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Sociology · 100 Level
This is the complete lecture note for SOC 104 Introduction to Psychology., prepared for Sociology students at 100 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: SOC 104 Course title: Introduction to Psychology Course credit load: 2 Units 1 Foundations of Human Behaviour in Psychology Series outline • Part 1.1 Biological Foundations of Human Behaviour • Sub-Part 1.1.1 The role of the brain and nervous system • Sub-Part 1.1.2 Hormones and the endocrine system • Sub-Part 1.1.3 Genetics and heredity in behaviour • Part 1.2 Psychological Dimensions of Human Behaviour • Sub-Part 1.2.1 Knowledge and cognition • Sub-Part 1.2.2 Attitudes and personality • Sub-Part 1.2.3 Perception and its influence on behaviour • Part 1.3 Social Systems and Individual Behaviour • Sub-Part 1.3.1 Social structures and norms • Sub-Part 1.3.2 Group influence and socialisation • Sub-Part 1.3.3 Relationship between society and individual attitudes • Part 1.4 Integrative Perspectives on Human Behaviour • Sub-Part 1.4.1 Interplay of biology, psychology, and society • Sub-Part 1.4.2 Contemporary examples of integrated behaviour studies Introduction Human behaviour is one of the most fascinating areas of study because it helps us to understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do. Every action you take, from the way you respond to stress to how you interact with others, is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This Series will introduce you to these foundations, showing how they work together to shape the complexity of human behaviour. The aim of this Series is to provide you with a clear understanding of the biological, psychological, and social bases of behaviour, and to help you appreciate how these dimensions interact to influence individual and group actions. We shall commence this Series by exploring the biological foundations of behaviour, focusing on the brain, hormones, and genetics. Next, we will examine psychological dimensions such as
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS knowledge, attitudes, personality, and perception. Following that, we will consider how social systems influence individual behaviour and attitudes. Finally, we will wrap up by integrating these perspectives to show how biology, psychology, and society combine to explain human behaviour in everyday life. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the biological foundations of human behaviour including the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics, • SLO 1.2 explain how knowledge, attitudes, personality, and perception shape individual behaviour, • SLO 1.3 analyse the relationship between social systems and individual behaviour and attitudes, and • SLO 1.4 evaluate integrative perspectives that combine biological, psychological, and social dimensions of human behaviour. 1.1 Biological Foundations Of Human Behaviour 1.1.1 The role of the brain and nervous system The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, responsible for controlling thought, memory, emotion, and behaviour. The nervous system is a network of specialised cells called neurons, which transmit information throughout the body. Neurons communicate through electrical impulses and chemical signals, enabling us to sense, move, and respond to our environment. The brain is divided into regions such as the cerebrum (responsible for higher functions like reasoning and memory), the cerebellum (which coordinates movement and balance), and the brainstem (which regulates vital functions like breathing and heartbeat).
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.1 Human brain regions and their functions. Fill in the blank: The cerebellum is primarily responsible for __________ and balance. 1.1.2 Hormones and the endocrine system The endocrine system is a collection of glands that release hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions and influence behaviour. For example, the pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it controls other glands. The adrenal glands release adrenaline, which prepares the body for action in stressful situations. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, while the pancreas controls blood sugar levels.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Hormones play a significant role in emotions and behaviour. For instance, high levels of adrenaline can make you feel anxious or excited, while imbalances in thyroid hormones can affect mood and energy levels. Hormone Primary Source Key Behavioural & Psychological Effects Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Adrenal Glands Triggers the "fight-or-flight" response; increases alertness, arousal, and can lead to feelings of anxiety or "jitters" under high stress. Cortisol Adrenal Glands Known as the "stress hormone"; influences emotional memory and regulation. Chronic high levels are linked to irritability, depression, and impaired concentration. Thyroid Hormone (Thyroxine) Thyroid Gland Regulates metabolic rate; affects energy levels and mood. High levels can cause hyperactivity and anxiety, while low levels often lead to lethargy and depression. Insulin Pancreas Regulates blood sugar; influences cognitive function and satiety. Imbalances can lead to "brain fog," mood swings, and irritability (commonly known as "hangry" behavior). Box 1.1 Examples of hormones and their behavioural effects Fill in the blank: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the __________ gland because it regulates other glands. 1.1.3 Genetics and heredity in behaviour Genetics refers to the study of genes and heredity, which explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Heredity is the transmission of physical and psychological characteristics through genes. For example, eye colour and height are inherited traits, but research also shows that aspects of personality and intelligence have genetic components. Twin studies have been particularly useful in psychology. Identical twins share the same genetic makeup, so comparing them with fraternal twins helps researchers distinguish between genetic and environmental influences on behaviour.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.1 Identical twins as subjects in behavioural genetics studies. Fill in the blank: The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring is called __________. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which part of the brain controls reasoning and memory? 2. What chemical messengers are released by the endocrine system to regulate behaviour? 3. Which gland is known as the “master gland”?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. What is the difference between identical and fraternal twins in genetic studies? 5. Which gland releases adrenaline during stressful situations? 1.2 Psychological Dimensions Of Human Behaviour 1.2.1 Knowledge and cognition Knowledge refers to the information, skills, and awareness that individuals acquire through experience or education. Cognition is the mental process of acquiring and understanding knowledge, including thinking, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. These processes shape how we interpret the world and respond to situations. For example, when you learn a new language, your cognitive processes help you store vocabulary, recall grammar rules, and apply them in conversation. Fill in the blank: The mental process of acquiring and understanding knowledge is called __________. 1.2.2 Attitudes and personality An attitude is a learned tendency to evaluate things in a certain way, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. Attitudes influence how we react to people, objects, and events. Personality refers to the consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that make each individual unique. Psychologists often describe personality using models such as the “Big Five” traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. These traits help explain why people behave differently in similar situations.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.2 The Big Five personality traits Fill in the blank: A learned tendency to evaluate things in a certain way is called an __________. 1.2.3 Perception and its influence on behaviour Perception is the process of organising and interpreting sensory information to make sense of the environment. It is not just about what we see or hear, but how we interpret those signals. For instance, two people may perceive the same event differently depending on their past experiences, cultural background, or emotional state.
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