Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

You’ll examine the basic concepts, theories and approaches of psychology and analyse how individual behaviour is affected by sensation, perception, cognition, learning, personality and developmental process.

NZ$841

inc GST

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This course starts anytime

(15 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

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Explain major themes and theories

Explain central themes and theories including biological bases, social diversity, perception, development, motivation, etc.

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Understand the origins and focus of psychology

Outline the origins and focus of scientific psychology.

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Define and describe psychology

Define psychology and describe the range of approaches and areas of research it encompasses.

What You're Signing Up For

This 15-credit course introduces students to the foundational concepts, theories, and research methods in psychology. Topics covered include the origins and scientific focus of psychology, biological bases of behaviour, sensory and perceptual processes, human development, learning theories, memory and cognition, language, motivation and emotion, personality theories, psychological disorders, and ethical considerations in research. Upon completion, students will be able to critically evaluate psychological theories and research and understand key psychological processes.

Course Content

  • Origins and focus of scientific psychology
  • Definition and areas of psychological research
  • Central themes and theories including biological bases of behaviour, social and cultural diversity, individual differences
  • Major methods of psychological research
  • Anatomy and functioning of the nervous system and neurons
  • Visual and auditory sensory systems and sensory processes
  • Principles and processes of human perception
  • Human developmental stages and theories (Piaget, Erickson, Kohlberg)
  • Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning
  • Human memory structure and processes (encoding, storage, retrieval)
  • Principles of thought and human information processing
  • Language structure and acquisition
  • Theories of human motivation and emotion
  • Approaches to understanding personality
  • Categories and symptoms of psychological disorders and their causes
  • Ethical issues in psychological research
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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • education

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Further study in psychology or related disciplines

  • Careers in social services, education, counseling, or research support