Assessment Plan for BA in Psychology

LEARNING OUTCOME 1

Students who graduate with a BA in Psychology should have a basic knowledge of Psychology and related fields.

 Objectives Related to 1

Obj. 1. Students learn methods and theories used in psychology by taking appropriate lower-division course work including Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods and learn methods and theories used in at least 4 of the following areas of psychology: Biological, Developmental, Clinical, Social, and Cognitive.

Obj. 2.   Students learn about fields related to psychology, including Biology, Statistics, Anthropology, and Sociology.

Obj. 3.  Students learn to integrate knowledge from lower division classes in laboratory, writing intensive, and capstone classes.

Obj. 4. Students retain information learned in their courses.

Methods of Assessment 1

1. Student learning of subfields assessed in tests/graded assignments in PSYC 1000, PSYC 2000, and lower division courses in the four of the five subfields (Biological: PSYC 2210 or 2080; Developmental: PSYC 2300; Clinical: PSYC 2340; Social: PSYC 2380; Cognitive: PSYC 3120)  

2. Students demonstrate cross-discipline understanding through completion of six hours in Sociology or Anthropology; BIOL 1000, 1003 or 1010; and STAT 2050 or 2070.

3. Students demonstrate an understanding of the integration of research methods and knowledge in the field through successful completion of upper division coursework (PSYC 4050, 4060, 4110, 4150, 4220, 4250, 4320, 4350, 4380, 4400, 4740, 4760, or 4860).

4. Senior psychology majors in selected capstone classes complete the Psychology Assessment of Student Learning with 90% of students passing the test at a 60% level.

LEARNING OUTCOME 2 Students participate in and are able to evaluate the assumptions, purposes, methods, and results of psychological research and scholarship.

Objectives Related to 2

Obj. 1. Students participate in research conducted by faculty and graduate students.

Obj. 2. Students critically examine psychological research and scholarship in their coursework.

Obj. 3.  Students learn how to be producers of psychological research.

Methods of Assessment 2

1. Students either participate in research conducted by faculty and graduate students or read selected articles on psychological research to partially fulfill requirements in PSYC 1000, Introduction to Psychology.   

2. Students evaluate psychological research and read peer-reviewed journal articles in upper division psychology courses.

3. Students demonstrate ability to produce (both individually and in groups) and present psychological research in PSYC 2000 (Research Methods).  In addition, students display ability to analyze data appropriately both in PSYC 2000 and STAT 2050 or STAT 2070.

4. Lists of student research assistants are provided in annual faculty updates.

LEARNING OUTCOME 3 Students develop skills in teamwork, leadership, writing, speaking, and listening, especially concerning psychology-related topics.

Objectives Related to 3

Obj. 1. Students participate in team or cooperative assignments in their coursework or research laboratories.

Obj. 2.  Students complete Psychology or other courses fulfilling the O, WB, and/or WC USP requirements.

Obj. 3.  Students participate or fill leadership roles in Psi Chi/Psychology Club, extracurricular activities, or relevant community activities.

Methods of Assessment 3 

1. Students demonstrate teamwork by successfully completing group projects in PSYC 2000 (Research Methods) and in other courses.

2. Students demonstrate writing ability by successfully completing papers in a WB class (PSYC 2000) and a University Studies WC class and demonstrate speaking ability by completing a University Studies O class.

3. Advisors track Career/Graduate school information, when available.

4.  Student achievements, honors, awards are reported in annual report.