Week One Discussion Questions 1 and 2
Version 15.1
PSY-102
General Psychology
Course Syllabus
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Credit Hours
4.0 Duration
49 Days Type
Credit Based Course Code
PSY-102 v:15. 1
General Psychology
Course Description
This foundation course in the science of behavior includes an overview of the history of psychology, the brain, motivation, emotion, sensory functions, perception, intelligence, gender and sexuality, social psychology, human development, learning psychopathology, and therapy.
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
PSY-102
Course MaterialsC
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Grison, S. & Gazzaniga, M. (2019). (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Norton & Company, Inc.Psychology in your life ISBN-13: 9780393673913
eBook Instructions
Description:
To access the textbook, please follow the instructions attached.
Please note the code given is case sensitive.
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Norton eBook Offline Reading Instructions
Description:
To download the textbook, please follow the Norton eBook Download Instructions attached.
Norton Ebook Reader FAQ for Students
Description:
Attached is the FAQ for students regarding the Norton Ebook.
Psychology Brain Based media
Description:
Review the "Psychology Brain Based Media" piece for additional information on topics discussed in this course. The case studies for this course are located under the scenarios heading.
APA Resources
Description:
Review the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style guidelines and resources located in the Student Success Center. APA or GCU style is required for most assignments, so students should become familiar with these resources to facilitate the successful completion of course assignments. GCU style is a simplified version of APA to slowly introduce you to APA formatting.
A video tutorial is available at the GCU library. It is recommended that every student watch the tutorial all the way through to become familiar with APA expectations. Use the menu guide for direction to specific elements of APA formatting.
Academic Integrity
Description:
Plagiarism is a serious offense and can result in lack of credit for an assignment or being expelled from an institution. Grand Canyon University considers plagiarism a breach in academic integrity. To find out more on the definition of academic integrity visit the link below.
Topic 1: Introduction to Psychology and Role of BiologyT
Description
Objectives:
Identify the application of the four levels of psychological analysis. Describe how the field of psychology helps us understand daily life. Explain the biological foundations of behavior.
Study MaterialsS
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Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 1 and 2 in Psychology in Your Life.
Human Brain: Major Structures and their Functions
Description:
View "Human Brain: Major Structures and Their Functions" from medXclusive Learning.
Overview of the Functions of the Cerebral Cortex
Description:
View "Overview of the Functions of the Cerebral Cortex" from Khan Academy.
Anatomy
Description:
Read "Anatomy," from (2009).The Brain Book: An Illustrated Guide to Its Structure, Function and Disorders
Psychology - Columbia Encyclopedia
Description:
Read “Psychology” from (2017).The Columbia Encyclopedia
Psychology Media Suite
Description:
Watch “Psychology Media Suite” [Video file] from (2008).Films on Demand
*Note: There are many different topics that are covered in these videos. You can scroll them and find some that are interest to you to review and you can also come back in later weeks to find more information on future topics we will cover.
Psychology
Description:
Read “Psychology” by Aanstoos from (2016).Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
Nerves and Neurons
Description:
Read "Nerves and Neurons," from The Human Body Book: An Illustrated Guide to Its Structure, Function and Disorders (2009).
Introducing Psychology: Biological Psychology
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Description:
Watch “Introducing Psychology: Biological Psychology” [Video file] from (2013).Films on Demand
TasksT
Mini Brain Project
Description:
You will conduct research on a selected brain area or structures. Use the attached document “Mini Brain Project” for full directions for this assignment.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 1 DQ 1
Description:
How might a psychologist study “mate selection” based on each of these four levels of psychological analysis (biological, individual, social, and cultural)?
Topic 1 DQ 2
Description:
Review the research-related subfields in psychology in Chapter 1 of your textbook. Which subfield is most relevant to your academic interests? Professional interests? Personal interests? Explain why.
Topic 1 Participation
Description:
NA
Topic 2: Sensation, Perception, and ConsciousnessT
Description
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Objectives:
Explain the function of all five senses. Describe the link between sleep and well-being. Explain the effects of altered states of consciousness.
Study MaterialsS
Initial Course Survey
Description:
In an effort for continuous improvement, Grand Canyon University would like you to take this opportunity to provide feedback about your experience with the university. Your participation is appreciated. Click on the link to begin the survey.
The Sleep Cycle
Description:
View "The Sleep Cycle."
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 3 and 5 in .Psychology in Your Life
Sleep: A Practical Guide
Description:
Read “Sleep: A Practical Guide” from (2016).New Scientist
Altered and Exceptional States of Consciousness
Description:
Read “Altered and Exceptional States of Consciousness” by Revonsuo from (2009).Encyclopedia of Consciousness
Senses
Description:
Read “Senses” by Mealey from (2016).Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep
Description:
Read "Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep," located on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website.
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The Five Senses
Description:
Read “The Five Senses” from (2016).Hinduism Today
Sleep: Dreaming Data and Theories
Description:
Read "Sleep: Dreaming Data and Theories," from (2009).Encyclopedia of Consciousness
Sleep and Wakefulness
Description:
Read "Sleep and Wakefulness" by Schmutte from The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health (3rd ed.) (2013)
TasksT
Sensation and Perception Application Worksheet
Description:
Making concepts personally relevant can help you learn them. Use the attached document “Sensation and Perception” to complete the assignment for this Topic.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a scoring guide. Please review the scoring guide prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 2 DQ 1
Description:
Select a sleep disorder – insomnia, sleep apnea, sleepwalking narcolepsy. Describe the sleep disorder and possible causes that may lead to the sleep disorder. Considering the possible causes and the information you read about the disorder, what are some possible treatments?
Topic 2 DQ 2
Description:
Select one drug classification: stimulants, hallucinogens, opiates, or depressants. Describe how drugs in this category affect/alter a person’s conscious state. Provide examples of drugs that fall into the category that you selected.
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Topic 2 Participation
Description:
NA
Topic 3: Lifespan DevelopmentT
Description
Objectives:
Identify milestones for each developmental period. Distinguish between the terms sex and gender. Explain the key theories of development.
Study MaterialsS
Developmental Psychology: From Infant to Adult
Description:
Read “Developmental Psychology: From Infant to Adult” from Big Ideas Simply Explained: The Psychology Book (2012).
Development and Context Across the Lifespan: A Community Psychology Synthesis
Description:
Read “Development and Context Across the Lifespan: A Community Psychology Synthesis” by Ozer & Russo from (2017).APA Handbook of Community Psychology: Theoretical Foundations, Core Concepts, and Emerging Challenges
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 4 and 10 in .Psychology in Your Life
Developmental Psychology
Description:
Watch “Developmental Psychology” [Video file] from (2013).Films on Demand
*Note: You will need to click Developmental Psychology from the table of contents on the right side. The other video segments are optional, but helpful throughout the course.
TasksT
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CLC - Development PowerPoint Presentation
Description:
This is a Collaborative Learning Community (CLC) assignment.
Your group will be assigned a developmental period – prenatal development, infancy and childhood, adolescences and emerging adulthood, early, middle, and late adulthood. Your group will then create a 10-12-slide, including title and reference slides, PowerPoint presentation.
Your group will research the developmental period including:
A description of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development in this period in life. Explain factors that are impactful during the assigned developmental period. For example, Attachment in infancy, Parenting Styles in Childhood, Bullying in Adolescence, View on Marriage in Early Adulthood, Views of the Elderly in Late Adulthood. Describe relevant theories that relate to development and the particular developmental period your group has been assigned.
Use three to five scholarly resources to support your explanations. Apply relevant topics as discussed in the textbook and other resources you have located and read.
Refer to the resource, "Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations," located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.
Include speaker notes below each content-related slide that represent what would be said if giving the presentation in person. Expand upon the information included in the slide and do not simply restate it. Please ensure the speaker notes include 50-75 words per slide.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, including an APA formatted reference slide, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 3 DQ 1
Description:
Describe one way in which nature and nurture have BOTH impacted your development in each of the three developmental domains – physical, cognitive, and socioemotional. Provide examples.
Topic 3 DQ 2
Description:
Distinguish between the terms and Why is it significant to understand the difference?sex gender. Explain how gender identity is formed and influenced by parents, teachers, community/society, and media. Provide examples to illustrate how these influence gender development.
Topic 3 Participation
Description:
NA
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Topic 4: Learning and MemoryT
Description
Objectives:
Identify various types of learning. Explain the factors that influence memory.
Study MaterialsS
Memory - New World Encyclopedia
Description:
Read “Memory” from (2016).Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
Learning - The Columbia Encyclopedia
Description:
Read “Learning” by Lagasse from (2018).The Columbia Encyclopedia
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 6, 7, and 8 in .Psychology in Your Life
Memory - Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
Description:
Read “Memory” by Gaddis & Adler from (2018).Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
Learning Process
Description:
Read "Learning Process" by Gould from (2019).Salem Press Encyclopedia
TasksT
Eyewitness Testimony
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Description:
Using the GCU library, search for two peer-reviewed journal articles on eyewitness testimony using the search term “memory and eyewitness testimony.” Read the articles, then in 750-1,000 words, do the following:
Briefly summarize the findings from each article. Based upon the information read, discuss if eyewitness testimony is reliable or unreliable.
Connect your research to a memory theory discussed in Chapter 7 of your textbook.
When writing in APA style, it is important that your analysis is written in third person. Writing in third person, using support from the article to support your position, helps with clarity and conciseness throughout your paper.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 4 DQ 1
Description:
Outline the main differences between classical and operant conditioning. Which of these seems to occur more accidentally, and which is more intentional? Please explain your response and provide examples.
Topic 4 DQ 2
Description:
Which is more important for a parent in directing a child’s behavior: what they say or what they do? Why? Support your positions with the weekly readings or additional research.
Topic 4 Participation
Description:
NA
Topic 5: Motivation, Emotion, Health, and Well-BeingT
Description
Objectives:
Identify common stressors. Recommend healthy coping strategies for stressors. Explain the relationship between stress, motivation, and emotion.
Study MaterialsS
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Secrets of People With Highly Stressful Jobs
Description:
Read “Secrets of People With Highly Stressful Jobs” by Crouch from (2017).Prevention
Howard Gardner's Five Minds for the Future
Description:
View "Howard Gardner's Five Minds for the Future," located on the Educational Resources page of the PBS.org website.
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 9 and 11 in .Psychology in Your Life
Sleep, Stress and Health: A Commentary
Description:
Read “Sleep, Stress and Health: A Commentary” by Mullan from Stress & Health: Journal of the International Society (2014).for the Investigation of Stress
7 Super Strategies for Success Over Stress
Description:
Read “7 Super Strategies for Success Over Stress” by Singer from (2013).Educational Leadership
The Mess That Is Stress
Description:
Read “The Mess That Is Stress” by Seppa from (2015).Science News
The Science of Stress
Description:
Read “The Science of Stress” by Borel & Peek from (2015).Popular Science
Microsoft Office Templates
Description:
Use the Microsoft Office website for assistance in finding templates for brochures.
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TasksT
Stress Activity
Description:
Use the attached document, “Identifying, Managing, and Reducing Stress,” to successfully complete the assignment for this Topic.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 5 DQ 1
Description:
What is the relationship between motivation and emotion? Provide an example of how emotions can motivate you to act in a certain way. Provide another example that illustrates how achieving something you were motivated to do (or not achieving it) provoked a particular emotion.
Topic 5 DQ 2
Description:
Consider some examples of personal stressors as well as daily hassles in your life. How do you manage or cope with these stressors? Do you use different coping strategies to address different types of stress such as personal stressors versus daily hassles? Explain.
Topic 5 Participation
Description:
NA
Topic 6: Personality and Social PsychologyT
Description
Objectives:
Describe group influence on behaviors. Describe how personality traits affect behavior and relationships.
Study MaterialsS
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Concepts of Psychology: Part 1
Description:
"Concepts of Psychology: Part 1" [Video file] from (2013).Films on Demand
Social Influence
Description:
Read “Social Influence” by Martin & Mikula from (2006).Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Psychology
Are You Following the Herd?
Description:
Read “Are You Following the Herd?” by Corbett from (2017).Scholastic Choices
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 12 and 13 in .Psychology in Your Life
On Having a Goal: Goals as Representations or Behavior
Description:
Read “On Having a Goal: Goals as Representations or Behavior” by Ramnerö & Törneke from Psychological Record (2015).
I Like What I See: Studying the Influence of Popularity Cues on Attention Allocation and News
Selection
Description:
Read “I Like What I See: Studying the Influence of Popularity Cues on Attention Allocation and News Selection," by Dvir-Gvirsman, from (2019).Information, Communication & Society
Understanding Facebook News Post Comment Reading and Reacting Behavior Through
Political Extremism and Cultural Orientation
Description:
Read "Understanding Facebook News Post Comment Reading and Reacting Behavior Through Political Extremism and Cultural Orientation," by Almoqbel, Wohn, Hayes, & Cha, from Computers in Human Behavior (2019).
TasksT
Applying Psychology to Everyday Life: A Reflection
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Description:
Reflect on the topics covered in this class so far and write a reflection that ties back to the material you have learned, which describes how these topics relate to different aspects of your life. In 750-1,000 words, consider the following:
Describe how you will use psychology in your personal life. Describe how you will use psychology in your professional life. Describe how you will use psychology in your academic careers. Explain any overlap in any of the characteristics, including anything that applies to all three areas.
Use two to three scholarly resources to support your explanations. The textbook and other relevant resources should be cited when describing topics from the semester and how they apply to personal, professional, and academic careers.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 6 DQ 1
Description:
Take the Jung Typology Test using the following website: . How canhttp://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp knowing and understanding personality types help you to develop healthy relationships with others?
Topic 6 DQ 2
Description:
Describe examples from your life of three ways that groups affect people through social facilitation, social loafing, and deindividuation.
Topic 6 Participation
Description:
NA
Topic 7: Psychological Disorders and TreatmentsT
Description
Objectives:
Identify the criteria for defining abnormal behavior. Identify common psychological disorders and symptoms. Identify various approaches to treatment of psychological disorders. List community resources for a person diagnosed with psychological disorder.
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Study MaterialsS
Psychology in Your Life
Description:
Read Chapters 14 and 15 in Psychology in Your Life.
Helping Others
Description:
Read "Helping Others," located on the Social Psychology page of the Pearson Education website.
Abnormal Psychology
Description:
Read “Abnormal Psychology” by Range from (2016).Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
Microsoft Office Templates
Description:
Use the Microsoft Office website for assistance in finding templates for brochures.
TasksT
Mental Health and Wellness Brochure
Description:
You will select a specific mental illness and create a brochure to address stigmas, treatments, and resources available. Use the attached document “Mental Health Brochure” to complete the assignment.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 7 DQ 1
Description:
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About 20% of children are diagnosed with a psychological disorder. Diagnosis and treatment is important to support good mental health throughout life. Select a childhood disorder. Describe the symptoms of the disorder and treatments used to address the disorder you selected.
Topic 7 DQ 2
Description:
Anxiety and depression are two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders. Describe societal factors that may contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Are there steps that can be taken to help reduce the occurrence of anxiety and depression in society?
Topic 7 Participation
Description:
NA
Grade Scale
Final Grade Column
Letter Grade GPA Value Minimum (%) Maximum (%)
A 4.0 93.0 100.0
A- 3.7 90.0 92.99
B+ 3.3 87.0 89.99
B 3.0 83.0 86.99
B- 2.7 80.0 82.99
C+ 2.3 77.0 79.99
C 2.0 70.0 76.99
D 1.0 60.0 69.99
F 0.0 0.02 59.99
I 0.0 0.0 0.01
Grade Categories
Assignments (%) Points Percentile
Applying Psychology to Everyday Life: A Reflection 130.0 --
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Stress Activity 110.0 --
Sensation and Perception Application Worksheet 100.0 --
Mini Brain Project 110.0 --
Eyewitness Testimony 130.0 --
CLC - Development PowerPoint Presentation 100.0 --
Mental Health and Wellness Brochure 110.0 --
Discussion Question (%) Points Percentile
Topic 6 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 3 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 7 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 4 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 5 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 3 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 7 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 5 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 1 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 1 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 2 DQ 2 5.0 --
Topic 6 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 2 DQ 1 5.0 --
Topic 4 DQ 1 5.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 1 Participation 20.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 4 Participation 20.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 7 Participation 20.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 3 Participation 20.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 2 Participation 20.0 --
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Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 6 Participation 20.0 --
Participation (%) Points Percentile
Topic 5 Participation 20.0 --
Class Effective Start: Feb 22, 2021