The course aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of Psychology, giving them the conceptual tools necessary to tackle even more advanced courses in the curriculum at the academic level. In general, the student will be introduced to the scientific method as the basic systematic approach common to all scientific disciplines and the basic mechanisms that guide human behavior. The student at the end of the course will be expected to know the main mechanisms underlying human behavior as well as to be able to understand and critically evaluate the various theories addressed and the research methods belonging to psychology.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
The main teaching method will be face-to-face lectures that will also include extended discussion times on the theoretical and methodological aspects of main interest.
Assessment Methods
Learning will be tested through a written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. The duration of the test is about 45 minutes and the evaluation is done in thirtieths.
Texts
Gerrig, R. J., Zimbardo, P. G., Anolli, L., & Baldi, P. L. (2023). Psicologia generale. Pearson. Terza Edizione. ISBN: 8891931209 (Chapters 1-9)
Contents
The first part will cover topics on the history of psychology, the cultural and scientific framework of modern psychology, and the relationship between psychology and its closest disciplines, such as philosophy, cognitive sciences, medicine with particular reference to psychiatry and neurology, artificial intelligence, biology, and educational sciences. In the central part of the course the student will be introduced to the methodological aspects associated with the study of general psychology. The course further aims to deepen knowledge of the fundamental psychological and cognitive processes underlying behavior, including: - attention and consciousness; - visual perception; - memory; - learning; - intelligence; - verbal and nonverbal communication
