PSY 243: Biopsychology

Uncover the mystery behind reversed-color afterimages and how our eyes decode them. Explore the role of cones and the importance of Hering's opponent-process theory. Break down other vision theories and their relevance to our color perception.

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 concept of operant conditioning as a behavioral learning process. Unravel how actions can be influenced by reinforcement or punishment. Dive into B.F. Skinner's contributions and real-life examples.

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.

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.

Uncover the role of teratogens in fetal development with a focus on alcohol's impact. Understand the critical function of the placenta and how certain substances can bypass this protective barrier, potentially harming the fetus. Grasp the risks and implications of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.