Chris Varnon
Dr. Varnon is an experimental psychologist specializing in comparative psychology and behavior analysis. He also has a strong interest in zoology, including the biological mechanisms of behavior and behavioral ecology. Dr. Varnon received a BS from Jacksonville State University in Biology and Psychology. He then completed an MS in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, followed by a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Oklahoma State University.
At Converse, Dr. Varnon teaches General Psychology, Psychology of Learning, and Statistics and Experimental Design II.
Scholarly & Research Activity
Dr. Varnon’s research involves a diverse range of topics and species. He has worked with many species including horses, rats, pigeons, rattlesnakes, turtles, cockroaches and honey bees. Dr. Varnon is especially interested in basic forms of learning in non-traditional species such as ectotherms and invertebrates, behavioral imprinting, behavior of wild animals in captivity, and operant contingencies involved in social behavior and fear.
Most recently, he has become interested in using invertebrates as behavioral and biological models of substance use. Dr. Varnon’s experiences with a diverse range of taxa have also led him to become involved with the construction, electronics, and programming of equipment used in behavioral research. To help others explore similar research topics, Dr. Varnon makes many of these programs and equipment designs freely available.