Psychology Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

Psychology is invigorated by the intellectual imperative to understand behavior, the ethical imperative to alleviate human suffering, and the aesthetic imperative to find form and pattern in our lives. The psychology curriculum illuminates the behavior of biological organisms living in social habitats. Students of psychology learn to use empirical methods to investigate behavior and to use critical thinking to interrogate empirical methods. Situated in a liberal arts environment, the psychology curriculum empowers the student with tools for mindful inquiry. Students of psychology construct their learning into a variety of professional careers, including teaching, scientific research, clinical work, medicine, and law.

Learning Outcomes

  • To understand the natural science approach to the study of behavior.
  • To understand the principles of behavior and their application.
  • To understand contextual variation in behavior.
  • To understand the interplay between theory and data.
  • To acquire competence in laboratory and library research.
  • To acquire competence in statistical analysis and interpretation of data.
  • To acquire competence in the communication of psychological knowledge.
  • To acquire competence in the use of psychology-related technology.
  • To understand the ethics of psychological research and practice.
  • To productively engage in collaboration with others.

Writing Outcomes

The College learning goal about communication: students develop the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in various modes for various purposes and audiences.

The department learning goal about communication: to acquire competence in the communication of psychological knowledge.

Specific goals for writing in the discipline:

  • The student selects a topic in the discipline of psychology.
  • The student establishes a clear thesis, argument, or question to be answered.
  • The student presents clear and convincing evidence in support of the thesis or argument or to answer the question.
  • The student makes effective use of the conventions of the discipline, including the style of the American Psychological Association, to produce writing that is clear and easy to understand.

Web page updated 3/7/2024

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