Department of Psychology: Ryan Zayac

Dr. Ryan Zayac Assistant Professor Chair, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Interdisciplinary Track Committee Board Certified Behavior Analyst Ph.D. Experimental Psychology (ABA emphasis), Auburn University M.S. Experimental Psychology (ABA emphasis), Auburn University B.S. Neuroscience & Psychology, Allegheny College Office: Psychology Building - 452 Phone: (509) 963-2362 Email: zayacr@cwu.edu

About me:

My main area of interest is in working with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, mental retardation, etc.) and helping to improve their quality of life. I am currently working with other faculty at Central on creating a program for students at CWU who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. We are looking for undergraduate students to help with this program, so if you are interested in helping out, please get in touch with me!

Outside of academia, I really enjoy watching college football and playing a variety of sports. I tried snowboarding for the first time last year and anticipate making the Olympic team in 2014!

If you'd like to learn more about applied behavior analysis (ABA), graduate school, career opportunities, or want to talk sports, feel free to stop by my office.

Courses Typically Taught at CWU:

PSY 101: General Psychology
PSY 301: Learning
PSY 303: Analysis of Everyday Behavior
PSY 551: Behavior Analysis

Research Interests:

Developmental Disabilities
Motivating Operations
Direct Instruction
Teaching of Psychology

Select Publications:

Keeley, J., Zayac, R. M., & Correia, C. (2008). Curvilinear relationships between
statistics anxiety and performance among undergraduate students: Evidence for
optimal anxiety. Statistics Education Research Journal, 7, 4-15.

Zayac, R. M., & Johnston, J. M. (2008). Contriving establishing operations: Responses
of individuals with developmental disabilities on a learning task. Research in
Developmental Disabilities, 29, 202-216.