Module 1 - Student Learning Outcomes

Chapter 1 - The Scientific Method

 

Psychology is "The Scientific Study of" all these things of which you are being to learn.  Chapter 1 is the discussion of the Scientific Method, the method by which we study all of the concepts of which Psychology attempts to understand.  

Topics you will explore include:

• The purpose of the Scientific Method
• The process of the Scientific Method
• The advantages and disadvantages of the various research designs
• The need for an Operational Definition
• The difference between cause-and-effect and correlation
• The need for randomness in sampling and group assignment
• The concerns of ethical research

 

Chapter 2 - The Brain and Nervous System

 

Human behavior originates in the nervous system.  Understanding the components of the nervous system can help us understand human behavior as it manifests itself.  Advances occurring every day in neuroscience are expanding our awareness of the complexities of psychophysiology and thus impacting our understanding of behavioral dynamics. 

But it's really not as complicated as that last sentence makes it sound.  Well, yes it is - it is brain science after all. 

 

Topics you will explore include:

• The divisions of the nervous system - Central versus Peripheral Nervous System
• How behavior can occur without the brain via the reflex arc
• The location and function of the major structures of the brain
• The parts and functions of the neuron

 

 

The Student Learning Outcomes:

 

• To become familiar with common research methodology used in psychological research

1. Identify the need for the use of the Scientific Method in the study of Psychology.
2. Identify the five steps of the Scientific Method.
3. Identify five types of research design.
4. Identify the key element that differentiates each of the research designs from the others.
5. Define Operational Definition and identify why it is essential to scientific research.
6. Define Random Assignment and identify why it is essential to scientific research.
7. Differentiate between Causation and Correlation and identify why correlation alone is insufficient to indicate causation.
8. Identify the need for ethical considerations in scientific research.

• To become familiar with the biological bases of behavior

1. Identify the two major components of the Central Nervous System.
2. Identify the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System.
3. Describe the action of the Reflex Arc.
4. Identify the location and function of at least ten major brain structures.
5. Identify the location and function of the four lobes of the Cerebellum.
6. Identify the location and function of the Motor and Somatosensory cortices.
7. Identify the functions of the three major parts of the neuron.
8. Identify the role of neurotransmitters.
9. Describe the actions transpiring at the synapse.

 

The Expected Course Objectives:

 

Empirical & Quantitative Skills – Research design and data analysis is the topic of an entire chapter of the textbook.  This topic is discussed and appears on tests for the course.