Objectives Reflecting the Elements of Reasoning

A good critical thinker in general psychology employs the elements of reasoning in a systematic way that allows the fullest breadth and depth in thinking. The elements of reasoning are reflected both in the logic of science and in the logic of general psychology.  They include:

Key Question: How can the science of psychology help us describe, predict, control/change, and explain human behavior and mental processes?

Interpretation and Inference:  You will learn how psychologists gather and interpret data and apply same to the issues studied in the course.

Information:  You will learn the benefits and limitations of the scientific method and theory in describing, predicting, controlling/changing, and explaining human functioning and adaptation.

Essential Concepts:   You will learn basic concepts (e.g., operant conditioning, synaptic transmission, intelligence quotient, etc.) and theories (e.g., psychodynamic, behaviorism, etc.) that underlie the psychological understanding of human behavior and mental processes. 

Assumptions:  The fundamental assumption of this course is: “there are intelligible and discoverable reasons why humans behave, think, and feel the way they do.”

Implications and Consequences:  If you reason well about psychology, you should be able to better understand your own behavior, thinking, and emotions as well as better understand the behavior, thinking, and emotions of others.

Points of View:  You will learn how to reason using data derived from the scientific method (i.e., careful observation and systematic study) and to analyze and evaluate human behavior and mental processes through the lens of six major psychological perspectives (theoretical orientations): (1) biopsychological, (2) learning/behavioral, (3) cognitive, (4) socio-cultural (5) psychodynamic, and (6) humanistic/existential.