Dr. Willcutt's research focuses on the identification of etiological factors that lead to the development of psychopathology, with a specific focus on childhood disruptive disorders and learning disabilities. His studies suggest that comorbidity between reading disability and ADHD is due primarily to common genetic influences that lead to slow and more variable cognitive processing speed. However, his recent results suggest that future advances using these methods may be constrained by the limitations of this methodology. Therefore, he recently initiated collaborative projects that employ techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and event-related potentials to identify the neural substrates that play a role in these disorders. By integrating these results with data from clinical studies, he works to develop comprehensive models that explain how genetic and environmental risk factors influence brain development and lead to the behavioral symptoms of these disorders.
PSYC 3303 - Clinical Psychology: Psychological Disorders
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Examines etiological, theoretical, clinical,diagnostic, and experimental perspectives of major mental health disorders, with an emphasis on the main symptoms and diagnostic criteria associated with these disorders.
PSYC 4011 - Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018
Critically reviews some aspect of psychological literature, scholarly analysis of a major psychological issue, and/or empirical research project. See the psychology honors director for further information.
PSYC 4541 - Special Topics in Psychology - Social Science
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Examines individual or social dimensions of human behavior. Students will develop expertise in basic theories, as well as in measurement techniques and data interpretation regarding issues of societal significance. Students will consider applications of that knowledge, ranging from the development of new theory to solving problems. Particular section content is determined by instructor. PSYC 4541 and/or PSYC 4551 may be taken 3 times with different topics, for a total of 9 credits
PSYC 5423 - Research Problems in Clinical Psychology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Provides an overview of fundamental research methods relevant to clinical psychology, including literature synthesis, hypothesis formulation and study design, measure selection, and data analysis. Students will gain specific experience writing scientific papers and funding proposals.
PSYC 5433 - Adult Psychopathology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018
Intensively surveys major theories, research findings, and behavioral characteristics associated with deviant reaction patterns.
PSYC 6603 - Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Fall 2018
Covers a range of topics important for professional development in clinical psychology, including preparation and delivery of research presentations, preparation of grant proposals/manuscripts and practicum experience (i.e., interviewing and assessment, treatment planning, intervention and documentation). Intended to prepare students for careers as research scientists and clinicians. May be repeated up to 10 total credit hours. Instructor consent required.
PSYC 7703 - Seminar: Clinical Psychology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Selected topics in the area of clinical psychology. May be repeated up to 21 total credit hours. Instructor consent required for students outside of the Clinical Psychology program.
