PSYC 3116: Human Cognitive Process

Explore the diverse techniques in medical imaging for visualizing brain structures. From CT scans and MRIs to PET scans and EEGs, understand their specific roles and applications. Grasp how these non-invasive tools assist in diagnostics and treatment planning.

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 psychological concept of Attributional Style and how individuals attribute reasons for life events. Learn the difference between optimistic and pessimistic explanations. Discover how this concept impacts our self-perception and reactions to outcomes.

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 Edward Thorndike's foundational Law of Effect, illustrating how favorable consequences influence behavior repetition. Contrast this principle with other behavioral concepts like operant conditioning and shaping for a complete understanding.

Explore the importance of the DSM-5 in psychology and psychiatry, serving as a comprehensive diagnostic tool. Understand its role in ensuring consistent diagnoses, guiding treatments, and its impact on research and insurance. Witness the DSM-5's evolving nature and its role in reducing stigma.