Download a pdf copy of this program here.FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2007
Psi Chi Distinguished Speaker: "Assessing the Validity of Implicit Association Test (IAT) Measures"3:00–4:20 p.m., Military RoomSpeaker: Anthony G. Greenwald, University of Washington
Chair: Robert A. Youth, Dowling College (NY; Psi Chi Past-President)
Between first publication of the IAT in 1998 and early 2007, more than 5 million IATs have been completed online. As a research tool, the IAT has become a leading technique for investigations of implicit social cognition, a domain with the potential to reveal preferences for racial, ethnic, and other groups that (a) may remain outside a person's awareness and (b) can clash with that same person's genuinely professed (explicit) beliefs. As of early 2007, PsycINFO retrieves 350 sources that reference the IAT, many of which include empirical reports of IAT data. The extensive use of the IAT to investigate implicit social cognition has naturally raised questions about the validity and conceptual meaning of IAT measures. This presentation will review the current state of research knowledge of the IAT's validity, with particular attention to the appropriateness of the IAT's use to characterize human cognition related to phenomena of prejudice and stereotyping.
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2007Psi Chi Poster Session (Poster Session V)8:00–9:00 a.m., Exhibit Hall [Board #V-022] Examining the Modulation of the Serotonin Transporter by Interleukin-4. Leila Ostad-Hashemi and Alexander Kusnecov, Rutgers University New Brunswick (NJ)
The short allele of 5-HTTLPR has been argued to predict heightened physiological reactivity to anxiogenic stimuli, but with conflicting results. Preliminary results herein support that 70% of individuals with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR expressed the long allele of IL-4. Low anxiety was associated with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR and the long allele of IL-4.
[Board #V-023] Gender Modifies the Relationship Between Behavioral Ratings of Emotion and Cardiovascular Reactivity. Edward A. Griffith and Keith A. Kline, Virginia Military Institute
A study which related behavioral ratings of undergraduates’ emotions to cardiovascular responses during a speech. Consistent with gender stereotypes and prior research, the findings may support men being less emotionally expressive than women. Negative health implications are discussed.
[Board #V-024] Music-Dependent Memory: The Effect of Key on Memory Recall. Elizabeth Wieland, Alma College (MI)
Participants rated words while background music in one key was played and, then, these same subjects were asked to recall as many words as they could in a two-minute period during which the "same music" or "music in a different" key was played. Participants in conditions with a different context of key were found to recall more words.
[Board #V-025] Structuring Format and Extended Time for the Academic Testing of ADHD Students. Keith A. Hayes, Kathryn Lee, and Randall Osborne, Texas State University-San Marcos
Recent studies focusing on test anxiety (TA) show that students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit higher levels of TA than do non-ADHD students. This study examined methods to reduce TA in ADHD students. Questions are raised about the adequacy of current academic testing method for ADHD students.
Psi Chi Teaching Workshop: "The Influence of Grades on Teaching Effectiveness Ratings" 1:00–2:20 p.m., Military RoomChair: Robert A. Youth, Dowling College (NY)
Panelists: Steven Falkenberg, Eastern Kentucky University, and Anthony G. Greenwald, University of Washington
The use of student ratings to evaluate teaching effectiveness is a regular part of many academic programs across the United States. Variously referred to as student evaluations of teaching (SET), student evaluations of faculty performance (SEFP), or student evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETE), these rating systems are in and of themselves a continuing subject of controversy. This session is intended to allow critics of the use of student evaluations a forum in which to bring forth their collective concerns about problems inherent in believing that student ratings are either valid or reliable indicators of teaching excellence. The presentation is also intended to highlight the possible negative consequences of SET, SEFP, or SETE use as it relates to decisions made about faculty salary, reappointment, promotion, and tenure.
Discussants: Questions and commentary from students and faculty will be invited.
Psi Chi Symposium: "Resources Available to Support Undergraduate Psychology Research Projects"3:00–4:20 p.m., Military RoomChair: Susan Dutch, Westfield State College (MA)
An Overview of the Psi Chi Grant and Awards Programs. Virginia Andreoli Mathie, Psi Chi National Office (Psi Chi Executive Director)
An overview of the Psi Chi grant and awards programs, the importance of networking at conferences, and Psi Chi programs at regional and national meetings will be discussed.
A Discussion of Advanced Leadership Training. Robert A. Youth, Dowling College (NY)
A discussion of advancing leadership training and an overview of resources available by which research projects and practical learning experiences can be fostered.
An Overview of Opportunities That Exist for Research at the FBI National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. Cynthia Lent, FBI Social Behavioral Science Research
An overview of opportunities that exist for research at the FBI National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime will be discussed, especially via the Psi Chi / FBI partnership for internships.