Introduction to Psychology

A wide-ranging survey of the discipline, organised around why people differ from one another. The modules move through the biological bases of behaviour — the senses, including the structure of the ear, and the states of consciousness — into learning, distinguishing reflexes, instincts and learned behaviour. Developmental and personality psychology follow, with attachment research such as the Strange Situation and the Big Five personality traits, then social psychology's roles and norms, human sexuality as studied by Masters and Johnson, and health psychology, including how stress affects the immune system.

The course closes with abnormal psychology — the major anxiety disorders and the three clusters of personality disorders — and touches on the work of forensic psychologists in legal settings. Alison rates it Intermediate Level and estimates 6 to 10 hours; the modules include video, the course is self-paced, CPD-accredited and available in English and Spanish. Study is free; the end-of-course certificate is an optional paid extra, and a free Learner Record is available.