General Psychology Notes

Textbook/Quizzes: Access through Macmillan Achieve via Canvas. Do not pay separately if accessed through Canvas.
Email Correspondence:
- Include class information (e.g., 01, Tues./Thurs., Coll. Ave., or Scott Hall) in all emails.
- Use your Rutgers University (RU) email address when contacting the instructor.
Slides: Lecture slides will be posted in the Modules section of Canvas before each class.
Quizzes: Macmillan quizzes are due on Mondays by 11:59 pm.
Exams:
- Three non-cumulative midterm exams.
- One cumulative final exam.
Research Participation: There is a research participation requirement for the course.

Common Misconception: Many people mistakenly believe psychology is solely about psychological disorders and therapies.
Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of thought, behavior, and emotion.
Core Question: Why do people behave, think, and feel the way they do?

Biological/Neuroscientific:
- Focuses on how physical systems, such as the brain, affect behavior, feelings, and thoughts.
Evolutionary:
- Examines the natural selection of traits that promote survival and reproduction.
Behavior Genetics:
- Investigates the contribution of genes and environment to behavior.
Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic:
- Deals with unconscious dynamics within the individual.
Behavioral:
- Studies learning through reinforcements and punishments.
Cognitive:
- Explores how people reason, remember, and interpret information.
Sociocultural:
- Focuses on how social and cultural forces shape individuals’ behavior.

Read the syllabus carefully.
Complete the Orientation Quiz by Monday.
Register in the human subjects participation system via the Human Subject Pool System (sona-systems.com).