Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including
research design, data analysis, and interpretation
Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and,
when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental
processes
Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and
organizational issues
Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect
other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline
Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers
and other technology for many purposes
Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats
Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and
international diversity
Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes
and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement
Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their
psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety
of settings
* Goal adopted by Psychology Department Fall 2006
** Appropriate for an Associate Degree. See Mapping of Psychology Courses to view
the degree of specific course emphasis of each goal.
