Psychology Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications

Students should demonstrate comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavior and mental processes. Students should be able to discuss psychological science’s integrative themes and their respective sociocultural and historical backgrounds.

  • Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science (APA 1.1)
  • Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields (APA 1.2)
  • Portray significant aspects of the history of psychological science (APA 1.3)
  • Apply psychological content to solve practical problems (APA 1.4)
  • Provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes[1] (APA 1.5)

Goal 2: Communication

Students should grow in their ability to express their ideas with clarity, explain the ideas of others, discuss psychological concepts, communicate a cogent scientific argument, and present information using a scientific approach. Students should be able to communicate the results of a research study or psychology-related project, explain scientific results, and present information to professional audiences in different formats. Students should also develop an ability to distinguish appropriate and inappropriate communication strategies in developing interpersonal relationships, and to learn to use their knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion to improve their communication skills.

  • Interact effectively with others (APA 4.1)
  • Write effectively for different purposes (APA 4.2)
  • Present effectively for different purposes (APA 4.2)

Goal 3: Information Literacy

The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and investigation including developing proficiencies in research methods and statistics. Students should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior using research, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing appropriate conclusions about behavior, and to designing, evaluating, and executing research plans. Research practice should also evaluate the extent to which research findings can be generalized to groups beyond the research sample. Students should develop psychological literacy, including applying knowledge of research skills necessary to be an informed consumer of research. Students should develop sophistication in using technology to improve communication outcomes.

  • Exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena (APA 2.1)
  • Interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research (APA 2.2)
  • Use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings (APA 2.4)
  • Provide evidence of psychological literacy (APA 4.3)
  • Exhibit appropriate technological skills to improve communication (APA 4.4)

Goal 4: Values in Psychological Science

The Department aims to promote the development of ethical and socially responsible values and behaviors in personal, professional, organizational, and institutional settings. The skills in this domain include educating majors about the formal principles of the APA ethics code, but it moves beyond the study of formal ethical principles to provide direct opportunities for students to embrace and apply their knowledge of psychology adaptively, and in an ethically and socially responsible manner, to improve professional, personal, and interpersonal outcomes. A primary component of this domain is for majors to become more aware of how various forms of diversity – demographic, experiential, and cognitive – may enrich human experience, and to learn how to apply knowledge of individual and intersectional differences to improve outcomes. Moreover, this goal emphasizes psychologically literate citizenship by stressing the importance of encouraging students to explore how psychological science might be used to promote just and functional communities, and to develop skills to engage effectively in actions that can bring about positive change.

  • Employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts (APA 3.1)
  • Develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness (APA 3.2)
  • Apply psychological principles to strengthen community and improve quality of life (APA 3.3)

[1] Psychological Science’s Integrative Themes (APA, 2021a):

  1. Psychological science relies on empirical evidence and adapts as new data develop2.
  2. Psychological science explains general principles that govern behavior while recognizing individual differences.
  3. Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence behavior and mental processes.
  4. Psychological science values diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion in pursuit of a more just society.
  5. Our perceptions and biases filter our experiences of the world through an imperfect personal lens.
  6. Applying psychological principles can change our lives, organizations, and communities in positive ways.
  7. Ethical principles guide psychological science research and practice.