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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2007

Psi Chi Symposium: "Applying to Graduate School in Psychology: A Mini-Workshop"
10:00–11:20 a.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Chair: John C. Norcross, University of Scranton (PA)

Preparing for Graduate School: GPAs, GREs, Admission Criteria, and Acceptance Rates. John C. Norcross, University of Scranton
Identifying and Targeting Compatible Graduate Programs. Brooke J. Cannon, Marywood University (PA)
Selling It: Personal Statements and Admission Interviews. Tom Hogan, University of Scranton, and Susan Whitbourne, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Psi Chi Eastern Regional Vice-President)

This mini-workshop draws on accumulated wisdom, literature reviews, and recent studies to present prescriptive information on preparing for graduate school in psychology. Designed for both faculty advisors and prospective graduate students, the panelists will present strategies for preparing for admission requirements, acquiring research and practical experiences, selecting compatible graduate programs, writing personal statements, and capitalizing on student strengths. Handouts adapted from Graduate Study in Psychology, the Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, and The Complete Guide to Graduate School Admission will supplement the presentations.


Psi Chi Distinguished Speaker: "The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less"
11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m., Liberty A
Speaker: Barry Schwartz, Swarthmore College (PA)
Chair: Susan Whitbourne, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Decades of research have told us that freedom, autonomy, and choice are essential for psychological well being, and it seems only logical that if some choice is good, then more choice is better. Nonetheless, recent findings suggest that as the number of choices people face increases, a point is reached at which satisfaction and well-being go down--that choice stops being liberating and starts to become paralyzing. This "paradox of choice" is especially true for people whose aim when they choose is to make the best possible decision. This lecture will review the evidence, suggest why increased choice can decrease satisfaction, and discuss some implications of these findings for public policy. Policy makers can no longer simply offer people more choices and assume that by doing so they are increasing collective welfare.


Psi Chi Session: "Feedback From the National Leadership Conference"
1:00–2:20 p.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Chair: Vincent Prohaska, Lehman College, CUNY (Psi Chi President-Elect)
Participant: Jason Young, Hunter College, CUNY

Psi Chi held its first biannual National Leadership Conference in January 2007. In this session, participants at that conference will bring back ideas to improve chapter leadership and maintain vitality. Presenters will summarize what was learned from the conference in a workshop format, including information leading by example, ethical and social responsibility, leaders as mentors, dealing with difficult situations, and diversity. This session should be useful for chapter officers and faculty advisors.


Psi Chi Session: "The Little Inadvertent Lies and Deceptions in Student Papers"
2:30–3:50 p.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Speaker: Miguel Roig, St. John's University (NY)
Chair: Susan Whitbourne, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Writing a term paper can be a challenging task, particularly if the student lacks appropriate critical reading and writing skills, and waits until the last minute to complete the assignment. These and other factors can contribute to writing practices that are not consistent with the ethical spirit expected of an aspiring professional. In this presentation, Dr. Roig will review some of the most common, inappropriate writing practices and will identify strategies to avoid them.


Psi Chi Session: "Penn Graduate School of Education Information Session"
4:00–5:20 p.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Participant: Alyssa D'Alconzo, University of Pennsylvania

PennGSE has 17 programs and seeks students who are interested in promoting a deeper understanding of educational issues and contributing to societal change. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the interactive relationship of theory, research, and practice, often focusing on urban education. Students engage in extensive fieldwork throughout their studies and are both learners and agents of change within the university and the surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods. Faculty, alumni, current students, and staff will highlight our psychology programs and student life at the Penn Graduate School of Education. Stop by for a snack and more information! Representatives will be available to provide information regarding PennGSE.


SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2007

Psi Chi Faculty Advisor/Chapter President Breakfast
8:00–9:00 a.m., Terrance Restaurant (located in convention hotel)
Chair: Joan Cannon, University of Massachusetts Lowell

This breakfast, hosted by the Psi Chi Eastern Region Steering Committee, recognizes the terrific contributions of Psi Chi chapter faculty advisors and presidents. If you would like to attend, please email Joan Cannon, University of Massachusetts Lowell (Psi Chi Eastern Regional Steering Committee Member), at Joan_Cannon@uml.edu by March 9, 2007.


Careers in Psychology for the 21st Century
10:00–11:20 a.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Chair: Debra Park, West Deptford High School
Discussants: Richard Wesp, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania; J.W. Whitlow, Rutgers University (NJ); Verneda P. Hamm Baugh, Kean University (NJ); George Spilich, Washington College (MD); Dawn K. Lewis, Prince George’s Community College (MD); Lois Lawson-Briddel, Gloucester County College (NJ), Diane L. Finley, Prince George’s Community College; Robin Hailstorks, Prince George’s Community College; and  Gwyneth Boodoo (Quantitative Psychologist)

A panel discussion representing the science and practice of psychology will share with participants details about their occupation as well as relevant academic and training requirements needed to pursue work in each field. Career fields represented include: cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, academia, multicultural clinical psychologist, quantitative psychology, sport psychology, ethnic and minority issues, and career resources available to students. Sponsored by Psi Beta, Psi Chi, and TOPSS (APA)


Psi Chi Awards Ceremony
5:30–6:50 p.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North
Chair: Susan Whitbourne, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Psi Chi awards will be presented acknowledging outstanding work from chapter members. The 2007 Psi Chi Eastern Regional Research Award winners are as follows:

Anticipated Reactions to Domestic Abuse Involving Child Presence and Severity of Injury. David Polsinelli, Villa Julie College (MD)

Blocking in Word Fragment Completion in those with Amnesia: A Test of the Implicit Nature of Memory Blocks. David Scarisbrick, Wilkes University (PA)

Decreasing Depression in Assisted-Living Residents Adding an Element of Control. Jillian M. Roth, Albright College (PA)

Effects of Predator-Scent Exposure on Defensive Behavior and Acoustic Startle Response in Female Rats. Natale R. Sciolino, Buffalo State College, State University of New York

Examining Thriving as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Dissociation and Self-Harm. Eileen Todd, College of Saint Rose (NY)

Involvement and Field Dependence-Independence in the Detection of Deception. Kimberly McClure, Le Moyne College (NY)

Mood and Regulatory Focus: Evidence of Value From Fit. Jolie Baumann, Ithaca College (NY)

Perceived Commitment Levels and Coping Strategies in Adolescent and Emerging Adulthood Romantic Relationships. Kelly E. Jones, Elizabethtown College (PA)

Predicting Hookup Behaviors: The Relative Role of Social Norm Misperception in the Decision to Hookup. Megan E. Guffin, Middlebury College (VT)

Self-Understanding and the Accuracy of Self-Knowledge. Natalie Nardone, Monmouth University (NJ)

The Effect of Message Framing on Sexual Risk Attitudes: The Moderating Effect of Fear and Danger Control Processing. Jennifer E. Lyons, College Of Saint Rose

The Influence of Electronic Media on Attitudes Toward Mental Illness Using Confidential Versus Anonymous Questionnaires. Brandi Klein, Saint Vincent College (PA)

The Relationship Between Maternal Employment History and Young Adults' Attitudes About Maternal Work Status and Career Aspirations. Shelby Cochran, Ursinus College (PA)

The Use of Emotional Intelligence and Academic Motivation to Predict Which Students Will Complete Their College Degrees and which Students Will Fail Out. William G. Danahy, Hampden-Sydney College (VA)

What's for Dinner? Measuring the Effect of Athleticism and Depression on Healthy Eating Choices. Lindsey A. Riley, Washington College (MD)