Course

10-809-198 Intro 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, cognitive processes, motivation, personality, psychological disorders and treatment approaches, physiological factors, social influences, and development.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Differentiate psychological perspectives
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    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
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    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
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    communicate principles of major learning theories
    apply learning strategies to specific situations

  4. Examine biological influences on behavior and mental processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain major structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their functions
    explain neural communication

  5. Investigate cognitive processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    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
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify principles of social thinking and social influences
    analyze social psychological interactions in everyday life

  7. Examine personality theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate among personality theories
    apply principles of personality theories

  8. Explore motivational theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine personal motivational patterns
    distinguish theories of motivation
    apply principles of motivation to specific situations

  9. Investigate stress
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    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. Investigate sensation, perception, and consciousness
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    compare sensation and perception
    examine states of consciousness
    analyze the effects of sensation and perception on behavior
    analyze the effects of states of consciousness on behavior

  11. Investigate psychological disorders and treatment approaches
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate among psychological disorders
    differentiate among common therapeutic approaches

  12. Summarize human development processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify cognitive, physical, emotional, and social changes across the lifespan
    assess the impact of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social changes across the lifespan