Self Assessment Due Saturday 04/09/16 By 10:00 PM

Self Assessment Due Saturday 04/09/16 by 10:00 PM (22:00) No exceptions

The followingsix Program Outcomes capture a set of optimal expectations for performance at the completion of the baccalaureate degree by students who major in psychology at Walden. They are based on the fundamental skills and abilities underlying what all psychology majors should achieve. When students have completed their requirements for the BS in psychology at Walden University, they should be able to: Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, a scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues Tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science serving a global society Apply cultural competencies to effective and sensitive interactions with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives

Assignment: Review the six Program Outcomes for the psychology program. Also, consider which skills and competencies you may be able to add to your résumé. By Day 7, submit a 3- to 4-page paper. This paper will have two parts. In Part One, you evaluate how you have, or have not, met the six Program Outcomes for the BS in psychology. This is a self-assessment along with a program assessment. The goal is to reflect on your learning while also providing program personnel with feedback on how graduating students view the meeting of these goals. You do not need to provide specific examples for each, but rather, write in general terms about how well you have met each of these outcomes after having completed all required courses for the degree. If you have specific suggestions or concerns for the program regarding these Program Outcomes, please highlight those as well.

Part Two allows you to focus on building your résumé. Below, you will find the skills section of a résumé with the categories “Specialized Skills,” “Knowledge Areas,” and “Major Projects.” Beneath each heading are examples of what you might include in your own résumé. Recreate this section, substituting your own skills and experiences. Specialized Skills Library research Statistical analysis Knowledge Areas/Competencies (do not list specific skills/competencies in which you are not proficient) Areas of psychology that you are familiar with (child development, abnormal, forensic, etc.) Concentration you are enrolled in, if any Minor, if any Program Objectives from list (Are you particularly strong in any of the six objectives listed above? If so, list them here in your own words.) Knowledge of DSM-IV or related example Major Projects Capstone paper Titles of major papers or projects from other classes Presentation on a professional career area of psychology

Paper For Above instruction

This self-assessment and résumé-building exercise provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the comprehensive skill set acquired through the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Walden University. It emphasizes evaluating personal mastery of core program outcomes and thoughtfully compiling professional competencies that will enhance future career prospects.

Part One: Self-Assessment of Program Outcomes

The six core program outcomes serve as benchmarks for the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that psychology majors are expected to develop by graduation. Reflecting on my academic journey, I believe I have made significant progress in several domains, although some areas warrant further development.

1. Familiarity with Major Concepts and Theories

Throughout my coursework, I have gained a solid understanding of key psychological concepts, foundational theories, and historical trends. For instance, courses in developmental, abnormal, and social psychology expanded my comprehension of the diverse perspectives within the discipline. While I am comfortable with these fundamental ideas, I recognize the importance of ongoing study to stay current with emerging research and shifting paradigms.

2. Application of Research Methods

I have learned to design experiments, analyze data using statistical tools, and interpret research findings effectively. Engaging in assignments involving research proposals and critical reviews has improved my ability to evaluate scientific literature critically. Although I feel confident in basic research skills, I aim to refine my proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques such as multivariate statistics and qualitative methods.

3. Critical and Creative Thinking

Applying skeptical inquiry and scientific reasoning has become central to my approach to psychological questions. I have developed a habit of questioning assumptions and integrating multiple perspectives to formulate hypotheses. Enhancing my creative problem-solving abilities remains a goal for continued growth, especially in real-world applied settings.

4. Applying Psychological Principles

My coursework has enabled me to connect psychological theories to practical issues in personal life, social contexts, and organizational environments. I have analyzed case studies and participated in role-play exercises that fostered this applied thinking. Future endeavors include gaining more hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work.

5. Tolerance of Ambiguity and Ethical Practice

Studying diverse psychological phenomena has taught me to accept ambiguity when definitive answers are unavailable. Ethical considerations have been emphasized across my courses, reinforcing the importance of integrity and confidentiality. I am committed to upholding these principles in my future practice.

6. Cultural Competency

Understanding the importance of cultural sensitivity, I have explored how cultural background influences psychological processes. I am confident in my ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, although I seek additional multicultural training to deepen this competency.

Part Two: Building a Professional Résumé

Preparing my résumé section underlined the transferability of my academic experiences into marketable skills. I have listed specialized skills such as literature review and statistical analysis, as well as substantive knowledge areas like child development and abnormal psychology. My major projects include a capstone paper on behavioral interventions and a presentation on careers in clinical psychology. These experiences demonstrate my practical application of coursework, research capabilities, and professional presentation skills.

Conclusion

Overall, my journey through the psychology program at Walden has equipped me with a broad foundation in psychological science and applied skills. While I have successfully met many program outcomes, I recognize areas for continued growth, positively influencing my readiness for professional roles and graduate studies. Building my résumé with relevant skills and project experiences will support my career development and highlight my preparedness to contribute meaningfully to the field of psychology.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Cherry, K. (2021). Psychology: The science of mind and behavior. Influence Publishers.
• Gerrig, R. J., & Zimbardo, P. G. (2018). Psychology and life (20th ed.). Pearson.
• Myers, D. G. (2018). Psychology (12th ed.). Worth Publishers.
• Nevid, J. S. (2019). Psychology: An introduction (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T., & Wegner, D. M. (2019). Psychology (4th ed.). Worth Publishers.
• American Psychological Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Rebore, R. W. (2017). The complete school administrator (2nd ed.). Pearson.
• Morling, B. (2017). Research methods in psychology (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• Hockenbury, D. H., & Hockenbury, S. E. (2018). Discovering psychology (8th ed.). Worth Publishers.