NSU students to attend SWPA conference

(Tahlequah, OK)--Northeastern State University faculty and students are attending the 2011 Southwestern Psychological Association Conference in San Antonio, April 7-9 .

NSU assistant professor of psychology Dr. Sharon Roberts and students Kevin Johnson, Heather Adams, Joel Hoyt and Buffy Hall are presenting their own research titled, "Wrongdoing and Responsibility in Research: Perceptions of SWPA Members."

It is basically a conference to present research," said Heather Adams, a Checotah junior. "There are also competitions and continuing education credit classes."

The purpose of SWPA is to advance psychology as a science, a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare in the southwest by educating those practicing psychology. The 2011 conference focuses on specific issues and will be guided by the selection of guest speakers who address the multiple responsibilities of psychology.

Guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Brookings' presentation, A Tale of Two Tims, will cover the life of Timothy Leary. Dr. David Matsumoto will address the importance of understanding culture for psychologists work. Dr. Andrew Meltzoff will describe his work on imitation in children as it reveals the nature and operation of the mind and its relation to behavior. Dr. Gary Wells will present the Forensic Psychology lecture series and Dr. Janie Wilson will describe lessons from her experience and research related to effective teaching.

The conference includes student paper competitions where undergraduate and graduate students compete for cash prizes of up to $1,200. Also included in the conference are CE workshops, talks and posters and research symposia from Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Mostly, I think the reason students attend the conference is because they want to present their projects and enjoy the experience, said Adams.

For more information about SWPA or the conference visit the SWPA website.