The Bachelor of Science Program in Psychology will provided students with a broad base of essential knowledge in the various subfields of psychology.
Objective
Students Demonstrate Broad Knowledge Base
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science Program in Psychology will demonstrate knowledge of core concepts in the various sub-disciplines of Psychology.
Indicator
PSY 131 Exit Examination
Students knowledge of the diverse areas within the field of psychology will be assessed using a common final exam in PSY 131 - Introductory to Psychology
Criterion
70% Of Students Will Pass Specific Areas Of Exit Exam
At the end of each academic semester, students completing the Psychology 131 course will be given a common exit examination to assess broad-based knowledge in the area. The instrument is constructed by tenured and tenure-track members of the Psychology Program without input from instructors in the individual sections of Psychology 131. Criterion for success is to have 70% of the students respond correctly (70%) in the following areas: Research; Theory; Social.
Finding
Broad-Based Knowledge
On the final exam, there were a total of 1719 students being assessed. 76% passed the Research section of the instrument. 40% passed the Theory section of the instrument. 74% passed the Social section of the instrument. Thus, criterion was met on two of the three sections.
Action
Broad-Based Knowledge
We failed to reach criterion on one of the three indicators in this goal. We currently are working to devise methods to rectify these shortcomings. These will include the faculty developing standardized lesson plans for each chapter; TAs will be using electronic platforms in each class (allowing the students to complete more homework assignments); the TAs will again be required to attend the CHSS teaching conference; the TAs will have weekly meetings with the supervisor/coordinator; the TAs will be referred to the Professional and Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) for assistance. Students having difficulties will be identified earlier and referred to the SAM Center early on in the semester.
Goal
Apply And Communicate Scientific Findings
The Bachelor of Science program in Psychology will provide students with opportunities to apply and communicate the scientific findings of their discipline.
Objective
Design, Apply And Communicate Scientific Knowledge
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science Program in Psychology will be able to design and apply the results of scientific investigations and communicate their implications.
Indicator
Common Final Exam In PSY 317 (Statistics Lab)
The ability of students to conduct and understand research as well as apply and communicate results is assessed by means of a common faculty-developed instrument which is a portion of the final exam for Psychology 317 (Statistics Lab). The instrument requires students to: 1) choose research designs, compute statistics, and interpret outcomes. (Objectives 1 and 2); and interpreting results of scientific data, making decisions using the results based upon statistical probabilities, and making recommendations for follow-up work, either in the scientific or social environment. (Objectives 3 and 4). We're basically asking what do these data mean and why are they important?
Criterion
1. Minimum 25 Points - Objectives 1 And 2
80% of psychology majors will receive a score that is deemed "acceptable" (25 or higher) according to departmental rubric, which was developed by a faculty committee. A copy of the "Goal Sheet" is attached. To perform at an acceptable level in "Generating Scientific Knowledge," the student must have a minimum mean of 25 points on Criteria 1 and Criteria 2. A copy of the score sheet is attached.
Finding
Results - Objectives 1 And 2
81% of the participants were able to successfully choose research designs, compute statistics, and interpret outcomes.
Criterion
2. Minimum 25 Points - Objectives 3 And 4
80% of psychology majors will receive a score that is at least acceptable (25 or above), according to departmental rubric. A copy of the "Goal Sheet" is attached. To perform at an acceptable level in "Communicating Scientific Knowledge," the student must have a minimum mean of 25 points on Criteria 3 and Criteria 4. A copy of the score sheet for the rubric is attached to the "Indicator" portion of this objective.
Finding
Results - Objectives 3 And 4
With respect to Applying and Communicating Scientific Knowledge, 81% of the students performed at an acceptable level. With respect to Generating Scientific Knowledge, 76% performed at an acceptable level.
Action
Apply And Communicate Scientific Knowledge
Criteria for Objectives 1, 2, and 3 were met. With respect to Objective 4, criterion was not met. The appropriate action for this objective will be to develop more examples of critical analysis of research designs in order for the student to generate viable research recommendations.
Goal
Student Perception Of Learning
Students will complete a senior survey to determine their perceptions of their psychology education.
Objective
Student Perception Of Psychology Offerings
Students will indicate an appreciation for the diversity of fields within psychology and their realization that elementary statistics has enabled them to improve critical thinking to evaluate ideas and arguments in problem-solving.
Indicator
Senior Survey
The Psychology Senior Survey is given to graduating seniors.
Criterion
75% Seniors Rate Diversity High
The senior survey will ask: How would you rate the diversity of your education in psychology based upon the types and number of courses taken? Using a 5-point Likert scale, criterion is to have 75% of the respondents to indicate a 4 or 5 (diverse) on the surveys. A copy of the senior survey is attached.
Finding
Senior Survey
The percentage of students filling out the Senior Survey that rated the diversity of the program at 4 or higher on a Likert scale was 65%. This falls below the stated criterion of 75% and thus we did not meet criterion.
Indicator
Individual Development And Educational Assessment (IDEA) Objective Ratings
The IDEA student evaluation requests that students rate various objectives of the class. For this objective, the following objectives will be observed related to the course in Elementary Statistics: (A) to apply course material to improve thinking and problem solving and (B) to apply course material to critically evaluate ideas and arguments
Criterion
75% Students Rate Objectives High
Of the students having taken Elementary Statistics, 76% indicated a 4 or 5 on the category "Apply course materials to improve thinking and problem solving." Therefore, criterion was met on this item. Only 49% of the respondents indicated a 4 or 5 on the category, "Apply course material to critically evaluate ideas and arguments." Therefore, criterion was not met on this item.
Finding
IDEA Ratings
Of the students having taken Elementary Statistics, 76% indicated a 4 or 5 on the category "Apply course materials to improve thinking and problem solving." Therefore, criterion was met on this item. Only 49% of the respondents indicated a 4 or 5 on the category, "Apply course material to critically evaluate ideas and arguments." Therefore, criterion was not met on this item.
Action
Student Perception
Some of the changes made to the PSY 131 course will address the diversity within psychology.
With respect to (1) applying course material to improve thinking and problem solving and to (2) critically evaluate ideas and arguments, 76% and 49% of the participants indicated having made large or outstanding gains in each of these areas, respectively. We were rather heartened by these data as participants reported only 49% and 24%, respectively, in the previous survey. Therefore, even though we did not meet criterion on the second item, we will continue to stress how the materials presented in the class are germane to the students' lives and how statistical procedures can be used to make educated, well-informed decisions. We also are considering instituting pre-tests and post-tests to give the student a better idea as to how far they have come with respect to critical evaluation of ideas and arguments.