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Learning Outcomes

The Psychology Department has identified the following four student learning outcomes and corresponding measures

  1. Knowledge Base of Psychology
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in Psychology. Measure used to assess whether goal is met: Psychology Major Field Test (MFT).
  2. Research Methods in Psychology
    • Students will understand and apply basic research methods in Psychology; they will demonstrate knowledge in research design and application, research ethics and the IRB process, data analysis, and data interpretation. Measure used to assess whether goal is met: Senior Seminar Paper.
  3. Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
    • Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, will explore underlying value assumptions, and will apply the scientific approach to analyze problems related to behavior and mental processes. Measures used to assess whether goal is met: Senior Seminar Paper; Psychology as Science (PAS) scale.
  4. Application of Psychology
    • Students will demonstrate skills in the ethical application of Psychology by successfully completing one of two possible senior level internships:
    • (a) a research internship in which students conduct original research under the direction of a faculty mentor or
    • (b) a field internship in which students work at a community agency or organization which engages in applied psychological work. Measures used to assess whether goal is met: Internship Supervisor Evaluation Form ; Internship Experiential Paper.

Willamette University

Psychology