Psychology Department

Our department emphasizes psychology as a basic and applied science. The discipline is taught from a basic science standpoint inasmuch as students learn to answer questions about behavior and mental life via behavioral research methods, analyze data quantitatively and qualitatively, and weigh evidence against various theoretical perspectives. The discipline is taught from an applied science perspective inasmuch as students learn how scientific results are extended to address real-world problems or to improve the quality of the human condition. By presenting psychology as a basic and applied science, we promote a method of inquiry into human nature that fosters skepticism, analytical reasoning, ethical decision making, and intellectual creativity. Moreover, by teaching psychology from this perspective, we promote capacities to analyze, interpret, criticize, communicate, and engage — all of which are abilities described in Whitman College’s mission statement.