Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plan

BA Psychology

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of Core Psychological Fields
    • Identify the current and historical core content of and what is known therein.
    • Differentiate the various areas of Psychology and identify what is known in each.
    • In a chosen topic area in Psychology demonstrate clear understanding of operational definitions in that area and use those to clarify what is and what is not presently known, and what is the certainty of each type of knowledge.
    • In a chosen topic area in Psychology, integrate what is presently known to explicate the status of this area of knowledge, design further inquiry and conclude the present and possible future impact of this knowledge on society.
    • Evaluate research skills as adequate for a career in science.
    Develop an understanding of Psychology sufficient to develop and support the pursuit of post-graduate and/or professional goals.
  • Critical Reasoning
    • Identify historical and current major issues of discussion and analysis in Psychology.
    • Demonstrate ability to construct and critically analyze complex arguments, and distinguish good reasoning from bad.
    • Evaluate lay and professional literature related to psychological issues and distinguish appropriate and valid information from specious and flawed information.
    Organize and construct a formal critique of a major psychological issue.
  • Writing
    • Identify the writing format of the American Psychological Association (APA).
    • Recognize when writing is and is not in conformance with APA format.
    • Demonstrate ability to write in APA format and critique the written format used by others.
    State and operationally define a formal hypothesis and produce a written thesis/research report that applies knowledge of critical reasoning, accurately interprets behavioral science and related sources, and communicates in writing a balanced account and definitive conclusion of whether hypothesis is proven or not proven.
  • Global Perspective
    • Identify and/or observe, the role of personal and cultural diversity on the behavior of an individual and recognize the necessity and advantages of this information and its impact on individuals and societies.
    • Distinguish the key behavioral factors associated with personal and cultural diversity and construct an intervention to assess the contribution of these factors to maximize behavioral effectiveness or to treat behavioral dysfunction.
    • Produce a capstone project that investigates cultural and diversity differences in the student chosen topic, if they exist, and that proposes differences in conceptualization or intervention when needed.

    Course requirements for the degree

    » University Catalog

    Curricular Map

    The curriculum map shows how each required course contributes to the program's learning outcomes.

    » Curricular Map (PDF)

    Annual Learning Outcomes Assessment Report(s)

    In a process called assessment, the faculty of each degree program measure student attainment of program learning outcomes goals on an annual basis. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:

    » Learning Outcomes Assessment Process (PDF)

    Assessment Rubric

    In assessing learning outcomes, program faculty often develop rubrics which establish criteria and expectations showing how outcomes are evaluated. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:

    Report not currently available

    Program Review

    Program review represents Chapman's commitment to excellence in academic programs through periodic review of educational effectiveness. Every 5 to 7 years, program faculty members prepare a self-study report, which is reviewed by external, expert reviewers, numerous Chapman faculty governance councils and committees, and the Office of the Chancellor. Program review provides an opportunity for each program to reflect on its educational effectiveness as well as its contribution to the university's mission and strategic plan. The results of program review guide institutional planning, budgeting and decision-making.

    Program Review Schedule: 2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2014-2015, 2019-2020

    Learn More

    See department website for additional information about this program