PSY 3130: Cognitive Science

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 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.

Unpack the different psychological perspectives on motivation, from biological drives to socio-cultural influences. Understand how internal and external factors shape our desire and commitment. Explore the roles of conscious and unconscious elements in motivating behavior.

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.

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.

This video offers a comprehensive exploration into the realms of behaviorism, classical and operant conditioning, and observational learning, punctuated by luminaries like Pavlov and Bandura. Dive deeper into cognitive learning and how figures like Piaget have revolutionized understanding. Learn the intricacies of memory—from encoding to retrieval, and its pitfalls. Finally, delve into consciousness, from daily wakefulness to altered states induced by meditation or drugs. It's a holistic guide t