Department of Psychology
Since conferring its first graduate degrees in psychology in 1892, Brown University has been home to pioneers and prominent researchers in the field of experimental psychology. As the Department of Psychology enters its second century, its research mission encompasses a wide range of phenomena and levels of analysis, organized in pursuit of three broad goals. One is to deepen an understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms of sensation, perception, learning, and emotion. A second is to probe the biological and evolutionary foundations of animal behavior. A third is to clarify the social perception and assessment of individuals and groups. These areas of inquiry employ diverse research methodologies, including psychophysics, neuropsychology, functional brain imaging, and single-unit recording. In addition to the work within its graduate program, the department provides numerous opportunities for undergraduates to participate in sophisticated research projects.