the research

proposal. In research involving risk to subjects, the research proposal will contain a description of

the procedures for risk management that should be reported in the methods section of the

proposal. All student research will be reviewed by the student’s thesis committee that shall serve

as the department’s committee on the protection of human subjects.

The thesis committee chair and the student will submit a proposal that includes three forms and a

protocol to the University Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research. The

protocol is a statement of the researcher’s responsibilities toward the human subjects involved in

his/her research.

You will find IRB requirements (proposal submission checklist, forms and instructions) at:

http://www.humboldt.edu/hsuf/irb.php

ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROGRAM POLICIES

Grades and Incompletes

Students must maintain a B (3.0) average in all required coursework. If a student’s G.P.A. falls

below 3.0, he/she will be put on probation by the Graduate Division of the University. Students on

probation will have one academic year to bring their G.P.A. up to a 3.0 prior to dismissal.

Students who receive a grade of Incomplete (I) in courses should complete course requirements

and have instructors change their grades as soon as possible. A university policy changes all “I”

grades to “F’s” if coursework is not completed in one year.

A student who receives a grade of C+ or lower in a required graduate course must repeat that

course.

Misconduct and Non-compliance

Students who fail to follow the Code of Ethics or engage in non-professional behavior shall be

subject to review by the Academic Research Committee and probable dismissal from the

program or other sanctions.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 16

Requirements to Change Status to Advance to Candidacy

In order to change your student status from conditional to unconditional, you must have

completed all of the prerequisites of the program.

You may advance to candidacy only when you have completed all the required prerequisites for

this program, obtained an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or IACUC approval if applicable, and

are in the process of completing required graduate coursework.

Continuous Enrollment

Students admitted to master’s degree programs are expected to enroll for two (Spring and Fall)

semesters each academic year until their degree requirements are completed. Registration must be

completed by the end of the fourth week of the semester (the University Census date).

All students working on M.A. theses must be enrolled in Psyc 690 (1-unit minimum) for every

semester during which work is being conducted.

Master’s degree students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (Spring and Fall semesters

each academic year), or who have not been granted a leave of absence (see below), are required to

reapply for admission to the university and to the graduate program. Thus, students will be subject

to any new admission or degree requirements.

NOTE: This policy supersedes Item O from the department's thesis policy.

Leave of Absence

A student may request an educational leave from the university in order to pursue other

educationally related activities or to clarify his/her educational goals. A student may also request a

leave for extraordinary personal circumstances (e.g., serious illness, financial difficulty). The

request must be signed by the major professor, the committee members, the graduate coordinator

and the graduate dean.

A leave of absence is normally granted for one semester, or for one academic year. A request for

an extension (no more than one additional year) must be justified and supported (when possible)

with appropriate documentation. A student is not permitted to be on leave of absence for more

than a total of two years while working toward a master’s degree. Leaves of absence cannot be

used to extend the seven year time limit available for completing the master’s degree. After the

expiration of the period of time for which the leave (and any extension) has been granted, the

student is expected to enroll in the next regular semester (excluding summer). If the student does

not enroll for the next semester following expiration of the leave of absence, he/she will need to

reapply for admission to the university and the department before enrolling in a subsequent

semester. Under no circumstances will a student on leave of absence be allowed to use HSU

laboratory and field facilities, library and computer resources, and faculty supervision. The

student is required to submit an Educational Leave Agreement form. The form is available in the

Office for Research and Graduate Studies, or at: http://www.humboldt.edu/gradprograms/current-

students.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 17

University and Program Policy on 7-year Limit to degree and Establishing Coursework

Currency

Students who do not complete the Academic Research Program with seven years are required to

petition the HSU graduate school and the program to waive the seven year limit. (See HSU

Graduate Handbook at http://www.humboldt.edu/gradprograms/current-students).

Students are required to demonstrate and document the CURRENCY of graduate coursework in

the Academic Research Program for all extensions of the 7-year limit. Students who take between

7 and 10 years to complete their Academic Research M.A. degree must take the current edition of

the GRE subject test (psychology) and score at or above the 80th percentile to demonstrate

coursework currency. An official report from ETS of the student’s GRE subject scores must be

submitted to the Academic Research Program Coordinator to document program currency. The

student’s subject GRE score will satisfy currency for an additional 5 years.

FUNDING SOURCES

There are several sources of funding available to students enrolled in the program. We strongly

encourage you to explore funding options. A full list of grants, fellowships, and scholarships is

available at http://www.humboldt.edu/gradprograms/scholarships. The list below includes those

most commonly received by graduate students in our program.

Student Travel Awards: Amount varies for students presenting research at a professional

conference. Watch for the announcement of this opportunity during the Fall semester.

Woolford-Hegy Rotary Fellowships. $1000 Fellowship. Spring semester. Our graduate

students traditionally do well in this competition.

Chester Collins Scholarship: For post BA graduate students in Psychology, apply during

Spring semester of the first year of the graduate program for award provided during the

second year. Typically, two $1,500 scholarships are available each year.

Academic Research Graduate Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 Page 18

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT FACULTY AND RESEARCH

INTERESTS

The list below reflects faculty affiliated with the AR Graduate Program and their research

interests. Although we list faculty in a specific research area, many faculty have programs of

research that fit multiple areas of study.

Aberson, Chris, Ph.D. Intergroup relations (e.g., prejudice, racism), applied social psychology,

statistics and methodology (Social/Cognitive Faculty).

Aigner, Carrie, Ph.D. Health behavior change (Biological Faculty).

Gaffney, Amber, Ph.D. Intergroup relations, leadership, and social identity

(Social/CognitiveFaculty).

Gahtan, Ethan, Ph.D. Organization of neural circuits controlling sensory-motor reflexes;

Evolutionary Psychology (Biological Faculty).

Gold, Gregg, Ph.D. Social psychology, social influence/social power, attribution theory, social

cognition, forgiveness (Social/Cognitive Faculty).

Hahn, Amanda, Ph.D. Hormonal regulation of responses to infant cues (Biological Faculty)

Howe, Tasha, Ph.D. Developmental psychology, child psychopathology, child abuse and family

violence, parent training (Developmental Faculty).

Iturbide, Maria, Ph.D. Adolescent well-being, acculturation, and parenting practices

(Developmental Faculty).

Reynolds, William, Ph.D. Depression and suicidal behaviors in children and adolescents,

bullying, child and adolescent internet use/abuse, exposure to violence, adolescent

psychopathology, internalizing disorders (Developmental Faculty).

Sanchez, Mari, Ph.D. Visual speech information and social aspects of speech (Social/Cognitive

Faculty).

Villarreal, Brandilynn, Ph.D. Motivation and self-regulation (Developmental Faculty).

Walmsley, Chris, Ph.D., Behavior Analysis (Behavioral Analysis Faculty).