Psychology Curriculum Learner Outcomes
Learner Outcome #1
Analyze the historical rise of psychology as a science and understand the nature of
psychology as a science.
Targets to be covered:
1. Discuss psychology’s roots in philosophy and natural science
2. Explain the subfields of psychology.
3. Describe and compare/contrast the biological, behavioral, cognitive,
sociocultural, humanistic, and psychodynamic perspectives
4. List and explain the major subfields of psychology.
5. Describe and perform the elements of an experiment though use of the
scientific method.
6. Identify ethical issues in psychological research
Learner Outcome #2
Identify and apply the functions, locations, responsibilities of the brain and the nervous
system and the influence they have on the conscious/unconscious mind.
Targets to be covered:
1. Identify the basic parts of a neuron and describe the electrochemical
process of neural firing.
2. Describe the hierarchy of the nervous system.
3. Describe how information is transmitted and integrated in the nervous
system.
4. Identify the structure and function of the major regions of the brain.
5. Differentiate between the specific functions that are centered in specific
lobes of the cerebral cortex and describe lateralization of brain functions.
6. Explain how research and technology have provided methods to analyze
brain behavior and disease.
7. Distinguish between the different stages of sleep.
8. Discuss sleep disorders.
9. Compare and contrast levels of consciousness.
10. Explain the current theories on the purpose and functions of dreams.
11. Explain altered states of consciousness and the roles each have played in
human culture
Learner Outcome # 3
Assess the growth and development of humans throughout the life span (conception to
death).
1. Describe physical, social, and cognitive changes from the prenatal period
throughout the lifespan.
2. Examine the nature of change over the life span.
3. Apply life span principles to personal experience.
4. Explain various developmental models.
5. Explain the issues of continuity/discontinuity, stability/instability,
nature/nurture in development.
Learner Outcome #4
Examine how changes in cognition can result from genetic factors or from learned
experiences.
1. Examine the principles and theories associated with learning
2. Describe the various approaches and theories of personality
3. Explain the process and the theories of memory processing and identify
strategies for improving memory and study
4. Discuss the functions and interrelations of motivation and emotion
5. Distinguish between sensation and perception
Learner Outcome #5
Explain differences between internal and external attributions and the role that culture
plays in assigning such attributions.
1. Distinguish the common characteristics of abnormal behavior and discuss
major categories of abnormal behavior
2. Describe availability and appropriateness of various modes of treatments
and cures for people with psychological disorders.
3. Describe the effects of social interaction on individual behavior
4. Describe the effects of group interaction on thought and behavior