Psychology Majors will be able to

1) Describe the characteristics and purposes of the scientific enterprise

2) Identify scientific questions; to include

* Distinguish between claims that can and cannot be evaluated scientifically (empirically)
* Distinguish between descriptive, predictive and explanatory questions and conclusions

3) Identify and explain the strengths and limitations of different types of evidence and methodologies for answering scientific questions

* Distinguish between different types of research methodologies (e.g., descriptive, correlational, experimental)
* Evaluate the validity of different types and sources of evidence for different types of questions
* Evaluate the methodology of specific studies (e.g., sufficient sample size? Random assignment? Confounding variables?)
* Distinguish between hypotheses, theories and conclusions

4) Evaluate and apply congruency between scientific question, methodology and conclusion

* Evaluate whether a specific methodology is appropriate for testing a particular hypothesis (e.g., can a correlational study be used to test a causal hypothesis?)
* Describe how a specific scientific question could be tested

5) Evaluate and apply congruency between evidence and conclusion

* Interpret data presented in a variety of forms (e.g., tabular, graphical)
* Determine whether a claim is justified given the nature of the evidence presented
* Determine if sufficient evidence is given to justify a claim or conclusion
* Generate alternative explanations for given evidence and methodology

6) Identify errors, biases and distortions in methodology, evidence and conclusions

* Describe the possible effects of measurement errors on calculations and conclusions
* Recognize the presence of error, bias and distortion in the presentation of evidence or claims
* Describe how error, bias or distortion could be reduced or eliminated