Psych 101

Latest Articles & Essays

The Archive - Psych 101

A clear explanation of Freud’s Eros and Thanatos, exploring the life and death drives, repetition compulsion, aggression, and why the theory remains controversial.

What Is Freud’s Punishment Dream?

A clear explanation of Freud’s punishment dream, and how guilt, repression, and self-punishment shaped his theory of distressing dreams.

Identity Fusion: When a Group Stops Feeling Like “Them” and Starts Feeling Like “Us”

What is identity fusion? Explore how intense group attachment can drive loyalty, self-sacrifice, extremism, and powerful forms of belonging.

How Do Labels and Expectations Shape Behaviour? The Psychology Explained

Do labels and expectations influence behaviour? Explore labelling theory, stereotype threat, and the Pygmalion effect in psychology.

What Is Moral Panic?

An in-depth psychology explainer on moral panic: how societies exaggerate threats, create folk devils, and react to cultural change during periods of uncertainty.

What Is Status Defence?

A clear psychology explainer on status defence: why humans protect social standing, how perceived threats trigger defensive reactions, and what happens when hierarchy feels unstable.

What Is Signalling Theory?

A clear, psychology-based explainer of signalling theory: how costly signals work, why social status depends on them, and what happens when signals lose meaning in the age of AI.

Mind Perception and Moral Concern: Why We Care More About Some Beings Than Others

Why do we care more about a baby than a corporation? Dive into the science of mind perception and how our brains categorize others as moral agents or patients.

The Halo Effect and Attribution Bias: How First Impressions Shape Moral Judgement

Explore how the halo effect and attribution bias distort our perceptions. Learn how first impressions trigger cognitive shortcuts that shape moral judgment, workplace fairness, and social stereotypes.

The Innocence Gap: How Childhood Is Not Perceived Equally

Explore the "Innocence Gap," a psychological bias where Black children are perceived as older and less innocent than white peers. Learn about the landmark 2014 Goff study on adultification bias and its impact on social justice.

Double Ignorance Is Not the Dunning–Kruger Effect

Explore the key differences between the Dunning–Kruger effect and Double Ignorance. This article breaks down why loud incompetence differs from the quiet absence of knowledge.

I Find Freud Humours: A Students Guide To How To Approach Freud

Is Freudian theory psychology’s version of humours and leeches? A student-friendly guide to reading Freud critically — without dismissing his influence.

Basics of Bayes: A Human Approach to Understanding How We Change Our Minds

Bayes Theorem feels complex, but its logic mirrors how people naturally update beliefs. We explain Bayesian reasoning through real-life examples before introducing the formula, making Bayes intuitive for students and teachers alike.

Criticisms of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure

Explore the major criticisms of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure, including cultural bias, low ecological validity, stress concerns and reliability issues, in this student friendly yet academically rigorous psychological critique.

Criticisms of Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Explore the major criticisms of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, including issues of cultural and gender bias, methodological problems and the gap between moral reasoning and real world behaviour, in this clear and comprehensive guide for psychology students.

Behaviourism

Basics of Behaviourism

Explore the foundational principles of behaviourism in psychology, from classical and operant conditioning to its applications in therapy, education, and more. Learn about key figures like Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner, and discover how behaviourism shapes modern psychology.

Criticism of Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning: An Analytical Perspective

Explore a critical analysis of Pavlov's classical conditioning theory, highlighting its limitations in explaining complex human behaviour, ethical concerns, reductionism, and insights from modern neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

The Power of Operant Conditioning: Understanding Behaviour Modification

We explore the concept of operant conditioning, its key principles, real-world applications, and the underlying mechanisms that drive behaviour change.

Concepts: Classical Conditioning

This article aims to explore the concept of classical conditioning, its basic principles, prominent experiments, and its implications across various domains of psychology.

Biological Psychology

Understanding the Body Schema and Its Relevance to Psychology

Discover the fascinating concept of body schema in psychology, exploring its role in motor control, spatial awareness, and self-perception. Learn how body schema impacts rehabilitation, identity, and disorders like phantom limb pain, eating disorders, and neglect syndrome. Dive into the research, experimental insights, and innovative therapies like mirror therapy and virtual reality, revealing how body schema bridges neuroscience and psychological health.

What Are Mirror Neurons?

Discover the science of mirror neurons, their discovery, and their impact on empathy, learning, imitation, and social behaviour. Learn how mirror neurons shape human connection and cognition.

Defining Neuroplasticity in Psychology: The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Adapt

Discover the science of neuroplasticity in psychology—how brain plasticity enables learning, memory, and recovery. Explore key studies, applications, and insights into the brain's remarkable ability to adapt.

What is Action Potential in Psychology?

Learn about action potential in psychology, a fundamental process in neural communication affecting perception, learning, memory, and behavior. Discover its phases, importance, and link to disorders.

The Silent Intruder: Understanding Microsleep and Its Far-Reaching Impacts

Delve into the nature of microsleep, its triggers, consequences, and the importance of detecting and mitigating its risks.

Nature vs. Nurture: A 21st Century Update

We provide an updated perspective on the nature versus nurture debate, examining contemporary research and its implications for understanding human behaviour and development.

Forensic Psychology

Crime and Psychology: Understanding the Interplay

Explore the psychology of crime, from genetic and social influences to forensic psychology and rehabilitation. Understand criminal behavior and prevention strategies.

Understanding the Differences Between Criminal Psychology and Criminology

Discover the key differences between criminal psychology and criminology in this comprehensive guide. Learn how each field approaches the study of crime, their focus areas, career paths, and how they work together to understand and prevent criminal behaviour.

Top 5 Forensic Psychology Textbooks: Essential Reads for Aspiring Forensic Psychologists

Discover the top 5 forensic psychology textbooks that offer comprehensive insights into criminal behavior, legal processes, and psychological research. Perfect for students, professionals, and anyone interested in the field.

What is Forensic Psychology? An In-depth Exploration

Discover the key roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, from criminal profiling to courtroom testimony. This in-depth article explores forensic psychology's intersection with the legal system, including expert witness roles, competency evaluations, and ethical considerations.

The Freud Files

Freud

What Is Freud’s Punishment Dream?

A clear explanation of Freud’s punishment dream, and how guilt, repression, and self-punishment shaped his theory of distressing dreams.

I Find Freud Humours: A Students Guide To How To Approach Freud

Is Freudian theory psychology’s version of humours and leeches? A student-friendly guide to reading Freud critically — without dismissing his influence.

The Enduring Influence of Freud: Psychoanalysis, Theory & Cultural Reflections

Explore the enduring influence of Sigmund Freud across psychology, culture, and media. From foundational theories like the id, ego, and unconscious mind to modern analyses of characters and Freud himself

‘One Thing or Your Mother’ - Understanding the Oedipal Complex

Explore Freud's Oedipal complex in-depth, from its mythological origins and theoretical foundations to modern criticisms and perspectives. Understand how this controversial psychoanalytic theory impacts psychology, culture, and family dynamics today.

Freud and FOMO: Why He Obsessively Collected Antiquities and What That Says About His Psyche

Sigmund Freud’s obsession with collecting antiquities reveals deeper insights into his psyche, unconscious drives, and the origins of modern-day FOMO. Explore the psychological, historical, and symbolic meaning behind Freud’s personal museum.

Sigmund Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory

Discover Freud's psychodynamic theory, its impact on psychology, key concepts like the id, ego, and superego, and its relevance in modern therapy and research.

Anna Freud: Pioneer of Child Psychoanalysis and Ego Psychology

Discover the life and work of Anna Freud, a pioneer in child psychoanalysis and ego psychology. Explore her theories on defence mechanisms and child development.

What Is the Id? Exploring Freud’s Foundational Concept of Human Personality

Discover what the id is in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Learn how this primal, unconscious force drives human behaviour, interacts with the ego and superego, and influences modern psychology.

What is Psychoanalysis

Discover the foundations, core concepts, and lasting impact of psychoanalysis. Explore Freud's theories, modern adaptations, criticisms, and its influence on contemporary psychology and culture.

Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory: A Comprehensive Overview

Explore Sigmund Freud's ground-breaking psychoanalytic theory, including the id, ego, superego, unconscious mind, and psychosexual stages. Understand its historical impact, modern relevance, and critiques in this comprehensive guide for psychology enthusiasts and students.

An Exploration of Freudian Defence Mechanisms

Explore Freud's theory of defence mechanisms in-depth and understand how the mind unconsciously protects itself from anxiety through repression, denial, projection, and more. A comprehensive guide to their psychological impact and relevance in modern therapy.

Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory: An Exploration of Psychosexual Development

Explore Freud’s five psychosexual stages—oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital—uncover how they shape personality, and discover modern critiques and applications.

Freud’s Exploration of the Unconscious Mind: An Overview

Explore Freud's theories on the unconscious mind, including the topographical and structural models, defence mechanisms, and their impact on behaviour. A comprehensive guide to understanding Freud's exploration of the psyche.

A Guide to Freud's Structure of the Mind: Exploring the Id, Ego, and Superego

Explore Freud's theory of the id, ego, and superego with clear explanations and practical examples. Learn how these parts of the psyche shape behaviour and decision-making.

Neuroscience