Application of University Outcome by Psychology Students

Ashford University is an educational institution that aims at providing an excellent learning experience for its students in order for them to gain skills and values that will be essential in their professional world. The outcomes that are aimed at by the university include the student being able to understand the theories taught in their areas of study and ensuring they can be applied in their daily lives. The student should also be able to use the knowledge they have acquired to resolve real-life problems in the society and to articulate various issues that affect the world economically, socially, and in other areas. Additionally, they should be able to use the skills and information together with lessons learned through their experience in the university in order to think critically on matters that affect them in all spheres such as civic and environmental challenges. According to the university, by the end of the study period, the student will be able to utilize the knowledge acquired to become better in their field of expertise by being able to be team players and critical thinkers without compromising their professional ethics.

In line with these expected outcomes of the university, the students that are studying psychology in the institution are expected to live up to these standards by the end of their study period. Psychology students are projected to be capable of showing that they have acquired knowledge in their field of expertise. Besides, those studying psychology are required to have the ability to voice and defend their stand on what is morally right, which is to be expected of the society, especially concerning justice and cultural diversity. Furthermore, psychology students are to complete their course with the capability to communicate with colleagues and clients with professionalism. On completion of the course on Psychology, the best possible outcome is being able to use these skills in planning their careers that lead them to successful lives.

My example of a personal experience through which a person is faced with private challenges and an ethical dilemma is a situation that involved having to take legal action against a close acquaintance. The opposing view in my case was that it was seen as an act of betrayal in the confidence that my friend had put in me. The problem with this point of view was not reporting the matter to the relevant authorities as this would not have been morally right. This issue at hand had various options, I could have avoided reporting the matter but that would have made me an accessory to a crime while reporting the offense could be seen as a disloyalty to my friend. Miller and Davis (2016) say, “At times, this examination alone will clarify the issues so that the means for resolving the dilemma becomes clear.” The risk of not reporting a crime would have led me being implicated in the crime but, on the other hand, taking legal action would risk losing a close acquaintance. The outcomes taught at the University of having the ability to think critically, developing problem-solving skills, and being a champion of social justice were instrumental in my case when it came to solving the problem.

Life is quite interesting and experience is the best teacher. Personally, I have not undergone any career situation, but a friend of mine did. Kyle, as he likes to be called, was put in a personal and ethical dilemma when he found out in one of the therapy sessions that one of the company employees was suffering from a long-term medical condition. The recently discovered condition affected his mental state. Other people simply viewed the employee as a normal person to them and had no idea what was happening. The problem with this point of view was that they did not understand why their coworker was not carrying out his duties effectively. The option that the psychologist had was to recommend for the employee to be given a period of leave from work but this would not have guaranteed his recovery. Miller and Davis (2016) point out, “When exploring an ethical dilemma, the counselor needs to examine the situation and how each of the above principles may apply to that particular case.” The other option was to withhold that information but this decision would affect his job security because he would continue to underperform. Due to the outcomes of having professional ethics, thinking critically could have been used to solve the mentioned problem. Accordingly, this experience from my friend opened my eyes to how the theories we learn in psychology are applicable and can be used to solve societal challenges.

Reference

Forester-Miller, H., & Davis, T. E. (2016). Practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making (Rev.ed.).Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/docs/defaultsource/ethics/practioner’s-guide-toethical-decision-making.pdf