Psychology of Decision-Making
PSYC 322
Spring 2025
| Section:
01
02
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We make decisions all the time. The vast majority of decisions have little consequence, though some are monumental and can deeply affect our lives. The broad goal of this course is to explore the science of judgment and decision-making. We will leverage concepts and research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and economics to understand how an individual makes judgments and decisions, why these decisions are subject to bias, and whether humans are "rational" decision-makers. Along the way, we will examine major questions that have guided decision research, consider domains where decision-making could be improved, and think of practical applications of course concepts to everyday life. Foundations of Contemporary Psychology (PSYC 105) is strongly recommended as a prerequisite (plus any courses listed under individual sections), as this is an upper-level course (that relies on student contributions) in the Psychology Department. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS PSYC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (NS&B)(PSYC) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
We will largely read scientific journal articles and book chapters, which will be made available electronically. (There may be one or two popular books that you will need to purchase as well, e.g., D. Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow.".)
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Examinations and Assignments:
May include response papers, leading class discussions, presentations, research papers, essay tests. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This is an advanced course for psychology majors interested in human decision making processes. The course fulfills the specialized course requirement for the major. Majors/intended majors who have taken Foundations of Contemporary Psychology (PSYC 105) and Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 220) will be given priority for permission during preregistration. Students from related backgrounds (e.g., economics, neuroscience) will be considered as well. When you make an enrollment request, inform the professor of your class year, (prospective) major, and courses/experiences that you believe provide you background for this course. |
| Instructor(s): Patalano,Andrea Times: .M.W... 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: JUDD113; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 15 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 5 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 2 | 3rd Ranked: 3 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
None (individual chapters and research papers will be posted on Moodle) |
Examinations and Assignments:
2 exams, in-class exercises, in-class discussion, 2 writing assignments, 1 group project with an end-of-semester presentation and written report. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. If you are interested, please email Professor Tomlin (dtomlin@wesleyan.edu) and describe a) your interest in the course, b) your anticipated year of graduation, c) your major, and d) courses you have completed that you think will be relevant to PSYC 322. |
| Instructor(s): Tomlin,Damon Austin Times: ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM; Location: ALLB004; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 15 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 4 | 1st Ranked: 2 | 2nd Ranked: 2 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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