Finally!!!! Yay!!!!!
Well I said that we were done in on of my other posts, but for this time it may be real... at least after we finish the THREE projects that were assigned this past week. The one I am looking forward to the most is the independent project. This is because we got to chose exactly what we wanted to do. I am writing a paper about the implications of nanotechnology for neurology. Starting out finding the articles was challenging, but now that I have a few it has gotten much easier. Now I can just use the references from the articles to find more articles. In fact, these articles have actually been better than the articles I originally found. I know I won't get through all of the references, though, since I have hundreds to sift though. Anyway...
The movie we are watching seems really pointless. It is high school musical with a 70's twist. I really don't see the psychological themes at all- besides drugs that is.
Well, I'm searching again, so I'm done. For good. At least as far as I know.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
We're done!
Well, I'm glad that's over with. Finally, I can get a little sanity back in my life. Anyway, the test is about what I expected. The multiple choice that is... But I definitely liked the essays, and they seemed really easy.
The movie we watched in class was interesting, and it seemed hard for me to believe that it was based on a true story, even though I know it was. It was a fine movie- not my favorite but not bad.
As for the project, I'm looking forward to it. I am going to write a research paper about the implications of nanotechnology for neuroscience. This is because as of now I am planning on going into nanotechnology after college. While it won't be in the area of neuroscience, I am still interested in general information about the developing technology.
The movie we watched in class was interesting, and it seemed hard for me to believe that it was based on a true story, even though I know it was. It was a fine movie- not my favorite but not bad.
As for the project, I'm looking forward to it. I am going to write a research paper about the implications of nanotechnology for neuroscience. This is because as of now I am planning on going into nanotechnology after college. While it won't be in the area of neuroscience, I am still interested in general information about the developing technology.
Friday, May 7, 2010
AP tests
Well, last week my post was titled stress!!!... I definitely think that I am feeling better about all of my AP tests now that one of them is over. Also, the practice tests have been helping my confidence, although I am still a bit cautious since we did not factor in the free response. I still have been very stressed out about my physics test though...
I definitely thing that studying over the long-term helps to reduce stress. Since I have been reviewing psychology topics for some weeks now, I feel calm and ready to take the test. This could possibly be another thing that the book could mention. By the way... There are the same number of pages devoted to attraction as aggression (exactly seven), but that is really off subject.
I think the book does a really good job of explaining stress and ways to combat it. I forget if it was mentioned, but one way I have found is to get plenty of sleep, since I then wake up refreshed and ready to start studying again.
Well, if you can't tell, I'm grasping for things to talk about so I think I will end it here, as bad as this post is...
I definitely thing that studying over the long-term helps to reduce stress. Since I have been reviewing psychology topics for some weeks now, I feel calm and ready to take the test. This could possibly be another thing that the book could mention. By the way... There are the same number of pages devoted to attraction as aggression (exactly seven), but that is really off subject.
I think the book does a really good job of explaining stress and ways to combat it. I forget if it was mentioned, but one way I have found is to get plenty of sleep, since I then wake up refreshed and ready to start studying again.
Well, if you can't tell, I'm grasping for things to talk about so I think I will end it here, as bad as this post is...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
STRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, the reading for tonight has definitely gotten me thinking about my recent days. Starting last week, I have been really (really, really, really, etc...) stressed. With three AP tests, Solar Olympics, and Senior Night looming, I have been up to my neck in stressors. I need to build a solar cooker, I have tests every other day, I need to learn a piano accompaniment, and I need to make display boards. AGH!!!
Hopefully this will not shorten my life by too much, since stress does take its toll on the body, according to the book. Thankfully, I do take a little time to unwind, which the book said is extremely helpful. A lot of times when I have just had enough studying, I will play saxophone, exercise, or just lay on my bed and relax. I definitely helps to relieve some of the stress... Just in time to start studying again! I definitely cannot wait until the AP tests are in the past...
I am thankful, though, that I have close friends to talk to, which the book also mentions as something that helps. Also, I tend to be happy, which can definitely offset some of the stress. I do find myself extremely satisfied with life, because I feel like I accomplish a lot every day- there is no wasted time (except maybe my fourth hour, but I devote about a third of that class to studying physics, so it isn't completely wasted time). I guess to sum everything that I said up (you really didn't have to read all of the information before this), I have been finding many connections between stress and emotions in my life. When the stress happens, though, I use relaxation activities to unwind, and my close friends and my mostly cheerful disposition have helped me.
Hopefully this will not shorten my life by too much, since stress does take its toll on the body, according to the book. Thankfully, I do take a little time to unwind, which the book said is extremely helpful. A lot of times when I have just had enough studying, I will play saxophone, exercise, or just lay on my bed and relax. I definitely helps to relieve some of the stress... Just in time to start studying again! I definitely cannot wait until the AP tests are in the past...
I am thankful, though, that I have close friends to talk to, which the book also mentions as something that helps. Also, I tend to be happy, which can definitely offset some of the stress. I do find myself extremely satisfied with life, because I feel like I accomplish a lot every day- there is no wasted time (except maybe my fourth hour, but I devote about a third of that class to studying physics, so it isn't completely wasted time). I guess to sum everything that I said up (you really didn't have to read all of the information before this), I have been finding many connections between stress and emotions in my life. When the stress happens, though, I use relaxation activities to unwind, and my close friends and my mostly cheerful disposition have helped me.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Disorders, Therapy, and Such
I guess I can start with my reactions to that test... Ouch. Thankfully it will be curved, but still. I really didn't think it was that bad, but I guess it was. As for the test today, I decided I really need to study up on some disorders and some therapies.
I know all of my posts have been related to personal experience, but I feel that it is the best way for me to discuss my knowledge of the concepts, so, again, here are some personal connections to psychology. I was reading an editorial in Time magazine, and it was talking about when it was necessary to receive therapy for a so called 'marriage disorder' or something of that sort. It was when a person gets married, five, six, seven, eight... a lot of times. It was also discussing drug therapy because it was talking about a patch to emulate the symptoms of marriage, much like a patch would be used to treat nicotine addiction. I just found this a bizarre article.
As for different disorders, I have found myself to be obsessive-compulsive at times, checking to make sure I locked my car doors, two, three, or even four times. While I can't say that I am as extreme as some of the examples in the book, I do have many obsessive-compulsive habits. However, they seem to come in spurts, so I will be obsessive for a while and then it will go away. For example, I will have a time where I have to brush my teeth right away after every meal, and then some extra times. While this isn't necessarily a bad habit, it does sometimes get annoying. Fortunately, I haven't been like this in a while. Another disorder it sometimes seems like I suffer from is Bipolar disorder. Some days I feel really motivated to study and do other things, while other days I feel like doing nothing of the sort (like this morning, although that feeling seems to have passed). Anyway, this is probably more just mild mood swings, since I am never really depressed, I just have days I am less happy. Also, if I am not motivated to do homework, I am motivated to work out, play piano and saxophone, or read. It just seems that I have different compulsions (used on purpose, by the way) on different days.
Basically, while I don't think that I suffer from any of the disorders mentioned in the book, I do feel that I exhibit some of the symptoms of the disorders, in milder forms. This probably can be seen in all of us, however, if we all look hard enough...
I know all of my posts have been related to personal experience, but I feel that it is the best way for me to discuss my knowledge of the concepts, so, again, here are some personal connections to psychology. I was reading an editorial in Time magazine, and it was talking about when it was necessary to receive therapy for a so called 'marriage disorder' or something of that sort. It was when a person gets married, five, six, seven, eight... a lot of times. It was also discussing drug therapy because it was talking about a patch to emulate the symptoms of marriage, much like a patch would be used to treat nicotine addiction. I just found this a bizarre article.
As for different disorders, I have found myself to be obsessive-compulsive at times, checking to make sure I locked my car doors, two, three, or even four times. While I can't say that I am as extreme as some of the examples in the book, I do have many obsessive-compulsive habits. However, they seem to come in spurts, so I will be obsessive for a while and then it will go away. For example, I will have a time where I have to brush my teeth right away after every meal, and then some extra times. While this isn't necessarily a bad habit, it does sometimes get annoying. Fortunately, I haven't been like this in a while. Another disorder it sometimes seems like I suffer from is Bipolar disorder. Some days I feel really motivated to study and do other things, while other days I feel like doing nothing of the sort (like this morning, although that feeling seems to have passed). Anyway, this is probably more just mild mood swings, since I am never really depressed, I just have days I am less happy. Also, if I am not motivated to do homework, I am motivated to work out, play piano and saxophone, or read. It just seems that I have different compulsions (used on purpose, by the way) on different days.
Basically, while I don't think that I suffer from any of the disorders mentioned in the book, I do feel that I exhibit some of the symptoms of the disorders, in milder forms. This probably can be seen in all of us, however, if we all look hard enough...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Psychological Disorder Articles
The first article I read is found at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325131600.htm
This article is about the current inaccuracies of diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder as Bipolar disorder by using the most common mood disorder test, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). The MDQ is a brief questionnaire used by clinics in order to identify if a person has Bipolar Disorder. However, as a research team discovered, The MDQ is four times more likely to diagnose a person with Bipolar Disorder than is a Psychiatrist using the DSM-IV. Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar share many same characteristics, such as changes in mood and impulsive actions. However, the treatments for these disorders are very different. The risk in diagnosing a patient wrong is that they will receive the wrong treatment. As these researchers found out, the most common mood disorder test is misdiagnosing many Borderline patients following just the guidelines in the DSM-IV (assuming the psychiatrists are making the correct diagnosis, but that's just my opinion).
The second article I read is found at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928141957.htm
This article is about the connection between being creative and being at a higher risk for psychological disorders. The key gene appears to be neuregulin 1. This gene has been found to strengthen communication between neurons. Also, a slight variation of this gene puts a person more at risk for disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar. For this study, the researchers found people who considered themselves to be creative. Then, using a general creativity scale, the researchers rated each person. After taking blood was taken from each person and then analyzed, the researchers found a significant correlation between creativity and neuregulin 1. This correlation implies that perhaps a gene that has been found to cause mental illness also has a useful biological function (creativity).
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325131600.htm
This article is about the current inaccuracies of diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder as Bipolar disorder by using the most common mood disorder test, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). The MDQ is a brief questionnaire used by clinics in order to identify if a person has Bipolar Disorder. However, as a research team discovered, The MDQ is four times more likely to diagnose a person with Bipolar Disorder than is a Psychiatrist using the DSM-IV. Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar share many same characteristics, such as changes in mood and impulsive actions. However, the treatments for these disorders are very different. The risk in diagnosing a patient wrong is that they will receive the wrong treatment. As these researchers found out, the most common mood disorder test is misdiagnosing many Borderline patients following just the guidelines in the DSM-IV (assuming the psychiatrists are making the correct diagnosis, but that's just my opinion).
The second article I read is found at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928141957.htm
This article is about the connection between being creative and being at a higher risk for psychological disorders. The key gene appears to be neuregulin 1. This gene has been found to strengthen communication between neurons. Also, a slight variation of this gene puts a person more at risk for disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar. For this study, the researchers found people who considered themselves to be creative. Then, using a general creativity scale, the researchers rated each person. After taking blood was taken from each person and then analyzed, the researchers found a significant correlation between creativity and neuregulin 1. This correlation implies that perhaps a gene that has been found to cause mental illness also has a useful biological function (creativity).
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Two-track mind and personality
Well I will start this with a "news connection." The other day I was reading the comics when I noticed that there was a psychology related comic. Further down the page was another psychology related comic. Psychology has really been entering into my everyday life lately. Also, I was reading a book over break titled Apocalypse Watch by Robert Ludlum. In the book, Ludlum discussed conditioning. Again, it seems that I am finding psychology in everything.
This personality chapter was a bit more difficult for me. There were so many names and everything that I kept getting confused of who did what. I have been finding myself analyzing everything in terms of psychoanalysis recently, though. I seem to have a weird habit of trying to find unconscious desires in the things people say. I wonder what that could say for my desires?
Basically, at the beginning of the course, I was mainly in the class for credit for college, with a little bit of curiosity. Now, however, I have really begun to enjoy the class and all of the connections I can make to everyday life. My motivation has switched from mainly extrinsic to mainly intrinsic. Now if this could only be reflected in my test grades...
This personality chapter was a bit more difficult for me. There were so many names and everything that I kept getting confused of who did what. I have been finding myself analyzing everything in terms of psychoanalysis recently, though. I seem to have a weird habit of trying to find unconscious desires in the things people say. I wonder what that could say for my desires?
Basically, at the beginning of the course, I was mainly in the class for credit for college, with a little bit of curiosity. Now, however, I have really begun to enjoy the class and all of the connections I can make to everyday life. My motivation has switched from mainly extrinsic to mainly intrinsic. Now if this could only be reflected in my test grades...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Intelligence and testing
I'm not sure if I really like all of the questions on some of the intelligence tests. Does random knowledge really test how intelligent you are? I think the better way to test intelligence would be just by using the pattern finding or other similar activities. After all, according to the book, knowledge is the application of knowledge rather than pure knowledge. For example, perhaps a person can name the capitol cities of all the countries of the world. This, however, does no good unless this knowledge can be applied and used to adapt to a new situation or solve a problem.
This blogging is definitely a linguistic and intrapersonal activity. Good thing those were my lowest scores on my multiple intelligences test... That's okay though, it is just harder for me that it possibly would be if I had higher scores in these areas. Other than those two areas, the rest of my multiple intelligences were fairly high and equal. I really doubt the accuracy of self tests though, because one person's "sometimes" is another persons "much of the time." That's just personal opinion, though, but I do base it off of how I would rate other people and how they rated themselves. One of us may be wrong, but it is probably because I would underestimate, and the person would overestimate. I think there should be other factors involved other than just personal ratings, however, I would have no idea how to design such a test...
This blogging is definitely a linguistic and intrapersonal activity. Good thing those were my lowest scores on my multiple intelligences test... That's okay though, it is just harder for me that it possibly would be if I had higher scores in these areas. Other than those two areas, the rest of my multiple intelligences were fairly high and equal. I really doubt the accuracy of self tests though, because one person's "sometimes" is another persons "much of the time." That's just personal opinion, though, but I do base it off of how I would rate other people and how they rated themselves. One of us may be wrong, but it is probably because I would underestimate, and the person would overestimate. I think there should be other factors involved other than just personal ratings, however, I would have no idea how to design such a test...
Friday, March 26, 2010
Memory and Tests
This past week has proved very ironic to me. We start by discussing memory, and we end by taking a test, and tests are based on memory. This was actually one of the only, on second thought probably the only, test I have started to study early for. The week began with a read-through of all of the vocabulary of the new chapters. The next day was for reading over the review questions at the end of each chapter... You get the point...
While I can't say I saw a huge difference in the grade I got, I do think that this review helped me, and I would have gotten a much lower grade if I hadn't reviewed in the manner I did. This review concept is called spacing, and I definitely think I am going to utilize it in the future, as if left me not only better prepared, but it also left me more confident and less nervous about a potential GPA disaster (maybe an exaggeration, possibly...)
This past week (I think) we also discussed mnemonic devices, and then we used one that was very beneficial on this test. I think PORN rates as on of the top mnemonic devices of all times in term of memorability. Basically, the test of recognition today was a good challenge, but the test of recall on Monday will be another type of test altogether. It will test a different form of memory, but it will be another valuable experience. So everybody remember, space your studying this weekend... It will pay dividends on Monday! Bring on the challenge.
While I can't say I saw a huge difference in the grade I got, I do think that this review helped me, and I would have gotten a much lower grade if I hadn't reviewed in the manner I did. This review concept is called spacing, and I definitely think I am going to utilize it in the future, as if left me not only better prepared, but it also left me more confident and less nervous about a potential GPA disaster (maybe an exaggeration, possibly...)
This past week (I think) we also discussed mnemonic devices, and then we used one that was very beneficial on this test. I think PORN rates as on of the top mnemonic devices of all times in term of memorability. Basically, the test of recognition today was a good challenge, but the test of recall on Monday will be another type of test altogether. It will test a different form of memory, but it will be another valuable experience. So everybody remember, space your studying this weekend... It will pay dividends on Monday! Bring on the challenge.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
How did I solve those puzzles?
I will start this with a term from last chapter... I used priming in the activity with the nails. After struggling with it for a while, Jason finally gave us a hint and put two nails together. Immediately I knew what to do. I must have had an experience with this puzzle earlier in my life and I just did 't remember it. Jason's subconscious priming activated my memories and allowed me to solve the puzzle. However, I don't remember, where, if ever, I saw the puzzle before. Because of this, perhaps Jason's actions triggered a sudden flash of insight. Without any strategy I was quickly able to solve the puzzle and put all of the nails on the head of one nail.
To solve the logic puzzle I used an algorithm. I systematically figured out which combinations were true and which combinations were not true. However, once I got into the puzzle I used heuristics, because some of the possibilities were not actually possibilities. For example, it was not possible for the same person to get two different rewards or drive three different cars. Because of this, it was possible to eliminate many of the different possibilities.
The puzzle with the three different people on a narrow ledge was really easy so I didn't really use anything for it.
The record was challenging. Of course, this was probably due to the directions we were given (or the lack thereof). We interpreted the directions as we needed to just make any noise on the record, so we made an apparatus to automatically spin the arm with the needle. This was not the correct solution, however, since we needed to spin the record, but it demonstrates a few principles. Once we got in the mindset that the arm was going to spin (we didn't think we could touch anything, and it would have been much harder to spin the record than the arm with the needle) we didn't really try anything else. This is called fixation. We didn't have a mental set because none of us had ever done a problem like this before (especially considering many people in the group didn't really know how a record player worked). We also did not suffer from functional fixedness because we knew that we were going to have to use the materials in strange ways.
Definitely a great day in AP Psych!
To solve the logic puzzle I used an algorithm. I systematically figured out which combinations were true and which combinations were not true. However, once I got into the puzzle I used heuristics, because some of the possibilities were not actually possibilities. For example, it was not possible for the same person to get two different rewards or drive three different cars. Because of this, it was possible to eliminate many of the different possibilities.
The puzzle with the three different people on a narrow ledge was really easy so I didn't really use anything for it.
The record was challenging. Of course, this was probably due to the directions we were given (or the lack thereof). We interpreted the directions as we needed to just make any noise on the record, so we made an apparatus to automatically spin the arm with the needle. This was not the correct solution, however, since we needed to spin the record, but it demonstrates a few principles. Once we got in the mindset that the arm was going to spin (we didn't think we could touch anything, and it would have been much harder to spin the record than the arm with the needle) we didn't really try anything else. This is called fixation. We didn't have a mental set because none of us had ever done a problem like this before (especially considering many people in the group didn't really know how a record player worked). We also did not suffer from functional fixedness because we knew that we were going to have to use the materials in strange ways.
Definitely a great day in AP Psych!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Memory
Memory is a very interesting thing. Why can I remember the random words from sophomore testing (a lep is a ball, a korf is a tiger, a brickler is a wooden shingle... the list goes on and on, and I think I could still do really well on that identical test, over two years later, if I took it today), but I can't remember for five minutes that I need to take up my laundry or empty the dishwasher? When we took all of those memory tests in class, I got everything right except for the random string of numbers, where I missed one. I was even doing what the recommendation was! But it definitely did not work for me...
When I saw the memory competitions that were mentioned in the book I started to laugh. What isn't there a competition for? Some of the memory feats that those people do like the idiot-savants (memorizing huge strings of meaningless numbers or the entire New York phone book) are just crazy. While others might envy these people for their amazing memories, I actually feel sorry for them. Would you really like to have a bunch of strings of numbers floating around in your head all day? Or would you like to be good at just one thing- memorizing numbers? I definitely wouldn't.
Reading about some of the memory topics has definitely made me appreciate the memory I have. It is better than average, but it does fail me some times. However, I can remember random words or syllables. This is most likely because of the encoding I am doing in order to remember the random words. If I could just find a way to get "unload the dishwasher" from my working memory to some other, more reliable area of memory. However, I would not want this in my long-term memory, because then it would just clutter up my thoughts. Sorry again for the rambling...
When I saw the memory competitions that were mentioned in the book I started to laugh. What isn't there a competition for? Some of the memory feats that those people do like the idiot-savants (memorizing huge strings of meaningless numbers or the entire New York phone book) are just crazy. While others might envy these people for their amazing memories, I actually feel sorry for them. Would you really like to have a bunch of strings of numbers floating around in your head all day? Or would you like to be good at just one thing- memorizing numbers? I definitely wouldn't.
Reading about some of the memory topics has definitely made me appreciate the memory I have. It is better than average, but it does fail me some times. However, I can remember random words or syllables. This is most likely because of the encoding I am doing in order to remember the random words. If I could just find a way to get "unload the dishwasher" from my working memory to some other, more reliable area of memory. However, I would not want this in my long-term memory, because then it would just clutter up my thoughts. Sorry again for the rambling...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Conditioning
This topic has been pretty interesting for me. However, it is hard for me to believe that all activities are conditioned. Did our ancestors look for food because they had success looking for food in the past? I don't think so. They would have looked for food because they were hungry. However, there are many ways that they would have been conditioned in this respect. They would have realized that if there was growling behind them they should probably run because there was a viscous animal right behind them. This would be classical conditioning- associating the fearsome growl with an animal they would want to run from. Also, I'm sure there was much operant conditioning going on. If our ancestors were able to kill a rabbit with a spear by throwing it a certain way, then I'm sure they would repeat this action.
However, where my problem is with this whole thing comes from the last section we read about how genetics shapes a lot of these things. We are naturally predisposed to loud noises, like an animal growling behind us. We are not conditioned to be afraid of these things, we just are. If being afraid of an animal growling was not predisposed, would there be many people left to tell the tale? It is possible, however, that a child is taught that if they were to hear that certain growl that they needed to run. However, I'm not sure if I can attribute all of the reaction to classical conditioning- I am more inclined to attribute some of it to genetic makeup. As for the operant conditioning example, I think this can be more attributed to the conditioning, rather than the genetics. A person may try something new, but if it doesn't work they probably wouldn't try it again- they would keep modifying the procedure until it worked correctly. This is all in the process of learning and operant conditioning.
However, where my problem is with this whole thing comes from the last section we read about how genetics shapes a lot of these things. We are naturally predisposed to loud noises, like an animal growling behind us. We are not conditioned to be afraid of these things, we just are. If being afraid of an animal growling was not predisposed, would there be many people left to tell the tale? It is possible, however, that a child is taught that if they were to hear that certain growl that they needed to run. However, I'm not sure if I can attribute all of the reaction to classical conditioning- I am more inclined to attribute some of it to genetic makeup. As for the operant conditioning example, I think this can be more attributed to the conditioning, rather than the genetics. A person may try something new, but if it doesn't work they probably wouldn't try it again- they would keep modifying the procedure until it worked correctly. This is all in the process of learning and operant conditioning.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Music and the Senses
In the book or this previous section, music was discussed with the just noticeable differences. By far, the difference be tween two tones (notes) had the least difference (common ratio) in order to be noticeable. Perhaps this is why in band when we are playing many different songs, the band directors are always talking about how important intonation is. Because the just noticeable difference between two notes is so small, it is very obvious when two notes are out of tune. Also, the book also mentions how different people have different thresholds, so possibly that is why the directors can hear things that many of the students can't. Perhaps their brains have different neuron connections built up from many years of listening to music.
I found this last section about the senses pretty interesting. This is because we use our senses every day, but I never really knew how they worked. I really liked the differences between sensation and perception, as well as the Gestalt psychology information. Ironically, I just got back from my piano performance at Solo and Ensemble, and I was in an AP Psychology room. They had posters of many of the illusions and Gestalt images on the walls. I thought it was really ironic and interesting. I have always liked optical illusions (I have a few books of them) and this unit has really helped to explain many of them for me.
Wow that was scatterbrained...
I found this last section about the senses pretty interesting. This is because we use our senses every day, but I never really knew how they worked. I really liked the differences between sensation and perception, as well as the Gestalt psychology information. Ironically, I just got back from my piano performance at Solo and Ensemble, and I was in an AP Psychology room. They had posters of many of the illusions and Gestalt images on the walls. I thought it was really ironic and interesting. I have always liked optical illusions (I have a few books of them) and this unit has really helped to explain many of them for me.
Wow that was scatterbrained...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Public Service or Public Disservice Announcement?
The web address for my public service announcement is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0qoY_5ymOo. For our project, Katie, Mariah, and myself traveled all over Ashwaubenon taping at everything from a park, to a church, to Starbucks. We attempted to make our announcement very catchy and memorable. But looking back on it, was our announcement a public service, or a public disservice. Do awful harmonization and ridiculous activities really make our community look the best it possibly could? Or possibly the catchiness of the entire video would inspire people to find out more about our great village... Who knows? All I do know is I had a ton of fun with this project and I would definitely like to do a project like this again in the future.
My favorite video is Kelsey, Meghan, and Allen's. The web address for their video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Cz6l2IL2I. I really liked their video for a few reasons. First, it was very evident they put a lot of effort into the project. The pictures were actually taken by them and they were in many of the pictures. Also, they seemed like they were having a lot of fun which makes the presentation seem much better. For me viewing the video, the pictures kept me engrossed in the announcement until it was totally over. Finally, in the video it was actually easy to understand Kelsey, Meghan, and Allen when they were talking, a major criticism I have when viewing many of the other videos.
My other favorite video is found at this address: http://www.youtube.com/user/appsychology1023#p/u/11/6I1L6LT_0NE. It is very easy to understand, and it contains a lot of information. I also really liked the song at the end. It made the announcement much more exciting and it made Ashwaubenon seem like a great place to live (kind of weird, I know, but that was my impression).
Basically, for me, this project was all about clarity and content. If a video was easy to understand (not too close or far from the microphone) and it contained good information, the project was one of my favorites. I think that many people don't have much experience with video and audio recording and editing, so these projects are a challenge for many. I personally like them (however challenging they might be because I don't have much experience either) because they are a different way of thinking. Instead of just the left brain, we are working the right brain as well!
My favorite video is Kelsey, Meghan, and Allen's. The web address for their video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Cz6l2IL2I. I really liked their video for a few reasons. First, it was very evident they put a lot of effort into the project. The pictures were actually taken by them and they were in many of the pictures. Also, they seemed like they were having a lot of fun which makes the presentation seem much better. For me viewing the video, the pictures kept me engrossed in the announcement until it was totally over. Finally, in the video it was actually easy to understand Kelsey, Meghan, and Allen when they were talking, a major criticism I have when viewing many of the other videos.
My other favorite video is found at this address: http://www.youtube.com/user/appsychology1023#p/u/11/6I1L6LT_0NE. It is very easy to understand, and it contains a lot of information. I also really liked the song at the end. It made the announcement much more exciting and it made Ashwaubenon seem like a great place to live (kind of weird, I know, but that was my impression).
Basically, for me, this project was all about clarity and content. If a video was easy to understand (not too close or far from the microphone) and it contained good information, the project was one of my favorites. I think that many people don't have much experience with video and audio recording and editing, so these projects are a challenge for many. I personally like them (however challenging they might be because I don't have much experience either) because they are a different way of thinking. Instead of just the left brain, we are working the right brain as well!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Nature vs. Nurture
One of the last sections we have been reading has been the nature vs. nurture debate. I understand the whole thing about how nurture shapes what nature provides, but for me it is extremely difficult to believe that genetics shape pretty much who we are (our temperament). From personal experience, my temperament is not much like those of my brothers or my parents. My personality seems very different from the rest of my family, so I don't see how it could be related to my genetics. Also, I wasn't always the way I am... About fourth grade I changed so I was more outgoing. This was because of the people I met. This is one of the main reasons for my skepticism of the fact that nature shapes most of our temperament.
As I was mentioning in class, I have been a part of a longitudinal study since before I was born. I think some of the research in this study is being done to further test the effects of nature and nurture through the years. This is because the researchers ask my parents questions, and the researchers ask me questions as well. They may be trying to see how my opinions and feelings differ from those of my parents. Also, one of the main points of the study is to see the effects of working parents on their children. This definitely seems like the researchers are studying nurture, if you ask me...
As I was mentioning in class, I have been a part of a longitudinal study since before I was born. I think some of the research in this study is being done to further test the effects of nature and nurture through the years. This is because the researchers ask my parents questions, and the researchers ask me questions as well. They may be trying to see how my opinions and feelings differ from those of my parents. Also, one of the main points of the study is to see the effects of working parents on their children. This definitely seems like the researchers are studying nurture, if you ask me...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Discussion
I really liked the discussion today, and I think that class discussions bring up a lot of interesting points that would not be brought up otherwise. I also like the online discussion thing, however, I do have one criticism. I definitely think that the whole thing would run a lot more smoothly if we had a separate forum for each of the areas of discussion in order to keep everything all in one place. Also, I think it would be very beneficial if there were a way to do it in real-time (possibly Wave) because I found that by the time I typed a response to a post there were already three other responses to it. Luckily for me I was posting about a different aspect of the original post, but there could possibly be a bit of redundancy if this problem persists. Maybe I'm just crazy though... I don't know...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Brain Plasticity
In order for the tongue to be wired to the visual cortex, a few things would have to be augmented. Sensory input from the tongue would come to the brain via the parietal lobe (the sensory cortex) and then it would have to travel to the visual cortex (located in the occipital lobe), where the sensory input from the eyes goes. In order for these two areas of the brain to be connected, there would have to be neuron pathway between these two areas of the brain. The good thing about the proximity of the parietal lobe and the occipital lobe is that the neurons between these two areas are already close together. There will be less wiring for these neurons to do, so it wouldn't take as long for this process as if the sensory cortex was in the frontal lobe.
In order to get to the brain, the signals from the tongue would have to travel through the central nervous system and through the brain stem. The thalamus sends this signal to the parietal lobe, where the sensory cortex is located. Then, in the changed brain, the neurons transmit the signal to the occipital lobe and the visual cortex. This is how the tongue can see. Also, as the individual would keep using the tongue to see, the tongue part of the sensory cortex would expand so that it gets more accurate and eventually it would almost take over the visual cortex.
In order to get to the brain, the signals from the tongue would have to travel through the central nervous system and through the brain stem. The thalamus sends this signal to the parietal lobe, where the sensory cortex is located. Then, in the changed brain, the neurons transmit the signal to the occipital lobe and the visual cortex. This is how the tongue can see. Also, as the individual would keep using the tongue to see, the tongue part of the sensory cortex would expand so that it gets more accurate and eventually it would almost take over the visual cortex.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Caffeine
Caffeine really works in two ways. It is an inhibitor as well as a stimulant. In a normal brain, a chemical called adenosine builds up. This is a chemical that makes a person sleepy. However, in a brain that contains caffeine, the caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors. Thus, the adenosine is inhibited and there is no buildup of this chemical. Also, caffeine triggers the brain to release another chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is released in the part of the brain that feels pleasure, so many people feel happy after ingesting caffeine. Caffeine is an antagonist because it inhibits the adenosine from building up on the neurons. Caffeine, however, is also an agonist because it causes the neurons to release dopamine, a chemical not usually produced in high concentrations.
Over the long term, there really aren't very many side effects for caffeine unless more than 650 mg a day are ingested. For perspective, this is between eight and nine cups of coffee per day. However, if enough caffeine is ingested the long term effects could be as follows: chronic insomnia, stomach ulcers, and anxiety and depression. Also, there is some evidence that caffeine may be related to an irregular heartbeat and to higher cholesterol, but there is no conclusive evidence relating caffeine to heart disease.
There are not many ways to misuse caffeine. If used too much for too long one can experience headaches associated with caffeine withdrawal if there is a sudden decrease in the amount of caffeine ingested. Also, caffeine may be harmful during pregnancy. Ingestion of large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and miscarriages.
Really though, there is no evidence that caffeine creates dependence. However, it can cause insomnia and other problems, so use should be limited. The best way to do this is to gradually decrease the intake of caffeine and replace it with decaffeinated alternatives.
Over the long term, there really aren't very many side effects for caffeine unless more than 650 mg a day are ingested. For perspective, this is between eight and nine cups of coffee per day. However, if enough caffeine is ingested the long term effects could be as follows: chronic insomnia, stomach ulcers, and anxiety and depression. Also, there is some evidence that caffeine may be related to an irregular heartbeat and to higher cholesterol, but there is no conclusive evidence relating caffeine to heart disease.
There are not many ways to misuse caffeine. If used too much for too long one can experience headaches associated with caffeine withdrawal if there is a sudden decrease in the amount of caffeine ingested. Also, caffeine may be harmful during pregnancy. Ingestion of large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and miscarriages.
Really though, there is no evidence that caffeine creates dependence. However, it can cause insomnia and other problems, so use should be limited. The best way to do this is to gradually decrease the intake of caffeine and replace it with decaffeinated alternatives.
Why I Love Moodle Response
I actually don't find Moodle all that difficult to use. There was a slight learning curve, but that went away after a few days. I like that it is possible to have class discussions with both classes outside of the school day. Also, it is very nice that we can ask questions and have them answered before the next day. It is really convenient and it aids in my understanding of the difficult or confusing topics. I don't really use any other networking sites for studying, but I do like to call people if I am confused and then I can have a makeshift study group over the phone. Also, being asked questions and having to answer these questions helps me study. Basically, I think Moodle is a powerful tool and I am glad that we get to use it for this class
Experiment Replication
I really liked this assignment. Projects really help me learn a lot better than just reading in the book, and they are quite a bit more interesting. Katie and I chose to replicate an experiment on how information provided after an event can shape the memory of an eyewitness. Sadly, our data did not match up with the original experiment, but I suppose that that is experimentation. Our data had such a wide spread of values, though, that our replication really wasn't valid at all. I definitely think we needed more mature test subjects for this experiment to be replicated exactly.
The Test
The test was about what I expected. Because of this, I don't have any change in expectations for this course. There was one question I got wrong that I really should have gotten right because I studied it extensively, but I know I got it right on my corrections, so at least I got half a point back for it. On that subject, I really wasn't expecting the opportunity to redo the test, so it was a pretty pleasant surprise when I found out we could get half of the points we got off back. I wasn't overall disappointed with my grade, but I think I can definitely do better in the future now that I further know what to expect and I know the types of questions on the test. I am, however, kind of worried about the essay where we had to design an experiment because I hope I controlled all of the variables except the one that we were trying to manipulate...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Youtube assignment
I really liked this assignment. It was very informative, and it was a lot of fun to put together the videos. I also really liked to watch all of the other videos. Everyone did a very good job and many of them were really funny. They were definitely a better way to learn about all of the psychologists rather than just reading about them. It went much quicker, and I learned just as much as reading. It was also much more memorable, because I will remember some of the humor when I am trying to remember what each of the psychologists did.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Technology
The netbooks have definitely been an interesting experience in these first couple minutes. We had a few problems with the technology and getting to all of the websites, but everyone worked together and now we all have gotten everything to work. I definitely think these netbooks will be a really great experience and I'm looking forward to it. I'm about to check out the ebook and work with it for a little bit. I don't know what I think about the idea of an ebook. I will just have to work with it a little bit and see how everything goes. It might be totally different than I expect and I might love it. We'll just have to wait and see...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Beginning of class thoughts and the first quiz
I think the class is definitely going to be interesting. The reading seemed a little long, so I think that is why I didn't remember as much of the information as I wanted to. The thing I had the most trouble with was keeping the names straight and the different theories (like functionalism) straight. I think the printout with the vocabulary definitely helped me remember some of the words, but I think I will need to continue to review more before the quizzes and tests because there was so much information all at once.
I think the class is going to be interesting, and it is definitely going to be a learning experience for college next year. It will definitely help me manage my time, and it will keep me organized. I am looking forward to learning about all of the different topics because this subject is totally different from everything I have learned about before.
Basically, this class will be a learning experience, and I am definitely looking forward to it.
I think the class is going to be interesting, and it is definitely going to be a learning experience for college next year. It will definitely help me manage my time, and it will keep me organized. I am looking forward to learning about all of the different topics because this subject is totally different from everything I have learned about before.
Basically, this class will be a learning experience, and I am definitely looking forward to it.
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