Introduction to Psychology is a course that is usually housed in either the science department or the humanities and serves as a student's first exposure to an extremely interesting and compelling area of study. This course serves to introduce students to the colorful personalities and different areas of psychological study that illuminate the diverse nature of psychological science.
There are many different areas of psychology that are covered in an introductory class in psychology (also known as Psychology 101 at some schools). These areas of study are differentiated based upon the methodology used and the innovator of the method. Some areas of study are behaviorism and abnormal psychology. These are two completely different areas of study, but many students who sign up for this class find themselves interested in these areas.
Psychology is also filled with interesting, colorful personalities who, besides being incredibly perplex and entertaining, are also geniuses in their area of study. Two people that college students may find of great interest are Sigmund Freud and Philip Zimbardo. Freud is considered the father of modern psychology, while Zimbardo's controversial prison study elevated him to consideration as one of the latest and greatest theorists in the field.
Behaviorism is a field of psychology that has been studied throughout the ages, however, in modern times the figure most associated with this field is B.F. Skinner. His famous experiment involving the birds and "Skinner's Box" still fascinates college students today. Behaviorism is related to learning and throughout the introductory course there is much to relate to this area of study.
Abnormal psychology is one of the more interesting areas in the class due to the diverse nature of psychological problems and diseases that are not diagnosed, diagnosed, or misdiagnosed. College students are usually interested in learning about this area due to the strange behaviors associated with disorders such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder or even autism.
Sigmund Freud is considered the father of modern psychology and college students are either fascinated or disgusted by him. It is unusual to be in an Intro to Psychology class and have students who do not have an opinion on Freud. His theories are still controversial today due to the taboo nature of Western society's beliefs. The Oedipal Complex and his theories on the Id, Ego and Superego are among his most well-known works.
Philip Zimbardo's most famous experiment is the Stanford Prison Experiment. He famously turned the Psychology department of Stanford University into a pseudo-prison that had students acting both as the guards and prisoners. This study on psychological power is still controversial, and this controversy resonates among college students.
