OVERVIEW

The class is a part of course on Basis in Psychology and Sociology. It provides basis in psychology as a science. Main psychological theories and methods used to demonstrate them will be discussed. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide Historical and epistemological basis. Study biological basis and review the main objects of interest of this branch of knowledge comparing different approaches.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

- Identify basic concepts and research results, and give examples of integrative themes of psychology:

• Psychological science is based on empirical evidence and adapts to the development of new data.
• Psychology explains the general principles governing behavior, recognizing individual differences.
• Psychological, biological, social and cultural factors influence mental processes and behaviour.
• Our perceptions filter our experiences of the world through an imperfect personal lens.
• The application of psychological principles can change our lives in a positive way.

- Draw appropriate, logical and objective conclusions about behaviour and mental processes from empirical evidence.
- Evaluate misconceptions or behavioral misstatements based on psychological science evidence.
- Use the knowledge acquired in everyday situations and to make your professional action in education more effective.

TEACHING METHODS

Students attending classes: Frontal lessons, self-check tests with feedback, slides and audio/video material on Aulaweb. Where possible, depending on the number of participants in the classroom, forms of hybrid (or blended) teaching are proposed, with practical and interactive activities to be carried out partly in class and partly at home.

Students not attending classes: Frontal lessons, self-check tests with feedback, slides and audio/video material on Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Psychology as a science: Studying behaviour in a scientific way
2. Genes, environment and behaviour
3. Brain and behaviour
4. Sensation and perception
5. Attention and consciousness
6. Learning: the role of experience
7. Memory
8. Language
9. Thought and Intelligence
10. From infant to adult
11. Mind and social behaviour

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A selection from:

    Feldman, R. S., Amoretti, G., & Ciceri, M. R. (2018). Psicologia generale. McGraw-Hill.

Additional reading materials will be provided during each lecture. Students are advised to  to consult Aulaweb before buying textbooks and, if in doubt, to write to the instructor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

STEFANO POLI (President)

DORIANO SARACINO

LUCA ONNIS (President Substitute)

VALERIA SILVIA PANDOLFINI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons start in the Semester 2.

Please register to Aula Web to get access to the course materials and to receive regular updates on office hours and other information related to this course.

Class schedule

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For students attending classes (at least 70% of the lesson hours): written test (computer-based multiple-choice and completion quiz) at the end of the course, which focuses on the materials, and on what is covered during the lessons and not covered by the texts, including audio/video material. The degree of participation in class activities will also be taken into account for the final evaluation. An additional oral examination is at the teacher's discretion and can only be arranged in specific and justified cases.

For students who do not elect to attend classes: written test (multiple-choice quiz test and computer completion). An additional oral examination is at the teacher's discretion and can only be arranged in specific and justified cases.

It is compulsory to register for the exam through the student portal.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment will concern main psychological theories, comprehension of psychological mechanisms inducing human behaviour, focusing attention on learning processes.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Although the lectures will be delivered in Italian, the Lecturer can provide a comprehensive collection of teaching materials in English to prepare for the final exam, and this exam can be taken in English. 

Students possessing a “DSA certification”, having disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods which, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.

Students are referred to the Aulaweb platform for any updates that may become necessary during the course of the academic year (both with regard to the methods of delivery and examination), which may arise due to changes in the currrent health and epidemiological emergency situation.