PSYCH 101 Intro to PSYCH

Defining Psychology

The sources provide several perspectives on the definition of psychology:

William James: "The science of mental life"

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Wilhelm Wundt: Focused on studying "conscious experience" as it occurs in everyday life through empirical evidence and scientific methods

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Modern Definition: The scientific study of the mind and behavior

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Integrative Themes: Psychology relies on empirical evidence, explains general principles of behavior while recognizing individual differences, and acknowledges that psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence mental processes

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The Structure of Psychology: The Five Pillars

Psychology is organized into five main pillars, supported by scientific inquiry and research methods

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Biological: Includes biological bases of behavior, sensation, and consciousness

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Cognition: Focuses on memory, perception, and intelligence

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Development and Learning: Covers life span development, learning, and language

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Social and Personality: Explores social psychology, personality, multiculturalism, gender, motivation, and emotion

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Mental and Physical Health: Includes disorders, therapies, and general health

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Key Subfields Explored

Brain Science and Cognitive Psychology: The application of science to understand how the human mind thinks, remembers, learns, perceives the world, and makes decisions

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Personality Psychology: The study of consistent patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that define an individual

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Social Psychology: The study of how we perceive ourselves and others in relation to the world, and how these perceptions affect choices, behaviors, and beliefs

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Developmental Psychology: Research into how people grow and adapt over their lives and how to overcome developmental challenges

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Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology: The study of human behavior within organizations and the workplace

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Clinical Psychology: The integration of psychological science with the treatment of complex human problems

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Positive Psychology: The study of optimal human functioning, including topics like meaning in life, optimism, and wisdom

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Course Objectives and Requirements

Objectives

The course aims to provide familiarity with various areas of psychology and develop practical skills in research methodology

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Grade Breakdown

Three Exams: 37.5% (Note: There is no final exam)

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In-class Exercises: 7.5%

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Reflection Papers (6): 12.5%

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Integrated Assessments: 5%

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Presentation: 12.5%

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Leading a Discussion: 12.5%

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Final Paper: 12.5%

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Extra Credit: ~5%

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Assignment Details

Reflection Papers: 1.5 to 3 pages, single-spaced, covering opinions and takeaways from assessments and classes

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Presentation: 3–5 minutes (+1 min Q&A) based on at least one scientific psychology article

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Final Paper: 3–5 pages, single-spaced. Options include a cumulative reflective paper, a research proposal, a take-home essay exam, or a self-designed project

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Course Policies & Concepts

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all sessions. Excessive absences (more than one more than the number of classes per week) may result in being dropped from the course

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Grading Scale: A (93-100%) down to F (0-59.9%). Grades are not rounded

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Dunning-Kruger Effect: A psychological concept noted in the slides where difficulties in recognizing one's own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessment

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