PSYC 226: Introduction to Research Methods

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.

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 the characteristics of alcohol and its impact on the body in this video. Address common misconceptions about alcohol, including its classification as a stimulant, and learn why it is correctly categorized as a depressant due to its effects on neural activity and body function.

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.

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.