Summary of MansfieldUniversity Psychology
Learning Outcomes andMethods of Assessment

General Outcome / Examples of Assessment Methods / Courses or Activities in Which Opportunities for Learning are Offered
Knowledge Base of Psychology and/or Human Resource Management: An understanding of the knowledge base of psychology, including the ability to identify major concepts and theoretical models, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology /
  • Successful performance on a senior-level exit examination that demonstrates an understanding of critical facts, theoretical models, and issues and historical trends in psychology.
  • Course examinations.
  • Topic papers.*
/
  • All courses in the major contribute to building the knowledge base.

Information and Technological Literacy: Competence in searching for, identifying, and utilizing evidence from the available literature; and the ability to use computers and technology for varied purposes related to the major and the discipline. /
  • Observed demonstration of computer skills in the Psychology Computer Laboratory.
  • Submission of completed of MU Library “Search and Find It” tutorial process
  • Library research and paper assignmentsin required major coursesincluding a senior paper and presentation that include a technologically proficient search of the current literature.*
/
  • PSY 1101, 1151, 2206, 3304, 3306, 4490

Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology: The ability to think critically about important issues addressed by the discipline, and when appropriate to apply a scientific approach to analyzing and solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. /
  • Monitored group discussions in courses.
  • Reaction and observation papers and other written assignments in major courses.*
  • Senior paper and presentation that demonstrates the ability formulate questions, identify appropriate resources, organize findings, and draw sound conclusions.**
/
  • All courses in the major

Language of the Discipline: The ability to use the language of the discipline with clarity and precision. When appropriate, apply the current edition of the APA style to written communications. /
  • Monitored group discussions.
  • Papers and other writing projects in required major courses that demonstrate appropriate applications of concepts and terms.*
  • Presentation of research based on the student’s own or a group research project that demonstrates appropriate applications of concepts and terms.**
  • Senior paper and presentation that demonstrates appropriate applications of concepts and terms.**
/
  • All courses in the major

Research Methods in Psychology: An understanding and application of research methods in psychology, including basic research design, data analysis, and interpretation. /
  • Presentation of research based on the student’s own or a group research project that demonstrates understanding and application of basic research skills.**
  • Reports of research projects that demonstrate basic understanding of concepts and methods.*
  • Course-related examinations
/
  • PSY 1101, 2201, 2203, 2206, 3290, 3304, 3306,4496, 4497

Communication Skills: The ability to communicate clearly, skillfully, and sensitively with others in a variety of formats (written, oral, graphic presentations) and settings where students might function after graduation. /
  • Monitored group discussions, demonstrations in classes that require interviewing and discussion skills, and evaluations from internship supervisors.
  • Senior papers and presentations that demonstrate desired communication skills.**
/
  • PSY3300, 3301, 3304, 3311, 3315, 3316, 4415, 4416, 4422,4490, 4495

Career Planning and Development: An understanding of the roles psychologists and students with majors in psychology often fill, and an understanding of the settings in which psychologists and related professionals work /
  • First year and senior goal plans.*
  • Personal strategic plan.*
  • Career exploration projects.*
  • Discussions with advisors.
/
  • PSY 1151, 2201, 4490
  • Meetings with advisors.

Awareness of Sociocultural and Diversity Issues: Recognition and appreciation of individual differences and diversity among people from different genders, races, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds /
  • Topic papers.*
  • Facilitated and monitored group discussions.
  • Participation in department events that address diversity,
  • Examinations in major courses.
/
  • PSY 1101, 3290, 3300, 3301, 3311, 4420

Values and Ethics in Psychology: An understanding of the values that form the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline and guide reflection, decision making, and behavior in research and professional practice; and the ability to recognize and think critically about ethical issues that are relevant to acceptable research and practice in the discipline. /
  • Guided and monitored group discussions of values and ethical issues.
  • A Psychology Ethics Journal that demonstrates an appropriate understanding and level of reflection on values and ethical issues.*
  • Analyses of case studies that reflect ethical dilemmas.*
  • Ethics questions included in the exit examination.
  • Reaction papers and examinations in selected major courses.
/
  • PSY 1151,2206, 3300, 3301, 3304, 3306, 4420, 4441, 4490

Legal Regulation of Psychology and/or Human Resource Management: An understanding of the major laws and regulations that directly affect entry into professional practice in psychology and related areas and essential practice issues. /
  • Personal strategic plan included in the Psychology Portfolio.*
  • Analyses of case studies that reflect legal and ethical dilemmas.*
  • Careers Project.*
/
  • PSY 1151, 3300, 3315, 3316, 4415, 4416, 4441, 4490, 4495

Applications of Psychology and/or Human Resource Management Principles and Practices: An understanding of psychological principles as they apply to personal, social, and organizational issues. /
  • Guided and monitored group discussions of ways in which psychology is applied in various settings.
  • Personal strategic plan included in the Psychology Portfolio.*
  • Career plan included in the Psychology Portfolio
  • Internship final report*
  • Surveys of internship supervisors.
  • Examinations and written papers.
/
  • PSY 1101, 1151, 3300, 3301, 3315, 3316, 3350, 4415, 4416, 4490, 4495

Personal Development: Insight into students’ own and others’ behavior and mental processes, including application of effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement. /
  • Guided discussions in classes.
  • Development-oriented meetings with advisors.
  • Personal strategic plan included in the Psychology Portfolio.*
  • APsychology Ethics Journalincluded in the Psychology Portfolio.*
/
  • PSY 1151, 2201, 3300, 3301, 3350, 4430, 4490, 4495

Civic Engagement & Community Service: A coherent philosophy of civic engagement and community service accompanied by a record of service consistent with the philosophy. /
  • A Civic Engagement and Community Service Journal.* (Under development)
  • Internship final report.*
/
  • PSY 1151, 4422, 4490, 4495

NOTES:

*Indicates evidence is included for faculty review in a portfolio that is submitted by each student’s in the Senior Seminar.

**Indicates a public presentation formally assessed by faculty.
Influenced by therecommendations of American Psychological Association Board of Educational AffairsTask Force on Undergraduate Psychology Major Competencies. Retrieved January 7, 2004 from

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Revised by the MansfieldUniversity Psychology Faculty Page 1

5-10-04