Psychology

The student will examine the foundations of psychology and its origins as an empirical science.

The student will investigate the structure, biochemistry, and circuitry of the brain and the nervous system to understand their roles in affecting behavior.

The student will describe physical, cognitive, social- emotional, and language development from conception through the latter stages of adulthood.

The student will understand the principles of motivation and emotion.

The student will examine how psychological disorders are diagnosed, classified, and treated.

The student will evaluate the many factors that promote mental health.

Analyze the context and origins of psychology including the major approaches to psychology (e.g., cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic, cognitive) including major historical figures.

Describe the classifications and various subfields in psychology, including vocational applications such as counseling, industrial, clinical, experimental, and educational psychology.

Compare the appropriate application of experimental and non-experimental research methodologies (e.g., case study, correlation, meta-analysis, and naturalistic observation).

Identify and evaluate psychological concepts in representations of data, including tables, graphs, charts, figures, and diagrams.

Compare quantitative and qualitative research strategies including experiments, surveys, focus groups, and narratives as the foundation of research in psychology.

Identify and describe the structure and function of major brain systems, including the major parts of the brainstem, limbic system and cerebral cortex.

Identify the parts of a neuron and explain how the process of neural transmission affects behavior and mental processes.

Explain the processes of sensation, including the structures and functions of visual, auditory, kinesthetic/vestibular, and chemical sensory systems.

Explain the interaction of environmental and biological factors in human development including the role of the brain in all aspects of development.

Describe the theories of Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Erik Erikson regarding human development.

Explain the social, cognitive and neurological factors in learning.

Identify and explain the major theories of learning including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning theory, and insight learning.

Describe the process, organization, and factors that influence encoding, storing, retrieving and forgetting memories.

Explain how theories of motivation and emotion apply to behavior and mental processes.

Compare the predominant theories of motivation including drive-reduction, self-determination, instinct, conflicts, and sensation-seeking.

Examine how psychologists use integrated approaches and evidence-based practices to understand and treat psychological disorders.

Describe the symptoms and possible causes of categories of mental disorders, including neurodevelopmental, schizophrenic spectrum, depressive, bipolar, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, dissociative, trauma/stressor-related, eating, and personality disorders.

Describe the research and trends in the treatment of psychological disorders.

Identify and explain potential sources of stress, effects of stress, and various coping strategies for dealing with stress.

Explain how physical, psychological, and social factors combine to promote overall health and well- being.

Examine the influence of the social situation on individual behavior and mental processes, including persuasion, conformity and obedience.

Explain how biological, cognitive, environmental, and social factors can produce or influence emotional states, and how positive or negative emotions can affect thinking and action.

Explain how positive psychology approaches mental health, identifying factors that lead to well-being, including resilience, positive emotions and expressing gratitude.