WHY AGU PSYCHOLOGY?
Psychology is an exciting science that produces systematic information to understand better how the mind works and what behaviours are exhibited accordingly. The science of psychology is also divided into many sub-fields as the causes that affect the human mind and behaviour are based on many biological, social, short-term, or long-term factors. These subfields have strong relations between and with many disciplines other than psychology. The AGU Department of Psychology curriculum aims to reflect the broad scope of the psychology discipline and its' rich network of relationships. AGU psychology students will have the opportunity to essentially get to know all subfields of psychology. As in all departments of Abdullah Gül University, the language of the Psychology Department is 100% English.
As a branch of science, psychology obtains information on the human mind and behaviour through scientific research methods. AGU Department of Psychology aims to improve students' scientific literacy to learn scientific research methods and principles thoroughly and distinguish between bad and good psychology practices. We are developing scientific literacy and analytical thinking skills that allow us to evaluate many information and inferences that we are exposed to in daily life more reliably, develop appropriate attitudes and behaviours, and the academic and professional requirements in psychology. AGU Department of Psychology encourages analytical and critical thinking and enables students to develop scientific literacy in a world where misinformation might spread rapidly, and differentiating accurate and reliable information might be more challenging than accessing information itself.
Our department provides a platform where scientific knowledge is acquired and discussed, tested, and produced. Apart from survey research, literature, and archival studies or natural observations, psychology frequently uses laboratory experiments, controlled and sterile environments to obtain scientific data on human cognitive processes and behaviours. The first steps were taken in the Psychology Department of AGU to establish laboratories that provide the opportunity to collect data in a controlled environment and focus on various sub-fields of psychology. We are working hard to select the "Experimental Psychology Laboratory", "Social, Political and Industrial/Organizational Psychology Laboratory", "Developmental Psychology Laboratory", and "Observation, Interview and Test Room" under the umbrella of AGU Psychology.
These laboratories will allow AGU Department of Psychology faculty members, research assistants and students to carry out their studies both under the supervision of advisors and independently. In addition, these laboratories will provide the basis for research studies to be carried out jointly with various research and project partners in the country and abroad. Psychology laboratories allow the active participation of undergraduate students and carry out their independent projects, providing students with the opportunity to directly practice research methods, analysis, data collection, and working practices with participants. Being actively involved in research processes during undergraduate education prepare students for graduate education and enables them to gain experience in developing the essential skills they need in further stages of their studies while they are still at the undergraduate level.
Research opportunities provided by AGU Psychology for students are not limited to laboratories. We are expanding our students' research scopes and options with various national and international collaborations. For example, within the area of Erasmus+ Internship programs, our students can be involved in a wide range of research and project studies in line with their interests by working with their partners in various universities, research institutions or non-governmental organizations (etc.) in Europe.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of the AGU Department of Psychology is that it sees the university as the area where knowledge about psychology is produced and shared and seeks the equivalent of learning outside of the campus, in social life. For this purpose, AGU Psychology is always open to collaborations and joint projects with various individuals, institutions, and organizations working for the benefit of society. The students of our department are supported to discover how the knowledge they learn and produce can have outputs outside the campus, in daily life, and find creative ways to use knowledge to benefit individuals and society.
Unlike other psychology programs in Turkey, AGU Psychology uses the Psychological Innovation and Impact to Social Problems (PIISP) model while creating its curriculum. According to the PIISP model, the psychology department of AGU does not only focuses on theoretical knowledge but also offers students the opportunity to develop their projects with the support of various public and private institutions such as non-governmental organizations, health and education institutions, municipalities, professional chambers, medium and small enterprises, holdings, and domestic institutions. We count these projects and activities of our students within the scope of Non-AGU Project or Independent Study courses. In this way, AGU Psychology encourages students to develop their projects and use their theoretical knowledge to develop solutions to practical problems.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the AGU Department of Psychology is that it adopts a critical pedagogical approach in its curriculum and adopts the Flexible and Dynamic Learning with Critical Pedagogy (FDLCP) as a teaching model. According to this model, the AGU Psychology program aims to provide and develop nine primary learning outcomes following eight basic program objectives. These purposes are Knowledge Base, Research Methods, Quantitative Literacy, Critical Thinking, Interaction and Communication Skills (Written & Oral), Information and Technology Literacy, Technology Innovations to Human Well-being, and Values in Psychology. While determining these goals, it is compatible with the basic skills included in the accreditation requirements of respected international organizations in the field of psychology, such as the European Psychological Federation Association (EFPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA), as well as the Turkish Psychological Association.
Another significant component of the AGU Department of Psychology is including well-respected well-equipped academic staff. Our department is a home for faculty members and research assistants with a wide range of research areas. You can find current publications (e.g., articles, books, books and encyclopedias, papers, theses (e.g. doctoral and master's theses and theses they consult) and research projects of our faculty members on the AVESIS of our department members (https://avesis.agu.edu.tr). AGU Department of Psychology, which accepted its' first students in 2020, has continued to grow in the number of students and academic staff. In addition, some of the academic personnel of the AGU Psychology Department continue their doctoral education abroad as YLSY scholarship holders.
In short, AGU Psychology aims to raise individuals equipped for the global needs of the 21st century, have the knowledge and skills required by various fields such as business, industry, art, and social life, and have strong communication skills with the world. The AGU Department of Psychology curriculum has been designed with a pedagogical approach and program objectives suitable for this purpose. The department's curriculum allows students to explore various fields of psychology and the relationship of psychology with other disciplines. The academic staff of the AGU Department of Psychology, program design, physical facilities, laboratories, and various local and foreign cooperation partners are trying to provide the necessary opportunities for students to carry out their research and projects and apply their theoretical knowledge practically.