Introductory · Social Sciences

Introduction to Psychology

The standard college intro: how the mind and behavior work — research methods, the brain, learning, memory, development, disorders and the social world.

6 chapters18 lessons2 hr 34 min18 quick checks

How this course works

The chapters and lessons below are the fixed course structure. When you start, LearnLive teaches each lesson interactively and adapts examples, pacing, and questions to you.

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

  1. 01

    Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

    Foundations & Research Methods

    1. 1.1

      The science of mind & behavior

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define psychology and explain its significance as a science of mind and behavior.

      • Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior.
      • It encompasses various subfields such as cognitive, social, and developmental psychology.
      • Understanding psychology helps in addressing mental health issues and improving human interactions.
    2. 1.2

      Research methods & experiments

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and describe various research methods used in psychology.

      • Research methods include experiments, surveys, and observational studies.
      • Experiments involve manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.
      • Surveys gather data from participants to understand attitudes and behaviors.
    3. 1.3

      Ethics & reading the evidence

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can discuss the ethical considerations in psychological research and how to critically evaluate evidence.

      • Ethics in psychology ensures the welfare of participants and integrity of research.
      • Key ethical principles include informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw.
      • Critical evaluation of evidence involves assessing the validity and reliability of research findings.
  2. 02

    Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

    The Biological Mind

    1. 2.1

      Neurons & neurotransmitters

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the structure and function of neurons and neurotransmitters.

      • Define neurons and their role in the nervous system.
      • Identify the different types of neurotransmitters and their functions.
      • Explain how neurotransmitters influence behavior and mood.
    2. 2.2

      The brain & nervous system

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the major structures and functions of the brain and nervous system.

      • Identify the main parts of the brain and their functions.
      • Explain the role of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
      • Discuss how the brain communicates with the body through the nervous system.
    3. 2.3

      Genes, evolution & behavior

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the relationship between genes, evolution, and behavior.

      • Define genetics and its role in behavior.
      • Explain the concept of evolution and natural selection.
      • Discuss how genetic factors can influence psychological traits and behaviors.
  3. 03

    Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

    Learning, Memory & Cognition

    1. 3.1

      Classical & operant conditioning

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the principles of classical and operant conditioning.

      • Define classical conditioning and its key components: unconditioned stimulus, conditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, and conditioned response.
      • Define operant conditioning and its key components: reinforcement, punishment, positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement.
      • Discuss the differences between classical and operant conditioning.
      • Provide examples of each type of conditioning in real-life situations.
    2. 3.2

      How memory works

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe how memory works and the stages involved.

      • Define memory and its importance in learning.
      • Explain the three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
      • Discuss different types of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
      • Describe factors that can affect memory retention and recall.
    3. 3.3

      Thinking, language & intelligence

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the relationship between thinking, language, and intelligence.

      • Define thinking and its role in problem-solving and decision-making.
      • Explain the relationship between language and thought, including theories such as linguistic relativity.
      • Define intelligence and discuss different theories of intelligence, including multiple intelligences.
      • Explore how language influences cognitive processes and vice versa.
  4. 04

    Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

    Development & Personality

    1. 4.1

      Development across the lifespan

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the stages of development across the lifespan.

      • Define lifespan development and its significance.
      • Identify the major stages of development: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
      • Discuss physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur at each stage.
    2. 4.2

      Theories of personality

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can compare and contrast major theories of personality.

      • Define personality and its importance in psychology.
      • Explain key theories of personality: psychodynamic, humanistic, trait, and social-cognitive.
      • Discuss how these theories differ in their approach to understanding personality.
    3. 4.3

      Motivation & emotion

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the relationship between motivation and emotion.

      • Define motivation and emotion and their roles in behavior.
      • Identify different types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
      • Discuss theories of motivation and their connection to emotional responses.
  5. 05

    Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

    Disorder & Therapy

    1. 5.1

      Stress, health & coping

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the relationship between stress, health, and coping mechanisms.

      • Define stress and its impact on physical and mental health.
      • Identify various coping strategies and their effectiveness.
      • Discuss the role of social support in managing stress.
    2. 5.2

      Psychological disorders

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the major psychological disorders and their characteristics.

      • Define psychological disorders and their classification.
      • Identify symptoms and diagnostic criteria for common disorders.
      • Discuss the prevalence and impact of psychological disorders on individuals and society.
    3. 5.3

      Approaches to treatment

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate different approaches to treatment for psychological disorders.

      • Define various therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy and medication.
      • Compare and contrast the effectiveness of different treatment modalities.
      • Discuss the importance of individualized treatment plans.
  6. 06

    Chapter 6 · 3 lessons

    The Social Animal

    1. 6.1

      Conformity, obedience & the group

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concepts of conformity and obedience within group dynamics.

      • Define conformity and obedience.
      • Discuss the factors that influence conformity.
      • Examine the role of group pressure in obedience.
      • Analyze real-world examples of conformity and obedience.
      • Explore the implications of these behaviors in social settings.
    2. 6.2

      Attitudes, persuasion & prejudice

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe how attitudes are formed and changed, and the impact of prejudice.

      • Define attitudes and their components.
      • Explain the processes of persuasion and attitude change.
      • Discuss the origins and effects of prejudice.
      • Analyze the role of social influence in shaping attitudes.
      • Explore strategies for reducing prejudice.
    3. 6.3

      Attraction, aggression & helping

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify the factors that influence attraction, aggression, and helping behavior.

      • Define attraction and the factors that contribute to it.
      • Discuss the psychological theories of aggression.
      • Examine the conditions that promote helping behavior.
      • Analyze the relationship between aggression and social context.
      • Explore the implications of attraction and helping in social interactions.

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