Learning competencies
During the bachelor psychology programme, you analyze human thinking, feeling and behaviour form a neurocognitive, developmental, and social psychological perspective. You will acquire knowledge and insight and conduct your own research in these three areas of psychology. You will develop an academic attitude and develop scientifically based interventions; e.g. to influence unhealthy or undesirable behaviour. Hence, you contribute as a 'scientist practitioner' to the innovation of health care, work, education, sports, prevention and education, and the effectiveness of processes of change in human and society.
Article 1 Knowledge and understanding of the Brain & Cognition Domain
You will develop an understanding of the relationships between brain, cognition, affection and behaviour (Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology), and will be able to apply this to theoretical and practical problems, on the basis of the current knowledge surrounding:
1. human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology;
2. cognitive functions, such as language, learning, memory, cognitive control, perception, attention, emotion and social consciousness, and the underlying neuroanatomical foundation and neurocognitive processes;
3. neuropsychological disorders resulting from cerebral infarction, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, dementia;
4. methods of neurocognitive research and diagnostics;
5. principles of neurocognitive intervention and prevention.
Article 2 Knowledge and understanding of the Behaviour & Environment Domain
You will develop an understanding of the relationships between brain, cognition, affection and behaviour (Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology), and will be able to apply this to theoretical and practical problems, on the basis of the current knowledge surrounding:
1. behaviour resulting from the interaction between individuals and their social and physical environment;
2. behaviour in working organisations, at the individual, group and organisational level;
3. evolutionary, cultural, cognitive, affective and motivational processes that underlie social behaviour;
4. influencing of and by others, such as in interpersonal relationships and intergroup relationships and in advertising and information campaigns;
5. methods of socio-psychological and work and organisational psychological research and diagnostics;
6. methods of socio-psychological and work and organisational psychological interventions and behavioural change.
Article 3 Knowledge and understanding of the Development & Mental Health Domain
You will develop an understanding of the relationships between normal functioning, abnormal functioning and life stages (Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology), and will be able to apply this to theoretical and practical problems, on the basis of the current knowledge surrounding:
1. stages of a person’s life (such as early childhood, adolescence, second half of life), individual differences in this regard and the psychopathology thereof;
2. development processes that distinguish or link these life stages (such as learning, aging), and how they might affect psychopathology;
3. the influence of the social environment (such as family, school, work, culture) on life and psychopathology;
4. the origin, maintenance, and manifestations of mental anomalies and disorders (such as depression, eating disorders and phobias);
5. physical and neurological processes, to the extent to which these are related to mental anomalies and disorders;
6. methods of development psychology and clinical psychology research and diagnostics;
7. principles of developmental psychology and clinical intervention and prevention.
Article 4 Research skills
You will acquire knowledge of conventional statistical and methodological research techniques in psychology and will be able to apply this knowledge largely on your own. In relation to all prevalent types of empirical psychological research, you will be able to:
1. design a study that takes into account all the prevailing theories and methods of the relevant domain;
2. carry out a study;
3. analyse and interpret research data through the use of conventional techniques (such as GLM, non-parametric tests, factor analysis);
4. report a study in accordance with APA standards for research articles.
Article 5 Academic Skills
You will acquire academic skills (analytical skills, reflection skills, communication skills, and learning skills) and will be able to apply these to theoretical and practical problems. You will be able to:
1. systematically dissect a psychological problem or issue into its elements, aspects and sub-problems; distinguish between primary and secondary issues, causes and consequences, facts and opinions; make connections, recognise patterns and come up with solutions;
2. place psychological knowledge claims in their historical context and critically evaluate them on the basis of substantive, methodological and philosophical criteria;
3. recognise and critically evaluate ethical and integrity dilemmas in psychological research, diagnostics and interventions and in professional interactions with clients, commissioning parties, participants and organisations;
4. communicate verbally and in writing on psychological issues according to APA standards, for instance through research reports, essays, recommendations, (poster) presentations, and debates;
5. identify gaps in your own knowledge and skills, handle feedback from lecturers or peers and thus guide your own academic development.
Article 6 Professional Skills
You will acquire professional skills at a basic level in the domain of your choice (conversation skills, testing skills, and reporting skills) and will be able to apply these in practical situations relevant for the work fields of psychologists, while taking the tense relationship between science and practice into account. Depending on your specialisation, you will be able to:
1. analyse the needs and problems of individuals, groups or organisations in the field of psychology with the help of diagnostic and psychodiagnostic research;
2. conduct an interview; systematically observe behaviour; administer and assess a survey; administer, assess, and psychometrically evaluate a test; professionally report your findings;
3. design and evaluate an argumented, evidence-based psychological intervention and/or critically evaluate an existing intervention;
4. develop a global personal development plan and career prospects, and indicate to what extent your qualities and ambitions are in line with the professional competences demanded by the field.