Psychological Science Ph.D. Learning Outcomes

PLO 1. Develop Knowledge of the Discipline

• Answer questions concerning history, principles, and theories in the student’s area of specialization (Social/Personality, Health, Development, or Affective Science).
• Discuss central concepts, principles, and ideas in their major area from a broad, historical perspective, including major theoretical constructs, and important emerging themes.
• Master current research within their own area of interest (social/personality psychology, health psychology, developmental psychology, or affective science). 

PLO 2. Research Methods and Statistics

• Master analytical and statistical techniques in psychological research.
• Identify appropriate methods and statistics to address different types of research questions.
• Ability to design studies in their research area.

PLO 3. Pedagogy

• Communicate effectively to large and small groups in pedagogical settings in both lecture and discussion formats.
• Identify and effectively deploy suitable digital media for use in all aspects of instruction.
• Assess students effectively, including developing and using appropriate measures.

PLO 4. Scholarly Communication

• Structure a coherent academic argument that rigorously presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.
• Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature.
• Write in a level and style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understand and properly use styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in psychological research outlets.
• Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of digital media.
• Cogently summarize their research and its significance for non-specialist audiences.

PLO 5. Professionalism

• Select appropriate conference venues for their research.
• Prepare a presentation suitable for a research conference.
• Prepare manuscripts that meet the standards of psychological research journals and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Select appropriate fellowship or grant opportunities and prepare competitive proposals.
• Make effective contributions to research teams and lab groups.

PLO 6. Independent Research

• Develop their own research projects that meet high standards of theoretical and methodological rigor.
• Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles and books that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals and presses in the field of psychology.
• Supervise research assistants effectively.

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