Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations

This concentration is for students interested in careers for which research and conceptual skills are prerequisites (e.g., science, technology, data analysis) and for students interested in graduate school in the behavioral sciences (e.g., behavior analysis, behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience) or for professional training (e.g., allied health, pharmacology, medicine). Although the area has two options, all students take courses on basic behavioral processes (ABSC 100/101), the application of these processes to socially relevant behavioral problems (ABSC 304), research methodology (ABSC 308), and contemporary empirical and theoretical issues in the behavioral sciences (ABSC 509). In addition, students will complete a two-semester hands-on practicum (ABSC 692 or ABSC 693). The practicum is usually taken in either basic research or conceptual foundations; however, in special cases, students may enroll in a one semester of each practicum, given that they have the prerequisites and instructor permission. Students complete the remainder of the ABS major requirements with electives, some of which may be research and graduate seminars.

The Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations concentration focuses on understanding behavioral processes that underlie complex human and animal behavior.  The concentration emphasizes experimental approaches to learning and decision making to understand environmental and historical forces that determine why and how we behave.  Behavioral processes are understood as complementary, but distinct, from biological and genetic contributions, with their own principles and laws.  Students engaged in the concentration will develop skills in laboratory and field research designed to push the boundaries of our current theories and models and shed new insights about the origins of action. 

The concentration primarily attracts students interested in advanced graduate training in the behavioral sciences and related disciplines, such as addiction science, applied behavior analysis, psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.  Additionally, students may select appropriate coursework to prepare for careers as data scientists, laboratory technicians, and research assistants upon graduation.

The concentration emphasizes the development of strong quantitative and data analytic skills.  A minimum of one statistics course is required, and depending on the student’s career goals, minors in behavioral neuroscience, psychology, statistics, or data science may enhance their degree.

Students interested in completing a senior practicum in the area of Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations should contact Professor Michael Amlung or Professor Jon Pinkston.

Concentrations