Introduction to Psychology - Dr. Paul Bloom

Course Overview

• Comprehensive introduction to the study of the human mind
• Wide range of topics: brains, children, language, sex, memory, madness, disgust, racism, love, etc.
• Topics include:
  • Differences between men and women
  • Animal language learning
  • Disgust and what grosses us out
  • Overeating and solutions
  • Group mentality and madness
  • Reliability of childhood memories
  • Depression and its causes

Course Structure

• Two lectures per week
• Course readings assigned
• Attendance and reading are essential for good performance
• Lecture content and readings may have some overlap but also unique parts
• Notes should be taken during classes or obtained from peers if missed
• Slides available online in a printable format
• Textbook: Peter Gray's Psychology (5th edition)
• Collection of short readings: The Norton Reader edited by Gary Marcus
• Textbooks available at Labyrinth Bookstore or online

Evaluation

• Midterm and Final exams (Final held on the last day of class)
• Exam formats include multiple-choice, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank
• Previous exams and review sessions provided
• Weekly question sets starting from the third week, marked pass/fail
• Short book review assignment towards the end of the course
• Experimental participation requirement

Tips for Success

• Attend all classes
• Keep up with the readings (preferably before class)
• Form study groups for collaboration
• Introduce yourself to classmates for networking
• Establish contact with teaching fellows or Dr. Bloom for assistance
• Office hours available and approachable for discussions

Course Content Breakdown

Sub-Areas of Psychology

1. Neuroscience
   • Study of the mind through the brain
2. Developmental Psychology
   • Focus on growth, learning, and development
3. Cognitive Psychology
   • Analyzes the mind using computational models
4. Social Psychology
   • Studies group behavior and interactions
5. Clinical Psychology
   • Focuses on mental health and mental illness

Related Fields

• Evolution of the mind, economics, game theory, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, literature, theology

Example Topics

1. The Brain
   • Physical basis of mental life (e.g., Terri Schiavo case)
2. Child Development
   • How knowledge is acquired: innate vs. culture
   • Continuity of personality and traits
3. Individual Differences
   • Genes vs. environment
4. Attraction
   • Factors influencing attractiveness
5. Morality
   • Good vs. evil, institutional and individual actions
6. Mental Illness
   • Common disorders: depression, anxiety
   • Rare conditions: memory disorders, multiple personality disorder, Capgras syndrome (replacement delusion), Cotard syndrome (belief in being dead)

Special Cases

• Phineas Gage: Brain injury affecting personality and control
• Multiple Personality Disorder: Debate on its reality
• Capgras Syndrome: Belief that loved ones are replaced
• Cotard Syndrome: Belief that oneself is dead
• Studying these cases helps understand normal mental functions and abnormalities

Guest Lecturers

• Dr. Marvin Chun: Cognitive neuroscience of faces
• Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema: Depression and sex differences
• Kelly Brownell: Obesity and eating disorders
• Dr. Peter Salovey: Psychology of love (lecture on Valentine's Day)

Final Notes

• There's a wide range of fascinating topics not covered by Dr. Bloom's expertise, hence guest lecturers
• Interaction is encouraged but anonymity is also respected
• The course aims to provide an extensive understanding of the human mind and behaviors