PGS101: Introduction to Psychology: This basic course in psychology introduced me to the major ideas and developments in psychology. This course made a
great impact on me, fueling my desire to learn more. Many things that should have appeared obvious about human behavior, but
did not (at least to me) were briefly covered. I wanted to know more.
PSY230: Introduction to Statistics: This was my first introduction to statistics; initially a confusing new world. However, the course taught me
about the importance of careful measurement and the use of proper statistical procedure to produce results that are meaningful.
PSY290: Research Methods: Research methods opened my eyes
to the many different techniques available to researchers to design and evaluate studies with some confidence. This course
was an immense help in the BIS302 course that emphasized synthesizing results from such instruments as surveys and questionnaries.
Since those sociological approaches to knowledge are not based in experimentation, it would have been difficult for me to
have understood how to tease out useful information without this course.
PGS304: Effective Thinking: This course challenged me
to leave behind preconceived notions, folk knowledge, and anecdotal evidence and learn to look at supporting evidence instead.
An online course, it asked participants to confer with each other "live" as well as research and write about effective thinking
issues. From this I learned how to interact at a very fast pace during online discussions, and also how to apply certain tests
to information in order to judge its accuracy.
PGS325: Physiological Psychology:
This course related behavior to physiological processes within the body and brain, with emphasis on the nervous system. This
course was closer to a chemistry or pharmacalogical course allowing me to hone my analytical skills in order to relate concepts
to various real-world outcomes. Two papers reviewing some facet of recent experimentation in physiological psychology were
required. The papers were graded on the writer's ability to correctly summarize complex studies and to meet technical requirements
such as word count, correct citation, and order.
PGS350: Social Psychology:
This course taught me to remember that there is a difference between individual acts and acts committed
by the same individual, but in a group setting. From that I learned not to necessarily accept a person's behavior at face
value, but to consider the circumstances. Because I have developed some understanding, I have learned to handle people more
effectively depending on the circumstances we are dealing with.
PGS399: Supervised Research: Supervised research gives
the student an opportunity to work with faculty on research projects that typically involve a large segement of society. In
this case, I assisted with a pain study for residents of Maricopa County, Arizona. One of the obvious benefits is that I was
able to work with persons in the community, persons who could one day conceivably be in the market for the wares (history)
that I hope to offer. The other obvious benefit is that I was able to learn from people who were actively engaged in important
research. My forte is not medical, but I learned ways to approach individuals, to divine their interests, and to set up programs
that met those interests. 
