Psychology 101 – Student Lecture Notes
University of XYZ – Department of Social Sciences
Course: Introduction to Psychology (PSY-101)
Semester: I (Spring 2025)
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Khan
Prepared by: Student Notes
Lecture 1: Introduction to Psychology
Definition:
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior.
Goals of Psychology:
1. Describe behavior
2. Explain causes of behavior
3. Predict future behavior
4. Control or modify behavior
Example: A psychologist may study why some people experience stage fright and how it can be
reduced.
Lecture 2: Major Schools of Thought
1. Structuralism – Focused on the structure of the mind (Wilhelm Wundt).
2. Functionalism – How behavior helps individuals adapt (William James).
3. Behaviorism – Study of observable behavior (B.F. Skinner, John Watson).
4. Psychoanalysis – Role of unconscious desires and conflicts (Sigmund Freud).
5. Humanistic Psychology – Free will, personal growth (Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow).
6. Cognitive Psychology – Mental processes like memory, learning, and problem-solving.
Lecture 3: Methods of Research in Psychology
Experimental Method – Controlled experiments to test cause-effect.
Observation – Studying behavior in natural settings.
Case Study – In-depth study of an individual.
Survey Method – Questionnaires to gather data from many people.
Example: A researcher might conduct an experiment to see if listening to music improves
concentration.
Lecture 4: Biological Basis of Behavior
Neurons – Nerve cells that transmit information.
Brain Structures:
o Cerebrum: Higher thought functions
o Cerebellum: Balance and coordination
o Limbic System: Emotions and memory
Key Insight: Brain and body are deeply connected; changes in brain chemistry can affect mood
and behavior.
Lecture 5: Learning Theories
1. Classical Conditioning (Pavlov’s Dogs).
2. Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner’s reinforcement and punishment).
3. Observational Learning (Albert Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment).
Example: A child learns aggression by watching violent TV shows.
Lecture 6: Memory
Stages of Memory:
1. Sensory Memory
2. Short-Term Memory
3. Long-Term Memory
Forgetting:
o Decay theory
o Interference
o Retrieval failure
Example: Forgetting a phone number after dialing it once is short-term memory decay.
Lecture 7: Personality Theories
Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory (Id, Ego, Superego).
Trait Theory (Big Five Personality Traits: OCEAN – Openness, Conscientiousness,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).
Humanistic Theory (Self-actualization).
Case Study: Steve Jobs showed high openness (creativity) and low agreeableness
(perfectionist).
Lecture 8: Abnormal Psychology
Definition: Study of mental disorders.
Examples: Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia.
Approaches to Treatment:
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medication
Key Point: Abnormal psychology focuses on understanding and treating behaviors that deviate
significantly from social norms.
Lecture 9: Social Psychology
Conformity (Asch experiments).
Obedience (Milgram experiment).
Group dynamics and leadership styles.
Example: Peer pressure influencing a teenager’s clothing choices.
References
Myers, D. (2018). Psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.
Freud, S. (1917). Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory.
