SUMMARY OF MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY PSYCHOLOGY
LEARNING OUTCOMES AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
General Outcome
Knowledge Base of Psychology and/or
Human Resource Management: An
understanding of the knowledge base of
psychology, including the ability to identify
major concepts and theoretical models,
empirical findings, and historical trends in
psychology
Examples of Assessment Methods
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Information and Technological Literacy:
Competence in searching for, identifying, and
utilizing evidence from the available literature;
and the ability to use computers and
technology for varied purposes related to the
major and the discipline.
Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology: The
ability to think critically about important issues
addressed by the discipline, and when
appropriate to apply a scientific approach to
analyzing and solving problems related to
behavior and mental processes.
Language of the Discipline: The ability to
use the language of the discipline with clarity
and precision. When appropriate, apply the
current edition of the APA style to written
communications.
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Successful performance on a senior-level exit
examination that demonstrates an understanding
of critical facts, theoretical models, and issues
and historical trends in psychology.
Course examinations.
Topic papers.*
Observed demonstration of computer skills in the
Psychology Computer Laboratory.
Submission of completed of MU Library “Search
and Find It” tutorial process
Library research and paper assignments in
required major courses including a senior paper
and presentation that include a technologically
proficient search of the current literature.*
Monitored group discussions in courses.
Reaction and observation papers and other
written assignments in major courses.*
Senior paper and presentation that demonstrates
the ability formulate questions, identify
appropriate resources, organize findings, and
draw sound conclusions.**
Monitored group discussions.
Papers and other writing projects in required
major courses that demonstrate appropriate
applications of concepts and terms.*
Presentation of research based on the student’s
own or a group research project that
demonstrates appropriate applications of
concepts and terms.**
Senior paper and presentation that demonstrates
appropriate applications of concepts and terms.**
Revised by the Mansfield University Psychology Faculty
5-10-04
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Courses or Activities in
Which Opportunities for
Learning are Offered
All courses in the major
contribute to building the
knowledge base.
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PSY 1101, 1151, 2206,
3304, 3306, 4490
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All courses in the major
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All courses in the major
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General Outcome
Examples of Assessment Methods
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Research Methods in Psychology: An
understanding and application of research
methods in psychology, including basic
research design, data analysis, and
interpretation.
Communication Skills: The ability to
communicate clearly, skillfully, and sensitively
with others in a variety of formats (written, oral,
graphic presentations) and settings where
students might function after graduation.
Career Planning and Development: An
understanding of the roles psychologists and
students with majors in psychology often fill,
and an understanding of the settings in which
psychologists and related professionals work
Awareness of Sociocultural and Diversity
Issues: Recognition and appreciation of
individual differences and diversity among
people from different genders, races, ethnic,
and cultural backgrounds
Values and Ethics in Psychology: An
understanding of the values that form the
underpinnings of psychology as a discipline
and guide reflection, decision making, and
behavior in research and professional practice;
and the ability to recognize and think critically
about ethical issues that are relevant to
acceptable research and practice in the
discipline.
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Presentation of research based on the student’s
own or a group research project that
demonstrates understanding and application of
basic research skills.**
Reports of research projects that demonstrate
basic understanding of concepts and methods.*
Course-related examinations
Monitored group discussions, demonstrations in
classes that require interviewing and discussion
skills, and evaluations from internship
supervisors.
Senior papers and presentations that demonstrate
desired communication skills.**
First year and senior goal plans.*
Personal strategic plan.*
Career exploration projects.*
Discussions with advisors.
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Topic papers.*
Facilitated and monitored group discussions.
Participation in department events that address
diversity,
Examinations in major courses.
Guided and monitored group discussions of
values and ethical issues.
A Psychology Ethics Journal that demonstrates
an appropriate understanding and level of
reflection on values and ethical issues.*
Analyses of case studies that reflect ethical
dilemmas.*
Ethics questions included in the exit examination.
Reaction papers and examinations in selected
major courses.
Revised by the Mansfield University Psychology Faculty
5-10-04
Courses or Activities in
Which Opportunities for
Learning are Offered
PSY 1101, 2201, 2203,
2206, 3290, 3304, 3306,
4496, 4497
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PSY 3300, 3301, 3304,
3311, 3315, 3316, 4415,
4416, 4422, 4490, 4495
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PSY 1151, 2201, 4490
Meetings with advisors.
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PSY 1101, 3290, 3300,
3301, 3311, 4420
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PSY 1151, 2206, 3300,
3301, 3304, 3306, 4420,
4441, 4490
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Legal Regulation of Psychology and/or
Human Resource Management: An
understanding of the major laws and
regulations that directly affect entry into
professional practice in psychology and related
areas and essential practice issues.
Applications of Psychology and/or Human
Resource Management Principles and
Practices: An understanding of psychological
principles as they apply to personal, social,
and organizational issues.
Personal Development: Insight into students’
own and others’ behavior and mental
processes, including application of effective
strategies for self-management and selfimprovement.
Civic Engagement & Community Service: A
coherent philosophy of civic engagement and
community service accompanied by a record
of service consistent with the philosophy.
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Personal strategic plan included in the
Psychology Portfolio.*
Analyses of case studies that reflect legal and
ethical dilemmas.*
Careers Project.*
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PSY 1151, 3300, 3315,
3316, 4415, 4416, 4441,
4490, 4495
Guided and monitored group discussions of ways
in which psychology is applied in various settings.
Personal strategic plan included in the
Psychology Portfolio.*
Career plan included in the Psychology Portfolio
Internship final report*
Surveys of internship supervisors.
Examinations and written papers.
Guided discussions in classes.
Development-oriented meetings with advisors.
Personal strategic plan included in the
Psychology Portfolio.*
A Psychology Ethics Journal included in the
Psychology Portfolio.*
A Civic Engagement and Community Service
Journal.* (Under development)
Internship final report.*
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PSY 1101, 1151, 3300,
3301, 3315, 3316, 3350,
4415, 4416, 4490, 4495
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PSY 1151, 2201, 3300,
3301, 3350, 4430, 4490,
4495
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PSY 1151, 4422, 4490,
4495
NOTES:
*Indicates evidence is included for faculty review in a portfolio that is submitted by each student’s in the Senior Seminar.
**Indicates a public presentation formally assessed by faculty.
Influenced by the recommendations of American Psychological Association Board of Educational Affairs Task Force on Undergraduate
Psychology Major Competencies. Retrieved January 7, 2004 from http://www.apa.org/ed/pcue/taskforcereport2.pdf.
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5-10-04
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