PSY 231: Adult Development

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.

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.

Explore the psychological concepts shaping Alejandro's behavior on his first date with Sakura. Unravel the role of self-concept, self-efficacy, personality traits, and the spotlight effect in shaping our social interactions.

Developmental psychology explores human development from infancy to old age, addressing core issues of Nature versus Nurture, Continuity versus Discontinuity, and Stability versus Change, offering vital insights for education, parenting, and interventions.

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.

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.