Gregory Madden

Biography

I am a Professor in the Department of Psychology. I teach PSY1400/1410, which is the introductory course in behavioral processes. Topics range from free will to interventions designed to treat depression and drug dependence. I also teach an upper-division course on applying behavior-change technology to workplace settings. In 2009, I was awarded the ING Excellence in Teaching Award and in 2014 I was named the Faculty Researcher of the Year in the College of Education and for the University at large and in 2020 I was the recipient of the University’s highest research honor – D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Award. I served as Associate Editor of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior from 2002-2008, and as Editor-in-Chief of this prestigious journal from 2011-2015. In 2013, I served as Editor-in-Chief of the two-volume APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis. I have served on several decision making bodies, including the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. I frequently review grant proposals for the National Institutes of Health and, every once in awhile, I go trout fishing, skiing, mountain biking, or hiking with my family. Research My research broadly examines decision making. For example, my graduate- and undergraduate student colleagues and I study impulsivity and how it influences drug-taking and gambling. Other studies are examining how to teach individuals to better delay gratification, with the long-term goal of reducing susceptibility to addictions. Still, other studies are exploring the application of game-design principles to improving physical activity levels and the dietary choices made by children in elementary schools. These projects have been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute for Child Health and Development) and the US Department of Agriculture. Prospective Graduate Students I am accepting applications for the fall 2022 semester. Applicants should have a strong interest in one or more of my three ongoing areas of behavioral-economic research: (i) delay discounting and drug self-administration in nonhumans, (ii) improving self-control in at-risk children, and (iii) improving healthy behaviors in adults and children Successful applicants will have: - A strong background in behavioral sciences (e.g., undergrad major in psychology, behavior analysis, or an affiliated field). - A strong overall GPA (>3.2), and GRE scores in the top 50% - Three letters of recommendation illustrating your commitment to pursuing a career in the bio-behavioral sciences.