Examples illustrating how context can greatly change behavior.

Five roles of naturalistic observation in behavioral studies.

Charles Darwin’s contributions to psychological science in terms of evolutionary theory and continuity between human and nonhuman organisms in emotional expressions.

Some key historical figures in early history that contributed to the development of psychological science, including Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Albertus Magnus, St. Thomas Aquinas, Rene Descartes, John Locke, Franz Gall, Francis Galton, and Herbert Spencer.

A description of some of the subdisciplines of psychology, including clinical, counseling, experimental, psychometrics, and industrial-organizational.

The goals that psychological sciences has in better understanding behavior, including causation, function, prediction, and control.

Problems with the definition of "psychology," in relation to hypothetical constructs, and how to arrive at operational definitions.

Science is about generating new questions, not about establish carved-in-stone facts. Experiments don’t “prove” anything, but rather provide data that are either consistent or inconsistent with an hypothesis. Valid vs. invalid scientific theories.

Goals of General Psychology I., including scientific diversity, popular vs. scientific psychology, terminology, and behavioral mechanisms.

Suggestions on how to study for General Psychology I. to maximize learning and exam performance.