PSY 172: Developmental Psychology

Explore the principles of functionalistic psychology, from its emphasis on understanding the purpose behind our thoughts and behaviors to its integration of pragmatism and evolutionary perspectives. Discover how context, individual differences, and a holistic approach play pivotal roles in this psychological framework.

Explore Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, tracing the progression from early childhood to adulthood. Understand the shifts from consequence-driven decisions to societal rule adherence, culminating in universal ethical principles. Discover how moral reasoning matures through life stages.

Explore the concept of 'generalization' in behavior modification. Discover its significance in practical application, efficiency, and adaptability. Learn how skills learned in one context can be applied universally.

Explore the intriguing concept of altruism and its manifestations in the animal kingdom. Understand how Kin Selection, rooted in evolutionary biology, provides a compelling explanation for selfless behaviors that seemingly benefit others more than oneself.

Discover various psychological interpretations of dreams, from Freud's repressed desires to cognitive processes. Learn about the activation-synthesis model that attributes dreams to random neural activity. Understand how the mind crafts narratives from seemingly random dream sequences.

Explore the fascinating history of psychology, from its ancient roots in Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese thought to modern neuroscience. Join us on a journey through the groundbreaking theories and experiments of pioneers like Freud, Jung, Watson, and Maslow. Discover how psychology has evolved into a diverse field that continues to unravel the complexities of the human mind and behavior.