Wendy Close
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Education
- B.A., Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
- M.A., Community Counseling, Loyola University – Chicago
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology (APA approved), University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
APA approved internship: University of St. Thomas Counseling and Career Services
Research Interests
- student motivation
- women’s career development
Current Research Project
I am currently collaborating with researchers from Korea and Israel to better understand factors that mediate the impact of work and family conflict in men's and women's health and career development and to examine cross-cultural differences/similarities that exist in these processes.
Courses Taught
Psychology 101. Introduction to Psychology – This course introduces the science of psychology by surveying key fields such as human development, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation and emotions, personality, abnormality, social interactions and ethics. Students explore foundations of psychology seen in philosophy, scientific research, biology and culture. They also investigate the many ways psychological research can be applied to everyday life. Additionally, class discussions focus on the relationship between psychology and Christian beliefs. Students are introduced to the scientific writing style of the American Psychological Association (APA). There are no prerequisites for this course.
Psychology 211. Experimental Psychology – This is an advanced course in the use of the scientific method in psychological research. The course focuses on the formulation of hypotheses, literature reviews, research design and methods and statistical analysis of data. Students are required to ethically evaluate and conduct a research study according to American Psychological requirements. This course expands on the concepts introduced in PSY 210, specifically in the areas of advanced experimental design, statistical analysis and writing the literature review. This course includes laboratory projects designed to reinforce the material introduced throughout the course.
Psychology 270. Psychological Testing - This course introduces the nature of psychological measurement and principles of evaluation with special emphasis on the construction and analysis of common psychological tests. The course includes uses and classification of tests, standards of ethical conduct in using tests, and individual and group tests of aptitude, achievement, interests, attitudes, values and personality adjustment. This course is not designed to teach you how to administer and score tests; this will come later for those of you who elect to pursue graduate study. Rather the focus of the course in on you acquiring the knowledge related to test theory and test construction that will allow you to evaluate critically the tests that we consider in the course and that are currently in use in use in the field of psychological testing. A major portion of this class will be devoted towards the development and validation of a measure that you will design yourselves.
Psychology 321. Child Development – This course focuses on the scientific research and theory related to the socio-emotional development of the infant and child including the following areas: history of child development theory, attachment, temperament, self, peers, friendship and linguistic development. Special emphasis is placed on the psychological theories supporting child development research. Students are expected to read original readings and participate, as well as reflect on numerous activities observing children. Preq: PSY 120, PSY 211.
Memberships
Recent Publications
Close, W., & Solberg, V. S. (2008). Predicting achievement, distress, and retention among lower-income Latino youth. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72, 31-42.Click here for abstract.
Howard, K. A., Close, W., Blustein, D. L., & Solberg, V. S. (2002). Career Development in the Schools: Connecting Self-to-School-to-Work. The Counseling Psychologist, 30, 705-725. Click here for abstract.
Garwood, M. & Close, W. (2001). Identifying the Mental Health Needs of Foster Children. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 32, 125-135. Click here for abstract.
Solberg, V. S., Close, W. M., Metz, A. (2001). Promoting Success Pathways for Middle and High School Students. In D. Atkinson & C. Juntenen (Eds.), Counseling Strategies. Newberry, CA: Sage.
Publications Under Review
Johnston-Rodriguez, S. & Close, W. (under review). A qualitative investigation of career barriers for low income diverse urban youth. Journal of Counseling Psychology. Click here for abstract.
Recent Conference Presentations
Close, W., Solberg, V., Boldt, J., Howard, K., Cinamon, R. (2008). Anticipated work family conflict and work family facilitation in college students. Poster session presented at the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.
Close, Cinamon, Jones, Solberg, Howard, K. (2008). Multinational study of women's anticipated challenges in balancing work and family roles and health. Paper presented at International Counseling Psychology Conference, Chicago, IL.