Introduction
Psychology majors may not recognize the range of career relevant skills that their coursework promotes, and may not effectively market themselves based on these abilities (Murray, 1997). Skills developed in the major include thinking skills, language skills, information gathering and synthesis skills, research methods and statistical skills (see Kruger & Zechmeister, 1999). Hogan (1991) and others (e.g., Clay, 1996; Murray, 1997) argue that skill identification and information regarding the development of specific skills should be an integral part of psychology courses. When a psychology major goes to find a job following graduation, a skills-based resume is likely to be more valuable than one that simply lists courses taken and offices and positions held while in school (Edwards & Smith, 1988; Murray, 1997).
We created an inventory to assess the skill experiences provided by specific psychology courses. Items were generated from a previously tested skill experience inventory (see Kruger & Zechmeister, 1999) and those suggested by Levy, Burton, Mickler, and Vigorito (1999). We asked faculty members to indicate the frequency per semester that students are required to perform each activity in core psychology courses (excluding Introductory Psychology) and courses that fulfilled psychology area requirements (N=33). Averaged scores were used for courses selected more than once (such as statistics and research methods). Some items counted towards more than one area, for example "Analyze data using a statistical software package (such as SPSS)" was included in both statistical and computer skills.
The average number of skill experiences provided by a class in each of four types of coursework (theory, research methods, statistics, laboratory classes) are presented in Table 1. Results indicated that students are exposed to a wide variety of academic skill experiences through psychology coursework. All types of classes provided several communication and information gathering activities. Research methods, statistics, and laboratory classes provided many research skill experiences, statistics and lab classes provided many statistical skill experiences. Ethics and values activities were most prevalent in lab and research methods classes.
Results from this inventory may assist in the identification of skills relevant to student's career goals. Reports from an administration of this instrument may guide students in selecting coursework that provides skill experiences related to their interests and goals. This project may also stimulate faculty to emphasize skill development in the courses they teach. The results obtained from an administration of this instrument may also be valuable in program reviews determining the required and elective courses for the psychology major.
Clay, R. (1996, September). Is a psychology diploma worth the price of tuition? APA Monitor, p. 33.
Edwards, J., & Smith, K. (1988). What skills and knowledge do potential employers value in baccalaureate psychologists? In P. J. Woods (Ed.), Is Psychology for them? A guide to undergraduate advisors (pp. 102-111). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Hogan, P. (1991). Vocational preparation within a liberal arts framework: Suggested directions for undergraduate psychology programs. Teaching of Psychology, 18, 148-153.
Levy, J., Burton, G., Mickler, S., & Vigorito, M. (1999). A curriculum matrix for psychology program review. Teaching of Psychology, 26, 291-294.
Murray, B. (1997, July). Bachelor's graduates seek greater challenges. APA Monitor, p. 32.
Table 1
Average number of skill experiences provided by a class in each
type of coursework
|
| Theory XX | Research
Methods XX | Statistics XX | Lab
| Communication | 9.3 | 25.5 | 6.6 | 10.0
| Information Gathering | 10.0 | 13.5 | 4.0 | 14.5
| Groups/Organizations | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 5.3
| Critical Thinking | 1.1 | 5.3 | 1.4 | 2.3
| Research Methods | 9.6 | 55.1 | 43.0 | 26.7
| Statistics | 2.5 | 16.2 | 69.6 | 28.8
| Ethics/Values | 6.0 | 21.4 | 0.7 | 18.2
| Computer Technology | 7.3 | 5.8 | 14.5 | 19.5
| |