PSYC 407: Principles of Learning

Explore the life and work of Abraham Harold Maslow, a pivotal figure in American psychology. Delve into Maslow's groundbreaking Hierarchy of Needs, a model prioritizing human needs from basic physiological necessities to self-actualization. Understand the significance of satisfying lower-level needs before addressing higher ones.

Discover the dual nature of intelligence - Fluid and Crystallized - and how they shape our thinking and problem-solving abilities. Explore real-life scenarios showcasing the application of these intelligence types. Gain insights into recognizing your own cognitive strengths and areas for growth.

Explore persuasion techniques such as Door-in-the-face, Foot-in-the-door, That's-not-all, and Not-so-free sample, commonly used in psychology, marketing, and sales, where only Foot-in-the-door initiates with a small request to enhance compliance with a larger one later based on the consistency principle.

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.

Unravel the workings of the cognitive unconscious and its influential role in our daily lives. Learn how it silently steers our thoughts, behaviors, and preferences. Discover the power of the cognitive unconscious in both routine tasks and complex decisions.

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.