Experimental Program
Program Overview | Experimental Tracks | Experimental Faculty | Application Information
| The experimental program adopts a broad approach to the science of psychology by examining the biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and personality factors that affect behavior across the full range of the individual’s lifespan, providing an approach to psychology that extends “from the cradle to the grave.” There are four concentrations to choose from, all housed under the general experimental program: |
| Cognitive | Develop a strong theoretical understanding and research competence in the study of human cognition |
| Comparative-Neurobiology | Develop a strong theoretical understanding and research competence in the study of comparative psychology and/or neurobiology |
| Developmental | Gain a strong background in research design and statistics in addition to coursework in lifespan social and cognitive development |
| Social-Personality | Develop a strong theoretical and research competence in the field |
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All students are required to complete a master's thesis and doctoral research. Students are expected to participate in research activities throughout their graduate training. Research experience is complemented by course work in statistics and research methodology and design. All students also take a practicum course in the teaching of psychology, and most gain experience as instructors. In addition, students in the experimental program are encouraged to develop applied skills to enhance their job market potential. We offer a flexible curriculum, and encourage students to design a plan of study that fits their needs and goals. Experimental faculty works with you to achieve your goals, and all students are expected to earn their degrees. Students are funded through grants, assistantships, full out-of-state tuition waivers, and partial waivers of general fees. Click here to download the Graduate Student Handbook and Experimental Psychology Supplement for more information.
Due to COVID-19 considerations, GRE scores will not be required for those applying for 2021 fall admission. |
Charles I. Abramson, Ph.D.
Regents Professor, Lawrence L. Boger Professor of International Studies Boston University
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Comparative psychology. Studies include mathematical models of the learning process, influence of agrochemicals and metals on learning, development of a social insect model of ethanol induced behavior, molecular mechanisms of learning, development of inquiry-based science activities, comparative analysis of behavior.
Does not anticipate admitting a student in 2021.
Amanda Baraldi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Arizona State University
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Missing data analyses, methods for assessing mediation, longitudinal growth modeling, and health and prevention research. Recent publications appear in Psychological Methods, Multivariate Behavioral Research, and Appetite.
Does not anticipate admitting a student in 2021.
Jennifer Byrd-Craven, Ph.D.
Professor University of Missouri
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Psychobiology of the stress response including sex differences, developmental and life history factors, with a focus on female sociality as it relates to evolutionary psychology more broadly. Recent publications appear in Psychoneuroendocrinology, Physiology and Behavior, and Hormones & Behavior.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
James W. Grice, Ph.D.
Professor University of New Mexico
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Social-Personality Track. Observation Oriented Modeling, Quantitative Methods, Personality Theory, Psychology of Religion, and Idiographic Assessment of Personality. Recent publications appear in Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, Psychological Methods, Multivariate Behavioral Research, and the Journal of Personality.
Does not anticipate admitting a student in 2021.
Douglas A. Hershey, Ph.D.
Professor
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Cognitive & Developmental Tracks. Retirement planning, financial planning for retirement, and lifespan decision making. Recent Publications appear in Work, Aging, and Retirement; the Journal of Personal Finance; Ageing & Society; and the Journal of Consumer Affairs.
Does not anticipate admitting a student in 2021.
Shelia M. Kennison, Ph.D.
Professor University of Massachusetts, Amherst
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Cognitive science with a broad focus including topics in cognition related the communication and social processes, especially those involving bilingualism and trilingualism. New research focuses on biological basis of behavior, especially involved in risk-taking in children and adults.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
Jaimie Arona Krems, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Arizona State University
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Social-Personality Track. Friendship; Female social psychology and behavior (cooperation, competition); Stereotyping and prejudice (e.g., fat stigma). Recent publications appear in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Psychological Science, and Evolution & Human Behavior.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
Sarah C. Kucker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor University of Iowa
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Cognitive & Developmental Tracks. The developmental mechanisms and trajectories of early word learning and categorization, with a focus on how cognitive and linguistics components interact and change over time.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
Kara Moore, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor University of Arkansas
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The role of attention and memory in the legal system. Specifically, (1) children's and adults' use of metacognitive strategies to prevent false memories and (2) the role of memory and attention in the search for missing and wanted persons. Recent publications appear in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, Child Development, and Applied Cognitive Psychology.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
Celinda Reese-Melancon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies Louisiana State University
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Memory and memory aging, especially factors that influence prospective memory performance, metamemory, and collaborative cognition.
Anticipates admitting a student in 2021.
| The deadline for the Experimental Program is December 1st of each year. The Experimental Program expects prospective students to attend Interview Weekend held in February. Applicants will be notified by late December if they are to be invited. |
GRE Codes
Institution code: 6546
Department code: 2016
Due to COVID-19 considerations, GRE scores will not be required for those applying for 2021 fall admission.
Please apply using the new graduate college online application: https://grad.okstate.edu/apply/
For more information about the Experimental Program contact:
Jennifer Byrd-Craven, Ph.D.
Professor and Experimental Program Director
116 Psychology Building
Stillwater, OK 74078
Telephone: (405) 744-9449
jennifer.byrd.craven@okstate.edu