Page 1: Introduction to Psychology

Overview of the fundamental concepts within the realm of psychology including key definitions and historical perspectives on psychological thought.

Page 2: Class Introduction

Instructions for students to write down:

• Name

• Age

• Fear and hope for this class

• Burning question about psychologyThis helps gauge student expectations and emotional readiness for the course.

Page 3: Required Textbooks

General Psychology Text: 5th edition of Introducing Psychology by Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner, & Nock. Study guide available in syllabus. Older editions (2nd – 3rd editions) may be used if cost is an issue.

Page 4: Course Requirements

Evaluation breakdown:

• 3 Exams (50pts each) = 150pts (60%)

• Science Daily assignments (12 x 10) = 120pts (30%)

• First impression paper = 10pts (5%)

• Second impression paper = 10pts (5%)This encourages consistent engagement with the course material and provides multiple avenues for assessment.

Page 5: Exam Details

Three 50-point exams totaling 150pts, time-pressured (1 minute per question). Last quiz will be during the final exam. Submission of Second Impression paper on Canvas during the final. This format aims to enhance quick recall and time management skills.

Page 6: Impression Papers

First and Second Impression papers: Two short essays, approximately 2 pages each (no research required). Discuss psychologist's roles and daily challenges in the field. Conclude with a reflection on personal change and application of psychology principles to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and personal reflection.

Page 7: Science Daily Articles

First class each chapter should include: A printed Science Daily article related to the topic. Discussion points on theory, hypothesis, variables, and findings. This enables students to stay updated with contemporary psychological research and supports the application of course concepts to real-world scenarios.

Page 8: APA Citation Style

Basic APA citation format includes:

• Author(s) last name & initials

• Publication year in parentheses

• Article title in sentence case

• Journal title italicized with volume and issue numbers

• Page rangesUnderstanding citation is crucial for academic integrity and proper research conduct.

Page 9: Example of APA Citation

Citation Example: Schoeman, H. (2009). Establishing a process for the creation of genetically modified bacteria. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 55(8), 990-1002. doi:10.1139/W09-039 This example illustrates the correct format useful for research in psychology.

Page 10: The Importance of Studying Psychology

Discussion on significant reasons for studying psychology including personal and societal benefits, mental health awareness, and improving interpersonal relationships. Understanding human behavior can lead to increased empathy and informed decision-making in personal and professional contexts.

Page 11: Folk Psychology

Various sayings illustrating naïve beliefs about psychology: Examples include "Opposites attract" and "The pen is mightier than the sword". Folk psychology can make people feel better but often does not predict behaviors accurately. This section examines how misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings in interpersonal relationships.

Page 12: Student Questions

Notable student questions prompted include inquiries about:

• Rising stress levels despite advancements in living conditions.

• Mental health status of mass-shooters and hate groups.These questions show students' engagement with current societal issues and the relevance of psychological principles in understanding complex behaviors.

Page 13: Why Study General Psychology

Statistics: 26% of people may experience a diagnosable mental illness. Most people will encounter love, struggle with exams, and face challenges in life. This statistic underscores the importance of psychology in everyday life and illustrates its application in various contexts.

Page 14: Freud's Contributions

Overview of Freud's work with Breuer and hypnosis, leading to the discovery of unconscious influences on behavior. Freud's theories challenged existing norms and paved the way for modern psychology, making a case for the significance of unconscious processes in shaping behavior.

Page 15: Psychoanalytic Theory

Elements Freud’s three-part personality model: Ego (conscious self), Id (unconscious drives), and Superego (conscience). Importance of the unconscious in psychological distress and conflict resolution is emphasized, revealing the dynamic interplay between these components.

Page 16: Freud’s Concepts Defined

Key psychoanalytic terms:

• Ego: Self-concept, the part that mediates between the Id and the Superego.

• Id: Instinctual desires, the source of all psychic energy representing primal urges.

• Superego: Moral conscience, internalized values and societal rules guiding behavior.Understanding these terms is foundational for grasping Freud’s theories.

Page 17: Freud in Culture

Reference to Freud’s findings and their impact on culture and mental health, illustrating how psychoanalysis has influenced literature, art, and therapy practices, prompting societal reflection on unconscious influences.

Page 18: Key Influence in Freud's Theory

Influences on feelings and thoughts according to Freud: The unconscious mind is the primary influence on behavior, reflecting the complexity of human motivations and the importance of addressing the unconscious in therapy.

Page 19: Stress in Freud's Theory

Correct answer confirming the critical role of the unconscious in Freud's approach. The stress placed on uncovering unconscious conflicts is a hallmark of psychoanalytic therapy.

Page 20: Miscellaneous Psychological Roles

Exploring various roles that psychologists hold in society, such as researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates, emphasizing their contributions to understanding and improving mental health and well-being.

Page 21: Definition of Psychology

Psychology defined as the scientific study of behavior and the mind within various contexts. This definition highlights the systematic approach taken in psychological research and its application across diverse areas of human experience.

Page 22: Psychology Fields

Overview of areas within psychology: Clinical, Developmental, Cognitive, Social, Cultural, Forensic, Neuroscience, Evolutionary, Human Factors. Each field offers unique perspectives and methodologies for understanding behavior and mental processes.

Page 23: Major Psychological Perspectives

Seven major perspectives influencing psychology:

• Biological

• Cognitive

• Psychodynamic

• Humanistic

• Behavioral

• Social

• EvolutionaryThese perspectives provide frameworks for interpreting human behavior from different angles.

Page 24: Psychology Professions

Diverse career paths within psychology: Faculty, private practice, research, counseling, etc., illustrating the variety of roles psychologists can play in society.

Page 25: Career Statistics in Psychology

Statistics on post-graduate options for BA in psychology holders. Examples of job roles available without further education, such as case managers or social service specialists, show potential pathways for graduates.

Page 26: Themes and History of Psychology

Introduction to key themes in psychological thought, exploring how these themes have evolved over time in response to societal changes and advancements in scientific understanding.

Page 27: Key Themes in Psychology

Major themes include:

• Free Will vs. Determinism

• Nature vs. Nurture

• Mind vs. BodyThese themes encompass fundamental debates within psychology and resonate with various theories and practices.

Page 28: Historical Views on Psychology

Examination of historical perspectives on demonic influence and psychological conditions, shedding light on shifts in understanding mental disorders through different eras.

Page 29: Historical Metaphors for Mind

The body represented as the first technology in psychology, emphasizing early philosophical perspectives on human consciousness and the relationship between mind and body.

Page 30: Neuropsychological Connections

Paul Broca’s research and its implications for understanding the brain-mind relationship, especially regarding language and cognitive function, highlighting the intersection of biology and psychology.

Page 31: Evolutionary Theory in Psychology

Darwin’s influence on psychology through the principles of natural selection and functionalism, emphasizing how evolutionary perspectives inform understanding of psychological traits and behaviors.

Page 32: Evolutionary Explanations in Psychology

Study on gender differences in serial killers through an evolutionary lens, exploring how evolutionary psychology can provide insights into behavioral patterns rooted in sex differences.

Page 33: Competitive Behaviors in Species

Analysis of reproductive strategies in humans compared to other species, illustrating the role of competition and selection in shaping behavior and preferences across species.

Page 34: Structuralism and Introspection

Overview of Titchener's structuralism and reliance on introspection in early psychology, illustrating the methodological approaches used to explore the mind's structure.

Page 35: Reaction Time Demonstration

Practical demonstration of reaction times and their application in cognitive psychology, showcasing how empirical research methods yield insights about mental processes.

Page 36: Classical Conditioning

Introduction to Pavlov's work and the concept of classical conditioning, highlighting the learning process through association and its significance in behavioral psychology.

Page 37: Behaviorism

Introduction to Watson’s behaviorism, emphasizing observable behaviors over mental states, shaping the focus of psychology as a science and moving away from introspection.

Page 38: Rise of Gestalt Psychology

Overview of Gestalt Psychology's key principles and founders, stressing how perception is more than just the sum of its parts, influencing understanding in various areas of study.

Page 39: Perception and Illusions

Illusions that aid our understanding of psychological processes, revealing how our interpretations can differ from reality and what that means for perception research.

Page 41: Behaviorism Overview

Key principles of behaviorism as proposed by B.F. Skinner, discussing reinforcement and punishment as fundamental concepts for behavior modification.

Page 42: Key Figures in Psychology

Asking about influential psychologists who dismissed the concept of free will, noting their strong emphasis on determinism in human behavior.

Page 43: Free Will in Psychology

Identifying the correct answer regarding free will and determinism, exploring the implications of both views for psychology and behavioral sciences at large.

Page 44: Perception Studies

Inquiry into which psychological approach focuses on perception, leading to insights on how humans interpret sensory information.

Page 45: Correct Answer on Perception

Identifying Gestalt psychology as the correct approach, understanding its holistic perspective in studying perception and cognition.

Page 46: Humanistic Psychology Basics

Introduction to humanistic psychology’s focus on personal growth and potential, emphasizing self-actualization as a core concept.

Page 47: Practical Application of Humanistic Psychology

Example of community projects for mental health improvement based on humanistic approaches, illustrating the application of theoretical concepts in real-world settings.

Page 48: Humanistic Psychology Focus

Question identifying humanistic psychology's focus on individual potential, linking personal development to societal betterment.

Page 49: Confirming the Focus

Correct identification of humanistic psychology as the answer, reinforcing its importance in contemporary psychological practices.

Page 50: Critique of Behaviorism

Chomsky's arguments against behaviorism’s adequacy in explaining language, suggesting the limitations of behaviorism in accommodating complex human cognition.

Page 51: Social Psychology's Aspects

Emphasis on the complexity of understanding behavior, exploring social influences on individual actions and thoughts, and their implications for psychological study.

Page 52: Contributions of Early Female Psychologists

Key achievements and contributions of female psychologists in early history, highlighting their vital roles in advancing the field and addressing gender-related issues in psychology.

Page 53: Contributions of Ethnic Minority Psychologists

Overview of breakthroughs by African American psychologists, acknowledging their significant impact on the development of diverse psychological perspectives.

Page 54: Gender in Psychology

Gender representation in psychology and historical context, including discussions on how gender has influenced psychological research and understanding of behavior.

Page 55: Understanding Feminism

Clarifying the term feminism in the context of equal rights, particularly as it relates to psychological perspectives and practices.

Page 56: Cross-Cultural Psychology Definition

Exploration of cultural influences on behavior from a psychological perspective, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in psychological research and practice.

Page 57: Cultural Communication Differences

Detailed comparison of Western and Eastern communication styles, offering insights into how cultural contexts shape interactions and psychological processes.

Page 58: Emotional Expression Across Cultures

Research findings on cultural differences in expressing emotions, revealing how cultural norms dictate emotional expression, impacting psychological well-being.

Page 59: Environmental Psychology Defined

Overview of environmental psychology and its interdisciplinary nature, linking ecological concerns with human behavior and mental processes.

Page 60: Religion and Environmental Influences

Review of how different environmental factors shape religious beliefs, examining interactions between culture, environment, and individual psychology.

Page 61: Authority of Deity Beliefs

Discussion around the nature of God’s authority in different cultural contexts, highlighting psychological implications of belief systems and their effects on behavior.

Page 62: Presentation Concludes

Final notes and wrap-up of the lecture or presentation, summarizing key points and encouraging further exploration of psychological concepts.

Page 63: Psychology Overview

Definition of psychology and emphasis on scientific methodology in studying behavior, underscoring the importance of empirical evidence in psychological research.

Page 64: Methodological Approach

Process of conducting psychological research and its significance, discussing various research designs and their applications in exploring psychological questions.

Page 65: Psychological Research Methods

Overview of various methodologies used in psychological studies, including experimental, observational, and case studies, emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses.

Page 66: Understanding Psychology's Foundations

Key terminologies essential in grasping foundational concepts of psychology, aiding students in developing a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Page 67: Overview of Freudian Concepts

Introduction to key thoughts from Freud’s work, providing a basis for understanding future discussions and explorations of personality and behavior.

Page 68: Conclusion and Encouragement

Encouragement for further understanding and engagement with psychological concepts, promoting a lifelong interest in psychology and its applications to both personal and societal issues.