PSY 2230: Abnormal Psychology

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.

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.

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.

Unpack the different psychological perspectives on motivation, from biological drives to socio-cultural influences. Understand how internal and external factors shape our desire and commitment. Explore the roles of conscious and unconscious elements in motivating behavior.

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 factors that shape human attraction, from inherent traits like appearance and personality to situational factors like proximity. Understand why we're often drawn to those who are similar or close to us. Discover how circumstances influence the dynamics of attraction.