Associate Professor
Contact Information:
Email: spitts@umbc.edu
Office: Math/Psychology 323
Phone: 410.455.2362
Lab: Sondheim 507BR
Phone: 410.455.8752/8753
Education:
Ph.D. – Arizona State University, 1999
Area of Study:
Quantitative Psychology
Research Interests:
Dr. Pitts is a quantitative psychologist with interests in the application and use of emerging longitudinal data analysis (latent and individual growth curve modeling) and structural equation modeling. He also studies negative implications of decisions made by researchers during the analysis phase of research. Dr. Pitts’ interests are turning towards two novel areas: (1) exploration of risk factors and sequelae of body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders and (2) attitudes toward individuals with body modification (particularly tattoos) and personality characteristics and perceived stigma of people with tattoos.
Courses Taught:
Research Methods in Psychology I (PSYC 311)
Research Methods in Psychology II (PSYC 312)
Social Psychology (PSYC 340)
Data Analytic Procedures I (PSYC 611)
Data Analytic Procedures II (PSYC 711)
Longitudinal Data Analysis (PSYC 713)
Structural Equation Modeling (PSYC 717)
Graduate Research and Training Opportunities:
Undergraduate Research and Training Opportunities:
No opportunities available for Spring of 2023
Varied tasks include literature searches, collecting data, data management, basic data analysis, and creation/modification of questionnaires pertaining to attitudes toward people with tattoos, personality characteristics of people with tattoos, and perceived stigma by people with tattoos.
Graduate Program Affiliation(s):
Human Services Psychology
Selected Publications:
Aiken, L. S., West, S. G., Pitts, S. C., Baraldi, A. N., & Wurpts, I. C. (2013). Multiple linear regression. In J. A. Schinka, W. F. Velicer, & I. B. Weiner (Eds.), Handbook of Psychology (Vol. 2). Research Methods in Psychology 2nd. Ed. (pp. 511-542). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Chassin, L., Pitts, S. C., & Prost, J. H. (2002). Binge drinking trajectories from adolescence to emerging adulthood in a high risk sample: Predictors and substance abuse outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 67-78.
DeLucia, C. & Pitts, S. C. (2006). Applications of individual growth curve models for pediatric psychology research. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 31, 1002-1023.
Dubowitz, H., Villodas, M. T., Litrownik, A. J., Pitts, S. C., Hussey, J. M., Thompson, R., Black, M. M., & Runyan, D. (2011). Psychometric properties of a youth self-report measure of neglectful behavior by parents, Child Abuse and Neglect, 35, 414-424.
Pitts, S. C., West, S. G., & Tein, J-Y. (1996). Longitudinal measurement models in evaluation research: Examining stability and change. Evaluation and Program Planning, 19, 333-350.