New Course: Early Social Cognition

Early Social Cognition Psyc 789R

Tuesdays, 3:30 to 6:00 pm, Spring 2012

Professor Jonathan Beier

Department of Psychology

This graduate seminar explores the foundations of social cognition, from birth through the first few years of life. In this course, we will first review infants’ and toddlers’ conceptual development in the social domain. Topics will include the detection of social partners in one’s environment, representations of intentional agents and their actions, and understanding of others' perceptual and belief states. We will then consider the ways that this early knowledge guides young children’s own social behaviors and evaluations of others. On what grounds do infants and toddlers form preferences for some individuals over others? What social motivations might underlie their imitative behaviors? What is their grasp of other people’s communicative intentions? Why do children act in helpful ways towards others? Throughout the course, we will discuss different theories concerning the origins of these basic cognitive abilities and dispositions, in both ontogeny and phylogeny.

Enrollment is open to graduate students in fields related to psychology, by permission of the instructor.

Contact: Jonathan Beier, email: jsbeier@umd.edu

Alumni News: James Lange

One of our Ph.D.s, from the Social program, James Lange, has been invited to speak at the Royal Society of Arts as part of a series with BBC Radio 4 on his research using YouTube videos to document the effects of the drug Salvia Divinorum.  The talk will air on Dec 21st and will be available for download after airing.  For more information about the program, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018fllh .  

James graduated from the program in 1996. His advisor was Arie Kruglanski. James is now at San Diego State University.
His research was featured in Wired UK magazine (see http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2010/12/ideas-special/ideas-special?page=3 ) as one of the 25 big ideas for 2011.  

Post-Doctoral Position -- Survey Methodology

Postdoctoral Position
Survey Methodology
Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan

Unit: The Program in Survey Methodology
Date announced: 11/08/2011

The University of Michigan Program in Survey Methodology is seeking a
postdoctoral scholar with a PhD in survey methodology or a related area
with a demonstrated interest in the application of surveys to the
social, behavioral, or health sciences. The successful applicant must
have strong methodological skills, statistical as well as survey.

The postdoctoral scholar will work with the faculty of the Program in
Survey Methodology to train Masters level students in the fundamental
principles of survey methodology and the practical aspects of the survey
process. The scholar will have the opportunity to propose
methodological studies as part of an ongoing survey practicum, develop
research collaborations with faculty and doctoral level students, seek
external funding for research, and participate in the research
activities of the Institute for Social Research more broadly.

Scholars have exceptional resources to facilitate teaching and
research. They will have access to administrative, research, and
computing support staff in the Program, computer hardware and software
needed for teaching and research, and travel funding for teaching and
research. They will also have access to the Institute's survey
infrastructure that conducts local and national surveys in multiple
modes and the University's outstanding research facilities.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of a
second year of funding. The salary and benefits are competitive.

Review of applications begins as they are received, and continues until
the position is filled. Interested persons should send a letter of
application indicating background in survey methodology, career goals,
and academic qualifications together with a curriculum vitae, and three
letters of recommendation to James M. Lepkowski, Program in Survey
Methodology, Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson Street, Ann
Arbor, MI 48104. Additional information about the position can be
obtained from Ms. Jill Esau (jesau@umich.edu).

The University of Michigan is committed to affirmative action, equal
opportunity, and diversity of its student body and workforce.

Writing Grant and Fellowship Applications Graduate School Ph.D. Completion Project Workshop

Graduate School Ph.D. Completion Project Workshop:

Writing Grant and Fellowship Applications,

will be held this Friday, November 11, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. in Ulrich Hall in Tawes Building.

Our workshop facilitator, Dr. Robert Porter, Director of Research Development at the University of Tennessee, will focus on NSF and NIH grants that support doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows as they transition through critical career stages: from early graduate study to the doctoral dissertation, the initial postdoctoral fellowship, and the independent investigator position.

This event is open to master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral students. Advance registration is required at http://tinyurl.com/6c9vzr8.

Space is limited, so register early!

Questions? Please contact us at (301) 405-4183 or grad-retention@umd.edu.

APSSC Campus Representative Program

(Looking for Graduate student representatives)

Purpose

The purpose of the APS Student Caucus (APSSC) campus representative program is to increase communication between students and the APS. We believe that students can become leaders at their respective schools and inform others about the opportunities available in psychological science.
Benefits
There are several benefits to joining the campus representative program:
1. You are serving your discipline.
2. You gain invaluable leadership skills.
3. You build up your curriculum vitae (academic résumé).
4. You get first-hand access to information regarding research awards and grants.

5. You network with other students from different universities.

6. You stay connected with the APSSC Executive Board.

7. You are recognized at the APS Annual Convention for your service.

Responsibilities

As an APSSC Campus Representative, your responsibilities would include:1. Posting flyer
2. Forwarding APSSC emails to students on a group listserv
3. Announcing the events and activities at Psi Chi and other psychology-related organizational meetings
4. Getting permission from instructors to make announcements in classes
5. Printing out and distributing the eNewsletters to students in the department

To apply for an APSSC Campus Representative position go to:

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/apssc/about/campus_rep_app-new.cfm

If you have any questions regarding the Campus Representative Program, please contact:

Michelle Patriquin

APSSC Membership and Volunteers Officer

apssc.mvo@psychologicalscience.org

Graduate Publication Posterboard Updated

We have updated the graduate student publication posterboard for the Fall 2011 semester. Stop by the board (outside of the main office) and see the publications from your colleagues.

Congratulations to:

*Baker, Bryann -
Imaging Monetary Reward in Pathological Gambling

*Banducci, Anne -
An Examination of Psychiatric Comorbidities as a Function of Gender and Substance Type Within an Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Program

*Belanger, Jocelyn -
The Energetics of Motivated Cognition: A Force Field Analysis

*Chui, Harold; Huang, Teresa; Jackson, John; Liu Jingquing
Hitting the Wall: A Case Study of Interpersonal Changes in Psychotherapy

*Dahne, Jennifer -
Management of Acute Post-Partum Pain in Patients Maintained on Methadone or Buprenorphne During Pregnancy

*Fulmer, Ashley -
On "Feeling Right" in Cultural Contexts: How Person- Culture Match Affects Self-Esteem and Subjective Well-Being.

*Fulmer, Ashley; Severance, Laura -
The Psychology of Negotiation and Mediation

*McCarthy, Julie -
Rapid Enhancement of Glutametergic Neurotransmission in Bipolar Depression Following Treatment with Riluzole


*McCarthy, Julie -
Elevated Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in Chronically Treated Schizophrenia


*McCarthy, Julie -
Abnormal Medial Prefrontal Cortex Resting-State Connectivity in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia


*Wydra, Maria; Berbery, Maria -
Mental Health and Adjustment of Asian American Adoptees

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH AUTISTIC CHILD

We have a 14-year old autistic son, and we are looking to hire students interested in
working with autistic children and who would like to make a profound impact on this child's life. We
are looking for any type of interaction from behavior management, speech, Language, occupational
therapy, play therapy, educational activities, or any other type of interaction that could benefit
him. The position pays up to $15 an hour starting rate based on your level of experience. Any amount
of time that a person can work, even if it is only one hour/week, would be helpful.

We are also open to having groups of students working at the same time to help
each other if desired at a different pay rate. We live in Bowie, Maryland so you must have your own
means of transportation. Please let us know if you can help, Thank You.

John and Julia Scott
Phocas99@yahoo.com
(301) 534-5397

Department Colloquium Wednesday, November 2nd at 12:00 p.m. 1243 BPS

The Department of Psychology is extremely excited to announce that Dr.
Kent Kiehl from the University of New Mexico will be speaking at the
Departmental colloquium on "The Cognitive Neuroscience of Criminal
Psychopaths."

Dr. Kiehl’s research focuses on understanding the clinical neuroscience
of major mental illnesses, with special emphasis on criminal
psychopathy, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders. He utilizes
non-invasive techniques for measuring brain function, including
event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance
imagining (fMRI) to elucidate the abnormal functional processes believed
to underlie these clinical disorders. His research is critical in
understanding how psychological and/or pharmacological treatment
modulates these neural processes in order to effectively diagnose and
treat these clinical conditions.

After his talk, on Wednesday, November 2nd, we have planned for faculty
and graduate students to meet with Dr. Kiehl at 2:00 p.m. Further, on
Thursday November 3rd at 10:00 a.m., a panel discussion with graduate
students and faculty will be organized around the theme of Dr. Kiehl’s
talk and research interests.

We anticipate that the colloquium will be attended by our faculty, post
docs, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Please pass this
information along to your colleagues, graduate students, and
undergraduate students who you consider might be interested and benefit
from this talk.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, November 2nd at 12:00 p.m.: Colloquium (BPS 1243)

2:00 p.m.: Meeting with faculty and graduate students (BPS 1142)

Thursday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m.: Panel discussion with graduate students and faculty (BPS 1142)

Dr. Evelynn Hammonds will speak on September 21st at 3:30 in 1103 Bioscience Researching Building

The ADVANCE Program for Inclusive Excellence is pleased to announce that Dr. Evelynn M. Hammonds, an internatiaonally recognized authority on the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), will be presenting a talk entitled:

"Intersectionality in STEM Fields: A Roadblock in Theory and Practice."

This talk will address the persistent under-representation of women of color in STEM fields from a historical perspective.

Wednesday, September 21

3:30 PM Bioscience Research Building, RM 1103

Dr. Hammonds is Dean of Harvard College and the Barbara Gutmann Rosenkratz Professor of History of Science and African and African-American studi9es. Prior to her appointment as dean, she searved as Harvard University's first senior vice provost for faculty development and diversity beginning in July 2005. Dean Hammonds jonied the faculty of arts and sciences in 2002 after teaching at MIT where she was the founding director of the Center for the Study of Diversity in Science, Technology, and Medicine. In February 2010, Dean Hammonds was appointed to President Barack Obama's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dean Hannomds is a member of the Committee on Equal Opportunity in Science and Engineering, the Congressionally mandated oversight committee of the NSF.

ADOPT Teaching Workshops

Upcoming ADOPT teaching workshops:

Wednesday, Oct. 5
How Teaching Can Improve Your CV

Wednesday, Oct. 26
How to use Clickers, Smartboards, and Other Technology for Teaching

Wednesday, Nov. 30
Dealing with Student Issues

All graduate students are invited to attend. These sessions are part of the first year colloquium series. More information to come

Miscellaneous Useful Information for Graduate Students

Department Staff whom Graduate Students may interact with:

Last Name	First Name	Title	Description
Bell	Trish	Program Mgmt Spec	Chair’s Asst; Security (keys/alarms) liaison; Parking liaison; Dept conference room scheduling
Brooks	Charlene	Program Mgmt Spec	Supports Cognitive and Neural Systems Program
Chan	Tony	Elect Tech III	IT Coordinator
Coldren-Walker	Julia	Admin Asst II	Supports Clinical program; Supports Social, Decision, and Organizational Sciences Program
Gorham	Carol	Asst Director	Oversee Administrative side of graduate program
Haque	Enamul	Coordinator	Facilities & Procurement
Henry	Merle	Admin Asst II	Supports University of Maryland Psychology Clinic; Procurement
Leffson	Joanne	Coordinator	Personnel & Payroll issues including fellowships
Liden	Bill	Business Manager	Post Award management (Contracts & Grants); Approves travel on external funding sources
Lockwood	Ellen	Admin Asst II	Supports Counseling Psychology program; Supports Developmental Psychology program
Malone	James	Business Services Specialist	Human Subject Payments requests; Reimbursement requests
Payne	Terry	Program Mgmt Spec	Graduate forms; Update graduate mailing lists
Schmidt	Kim	Director of Admin Svcs	Oversees Administrative & Financial aspects of the dept; Approves travel on internal funding sources
Tabor	Meredith	Coordinator	Pre Award management (Contracts & Grants)

Things to Remember

Employment:  Many of you are supported on graduate assistantships.  Remember these positions are 20 hour commitments.  Any additional position is considered overload and a Graduate Student Overload Assignment Request form must be submitted and approved prior to beginning work.  Also remember during the academic year you may only receive an overload for an additional 10 hours. 

Human Subjects:  The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee designated to help assure the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects. The IRB approves the initiation of and conducts periodic reviews of research involving human subjects. Investigators also share the responsibility for protecting human subjects.  All proposed research that involves (1) intervention or interaction with human subjects, (2) the collection of  identifiable private data on living individuals and/or (3) data analysis of identifiable private information on living individuals requires review and approval by the IRB prior to the initiation of the research.

Animal Subjects:  The University of Maryland Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for the review and approval of all proposed uses of live vertebrate animals in teaching and research. IACUC activities are mandated by the U.S. Animal Welfare Act and U.S. Public Health Service Policy.

Travel:  Per University of Maryland policy all travel must be pre-approved.  If you receive travel support, you must submit a Travel Approval Request BEFORE you travel.  (Check out the Goldhaber Travel award from the Graduate School.)

Graduate Student Teaching Experiences Improve Research Skills

A recent article published in Science demonstrates relationship between teaching and development of research skills in graduate students.

Here is the reference and abstract of the article:

Feldon, Peugh, Timmerman, Maher, Hurst, Strickland, Gilmore, & Stiegelmeyer (2011)
Graduate Student Teaching Experiences Improves Their Methodological Research Skills. Science, 333, 1037.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate students are often encouraged to maximize their engagement with supervised research and minimize teaching obligations. However, the process of teaching students engaged in inquiry provides practice in the application of important research skills. Using a performance rubric, we compared the quality of methodological skills demonstrated in written research proposals for two groups of early career graduate students (those with both teaching and research responsibilities and those with only research responsibilities) at the beginning and end of an academic year. After statistically controlling for preexisting differences between groups, students who both taught and conducted research demonstrate significantly greater improvement in their abilities to generate testable hypotheses and design valid experiments. These results indicate that teaching experience can contribute substantially to the improvement of essential research skills.

Second Edition of Resource Guide for Psychology Graduate Students with Disabilities Now Available

The Resource Guide for Psychology Graduate Students with Disabilities is a publication of APA’s Office on Disability Issues in Psychology and The Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology (CDIP). The Second edition has recently been released and can be accessed by clicking on the following link:

https://exch.mail.umd.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=412dc3f45e0040e793c76bc4f7ef1762&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.apa.org%2fpi%2fdisability%2fresources%2fpublications%2fsecond-edition-guide.pdf

Hard copies and alternative formats available by request:

https://exch.mail.umd.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=412dc3f45e0040e793c76bc4f7ef1762&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.apa.org%2fpi%2fdisability%2fresources%2fpublications%2fresource-guide.aspx

OIT Learning Tech Institute workshops May 31-June 13 2011

OIT's Learning Technology Institute will conduct a series of FREE workshops for the university instructional community the weeks of May 31-June 13, 2011.

Workshops range from 1.5 to 3 hours on a variety of topics including managing assessments, grades, content, and communication/collaboration in ELMS (powered by Blackboard). Also, workshops on using clickers, Wimba Live Classroom, iTunesU, wikis, and blogs as teaching tools, as well as creating narrated media presentations with Jing, Audacity, or Camtasia will be provided.  Workshops on Planning a Blended Course and Adapting a Syllabus for Online Teaching will also be featured.

See the calendar at http://otal.umd.edu/calendar for workshop dates. Review workshop descriptions and register at the Training@Maryland site by following the Course Catalog and OIT Learning Technology Institute links at http://www.training.umd.edu.

Important Dates for the Start of the Fall 2011 Semester

* Your contract starts on August 17th and you are expected to be around to meet with your faculty, start research projects and/or attend required meetings by that date.

* All students funded as a TA by the Psychology Department for the first time are required to attend a TA training on August 22 and August 23.

*There will be a mandatory meeting for all grad students after August 23rd (date has not been set yet).

Fulbright International Science Research Grants for Graduate Students

FULBRIGHT GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY/RESEARCH IN THE SCIENCES, MATHEMATICS AND ENGINEERING

Are you are a graduate student and US citizen in a science, math or engineering field? Would you benefit from the opportunity to do research abroad for an academic year?

The Fulbright US Student Program fully funds an academic year of advanced research/studies abroad, and welcomes applications from graduate students in scientific and technical disciplines. Fulbright US Student grants may be ideal for graduate students who:

• Would benefit from the opportunity to work in a lab or facility abroad
• Would benefit from the opportunity to conduct fieldwork abroad
• Have research advisors with active international collaborations
• Already have strong international study/research and cultural interests and possibly language skills as well

Graduate students interested in learning more should contact the National Scholarships Office at Maryland, which provides individual advising and support at all stages of the Fulbright process – email us at fulbright@umd.edu for an appointment.

These are examples of recent graduate student Fulbright research proposal topics and their locations abroad:

Transversals and Duplexes of Latin Squares – Mathematics, Australia

Self-assembled Thermoelectric Nanocoils – Engineering, Israel

Development of an Efficient Method to Simulate Biological Systems – Chemical Physics, Austria

Galactic Evolution through Mergers – Astronomy, Chile

Characterizing Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations – Ecology, Venezuela

Brain-Machine Interfaces – Neuroscience, Germany

Eligibility: To apply for a Fulbright US Student Grant for 2012-13 you must be a US Citizen who will NOT have earned a Ph.D. before October, 2011. Language requirements vary by country but are usually more flexible in cases where the research lab/facility abroad conducts its work in English.

Contact us at fulbright@umd.edu for more information and to set up an appointment.

Fall 2011 Core Courses

The following core courses are going to be offered this Fall:

* Psyc 604: Fundamentals of Social Psychology

* Psyc 610: Historical Viewpoints and Current Theories in Psychology

* Psyc 612: Theories of Personality

Potential Webpage for Recruiting Participants

If you are trying to recruit participants outside of the University of Maryland undergraduate pool, I came across this website:  http://www.all-about-psychology.com/psychology-research-participants.html

You can post a little information about your study (see examples on above webpage) so that participants that meet the requirements of your study will contact you.

Haven't heard anything about the effectiveness of the website but it is another way to get the word out about your research.

Workshop on Writing Productivity and Peer-Review Process (June 8, 2011)

Andy De Los Reyes is organizing a workshop on writing productivity and the peer-review process that will be offered this summer. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8th in room 1208 BPS between 9am and noon.

Depending upon interest, Andy will also coordinate with Tony Chan to ensure that a video archive of the workshop is developed to have on file for later use.