Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand and explain fundamental concepts, theories, and perspectives in psychology.
- Analyze various research methods used in psychological studies, including ethical considerations.
- Examine the biological, cognitive, and social influences on human behavior.
- Explore psychological development across the lifespan and the nature of psychological disorders.
- Apply psychological principles to health, learning, memory, and social contexts.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 510: Foundations and Applications of Psychology
1. Introduction to Psychology
- Definition and scope of psychology
- Historical background and evolution
- Early roots: Philosophical origins
- Founding figures: Wilhelm Wundt, William James
- Major psychological perspectives
- Behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, biological, socio-cultural
- Subfields within psychology
- Clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, health, industrial-organizational, neuropsychology
2. Research Methods in Psychology
- Scientific method in psychology
- Types of research designs
- Experimental designs (independent/dependent variables, control groups)
- Correlational studies
- Observational and survey methods
- Data collection and analysis
- Descriptive statistics
- Inferential statistics
- Ethical considerations
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality
- Protection from harm
- Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
3. Biological Basis of Behavior
- Overview of the nervous system
- Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- Peripheral nervous system
- Brain structure and function
- Major brain regions: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe
- Limbic system
- Neurotransmitters and their roles
- Genetics and behavior
- Heredity and environment interaction
- Twin and adoption studies
4. Sensation and Perception
- Sensory processes
- Vision: structure of the eye, visual pathways
- Hearing: anatomy of the ear, auditory processing
- Taste, touch, smell: receptors and pathways
- Perceptual processes
- Gestalt principles
- Depth perception
- Perceptual constancies
- Factors affecting perception
5. Learning and Memory
- Principles of learning
- Classical conditioning (Pavlov)
- Operant conditioning (Skinner)
- Observational learning (Bandura)
- Memory processes
- Encoding, storage, retrieval
- Types of memory: sensory, short-term, long-term
- Factors influencing memory (e.g., rehearsal, interference)
- Cognitive processes in memory
- Schemas
- Forgetting and memory distortion
6. Social Psychology
- Social cognition and perception
- Social influence
- Conformity
- Obedience
- Group dynamics
- Group decision making
- Social facilitation and loafing
- Attitudes and persuasion
- Interpersonal relationships
- Attraction
- Communication
7. Developmental Psychology
- Lifespan stages overview
- Infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
- Piaget’s stages
- Information processing approaches
- Socioemotional development
- Attachment theories
- Erikson’s psychosocial stages
8. Abnormal Psychology
- Definition and classification of psychological disorders
- DSM-5 overview
- Common disorders
- Anxiety, mood, personality, psychotic disorders
- Causes and risk factors
- Biological, psychological, social
- Treatment approaches
- Psychotherapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Stigma and societal implications
9. Cognitive Psychology
- Mental processes overview
- Attention and perception
- Memory systems and models
- Language acquisition and processing
- Problem-solving and decision-making
10. Health Psychology
- Psychological factors in health and illness
- Stress and coping mechanisms
- Health behavior change theories
- Mind-body connection
- Promotion of well-being
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