Psychology Discipline

UNIT MISSION/GOAL(S)

To foster understanding of and the ability to apply the scientific method to the problems of the behavioral sciences and of individual and social human behavior by providing students with basic methods, logical skills and practice in applying them and by providing an introduction to core area of psychology

Unit Mission/goal(s) and the Institutional Mission Relation

It is an integral part of the institutional mission.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTED OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENT METHODS & TOOLS, TIMELINE

Learning Objective 1

Awareness of the range of knowledge (data methods) in psychology

Expected Outcome 1

Successful completion of the required range of upper division psychology courses.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 1

1. Passing exams in Psy 1051 and 2001; writing an acceptable journal-style project report at the end of Psy 2001.

2. Success in next-level courses

3. Scores on GRE Psychology subject test

Timeline for the Outcome 1

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 2

Competency in translating behavioral questions into the terms of scientific inquiry in psychology.

Expected Outcome 2

Be able to formulate a research problem in psychology.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 2

Successful conceptualization of a research project (the approved empirical-project requirement of the major) in an Empirical Investigations course sequence (Psy 46** and 47**), UROP, or MAP.
Completion of a successful application to the IRB or IACUC for undertaking an empirical investigation.

Timeline for the Outcome 2

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 3

Competency in reading and critically synthesizing the technical literature in psychology.

Expected Outcome 3

Be able to prepare reviews of literature in specialized subject areas of psychology.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 3

Completion of an acceptable review of literature in an Empirical Investigations course sequence (Psy 46** and 47**) or UROP or MAP project.

Timeline for the Outcome 3

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 4

Competency in quantifying and statistically analyzing behavior.

Expected Outcome 4

Be able to carry out measurement and data analysis in a research project.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 4

1. Successful completion of Stat 1601 or 2601

2. Successful completion of required upper division lab courses and the approved project requirement in an Empirical Investigations course sequence (Psy 46** and 47**) or UROP or MAP. This also generally includes completion of a successful application to the IRB or IACUC for undertaking an empirical investigation.

Timeline for the Outcome 4

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 5

Awareness of ethical issues in psychology.

Expected Outcome 5

Know ethical and legal constraints on psychological practice and research.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 5

Completion of a successful application to the IRB or IACUC for undertaking an empirical investigation.
Successful completion of IS 4101, which requires, among other assessments, a writing exercise to relate ethical and legal principles to students' anticipated first role in a human services occupation.

Timeline for the Outcome 5

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress