A foundational course for anyone wishing to develop and improve study skills and habits in order to achieve their full academic potential. An introduction to the basic principles of human behavior and to elementary principles of human development, awareness, learning, motivation, personality, and social influence. Consideration is given to topics such as the scientific study of human behavior, the formulation of research problems and hypotheses, research design, statistical inference, decision making, and the writing of research reports.
Most experiments involve studies in human learning, memory, and cognition.
An historical review and philosophical analysis of the development of psychology as a discipline. Emphasis is given to the relationship between specific historical antecedents and contemporary trends in psychology. A study of the enduring human personality characteristics that often distinguish one person from another. The course also introduces students to a variety of personality scales and inventories designed to identify important individual differences in personality. An exploration of how educational and psychological principles come together in the classroom and other settings where learning occurs.