| Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives |
| Students will... |
Students will be able to... |
| Increase knowledge base in psychology |
- Describe key concepts, principles and overarching themes in psychology
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of psychology's major content domains (social or cultural bases, neurological and biological bases, developmental bases)
- Describe how the mind and body interact to influence psychological and physical health
- Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues, address pressing societal needs, and inform public policy |
| Increase skill in scientific inquiry and critical thinking |
- Read and summarize complex ideas accurately, including future directions, from psychological sources and research
- Describe the characteristics and relative value of different information sources (e.g., primary vs. secondary, peer reviewed vs. nonreviewed, empirical vs. non-empirical)
- Locate relevant scholarship (e.g., databases, credible journals) to address psychological questions
- Interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research
- Apply knowledge of research skills necessary to be an informed consumer of research or critic regarding unsupported claims about behavior
- Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving
- Recognize the systemic influences of sociocultural, theoretical, and personal biases on the research enterprise and evaluate the effectiveness with which researchers address those influences in psychological research |
| Increase knowledge and understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world |
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
- Identify dimensions of cultural identity
- Recognize potential for discrimination and prejudice in self and others and consider psychology-based strategies for diminishing discriminatory practices
- Exhibit sensitivity to issues of power, privilege and discrimination and solidify DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusivity and inclusivity perspectives) |
| Refine communication skills |
- Employ APA writing style and demonstrate effective scientific, persuasive, descriptive, and argumentative writing
- Exhibit effective scientific, persuasive, descriptive and argumentative presentation skills
- Tailor length and development of ideas in formats that fit the purpose
- Interact sensitively and respectfully with people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives |
| Develop professional knowledge and skills |
- Describe career options available to psychology majors and understand steps needed to pursue a range of careers
- Evaluate personal strengths and characteristics of potential work settings or graduate school programs to optimize career direction and satisfaction
- Engage in ongoing reflective practice
- Demonstrate self-efficacy and self-regulation in professional settings (i.e., internship or community psychology service)
- Pursue and respond appropriately to feedback from educators, mentors, supervisors, and experts to improve performance
- Actively develop alternative strategies, including conflict management, to contend with potential problems
- Plan, implement, and manage projects |