PSY 120: Introduction to Psychology

Unpack the concept of CER, or Conditioned Emotional Response, in psychology. It signifies an emotional reaction stemming from classical conditioning, linking neutral stimuli with significant emotional events. Examples include fears developed after traumatic experiences.

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 intriguing science behind superstitious behavior. Discover how accidental timing of rewards influences our beliefs and actions. From Pavlov's dogs to lucky shirts, uncover the psychology of coincidences and their effects on our actions.

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 significance of operational definitions in research. Learn how these clear explanations of variables ensure study replicability, boost reliability, and fortify credibility. Understand their pivotal role in standardizing scientific studies.

Explore the intricate facets of human understanding, from Emotional Intelligence to Cognitive Dissonance. Discover how elements like empathy, social influence, and social cognition come together to provide a holistic insight into human behavior.