BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Outcomes & Performance

The mission of the Behavioral Sciences department is to provide students with an understanding of psychological and sociological principles and methods, to prepare students to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers, and to apply psychological and sociological principles to improve themselves and their communities.

1. Understand the scientific method: The student will understand the scientific method, as it applies to behavioral sciences.
   1. The student will identify a testable research hypothesis.
   2. The student will identify and define various research methods.
   3. The student will identify the conditions under which the various research methods could be used.
   4. The student will recognize knowledge of conclusions that can be appropriately drawn from research studies.
   5. The student will indicate knowledge of research ethics.
   6. The student will recognize the value of replication and/or dissemination of results.
2. Understand theoretical perspectives: The student will understand basic theoretical perspectives within the discipline.
   1. The student will identify the basic principles within each theoretical perspective.
   2. The student will recognize the appropriate theories to interpret social phenomena or behavior.

1. Understand basic sociological theories: Functionalism; Conflict; Symbolic-Interaction.
   1. The student will identify the basic principles within each theoretical perspective
   2. The student will recognize the appropriate theories to interpret social phenoma or behavior.
   3. The student will apply sociological theory to various social processes.
2. Understand sociological research methods and techniques.
   1. The student will differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research.
   2. The student will identify various research methods.
   3. The student will explain the conditions under which the various research methods could be used.
   4. The student will indicate knowledge of research ethics.