Appendix C21

Middle States Outcomes Assessment 1999

Department or Program: Psychology

Goals

1. Acquire knowledge of the field

2. Provide a nurturing teaching-learning environment

3. Preparation for employment and graduate education

4. Acquire understanding of society, self, and others

G. C. P. Correlation

1. Scientific Reasoning - inherent in the discipline

2. Writing - addressed in every course

3. Critical thinking - addressed in every course

4. Socioethical understanding - addressed in many courses

5. Self-reflexive thinking - addressed in many courses

Means of Assessment

1. Standardized Test: FIPSE Psychology Test & Methods Subtest

2. Standardized Test: GRE Psychology Field Test

3. Survey of New Majors

4. Senior Survey/Profile

5. Alumni Survey

Outcomes

1. Senior performance on FIPSE tests at the level of other SUNY schools &

significantly better than that of introductory students.

2. GRE results approximately at 50th percentile.

3. New Majors' expectations: 83% - internships; 47% - club activity; 44% - research

opportunity; 27% teaching opportunity. Reason for choosing Psychology: faculty, curriculum, reputation.

4. Senior Survey results: Majority applying for graduate school were accepted by

graduation, 10% rejected; only 25% seeking employment had an unsuccessful interview. Ninety percent said psychology major prepared them for life as well as or better than other academic areas. Content with requirements, high satisfaction with internship and independent study experiences.

5. Alumni Survey - 93% said major prepared them adequately or better for continuing

education. Only 13.7% had much difficulty with employment; 100/0 not suitably employed Ninety-six percent said psychology major prepared them for life as well as or better than other academic areas, felt the major enhanced personal development.

Uses

1. Enhanced coverage of methods in psychology curriculum.

2. Discussion of research opportunities through Psychology Club.

3. Psychology Club hosting of visiting alumni & information sessions on graduate

schools and employment options.

4. Added a Clinical content area to requirements for the major.

5. Gathering more data on employment and graduate school outcomes.