Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand foundational concepts, theories, and history of psychology.
- Explain biological and cognitive bases of behavior and mental processes.
- Analyze developmental, social, and cultural influences on human behavior.
- Identify psychological disorders, their causes, and treatments.
- Apply psychological research methods and critically evaluate findings.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 508: Comprehensive Psychology
1. Introduction to Psychology
1.1 History of Psychology
- Origins and evolution
- Key figures (e.g., Wundt, James, Freud)
1.2 Major Theories
- Structuralism, Functionalism
- Psychoanalysis
- Behaviorism
- Humanistic Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
1.3 Research Methods
- Experimental, correlational, observational
- Ethical considerations
1.4 Key Concepts
- Consciousness, motivation, emotion
2. The Biological Basis of Behavior
2.1 Genetics and Behavior
- Heredity, genes, and environment interaction
2.2 The Brain and Nervous System
- Structure and function of neurons
- Brain regions and their roles
- Neuroplasticity
2.3 Hormones and Behavior
- Endocrine system overview
- Hormonal influences on mood and behavior
3. Sensation and Perception
3.1 Sensory Systems
- Vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch
3.2 Perceptual Processes
- Bottom-up and top-down processing
- Perceptual organization (Gestalt principles)
3.3 Influences on Perception
- Context, expectations, culture
4. Learning and Behaviorism
4.1 Types of Learning
- Habituation, sensitization
- Classical conditioning (Pavlov)
- Operant conditioning (Skinner)
4.2 Reinforcement and Punishment
- Positive and negative reinforcement
- Types of punishment
4.3 Applications
- Behavior modification
- Learning in education and therapy
5. Memory and Cognition
5.1 Memory Systems
- Sensory, short-term, long-term memory
- Working memory
5.2 Types of Memory
- Explicit vs implicit
- Episodic, semantic, procedural
5.3 Cognitive Processes
- Problem-solving strategies
- Decision-making models
6. Developmental Psychology
6.1 Physical Development
- Growth stages from infancy to old age
6.2 Cognitive Development
- Piaget’s stages
- Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
6.3 Social-Emotional Development
- Attachment theory
- Erikson’s psychosocial stages
7. Social Psychology
7.1 Social Cognition
- Attitudes, attribution theory
7.2 Group Dynamics
- Conformity, obedience (Milgram, Asch)
- Groupthink
7.3 Social Influences
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Attraction and relationships
8. Abnormal Psychology
8.1 Psychological Disorders
- Anxiety, mood, psychotic disorders
8.2 Causes and Symptoms
- Biological, psychological, environmental factors
8.3 Treatments
- Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy
8.4 Stigma and Misconceptions
- Social impact and awareness
9. Cognitive Psychology
9.1 Attention and Perception
- Selective attention, inattentional blindness
9.2 Memory and Language
- Encoding, retrieval
- Language acquisition and processing
9.3 Problem-Solving
- Heuristics and biases
- Creativity
10. Cross-Cultural Psychology
10.1 Culture and Behavior
- Cultural norms and values
10.2 Cognitive and Emotional Differences
- Culture’s effect on cognition and emotion
10.3 Research and Practice
- Cross-cultural research methods
- Culturally sensitive practice
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