Università Roma Tre

The first part of the course will address the historical foundation of Psychology as a scientific discipline, the principal theoretical approaches and the research methods of psychology. The second part will deepen understanding of the cognitive and affective functioning within the framework offered by experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. The third part of the course will focus on application of theory and procedures of general psychology through laboratory activities.

Main contents: 1) Historical introduction and research methods: It will be illustrated the historical origins of psychology as a scientific discipline, as well as the classic theoretical frameworks to the study of psychology. The research methods of experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience will also be presented. 2) Brain and behavior: It will be introduced some basic concepts about the functioning of the brain, discussing how this knowledge has influenced the study of behavior in psychology. 3) Sensation and perception: Presentation of the main theoretical models to the study of sensation and perception; In-depth analysis of the mechanisms that control perception across sensory modalities for understanding our environment. 4) Attention: Introduction to the main theoretical models and mechanisms involved in the process of selecting information from the environment for subsequent processing. 5) Conditioning and learning: Introduction to the main theoretical models and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms that make it possible learning processes. 6) Memory: Introduction to the main theoretical models (i.e., memory systems) and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms that regulate the processing, storage and retrieval of information. 7) Thinking and reasoning: Introduction to the main theoretical models and in-depth analysis of the mechanisms that fulfil functions related to concept formation, decision making and problem solving. 8) Language: Introduction to the main theoretical models and analysis of language functions that allow communication and sharing of knowledge. 9) Intelligence: Introduction to the main theoretical models and analysis of the factors that determine intelligence, the component of the intelligence and instruments for measuring intelligence. 10) Motivation: Introduction to the main theoretical models and analysis of the main forms of motivation that guide the individual behavior. 11) Emotions: Introduction to the main theoretical models and mechanisms by which affective systems modulate human behavior. 13) Personality: Introduction to the main theoretical models describing and defining personality.

Required textbooks:

1) Coon, D., Mitterer, J.O. (2020 -in corso di stampa- Edizione italiana a cura di Stefano Mastandrea e Sabrina Fagioli). Psicologia generale. UTET
2) Di Pietro, Salvato (2021). La competenza socio-affettiva in età prescolare


Students’ online resources:
All relevant information will be available at this webpage. Additional online facilities including other recommended readings, internet websites and other materials are available on the “Formonline” platform.

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and promote skills that will allow a student to critically examine the different theoretical models available in the field of experimental psychology, and the tools to identify meaningful psychological variables in the context of education and training. The course also aims to promote the development of a student's sensitivity in recognizing the psychological needs of others, a fundamental ability in any supporting relationship.

The first part of the course will introduce the history of psychology as a scientific subject, the main theoretical approaches, and research methods. The second part will focus on the investigation of cognitive and affective processes from the perspective of experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Detailed programme:

1) Introduction to psychology and research methods.

2) Brain and behaviour.

3) Sensations and reality.

4) Attention.

5) Perception.

6) Conditioning and learning.

7) Memory.

8) Thought and mental imagery.

9) Language and communication.

10) Intelligence.

11) Motivation.

12) Emotions.

13) Personality.

1) Coon D., Mitterer J.O., Martini T.S. (2020 - Edizione italiana a cura di Stefano Mastandrea e Sabrina Fagioli). Psicologia generale. Terza Edizione. UTET, Torino.

2) Di Pietro M., Salviato C. (2021). La competenza socio-affettiva in età prescolare. Carocci, Roma.

The materials presented during lectures or in the Lab will be made available to students on the "formonline" platform, therefore no copy shop is authorized to sell them, and no site - outside the official channels of the University - is authorized to their dissemination.