PSYC 2220: Biological Basis of Behavior

Explore the concept of social traps, exemplified by the Tragedy of the Commons and its real-world implications like overfishing. Delve into mirror-image perceptions in scenarios such as sports rivalries and international conflicts, uncovering the root causes of negative stereotypes and hostilities. Discover the importance of fostering communication, empathy, and cooperation to break the cycle of negativity in various contexts.

Explore the intriguing science behind superstitious behavior. Discover how accidental timing of rewards influences our beliefs and actions. From Pavlov's dogs to lucky shirts, uncover the psychology of coincidences and their effects on our actions.

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.

Unravel the workings of the cognitive unconscious and its influential role in our daily lives. Learn how it silently steers our thoughts, behaviors, and preferences. Discover the power of the cognitive unconscious in both routine tasks and complex decisions.

Understand Freud's perspective on dreams as manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. Contrast this with the Neural Activation Theory, which links dreaming to random neural activity during REM sleep. Discuss the criticisms and nuances of both theories in modern psychology.

Explore the rich tapestry of psychotherapy, rooted in Biological, Cognitive, and Behavioral perspectives. From Biomedical therapy's drug-based approach to Behavioral Modification's learning techniques, uncover the multifaceted ways therapy promotes mental wellbeing.