PSYC 20200: Proseminar in Motivation

Understand Freud's perspective on dreams as manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. Contrast this with the Neural Activation Theory, which links dreaming to random neural activity during REM sleep. Discuss the criticisms and nuances of both theories in modern psychology.

Discover the concept of physiological arousal and how various psychological theories interpret it into emotions. Learn about the role of context in defining our emotions through the Two-Factor Theory. Grasp the significance of cognitive labeling in different scenarios.

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.

Explore the intricacies of genetic mutation and its role in DNA sequence changes. Understand the factors leading to these mutations and their relation to broader evolutionary concepts. Dive into the complexities of behavioral evolution, natural selection, and cognitive evolution.

Explore the concept of social traps, exemplified by the Tragedy of the Commons and its real-world implications like overfishing. Delve into mirror-image perceptions in scenarios such as sports rivalries and international conflicts, uncovering the root causes of negative stereotypes and hostilities. Discover the importance of fostering communication, empathy, and cooperation to break the cycle of negativity in various contexts.