Maricopa Community Colleges  PSY255   20006-99999 
Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  05/23/00  
PSY255      20006-99999 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Psychology of the Information Age
Influences of the Information Age on human behavior, with an emphasis on technology related effects. Social and personal behaviors affected by technology, information availability, communication usage, and the potential future of technology. Effects of technology and information avoidance. Prerequisites: PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
 
Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 
MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
PSY255   20006-99999 Psychology of the Information Age
1. Describe the effects of technology on society and individual behavior. (I)
2. Analyze the relationship between dependencies on technology and human behavior. (I)
3. Explain the different behavioral profiles of a technological society. (I)
4. Identify and describe the various addictions and disorders associated with a society dependent on technology. (I)
5. Explain the relationship between human needs and technological advancement. (II)
6. Explain the influence of technology intoxication on human behavior. (II)
7. Explain the influence of games and virtual reality on perceived reality. (II)
8. Identify the pros and cons of technology on human behavior. (II)
9. Identify and explain the influences of the Internet on human behavior. (III)
10. Identify and explain the various on-line behavior characteristics. (III)
11. Identify and explain the influences of e-mail on human behavior. (III)
12. Identify and explain the components of the Cyberspace Community. (III)
13. Explain the perceived need for technology and information in society. (IV)
14. Identify the characteristics associated with technological alienation. (IV)
15. Explain the pros and cons of avoidance of technology and information for the individual. (IV) Course Outline:
Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
PSY255   20006-99999 Psychology of the Information Age
    I. Social, Personal and Psychological Effects
        A. Definitions
        B. Dependence on technology
        C. Behavioral profiles
          1. Depersonalization of society
          2. Sense of belonging
          3. Sense of self
          4. Reverse introversion
        D. Addictions and disorders
      II. Technology and Behavior
          A. Co-evolution of people and machines
          B. Technology intoxication
          C. Games and virtual reality
          D. Pros and cons for society
            1. New opportunities
            2. Coping and burnout
          E. Future trends
        III. Information and Communication
            A. Internet usage
              1. Resources and research
              2. Ethics, plagiarism, and editing
              3. Work At home
              4. Distance education
            B. On-line behavior characteristics
            C. E-mail
            D. The cyberspace community
          IV. Full and Partial Avoidance
              A. Analyzing the perceived need
              B. Potential alienation
                1. The price of non-conformity
                2. The rewards of status quo
              C. Recipe for escape
          Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline