Psychology Newsletter
November 2016
November Events
November 1: Lunch Bunch. (12-1PM)
Dr. Deb McGinnis will be presenting her
research, “Psychological resilience in middleaged adults: Life events matter.” Located in the
Oakland Room.
November 10: I/O Information Session (12-1PM)
Dr. Rebecca Malatesta will speak about the field
of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Located in the Heritage Room of the OC.
November 12: Careers in Psychology
(9:30AM – 1:30PM). Not sure what having a
degree in Psychology can do for you? Psi Chi's
Careers in Psychology Workshop is the place to
be! Located in 2023 HHB.
November 16: Research Colloquium (12-1 PM)
Dr. Todd Shackelford will discuss his research.
Located in Lake Superior Room A of the OC.
November 29: Lunch Bunch (12 – 1PM)
Dr. Erin Meyers from the Department of
Communication and Journalism will be speaking
about her research. Located in the Oakland
Room.
Nov 1 & Nov 29: Faculty Teaching Workshop
(12-1:30PM). As part of the: Facilitating CETL
Faculty Development Institute, Dr. Keith
Williams will be leading a workshop on "Course
Redesign to Increase Student Success."
Nov 2, 16, & 30: Graduate Assistant Teaching
Workshop (5:30 – 7PM). As part of the:
Facilitating CETL workshop series, Dr. Keith
Williams will be leading a teaching workshop for
Graduate Teaching Assistants.
October Publications
Barbaro, N., Boutwell, B.B., Barnes, J.C., &
Shackelford, T.K. (in press). Rethinking the
transmission gap: What behavioral genetics and
evolutionary psychology mean for attachment theory.
A comment on Verhage et al. (2015). Psychological
Bulletin.
Barbaro, N., & Shackelford, T.K. (in press).
Dimensions of environmental risk are unique
theoretical constructs. A comment on Van Lange,
Rinderu, & Bushman. Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
Donaldson SH, Welling LLM, & Reeve SD (in press).
The influence of hormone replacement therapy on
mating psychology among post-menopausal women.
Personality and Individual Differences.
Fink, B., André, S., Mines, J., Weege, B., Shackelford,
T.K., & Butovskaya, M. (in press). Sex differences in
perceptions of attractiveness of strong and weak male
walkers. American Journal of Human Biology.
Fink, B., & Shackelford, T.K. (in press). Why did dance
evolve? A comment on Laland, Wilkins and Clayton
(2016). Evolutionary Psychological Science.
Gorelik, G., & Shackelford, T.K. (in press). What is
transcendence, how did it evolve, and is it beneficial?
Religion, Brain, & Behavior.
Department of Psychology
Pryale Hall
(248) 370-2311
Psychology Newsletter, Page 2
Pham, M.N., Delecce, T., & Shackelford, T.K. (2017).
Sperm competition in marriage: Semen displacement,
male rivals, and spousal discrepancy in sexual
interest. Personality and Individual Differences, 105,
229-232.
Sela, Y., Mogilski, J.K., Shackelford, T.K., Zeigler-Hill,
& Fink, B. (in press). Mate value discrepancy and
mate retention behaviors of self and partner. Journal
of Personality.
Taku, K. (2016). PTG no kanosei to kadai [Potential
and challenges of PTG (written in Japanese)]. Kaneko
Shobo, Tokyo, Japan.
Vonk, J. (2016). Abstract Concept Formation. In. T. K.
Shackelford & V. A. Weekes- Shackelford (Eds.).
Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science,
Springer. New York, NY.
Graduate Student Adam Tratner shows off the
nerdiest (and scariest) of pumpkin carvings
Publications (continued)
Hill AK, Cárdenas RA, Wheatley JR, Welling LLM,
Burriss RP, Claes P, Apicella CL, McDaniel MA, Little
AC, Shriver MD, & Puts DA (in press). Are there vocal
cues to human developmental stability? Relationships
between facial fluctuating asymmetry and voice
attractiveness. Evolution and Human Behavior.
Vonk, J. (2016). Same-Different Categorization. In. T.
K. Shackelford & V. A. Weekes- Shackelford (Eds.).
Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science,
Springer. New York, NY.
Vonk, J. (2016). The Unobservability Hypothesis. In.
T. K. Shackelford & V. A. Weekes- Shackelford (Eds.).
Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science,
Springer. New York, NY.
Jeffery, A.J., & Shackelford, T.K. (in press). Moral
positions on publishing race differences in intelligence.
Journal of Criminal Justice.
October Presentations
Escobar, M. (2016). Stress in Academia: Taking
control can make it all better. Presentation at
Tuskegee University, Alabama.
Mogilski, J.K., Memering, S.L.,Welling, L.L.M., &
Shackelford, T.K. (in press). Polyamory and
monoamory: Alternative approaches to pursuing a
strategically pluralistic mating strategy. Archives of
Sexual Behavior.
O'Neill, T. A., McLarnon, M. J. W., Hoffart, G., Onen, D.,
& Rosehart, W. (in press). The multilevel nomological
net of team conflict profiles. Int. Jrnal of Conflict Mgmt.
Oshio, A., Mieda, T., & Taku, K. (in press). Younger
people, and stronger effects of all-or-nothing thoughts
on aggression: Moderating effects of age on the
relationships between dichotomous thinking and
aggression. Cogent Psychology.
Shackelford, T. K. (2016). Sexual coercion and forced
in-pair copulation as sperm competition tactic in
humans. Invited talk at the Department of Criminal
Justice and Criminology at Saint Louis University.
Williams, K. (2016). Course redesign: strategies
applied to large introductory courses with high student
failure rate. Presentation at the Lilly Conference:
Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning. October 29,
Traverse City, MI.
Pham, M.N., Barbaro, N., Noser, A.E., Sela, Y.,
Shackelford, T.K., Zeigler-Hill, V., Weege, B., & Fink, B.
(in press). Dishonest individuals request more frequent
mate retention from friends. Personal Relationships.
Department of Psychology
Pryale Hall
(248) 370-2311
PsychMatters
November 2016
Upcoming Events
November 5th
Chipotle Fundraiser from 11am-
9pm at 84 N. Adams Rd.
November 9th
Join Psi Chi for our monthly
meeting from 1:30-3pm in the
Pryale Hall conference room. Guest
speaker from Career Services to go
over Handshake.
November 10th
I/O Workshop with Dr.
Malatesta from 12-1pm in the
Heritage Room in the OC
November 12th
Our annual Careers in Psychology
Workshop hosted by Dr. Lewis will
be from 10-1pm in the Human
Health Building Room 2023
November 16th
Dr. Shackelford’s Research
Colloquium will be from 12-1pm in
Lake Superior Room A in the
Oakland Center. His talk is titled
“Duration of Cunnilingus Predicts
Estimated Ejaculate Volume in
Humans: A Content Analysis of
Pornography”
What Is Psi Chi All About?
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology. The purpose of Psi Chi
is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual
members in all fields, particularly in psychology and to advance the science of
psychology.
The goals of Psi Chi are to provide academic recognition to its inductees and to
augment and enhance the regular curriculum.
The mission of Psi Chi is to produce a well-educated, ethical, and socially responsible member committed to contributing to the science and profession of psychology and to society in general.
How to Apply to Psi Chi
November 30th
Dr. Pickett’s Research Colloquium will be from 12-1pm in Lake
Superior A in the basement of the
OC. His talk is titled “Sleeping on
It: The Role of Sleep in Emotional
Health”
Inside this issue:
What is Psi Chi?
1
How to Join Psi Chi
1-2
More about the
Upcoming Events
3
Meet Some TAs
4-5
Tips from the
TAs
6
Contact Us
7
To apply to Psi Chi as an undergraduate, one must meet the criteria listed below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Registration for major or minor standing in psychology (or for a program psychological in
nature)
Completion of 46 credits of college courses
Completion of 16 credits of psychology courses
Ranked in the top 35% of one's class (a minimum GPA of 3.4 cumulative GPA)
A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall in psychology courses
The application and more information regarding applying to Psi Chi can be located at: www.oaklandpsichi.net/content/apply-psi-chi or www.psichi.org under the “Join” tab
Page 2
PsychMatters
How to Apply to Psi Chi
To apply to Psi Chi as a transfer student, one must:
1. Follow the same requirements as the undergraduate student applicants (explained on page 1)
2. Complete at least 12 semester credit hours or equivalent of psychology coursework at the
new institution unless the chapter’s bylaws specify fewer hours— check with our chapter
To apply to Psi Chi as a transfer student who is already a member of Psi Chi, one must:
1. Contact the Psi Chi faculty advisor (Dr. Sifonis) at the new institution to complete an online
transfer of membership form
For transfer students, the application and more information regarding applying to Psi Chi can be
located at: www.psichi.org under the “Join” tab
If one has any questions about applying or the application itself, they can contact the Psi Chi
president, Aubrey Mercer, or the faculty advisor, Dr. Sifonis. Their contact information can be
found on page 12 of this PsychMatters issue.
Get Involved!!
For those looking to join Psi Chi but do not yet meet the requirements to become a member, membership is NOT required to become involved! Simply being an active participant in our chapter of
Psi Chi by attending our events, meetings, and helping out with our philanthropy efforts allows students to learn, get involved, and socialize with other students that share psychology and giving back
to our community as common interests. Currently, Psi Chi is looking for students that are interested
in becoming a class liaison for their psychology courses for the upcoming semester. A class liaison
informs their classmates at the beginning or end of class (depending on the professor’s preference)
about upcoming events, what is going on in Psi Chi, and other important information. Being a class
liaison is a great place to begin your involvement with Psi Chi and can open doors to many more
opportunities later on. To get more information or to get started as a liaison, contact Laina Townsend, Officer of Communications and Liaisons, at [email protected].
Page 3
PsychMatters
Details About Upcoming Events
There are many wonderful events for the month of November! Be sure to check them all out!
November 5th: Chipotle Fundraiser
-When? 11am-9pm
-Where? Chipotle 84 N. Adams Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48309
-Why? A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation, whose mission
is to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, their caregivers, and family.
November 9th: Psi Chi Meeting
-When? 1:30-3:00pm
-Where? Pryale Hall Conference Room
-Why? We will be joined by Amy Ring Celebek from Career Services who will be presenting on
how to use Handshake: Oakland’s new career connections portal. This is a great event to attend in preparation for the Careers in Psychology Workshop the following Saturday!
November 10th: Industrial/Organizational Psychology Workshop
-When? 12-1pm
-Where? Heritage Room– Oakland Center
-Why? Interested in Industrial/Organizational Psychology? Want to know more about what this
exciting field has to offer or what an I/O career might be like? Join Psi Chi and faculty speaker Dr.
Malatesta to learn more! Plus, there will be food and drinks provided!
November 12th: Careers in Psychology Workshop
-When? 10am-1pm
-Where? Human Health Building– Room 2023
-Why? Not sure what having a degree in Psychology can do for you? Psi Chi's annual Careers in
Psychology Workshop will help you figure out what opportunities there are in the various fields that you
can go into with your psychology degree!
November 16th: Research Colloquium: Dr. Shackelford
-When? 12-1pm
-Where? Lake Superior Room A– Oakland Center
-Why? Dr. Shackelford will give a presentation on his research entitled “Duration of Cunnilingus
Predicts Estimated Ejaculate Volume in Humans: A Content Analysis of Pornography.” Free food and
drinks provided!
November 30th: Research Colloquium: Dr. Pickett
-When? 12-1pm
-Where? Lake Superior Room A-Oakland Center
-Why? Dr. Pickett will be presenting his research on sleep and emotional well-being—something
that all college students can relate to! He will also be providing scientifically-supported tips on how to improve your quality of sleep, just in time for exams! Free food and drinks will be provided.
**Just a reminder that Psi Chi meetings and events are
open to all Oakland University students!
November 2016
Page 4
Teaching Assistants
Lauren Harrison
TA: PSY 251
Lauren is currently a fourth year student who will be graduating next Winter. Lauren is a teacher’s
assistant for Dr. Kanako Taku’s statistics in psychology class. For Lauren, being a TA is extremely time
consuming, but also extremely rewarding. She dedicates a minimum of 8 hours a week to the class and
office hours. She attends class (something that is typically optional, but Dr. Taku wanted her to learn from
her since she took PSY 251 from a different professor) and holds office hours. Beyond the 8 hours she
dedicates to office hours and class, she also meets with students who need extra 1 to 1 help with the material. Lauren also communicates a lot with students, Dr. Taku, and the other TAs. She finds communication with Dr. Taku and the other TAs especially important to ensure that the students are receiving the
best education services possible. Lauren and the other TAs also assist students by holding lab hours and
exam reviews. Lab hours are a time for students to get a better understanding of the material. It is also a
time for TAs to grade daily discussion logs and give feedback to the students. While Lauren attends the
classes, she also revises notes from previous semesters that Dr. Taku has taught. These notes are revised
and posted after each class for students to receive more clarity with class material. For exam reviews, the
TAs coordinate a time that works best and then they reserve rooms in the library. Lauren said, “it is an
excellent opportunity for students and the attendance is typically really high so it also presents an opportunity for TAs to practice public speaking skills.”
Lauren decided to become a TA in a unique way. While interviewing for Dr. Taku’s lab in the
Winter semester of 2016, being a TA was one of the agreements Lauren had made. While Dr. Taku was
on sabbatical during the Winter 2016 semester, Lauren was enrolled in PSY 251 and had in mind that she
would be a TA in the Fall 2016 semester. With that knowledge, she was motivated to perform to the best
of her ability. Lauren likes how rewarding being a TA can be the most.
She said:
“Upon first meeting with a student who is completely lost with the material, working with them for a
good amount of time, seeing the gears start to turn, and finally hearing them exclaim that they understand;
that is what I cherish. Especially as a TA in a math-based class, students tend to look at you as if you are a
lifeboat. When you dedicate your time to the student and guide them through a difficult subject, they are
typically really grateful.”
Lauren would 100% recommend being a TA. She cannot stress enough how great an opportunity
it is to work so closely with students and the professor. A person gains so many skills such as public
speaking, teaching skills, email communication skills, etc. Lauren also mentioned that even if you are not
interested in teaching, being a TA will change that. She was confident that she did not want a career that
incorporated teaching but after becoming a TA, that completely changed. Lauren’s experience and dedication to being a TA is very impressive and something that students should strive for. I hope her recommendations convince students to look into being a TA.
Teaching Assistants
Amber Suszycki
TA: HC 100
Amber is in her fourth year here and is a teacher’s assistant for Dr. Harper’s HC100 Making
Discoveries course. This course is a mandatory class for all incoming Honors College freshmen. Being a TA, for Amber, entails having a once a week small group session with her 13
students. A group session involves group bonding activities, quizzes, discussing books, oral
presentations, and working on creative projects or research papers. She decided to become a
TA because she is pursuing a degree in secondary education. She thought it would be a unique
experience to work with students who are transitioning from high school. Because the students are transitioning from high school, it provides Amber with both a challenge to teaching
and also insight into her future lesson planning with high school students. Besides the teaching
experience, Amber enjoys the discussions and creative projects her students create. Her students come from all different majors so their ideas are very original and they constantly provide new perspectives on topics that she had not even considered during her freshman year.
Amber assists students with answering any questions they may have on their assignments, the
Honors College, and Oakland in general. Amber would recommend becoming a TA to any
students who are on the fence. She said it has not only benefitted her own future goals but has
also strengthened her connection with Oakland as a whole. She has met new people and has
loved hearing about her students finding their place at Oakland. I hope Amber’s strengthened
connection to Oakland and the different perspectives she has gained are just one of the many
reasons students would be convinced to become a TA.
November 2016
Page 6
Tips from the Teacher’s Assistants






Determine if you really enjoy (enjoyed) a class and are doing (did)
really well in it
Form a connection with that professor
Approach the professor and ask them if they are interested in taking on any TAs
Some TA positions entail signing up for the Teaching Apprenticeship class and some are voluntary. Find out what you position entails.
Show the professor through academic performance and through
verbal communication that you are interested in their class and in
helping them
Be genuine because being a TA is a real commitment
Contact Us!
POSITION
NAME
E-MAIL
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Cindy Sifonis
[email protected]
President
Aubrey Mercer
[email protected]
Vice President
Krystyn Niescier
[email protected]
Officer of Major Workshops
Jennifer Ishaq
[email protected]
Officer of Minor Workshops
Mark Shoemaker
[email protected]
Officer of Communications &
Liaisons
Laina Townsend
[email protected]
Officer(s) of Publicity & Web
Management
Emily Mertz / Adam
Buesching
[email protected]/ atbu
[email protected]
Officer of Research Colloquia
Matthew Bahoura
[email protected]
Officer of Philanthropy
Janelle Smith
[email protected]
Treasurer
Lauren Harrison
[email protected]
Secretary
Geena Osowski
[email protected]
PsychMatters Editor
Stephanie Allor
[email protected]