PSYC Matt Kimble
Office
Munroe Hall 101
Tel
(802) 443-5402
Email
mkimble@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
Fall 2023: Tuesdays 9:30am - 10:30am; Wednesdays 11:00am - 12:00pm; Fridays 10:45am - 11:15am

Matthew Kimble is a former Chair and current Professor of Psychology at Middlebury College. He arrived at Middlebury in 2004 after six years at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Boston and two years teaching at the University of Wales, Bangor (GB).  He received a B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1991 and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Boston University 1996.

His research interests focus on attentional processes in survivors of psychological trauma, particularly military veterans.  He uses eye tracking and event related potentials to better understand difficulties with expectancy and hypervigilance in trauma survivors.  He is published a number of articles on the topic, most recently one that looks at EEG responses to threatening sentences and has presented his work at national and international conferences.  More recently his work has included projects on meaning making, resilience, and trigger warnings. 

Professor Kimble teaches a range of courses in the Psychology Department including Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, Psychological Disorders, Psychological Trauma, and Happiness.

Courses Taught

Course Description

Independent Research
Students enrolled in NSCI 0500 complete individual research projects involving laboratory or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and approved in advance by a NSCI faculty advisor. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in NSCI 0700. (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Research
This course is for senior NSCI majors who plan to conduct one or more semesters of independent research, or who plan to complete preparatory work toward a senior thesis, such as researching and writing a thesis proposal as well as, if appropriate, collecting data that will form the basis for a senior thesis. Senior NSCI majors who plan to complete a senior thesis should register initially for NSCI 0700. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (Approval required, open to seniors only)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Thesis
Senior NSCI majors who have completed one or more terms of NSCI 0700, who have a GPA of 3.3 in their major courses, and who plan to complete a senior thesis should register for NSCI 0701 for the final semester of the senior thesis process. Students enrolled in NSCI 0701 write a thesis, give a public presentation of their research, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least two Neuroscience faculty members. Faculty may recommend High honors in Neuroscience after considering the quality of these components of a student’s thesis and the student’s GPA in major courses. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (NSCI 0700, Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Introduction to Psychology
This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Winter 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Requirements

SOC

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Course Description

Research Methods in Psychology
This course will provide students with an understanding of the research methodology used by psychologists. Students will learn to read psychological studies and other related research as informed consumers. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data during lab assignments. They will also design an empirical study, review the related literature, and write a formal APA-style research proposal. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or MATH 0116 or ECON 0210; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hr. lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Fall 2022, Fall 2023

Requirements

CW, DED

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Course Description

Psychological Disorders
What makes an individual “abnormal”? Under what circumstances do mental health professionals classify emotions, thoughts, or behaviors as “disordered”? In this course, we will explore these questions with attention to their historical, theoretical, ethical, and diagnostic implications. We will investigate various classes of disorders, like anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, with a focus on their causes and treatments. Throughout, we will aim to appreciate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding diagnosis, and to recognize and challenge common assumptions about psychological disorders. In addition to lecture, the course will include discussions of current and controversial topics, and occasional demonstrations, analysis of clinical case material, and/or role plays. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors Environmental Studies/Conservation Psychology and undeclared majors only, open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024

Requirements

SOC

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Course Description

Directed Research in Psychology
Directed research provides opportunities for advanced students to become familiar with and participate in ongoing research projects under the direction of a faculty member. The student will first read background literature on the content area to be investigated and experimental methodologies to be used. Procedures involved in conducting psychological research will then be learned through firsthand experience. Potential activities include the design of research and the defining of conceptual variables and the gathering, analyzing, and interpretation of data. Finally, students will learn how to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper describing the project, using APA style. (Approval required; not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Resilience
Adversity and challenge are part of the human condition. Why is it that some individuals struggle in the face of difficulty and others seem to rise to the occasion? What are the psychological factors that play a role in these very different outcomes? The goal of this course is to have students examine and present on self-chosen topics of interest that expand our understanding of resilience and interpersonal growth during adversity. An emphasis will be placed on providing an integrated model of resilience that includes biological, developmental, cultural, and social perspectives. (Open to Psychology, NSCI majors by waiver only) 3 hrs. sem.

Terms Taught

Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

SOC

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Course Description

Advanced Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced students majoring in psychology. (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced senior majors in psychology. (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Proposal
Students hoping to be considered as candidates for departmental honors must enroll in PSYC 0701 under the sponsorship of a department faculty member. Their semester’s work will culminate in the submission of a formal, written research proposal by the due date as specified by the department. If the proposal is approved, the student will enroll in PSYC 0702 during the winter term and PSYC 0703 during the spring term of their senior year. (Feb graduates should consult with their advisors about the appropriate semester in which to begin a thesis.) (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Second Semester
Students whose honors thesis proposal (PSYC 0701) has been approved will collect, analyze, and interpret their data. This is the second semester of the 3-semester senior thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0701; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Senior Thesis*
This is the third and final semester of the senior thesis. Students will finish analyzing and interpreting their data. This process culminates in a written thesis to be submitted by the due date as specified by the department, a presentation, and an oral defense. The decision about awarding departmental honors will be made after the student submits the thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0702; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Publications

Select Publications since 2010

Kimble, M. Flack, W., Koide, J.,* Bennion, K., Brenneman, M., & Meyersburg, C. (2021).  Students Reactions to Emotional Material in Literature:  Implications for Trigger Warnings.  PlosOne.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247579

Kimble, M. O., & Hyatt, A. S*. (2019). Vigilance/avoidance to expected and presented stimuli in trauma survivors: An eye-tracking study. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation.  https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2019.1572041. 

Kimble, M., Sripad, A.*, Fowler, R.*, Sobolewski, S.*, & Fleming, K. (2018). Negative world views after trauma.  Neuropphysiological evidence for negative expectations.  Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy10(5), 576–584. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000324 

Kimble, M., Kuvalanka, K.,* Mellen, E.,* & Nowak, C.* (revise and resubmit).  Civilian Perceptions of Returning Veterans and its Impact on Hiring:  Evidence for Stereotype but not Discrimination.   Armed Forces and Society.  

Schreger, C*., & Kimble, M. (2017). Assessing civilian perceptions of combat veterans: An IAT study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 9(Suppl 1), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000191

Flack, W., Kimble, M.O., Campbell, B.,* Hopper, A.*, Peterca, O,* Heller, E.*  (2015).   Sexual  Assault Victimization Among Female Undergraduates During Study Abroad: A Single   Campus Survey.   Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(20), 3453–3466.    DOI:  10.1177/0886260514563833.

Kimble, M.O., Boxwala, M.,* Bean, W.,* Maletsky, K.,* Halper, J.,* Spollen, K.,* Fleming, K. (2014).  The impact of hypervigilance:  Evidence for a forward feedback loop.  Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 28, 241-245.  

Ghisi, M., Novara, C., Buodo, G., Kimble, M., Scozzari, S., Di Natale, A., Sanavio, E, & Palomba, D.  (2013).  Psychological Distress and Posttraumatic Symptoms Following Occupational Accidents.  Behavioral Sciences, 3, 587-600.  

Kimble, M.O., Fleming, K., & Bennion, K.* (2013).  Contributors to Hypervigilance in a Military and Civilian Sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(8), 1672-1692. 

Kimble, M.O., Batterink, L.*, Marks, L.*, Ross, C.*, & Fleming, K. (2012).  Negative expectancies in PTSD: Neurophysiological (N400) and behavioral evidence.   Journal of Psychiatric Research, 36, 849-855.

Kimble, M.O., Flack, W.F., Burbridge, E*. (2012). Study abroad increases risk for sexual assault in female undergraduates:  A Preliminary Report. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy.  doi: 10.1037/a0029608.

Kimble, M.O., Fleming, K., & Bandy, C.  (2010).  P300 to target and novel stimuli in trauma survivors.  Psychiatry Research, 178,  501–506.

Kimble, M.O., Fleming, K., Bandy, C., Kim, J.*, & Zambetti, A*. (2010).  Eye tracking and visual attention to traumatic stimuli in veterans of the Iraq War.  Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24(3), 293-299.

Fleming, K., Bandy, C., & Kimble, M. (2010). Decisions to shoot in a weapon identification task: The influence of cultural stereotypes and perceived threat on false positive errors. Social Neuroscience, 5(2), 201-220.

Funding History

Fall 2021         Visiting Professor Position.   Danish Institute for Study Abroad.                            Intended collaborative research as well as the development of a                          course Resilience” for the Fall of 2021 in Copenhagen Denmark.                          Cancelled due to COVID-19.   

 

Spring 2021     Fulbright Award.  Awarded a Fulbright as Distinguished Chair of                           Social Sciences at  Masaryk University, Czech Republic.  Award                             Declined due COVID-19.  

2018-2022     An electrophysiological predictor of SSRI response in Veterans with                       PTSD.  Collaborator on Veterans Administration Merit Review                               Grant.  Total Directs Costs:  $599,531.

2015-2020       ERP and eye tracking studies of expectancy bias in trauma                                   survivors. Principal Investigator for a National Institute of Mental                         Health (NIMH) AREA grant.  Total Direct Costs: $232,794.00

2011-2014       ERP and eye tracking studies of expectancy bias in trauma                                   survivors. Principal Investigator for a National Institute of Mental                         Health (NIMH) AREA grant.   Total Direct Costs: $236,582.00

2010                Finalist:  Vermont Campus Contact, Award for Excellence in                                 Community-Based Teaching.

2009-2011       Vigilance and threat perception in military veterans and cadets.                           Unpaid Collaborator with Norwich University on a Vermont                                   Genetics Network Grant (A National Center for Research                                     Resources Grant from NIH).  Total Direct Costs:  $150,000.00

2008-2009       Nominated:  Perkins Teaching Award

2008-2010       Psychophysiological correlates of attention in trauma survivors.                           Principal Investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health.                             (NIMH) AREA grant.  Total   Direct Costs:  $135,000.  

2008-2009      Perceptions of threat in military veterans and cadets.  Principal                            Investigator for a Vermont Genetics Network Grant (A National                            Center for Research Resources Grant from NIH).  Total Direct                              Costs:  $70,000.00

2007-2008     Perceptions of threat in military cadets using ERPs and eye                                 tracking.  Principal Investigator for a Vermont Genetics Network                           Grant (A National Center for Research Resources Grant from NIH).                       Total Direct Costs:  $25,000.00

 2005-2006      Nominated:  Marjorie Lamberti Faculty Appreciation Award.

 2005-2006       Unconscious fear effects on decision making.  Principal Investigator for a Vermont Genetics Network Grant (A National Center for Research Resources Grant from NIH).  Total Direct Costs:  $10,290.

 

2003-2005       CBT treatment of PTSD in the Seriously Mentally Ill.  Co-                                     investigator for an NIMH R21 Grant.   Total Direct Costs:                                     $300,000.

 

1999-2003       Studies of Sustained and Selective Attention in PTSD.  Principal                           Investigator for an NIMH FIRST Award.  Total Direct Costs:                                 $350,000. 

1999-2002      Factors Associated with Attentional Disturbance in PTSD.  Principal                        Investigator for the Department of Veteran Affairs Merit Review                            Entry Program.  Direct Cost: $150,000.00.

1998-2001     Effects of combat stress on the structure and function of the                               hippocampus.  Coinvestigator for a collaborative Veterans                                   Administration/Department of Defense grant.  Total Direct                                   Cost=$597,800.

 

1994-1996       An Electrophysiological and Neuropsychological Study of                                     Semantic Processing in First-degree Relatives of Individuals with                         Schizophrenia.”  Principal Investigator for an NIMH National                                 Research Service Award.  Mentor:  Michael J. Lyons, Ph.D.  Total                         Direct Costs:  $13,000.