Mis(understanding) the Psychology Major

Why do some people think psychology is humanity? Is it? Explain.

It bridges the gap between the sciences and the humanities, but it is not a humanity

Why do some people think psychology is a social science? Is it? Explain.

Both share interest in societies, groups, social influences, social identity, social power, etc

But psychology also includes

o   Brain processes

o   Nonhumans

o   Individual differences: personality/the mind

o   Controlled experiments to study causes

Why do some people think psychology is a natural science? Is it? Explain.

Both share interest in Biological/biochemical basis of behavior and thought, health psychology, sensation and perception, biopsychology, clinical psychology

o   Both humans and non-humans

o   Experimental methods

But psychology also includes

o   Personality

o   Thinking/the mind

o   Social influences, group behavior

o   Measuring constructs (abstract concepts)

What makes psychology major unique?

Not strictly a humanity, social science, or natural science

Often called a behavioral science because it studies behavior scientifically

Interdisciplinary connecting: Humanities, Social sciences, Natural sciences

What are the five core goals for psychology major programs?

Knowledge base, scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world, communication, professional development

Employers prefer to hire psychology majors with what specific skills?

Critical thinking, problem-solving, and oral, writing and interpersonal communication

Which specific abilities?

Find, organize and evaluate information from multiple sources

Apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings

With an appreciation for what?

For diversity and individual differences

For continued learning and professional development

For ethical innovation and creativity

What are the benefits of the psychology major?

What do undergraduate research assistants do?

What do undergraduate teaching assistants do?

Volunteer or do it for course credit

Help students (peer tutor), create materials, in-class activities, reviews, attend lectures, hold regular office hours, proctor exams

Generally, undergraduate students find one of three kinds of psychology-related internships. What are they?

Clinical, social services, and business

What are the trade-offs involved in having a psychology-related internship?

Learn and practice every day work skills

• Job, duties, responsibilities

• Types of colleagues and customers/clients

Clarifies your career interest

• Clinical – good fit or not?

Contacts – reference

Employers find interns desirable

• Hired quickly, higher salary

Smooth transition to job from university

Goal 1: Knowledge base

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychology

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields

1.3 Represent significant aspects of the history of psychology

1.4 Apply psychological content to solve practical problems

1.5 Relate examples of psychology’s integrative themes

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy

2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving

2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research

2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking 

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice

3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships

3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels 

Goal 4: Communication

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

4.3 Interact effectively with others communication 

Goal 5: Professional Development

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals

5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation

5.3 Refine project management skills

5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity

5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation