At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge on the history of scientific psychology and on the basic elements of psychological functioning. The student will acquire the basic psychobiological principles that regulate human behavior. They will also be able to critically analyze the strengths and limitations of the theoretical and research paradigms that will be presented during the lessons. Finally, the student will be able to indicate the application areas of general psychology in clinical and research contexts.
Course Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites
Teaching Methods
Teaching will take place through lectures. The active participation of students is particularly encouraged also through interactive classroom activities on clinical and research examples.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of a written evaluation. The content includes both the slides and the materials (scientific articles) suggested during the course.
Texts
L. Provenzi (2021) Psicobiologia dello sviluppo. Carocci.
Contents
The course will present an overview of the main issues related to the study of psychology and behavior. First of all, a historical framework of scientific psychology will be provided, describing its birth, the evolution of the most important theoretical paradigms, and the way in which they have contributed to defining scientific psychology today. The principles and processes of general psychology will be presented within the epistemological framework of non-linear dynamic systems. Some elements of general psychology such as perception and emotions will be explored, showing clinical and research applications. The psychobiological foundations of these processes will be presented, in particular the genetic, neuroendocrine, neurophysiological, and epigenetic contribution to human behavior.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The teacher is available to meet students by appointment. Interested students can write to livio.provenzi@unipv.it setting "Appuntamento PSIGE" as the subject of the e-mail.
