General Psychology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
- Develop a strong research background and understanding of the scientific foundation of psychology.
- Develop a knowledge base of human behavior across the broad areas of psychology.
- Become aware of the applications of psychology in different fields, such as teaching, research, and humanities.
- Develop a knowledge base of human behavior across the broad areas of psychology.
- Become aware of the applications of psychology in different fields, such as teaching, research, and humanities.
Expected learning outcomes
2.a Knowledge
- Demonstrate understanding of the major theoretical approaches and findings in psychology
- Know the research methods used in psychology, apply their knowledge in research design, and data analysis
- Critically assess information related to the study of behavior and cognitive processes, and use the critical assessment in shaping conclusions and arguments
- Recognize the key role that psychology plays in our everyday lives.
2.b Applied knowledge
- Use of different methods and technologies for studying concepts and conducting research
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally using a research reporting style
- Develop methods to manage the interpersonal relationships in different life domains
- Demonstrate understanding of the major theoretical approaches and findings in psychology
- Know the research methods used in psychology, apply their knowledge in research design, and data analysis
- Critically assess information related to the study of behavior and cognitive processes, and use the critical assessment in shaping conclusions and arguments
- Recognize the key role that psychology plays in our everyday lives.
2.b Applied knowledge
- Use of different methods and technologies for studying concepts and conducting research
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally using a research reporting style
- Develop methods to manage the interpersonal relationships in different life domains
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Module I: The study of thought processes.
Within a general historical background about the evolution of scientific psychology and the main cognitive constructs, the study of thinking (reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making) will be introduced with a special focus on decision-making and creative thinking.
Module II: From basic to applied cognitive psychology. In this second module, the study of personality, intelligent conduct, and the psychology of well-being, understood as the application of cognitive psychology to the field of health and lifestyle, will be introduced.
Module III: Communication psychology. The area of the psychology of language and communication will then be explored. Having defined communication in the area of cognitive psychology and introduced the main theoretical models, various application areas will then be explained, including: public speaking, teaching, creative (written and oral) and scientific communication.
Within a general historical background about the evolution of scientific psychology and the main cognitive constructs, the study of thinking (reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making) will be introduced with a special focus on decision-making and creative thinking.
Module II: From basic to applied cognitive psychology. In this second module, the study of personality, intelligent conduct, and the psychology of well-being, understood as the application of cognitive psychology to the field of health and lifestyle, will be introduced.
Module III: Communication psychology. The area of the psychology of language and communication will then be explored. Having defined communication in the area of cognitive psychology and introduced the main theoretical models, various application areas will then be explained, including: public speaking, teaching, creative (written and oral) and scientific communication.
Prerequisites for admission
Students need only to meet the minimal requirements for admission to the degree course in Philosophical Science.
Teaching methods
Frontal teaching
Teaching Resources
Psicologia Generale III edizione di Gerrig, Zimbardo, Anolli Baldi. Ed Pearson (capp. 7, 8, 11, 12)
Fondamenti di psicologia della comunicazione di Luigi Anolli, Ed Il Mulino (capp. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
Suggested readings and other materials will be uploaded on the Ariel platform.
Fondamenti di psicologia della comunicazione di Luigi Anolli, Ed Il Mulino (capp. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
Suggested readings and other materials will be uploaded on the Ariel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Verification of learning includes an oral examination. This consists of an interview on the program topics, aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the concepts and methods introduced during the course, as well as their applications in the areas of interest.
The oral examination will evaluate:
the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
the ability to apply the concepts and methods illustrated in various contexts;
the autonomy of judgment and critical thinking;
the mastery of the specific language of experimental psychology and the ability to present the arguments in a clear and orderly manner.
The oral examination will evaluate:
the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
the ability to apply the concepts and methods illustrated in various contexts;
the autonomy of judgment and critical thinking;
the mastery of the specific language of experimental psychology and the ability to present the arguments in a clear and orderly manner.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-PSI/01 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-PSI/01 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm in the office or via Teams. For information and reservations contact the lecturer via email or Teams
Via Festa del Perdono, 7, Department of Philosophy, second floor/attic o in Teams