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 behaviour, 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 behavioural 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

Classroom Lectures. Whenever possible, depending on the number of students in the classroom, the course will balance the use of frontal lessons, group work (project-based learning, case-based learning), individual and group exploration of the contents, and activities aimed at evaluating the acquisition of the contents during the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Psychology as science: Studying behaviour in a scientific way

2. Brain and behaviour

3. Sensation and perception

4. Attention and consciousness

5. Learning: the role of experience

6. Memory

7. Language

8. Thought, Reasoning and Intelligence

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A selection from:

    Feldman, R. S., Amoretti, G., & Ciceri, M. R. (2021). Psicologia generale. McGraw-Hill.

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DAVID GIOFRE' (President)

GUIDO FRANCO AMORETTI

VALERIA SILVIA PANDOLFINI (President Substitute)

CATERINA ARTUSO (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

Written test (multiple-choice quizzes and computer-based completion) at the end of the course, covering the textbook and material covered in class that is not covered in the textbook, including audio/video material.

The degree of participation in the activities proposed during the semester will also be taken into consideration positively for the final evaluation, with a score that can be added to that of the written test.

It is mandatory to register for the exam through the AulaWeb student portal.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment will concern main psychological theories, comprehension of psychological mechanisms inducing human behaviour, focusing on cognitive processes.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Although the lectures will be delivered in Italian, the Lecturer can provide 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.