PSY 306: Cognitive Psychology

Discover the nuances of behavior therapy and its distinct approaches. Compare it with psychodynamic and humanistic therapies. A comprehensive guide to understanding behavioral change techniques.

Explore the concept of social traps, exemplified by the Tragedy of the Commons and its real-world implications like overfishing. Delve into mirror-image perceptions in scenarios such as sports rivalries and international conflicts, uncovering the root causes of negative stereotypes and hostilities. Discover the importance of fostering communication, empathy, and cooperation to break the cycle of negativity in various contexts.

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.

Discover the powerful role of conformity in shaping human behavior. Through relatable scenarios, learn how our choices can be influenced by peer pressure and societal expectations. Understand the balance between adapting to social norms and preserving individuality.

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.