Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is committed to providing an excellent education for students at all levels. This page provides a brief overview of the learning outcomes as well as links to the on-line assessments administered by the department.

On-Line Assessment Instruments
Please select the appropriate assessment instrument from the options below:

• PSY 1300 - End of Semester Learning Outcomes Assessment


• PSY 4391 - Mid-Semester Learning Outcomes Assessment

Learning Outcomes for PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology)

1. Students enrolled in PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology) will be able to define what psychology is and discuss the development of psychology as a social and behavioral science. Our target is for 70% of our students to "meet" or "exceed expectations" (Method 1) and to write "acceptable," "good," or "exemplary" essays (Method 2).


2. Students enrolled in PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology) will demonstrate an understanding of the basic methods and research techniques that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition/human behavior. Our target is for 70% of our students to "meet" or "exceed expectations" (Method 1) and to write "acceptable," "good," or "exemplary" essays (Method 2).


3. Students enrolled in PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology) will demonstrate an ability to apply the theories and research in psychology to describe the human condition/human behavior. Our target is for 70% of our students to "meet" or "exceed expectations" (Method 1) and to write "acceptable," "good," or "exemplary" essays (Method 2).


4. Students enrolled in PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology) will demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the validity of social and behavioral research, consistent with the Social and Behavioral Science Perspective Requirements. Our target is for 70% of our students to "meet" or "exceed expectations" (Method 1) and to write "acceptable," "good," or "exemplary" essays (Method 2).


5. Students enrolled in PSY 1300 (Introduction to Psychology) will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which different approaches to and schools of thought within psychology examine the human condition/human behavior using different methodologies, consistent with the Social and Behavioral Science Perspective Requirements. Our target is for 70% of our students to "meet" or "exceed expectations" (Method 1) and to write "acceptable," "good" or "exemplary" essays (Method 2).

Learning Outcomes for the Undergraduate Major in Psychology

1. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and theories of psychology by using theories to explain and predict behavior and mental processes. Our target is for 75% of our students to meet or exceed expectations.


2. Demonstrate understanding of the psychological aspects of lifespan development. Our target is for 75% of our students to meet or exceed expectations.


3. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to utilize appropriately the various methodologies and designs used in psychological research. Our target is for 75% of our students to meet or exceed expectations.


4. Demonstrate understanding of statistical concepts and an ability to evaluate the appropriateness of research conclusions. Our target is for 75% of our students to meet or exceed expectations.


5. Demonstrate understanding of ethical obligations and ethical issues within psychology. Our target is for 75% of our students to meet or exceed expectations.

Learning Outcomes for the Masters in Health Psychology

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the concepts and theories of health psychology by using theories to explain and predict behavior and mental processes. The target for Method 1, which relates to students completing a thesis, is that all (100%) of graduate students will be rated as "exemplary" or "good." The target for Method 2, which relates to the clinical emphasis, is that 80% of the students will receive an "exemplary" or "good" rating on the appropriate comprehensive examination questions.


2. Demonstrate application of theories related to prevention and intervention (clinical emphasis) and/or program evaluation (research emphasis) as they relate to the area of health psychology. The target for Method 1, which relates to students completing a thesis, is that all (100%) of graduate students will be rated as "exemplary" or "good." The target for Method 2, which relates to the clinical emphasis, is that 80% of the students will receive an "exemplary" or "good" rating on the appropriate comprehensive examination questions.


3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and ability to utilize appropriately the various methodologies and designs used in health psychological research. The target for Method 1, which relates to students completing a thesis, is that all (100%) of graduate students will be rated as "exemplary" or "good." The target for Method 2, which relates to the clinical emphasis, is that 80% of the students will receive an "exemplary" or "good" rating on the appropriate comprehensive examination questions.


4. Understand more advanced statistical concepts and evaluate the appropriateness of research conclusions. The target for Method 1, which relates to students completing a thesis, is that all (100%) of graduate students will be rated as "exemplary" or "good." The target for Method 2, which relates to the clinical emphasis, is that 80% of the students will receive an "exemplary" or "good" rating on the appropriate comprehensive examination questions.


5. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of ethical obligations and issues within health psychology. The target for Method 1, which relates to students completing a thesis, is that all (100%) of graduate students will be rated as "exemplary" or "good." The target for Method 2, which relates to the clinical emphasis, is that 80% of the students will receive an "exemplary" or "good" rating on the appropriate comprehensive examination questions.