Developmental Psychology

Ph.D.
Howard University
2015

Psychology

B.S.
North Carolina Central University
2008

Research Design and Analysis (Core Undergraduate Course)

As a field, psychology has fought to recognized as a "real science". Part of that struggle has been due to the content of psychology being seen as soft or suffering from an inability to be adequately studied. This course is built to help students understand core principles that highlight psychology's commitment to the empirical study of the human mind and our behavior. This lecture and laboratory course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the research process, research designs and data analytic techniques used in psychological research. Course objectives are as follows:

1. Students will know how to conduct and critique psychological research properly.
2. Students will be able to identify quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research designs
3. Students will know how data is analyzed and disseminated from psychological research studies.
4. Students will be able to write a research report following APA style
5. Students will be able to develop a research study based on their own research interests and present their study in oral and written format

Psychology of the Black Experience (Undergraduate Psychology Elective Course)

This course seeks to foster non-superficial insights into the psychological experiences of extant African American people. We will first grapple with key overarching themes that undergird substantially how this course's content will be approached.  We then consider important historical factors that provide the fundamental underpinnings for the contemporary issues that we will examine this semester. As a result of this interrogation, it should become evident why such notions as entitlement, privilege, legitimacy, and normality must be exposed and reconceived. We then will turn our attention to such current topics as self and racial identity, prejudice and racism, health and mental health, socialization dynamics, and achievement and schooling. It must be appreciated that our course will place a high premium on enhancing students’ constructively critical thinking skills. Indeed, focusing squarely on the learning process per se is done with the intent of promoting students to become more adept at being knowledge producers and not just knowledge consumers. Finally, through participation in this course, it is hoped that we all become more cognizant of promising pathways to pursue for enhancing life conditions for people of African descent in America, if not throughout the Diaspora. Course objectives are as follows:

1. Define key concepts, theories, and dimensions of Black Psychology.
2. Have an understanding of the wide range of topics relative to Black Psychology. 
3. Be able to identify themes and issues in the study of Black Psychology.
4. Link theory to practical applications on the subject of Black Psychology.
5. Identify the influences of Black Psychology on your own life and the lives of others. 
6. Acquire knowledge to further advance scientific study in the field of Black Psychology.    

Social & Personality Development Seminar (PhD in Developmental Psychology Major Course)

An old version of the syllabus for this course describes the course using the following language: “This course introduces the graduate student to key concepts, research conclusions, and critical issues in the area of personality and social development. There is an emphasis on socialization and individuation from birth to adolescence.” My hope is to evoke the same spirit when it comes to this iteration. We find it at the intersection of three psychological domains. We will do our best to give all three adequate attention and give the intersection of the three its due respect by reading, watching, and listening to relevant content for this course. I will post most of the content on Canvas, but there will be opportunities for you to share book chapters, articles, podcasts, and the like when you come across them.  Course objectives are as follows: 

1. Students will understand and be able to explain some of the key theories and debates about social and personality development
2. Students will be able to lead discussions about specific topics related to social and personality development
3. Students will apply the theories to their own lives and know how to identify them in the lives of others

Research Methods in Developmental Psychology (PhD in Developmental Psychology Major Course)

This course examines the techniques of longitudinal, cross-sectional, normative and experimental studies.  It is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of current research and theory in the field of developmental psychology, and the various methods used to investigate topics in the field. Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basic goals and tenets of the “scientific method” that we often use to guide our research. Course objectives are as follows:

1. To apply an understanding of and appreciation for the theoretical differences and methodological problems in the study of human development.  
2. To formulate intelligent questions and summary statements about human development and engage in investigative procedures using the scientific method.   
3. To demonstrate awareness of current research approaches and ethical considerations regarding human subjects.  
4. To conduct empirical research on human development topics using complex methodological techniques.  
5. To expose you to potential career trajectories for psychologists with methodological expertise.  

Multiple identities as predictors of academic motivation

Dixon, R.D. & Wallace, C. Multiple identities as predictors of academic motivation. Journal of Negro Education (Under Review) 

Communalism and self-esteem reduce rates of violent attitudes among African American young males

Wallace C.M., Dixon, R.D., McGee, Z.T., Malone-Colon, L., & Boykin A.W.  (2023) Communalism and self-esteem reduce rates of violent attitudes among African American young males. The Journal of Science and Exploratory Studies 

The Impact of Communalism and Mattering to others on violent attitudes among African American males

Wallace, C., Dixon, R.D., McGee, Z.T., Malone-Colon, L., & Boykin, A.W. (2023) The Impact of Communalism and Mattering to others on violent attitudes among African American males. 1619: Journal of African American Studies. Online 

Urban school violence: Responding with culture and protective factors among youth of color

Wallace, C., Dixon, R.D., McGee, Z., & Malone-Colon, L. (2023) Urban school violence: Responding with culture and protective factors among youth of color. in T. Miller (ed.), School Violence and Primary Prevention (2nd. Ed). Springer; New York 

Perspectives on Black teachers’ experiences and the connection to retention

Griffin, A.R., Dixon, R.D., & Tackie H.N. (2022). Perspectives on Black teachers’ experiences and the connection to retention. In Gist C. and Bristol T. (Eds.), The Handbook of Research on Teachers of Color 

Race and gender differences in gender role conflict

Wallace, C. & Dixon, R.D. (2024). Race and gender differences in gender role conflict. Paper presented to the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Philadelphia, PA.

Multiple identities as predictors of academic motivation for Black college students.

Dixon, R.D., & Wallace, C. (2024). Multiple identities as predictors of academic motivation for Black college students. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.

Innovative methods and measures: Assessing transformative social emotional learning implementation and impact

Dixon, R.D., Griffin, A.R., & Jagers, R. (2023). Innovative methods and measures: Assessing transformative social emotional learning implementation and impact. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. 

Behind the magic: Exploring the process behind hiring the right teacher.

Griffin, A.R., & Dixon., R.D. (2022). Behind the magic: Exploring the process behind hiring the right teacher. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. 

Perspectives on Black teachers’ experiences and the connection to retention

Dixon., R.D., Griffin, A.R., & Tackie, H. (2022). Perspectives on Black teachers’ experiences and the connection to retention. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.