Office of Institutional Assessment

Student Learning Competencies

Scientific Reasoning

Committee Members

Assessment Proposals

Assessment Reports

Standards & Criteria

In 2004, a team of faculty representing the science departments at Mason, developed goals for scientific reasoning that crossed discipline boundaries. A test was developed that required students in basic general education courses to read a science article excerpted from the Washington Post and answer several questions that reflected the established goals. Approximately 3000 students have participated in this testing, but with mixed results. Consequently, the Scientific Reasoning Committee has decided to rethink the value of testing outside of a discipline context and is currently taking a fresh look at the goals in light of each disciplinary approach.