Sessional Instructor

The Department of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for sessional instructors during the forthcoming Summer 2026 semester. All positions are subject to final budgetary approval.

Please note: the courses offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course. Should qualified applicants not be available for in-person instruction, applications to teach online will be considered.

PSY-2700 Quantitative Research Methods

In this course, students are introduced to the use of the scientific method in psychology, including how statistical and experimental approaches promote specific assumptions about reality and psychological research. Key concepts include operational definitions, reliability and validity, within- and between-group experiments, quasi-experiments, surveys, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, and observational methods. The course includes consideration of research ethics in quantitative research.

PSY-2730 Qualitative Methods & Analysis

This course introduces qualitative research methods and analysis in psychology, with a consideration of ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Qualitative methods emphasize how psychological concepts have various meanings across cultures and time and include observations and interviews as well as analytical techniques to create meaning from the research. Key concepts include interviews, focus groups, naturalistic observation, grounded theory, and phenomenology. The course includes communication of research findings using APA format and consideration of research ethics in qualitative research.

PSY-2750 Quantitative Analysis

This course examines descriptive and inferential statistical techniques in psychological research. Discussion includes the normal distribution, z scores, probability, graphing, and the creation of tables. Research design paradigms include within-participant experiments, between-participant experiments, and quasi-experiments, which can be analyzed in terms of probability theory to enable the use of inferential statistics. The steps to statistical hypothesis testing will teach approaches and assumptions for chi-square, correlation, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The course includes communication of research findings using APA format.

PSY-6103 Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behaviour; taught as an online course

Students develop an appreciation of foundational theory and contemporary research in cognitive and affective bases of behaviour, evaluated within the contexts of cultural and individual diversities, and in relation to competent clinical practice. Students assess major theories and models of cognition and emotion in light of current research and consider their contribution to understanding mental health and effectively treating clinical disorders. We explore what is known and what is yet unknown about the applicability of key concepts and findings across cultural and individual diversities. Students reflect upon the implications of theory and research in cognition and emotion for their own development as clinicians, and for the experiences of the clients they will serve.

Qualifications:

Successful applicants should hold a Graduate degree, preferably a Doctoral degree, in Psychology. Preference will be given to the qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster and full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Academic unit.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a letter of application, an updated C.V., and the names of three referees to:

Dr. Philip Smith

Professor and Acting Chair, Department of Psychology

University of Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is February 5, 2026.