PSY 109: Introductory Psychology

Explore the essence of observing behaviors in their natural context without interference in social sciences research. Discover the power of authentic, uninfluenced observations with this informative video

Explore the divisions of the nervous system and discover which one is responsible for the startle response. Learn about the roles of the parasympathetic, central, somatic, sympathetic, and autonomic systems in our body's functioning.

Discover the essential process of neural pruning in brain development, distinct from creating new connections, managing neural waste, or increasing brain weight. Uncover how this natural "clean-up" refines our neural network, making our brains more efficient in processing information. Explore the impact of neural pruning on cognitive growth and the interaction between genetics and environment in brain development.

Discover the fascinating history of psychology's emergence as a science in this video. Explore the contributions of pioneers like Sigmund Freud, John B. Watson, Wilhelm Wundt, G. Stanley Hall, and William James, and learn how Wilhelm Wundt established the world's first psychology laboratory in 1879.

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 factors that shape human attraction, from inherent traits like appearance and personality to situational factors like proximity. Understand why we're often drawn to those who are similar or close to us. Discover how circumstances influence the dynamics of attraction.