Unit 1843: Introduction to Psychology

1. What is Psychology?

• Definition of Psychology
  • Scientific study of mind and behavior
• History of Psychology
  • Early roots: philosophy and physiology
  • Structuralism, Functionalism
  • Behaviorism and Cognitive Revolution
• Major Perspectives in Psychology
  • Biological, Behavioral, Cognitive, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Sociocultural
• Goals of Psychological Research
  • Describe, Explain, Predict, Control behavior and mental processes

2. Research Methods in Psychology

• Types of Research Methods
  • Experimental Research
  • Correlational Research
  • Descriptive Research (Case studies, surveys, naturalistic observation)
• Research Design Process
  • Formulating hypotheses
  • Sampling and participant selection
  • Data collection and analysis
• Ethics in Psychological Research
  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Protection from harm
  • Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

3. Biological Bases of Behavior

• Structure and Function of the Brain
  • Major brain regions: cortex, limbic system, brainstem
  • Hemispheric specialization
• Nervous System
  • Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
  • Neurons and neural communication
• Genetics and Behavior
  • Role of heredity
  • Gene-environment interactions
• Neurotransmitters and Behavior
  • Key neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, etc.)
  • Impact on mood, cognition, and behavior

4. Sensation and Perception

• Sensation: Receiving Sensory Input
  • Sensory organs and receptors
  • Thresholds: absolute and difference
• Perception: Interpreting Sensory Information
  • Perceptual organization
  • Depth perception, motion perception
• Sensory Modalities
  • Vision: structure of the eye, visual processing
  • Hearing: auditory system, sound perception
  • Other senses: taste, touch, smell

5. Learning and Behaviorism

• Principles of Learning
  • Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
  • Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
  • Observational Learning (Bandura)
• Behaviorism Contributions
  • Focus on observable behavior
  • Applications in therapy and education

6. Memory and Cognition

• Memory Processes
  • Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
  • Types of memory: sensory, short-term, long-term
• Cognitive Processes
  • Problem-solving strategies
  • Decision-making processes
  • Language and communication

7. Developmental Psychology

• Lifespan Development
  • Physical development
  • Cognitive development
  • Socioemotional development
• Theories of Development
  • Piaget’s cognitive stages
  • Erikson’s psychosocial stages
  • Attachment theory
• Nature vs. Nurture Debate

8. Social Psychology

• Social Influence
  • Social perception and attribution
  • Attitudes and attitude change
  • Conformity and obedience (Asch, Milgram)
• Group Dynamics
  • Group behavior and roles
  • Prejudice and discrimination

9. Abnormal Psychology

• Psychological Disorders Overview
  • Definition and classification
  • DSM-5 overview
• Categories of Disorders
  • Mood disorders (depression, bipolar)
  • Anxiety disorders (phobias, PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
  • Personality disorders
• Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Psychological assessment
  • Therapeutic approaches

10. Applications of Psychology

• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Sports Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychologists’ Role in Society
  • Promoting well-being
  • Addressing societal issues