02207 - General Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students must know:

- the historical development of scientific psychology;

- the main methodological aspects of psychological research: experimental method, observation, test, interview;

- the main methods of studying cognitive processes: attention, perception, learning, memory, thought, emotions.

Course contents

The course will concern the fundamental knowledge of scientific psychology from its origins to the most recent studies on cognitive processes. The general objective of the course is to provide students the basic knowledge of the human mind functioning also in relation to neuroscience.

The outline of the course consists in:

Historical introduction to scientific psychology with particular reference to the current Psychological perspectives: Neuroscience, Evolutionary Perspective, Behaviorism, Cognitive and Socio-cultural approaches.

Methods in psychological research: experimental method, the observational method, the psychometric approach.

General concepts about the biology of the mind and the states of consciousness.

Evolutionary psychology: the nature/nurture controversy in the human behavior.

Cognitive processes: perception, learning, memory, thought.

Specific issues: intelligence, emotions and personality.

Readings/Bibliography

David G. Myers. PSICOLOGIA GENERALE. Un'introduzione al pensiero critico e all'indagine scientifica. Bologna: Zanichelli. Ed Italiana 2014: Capp. Prologo, I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, XIII.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures

Assessment methods

The examination aims to verify the achievement of the following objectives: Good knowledge of the topics which are in the program in order to verify the student's ability to use the information acquired in the various areas of intervention.

The exam will be held in written form and will provide a degree between 18 and 30. the exam will comprise 14 multiple choice questions and one open question.

During the test is not allowed the use of support material such as textbooks, notes, computer media.

Office hours

See the website of Miranda Occhionero