The faculty have training in a variety of fields within and
beyond psychology and conduct research on a wide range of topics, from specific
biological mechanisms to interventions aimed at reducing discrimination in higher
education and the workplace. They seek to advance knowledge within their field,
while engaging students in the process. All psychology majors complete basic
coursework in research methods and statistics, and have the opportunity to
participate in empirical work. In addition, students are strongly encouraged
to assist faculty as researchers (Psyc 395/395A) and to develop their own independent study projects (Psyc 397 or 499).
Please explore the other links on the menu (to the left) to
learn about other faculty and student projects.
The photograph below offers a humorous look at the long tradition of psychological research at Oxy.
Titled: California Occidental College's psychology department gives Bonzo, movie chimpanzee, mental test, 1951

Prof. Luther Jennings, left, and David Cole of Occidental College's psychology department, give Bonzo,
movie chimpanzee, mental test for 5-year-old child. Bonzo didn’t do well at that but proved "brilliant" in his various stunts.
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