Browse Hierarchy PSY235: Comparative Psychology

As for other species, many abilities and behaviours that we take for granted - from perception to learning, communication, handedness and sexual preferences - are the result of our evolutionary history. Our history has shaped our psychology and influences our daily behaviour. Are we the only species that is deceived by visual illusions? Who is the most intelligent species? Are we the only ones that exhibit handedness? Which are the mechanisms of learning? To understand what makes as human, we have to look at ourselves from a broader perspective. In this module we will explore differences and similarities between humans beings and other species. We will learn how to access and compare the mind and behaviour of individuals that do not possess language such as human neonates, newly-hatched chicks and other models currently used in understanding of healthy and pathological behaviour.