This brief audio message reviews Exam 1 class performance, including overall strengths and key concepts that are well understood, as well areas to grow. This message also includes tips for preparing for future exams. E-mail me with any questions.

The first 5 minutes of this episode highlights some strengths and areas of insight from the forum on pain and addiction. The last 4 minutes of this episode reviews sleep as a progressive, reversible loss of consciousness, sleep stages, and the importance of different stages for memory consolidation. 

In this episode, check out feedback from Chapter 2 on neurons and brain function. E-mail me or come by office hours with any questions! EdPuzzles: myelin sheath and glial cells Forum: limitations of case studies Learning Activity: clarifications for several areas of confusion (i.e. cerebellum vs. motor cortex)

This brief audio message summarizes feedback from the Learning Activity Chapter 1: -nature vs. nurture -branches of psychology -theories/perspectives in psychology -research methods, especially experimental design

This week, we explore Chapter 9: Motivation and Emotion. Be sure to have a copy of Maslow's pyramid in front of you so that you can review the different levels as we introduce the needs hierarchy. As always, please ask questions in office hours.

In this brief episode, we apply psychology concepts to the River Crossing Riddle, including slow thinking strategies (trial and error) and fast thinking strategies (heuristics, or mental shortcuts). We also explore why people fear the wrong thing, using a common shortcut, the availability heuristic. Enjoy exploring Ted Ed videos and EdPuzzle videos this week!

In this episode, we explore memory as a pervasive force in our everyday lives. What is memory, exactly? How can we improve our recall for key information, from names to psychology terms, using elaborative rehearsal? What are the different types of memory stores? How does the case study of HM teach us about different long-term memory stores? 

In this episode, explore with me the three major types of learning: classical learning, operant learning, and observational learning. As you listen, follow along with me by writing down key vocabulary. Then, come up with your own examples for each type of learning, a practice which will help key terms stick in your memory! Lastly, we explore the mindful Three Good Things practice together.

In this brief episode, use Bev Doolitte's artwork titled: The Forest Has Eyes to explore sensation vs. perception, how they are separate processes, and how they work together to help us process, interpret, and respond to sensory input.

Check out Episode 4: Development: Nature and Nurture for insights into the power of twin and adoption studies as well as a brief exploration of how nature, nurture, and epigenetics influence the development of traits like anxiety.  

In this episode, we explore and connect the study of consciousness to theory and biological psychology using the Global Workspace Model. We consider your conscious experience of your favorite song. Then, we explore the two-track mind, both conscious and unconscious, and attention as a limited resource. Lastly, we do a brief overview of sleep as a progressive, but reversible, loss of consciousnesss.

Check out the timeline below to review key topics in this episode. 0:01 - 4:00 - Connect back to Chapter 1, Themes, Zoom Out Nervous System 4:00 - 5:00 - What is neuroplasticity? Are our brains relatively fixed or plastic? 5:00 - 8:00 - What are strengths and limitations of case study? What did the Case of Phineas Gage teach us about brain, specifically the frontal lobe and localization of function?

Review the timeline below for an overview of topics covered in this episode. Spend time creating memories for the names of key theories and thinkers in psychology, as these ideas will serve you well throughout our course! 0:01 - 4:00 - What is psychology? What is NOT psychology? 4:15 - 10:45 - What are the major ideas (theories) and thinkers that shaped our modern-day understanding of psychology?

This episode explores the biopsychosocial model, stress, the impact of chronic stress, and three types of coping strategies. Enjoy applying knowledge of stress and coping to your own life this week!

Explore variations in sexual orientation as well as key terms and ideas around gender identity, including trangender and cisgender. Think about ways we can promote acceptance and reduce discrimination and prejudice around orientation and gender identity!

This episode includes an exploration of biological sex and intersex, as well as concepts related to gender, including schemas, stereotypes, cognitive development theory and social learning theory. Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore the Trait Theory and Big 5 traits using the acronym OCEAN or CANOE. We also discuss how twin studies can help psychologists explore the nature-nurture debate: Are personality traits more influenced by nature or nurture?

Check out this brief podcast exploring personality from Freud's view - including psychoanalytic theory, personality structure with competing id, ego and superego, and finally, most useful to modern-day study of personality and health, learn about defense mechanisms. Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore the cognitive and emotional biases that help explain why stereotypes and prejudice persist. Keep an open mind as you explore the social world like a psychologist. How can we work together to reduce stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination?

In this podcast, we will explore social thinking, attribution theory, and the fundamental attribution error using Valerie Cox's story The Cookie Thief. What sources of information do we use to form snap judgments?  When we explain others behavior, do we look to personal or situational factors?  What is the fundamental attribution error, and when we are we most likely to make it?

This episode provides an overview of Chapter 9 key topics and summarizes a new way to share and teach each other in the forum. I share a few tips for managing negative emotions common to student life and some tips on mindful breathing. Enjoy!

We were born to learn! As you listen to this brief episode, contrast the three major forms of learning (classical, operant, and observational). During the last minute of the podcast, check out the Three Good Things Practice and consider how you might train your brain to tune into positive events. Enjoy your week!

In this episode, check out the topics we will cover in Chapter 3, and join me in a brief exercise to alter your state of consciousness - mindfulness! 

During this episode, you will hear about my field of expertise, where cognitive and biological psychology meet! You will hear themes, including the overarching idea that everything psychological is ultimately biological. You will also learn about skills, major questions, and insights for our forum discussion. Please e-mail me with any questions.