Psychology 321 - Research Seminar: Cognitive Development
Research Sem:Cognitive Develop
Fall
2026
01
4.00
Brianna McMillan
TU TH 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM
Smith College
PSY-321-01-202701
bmcmillan@smith.edu
Cognitive development is the study of changes in the ability to think, perceive, understand and communicate. Changes in cognitive abilities, such as perception, attention, memory, emotion regulation and language, are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and cultural factors. In this research seminar, students gain hands-on experience conducting research to examine key questions about cognitive development. In addition to covering various aspects of the research process including experimental design, participant recruitment, data coding, statistical analysis and scientific writing, the class also delves into open developmental science practices. This includes exploring ways to improve transparency, rigor and reproducibility in research practices. Prerequisites: PSY 201, SDS 201 or SDS 220, or equivalent, and PSY 202. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.
[CE] JR/SR only; Prereq: PSY 202 & (PSY 201, SDS 201, 210 or 220)