Psychology Research and Resources

Honors Program in Psychology

The Honors program in psychology requires completion and defense of a thesis that is proposed in Psychology 375: Advanced Research I and executed in Psychology 376: Advanced Research II. A grade of at least A- in each course is required for a student to receive honors in psychology.  In addition, the thesis must be defended before a committee of faculty who must decide that the student is worthy of the distinction of Honors in Psychology.

Guidelines for Writing Papers in Psychology

Psychologists write in the style dictated by the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual. When you write papers in psychology courses, you will be expected to write in this style. The following resources will help you to learn and use APA. Of course, follow all directions given by your professor for your specific assignment.

There are two basic types of psychology papers: literature reviews (aka term papers) and research reports. If you have conducted an empirical study in which you have collected and analyzed data, you should follow the instructions for writing a research report. Otherwise, look at the instructions for writing a literature review.

For additional resources on APA writing,see information from the Simpson Writing Center.

Attending Grad School?

Please stop by the department to review our available resources such as the APA Guide to Graduate Study. Your best resource is your psychology faculty. You should discuss future opportunity with your advisor and also get input from the other members of the department.

Many Simpson students in recent years have gone on in the area of School Psychology. To learn more about school psychology, look at the web site of the National Association of School Psychologists.

Want more information? Here is a list of links for students interested in pursuing graduate study in psychology. And here is a list of graduate programs in psychology.

Recommendation Request Worksheet

Before requesting reference letters from a Simpson College Department of Psychology faculty member, please download and complete the Recommendation Request Worksheet.  This will help you stay organized and ensure you receive the best possible letters of reference.  The worksheet is a Microsoft Excel file and a link is provided below.

Recommendation Request Worksheet