PSY 702 Statistical Analysis in Psychology (6 ECTS) / (3 credit hours)

PSY 702 Análisis Estadístico en Psicología (6 ECTS) / ( 3 Horas de Crédito)

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 703- 3 CREDIT HOURS

Professor: Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: This course will introduce you to the basic statistics used in psychological research. Psychology has developed scientific methods to explore questions about humanity and this course will introduce you to the statistics used to interpret and evaluate research findings. The goal is to provide you with a foundation to continue your training in psychology and to think critically about psychological findings reported in research articles and the media.

TEXTBOOKS: Pdf, power point presentations and other technical readings to be read.

GRADES: 
90-100% will correspond to and A
80-89 = B
70-79= C
Below 70 will be a failing grade.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: In this course, you will learn about various mathematical techniques that are commonly used by researchers to organize, summarize, and interpret the results obtained from their studies. During the course you will learn how to perform these different statistical procedures and understand the specific purpose each procedure serves. Additionally, by the end of this course I hope you:

• Learn to appreciate statistics.

• Learn how to use statistical techniques to answer research questions.

• Learn ways to critically interpret statistical observations reported in newspapers, journal articles, political speeches, commercials, and wherever else we find them.

• Learn ways to critically interpret conclusions drawn using statistical inference.

• Learn the logic behind various statistical tests and how to calculate them by hand.

• Gain the ability to comfortably analyze numerical data with a computer using SPSS.

• Learn ways to use statistics to communicate our own observations.

PSY 705 Counseling & Psychotherapy (6 ECTS) / (3 credit hours)

PSY705 Consejería y Psicoterapia (6 ECTS) / (3 Horas de Crédito)

COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

PSY 705- 3Credit Hours

Prof. Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is designed to familiarize students with the theoretical bases of the different theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Similarities and differences among the approaches will be explored. We will cover theories ranging from the older, traditional techniques through the contemporary approaches that begin to integrate greater awareness of the impact of ones gender and ethnicity. There will be an emphasis on approaches that are frequently used today. Readings will be assigned for some of the less popular approaches, but they will not be discussed in class. In class lectures will stress theory and case conceptualization; readings will address both theory and application. This course provides a more sophisticated look at the theories as they pertain to actual ind

TEXTBOOKS: In this course you will use pdf, power point presentations and other technical virtual reading materials

EXAMINATIONS: The exam(s) for this course are true/false and multiple choice in nature.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

91-100%    = A
81-90%      = B
71-80%      = C
Below 70% = Failed

OBEJCTIVES FOR THE COURSE:

1. Understand theories of learning and personality development, including current understandings about neurobiological behavior.

2. Understand a general framework for understanding exceptional abilities and strategies for differentiated interventions.

3. Understand theories and etiology of addictions and addictive behaviors including strategies for prevention, intervention and treatment.

4. Understand counseling theories that provide the student with models to conceptualize client presentation and to assist the student in selecting appropriate counseling interventions. Students will be exposed to models of counseling that are consistent with current professional research and practice in the field so that they begin to develop a personal model of counseling.

5. Understand a systems perspective that provides an understanding of family and other systems theories and major models of family and related interventions.

6. Understand the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession.

7. Understand use of research to inform evidence-based practice.

8. Understand how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling.

9. Understand evidence-based treatments and basic strategies for evaluating counseling outcomes in clinical mental health counseling

PSY 858 Advanced Marriage & Family Therapy & Supervision (6 ECTS) / (3 credit hours)

PSY 858 Terapia de Matrimonio Familiar Avanzada y Supervisión (6ECTS)/ (3 Horas de Crédito)

ADVANCED FAMILY & MARRIAGE THERAPY & SUPERVISION

PSY 858- 3 CREDIT HOURS

Prof. Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: 

This course is designed to introduce students to the major theoretical approaches to family counseling, and to strengthen students’ theoretical understanding and application of family therapy. A broad theoretical and practical foundation for counseling couples and families is emphasized. A core emphasis is placed on the development of personal theory, professional development and therapeutic change / outcome (Common Factors in Family Therapy); with a focus on the interventive aspects of therapy with couples and families, emphasizing and encourage student’s development of a conceptual understanding of family therapy practice, an expanding toolkit of specific treatment skills and interventions, and utilization of self‐as‐therapist that influences the therapeutic system. It provides a survey of current approaches to family and marital counseling with an emphasis on various systemic models of family functioning and therapeutic intervention. A significant focus of this course will be on the practical counseling skills and techniques that have emerged from each theory. Additional focus will be on interviewing, assessment, and clinical practice issues central to a systemic approach to family counseling. The development of a conceptual understanding of family therapy practice and theoretical integration will be emphasized, along with the acquisition of specific treatment skills within the context of live supervision. A systems perspective that provides an understanding of family and other systems theories and major models of family and related interventions. Students will be exposed to a rationale for selecting family and other systems theories as appropriate modalities for family assessment and counseling. This course will challenge students to look closely at their own family of origin. Students will be expected to draw on their previous experiences, coursework, and knowledge to integrate and apply course material to their counseling work.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the major family counseling theories and should be able to apply family counseling theories, skills and techniques within a clinical setting:

To introduce students to current issues and trends in the marriage, family, and relationship counseling field. To learn family counseling and family education techniques and skills.  To introduce counselor trainees to the theories, therapeutic processes, and techniques involved In marriage, family, and relationship counseling. To be exposed to and become familiar with the marriage, family, and relationship counseling literature and with different types of family counseling models.

Apply core theory and research of the cultural context of relationships, issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society to the counseling profession. Interpret and apply core theory and research of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels. Apply core theory and research of career development and related life factors. Differentiate between the major theories of family counseling by their unique features, goals, techniques and strategies. Explain a range of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.

To promote self-assessment and self-exploration by counselor trainees concerning their family of origin experiences in order to promote optimum functionality as a professional counselor. To look at one’s family role and assess the potential implications that role has on one’s work as a family counselor. To familiarize students with specific issues pertinent to marriage, family and relationship counseling (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and culture). Assess family interactions. 

To assist counselor trainees in developing their own approach to marriage, family, and relationship counseling relevant to school and agency settings.

TEXTBOOKS: To read pdf, power point presentations and virtual technical readings.

Advanced Methods in Family Therapy Research - 14 edition by Richard B. Miller and Lee N. Johnson: ISBN13: 978-0415710909

SUGGESTED READERS

Gladding, S. T. (2010). Family therapy: History, theory, and practice (5^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall

Napier, A.Y., & Whitaker, C. (1978). The family crucible. New York: Quill.

Nichols, M. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2008).  Family therapy concepts and methods (8^th

 ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon..

Worden, M. (2003).  Family therapy basics (3^rd ed.).  Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole

EXAMINATIONS: The exam(s) for this course are true/false and multiple choice in nature.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

91-100%    = A
81-90%      = B
71-80%      = C
Below 70% = Failed

PSY 915 Research Methodology & Design (18 ECTS) / (9 Credit Hours)

PSY 915 Metodología y Diseño de la Investigación (18 ECTS) / (9 Horas de Crédito)

Research Methodology & Design

PSY 915- 9 CREDIT HOURS

Professor: Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: PSY 915 is designed to examine the procedures and principals involved with experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and other research. Problem formulation, literature review, measurement issues, sampling, research design, data analysis, and report writing using APA format will be addressed. This course will also see the choice of the student in doing a research thesis/dissertation from a quantitative or quantitative viewpoint.

TEXTBOOKS: The textbook for this course is: To read several pdf electronic articles in regards to research methodology and design.

GRADES: 

90-100% will correspond to and A
80-89 = B
70-79= C
Below 70 will be a failing grade.

Several factors will be taken into account when I review your work:

CONTENT:
1.  Content is comprehensive, accurate and all requested information is properly addressed
2.  Major points are stated clearly, and are supported by specific references from the literature, details, examples, and/or analysis. 
3. Research is adequate for the topic                                                                                     
4.Any concept that is not strictly your own MUST be appropriately referenced using APA style. The correct format for indirect referencing is (Author's last name, year) at the END of a sentence and  (Author, year, p. #) for direct quotes.   
5. You are able to show that you are not merely memorizing information but rather are processing it and are capable of applying it to real-life scenarios with clients whenever possible.

6. EVENTUALLY, Lastly to write a Topic and abstract APA format so your instructor will approve your thesis/or dissertation writing research topic in psychology. A thesis/dissertation should be 115-150 pages long, quantitative or qualitative APA Style Format .Periodically you need to check with your professor in the progress of your Ph.D. thesis-dissertation. Also, you need to select how many references and citations you are using in regards to your Ph.D. Thesis-Dissertation. Remember this will be published by the university and you will have to defend YOUR THESIS via SYPE WITH 2 TO 3 PROFESSORS.

*** FOR THIS COURSE YOU ARE TO WRITE AT LEAST 3 REASEARCH WRITING PAPERS OF NO MORE THEN 15 PAGES LONG. THIS IS IN ORDER TO PRACICE TOWARDS YOUR REAL THESIS – RESEARCH DISSERTATION THAT WILL BE UP TO 115-150 PAGES LONG APA STYLE FORMAT.

ORGANIZATION: 
1. the introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
2.  The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
3.  The paper follows a logical structure and concepts are illustrated with examples wherever   possible.
4.  The conclusion reviews the major points.

FORMAT/GRAMMAR: 
1. Spelling and syntax are correct.
2.  Word usage is correct.                                                                                               
3. Punctuation is correct.                                          
4. There is an appropriate title page                                                                     
5. There are clear References section in APA style format for them to be used.

READABILITY/STYLE: 
1. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
2.  The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment and qualifies as higher level academic writing.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will cover topics in research methods in the field of psychology. You will be able to:

1). Understand the “groundwork” of research and the “research cycle”, along with important concepts with direct application to psychological research such as hypothesis testing, operationalization, constructionism and realism.
2). Understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative research and learn the usefulness and limitation of each in various contexts.
3). Understand the concepts of validity and reliability and learn to apply them to practical examples.
4). Understand how to critically review literature and recognize the features of solid vs. flawed research.
5). Learn about self-report measures and the usefulness/limitations of these tools.
6). Understand structured and semi-structured interviewing in research.
7). Understand how to review and construct basic research designs such as correlational, randomized, non-randomized, AB, ABAB, multiple baseline, etc.
8). Understand important research concepts like sampling, sample size, effect size, and alpha & beta errors.
9). Understand the basics of evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
10). Learn how do design, conduct and review various types of research and discern the appropriate approach in a range of contexts.
11). Learn to apply research methods to addiction related issues or topics.

.

TEXTBOOKS: The textbook for this course is: pdf readings.

GRADES: 
90-100% will correspond to and A
80-89 = B
70-79= C
Below 70 will be a failing grade.

Several factors will be taken into account when I review your work:

CONTENT:
1.  Content is comprehensive, accurate and all requested information is properly addressed
2.  Major points are stated clearly, and are supported by specific references from the literature, details, examples, and/or analysis. 
3.Research is adequate for the topic                                                                                     
4.Any concept that is not strictly your own MUST be appropriately referenced using APA style. The correct format for indirect referencing is (Author's last name, year) at the END of a sentence  and  (Author, year, p. #) for direct quotes.   
5.You are able to show that you are not merely memorizing information but rather are processing it and are capable of applying it to real-life scenarios with clients whenever possible.

ORGANIZATION: 
1.  The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
2.  The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
3.  The paper follows a logical structure and concepts are illustrated with examples wherever   possible.
4.  The conclusion reviews the major points.

FORMAT/GRAMMAR: 
1. Spelling and syntax are correct.
2.  Word usage is correct.                                                                                               
3. Punctuation is correct.                                          
4. There is an appropriate title page                                                                     
5. There is a clear References section in APA style (even if you only used one or two sources!)

READABILITY/STYLE: 
1. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
2.  The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment and qualifies as higher level academic writing.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will cover topics in research methods in the field of psychology. You will be able to:

1). Understand the “groundwork” of research and the “research cycle”, along with important concepts with direct application to psychological research such as hypothesis testing, operationalization, constructionism and realism.
2). Understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative research and learn the usefulness and limitation of each in various contexts.
3). Understand the concepts of validity and reliability and learn to apply them to practical examples.
4). Understand how to critically review literature and recognize the features of solid vs. flawed research.
5). Learn about self-report measures and the usefulness/limitations of these tools.
6). Understand structured and semi-structured interviewing in research.
7). Understand how to review and construct basic research designs such as correlational, randomized, non-randomized, AB, ABAB, multiple baseline, etc.
8). Understand important research concepts like sampling, sample size, effect size, and alpha & beta errors.
9). Understand the basics of evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
10). Learn how do design, conduct and review various types of research and discern the appropriate approach in a range of contexts.
11). Learn to apply research methods to addiction related issues or topics.