Social Psychology
Guiding Philosophy
The graduate studies in social psychology at
Simon Fraser University are designed to:
Provide a graduate-level understanding of
the major methodological approaches, theories, models, substantive issues, and empirical
findings in contemporary social psychology
Foster the ability to conduct well-designed
research
Encourage the development of a publication
record
Enhance teaching abilities and
Foster collaborative relationships and a
sense of collegiality.
Students are encouraged to generate original ideas and to evaluate their own and others'
work in a critically constructive manner. In contrast to programs in which students
interact only with one faculty advisor, students in the Simon Fraser Social Psychology
Program will have the opportunity to interact with all social psychology faculty and
students on an ongoing basis, thus receiving exposure to multiple perspectives and
feedback on their ideas and research proposals.
Knowledge of Social Psychology
Students are required to take courses in
social psychology, other areas, and research methods. In addition, they are required to
participate in research seminars on an ongoing basis, to conduct research appropriate for
MA and Ph.D. theses, and to complete three comprehensive projects.
Although these requirements are designed to
insure students have a general understanding of the field of psychology as a whole
(breadth) and expertise in social psychology (depth) as ends in themselves, they also are
designed to prepare students for academic careers.
In addition to these requirements, students
are expected to advance their knowledge of social psychology in the process of working on
ideas of their own, evaluating the ideas of other members in the area, conducting
research, and writing papers.
Publication Record
From the time students enter the program, they
are encouraged to become involved in activities leading to the development of a
publication record. To help students acquire the requisite skills, students are trained in
research design (Psyc 824), statistical analyses (Psyc 910, 911), other appropriate
methods (Psyc 715), and the craft of scientific writing (Psyc 819). Students are required
on an ongoing basis to participate in a research seminar (Psyc 914) that supplies the
opportunity to present and critique research proposals, papers, and grant applications,
analyze results, interpret findings, practice convention talks, and obtain feedback on
posters. Research Seminar courses are graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Students are given the opportunity to collaborate with one or more faculty members, with
the expectation of being included as a co-author in resulting publications. Students are
encouraged to write their MA and Ph.D. theses up as research articles and, when warranted,
to submit them for publication.
Teaching Experience and Ability
The graduate program at SFU provides students
with many opportunities to acquire and improve teaching skills. The Center for University
Teaching and Learning offers workshops and other activities designed to enhance
instructional abilities. The Psyc 819 course on professional issues reviews research on
effective teaching techniques. Students also are encouraged to refine their instructional
skills by presenting papers and leading seminars in the Psyc 914 Research Seminar course.
SFU has a unique tutorial system in which
graduate students lead, and often design, tutorials in a wide variety of undergraduate
courses. As Teaching Assistants, graduate students also may enhance their knowledge of
social psychology. Students are encouraged to design their own courses, often as one of
the Comprehensive Projects, and may be given the opportunity to teach a course as a
sessional lecturer before they leave.
Collegiality
Although solitary individuals may generate
great ideas on their own, two (or more) minds are generally better than one. Students in
the Social Psychology Program are encouraged to discuss their ideas with other members of
the program on an ongoing basis and to cultivate cooperative and collaborative academic
relations. Students in the area have access to a common room, and when possible,
share offices with other Social Psychology graduate and honours students. Incoming
students take courses as a cohort, and all students in the area meet biweekly in the
research seminar.
Students are encouraged to work with faculty
or senior graduate students in an apprenticeship role during their first years, and to
assist honours students and incoming graduate students in their later years. All students
are encouraged to collaborate with other members of the program or department, including
other students.
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Last Updated: November 07, 2001
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