PSYC 2084: Social Psychology

Examine the concepts of groupthink and group polarization in group decision-making. Learn how the drive for harmony can overshadow critical thought, and how group discussions can intensify biases. Discover ways to maintain diverse thought and prevent extreme views.

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.

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 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.

Ester's perception is influenced by binocular cues aiding in depth judgement. Her decision to investigate hinges on signal detection theory discerning significance in stimuli. Her actions are swayed by perceptual set based on past experiences and her balance managed by the vestibular sense comes into play. The gate-control theory sheds light on her pain perception after the fall.

Uncover the philosophical origins of nerve pathways and reflexes. Discover how René Descartes shaped our understanding of the body's automatic responses. Differentiate his contributions from other famous thinkers.