Post date: May 21, 2014 7:25:39 AM
Abstract. The APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major includes information literacy as part of Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking (Goal 2). According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, information literacy consists of five outcomes or standards. These components include: (1) determining what information is needed; (2) accessing information effectively and efficiently; (3) evaluating information and incorporating it into one’s own knowledge base; (4) using information to accomplish a specific purpose; and (5) understanding the economic, legal, and social issues related to information use. In this study, information literacy in college students was assessed using the Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS) both cross-sectionally comparing freshmen and seniors, longitudinally comparing freshmen and seniors, and at the end of a research methods course in psychology. Gains in information literacy were largely limited to understanding the economic, legal, and social issues related to information use (Standard 5). Implications for improving information literacy in the psychology major are discussed.
Poster presented at the 94th Annual Meeting of the Western Psychological Association (April 2014 in Portland, OR).