2007-2008 Academic Catalog

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PSYX (Psychology) Course Descriptions

All PSYX courses are taught by the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology and are offered at the Portland Center.

PSYX 509 Biological Basis of Behavior
3 hours. This course provides an overview of human neuroscience with an emphasis on those areas of importance to the school psychologist. Areas highlighted include the biological basis of sensory and perceptual processes, learning, memory, motivation, addiction, stress, and common handicapping disorders.

PSYX 511 Psychometrics (Tests and Measurement)
3 hours. This class provides a survey of psychological testing and test development, with special emphasis on measures of intelligence, personality, and academic achievement. Theory and methods of test construction will be highlighted using the context of clinical practice within a school setting. Concepts of scaling, item analysis, standardization, measurement error, reliability, and validity will each be covered. Correlational statistics related to psychometric theory and practice will be reviewed and used. Related issues surrounding test development and use will also receive attention, such as cultural, ethical, and diversity issues. Overall, the student should leave the course knowing how to evaluate whether a given test instrument is psychometrically sound and an appropriate choice within a school setting.

PSYX 522 Cognitive and Academic Assessment
4 hours. This course provides an introduction to individualized assessment of cognitive ability (e.g., intelligence and memory) and academic achievement. Theoretical, conceptual, and clinical aspects pertaining to school-based test administration and interpretation will be emphasized. A beginning level of proficiency in administering and interpreting several cognitive and academic measures for children and teenagers will be achieved using weekly hands-on experiences in and out of the classroom. Clinical application to common handicapping conditions (e.g., learning disability, mental retardation, pervasive developmental disability, brain injury) as well as common ethical and conceptual dilemmas will also be highlighted. Formal report writing will also receive attention.
Prerequisite: PSYX 511 Psychometrics (Tests and Measurement).

PSYX 525 Neuropsychological Assessment
2 hours. This course provides an introduction to the neuroanatonomical, clinical, and conceptual aspects related to neuropsychological assessment. The intention of the course is NOT to develop proficiency in neuropsychological testing and interpretation, but rather to provide an adequate background in order to help the school psychologist understand the nature of neuropsychological assessment so that he/she has reasonable expectations from such assessment, knows when and how to make appropriate referrals, and can reasonably understand and apply findings and recommendations appearing in formal reports completed by qualified neuropsychologists.
Prerequisites: PSYX 509 Biological Basis of Behavior and PSYX 522 Cognitive and Academic Assessment.

PSYX 526 Child Psychopathology and Assessment
3 hours. This course focuses on common child and adolescent disorders and their assessment. Especially highlighted are the DSM-IV childhood diagnoses. Attention will also be given to consulting with teachers, parents, special educators, school administrators, and other psychologists around diagnostic, assessment, and intervention strategies, as well as legal issues.
Prerequisite: PSYX 522 Cognitive and Academic Assessment.