PSYCH 3020: Research Methods in Psychology II

Discover the essential process of neural pruning in brain development, distinct from creating new connections, managing neural waste, or increasing brain weight. Uncover how this natural "clean-up" refines our neural network, making our brains more efficient in processing information. Explore the impact of neural pruning on cognitive growth and the interaction between genetics and environment in brain development.

Explore different psychological schools and their approaches to introspection, from Darwinism and Empiricism to Structuralism and Behaviorism. Discover which school used self-reflective introspection to understand the elements of human experience.

Discover the factors influencing the risk of major depression and bipolar disorder. Unpack the roles of genetic predisposition, family history, and life events in mental health. Learn why a biological family connection stands out as the most significant risk factor.

Discover the intricate steps behind the reading and understanding process. Learn how our eyes perceive visual information and how the brain processes it, from basic light perception to recognizing intricate details. Delve into the synergy of bottom-up and top-down processing in vision.

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 intricacies of psychoanalysis and the significance of 'free association'. Understand how blocks in associations highlight resistance. A guide to the world of unconscious revelations in therapy.