1. Understanding Human Behavior: Students are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that influence human behavior, including biological, cognitive, social, and emotional influences.
2. Critical Thinking and Analysis: General psychology emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze research studies, evaluate theories, and form evidence-based conclusions.
3. Research Methods and Statistical Analysis: Students are introduced to different research methods used in psychology, such as experiments, surveys, and naturalistic observations. They also learn how to analyze and interpret psychological data using statistical techniques.
4. Ethics and Professional Conduct: Ethical practices and professional conduct are highly valued in psychology. Students are expected to understand and adhere to ethical guidelines and principles established by professional organizations.
5. Communication and Writing Skills: Clear and effective communication is essential in psychology. Students are expected to develop strong writing and presentation skills to effectively convey psychological concepts and research findings.
6. Diversity and Inclusion: Psychology acknowledges the importance of diversity and cultural influences on behavior. Students are encouraged to be aware of cultural, ethnic, and individual differences in psychological processes.
7. Scientific Inquiry and Skepticism: General psychology fosters a scientific mindset, encouraging students to question assumptions, explore evidence, and be skeptical of unverified claims.
8. Application of Psychological Knowledge: Students are expected to see the practical relevance of psychology in everyday life, fields such as healthcare, education, business, and social services.
Remember, these expectations might vary slightly depending on the specific approach of different instructors and educational institutions.