The study of Psychology

Reading

Throughout this course we will be referring you to readings from the e-textbook "Introduction to Psychology, First Edition" by Charles Stangor, published in 2006 by Flat World Knowledge. You can purchase this book in print on online format from Flat World Publishers. Read the introduction and Section 1.1 of the Stangor e-textbook. As you read, answer the following questions in your journal: How does Stangor define Psychology? How is Stangor's definition of Psychology different from, or similar to, your own definition of Psychology that you wrote at the beginning of Unit 1?

Media

Click on the link below to watch an introductory psychology lecture delivered by Professor John Gabrieli of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gabrieli provides an entertaining introduction to visual illusions. The scientific study of visual illusions helped psychologists develop a better understanding of how vision works. Gabrieli, John. 9.00SC Introduction to Psychology, Fall 2011. Lecture 1: Introduction

Activity

Choose some of the visual illusions from Professor Gabrieli's lecture and try them out on someone you know. See if their vision "tricks" them into seeing things that are not "true". Go to the [OERUPSY101 Google Group], join the group (you will need to [set up a free gmail account] to join the group) and post a description of: which illusions you tried out on your friend what your friend saw, and whether this was the same as what was actually there how easy it was to convince your friend about what was actually there