It is an experiential course in which students focus on learning the basics of creating and evaluating knowledge in psychology. Students will learn to appreciate the strengths, as well as to understand the limitations, of various research methods. Students will read research articles, create hypotheses, collect and interpret data, and learn how to present results in APA style. For psychology majors. Students will be introduced both to the major topics of psychology and to the methods of studying and writing about behavior.
Students learn techniques for improving encoding and communicating.
Rational methods for evaluating claims, assertions, and arguments are considered, and irrational methods are exposed. Controversial issues are explored. Deductive and inductive reasoning skills, including statistical arguments, hypothesis testing, problem solving, and decision-making strategies, are developed. The study of human development from birth to death organized topically. The history, theories, and methodology of lifespan development as well as the systematic study of physical and cognitive changes are covered, along with social, emotional, and personality development.