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Fundamentals of Psychology

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 75 ratings
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David Kays

An introduction to the systematic study of human cognition, emotion, and behavior with an emphasis on the scientific method. Fundamentals of behavior, learning, conditioning, development, cognitive processes, perception, emotion, personality, and psychopathology are among the content areas studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method for the study of human nature. Students successfully completing the course will demonstrate a general understanding of the knowledge established in these areas, as well as the methods used by psychologists to acquire that knowledge.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe key concepts, theories, people, and themes in the areas of the history of psychology, behavioral neuroscience, human development, sensation and perception, conditioning and learning, human memory, cognition and intelligence, motivation and emotion, human sexuality, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior.
  • Describe the research methodology used in each area.
  • Apply key concepts in each area to novel situations.
  • Apply the scientific method to the study of human behavior.
  • Identify applications of psychology.
  • Reflect on the use of scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the scientific method in psychology, a cornerstone of any scientific or academic field
Well-structured and comprehensive course, covering a wide range of essential topics in psychology
Taught by David Kays, a highly respected and experienced instructor in the field of Psychology
Suitable for beginners seeking an introduction to the field of Psychology
May be beneficial for students considering a career in psychology or related fields
Provides a strong foundation for further study in psychology

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Reviews summary

Foundational psychology: clear & engaging introduction

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of psychology. Learners consistently highlight the instructor's exceptional clarity and passion, which makes complex theories easy to understand. It is widely praised as a perfect starting point for beginners with no prior knowledge, offering a well-structured and logical progression of topics. While some experienced learners found the content too introductory or noted extensive readings, recent reviews indicate updated content and that the course delivers a solid grasp of scientific methodology in understanding human behavior.
Recent updates address prior concerns about outdated content.
"The updated content, especially in the neuroscience section, was very timely and relevant. It gave me a solid grasp of the scientific methodology used in psychology."
"Some of the older videos seemed a little dated visually, but the information was still accurate. The readings were quite heavy, but complemented the lectures well."
"The course content is good, but the overall presentation, particularly the older videos, could use an update."
A perfect, comprehensive introduction for those new to psychology.
"This course was an absolutely fantastic introduction to psychology... Highly recommend for anyone starting out!"
"A solid foundational course. It covers a lot of ground... great for a beginner."
"As someone with no prior background in psychology, this course was perfect. The structure was logical, building concepts step-by-step."
"It truly lives up to its 'fundamentals' title."
The instructor's clarity and passion make complex topics accessible.
"The lectures were incredibly clear and engaging, covering a broad range of topics without feeling rushed. I particularly loved how the professor explained complex theories with such simplicity and passion."
"The instructor's explanations were always spot-on, making even abstract ideas concrete."
"Phenomenal course! The professor's enthusiasm is contagious, and they simplify complex psychological concepts brilliantly."
"Absolutely brilliant! The instructor is a gem, explaining everything with crystal clarity."
Discussion forums were often inactive, hindering collaborative learning.
"I felt the peer discussions were not very active, which limited my engagement beyond the lectures."
"Some of the discussion forums weren't very active, which was a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with peers."
While fundamental, some found it too basic for advanced study.
"Good overview, but for someone already familiar with basic psychology concepts, it might feel a bit slow or too introductory. I was hoping for a bit more depth in areas like cognitive psychology."
"I found this course to be very basic and quite superficial in its coverage. As someone with a background in biology, I was looking for more scientific rigor and deeper dives into the brain."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Psychology with these activities:
Read 'Introduction to Psychology' by Charles G. Morris and Albert A. Maisto
Provides a comprehensive overview of foundational concepts in psychology
View Understanding Psychology on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters
  • Take notes and highlight important passages
  • Complete end-of-chapter exercises
Review the basics of human development
Helps build a foundation for understanding advanced concepts in developmental psychology
Browse courses on Human Development
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and assigned textbook chapters
  • Take notes on key concepts and theories
  • Complete practice problems or quizzes
Explore online tutorials on research methods
Develops skills in understanding and applying research methods
Browse courses on Research Methodology
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on research methods
  • Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises
  • Apply the concepts to analyze psychological studies
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice identifying and applying key concepts
Reinforces understanding of key concepts through repetitive practice
Browse courses on Cognitive Processes
Show steps
  • Complete online quizzes or practice problems
  • Review course notes and textbooks
  • Discuss concepts with classmates or a tutor
Participate in a study group
Provides opportunities to collaborate and deepen understanding through discussions
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material and assignments
  • Work together on projects or presentations
Create a concept map or infographic
Encourages active engagement with the material and promotes understanding through visual representation
Browse courses on Emotion
Show steps
  • Identify key concepts and relationships
  • Design a visual representation using mind mapping software or a whiteboard
  • Present or share the concept map with others
Volunteer as a tutor or mentor
Solidifies understanding through teaching and supporting others
Show steps
  • Contact local schools or organizations to volunteer
  • Prepare lesson plans or study materials
  • Provide guidance and support to students or mentees

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior, and apply their knowledge to a wide range of issues, including mental health, education, and business. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology, making it a valuable foundation for individuals aspiring to become Psychologists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors help people with mental health issues and substance abuse problems. A comprehensive grasp of psychological concepts, including psychopathology, personality, and cognitive processes, is vital for effective intervention. This course can lay a solid foundation for understanding mental health disorders and their treatment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome challenges and improve their well-being. The material covered in this course, particularly the sections on human development, psychopathology, and social behavior, can strengthen a Social Worker's understanding of the psychological and social factors that affect individuals and families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors assist individuals who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. A strong understanding of psychology, particularly the sections on psychopathology, addiction, and behavior change, is essential for Substance Abuse Counselors to effectively help their clients overcome addiction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with physical or mental disabilities regain the skills they need for daily living. This course can provide Occupational Therapists with a foundation in the psychology of human development, cognition, and learning, which is essential for understanding how disorders affect daily living skills and for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Guidance Counselor
Guidance Counselors help people navigate various personal, academic, and career challenges and make informed decisions about their future direction. The material covered in this course, particularly the sections on human development, personality, and psychopathology can provide a strong foundation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Guidance Counselor
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teachers play a key role in the early cognitive and emotional development of children. The material covered in this course, particularly the sections on human development, conditioning and learning, and cognition, can provide a strong foundation for the principles and practices of early childhood education.
See salaries and explore the career path for Preschool Teacher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers study consumer behavior and gather insights to help businesses make informed decisions. A strong understanding of psychology, particularly the sections on perception, cognition, and motivation, can equip Market Researchers with the tools to effectively analyze and interpret consumer behavior.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Probation Officer
Probation Officers assist individuals who have been convicted of a crime by supervising them during their period of probation. The sections on psychopathology and social behavior in this course can equip Probation Officers with the knowledge and skills to assess an individual's risk and needs, and to develop effective supervision strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Probation Officer
Police Officer
Police Officers work to protect and serve communities, and their effectiveness often depends on their understanding of human behavior. This course can provide Police Officers with a foundational understanding of human cognition, emotion, and social behavior, as well as psychological factors relevant to criminal behavior.
See salaries and explore the career path for Police Officer
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary School Teachers play a key role in the academic, social, and emotional development of young learners. The material covered in this course can help prospective teachers build a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of human cognition, emotion, and behavior.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers create and manage public relations campaigns to promote a company or organization. The sections on perception, social behavior, and cognition in this course can provide Public Relations Managers with an understanding of how the public perceives messages and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue goals. An understanding of human behavior is crucial for Sales Managers to effectively lead their teams, communicate with clients, and close deals. This course can provide Sales Managers with valuable insights into the psychology of persuasion, motivation, and negotiation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers develop and implement policies that affect the working lives of employees. The principles of human resources management rely on psychological concepts to understand and manage employee behavior, motivation, and work-life balance. This course can provide a valuable foundation in these areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Childcare Provider
Childcare Providers typically work with young children and play a key role in their cognitive and emotional development. The material covered in this course, particularly the sections on human development, conditioning and learning, and cognition can provide valuable groundwork for the principles and practices of child development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Childcare Provider

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Psychology.
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The Elements of Statistical Learning
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This advanced textbook provides a comprehensive overview of statistical learning methods, making it a valuable resource for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of the statistical techniques used in data mining, inference, and prediction.
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,...
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The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,...
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Psychology in Everyday Life (High School)
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This classic textbook widely used resource for introductory psychology courses. It provides a comprehensive and well-written overview of the major areas of psychology, with a focus on the latest research findings.
Psychology in Everyday Life (High School)
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Psychology in Everyday Life (High School)
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Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and...
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This popular textbook provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to psychology, covering the major areas of the discipline in a highly accessible manner. It includes helpful concept maps that provide a visual representation of the key concepts covered in each chapter.
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and...
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Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and...
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Natural Language Processing with Python
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Psychology and Life
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This textbook offers a unique and engaging approach to psychology by presenting it as a journey of discovery. It covers the major areas of the discipline, highlighting the contributions of key researchers and their groundbreaking studies.
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Sensation and Perception
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This textbook provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to cognitive psychology, covering the major areas of the discipline, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. It valuable resource for students interested in understanding the cognitive processes that underlie human behavior.
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Life Span Human Development 4e
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This textbook provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field of lifespan development, covering the major changes that occur throughout the lifespan, from infancy to old age. It valuable resource for students interested in understanding the psychological processes that underlie human development.
Life Span Human Development
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Reinforcement Learning, second edition
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This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to reinforcement learning, making it a valuable resource for students who want to learn about the fundamental concepts and algorithms of reinforcement learning.
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
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Abnormal Psychology
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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of abnormal psychology, covering the major mental disorders and their diagnosis and treatment. It valuable resource for students interested in pursuing careers in mental health.
Abnormal Psychology
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Abnormal Psychology
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Biological Psychology EBook
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This textbook provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of biological psychology, covering the neural and physiological bases of behavior. It valuable resource for students interested in understanding the biological underpinnings of psychological processes.
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Stats
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This introductory statistics textbook provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of statistics, making it a valuable resource for students who need to develop a strong foundation in statistical methods.
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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
David Kays
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the scientific method in psychology, a cornerstone of any scientific or academic field
Well-structured and comprehensive course, covering a wide range of essential topics in psychology
Taught by David Kays, a highly respected and experienced instructor in the field of Psychology
Suitable for beginners seeking an introduction to the field of Psychology
May be beneficial for students considering a career in psychology or related fields
Provides a strong foundation for further study in psychology
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