PSYC 101 Introduction: Course overview

• PSYC 101, Elements of Psychology: An Introduction, is taught by Dr. Ernest Darkwah from 28.02.2022 to 04.02.2022.

Lecture Objectives

• Gain insight into the Psychology Department and its areas.
• Get practical advice on campus life, balancing academics and social activities, and finding assistance.
• Learn about the history and current definitions of the field.
• Be introduced to behaviour and its types.

Lecture Groups

• Group A attends on Mondays with ID numbers ending in 0, 1, or 2.
• Group B attends on Wednesdays with ID numbers ending in 3, 4, 5, or 6.
• Group C attends on Fridays.
• Check the course syllabus for up-to-date information on name of group's lecturer, lecture times and locations.
• Direct any complaints or questions to your group lecturer.

Course Overview

• The course is designed to explain the scope and goals of psychology.
• The course introduces one to the various sub-fields and approaches to acquiring knowledge of psychology
• The course also explains the scientific method as a key approach to acquiring knowledge

Plagiarism Policy

• Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in sanctions as per the university's policy.
• Familiarize yourself with the contents of the Plagiarism Policy, available at http://www.ug.edu.gh/aqau/policies-guidelines.

Assessment and Grading

• Test 1 (Interim Assessment): 30%
• Test 2 (Interim Assessment 2): 30%
• End of Semester Exam: 40%
• Information on IA and Exam formats to be announced later.
• Refer to the undergraduate handbook for grading scale details.
• Note that course content may be modified if necessary, and check SAKAI for tutorial times and question/answer sessions.

Class Norms and Manners

• All students are expected to participate in class.
• Assigned readings should be completed before class.
• Practice appropriate language, respect other's views, and be punctual.

Students with Special Needs

• Contact the Office of Disability Support Services.
• The Counselling and Career Center is available to help.
• You are welcome to speak to your lecturer for any assistance you need.

Course Delivery and Schedule

• Consult the course syllabus on SAKAI for the course schedule and required readings.

Psychology at University of Ghana

• The Department of Psychology is the primary location for psychology courses.
• The department is headed by Professor Joseph Osafo, a Clinical Psychologist/Suicidologist.
• There are 23 lecturers in the department.
• A general office is located within the department for student and visitor inquiries.
• Lecturers have offices in the department for student consultations.
• The University of Ghana Association of Psychology Students (UNIGAPS) is the main student association.

Academic Life at UG

• Academic activity is the main purpose of attending UG, and attendance of lectures, tutorials, and group work are mandatory at the Department of Psychology.
• It is beneficial to dedicate a larger amount of time to academic work.
• There is no library in the department; however, the university's libraries are available in halls of residence and the Balme library

Further Expectations for Academic Life at UG

• There are no strict reminders outside of notices on department boards and emails to student accounts.
• Information will be shared on the SAKAI platform and potentially via student-created social media groups.
• The lectures are largely face-to-face for the semester.
• Lecture slides and resources are available on the PSYC101 SAKAI page under "Resources".

SAKAI Resources Access:

• Go to sakai.ug.edu.gh.
• Then enter your student ID and PIN.
• Click on “sites” then select PSYC101.
• Go to the left side menu and click “Resources”.
• Download the lecture slides and other course materials.

Social Life on Campus

• Opportunities abound at UG to socialize and build networks.
• Making friends and socializing will help fulfill one’s student life on campus.
• Exercise caution in friendships.
• Romantic relationships can occur.
• Singles are free to mingle, but are urged to exercise caution.

General Life on Campus

• Report abuses or assaults to the relevant offices; information is available at the department's general office.
• Joining hall weeks and other fun programs is encouraged.
• Student political activities occur every semester, offering leadership opportunities.

Psychology - The Science of Behaviour

• Key questions include; What comes to mind when thinking about psychologists? and What do you want to study in psychology?

Defining Psychology

• Psychology involves understanding people and their behavior through scientific exploration.
• The definition has evolved, beginning as the study of the mind
• The origin of the word "psychology" comes from the Greek words "psyche" (mind, soul) and "logos" (study of/knowledge).
• Psyche + logos = study of the mind.
• The field originates from philosophy and physiology.
• Philosophy addresses include; How does the human mind function? How do our bodies relate with our minds? How do we perceive/interpret the world?
• Physiology explores the function of living organisms via scientific methods.
• Philosophers and physiologists believed the scientific method could study the human mind.
• Attempts to use the scientific method to study human mind began.
• The first lab to try this new idea was set up in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany.
• Wundt is the first person to setup a psychology lab and is often referred to as the founder.
• The lab was located at the University of Leipzig and became the Institute for Experimental Psychology.
• Other psychologists that Wundt trained, including G. Stanley Hall, focused on applying the scientific method to study and understand how the human mind functions.
• Early psychologists defined psychology as "the scientific study of mental processes."
• In the 1920s, John B. Watson advocated for studying observable behavior rather than the mind in order to better psychology.

Modern Definition of Psychology

• The scientific study of human behavior, as well as that of other organisms (animals). Coon, 2004.
• The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.
• Key words: Scientific study, human behaviour, other organisms (animals), mental processes.

Behaviour Types (Human/Animal)

• How an organism or individual responds to stimuli, what people or organisms do; for example, laughing, talking, responding to pain, barking.
• There are several classifications of behavior.

Classifications of Behaviour

• Reflex behavior: Automatic response to a stimulus. Not planned. Example: Jumping after touching a hot object, salivating at the smell of food.
• Goal-directed behavior: Acts intended to satisfy a specific need. Is planned behavior. Example: Studying to write exams, building a nest.
• Conditioned behavior: Response to specific stimuli after training, practice or experience.
• Frustration Behavior: Exhibited to achieve a goal, but the goal is not achieved within an expected time. ex: A hungry child who has cried for a long time may throw food.
• Behavior distinctions also include overt and covert behaviour.
• Overt behavior is any outward behaviour that can be observed or seen by others; for example, laughing, crying or running.