Department of Psychology
Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
(Adopted September 9, 2011)
Adapted from the American Psychological Association Psychology Major Guidelines (2006):
Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Outcome 1.1: Characterize the nature of psychology as a discipline.
Outcome 1.2: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology.
Outcome 1.3: Use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena.
Outcome 1.4: Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).
Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology
Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Outcome 2.1: Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology.
Outcome 2.2: Explain different research methods used by psychologists.
Outcome 2.3: Evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from psychological research.
Outcome 2.4: Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using appropriate research methods.
Outcome 2.5: Follow the APA Ethics Code in the treatment of human and nonhuman participants in the design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting of psychological research.
Outcome 2.6: Generalize research conclusions appropriately based on the parameters of particular research methods.
Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Outcome 3.1: Use critical thinking effectively.
Outcome 3.2: Engage in creative thinking.
Outcome 3.3: Use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments and other persuasive appeals.
Outcome 3.4: Approach problems effectively.
Goal 4: Application of Psychology
Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Outcome 4.1; Describe major applied areas (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, school, etc.) and emerging (e.g., health, forensics, media, military, etc.) applied areas of psychology.
Outcome 4.2: Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems.
Outcome 4.3: Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy.
Outcome 4.4: Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life.
Outcome 4.5: Recognize that ethically complex situations can develop in the application of psychological principles.
Goal 5: Values in Psychology
Value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.
Outcome 5.1: Recognize the necessity of ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and practice of psychology.
Outcome 5.2: Demonstrate reasonable skepticism and intellectual curiosity by asking questions about causes of behavior.
Outcome 5.3: Seek and evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims.
Outcome 5.4: Tolerate ambiguity and realize that psychological explanations are often complex and tentative.
Outcome 5.5: Recognize and respect human diversity.
Outcome 5.6: Assess and justify their engagement with respect to civic, social, and global responsibilities.
Outcome 5.7: Understand the limitations of their psychological knowledge and skills.