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Dr. Tara Schmidt

Assistant Professor of Psychology Get Contact Info

TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)

Psychology

Education

  • BS: major in psychology with a minor in sociology, Carroll College
  • MS and PhD: major in social psychology with minors in statistics, cognitive psychology and interpersonal communication, UW-Milwaukee

Areas of Specialization

As a researcher, I studied the social support process. My dissertation examined the roles of gendered expectations in the process. I found that people expect men to give informational support (advice, resources, problem solving ideas) and expect women to give emotional support (expressions of caring and acknowledgment of feelings). Regardless of what kind of support the person actually provided, people perceived whatever it was they expected. So, regardless of which type of support a man provided, people perceived him to be giving informational support... and regardless of which type of support a woman provided, people perceived it as emotional support.

What is your teaching style?

As a teacher, I primarily focus on teaching students the research process. Every Psych major at Carroll will conduct their own experiment from beginning to end, and I guide them through that process. Many students have had their research accepted for presentation at regional conferences.

Why do you do what you do?

I teach the scientific method not only to help Psychology students prepare for careers or graduate school, but also as a way to encourage the development of critical thought.

How do you make learning engaging?

Rather than talking about the research process, I prefer helping my students experience it. We pose research questions, make observations, collect and analyze data and finally present our findings.

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