1. Introduction to Psychology

Course Overview

• Course Code: FIA1134

• Course Name: Introduction to Psychology

• Credit Hours: 4

Course Synopsis

• Definition of Psychology: Science of human behavior and mental processes.

• Objectives:

  • Establish goals in three areas: career, relationships, and personal life.

  • Apply basic psychological principles for personal development.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. List key concepts, theories, approaches, and research methods in psychology.

2. Outline different types of learning and behavioral management strategies.

3. Explain brain function and processes of memory, emotion, motivation, and cognition.

4. Describe psychology's role in addressing human problems and formulating alternative solutions.

References

• Main Reference:

  • Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T., Wegner, D. M., & Nock, M. K. (2018). Introducing Psychology (4th ed.). Worth Publishers.

• Additional References:

  • Ciccarelli, S. K., & White, J. N. (2017). Psychology (5th ed.). Pearson Global.

  • Myers, D. G., & DeWall, C. N. (2017). Psychology (12th ed.). Worth Publishers.

Assessment Summary

• Assessment Breakdown:

  • Individual Assignment: Analysis Report (50%)

  • Group Assignment: Group Project & Presentation (15%)

  • Final Examination (35%)

Topics Covered

1. An Invitation to Psychology

2. Biology and Behavior 1 & 2

3. Learning and Behavior 1 & 2

4. Thinking and Feeling 1 & 2

5. Motivation

6. The Developing Person

7. Personality

8. Social Psychology 1 & 2

9. Health and Disorder 1 & 2

Topic: An Invitation to Psychology

• Learning Objectives: Students will list key concepts, theories, approaches, and research methods.

What is Psychology?

• Psychological Definition: Scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.

• Aim: Understand why people behave in particular ways and apply findings to solve problems.

A Day in the Life of a Psychologist

• Roles:

  • Diagnosis of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

  • Referrals to therapists/clinics for treatment

Types of Psychologists

• Diversity in specialization (e.g., clinical, counseling, neuropsychology).

• Multiple perspectives on the same problems lead to many sub-fields in psychology.

Branches of Psychology

• Clinical Psychology: Diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

• Counseling Psychology: Assists with adjustment problems instead of severe disorders.

• Clinical Neuropsychology: Links biopsychology with clinical psychology.

• Developmental Psychology: Examines how people grow and change over time.

• Educational Psychology: Studies teaching and learning processes.

• Forensic Psychology: Focuses on legal issues and criminal behavior.

• Health Psychology: Explores links between psychological factors and health.

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Studies human behavior in workplaces.

• Personality Psychology: Examines individual traits and consistency in behavior.

• Social Psychology: Investigates how social forces influence behavior.

Historical Perspectives in Psychology

• Structuralism: Founded by Wilhelm Wundt; focused on elements of consciousness through introspection.

• Functionalism: Established by William James; studied how and why the mind works, focusing on behavior and practical applications.

Modern Psychological Approaches

• Psychoanalytic Theory: Freud's work on unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences influencing behavior.

• Behaviorism: Emphasizes observable behavior and environmental influences, with notable figures like John Watson and B.F. Skinner.

• Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and thinking.

• Humanistic Psychology: Highlights positive growth and free will through theorists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.