Major Concepts and Behavioral Objectives

CONCEPT I: Aspects of Psychology

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a science, or systematic way of collecting data, and it is also a means of promoting human welfare.

1. Define psychology.

2. Contrast the scientific orientation of psychology with a common-sense approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes.

3. Discuss how psychology can be thought of as a means of promoting human welfare.

CONCEPT II: Psychology's Past and Present

When psychology emerged as a distinct discipline a hundred years ago, psychologists acted as their own subjects and studied their own thought processes. Later psychologists examined directly observable behaviors, the function of the psychological processes, the unconscious mental processes, and the subjective experience of events.

4. Describe the progress of psychology over the past one hundred years.

5. Identify the basic tenets of the neurobiological, behaviorist, psychoanalytic, humanistic, and cognitive perspectives in modern psychology.

6. Discuss how the various perspectives in modern psychology can contribute to an eclectic approach.

7. List and describe the goals of modern psychology

CONCEPT III: Contemporary Fields of Specialization

Subjects as diverse as sensation, perception, learning, memory, problem solving, communications, emotion, motivation, personality, and social interaction are investigated in psychology. Today psychologists specialize in specific subfields and pursue careers both within and outside the academic world.

8. List and discuss the subject matter and the focus of the traditional subfields that make up psychology.

9. Identify and describe some emerging fields of specialization within psychology.

10. Discuss how psychologists from different specialties can give different explanations of the same event, and give examples.

CONCEPT IV: Psychology's Value to You

Psychology is a popular vocation in the United States and preparation in psychology has many benefits. This course should improve your understanding of yourself and your ability to evaluate information critically.

11. Describe the profession of psychology in the United States.

12. Describe some benefits to you from studying psychology.