This course will focus on the process of doing original, empirical social psychological research on specific topics in the field. We will concentrate on two content areas of research: (1) stereotypes and prejudice, particularly as they touch on issues concerning the academic achievement of women and people of color, and on the role of self-esteem in stereotyping and prejudice, and (2) interpersonal suspicion, including an examination of factors that might reduce suspicion in interracial or cross-cultural dyads or groups. Students will research and critically analyze and integrate the relevant literatures concerning these topics, and will design and conduct original research to test empirically several hypotheses that emerge from these literatures. We will examine a variety of types of research design and statistical techniques. Requirements: a series of papers, written and oral reports of research. Prerequisites: Psychology 201 and Psychology 242. Enrollment limit: 16. Priority given to Psychology majors. Empirical Project (This course is part of the Critical Reasoning and Analytical Skills initiative. )