Research Methods in Psychology This course will provide students with an understanding of the research methodology used by psychologists. Students will learn to read psychological studies and other related research as informed consumers. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data during lab assignments. They will also design an empirical study, review the related literature, and write a formal APA-style research proposal. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or MATH 0116 or STAT 0201 or ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210); not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors)

Prepared for a Life of Meaning In this course we will explore psychology, education and sociological literature detailing the promise of higher education and opportunities to create a life of meaning. Students will contemplate the relation between the social and economic promises of higher education and corresponding ideals of a life of meaning. Students will formulate their own definitions and goals for a meaningful life. Using multidisciplinary frameworks, students will develop skills that enhance the likelihood of leading meaningful lives for themselves and their communities.

MiddCORE 2024 MiddCORE’s mentor-driven leadership and innovation immersion program builds skills and confidence through collaborative, experiential, and impact-focused learning.  Through daily, weekly, and month-long challenges, students gain experience in leadership, strategic thinking, idea creation, collaboration, persuasive communication, ethical decision-making, cross-cultural understanding, conflict resolution, empathy, and crisis management.  Acceptance into MiddCORE is by approval only. To learn more about this January's MiddCORE curriculum and to apply to the program, please visit go/MiddCOREwinter.

Social and Emotional Development In this course students will explore current research and theory on the interrelated domains of social and emotional development from infancy through adulthood. Families and peers serve as the primary relationships for children’s and adolescents’ socialization, and relationships will be explored to further understand how they influence emotion regulation, adaptation to stressful life events, and intrapersonal conflicts. Emphasis will be placed on the role of context and culture in the formation of social and emotional competencies and experiences.  We will explore the theory and practice of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula to enhance individuals’ social and emotional skills. (PSYC 0105; not open to first-year students; open to Psychology majors, others by waiver).

Compass: Foundations for the Road Ahead The transition to college coincides with a range of increased developmental expectations and challenges. Some essential developmental tasks are exploring interests, building relationships, solidifying identities, and creating pathways to a life of meaning. In addition, mastering the college experience includes gaining and applying new skills to increasingly complex contexts. Utilizing literature from Psychology and Education, we will explore critical developmental tasks and associated skills that drive healthy outcomes for college-age students. We will then work collaboratively to begin honing essential skills and practice applying them over the semester.  Through written assignments, projects, and presentations, students will leave the course prepared to experience their liberal arts education with greater intention and be better prepared to live engaged, consequential, and creative lives.

Adolescence This course is designed to provide an overview of adolescent development, including the biological, cognitive, and social transitions of individuals during this period of life. Development also takes place in context, and we will pay particular attention to the role of family, peer group, school, work, and culture. Students will read research literature, as well as cases, in order to examine the central psychological issues of this developmental period, including identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality, and achievement.

Introduction to Psychology  This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Robert Moeller

Reviews and ratings for Robert Moeller at Middlebury College.Robert Moeller teaches Research Methods in Psychology, Life of Meaning, MiddCORE 2026 and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Robert Moeller good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

It's a required course, and it's probably going to be one of the more boring courses you'll take in the major. However, Prof Moeller did a great job keeping the course engaging and also really pushed his students to turn in their best work. Hes very collaborative and wants to see you succeed. In the course we had 2 exams, but both were take-home. One thing to note, the course is pretty front-loaded heavily, so we hit the ground running, but we definitely relaxed as the sem went on. 

Insanely clutch class. You will thank yourself for taking this class because of how it will change your life. You learn about some of the most essential life skills, and you put them into practice. I hope this class is offered every semester.

I really liked the labs in this class. It was awesome to spend time with kids and observe them in Middlebury. I also liked the exams in this class because they were more creative and more interesting to take rather than stressful. This was an important Psychology class to take!