PSY 216: Life Span Development

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 fascinating history of psychology, from its ancient roots in Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese thought to modern neuroscience. Join us on a journey through the groundbreaking theories and experiments of pioneers like Freud, Jung, Watson, and Maslow. Discover how psychology has evolved into a diverse field that continues to unravel the complexities of the human mind and behavior.

Discover the significance of studying fraternal twins in genetic research. Understand the unique blend of shared environments and differing genetic codes. Grasp how their study enlightens the genetics vs environment debate.

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.

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.