Dr. Dennis R. Papini

dpapini@mtsu.edu

Dr. Dennis R. papini

Psychology

Discipline specific equipment

AMG 117

N/A

N/A

Psychology is a research intensive discipline that requires dedicated, multipurpose research space, and specialized equipment for training purposes. AMG 117 is a room that we propose dividing into three areas. Psychological test "kits", SHRM manuals, movement of and construction costs for an environmentally isolated sound chamber, biofeedback/psychophysiology equipment, research methods/survey testing software, a behavioral observation lab and construction costs associated with development of critically needed multipurpose student research facilities are requested. A Psychometrics area, used by students in research methods (250 undergrad and grad students), and independent research will have SNAP software that allows online participation which reduces time requirements for studies. Virtually all General Psych students participate in the subject pool (approximately 4000 student per year). The use of SNAP will enhance the experience that these students receive. Test "kits" and scoring protocols, essential for training of students in School Psychology, Professional Counseling and Clinical Psychology will also be in this area. The kits will enable us to expand and update our students ability to assess 1) Children's Emotional/Behavioral Problems, 2) Assessment of Learning Disabilities and 3) Intellectual Assessment. Training our students in the use of these instruments is essential to the ability of MTSU students to continue to be placed in well paying professional jobs. The number of graduate students utilizing these test kits each year is approximately 120. SHRM manuals, in this psychometrics area, used by I/O undergraduates and graduates, are required study materials for taking a national certification exam for Human Resource management. Our nationally recognized I/O program will be able to get to the next step with the ability of their students to take and pass this exam prior to or just after graduation. An environmentally isolated audio chamber, valued at $20,000 would be relocated. This chamber is located in a building due for complete renovation. Construction of walls and redoing the environmental control and air handling is necessary. The chamber would be used by undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research ranging from auditory and visual perceptual experiments to biofeedback/psychophysiology. A behavioral observation lab, to observe and video record human interactions, is critically needed for virtually all the psych master’s programs as well as for undergraduate research. With this lab we will be able to improve feedback and training in the applied fields. This experience is extremely important for the development of skills needed by the students in the applied areas. With our continued growth at MTSU all of the above listed discipline specific equipment is necessary to maintaining quality programs.