PSYC 101 Study Notes

Course Overview

  • Psyc 101: Introduction to Psychology.

  • Attendance: Mandatory, tracked via MyCourses. 8 absences (twice weekly) or 11 absences (three times weekly) leads to an 'F'.

  • Technology: Use of laptops and tablets is required; cellphones should be silent and out of sight.

Course Platforms

  • MyCourses: Lecture materials, information, attendance, grades.

  • McGraw Hill Connect: Quizzes and assignments.

Course Requirements

  • Assessments:

    • Quizzes: 5% each (total 20%).

    • Midterm & Final: 25% each (total 50%).

    • SmartBook Activities: 3% each (total 15%).

    • In-Class Assignments: 2% each (total 10%).

    • Oral Presentation: 5%.

Key Topics in Psychology

  • Scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

  • Core Questions: Nature versus nurture, free will versus determinism, ethics in research.

  • Subfields: Cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, personality, social psychology.

  • Applied Areas: Clinical, counselling, industrial/organizational, community psychology.

Historical Perspectives

  • Evolution from ancient beliefs (supernatural causes) to empirical methods in psychology.

  • Major movements: Structuralism, Functionalism, Psychoanalysis, Behaviorism, Humanism, and Modern Psychology.

Modern Theories

  • Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on mental processes (thinking, memory).

  • Neuroscience: Links behavior with biological processes.

  • Evolutionary Psychology: Examines adaptive behaviors through a Darwinian lens.

  • Developmental Psychology: Studies individual growth across the lifespan.

  • Positive Psychology: Focuses on human strengths and well-being.

Key Terms and Concepts

  • Humanism, Behaviorism, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Neuroscience, Health Psychology, Positive Psychology.

  • Understand major debates in psychology, evolution of the field, and applications in modern contexts.

Reading Assignment

  • Textbook: Read Chapter 1.