General Psychology Course Outline PDF

Course Title: General Psychology Course Code: Psych 1011Cr. Hr: 3(5 ECTS) Target Group: All 1st Year Students Instructor’s Name: Elias Kassa (Assistant Professor) II. Course Description  This introductory course will provide students with an overview of the current body of knowledge...

Course Title: General Psychology Course Code: Psych 1011Cr. Hr: 3(5 ECTS) Target Group: All 1st Year Students Instructor’s Name: Elias Kassa (Assistant Professor) II. Course Description  This introductory course will provide students with an overview of the current body of knowledge and the science of psychology.  This course examines the role of environmental factors and the interaction of nature and nurture in determining behaviors and mental processes. III. Course Rationale  The course General Psychology encompasses the fundamental concepts and principles of psychology which have immense application to human life problems.  Hence, this course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts of psychology and acquaint them with how to apply psychological knowledge, principles, and theories to real life situation and problems. IV. Learning Outcomes Up on the completion of this Course, students will be able to:  Describe basic psychological concepts.  Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in psychology.  Discuss about sensation and perception  Compare and contrast different learning theories  Summarize motivational and emotional processes  Discuss about basic notion of personality.  V. Course Content Chapter One: Essence of Psychology  Definition of Basic Concepts  Goals of Psychology  HistoricalBackground and major perspective in Psychology  Branches of Psychology  Research Methods in Psychology Chapter Two: Sensation and Perception o The meaning of sensation and perception o The sensory laws: o Sensory threshold and sensory adaptation o Perception o Selectivity of perception: Attention o Form perception o Depth perception Chapter Three: Learning o Definition, Principles and Characteristics of Learning  Definition of Learning  Principles of Learning  Characteristics of Learning  Factors Influencing Learning  Theories of Learning and their Applications  Behavioral Theory of Learning  Social Learning Theory  Cognitive Learning Theory Chapter Four: Memory and Forgetting  Memory  Meaning and Process Of Memory  Stages of Memory  Factors Affecting Memory  Forgetting  Meaning and Concepts of Forgetting  Theories of Forgetting  Improving Memory Chapter Five: Motivation and Emotion  Motivation  Definition and Types of Motivation  Theories of Motivation and their Applications  Conflict of Motives and Frustration  Emotion  Definition of Emotion  Components of Emotion  Theories of Emotion and their Applications Chapter Six: Personality o Meaning of Personality o Theories of Personality A. Psychoanalytic Theory B. Trait Theory C. Humanistic Theory Chapter Seven: Psychological Disorders and Treatment Techniques o Nature of Psychological Disorders o Causes of Psychological Disorders A. Biological Perspective B. Psychological Perspective o Types of Psychological Disorders o Treatment Techniques  Chapter Eight: Introduction to Life Skills o Definition and Nature of Life Skills o Components of Life Skills o Goals of Life Skills  Chapter Nine: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills o Self Concept and Self Awareness o Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence o Self-Control o Anger Management o Emotional Intelligence and Managing Emotion o Stress, Coping with Stress and Resilience o Critical and Creative Thinking  Chapter Ten: Academic Skills o Time Management o Note-taking and Study Skills o Test-Taking Skill o Test Anxiety and Overcoming Test Anxiety o Goal Setting o Career Development Skill  Chapter Eleven: Social Skills o Understanding cultural Diversity o Gender and Social Inclusion o Interpersonal Communication Skills o Social Influences o Peer Pressure o Assertiveness o Conflict and Conflict Resolution o Teamwork o Overcoming Risky Behavior  Assessment & Evaluation Techniques 1. Continuous Assessment: 45 %  Classroom Participation…………..5%  Individual Assignments …….…….. 10 %  Group Work /Presentations…….. 10 %  Test……………………………………………… …20% 2. Final Exam…………………………………………… …55%  Individual Assignment  Topics 1. Topic 1  Life Skills  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Nature and concept definition  Components of life skills  Goals of Life Skills  Practical Examples and applications of life Skills Topic 2. Stress and Coping with Stress Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Causes of stress  Coping mechanisms  Applications of coping mechanisms in real life events Topic 3. Anger Management Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Causes of anger  Mechanisms of managing anger  Applications of anger management in real life Topic 4. Time Management  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Characteristics of people with good time management skills  Time management Skills Topic 5. Test Anxiety  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Effects of test anxiety  Mechanisms of reducing test anxiety  Applications of test anxiety reduction skills  Group Work Topic 1. Cultural diversity  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Benefits of cultural diversity  Mechanisms of managing diversity  Practical examples of managing diversity in the Ethiopian context Topic 2. Peer pressure  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Mechanisms of handling peer pressure  Effects of peer pressure  Practical examples of peer pressure Topic 3. Conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Sources (causes) of conflict  Levels of conflict  Mechanisms of conflict resolution  Practical examples of conflict resolution in the Ethiopian context Topic 4. Interpersonal Skills  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Components or elements of interpersonal skills  Benefits of interpersonal skills Topic 5. Overcoming Risky Behaviors  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Effects of risky behaviors Topic 6. Teamwork  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Goals of teamwork  Characteristics of effective teamwork Topic 7. Decision Making  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Steps in Problem Solving  Conditions/factors that improve Topic 8. Gender and Social Inclusion  Specific Guidelines for writing the summary  Concept definition  Methods of enhancing gender inclusion  Practical examples of gender inclusion in Ethiopia  General Guidelines for the Assignment 1. Students are expected to organize themselves and get in to 8 groups consisting of 3-5 students. The group must have a chairperson and a secretary. 2. Each group will be assigned a topic randomly and produce a summary paper not more than 6 pages 3. The group will have a 10 to 15 minutes presentation of the group work at the end of the class 4. Copying the works of other students is  Chapter 1. Introduction ( Essence of) to Psychology Chapter One: Introduction to ( Essence) of Psychology 1.1. Definition  Origin: Two Greek words  Psyche which represents, Spirit, Soul , Mind  logos refers to Study, Knowledge or Science  Scientific Definition states that  The scientific study of Human behavior and mental processes Key words in the definition Science  is a collection of data or information  Psychology does not rely on common sense or speculation  Scientific Characteristics  is based on research and Experiment  has developed its own theories/ Principles  employs scientific techniques to study behavior Behavior  an activity of an organism  1.2. Goals of Psychology A. Description of Behavior  Every behaviour has its own way of occurring  In describing behaviour, a psychologist focuses on how, when and under what conditions a behaviour occurs. Examples:  How does an angry person behaves?  How do two people who are in love interact B. Explanation  In explanation of behaviour, a psychologist becomes concerned about why behaviour occurs as it does  Every behaviour has its own causes. No behaviour occurs without a cause. Examples:  why do people go to colleges/ universities?  why do people marry? C. Prediction  involves forecasting the likelihood of a behaviour under certain circumstances.  Prediction of behaviours is possible through the use of theories or principles  D. Control ( Modification)  involves changing a behaviour which is anti social or unacceptable.  For healthy functioning of society and the individual, these kind of negative (maladaptive ) behaviours should be avoided  In psychology, there are psychological techniques to help an individual avoid a maladaptive behaviour. 1.3. History and Major Perspectives in Psychology  Psychology has a short history as a science and began as independent science in 1879 in Germany by Wilhelm Wundt who is considered as the founder or father of Modern Psychology.  With the use of scientific methods, different schools of thought developed 1.3.1. Early Schools of Psychology  School of psychology or thought refer to a system or way of thinking about a phenomenon.  A set of ideas or opinions that a group of people share among themselves  There are five major early schools of thought A. Structuralism  views psychology as the study of structures of the mind and is founded by Wilhelm Titchener(1867-1927).  The goal of structuralism is to find out the units or elements of the mind ( what constitutes the mind) such as sensations, feelings, thinking, perception and images which are considered as the building blocks of the mind.  The best known method of studying this elements is known as introspection:- looking inward in to our consciousness B. Functionalism  Views psychology as the study of the functions of the mind and was founded on the work of William James (1848- 1910)  W. James was the first American Psychologist and author of the first psychology book.  Focused on how the mind allows people to function in the real world; how people work, play, and the role of behavior in helping people adapt to their environment. (Ex; fear and how it helps deal with emergency situations)  Believed that psychological processes are adaptive and allow humans to survive  In addition to introspection, he used tests and questionnaires and believed that c. Gestalt Psychology  Was founded by Max Wertheimer and his colleagues in Germany.  Emerged as a response to structuralism and functionalism and believed that the mind is not made up of combinations of elements.  Theyviewed the mind as greater than and different from its parts and that the mind must be seen as a result of the whole pattern of sensory activity and the relationship and organization  Our perception (or understanding) of objects is greater and more meaningful than the individual elements that make up our perceptions D. Behaviorism  Is founded by J.B. Watson and his colleagues  Assumes that the mind is an internal , non visible and hidden experience and is very subjective and can not be the object of scientific study  Believes that psychology is the study of observable and measurable behavior which is learned. E. Psychoanalyses  was founded by Sigmund Freud ((1856-1939)  Believes that psychology must be the study of the unconscious forces of the mind which explains human functioning  based on his medical background , he believed that some physical illnesses did not have medical or bodily causes. Such illnesses are caused by non physical or emotional  Such cause remain hidden or unconscious and affect behavior  The unconscious consists of hidden wishes, passions, hidden secrets, conflict between desire and duty which are not available to the conscious mind  These hidden experience make themselves known in dreams , slip of the tongue, jokes and accidents which are indications of what a person is truly feeling  Hypnoses and dream analyses are used as a method. 1.3.2. Modern Schools of Psychology A. The Psychodynamic Perspective  It has its origin in Freud’s theory of psychoanalyses  This approaches emphasizes the  The influence of the unconscious mind on behavior  The role of childhood experiences on adult behavior  The role of intrapersonal conflict in behavior B. Behavioral Perspective  emphasizes the role learning play in shaping the behavior of an organism. It is concerned with how the environment affects the person‘s actions.  is sometimes called the "black box" approach in psychology because it treats the mind as less useful in understanding human behavior.  The approach believes the field should focus on observable behavior C. Humanistic Perspective  Emphasizes on the uniqueness of human beings.  Suggests that all individuals naturally strive to grow, develop, and be in control of their lives and behavior.  Humanistic psychologists maintain that each of us has the capacity to seek and reach fulfillment.  The goal of humanistic psychology was helping people to express themselves creatively and achieve their full potential or self- actualization (developing the human potential to its fullest D. Cognitive Perspective  IsConcerned about mental processes and how people remember, reason, solve problems, explain experiences affects their actions.  Inthis view, thinking is information processing and is compared with a computer E. Biological Perspective  Focuses on studying how bodily events or functioning of the body affects behavior, feelings, and thoughts  This perspective underscores that biology and behavior interact in a complex way; biology affecting behavior and behavior in turn affecting biology F. Socio Cultural Perspectives  Itfocuses on the social and cultural factors that affects human behavior. As a fish cannot leave without water, human behavior cannot be understood without sociocultural context (the social and cultural environment) that people "Swim" in every day.  1.4. Branches (Subfields) in Psychology  Psychology is a broad field, there are many specialization under its umbrella A. Developmental Psychology  Studies how people develop overtime thorough the process of maturation and learning.  studies age related changes through the life span  Aspects of Development( Physical, Cognitive, Social, etc)  Stages of Development( Infancy, Babyhood, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age) B. Educational Psychology  deals with the general process of education in general.  It tries to make use of psychological knowledge in improving the teaching learning process  Learning is a central focal area C. Counseling Psychology  deals with providing counselling service to people who are troubled by a problem in their life.  assists people on issues of personal adjustment, vocational and career planning, family life and may work in schools, hospitals, clinics or offices D. Personality Psychology  Studies the ways in which people develop a characteristic that makes them unique  studies individual differences in personality and their effects on behaviour. E. Industrial ( Organizational) Psychology  Studies human behaviour in the workplace and how behaviour affects production  It focuses on improving employee productivity and organizational performance by studying a company’s culture, employee behaviour and work processes. F. Social Psychology  Itstudies the role of social forces in governing individual behaviour.  Examines the ways in which the pattern of a person’s feeling, thinking and acting is affected by others G. Cross Cultural Psychology Studies the ways in which context and culture affects behavior, thought and emotion. It is interested in determining whether or not psychological processes are universal or culture specific  The study of variability and invariance under different cultural conditions EX: Submissiveness and Aggressiveness H. Forensic Psychology  Is a branch of psychology that applies principle in the legal system. It is concerned with the study of such issues as o Is someone emotionally and mentally capable to stand trial? o How should a minor’s testimony be handled in court?  Forensic psychologists work with law professionals to deal with psychological elements in legal cases such as counseling victims and at risk youths, analyzing mental state, the trial process and prison conditions I. Health Psychology  Studiesthe ways in which biology, psychology, behavior and social factors influence health and illness.  Thereare a number of factors that allow people to be healthy, recover from an illness and or cope with a chronic condition J. Clinical Psychology  isa field that applies psychological principles to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. 1.5. Research Methods in Psychology  The research method that psychologists use to study human behaviour can be classified in to several categories based on the nature and purpose of the research.  The major classifications include:- Descriptive, Correlational and Experimental  1.4.1. Descriptive Methods  Involves the systematic recording of an observation of an event A. Naturalistic Observation  It is a systematic process of recording the behavioural patterns of people, objects and occurrences as they are witnessed in the naturalistic observation.  Observer effect and observer bias are major limitations of this method B. The Survey Method  Surveys require asking people who are called respondents, for information, using either verbal or written questions. Interviews or questionnaires are utilized to collect data on the telephone, face to face and through other communication media.  Is useful to collect data from a large group of people  requires selecting a representative sample C. Case Study  Case study is a prominent research method in psychology that intensively investigates one or a few situations in detail over a long period of time.  Examples  studying the effect of isolation on language development  Generalization is limited 4. 1.4.2. Correlational Research  Involves studying the relationship between two variables without manipulating any conditions  Causeand effect relationship is not determined since variables are not manipulated Ex: Interest and Academic achievement Smoking and Lung cancer 1.4.3. Experimental Method  is used when a researcher wants to determine cause and effect relationships between events or variables  Variables  Variables in the experimental method are attributes or characteristics of a situation, person or a phenomenon which may differ or fluctuate across situations, persons or phenomena 1. Independent Variable  Is a variable that produces effects on the other variable 2. Dependent variable  Is a variable that is affected by the independent variable  Groups in the Experimental Group 1. The experimental Group  is the group to which the experimental treatment or independent variable is given 2. The control ( comparison ) Group  The group which is formed for comparison purpose and receive no treatment