What Do You Learn in a Psychology Course?

Psychology is a broad and complex field that deals with the human mind, behavior, and experience.

Some students are surprised to find out that psychology is far more than just clinical psychotherapy.

A psychology course can introduce students to many new concepts and potential career paths.

Introductory Psychology Classes

Here are some of the topics typically covered in an introductory psychology course. The exact contents of a course will vary from program to program but common topics will usually be covered.

Major Theories and Paradigms in Psychology

Psychology has some unique characteristics due to the fact that it is the study of the human mind by the human mind.

Psychology involves not only different theories but also different schools of thought or paradigms with different assumptions and objectives.

Students will typically learn about influential schools of thought such as behaviorism, cognitive psychology, gestalt psychology, and psychoanalysis.

Major theories in psychology are typically developed within one of these paradigms so students will gain a broader perspective on the constantly shifting landscape of psychology.

The Brain and Behavior

An introductory psychology class will typically cover basic cognitive neuroscience and some theories of the relationship between the brain and behavior.

The relationship between brain and mind is complex and has been the subject of much discussion. Students who enjoy thinking deeply may find a psychology class enriching.

Perception and Sensation

Perception and sensation are rich topics that have been the subject of experimental research for centuries.

A psychology class will usually teach students key theories on the relationship between stimuli such as light and sound, and perceptual experience.

The study of perception and sensation includes questions about social bias, learning, and the formation of concepts.

Learning and Development

Psychology is the study of the human mind and the mind is constantly changing over the course of its lifespan.

Most psychology classes will give students a grasp of key theories in developmental psychology. There are many practical applications of developmental psychology concepts.

Psychology classes also cover theories of learning. An understanding of learning and development can help psychology students excel in educational contexts.

Personality Theory

Personality is the study of the stable traits that characterize people. Personality is a highly researched area of social psychology.

Personality theory may help students better understand themselves and those around them. Learning about personality theories can also provide an introduction to psychology research and statistics.

Students will learn about different types of questionnaires and the methods used to deliver them.

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology recognizes the fact that human behavior is situated within a social context. Social norms influence behavior in a wide variety of ways that require nuanced analysis.

Abnormal behavior can help students understand patterns of maladaptive actions, mental illnesses, and developmental disorders.

When studying abnormal psychology students will usually also learn to consider ethics and forms of injustice that may negatively influence behavior.

Clinical Practice in Psychology

While clinical practice is not the sole focus of psychology, it is an important part of the field and most introductory classes will cover it.

Students will learn about the therapeutic relationship, ethical practice, and different frameworks.

Clinical practice ties together many of the other topics covered in psychology. For example, a case of anxiety may require consideration of developmental, neuroscientific, environmental, and perceptual factors.

Even if students are not interested in becoming psychologists, learning about clinical practice can provide valuable insights into society and mental health.

Other Topics in Psychology

An introductory psychology course provides a brief overview of many complex topics.

Interested students can explore these areas further with a minor or major in psychology. Many of the topics covered above are often offered as entire courses themselves.

Taking more advanced psychology classes can provide students with in-depth subject knowledge and marketable skills.

Research Methods for Psychology

Scientific psychological research requires a strong grasp of the scientific method, experimental design, data analysis, and hypothesis testing.

A research methods course can give students a strong credential in data analysis and can even lead to professional opportunities in data-related fields.

Students will usually learn about principles of measurement, common statistical methods in psychology, and statistical analysis software programs.

Social Psychology

Social psychology studies the interactions between groups of people and the influence of society on behavior and mental health.

A class in social psychology can help students understand the world they live in and create positive change in communities.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is at the intersection of criminal behavior, law enforcement, and psychology.

Taking a forensic psychology course can give students insights into the factors influencing criminal behavior and effective crime prevention policies.

Find a Psychology Degree Today

Learning about the human mind can be an enriching and rewarding pursuit with benefits in many areas of life. Find a psychology degree that matches your interests and get started today.