Psychology

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• utilize critical thinking strategies to differentiate between scientifically derived knowledge and popular beliefs about psychological topics.
• explain psychological research methods and their applications.
• identify various subject areas and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
• apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to personal and social contexts.
• evaluate the role culture and diversity play in the various aspects of human behavior and mental processes.
• explain the relative influences of biological and environmental factors on behavior and mental processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, current findings, research methods, and interdisciplinary components of biological psychology.
• evaluate the psychobiological bases of various cognitive processes and behavior, including sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, sex, gender, movement, language, learning and memory, consciousness, and psychological disorders.
• explain the key elements of the scientific method and ethical issues related to the use of human and nonhuman subjects in psychobiological research.
• identify and describe the general structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the plasticity of these systems and their interaction with other systems such as the endocrine, digestive, and immune.
• discriminate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on nervous system development, function, and behavior.
• discriminate the general anatomy of neurons and glia and their respective functions in the nervous system.
• compare and contrast the key electrical and chemical properties of within-neuron communication including the resting, action, and graded potentials.
• differentiate the critical steps in synaptic transmission and the neuronal processes that facilitate these steps including the dynamic role of receptor function.
• evaluate the action of major psychoactive drugs on neural function and behavioral change.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the foundation principles of the scientific method and demonstrate proficiency in their application.
• conduct basic dissection of neural tissue.
• discriminate among the anatomical features of the central and peripheral nervous system, their functions and connectivity.
• identify the primary structural features of neurons, glia, and synapses at the cellular level
• examine and explain the electrophysiology of neurons and its relationship to function.
• employ safe and ethical laboratory procedures and demonstrate proficiency with primary equipment and techniques used to investigate both brain and neuronal structure and function, including dissection tools, the compound microscope, and EEG/EMG recording instruments.
• conduct basic psychophysical data collection and analysis and interpret results.
• compare and contrast various psychobiological research methods in terms of the type of information gained and their areas of application.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the scientific method and its application to the study of animal behavior.
• evaluate the merits and shortcomings of different approaches employed by animal behavior scientists and the claims made for or against their findings.
• critique reports in the popular press focused on animal behavior, communication, and intelligence.
• articulate an understanding of the common origins of humans and other animals.
• articulate the evolutionary relationships underlying the rationale for the use of animals in biomedical and neuroscientific research.
• explain the contribution of animals to human health and well-being.
• identify common requirements for life and the impact of human expansion on the future survival of many species.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate a basic understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the nervous system.
• explain the key elements of neuronal communication, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.
• apply principles of neuroanatomy, neuronal communication, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics to the ability of drugs to modify cognition, emotion, and behavior.
• evaluate the therapeutic and recreational uses of various psychoactive drugs in terms of their physiological, cognitive, and behavioral effects.
• assess how various classes of drugs contribute to the etiology and treatment of psychological disorders.
• evaluate psychopharmacological approaches to enhancing brain activity including in areas of retardation of aging, memory enhancement, and cognitive development.
• explain the neurocircuitry and neurochemistry involved with processes of drug use disorders and addiction.
• review and evaluate historical and contemporary approaches in psychopharmacology.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe and explain the specific research methods commonly used in cognitive science.
• using terminology appropriate for the discipline, compare and contrast major perspectives and theories in cognitive science.
• apply cognitive psychological principles to real world situations, such as learning and memorization in the classroom and the maintenance of mindfulness in life.
• demonstrate critical thinking about research in cognitive psychology, and demonstrate the ability to draw reasonable conclusions about the veracity of that research.
• use concepts from cognitive neuroscience to describe the elements of cognition and behavior.
• explain individual variation in patterns of sensation, perception, problem solving, and linguistic competence.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• examine the history and foundational studies that form the basis for current concepts, theories, and research in social psychology.
• critically analyze how people think about, influence, and relate to one another in terms of concepts, theories, and research in social psychology.
• demonstrate applications of social psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to personal, interpersonal, organizational, and social contexts.
• evaluate the interaction of social and biological influences on social behaviors and cognition.
• evaluate diversity issues (e.g., culture and ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status) and their impact on social behaviors and cognition.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• utilize appropriate statistical techniques to analyze and interpret data from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to psychology, sociology, social science, health science, and education.
• identify standard methods of data collection and their advantages and disadvantages.
• calculate descriptive statistics for discrete and continuous distributions, such as mean, variance, ranges, and best estimates.
• calculate probabilities and percentiles using normal and t-distributions.
• determine and interpret confidence intervals, levels of significance including p-values, and type I and II errors.
• compare and contrast sample and population distributions and examine the influence of sampling method.
• formulate testable hypotheses from samples from one or two populations and interpret results.
• conduct analyses, infer, and interpret results with various statistical procedures including, but not limited to correlation, chi-square, regression, and ANOVAs.
• utilize statistical software (e.g. SPSS or Excel Data Analysis ToolPak) and a calculator to perform probability and statistical calculations and interpret results.
• interpret data from tables and graphs and align with related numerical results.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the application of basic ethical principles of research.
• describe key aspects of the scientific method.
• compare and contrast the main principles and parameters of various research methods, with specific emphasis on experimental vs. non-experimental designs.
• demonstrate proficiency in designing both experimental and non-experimental research.
• apply appropriate methods and techniques for data collection and analysis.
• utilize databases and library resources to locate and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources.
• utilize statistical applications for descriptive and inferential analysis.
• utilize APA style in the development of all aspects of a research report.
• integrate research findings and statistical results in order to interpret data and form conclusions.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify and evaluate the criteria used to define abnormal behavior.
• evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and stigmas associated with diagnostic labeling.
• classify specific psychological disorders using the DSM-5 diagnostic system.
• recognize and evaluate the contribution of social, biological, psychological, and cultural factors to the development and persistence of behavioral disorders.
• discuss the influence of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, and culture on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders.
• compare, contrast, and evaluate current approaches to psychological intervention including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, family systems, biological, and sociocultural approaches.
• apply critical thinking strategies to the understanding of issues and controversies in abnormal psychology.
• demonstrate understanding of research and clinical ethics in abnormal psychology.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• analyze the motivations for love and the types of love found among human beings.
• assess the prevailing myths of romantic love in American culture, the manipulation of romantic love for extrinsic purposes, and the hazards of the myth.
• critique materials concerning the human desire for intimacy, the common fears surrounding this desire, and the barriers used to prevent intimacy.
• examine the differences between being-based love, deficiency-based love, and concomitant addictive relationships.
• employ critical thinking skills and more accurately assess cultural mythologies concerning love and intimacy.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge and myths related to sexual research.
• compare and contrast the major theoretical contexts of human sexual behaviors and development through history, religion, and personal cultural contexts.
• evaluate psychological data, draw reasonable conclusions, apply critical thinking skills to the impact of current social media, and government impact on personal, community, and scientific problems relating to research findings on sexual motivation, variety, differences, and issues.
• compare male and female anatomical structures and their functions; intersex individuals
• develop an understanding of variation in human sexual arousal and response, contraception, reproduction, pregnancy and delivery.
• identify guidelines for safeguarding and improving sexual health and well-being by understanding current issues related to sexual infections and disease.
• demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence sexual development and interaction across the life span, infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and aging.
• compare and contrast interpersonal attachment, relationships, and effective and ineffective communication strategies.
• compare and contrast the research findings with current issues on sexual coercion, harassment, date rape, rape, human trafficking, prostitution, and pornography.
• evaluate all data from psychological, cultural, and ethical perspectives.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate familiarity with relationship theories and concepts.
• examine the history and foundational studies that form the basis for current concepts, theories, and research in relationship science.
• identify and differentiate among the research methods commonly used in relationship science.
• analyze the concept of interpersonal attraction, contrasting evolutionary explanations with those more recent.
• examine relationship skills and apply to real-world situations.
• explain the differences between various types of relationships.
• demonstrate a basic level of self-knowledge and personal insight as they pertain to relationships.
• identify healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns involving communication, power, intimacy, sex, and conflict.
• investigate the various evidence-based approaches to relationship maintenance and repair.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify, describe, and evaluate key theories and research findings that pertain to the psychology of women.
• compare and contrast traditional and feminist psychological theories of gender.
• analyze and identify the biological, developmental, societal, political, and historical factors that influence women’s behavior.
• identify the key developmental milestones women experience across the lifespan.
• explain how gender discrimination and oppression have shaped women's experience.
• identify and describe examples of how intersecting aspects of identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, age, class status, etc.) influence women's experience.
• apply knowledge of women’s experiences and behavior to suggest solutions to practical problems.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• define and distinguish between sexual orientation, homophobia, heterosexism, sexual identity, gender identity, and other key terms.
• summarize the key research findings pertaining to LGBTQI individuals.
• demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate theories and research pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• describe and analyze the impact of sexual and gender minority status, including the impact of homophobia, heterosexism, biphobia, and transphobia.
• demonstrate an understanding of the impact of other forms of oppression, such as racism, ageism, and sexism, on sexual minorities.
• describe and analyze the psychological, social, and political issues that pertain to LGBTQI individuals.
• identify and evaluate strategies and life skills LGBTQI individuals can use to enhance their lives.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• evaluate the guiding concepts and dimensions in a psychological study of minority populations.
• evaluate how diversity and minority status are both individually and socially constructed.
• assess the major types of minority populations present in the United States, how they are defined, and their demographics.
• examine issues related to individual and institutionalized ethnocentrism, stereotyping, and prejudice, including recognizing one's own ethnocentrism, stereotypes and prejudice.
• evaluate the impact of culture and minority status on basic psychological processes.
• examine the influence of culture and minority status on issues related to physical and mental health.
• evaluate specific psychological and social issues, and problems among minority populations in the United States.
• apply appropriate solutions, and/or interventions to minority population's identified issues and problems.
• evaluate how issues of minority populations are interwoven with social and political institutions (e.g. government, healthcare, and education).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify developmental factors that are influenced by heredity and environment including factors that lead to atypical and delayed development.
• describe and give examples of how the scientific method can be used to evaluate research in life span development.
• evaluate the research on the influence of nature and nurture.
• compare and contrast how identity is developed and how identity changes during the life span.
• analyze how the concept of gender influences development.
• examine cultural factors that shape development and influence values, attitudes, and beliefs.
• analyze a major life event or time period based on life span theories.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• examine and discuss different theoretical perspectives used in explaining adult development and behavior.
• explain the normal aging changes and analyze how lifestyle choices influence the aging process.
• analyze and discuss how ethnic diversity influences the aging process.
• analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience.
• analyze the financial costs of aging in terms of retirement planning, Social Security, pensions, and health care programs.
• compare alternative living environments in terms of appropriateness and affordability.
• compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe thanatology as an interdisciplinary subject with psychological, spiritual, philosophical social, cultural and historical aspects of death and dying.
• explain the impact of culture and family on death rituals and death systems.
• analyze the psychic pain of suicide, how one can help ameliorate the pain, and the various forms suicide can take, such as altruistic suicide and culturally-defined suicide.
• describe the dynamics of grief, bereavement and the typical process of adult and children’s mourning.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explore losses as a natural consequence of being human and discuss current trends in coping strategies.
• explore their personal history of loss and his/her personal coping styles.
• understand the multi-faceted nature and the universality of the grief process, including disenfranchised, delayed, chronic, and somatic expressions of grief.
• recognize normal grief and complicated grief as it applies to sudden death, trauma, or catastrophe. Be able to differentiate between grief and depression.
• understand various cultural traditions and gender stereotypes related to bereavement and how they support us or injure us.
• reduce the anxieties of our inevitable experiences of loss.
• identity local and national resources for support.
• be able to describe children’s and teen's cognitive and psychosocial understanding of death and loss at various developmental stages.
• understand how to integrate hope into the grief journey.
• develop greater empathy and consolation skills for all people.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the anatomy, physiology, and basic chemistry of the nervous system.
• explain the key elements of neural signaling, pharmacokinetics, and dynamics, and drug effects on neural communication and on behavior.
• demonstrate familiarity with historical and current substance abuse laws.
• define and distinguish between drug addiction, dependence, misuse and abuse, and licit and illicit drugs.
• describe potential risk factors for use and apply culturally appropriate solutions and/or interventions to various substance-using/abusing populations.
• examine the influence of culture and diversity on issues related to substance use and abuse as well as political, social, and economic factors involved in supply and demand; recognize, understand, and analyze how substance use and abuse issues are interwoven with economic, social, legal, and political institutions.
• define and distinguish among the major categories of drugs in our society (e.g. stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens) and identify any psychotherapeutic benefits.
• describe current options for recovery/treatment from addiction/dependence and resources available at federal, state, and local levels.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of the basic theoretical perspectives of psychology.
• demonstrate an understanding of central issues relevant to many subfields of psychology.
• differentiate between scientific and pseudo-scientific psychological information.
• differentiate among various points of view regarding psychological issues.
• apply critical thinking skills in psychology.
• create a group-learning atmosphere which encourages critical thinking, respect, and support.
• apply, through writing and speaking, psychological theories and points of view to real-world issues.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study.
• apply psychological theory to work in independent studies.