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Introduction to Psychology
PSY101 | 3 Credits
Introduction to Psychology gives you a general survey of human growth and development theory. You’ll also explore science from biological, cognitive, and social perspectives and get into the stages of the human life cycle from birth to death.
Professor: Dr. Becca Schwartz-Mette
About This Course
What You’ll Learn
Introduction to Psychology provides you with a general survey of psychology, including the relationship between biology and behavior, such as how stress impacts personal health.
- Identify and explain key theories in psychological science.
- Describe the scientific method in psychology, including research approaches and ethical principles in research methodology.
- Define key concepts across subareas within psychological science (biological, cognitive, emotional, developmental, clinical, and social).
- Apply key concepts from psychological science to real-life experiences.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of existing research using knowledge of key theories, concepts, and research methods.
- Integrate reflective thought and scientific reasoning to develop novel and relevant research questions. Predict/hypothesize potential outcomes of research questions and hypotheses.
- Create a new research study, integrating basic knowledge of psychology concepts and scientific methods.
- Identify common food safety hazards, and explain the challenges and strategies for improving global nutrition.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Introduction to Psychology is a self-paced, comprehensive online course aimed at unraveling the complexities of the human mind and behavior. This course offers a thorough exploration of various topics in psychology, beginning with the historical roots and scientific methods used in psychological inquiry. Starting with an overview of the history of science in psychology, students will delve into essential concepts such as biology and behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, and the principles of learning and memory. As the course progresses, students will explore developmental psychology, examining how individuals grow and change across the lifespan, as well as delve into the study of personality and the factors influencing individual differences. Additionally, students will learn about stress, health, psychological disorders, and the principles of social psychology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various factors shaping human behavior and mental health. By the conclusion of this course, students will have acquired a solid foundation in psychology, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for further studies or applications in the field of psychology and related disciplines.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0027
Flexible Schedule
30-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 5,500 times
$6,100,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Psychology.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Rose M. Spielman, et al. Psychology. 2nd ed., OpenStax 2024. ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-23-7.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: The History of Science in Psychology
- What is Psychology?
- History and Theories of Psychology
- Contemporary Psychology
- Checkpoint 1 Practice
Checkpoint 2: Scientific Method in Psychology
- Process of Scientific Research
- Approaches to Research
- Analyzing Findings-1
- Analyzing Findings-2
- Ethics in Research
- Checkpoint 2 Practice
Checkpoint 3: Biology and Behavior
- Genetic Variation
- Gene-Environment Interactions
- Cells and Parts of Nervous System
- Brain and Spinal Cord
- Role of Endocrine System and Hormones
- Checkpoint 3 Practice
Checkpoint 4: Sensation and Perception
- Understanding Sensation and Perception
- Waves and Wavelengths
- Vision, Hearing, and Other Senses
- The Gestalt Perceptions
- Checkpoint 4 Practice
Checkpoint 5: States of Consciousness
- What is Consciousness?
- Exploring Altered States of Consciousness
- Understanding Sleep and Stages of Sleep
- Sleep Problems and Disorders
- Checkpoint 5 Practice
Checkpoint 6: Learning
- What is Learning?
- Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
- Modeling
- Checkpoint 6 Practice
Checkpoint 7: Memory
- Functioning of Memory
- Role of Brain and Neurotransmitters
- Problems with Memory
- Forgetting
- Checkpoint 7 Practice
Checkpoint 8: Intelligence and Reason
- What is Intelligence?
- Measuring Intelligence
- Thinking
- Language and Problem Solving
- Checkpoint 8 Practice
Checkpoint 9: Motivation and Emotion
- Motivation and Its Types
- Hunger and eating
- Sexuality, Sexual Behavior, and Gender Identity
- Theories of Emotion
- The Biology of Emotions
- Checkpoint 9 Practice
Checkpoint 10: Developmental Psychology
- Scope of Developmental Psychology
- Psychosecual Theory of Development
- Theory of Psychosocial Development
- Cognitive Theory of Development
- Sociocultural and Moral Theory of Development
- Prenatal Development
- Infancy Through Childhood
- Physical and Cognitive Development
- Self Concept
- Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence
- Physical and Cognitive Development in Adulthood
- Psychosocial Development in Adolescence
- Checkpoint 10 Practice
Checkpoint 11: Personality
- What is Personality?
- Freud and Psychodynamic Perspective
- Neo-Freudian Perspectives
- Learning Approaches to Personality
- Humanistic and Biological Approach to Personality
- What are Traits?
- Theories of Traits
- Self Report Inventories
- A Look at Projective Techniques
- Checkpoint 11 Practice
Checkpoint 12: Stress and Health
- What is Stress?
- Types of Stressors
- Effects of Stress on Health
- Coping and Regulation
- Checkpoint 12 Practice
Checkpoint 13: Psychological Disorders
- What are Psychological Disorders?
- Types of Psychological Disorders-I
- Types of Psychological Disorders-II
- Mental Health Treatment: Past and Present
- Types of Treatments and Modalities: Part 1
- Types of Treatments and Modalities: Part 2
- Checkpoint 13 Practice
Checkpoint 14: Social Psychology
- What is Social Psychology?
- Social Role and Influence
- Attitudes and Persuasion
- Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Aggression and Prosocial Behavior
- Checkpoint 14 Practice
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 14 Checkpoints
- 2 Capstones
- 5 Benchmarks
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Course Professor
Dr. Becca Schwartz-Mette
PhD
Dr. Rebecca Schwartz-Mette is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University at Buffalo (SUNY). She is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides assessment and intervention services to children, families, and adults. Her research focuses on the social context of adolescent psychopathology and training the next generation of psychologists.
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4.6
I forgot how much I love learning...
I found the section/lesson outlines very helpful. I really enjoyed my textbook and often found myself reading well beyond the recommended pages. The challenge of learning such large quantities of data and information was thoroughly enjoyable. My understanding of what psychology is has been VASTLY expanded, and look forward to doing a bunch more courses with you.
Andre, StraighterLine Student
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Going at my own pace has allowed me to complete two courses within a month while working on my third course at the same time. It’s super fast and easy. My school has already received my transcripts and approved the courses.
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Starting Your Career in Social Sciences
When you study social sciences, what you’re really studying is human behavior. Beyond sociology and psychology, this can also apply to majors like anthropology, political science, and economics. Whether you go on to work as a one-on-one therapist or study general trends in the public sector, a background in social science is a great way to open doors to job opportunities.
Why it matters:
- New jobs for mental health counselors are projected to grow 19% between 2023–2032, nearly 5x higher than the average.
- Professions in social sciences tend to earn more and have lower unemployment than average.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Licensed Therapist, Social Worker, Public Health Analyst, Urban Planner, Diversity Officer, Sociologist, Case Manager, Policy Analyst, Research Coordinator
How this course sets you up for success:
Psychology will be useful in any role that works with people! Not only will you learn about human behavior, but you’ll also cultivate skills that you can apply in your own life.
Course included in Unlimited Plans
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