Thursday, October 30, 2008

Questions About Sexual Orientation


Hi Everyone!

The APA has on their main page a link to Answers to your Questions For a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality which you may find helpful after reading this section in your text. If you have any further questions please let me know!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Did you Hear...?


Hi Everyone!

Have you ever passed along gossip? Every eagerly listened? Is Gossip good or bad? Frank T. McAndrew discusses "The Science of Gossip: Why We Can't Stop Ourselves" in the October issue of Scientific American Mind. Check out what is said concerning gossip about profs! :-)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Taming Temper Tantrums


Hi Everyone!

Have you watched "SuperNanny" on tv? Have you seen those children who are unruly and disrespectful turn into very lovely children? Do you notice the parents behaviors also? In Intro we discuss Temper Tantrums, even adult ones, are typically the results of reinforcing this behavior. Earlier in the term we discussed how behavior problems can actually be a learning problem. Later in the term when we discuss Development we will discuss parenting styles. The October/November issue of Scientific American Mind has a piece by Stefanie Reinberger "Tempering Tantrums." In this article, each of these variables and a few others are discussed. Also discussed is the link between childhood temper tantrums and aggression later on in life.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Scanning Your Brain


Hi Everyone!

In Abnormal Psych we discuss the wide variety of Brain Scans which can be used to help assess psychological disorders. In the October/November issue of Scientific American Mind Michael Shermer's piece suggests "Why You Should Be Skeptical of Brain Scans". He suggests five flaws in the use of results from fMRIs which you may want to critically think about.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Just Download To Your Brain


Hi Everyone!

Have you ever wished you could just have your textbook on a Flash drive & just plug it in & download it to your brain? :-) Well the November Issue of Scientific American has a cover story "Jacking into the Brain -- Is the Brain the Ultimate Computer Interface?" They are discussing some future ideas including an artificial Hippocampus. Check out what they are currently researching in "Neurotechnology"! They even feel this research can lead to the best pedagogical methods for students to learn the quickest!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Do You Suffer From Migraines?


Hi Everyone!

Do you or someone you know suffer from Migraines? If so, please read & pass long this piece from the July 2008 issue of Scientific American called "Why Migraines Strike" written by David Dodick & J. Jay Gargus. The article mentions some more recent theories which are being investigated & perhaps leading to new methods of treating migraines. It also mentioned many triggers of migraines.

Abnormal Psych students will see " epidemiological studies" and the history of Galen mentioned.