Learning Goals for Examinations

Goal I: Research and Scholarship Training:
At the end of The Ph.D. Program, students will demonstrate knowledge of statistical analysis, research design, and the existing empirical literature in clinical psychology, as well as the implementation of that knowledge in clinical practice and in designing and implementing independent research.
 
Goal 2: Clinical Assesment Training:
At the end of The Ph.D. Program students will demonstrate comprehension of and competency in the clinical assessment of cognitive and personality functioning.
 
Goal 3: Clinical Intervention Training: 
At the end of The Ph.D. Program students will demonstrate comprehension of and competency in implementing a range of psychotherapeutic interventions in a culturally competent manner to a range of disadvantaged, diverse populations.
 
Goal 4: Training In Professional Conduct:
At the end of The Ph.D. Program students will be ethically grounded, culturally competent, and socially responsible psychologists.



The Ph.D. Program’s goals reflect four areas of training, such that by the time students graduate, they will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of statistical analysis, research design, and the existing empirical literature in clinical psychology, as well as the implementation of that knowledge in designing independent research.
2. Demonstrate comprehension of and competency in the clinical assessment of psychopathology and cognitive and personality functioning.
3. Demonstrate comprehension of and competency in implementing a range of psychotherapeutic interventions to a range of disadvantaged and diverse populations.
4. Be ethically grounded, culturally competent, and socially responsible psychologists.

The First Doctoral Qualifying Examination, the Second Doctoral Qualifying Examination and the Dissertation are used as assessments of students’ competencies in the four training areas.



Specific Training Goals for the Second Doctoral Qualifying Examination (which involves the student preparing a 35-40 page case analysis and presenting their work in both written and oral formats) entail the student being able to:

- Provide a clear and detailed case history and diagnostic conceptualization for the patients that they treat.
- Demonstrate mastery of theory relevant to case conceptualization and treatment of a patient.
- Demonstrate mastery of empirical research relevant to case conceptualization and mastery of a patient.
- Demonstrate mastery in the use of interventions relevant to integration of theory and empirical research in the treatment of a patient.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of how diversity and issues of difference impact treatment issues with patient care.
- Demonstrate an awareness of critical ethical issues that arise in the provision of patient care.



Specific Training Goals for the Dissertation (which assesses students competencies in the four training areas) entails the student being able to:

- Perform a comprehensive review of the literature and phenomenon of interest succinctly and critically.
- State the problem under investigation or query and provide a summary of the gaps and inconsistencies in the literature.
- Operationalize variables clearly and describe both measures and methodologies with detail and accuracy when conducting an empirical study.
- Formulate completely, specifically and accurately hypothesis and research questions that pertain to the phenomenon of interest when conducting an empirical study.
- Develop criteria for inclusion and exclusion of study participants and provide clear information on the relevance of a particular sample when conducting an empirical study.
- Identify an appropriate study design and corresponding statistical analyses which addresses the study of the phenomenon of interest when conducting an empirical study.
- Demonstrate solid writing skills, organization and proper language and grammar in the writing of the dissertation using APA style in formatting and referencing.

Last Updated: 01/29/2024 10:53