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Program Student Learning Outcomes
USE OF ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Spring Semester 2012
PROGRAM TITLE: University Parallel
COURSE: PSYC 1030 General Psychology (formerly PSY 1310/1320 and PSY 1410)
Expected Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
Students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Describe the major perspectives and methods that govern the study of mental processes and behaviors.
Examine the biological structures and processes that underlie psychological phenomena.
Describe the contributions of major figures and scientific studies to the understanding of psychological
phenomena.
Evaluate theories that attempt to explain various aspects of human behavior and mental processes.
Apply psychological principles to the analysis of everyday experiences and real-life examples.
Examine the relative influence of biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors on human
psychology.
Examine current scientific research and findings related to the various types of psychological disorders.
Performance Measure:
Pre-Test/Post-Test
Effectiveness Standard:
A score of 70% on the post-test indicates mastery of the student learning outcome.
Assessment Results:
PreTest
#
Correct
PreTest
%
Correct
PostTest
#
Correct
PostTest
%
Correct
%
Difference
Q1
192
74%
177
87%
13%
Q2
109
42%
108
53%
11%
Q3
159
61%
159
78%
17%
Q4
164
63%
163
80%
17%
Q5
202
78%
170
83%
5%
Q6
100
39%
107
52%
14%
Q7
117
45%
156
76%
31%
Q8
162
63%
162
79%
17%
Q9
158
61%
151
74%
13%
Q10
120
46%
167
82%
36%
Q11
158
61%
161
79%
18%
Q12
137
53%
135
66%
13%
Q13
82
32%
119
58%
27%
Q14
122
47%
145
71%
24%
Question
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Q15
75
29%
145
71%
42%
Q16
104
40%
124
61%
21%
Use of Assessment Results:
In Spring 2012, PSYC 1030 General Psychology was assessed by online Pre-Test/Post-Test. Each of the eight
student learning outcomes (SLOs) were assessed by two multiple choice questions: SLO 1 (questions 1 and 2), SLO
2 (questions 3 and 4), SLO 3 (questions 5 and 6), SLO 4 (questions 7 and 8), SLO 5 (questions 9 and 10), SLO 6
(questions 11 and 12), SLO 7 (questions 13 and 14), and SLO 8 (questions 15 and 16). Incremental gains between
pre-test and post-test were observed for all SLOs. All SLOs except 3, 7, and 8 (pertaining to the QEP International
Module) were achieved at the Effectiveness Standard of 70%. The psychology faculty discussed the possible
reasons for this. These include difficulty getting all section instructors and students to complete both the pre-test
and the post-test, and the time interval between pre-test and post-test (i.e., pre-test at the beginning of the
semester and post-test at the end of the semester). Teaching methodologies and course content were not
considered to be a contributory factor. As a result the psychology faculty recommended two actions: 1) switching
from pre-test/post-test to embedded assessment; 2) revising the assessment questions associated with each SLO.
This will be done in advance of the next scheduled general education assessment of PSYC 1030 General
Psychology.