In order to provide you with some additional guidance on how to complete this very important discussion, which is the first in a series of three, I have recorded a video explanation to supplement the written instructions.  This recording was made initially for my summer section of this course and proved to be very helpful per student feedback from a previous section (so please ignore due dates in the video, and follow the due dates listed below). The recording will provide the context of this assignment, as well as provide examples of what is expected, and what is expected in order to earn full credit.  Please click this link to access the video, or if you find the video fuzzy, then download the video below.Play media comment.
On our home page and syllabus page, we have listed a student learning outcome that will lead us to be able to identify basic concepts and research findings and give examples of psychology’s integrative themes. These themes are listed on the home and syllabus page for your review.  In order to meet this learning objective, it will require us to critically think through our textbook readings and engage in critical discussion applying what we read about and relate them to the five listed themes. 
For this particular assignment, chose three concepts or ideas that were covered in this week’s readings in Chapter 2 and Chapter 4 (pages 139-157) that illustrate the themes I and III (listed below)
I. Psychological science relies on empirical evidence adapting as new data develop.
III. Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence mental processes and behavior.
Then:
1. In your initial post, please provide a clear description of three concepts or ideas, and define it in your own words.  Then explain how the concept fits within the one or both themes (I and III).  Please post your initial post no later than Thursday 10/29.  
2.  Follow-up later in the week to respond to a minimum of two of your classmates’ posts with a meaningful addition to what they have written before the discussion closes.  This may involve any or all of the following:

Drawing connections between the concepts/ideas and the themes that the initial post did not capture.
Providing additional perspective not reported in the initial post, in how the concept/idea fits the theme (i.e. building upon what was stated)
Drawing comparisons in how the different concepts or ideas presented by your classmate overlap.