Unit 1855: Foundations and Applications of Psychology

1. Evolution of Psychology

1.1 Historical Development

• Origins of psychology: philosophy to science
• Establishment of psychology as an experimental science

1.2 Key Figures and Contributions

• Wilhelm Wundt and structuralism
• William James and functionalism
• Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis
• John Watson and behaviorism
• Carl Rogers and humanistic psychology

1.3 Major Milestones

• Development of cognitive psychology
• Emergence of neuroscience and biological psychology
• Integration of socio-cultural perspectives

2. Research Methods in Psychology

2.1 Research Methodologies

• Experimental methods: design, variables, and control
• Correlational studies: interpretation and limitations
• Observational methods: naturalistic and participant observation

2.2 Ethical Considerations

• Informed consent and confidentiality
• Protection from harm
• Ethical review boards and guidelines

3. Psychological Theories and Perspectives

3.1 Psychodynamic Perspective

• Unconscious processes and early experiences
• Defense mechanisms

3.2 Behavioral Perspective

• Classical and operant conditioning
• Behavior modification techniques

3.3 Cognitive Perspective

• Information processing models
• Memory, perception, and problem-solving

3.4 Humanistic Perspective

• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach

3.5 Socio-Cultural Perspective

• Influence of culture and society on behavior
• Social norms and roles

4. Psychological Assessment and Measurement

4.1 Principles of Assessment

• Reliability and validity
• Standardization and norms

4.2 Assessment Techniques

• Standardized tests (IQ, aptitude, achievement)
• Clinical interviews and diagnostic tools
• Behavioral observations
• Self-report measures and questionnaires

5. Psychopathology and Mental Health Disorders

5.1 Classification Systems

• DSM-5 and ICD-11 overview

5.2 Common Mental Health Disorders

• Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety, phobias
• Personality disorders
• Psychotic disorders: schizophrenia

5.3 Treatment Approaches

• Psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic
• Pharmacological treatments
• Biopsychosocial model of mental illness

6. Social Psychology and Group Behavior

6.1 Social Influence

• Conformity and obedience
• Persuasion techniques

6.2 Attitudes and Prejudice

• Formation and change of attitudes
• Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination

6.3 Group Dynamics

• Group roles and norms
• Group decision making and polarization

7. Developmental Psychology

7.1 Lifespan Development

• Physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes

7.2 Theories of Development

• Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
• Erikson’s psychosocial stages

8. Cultural Diversity and Psychology

8.1 Impact of Culture

• Cultural influences on cognition and emotion
• Cross-cultural variations in social behavior

8.2 Mental Health and Culture

• Cultural concepts of distress
• Access and attitudes to mental health services

9. Applied Psychology and Professional Ethics

9.1 Applications of Psychology

• Clinical and counseling psychology
• Educational psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Forensic psychology

9.2 Professional Ethics

• Ethical principles and codes of conduct
• Confidentiality, competence, and professional responsibility