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Oxford and Beyond

Students at Miami Regionals explore the roots of psychology

Field trip allows students to connect their academic learning with real-world history

by Megan Watterson • Published
Oxford and Beyond

Students at Miami Regionals explore the roots of psychology

by Megan Watterson • Published
Student at the museum looking at a sound board.
After a semester immersed in psychological coursework, three students from the Psychology Club at Miami University Regionals traveled to the National Psychology Museum in Akron to see the objects and exhibits that had shaped the field.

They were wowed by artifacts and exhibits that marked some of psychology's most pivotal moments —from the “Bobo Doll” experiment, which explored aggression through imitation, to the controversial “Stanford Prison Experiment” and the ethically challenged “Milgram Shock Study.” Each exhibit sparked a sense of awe and curiosity.

“It wasn’t just the exhibits that captivated the students — it was the shared experience of exploring together,” said Elliott Jardin, assistant professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “The trip felt like the perfect culmination of their undergraduate studies, offering a chance to tie together the various topics they’d learned and engage in meaningful discussions about ethics, methodology, and practical considerations.” 

Viewing historical objects and the museum’s timelines helped the students better connect with the history of psychology. It also prompted a thoughtful analysis of how psychological research has evolved over time, turning the museum into an interactive classroom.
Student laying on a bed at the museum.
Ethan Sander, one of the students on the museum trip, said, "The museum's layout not only guided us through history in chronological order but also grouped famous experiments and the psychologists behind them. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the side of psychology we don't always encounter in textbooks, and the hands-on exhibits allowed us to experience firsthand the purpose behind some of the experiments."

After several hours of exploration, the students took a break at a local coffee shop, where they continued to discuss their favorite exhibits. The day ended with a dinner in downtown Cleveland. 

More than just an academic outing, the field trip offered the students an opportunity to connect with one another while experiencing history firsthand. 

Zoe Wilson, a senior majoring in psychological sciences at the Regionals, said the trip to the museum reminded her why she chose psychology as her career path.

“It was a great opportunity to reflect on why I started this journey in the first place — my love and fascination with psychology,” she said. “I got to see a place embedded with the rich history of psychology and revisit important topics.”

Students can join the Miami Regionals Psychological Science Club by visiting the HUB or emailing us at egpsychclub@MiamiOH.edu.
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Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences Regionals