General Psychology

Course Description:  This course introduces students to the basic principles underlying human behavior and cognition. Research methods related to psychology are presented.

Measurable Objectives:

The student will:
1. Define psychology.
2. Trace the historical background of psychology.
3. Describe and evaluate scientific methodology.
4. Interpret measures of central tendency, correlation, normal curve, and variability.
5. Describe the biopsychological processes underlying behavior.
6. Distinguish the various approaches to the study of human behavior.
7. Delineate the processes and theories of sensation and perception.
8. Explain the relationship between sensation and perception.
9. Detect the various states of consciousness.
10. Compare and contrast the different learning theories.
11. Describe the different types and characteristics of memory and forgetting.
12. Differentiate between the various theories of motivation and emotion.
13. Explain the development and principles of language, thinking, creativity, and intelligence.
14. Describe and evaluate theories and principles of life-span development.
15. Analyze the various theoretical views of personality.
16. Relate physiological and psychological correlates of stress and health.
17. Distinguish the different theories of psychopathology.
18. Describe the major psychological disorders delineated in DSM.
19. Compare and contrast the various psychotherapeutic approaches.
20. Evaluate the effects of a group on the individual.
21. Analyze the effects of social variables on behavior and attitude formation.
22. Identify reliable and credible sources of psychological research.

Among the measurable objectives of this course, students will also be able to differentiate the major theoretical perspectives of psychology and be able to explain why psychology is considered a science.