The document discusses learning goals and assessment practices for an undergraduate psychology program. It summarizes data from assessing student learning related to research methods (Goal 2) and application of psychology (Goal 4). Assessment indicates students understand research methods but need help with statistics concepts. It also outlines new practicum and capstone courses designed to further student learning and career preparation.

1. Learning Goals: Helping Students Achieve Success Dawn R. Rager, Eileen M. Merges, & Laura L. Phelan Part 1: Learning Goals & Assessment Part 2: A New Practicum Course for Majors Part 3: Capstone Courses

2. Part 1: Learning Goals and Assessment Dawn R. Rager

5. Overview of Program Psychology Electives & General Education Courses History & Systems Special Topics Seminar Abnormal Psychology Capstone Courses Learning or Cognitive Lab Developmental or Social/Health Lab Laboratory Courses Cognitive Personality Learning Social Psychology Physiological Psychology Developmental Psychology Psychological Perspectives Courses Advanced/Multivariate Statistics (BS degree) Practicum for Psychology Majors Research Methods & Writing Basic Statistics Introductory Psychology Foundations Courses

9. The Data: Goal 2 (2005-2006) 86 % (P200) 97 % (Labs) 91 % (Total) % C or better in Research Methods & labs +11 pts Avg. Δ scores from 1 st to 2 nd papers in labs 2.4 Students will be able to design and conduct psychological research in an ethical manner, and interpret the results. 2.5 Students will be able to formulate and write all parts of an APA Style empirical paper. 89 % % earning C or better on Seminar papers +11 pts Avg. Δ scores from 1 st to 2 nd papers in labs 2.3 Students will be able to read and interpret psychological research with appropriate appreciation for the effects of internal and external validity on the generalizability of the research results. 40 % % earning C or better on cumulative final in Basic Statistics 90 % % earning C or better in Basic Statistics 2.2 Students will be able to utilize basic statistical techniques and interpret statistical results (including significance and effect size). +11 pts Avg. Δ scores from 1 st to 2 nd papers in labs 97 % % earning C or better in labs 86 % % earning C or better in Research Methods 2.1 Students will be able to describe the different research methods used by psychologists, and articulate their strengths and weaknesses (including internal and external validity). Averages Assessment Methods Learning Outcomes GOAL 2 - RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: Students will understand and apply research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation.

11. The Data: Goal 4 (2006-2007) M = 2.25 SD = 0.46 Interobserver agreement = 56% (100%) Below: 1 Meets: 15 Exceeds: 2 n = 18 4.2 Students will recognize that ethical issues and sociocultural contexts influence the application of psychological principles in solving problems M = 2.11 SD = 0.68 Interobserver agreement = 44% (72%) Below: 7 Meets: 8 Exceeds: 4 n = 19 Evaluate samples of papers/projects that require students to demonstrate an understanding of the applications of psychology to solve real world problems and/or grapple with ethical and cultural issues. Samples will be evaluated by teams of faculty members using the following rating scale: 1 – Below Expectations 2 – Meets Expectations 3 – Exceeds Expectations 4.1 Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the psychological concepts, theories and research to solve real world problems in areas such as health, mental health, work, education, etc. Descriptives Frequencies Assessment Methods Learning Outcomes GOAL 4 - APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLOGY: Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social and/or organizational issues.

16. Part 2: A New Practicum Course for Majors Laura L. Phelan

26. Part 3: Capstone Courses Eileen M. Merges