Courses Sport Psychology

In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Learners identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master’s degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master’s-level psychology training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners investigate essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860.

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864.

In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002.

Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning.

Learners in this course apply psychological theories to explain and improve sport performance. Learners evaluate the implications of new research for professional practice in sport psychology and explore the ways in which they can meet the unique needs of diverse participants through customized coaching strategies. In particular, learners examine personality, attention, anxiety, arousal and arousal adjustment strategies, cognitive-behavioral intervention, causal attribution, motivation, and self confidence. Prerequisite(s): PSY6110.

Learners in this course examine the mechanisms athletes use to exceed their perceived physical and mental limitations. In addition, learners apply performance enhancement theories and techniques to help clients improve athletic performance. Topics include strategies such as visualization, meditation, hypnosis, autogenic training, biofeedback, and progressive relaxation. Prerequisite(s): PSY6810.

Learners in this course acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Learners consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Learners also examine the significance of working with diverse populations and expanding their areas of expertise. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820.

In this course, learners critically analyze the research, theories, and practices of sport psychology. Learners examine current issues in sports and determine ways to ethically and professionally apply sport psychology practices to educate sports participants and to improve the performance of athletes. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820.

This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and diversity on field-related issues.

In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization by developing a research proposal. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, learners develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing diversity and individual variation in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.