Introduction to Psychology 1/IPSY103/About

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Welcome to the OERu micro-course, Consciousness, Thinking & Memory. This is the third of three micro-courses that jointly constitute the OERu Introduction to Psychology I course. In this micro-course you will learn about different states of consciousness, definitions and measures of intelligence, and more complex forms of memory and thinking.

This micro-course is intended for students who are interested in gaining foundational knowledge about basic psychological processes, including those who wish to pursue a Baccalaureate degree in Psychology. It can also be useful to anyone interested in the Social Sciences and can contribute to a Bachelor of General Studies.

What will I learn

By the end of this micro-course you will be able to:

  • Define change blindness and recognize new examples
  • Define consciousness
  • Summarize the easy problem of consciousness
  • Summarize the hard problem of consciousness and how it relates to “correlation is not causation”
  • Define blindsight
  • Explain the importance of Libet’s study on voluntary movement
  • Explain the principle of dual processing
  • Describe the different stages of sleep and their typical characteristics
  • Describe the purpose of sleep and the evidence for that conclusion
  • Describe some of the characteristics of hypnosis
  • Explain the evidence that hypnosis affects confidence rather than accuracy of recall
  • Summarize the two theories to explain hypnosis
  • Describe the benefits of meditation
  • Define cognitive psychology
  • Distinguish concepts and schemas
  • Identify problem-solving strategies, including algorithms and heuristics
  • Recognize some common roadblocks to effective problem solving including five types of decision bias
  • Define language and describe the components of language
  • Explain the relationship between language and thinking
  • Discuss the three basic functions of memory
  • Describe the three memory stores and recognize new examples of each
  • Distinguish between the different kinds of long-term memory
  • Explain the brain areas involved in memory
  • Compare and contrast the two types of amnesia
  • Discuss the unreliability of eyewitness testimony
  • Identify some of the ways in which memory fails us in predictable ways
  • Compare and contrast the two types of interference
  • Recognize and apply memory-enhancing strategies to improve your studying
  • Summarize the different intelligence theories
  • Define emotional intelligence and creativity
  • Describe the history of the use of IQ tests
  • Describe the purposes and benefits of intelligence testing
  • Explain the different variables that contribute to and influence IQ scores
  • Describe the difference between a learning disability and a developmental disorder

What's involved

  • Completing readings
  • Watch videos
  • Completing elearning activities
  • Writing an exam (for learners taking the course for academic credit)

What prequisites should I have, if any?

Anyone is free to participate in this course; however, it is designed for those who meet Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s English Language Proficiency Requirement. In addition, an internet connection and basic web browsing skills are recommended with the ability to create a blog and microblog account (instructions and self-study tutorials provided.)

What micro-courses are required for course credit?

Learners are required to complete three micro-courses to gain credit for Introduction to Psychology 1:

  1. Foundations of Psychological Science
  2. Evolution, Behaviorism & Sensation and Perception
  3. Consciousness, Thinking & Memory