Assessment of Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Measuring APA Goal 2 Student Learning Outcomes
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| Title: | Assessment of Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Measuring APA Goal 2 Student Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Mueller, Jon F., Taylor, Helen K., Brakke, Karen, Drysdale, Mike, Kelly, Kiesa, Levine, Gary M., Ronquillo-Adachi, Jaclyn |
| Source: | Teaching of Psychology. Oct 2020 47(4):274-284. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2020 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | 1622982 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Student Evaluation, Inquiry, Science Achievement, Critical Thinking, Goal Orientation, Outcomes of Education, Undergraduate Students, Psychology, Science Process Skills, Information Literacy, Evaluation Methods, Problem Solving, Research Skills, Formative Evaluation |
| DOI: | 10.1177/0098628320945114 |
| ISSN: | 0098-6283 |
| Abstract: | Goal 2 of the "APA Goals for Undergraduate Major in Psychology," Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, addresses the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods, in undergraduate psychology students. These skills serve as the foundation of not only introductory courses but also the entire psychology curriculum. In this article, we address why these skills are critical to help students interpret information and assess claims and review the current practice of measuring student reasoning in this domain. The reach of Goal 2 is broad, including the application of scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena, the demonstration of psychology information literacy, the interpretation and execution of basic psychological research, and an understanding of sociocultural influences in scientific inquiry. We discuss the value of both formative and summative assessments in this area, offer examples of assessment tools currently in use, and provide a list of nationally normed assessments in critical thinking and scientific reasoning. We conclude with a discussion of limitations in current assessment practices and suggest possible future directions. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2020 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1267349 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Goal 2 of the "APA Goals for Undergraduate Major in Psychology," Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, addresses the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods, in undergraduate psychology students. These skills serve as the foundation of not only introductory courses but also the entire psychology curriculum. In this article, we address why these skills are critical to help students interpret information and assess claims and review the current practice of measuring student reasoning in this domain. The reach of Goal 2 is broad, including the application of scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena, the demonstration of psychology information literacy, the interpretation and execution of basic psychological research, and an understanding of sociocultural influences in scientific inquiry. We discuss the value of both formative and summative assessments in this area, offer examples of assessment tools currently in use, and provide a list of nationally normed assessments in critical thinking and scientific reasoning. We conclude with a discussion of limitations in current assessment practices and suggest possible future directions. |
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| ISSN: | 0098-6283 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/0098628320945114 |
