Description:

There are two major objectives in this class. The first objective is to familiarize students with major perspectives presently used to explain causes of behavior. Mechanisms regulating behaviors as proposed by evolutionary theory (sociobiology), learning theory (reinforcement), physiological theories (hormonal and nutritional determinants of behavior), cognitive theories (information processing and decision-making) will be discussed to enable students to select among these approaches for explaining behavior. The second objective is to apply these various perspectives to understand problems of eating behavior and its disorders, alcohol use and abuse, depression, hardiness, liking and loving, helping, aggression. Whenever possible, various perspectives will be integrated to develop new insights for understanding human motivational behavior.

Texts:

Note packet available after first class day.

Grading and Requirements:

Exams: 2, combination of multiple choice and short essay
Quizzes: 3

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, and upper division standing.

Updated 16 June 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn