Learning Outcomes for Psychology Majors

Psychology Majors will be able to

Critical Thinking and Research Skills

1) Describe the characteristics and purposes of the scientific enterprise

2) Identify scientific questions; to include

• Distinguish between claims that can and cannot be evaluated scientifically (empirically)
• Distinguish between descriptive, predictive and explanatory questions and conclusions

3) Identify and explain the strengths and limitations of different types of evidence and methodologies for answering scientific questions

• Distinguish between different types of research methodologies (e.g., descriptive, correlational, experimental)
• Evaluate the validity of different types and sources of evidence for different types of questions
• Evaluate the methodology of specific studies (e.g., sufficient sample size? Random assignment? Confounding variables?)
• Distinguish between hypotheses, theories and conclusions

4) Evaluate and apply congruency between scientific question, methodology and conclusion

• Evaluate whether a specific methodology is appropriate for testing a particular hypothesis (e.g., can a correlational study be used to test a causal hypothesis?)
• Describe how a specific scientific question could be tested

5) Evaluate and apply congruency between evidence and conclusion

• Interpret data presented in a variety of forms (e.g., tabular, graphical)
• Determine whether a claim is justified given the nature of the evidence presented
• Determine if sufficient evidence is given to justify a claim or conclusion
• Generate alternative explanations for given evidence and methodology

6) Identify errors, biases and distortions in methodology, evidence and conclusions

• Describe the possible effects of measurement errors on calculations and conclusions
• Recognize the presence of error, bias and distortion in the presentation of evidence or claims
• Describe how error, bias or distortion could be reduced or eliminated

7) Find and evaluate appropriate sources to answer psychological questions, using sophisticated search strategies if necessary

8) Identify ethical issues in psychological research and practice, explain the principles underlying ethical practice and demonstrate how ethical practices are applied

9) Appropriately apply basic descriptive and inferential statistics

10)Design and conduct a methodologically sound study to answer a psychological question

Communication Skills

1) Demonstrate proficiency in writing APA-style papers

2) Draw conclusions about the current state of a particular research topic by integrating findings from a thorough review of the relevant scientific literature.

Content

1) Describe, explain, and apply concepts and principles from each of the following areas of psychology:

i) Social psychology

ii) Developmental psychology

iii) Biological psychology

iv) Cognitive psychology