Assisted Suicide

Humor and Age

Does this video refer to a longitudinal or a cross-sectional study?

Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development

Harlow's Monkeys Video #2 and #3

Harry Harlow's Monkeys Video #1

Imprinting...

Baby Laughing

Moro Reflex

A Simple Summary of the Perspectives of Psychology

Check out this link for a simple summary of the top five psychological perspectives.

Simply Psychology: Overview of Five Psychology Perspectives

Socio-Cultural Differences

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

Possibly the most optimistic man in the world.

Psychology & the News: A Celebrity Death, the Anniversary of a Tragedy and a Murder Trial

What do the death of Robin Williams, the anniversary of 9/11, and the trial of Oscar Pistorius have in common? Other than all being evidence that we live in a fallen world, not much. Except that they are each fascinating from a psychological perspective. I have listed some reflection questions under each topic, to get your mind going. Are there other good psych-related questions you can think of to ask? 

1) The death of Robin Williams. What unique stressors do celebrities experience that may put them at greater risk of depression and suicide? How does the media's reporting of a suicide, especially of a prominent figure like Williams, impact those who may be contemplating suicide? What specific factors contributed to making Williams' death be presented and viewed as such a national tragedy? What is it about celebrities that makes them celebrities? Why do we have a culture of celebrity worship? 

Reactions to Robin Williams' death. 
Matt Walsh on suicide.  (This is quite a controversial article on suicide, but I think it is important for us to consider these very real and sobering issues from many different angles. I also know it can be a sensitive topic for people, so please let me know if you want to talk more with me about it.)

2) The anniversary of 9/11. Why do so many people remember exactly where they were, what they were doing and who they were with on that day 13 years ago? Why do we have such a keen memory of that day when we probably have no idea what we were doing the day before or the day after? Why might a tragedy in America be perceived differently than a tragedy of equal proportion elsewhere in the world, both by Americans and by those from other countries who experience the tragedy? What psychological factors, in addition to spiritual factors, cause some children to grow up and become terrorists and others to become firemen? 

9/11 Memorial

And just because...Obama volunteers for 'KaBOOM!' on 9/11.

3) The verdict in the trial of Oscar Pistorius. You may not be as familiar with this story of the South African athlete who shot and killed his girlfriend in their home, but I encourage you to read about it. How do you think having a jury vs. not having a jury may influence the verdict (SA doesn't have trials by jury)? What extraneous variables besides the evidence may have influenced the judge's decision, considering Pistorius' fame? How do you think Pistorius' physical disability impacts the public's view of him, positively or negatively? Is the population of South Africa more likely to consider him innocent or guilty based on his athletic achievements? In what way may the testimony of eye-witnesses have been impacted by psychological factors, i.e. stress, influence of popular opinion, memory, nature of a high profile case? 

Why there are no trials by jury in South Africa. 
Recent verdict on Oscar Pistorius case. 

The discussion this week is meant to encourage you to start viewing the world through the lens of psychology. As you can see, no matter what the event, there are countless ways that psychology can help us think about and interpret our world in a deeper and more comprehensive way. I will give you some of my thoughts on these news stories on Monday, and we will continue to explore the answers to these questions and many more over the next months. 

For an assessment of a more lighthearted event, check out the previous post on the Ice Bucket Challenge

More Interesting Psych Experiments

For those who are interested, a few more fascinating (and sometimes cruel & horrible) experiments from the history of psychology. Some get a bit graphic, so feel free to skip this.

10 Experiments That Went Horribly Wrong
10 Most Revealing Experiments

Crash Course - History of Psychology

Why is the Ice Bucket Challenge So Successful?

What is the psychology behind the ice bucket challenge and why is it so successful?

This article proposes some of the reasons why numerous people, from celebrities to entire schools, have been willing to pour ice water over their heads in the name of charity, and then post videos of the experience for all to see. The idea of the 'latest fad' has taken on new significance with the growth of the internet and social media, leading to the subsequent phenomenon of viral videos, blog posts and trends. The sensationalizing of ice water this summer is a perfect example of what happens when a previously meaningless activity becomes the obsession of an entire nation.

While it could be argued that the psychological concepts of conformity, social norms, and self concept are at play in a person's decision to douse themselves, it is much harder to build a case for altruism. On the other hand, what is it that causes some people to defiantly resist the norm and choose the route of non-conformity? Are those who propound their views of the challenge as being unethical and irresponsible because of wasted drinking water merely choosing a different group with which to conform? Are the motivations behind each response more similar than we may imagine? 

Did you accept the ice bucket challenge? Why or why not? 

AP Psychology - FAQs for the New School Year

For those who have an interest in the upcoming class, here are some of the most common questions being asked this week: 

Who can take the class? The class is primarily intended for homeschooled high school students who want to take an AP class and get a jump start on college. However, the class is also open to adults who want to take the class for their own personal enjoyment or knowledge. (Adults are sometimes the most motivated and enthusiastic participants!)

Is there still room for new students in the class? Yes, there are still a couple of slots open for the 2014-2015 school year.

When does the new class begin? Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 10am EST.

How can I get more information? Contact me at psych.plus1@gmail.com

How do I sign up for the class? Complete the registration form and pay the registration fee.

What textbook do I need to purchase? David Myer's Psychology 9th edition.

Do you conduct the class using Skype? No, I use a Blackboard Collaborate classroom. It has proved to be a reliable and effective forum for teaching, and is designed for the educational setting - unlike Skype.

If you have had any contact with me, then you have most likely received this information in one form or another. But something I've learned from teaching is that repetition is never a bad thing.

Did I forget anything? 

AP Psychology Online Course

There is just one week left to register for the 2014-2015 school year! Interested students should complete the registration form as soon as possible. Registered students will receive all pertinent information by email, including the syllabus and access to the online classroom. I look forward to another year of learning and growing together as we explore the creativity of God as it is displayed in the scientific study of human behavior and the mind. See you soon!