Introduction to Psychology

Course Content from McGraw-Hill

Course Number: PSY101

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This course provides a general survey of psychology including the relationship between biology and behavior, such as how stress impacts personal health. Other topics introduced in the course include intelligence and reasoning, personality, gender and sex, memory, ethics, and research methods.

This Course Now Includes a FREE eTextBook

Buy the course for only $59 and get a copy of "Psychology: An Introduction" at no additional cost

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etextbook included

college credits

Self Paced

Psychology

Overall Rating
Content Rating

11/8/14 by l_heugh

Good

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

10/17/14 by lochlomand

It's a good course. The key to passing the course is getting to know the principles from the book.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

10/17/14 by lochlomand

It's a good course. The key to passing the course is getting to know the principles from the book.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

10/9/14 by cassieanderic

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	20 100

9/30/14 by linda.m

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/30/14 by linda.m

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/28/14 by tehilad18

A lot of work, but worth it.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/28/14 by tehilad18

A lot of work, but worth it.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/10/14 by cassieanderic

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	20 100

9/8/14 by pmjon62

You must retain a lot of information. The questions on the final exam are very tricky.

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	40 100

9/7/14 by chrisrc

As long as you read the book and pay attention to what you read you will do fine in this class.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/6/14 by sellers

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

9/5/14 by rikinam

This course is about general psychology.

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	20 100

8/31/14 by dsykes

Very good course for a general introduction to psychology.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/31/14 by dsykes

Very good course for a general introduction to psychology.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/23/14 by rachel1266weaver

This is a good but difficult course. I learned a lot about every aspect of psychology and it gave me many opportunities to seek help if I needed it.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/23/14 by rachel1266weaver

This is a good but difficult course. I learned a lot about every aspect of psychology and it gave me many opportunities to seek help if I needed it.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/11/14 by l_heugh

Good

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

8/9/14 by pmjon62

You must retain a lot of information. The questions on the final exam are very tricky.

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	40 100

8/4/14 by crissyd14

This is a basic and simple overview of psychology.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

8/2/14 by lisafoley28

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/9/14 by chrisrc

As long as you read the book and pay attention to what you read you will do fine in this class.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

6/9/14 by sellers

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

5/9/14 by rikinam

This course is about general psychology.

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	20 100

4/8/14 by crissyd14

This is a basic and simple overview of psychology.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

2/8/14 by lisafoley28

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/15/13 by delynn10

lengthy but interesting

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/22/13 by Mattinchurch

It's mostly based on book information. The online model seemed obsolete when it comes to the tests.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/14/13 by jktorrente2

It was very helpful to know how to find things in the book associated with this class.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/13/13 by gselmar

This course was very interesting. This was my first time learning this, and straighterline's textbook was very clear and I understood everything. I would forsure recommend it to anyone!

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

8/6/13 by rmyers2

You must read the text because the tests are based upon the text and not the slides that are posted online

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/26/13 by Erl123102

Basic psychology, mind and body

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/9/13 by cat_chen

The course was fun, and the textbook and information are well chosen. however, the answers tend to be incorrect on the exams and I always need to double check with the course people. It is a little tedious.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/1/13 by ercorsoe

I felt I learned more from this course rather than a traditional one. Plus, I was able to do the course on my own schedule.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

5/24/13 by mmourino

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

3/1/13 by pjr21884

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

2/26/13 by masjudt

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

2/15/13 by mhdz83

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

1/30/13 by lanetstf

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

1/25/13 by alizathorn

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

1/2/13 by fletchwilson18

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

12/22/12 by vidyanair

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

12/12/12 by bking14

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

12/9/12 by austinw88

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

11/23/12 by delania32

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

11/23/12 by delania32

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

11/17/12 by jonschwan

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

11/17/12 by jonschwan

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

11/6/12 by k1w169

Enjoyed it overall as psychology is a topic that has always interested me.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

8/24/12 by nirajsoni30

I like it that i could take it online and learn about the mind people go through

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	100 100

8/16/12 by blueeyedchick_1993

I like the fact that I can do these courses on my own time, with affordable costs.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

1/4/12 by tony_bascaro

I liked the class presentations and reading assigments.

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	40 100

11/14/11 by mcleod.larsen

I liked the flexibility of when and how I would complete the course.

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/26/11 by jacksoncr

I liked the review games!

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

4/22/11 by crthiel

I really like the additional resources throughout the lessons, like the videos and interviews.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

1/6/11 by mseholmes1

The assignments we fine and easy

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

12/26/10 by l.ovard

The computer lessons were interesting and fun.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

12/14/10 by medina3049

The course was direct to the point, read, study, do review activities, and test. Perfect.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

11/15/10 by christinam8334

The lesson presentations were very helpful and went along with the chapter/chapters that it was covering. The review activities were also very helpful.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

10/15/10 by nashiraslade

The review activities are very helpful, it helps break up the monotony of reading my textbook.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	20 100

8/3/08 by nirajsoni30

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/2/08 by michaelbullock1

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

8/1/08 by annahausam

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/31/08 by avernikov

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/30/08 by cdtcarter1130

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/29/08 by christilsnyder

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/28/08 by damian.k.baker

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/27/08 by jayejo

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/26/08 by jenntalley69

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/25/08 by JohnnyC

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/24/08 by kayemac

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/23/08 by kylehausam

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/22/08 by mattsalisbury72

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/21/08 by mcvittiethomas

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/20/08 by milfordaco

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/19/08 by mmm_melisa

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/18/08 by nikkinezar

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/17/08 by rolandoespinoza

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/16/08 by sjkillian2003

Content Rating	40 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/15/08 by syoung44

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/14/08 by tsd0249

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	20 100

7/13/08 by uksas12

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Define psychology and describe the four goals of psychology.
Identify the origins of the field of psychology and analyze how various methods, people and theories have impacted early psychology to evolve into contemporary psychology.
Propose ways in which psychologists can apply their expertise in society.
Analyze how race, culture, and ethnicity influence behavior.
Describe the discipline and practice of sociocultural psychology.
Define the concept hypothesis and theory, analyze the requirements for using the scientific method in psychology, and identify the importance of objectivity in psychological research.
Analyze research methods in psychology and explain the descriptive research designs.
Identify experiments using correlational and experimental research methods.
Define the nervous system and analyze how the body works with the nervous system to generate behavior.
Compare and contrast the central, peripheral nervous systems, somatic, and autonomic nervous systems.
Distinguish between the Gestalt principles and identify the process of sensory perception.
Summarize the effects of drug addiction and dependence and produce real life scenarios resulting from drug abuse.
Explain cognitive-social approaches to learning. Compare and contrast the characteristics of observational and latent learning.
Create an original diagram showing the regions of the brain that influence memory.
Identify Carl Jung's influence on the study of psychosexual development.
Compare and contrast methods and theories for measuring and assessing personality.
Identify the relationship between prejudice and stereotypes and describe how these constructions affect our attributions about other people's behavior.
Distinguish among the explanations for prejudice and identify some effective techniques for combating prejudice.

Topic	Lesson Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	The History of Science In Psychology	Origins of Psychology Theories and Methods Applied Psychology Nature Versus Nurture	Define psychology and describe the 4 goals of psychology. Identify the origins of the field of psychology and analyze how various methods, people and theories have impacted early psychology to evolve into contemporary psychology. Identify career options in the psychology field, predict future opportunities in the field, and discuss how each career advances or improves the discipline of psychology. Describe the phrase “nature vs. nurture” and explain how biological and environmental factors influence and determine behavior. Describe the discipline and practice of sociocultural psychology. Propose ways in which psychologists can apply their expertise in society. Analyze how race, culture, and ethnicity influence behavior. Compare and contrast sub-fields of psychology.
2	Scientific Method In Psychology	Scientific Method Research Methods Ethics and Research In Psychology	Define the concept hypothesis and theory, analyze the requirements for using the scientific method in psychology, and identify the importance of objectivity in psychological research. Analyze research methods in psychology and explain the descriptive research designs. Identify experiments using correlational and experimental research methods. Compare and contrast ethical and unethical research, analyze the use of nonhuman animals in research, and identify the ethical principles associated with these studies.
3	Biology and Behavior	The Nervous System Genetics and Behavior	Define the nervous system and analyze how the body works with the nervous system to generate behavior. Compare and contrast the central, peripheral nervous systems, somatic, and autonomic nervous systems. Compare and contrast the affects of heredity and experience on behavior. Identify genes and chromosomes and explain how dominant and recessive genes affect physical and behavioral traits.
4	Sensation and Perception	Understanding Sensory Processes Sensory Perception	Define sensation and analyze the relationship between sensation and stimuli. Distinguish among the Gestalt principles and identify the process of sensory perception. Give examples demonstrating how individual and cultural factors influence perception. Define Weber's Law and examine how Weber influenced the study of sensory perception. Identify the effects of sensory restriction.
5	States of Consciousness	Sleeping and Dreaming Altered States of Consciousness Drug Use	Define the stages of sleep and explain the cyclical nature of sleep. Compare and contrast REM and non-REM sleep features. Distinguish between the states of consciousness and identify and how scientists study psychological states. Identify how hypnosis and meditation can affect consciousness. Summarize the effects of drug addiction and dependence and produce real life scenarios resulting from drug abuse.
6	Cognitive Development	Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning Social Cognition	Identify the key features of the definition of learning. Define classical conditioning and summarize Ivan Pavlov's influence on psychology. Compare and contrast the conditioning principles of human behavior. Identify and explain the process of operant conditioning including its connection to the law of effect. Distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement. Explain cognitive-social approaches to learning. Compare and contrast the characteristics of observational and latent learning.
7	Memory	Remembering and Information Processing Forgetting The Biological Memory	Identify the three systems of memory theory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Classify the stages of information processing. Compare and contrast the four major theories associated with forgetting: decay theory, interface theory, schema theory, and motivated or memory trace theory. List the synaptic theories of memory. Create an original diagram showing the regions of the brain that influence memory.
8	Intelligence and Reason	Thinking and Reasoning Problem Solving Intelligence	Define cognition and identify the processes that underlie decision-making. Distinguish between concept and prototypes. Classify and describe the stages of problem solving. Identify the importance of framing and emotional factors in decision making. Define intelligence and compare and contrast opposing theories regarding intelligence. Differentiate among the biological, genetic, and cultural explanations for intelligence.
9	Motivation and Emotion	Perspectives On Motivation Levels of Motivation Emotions	Distinguish between motivation, emotion, and instinct. Explain the biological and psychological regulation of hunger and thirst. Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Identify Maslow's hierarchy of motives and describe each approach. Explain the function of emotions. Identify and classify the James-Lange theory, the Cannon-Bard theory, and the cognitive theory of emotion.
10	Developmental Psychology	Theory of Basic Processes Embryo to Childhood Developmental Stages of Adolescence Adulthood	Define developmental psychology and identify major research approaches. Describe the interplay of nature and nurture in development. Identify stages of development from fertilization to infancy. Identify the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of development during childhood. Identify the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of development from childhood to adolescence. Identify and describe the research results on adolescent development. Explain physical and psychological changes during puberty. Identify the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of development during adulthood. Identify and describe the psychological, biological, and cognitive changes involved with aging.
11	Gender and Sex	Gender Identity Gender Differences Sexuality	Distinguish among the definitions of sex and gender. Define gender identity and gender role and develop real life scenarios that explain how these constructions impact individual behavior. Identify and describe research regarding gender similarities and differences. Distinguish between biological and evolutionary theories of gender differences. Define the psychoanalytic and social learning theories of gender differences. Analyze and describe the different forms of forced sexual behavior. Identify the sexual anatomy of males and females. Identify the human sexual response cycle and explain the biological and evolutionary function of sex. Describe how AIDS impacted sexual practices and identify the infectious agents that cause STD's .
12	Personality	Trait Influence Biological and Social Influence Personality Assessment Methods	Define personality and explain how trait theory accounts for individual personality. Compare and contrast Allport's trait theory with the “five-factor” trait theory. Identify and describe biological, evolutionary, social, and psychodynamic approaches to understanding personality. Identify Carl Jung's influence on the study of psychosexual development. Compare and contrast methods and theories for measuring and assessing personality. List the ethical issues concerning the usefulness, accuracy, and validity of personality tests. Discuss the use of objective tests such as the MMPI-2, projective personality test, and the Rorschach test.
13	Stress and Health	Stress and Coping Effects of Stress on Health	Define stress and List examples of each of the sources of stress. Distinguish between the levels of stress. List and describe the stages of coping. Identify and describe the methods psychologists use to measure stress. Define pain and develop pain management techniques. Describe the human response to stress and list factors that influence reactions to stress. Explain the relationship between health and stress. Identify Type A personality and describe the relationship between Type A personality and heart disease.
14	Psychological Disorder	Normal and Abnormal Behavior Types of Disorders Treatment of Psychological Disorders	Define abnormal behavior and identify different views of abnormal behavior, including biological, cognitive, social, and medical theories. Distinguish between phobia, social phobia, and agoraphobia. Distinguish between anxiety disorder and panic anxiety disorder and identify causes for anxiety. Distinguish among psychological and organic brain disorders. Compare and contrast somatoform and dissociative disorders. Define psychotherapy and describe the ways it is used to help people. List the ethical standards for psychotherapy.
15	Social Psychology	Social Influence Attitude and Behavior Prejudice	Define social psychology describe its application. Define attitude and identify three components of attitudes. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the speaker, the message, and the listener that affect persuasive communication. Identify the relationship between prejudice and stereotypes and describe how these constructions affect our attributions about other people's behavior. Distinguish among the explanations for prejudice and identify some effective techniques for combating prejudice.

There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Psychology.

The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost. More information on StraighterLine eTextbooks

Prefer the hard copy? Simply purchase from your favorite textbook retailer; you will still get the eTextbook for free.

A contemporary take on a time tested classic. Students will master the central concepts of psychology with the new 10th edition of Psychology from Benjamin Lahey. A new chapter on the Interplay of Nature and Nurture highlights the 10th edition's new organization and streamlined content . Lahey weaves scholarship based on empirical research throughout the text, ensuring an accurate portrait of contemporary psychology. The text's student-friendly writing, new chapter openers, and fresh applications make the material more relevant to students than ever before, and the proven learning system ensures that all students will grasp the concepts presented in the book. Lahey's hallmark emphasis on diversity and culture remains integrated throughout the text, making this the text for a well rounded introduction to all areas of psychology.

Lahey, Benjamin B. Psychology: An Introduction, 10th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2009. ISBN 9780073531984

Your final exam is proctored live online and requires a webcam. For additional questions, please refer to the FAQ on Online Proctoring or contact your student advisors at 877-787-8375. StraighterLine provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.

If you have chosen a Partner College to award credit for this course, your final grade will be based upon that college's grading scale. Only passing scores will be considered by Partner Colleges for an award of credit.

There are a total of 1000 points in the course:

Topic	Assessment	Points Available
4	Graded Exam #1	175
8	Graded Exam #2	175
12	Graded Exam #3	175
15	Graded Exam #4	175
Review	Final Graded Exam	300
Total		1000

Final Proctored Exam

The final exam is developed to assess the knowledge you learned taking this course. All students are required to take an online proctored final exam in order complete the course and be eligible for transfer credit.

Learn more about Proctored Exams

Create your own custom Introduction to Psychology ! Select up to courses from the list below.

Online Course*: Introduction to Psychology +$59.00
eTextbook*: PSY101 eTextbook (a $84.76 value) +$0.00
Proctoring (included)*: Proctoring +$0.00
Tutoring (included)*: Tutoring +$0.00

Subtotal
$59.00