Ruth Johnson

• PSY 1303 Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 3311 Biological Psychology
• PSY 3319 Cognitive Psychology
• PSY 4311 Sensation and Perception
• PSY 4321 Psychology of Memory
• PSY 4395 Special Projects in Psychology

​Dr. Johnson is a cognitive psychologist with a background in cognitive neuroscience.  She has been teaching courses related to biological and cognitive psychology for ten years.  Currently, Dr. Johnson is investigating the neural components of episodic memory, as well as the complexity of face perception across race and gender.  In addition, she also examines motivation in online, blended, and traditional learning modalities for both students and faculty using best practice models. 

Teaching Experience:

2013-Present:  Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Houston-Downtown

2007-2013:  Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Houston-Downtown

2007:  Lecturer, Rice University

2006:  Adjunct, University of Houston-Clear Lake

2005-2006:  Instructor of Record, Rice University

Academic Scholarship/Research/Creative Endeavors:

Johnson, R., Stewart, C., & Bachman, C. (2013).  What drives students to complete online courses? What drives faculty to teach online? Validating a measure of motivation orientation in university students and faculty.  Interactive Learning Environments.

Babb, S., Stewart, C., & Johnson, R.  (2013). Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education to Blended Learning Environments.  In L. Kyei-Blankson & E. Ntuli. (Eds.), Practical Applications and Experiences in K-20 Blended Learning Environments (pp. 192-212).  Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Babb, S.J. & Johnson, R.M.  (2010|2011).  Object, spatial, and temporal memory: A behavioral analysis of visual scenes using a what, where, and when paradigm.  Current Psychology Letters: Behaviour, Brain, & Cognition, 26(2).

Johnson, R.M, Burton, P., & Ro, T.  (2006). Visually induced feelings of touch.  Brain Research, 1073-1074, 398-406.

Dr. Johnson is a cognitive psychologist with a background in cognitive neuroscience.  She is currently conducting research at UHD investigating the neural components of episodic memory, as well as the complexity of face perception across race and gender.  In addition, Dr. Johnson also conducts research examining motivation across various learning modalities for both students and faculty using best practice models.

PUBLICATIONS

2014       Organized Research & Creative Activities Grant, UHD ($3,200)

2011       Organized Research Committee Grant, UHD ($3,000)

2010       Faculty Development Grant, UHD ($2,389)

2008       Organized Research Committee Grant, UHD ($6,600)