The final course reviews theory and techniques for assessing both ongoing processes and outcome effectiveness of psychological programs. Assessment consists of two courses that are prerequisites for most elective assessment courses. The first course is designed to explore issues and problems involved in clinical inference as well as to teach the process itself. The second course focuses on validity, reliability, and standardization issues in psychological testing and the statistical properties of commonly used tests. The Life Cycle consists of 4 courses that consider the phases of human development from infancy through adulthood, including the relevance of personality theories and research.
Attention is given to sex role development, minority problems, and special problems of assessment.
Guest panels, community resources, videotapes, and small discussion groups are incorporated. Child observations are included in the early phases, and a life review interview is required in the final course. Social Bases is a 2-quarter module offered in winter and spring. Physiological Psychology is a 2-quarter module with courses designed to familiarize students with the terminology, principles, and research findings in this area. Where possible, direct reference is made to the content and practice of clinical psychology.