Psychological Science

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.

Important policies for General Psychology I. in Spring 2017.