PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology

• PSYC 101 is an introduction to Elements of Psychology, presented by Dr. Ernest Darkwah from 28.02.2022 to 04.02.2022.

Lecture Objectives:

• Provides an overview of the Psychology Department and its areas of focus.
• Offers practical advice for campus life, balancing academics and social activities, and resources for help and guidance.
• Introduces the historical background and current definitions of psychology.
• Explores the concept of behavior and different types of behavior.

Lecture Groups:

• Mondays are assigned to Group A, where ID numbers ending in 0, 1, or 2.
• Wednesdays are assigned to Group B, where ID numbers ending in 3, 4, 5, or 6.
• Fridays are assigned to Group C.
• Students should consult the course syllabus for their lecturer's name, lecture times, and locations.
• Direct any questions or complaints to the group lecturer.

Course Overview and Design:

• PSYC 101 explores the field of psychology.
• It aims to provide an understanding the field of psychology, including its scope and goals.
• It aims to familiarize students with various sub-fields in psychology.
• Aims to introduce different approaches to gaining knowledge.
• The goal is to understand the importance of the scientific method in acquiring psychological knowledge.

Plagiarism Policy:

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and is considered a serious offense
• Violators will face sanctions as described in the plagiarism policy
• It's required that all students familiarize themselves with the contents of the policy
• For more information, see http://www.ug.edu.gh/aqau/policies-guidelines.

Assessment and Grading:

• Test 1: Interim Assessment contributes 30% to the final grade
• Test 2: Interim Assessment 2 also contributes 30%
• The end-of-semester exam is worth 40%
• Details regarding the format of IA and exams will be provided later
• The complete grading scale can be found in the undergraduate student handbook

Key Points:

• Course content is subject to changes if needed during the semester
• Students must check SAKAI for tutorial times and Question and answer sessions

Class Norms:

• Class participation is expected from all students
• Mandatory reading of assigned texts before each class

Classroom Manners:

• Use appropriate language.
• Respectful discussions are expected regarding all views and opinions
• Avoid arriving late to the class.

Support for Students:

• Students requiring special assistance should reach Office of Disability Support Services
• The Counseling and Career Center is available for additional help
• Students can also speak with the lecturer for assistance
• Students should consult the course syllabus on SAKAI.

Psychology at the University of Ghana:

• The Department of Psychology serves as the primary location for psych courses at the University of Ghana

Department Information:

• Professor Joseph Osafo heads the department
• Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo is a Clinical Psychologist/Suicidologist
• Psychology is taught by a team of 23 lecturers
• Inquiries can be made at the general office located in the department building from students and visitors
• Lecturers have offices in the building where students can consult them
• There is a main student association in the department, where students can consult them

Academic Life:

• Academic activity is a priority in UG admittance
• Mandatory attendance is required in lectures, tutorials and group work for those studying at the Department of Psychology
• It is advantageous for students to prioritize time for academic work
• Resources are available on campus and elsewhere, and there is no library in the department

Important Information:

• There are no regimented reminders to alert an activity
• Notices and email alerts will be sent to the department notice boards and student email accounts
• Information will be shared with you on the SAKAI platform
• Students can form social media groups in which they share information

Practical Information:

• Lectures are largely face-to-face for the semester
• Course materials are accessible in the Resources Section of the SAKAI page for PSYC101
• To access resources, go to sakai.ug.edu.gh and enter your student ID and PIN, and click on “sites”, then Select PSYC101
• Go to the left side menu and click "Resources", you can now see the lecture slides and download any course materials

Social Life:

• The UG campus contains a vast amount of opportunities to socialise and build networks
• Making friends and socialising is a great way to live a fulfilling student life
• Forming friendships requires caution which can lead into issues
• It is normal for romantic relationships to form in UG campus
• Singles are free to mingle, however, caution should be exercised.

Life on Campus:

• Abuses and assaults should be reported to the relevant office, which can be found at the department general office
• Halls host weeks and activities to join, and it can be fun
• Get leadershiop experience from student political activities which occur every semester

General Tips:

• Eat well, sleep well, read well, behave yourself and chill

Psychology Origins:

• Psychology can be defined as the science of behaviour
• Psychology is seen as, an interesting field of scientific exploration
• It revolves around the understanding of individuals and their action in response
• Originally psychology was the study of the mind
• The word “psychology” is derived from the words "Psyche” (mind, soul) and "Logos” (study of/ knowledge) in greek

Origin of the Field

• It originated from philosophy and physiology.
• Philosophers sought to understand the human mind, the connection between mind and body, and how we perceive the world
• Physiologists were interested in what they called "the" (the sentence is incomplete)

Historical Context

• Some Philosophers and physiologists used the scientific method of physiology to study the human mind
• Humans started to use this scientific method to study the human mind
• The first lab using this was set up by a German physiologist called Wilhelm Wundt in 1879, Leipzig, Germany
• Wilhelm Wundt is known as the founder of Psychology
• His lab was located at the University of Leipzig in Germany, then it later became the Institute for Experimental Psychology
• He trained G. Stanley Hall and applied the scientific method.

• Early psychologists defined psychology as the scientific study of mental processes.
• John B. Watson believed that to understand the mind, psychologists need to study observable behavior in the 1920s

Defining Psychology:

• Psychology is best known in modern language as the study of human behaviour as scientists
• Psychology is described, by Coon (2004), in a scientific study of human behavior and other organisms(animals)
• Important terms: scientific study, mental processes, organisms, human behaviour

Behaviour:

• Behaviour can be defined as the way in which an organism/ individual responds to stimuli

• This is what organisms/ people do, like respond to pain, laughing, barking, etc.

• Reflex behavior happens when an individual automatically responds to a stimulus

  • This happens unplanned by coming into contact with something hot or something like the smell of food

• Goal-directed behavior occurs when something acts towards the fulfilment of a need -This is intended and can be satisfied, like studying for exams or building a nest

• Conditioned behaviour occurs when something persistently responds after experience

  • Like a child crying when seeing a nurse.

• Frustration Behaviour: arises when an individual’s actions are thwarted from reaching its goal within an expected time fame i.e. like food not arriving after a period of crying -Like a parent spilling food on the child, and the child throwing it in frustration.

• Behaviour is either overt or covert

  • Overt behavour is when it is seen or observed by others, like running, laughing or crying

An overview of the Psychology Department, campus life balance, and defining psychology. Explores behavior types and offers guidance. PSYC 101 gives a foundational understanding of the study of human psychology.