Table of Contents
Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology
Major historical figures in psychology
Theoretical approaches to describing behavior
Branches of psychology
A variety of research methods used by psychologists
The application of research design and statistical analysis in psychology
Ethical guidelines
Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior
Structures and functions of biological systems, including the endocrine system and nervous system
Brain function, neural firing, and the influence of medication
The study of the brain and research techniques for studying its structure and function
States of consciousness, including sleeping and dreaming
Addiction and drug dependence
Unit 3: Sensation & Perception
Basic principles of how humans experience and process stimuli
The role of experience and culture in perception
The mechanisms of the 5 senses and sensory disorders
Unit 4: Learning
Influential researchers and theories of learning
Results of famous learning experiments
Types of learning
Types of conditioning and their effects
Social and cognitive factors in learning Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
Forgetting and typical memory errors
The biological basis of short- and long-term memory
Creative thinking and problem-solving strategies
Biases and errors in thinking
Defining and measuring intelligence
The processes of learning and using language
Unit 6: Developmental psychology
Physical and social development in childhood
Theories of cognitive development in childhood
Adolescent development and challenges
Adulthood and aging
Theories of moral development
Gender and sexual orientation
Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, & Personality
Theories of motivation behind human and animal behavior
Major theories of emotion
The effects of stress
Conceptions of personality, including behaviorist, social cognitive, humanistic, and trait theories
Research and assessments to measure personality
Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders
Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders
Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
Dissociative, somatic, and trauma- and stress-related disorders
Substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and related conditions
Historical developments in psychological treatment
Modern treatment options and methods
Unit 9: Social Psychology
How social and cultural categories like gender and race can impact self-concept and behavior
The factors that lead people to form and change attitudes
Group dynamics, including conformity, compliance, and obedience to authority
Types of behavior caused by the presence of others
Bias, prejudice, and discrimination
Altruism and aggression
The variables that contribute to attraction