PSY 121: Introductory Psychology

Egocentrism, a cognitive bias, causes individuals to prioritize their perspectives, influencing decisions and interactions. Using relatable scenarios with college students and vacation planning, we examine how egocentrism operates and ways to challenge this bias through empathy and perspective-taking.

Explore the intricate facets of human understanding, from Emotional Intelligence to Cognitive Dissonance. Discover how elements like empathy, social influence, and social cognition come together to provide a holistic insight into human behavior.

Examine the concepts of groupthink and group polarization in group decision-making. Learn how the drive for harmony can overshadow critical thought, and how group discussions can intensify biases. Discover ways to maintain diverse thought and prevent extreme views.

Explore the divisions of the nervous system and discover which one is responsible for the startle response. Learn about the roles of the parasympathetic, central, somatic, sympathetic, and autonomic systems in our body's functioning.

Discover the powerful role of conformity in shaping human behavior. Through relatable scenarios, learn how our choices can be influenced by peer pressure and societal expectations. Understand the balance between adapting to social norms and preserving individuality.

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.