10-809-198Intro to Psychology
Course Information
Description
This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Differentiate psychological perspectives
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    characterize psychological perspectives
    compare and contrast psychological perspectives
    identify the role of biological, psychological and social influences as interactive causes of human behavior

  2. Examine research methods
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    compare research methods
    identify research methods
    articulate ethical concerns in research
    identify sources of bias and error in research
    analyze the components of scientific process

  3. Distinguish learning theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    communicate principles of major learning theories
    apply learning strategies to specific situations

  4. Examine biological and environmental influences on behavior and mental processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    match major structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems with their functions
    explain neural communication
    investigate the biological influences on behavior and mental processes
    identify the environmental influences on behavior and mental processes

  5. Investigate cognitive processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    summarize different types of cognitive processes
    apply concepts of cognitive processes in everyday life

  6. Explore relationships among social influences, behavior, and mental processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    identify principles of social thinking and social influences
    analyze social psychological interactions in everyday life

  7. Examine personality theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    differentiate among personality theories
    apply principles of personality theories

  8. Explore motivational theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    examine personal motivational patterns
    distinguish theories of motivation
    apply principles of motivation to specific situations

  9. Investigate stress
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    identify the relationship between the perception of stress and stressors
    determine physiological and psychological responses to stress
    analyze factors contributing to the effects of stress
    construct a plan for effective stress management

  10. Examine states of consciousness
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    examine states of consciousness (e.g. sleep, hypnosis, effects of substances)
    explore the effects of states of consciousness on behavior

  11. Investigate sensation and perception
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    distinguish between sensation and perception
    discuss the relationship between sensation and perception

  12. Identify psychological disorders and treatment approaches
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    discriminate between normal and abnormal behavior and mental processes
    differentiate among common therapeutic approaches

  13. Summarize human development processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, Oral or Practical Application
    Criteria
    identify cognitive, physical, emotional, and social changes across the lifespan
    assess the impact of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social changes across the lifespan