PSY 3111: Cognition

Explore the intriguing concept of altruism and its manifestations in the animal kingdom. Understand how Kin Selection, rooted in evolutionary biology, provides a compelling explanation for selfless behaviors that seemingly benefit others more than oneself.

Discover the crucial role of therapists in addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Explore various therapy options and understand why cognitive, group, rational-emotive, and client-centered therapies may not be the right fit for everyone. Uncover the essence of behavior therapy, where therapists collaborate with patients to recognize and transform troublesome behaviors for a healthier future.

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.

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.

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.