Tools for Reviewing Learning Theories

We've got a test coming up on Learning theories, so here are some tools for your preparation. Many of the videos and tools below were developed by fellow AP Psych teacher Chuck Schallhorn, for your benefit in reviewing. Thanks, Mr. Schallhorn.

The first type of learning we studied was Classical Conditioning. The video below does a brief review of that process, as well as a providing a brief overview of learning in general.



Still feeling uncertain about the terminology surrounding Classical Conditioning? Here are some more examples for your reviewing needs.



As you may recall, the second type of learning we discussed was Operant Conditioning. The video that follows gives you an overview of this type of learning and the various reinforcement types used with it.




One potentially tricky concept to tackle this unit is Reinforcement Schedules. Below, a video review that can illuminate the differences between the various schedule types.



Feeling confident? If you think you've got this stuff down, challenge yourself with these practice multiple choice questions on learning.

And, of course there are Quizlet flashcards for your use as well.

1st Quarter Test Trends

Over the break, I had the time to sit down and review test data from first quarter, all tests and grades having been completely finalized by this point. I was pleased to find an upward trend in our performance over the course of Quarter 1, which is consistent with previous years and a sign of good things to come!

However, these gains don't come easily, as most former students will attest, so it is important to keep refining and updating your study habits. As we move into 2nd Quarter, pay special attention to study tips and guides that I provide, as each unit has its nuances (Unit 5 is vocab heavy, Unit 6 very conceptual) and you will benefit from adjusting your study habits to accommodate these quirks.

Studying for Your Sensation and Perception Test

We will be wrapping up our sensation & perception unit tomorrow with a test on those topics, so that means tonight should involve some careful studying of the many (over 100!) terms and concepts we learned over the past couple of weeks. To help you, I've included some links and videos below.

How the Eye Works (a little more detailed than the version we used in class, but it does hit all of the major parts). For more info on this and other eye-related stuff, check out the National Eye Institute Website.


How the Ear Works


For your entertainment as you review all those depth perception cues: SNL Skit on No-Depth Perception Guy!



And, of course, we don't want to leave out our favorite vocab review tool: Quizlet. For your reviewing pleasure, all 105 vocabulary terms from this unit. Yikes!

Phrenology Head Arrives at Chi-Hi

Our new Phrenology Head

Last week Friday we welcomed a new member of the AP Psychology family to Chi-Hi, when our Phrenology Head arrived in the mail! My classroom has long felt the absence of a phrenology head, since it seems no psychology classroom would be complete without one. However, thanks to the folks at Jake's Antiques and Reproductions, we now have a model even Franz Gall would be proud of. (Note: Ours is certainly a reproduction, not an original...the Psych Club budget is not THAT flush.)

We are looking forward to making sure this friendly piece of psychology history is outfitted for each season, and my students wasted no time in arranging for some accessories.



Phrenology Fiona?

The next big step for Phrenology Head will be our December Psych Club meeting on December 7, during Lunch B, where we will vote on an official name for the Phrenology Head. Personally, I'm pulling for Phrank the Phrenology Head, but we'll see what club members come up with.

Also during the December Psych Club meeting, we will be decorating Psychology cookies for the holidays (because...why not?). So this will be a meeting you won't want to miss.

Visual Illusions PsychSim

You'll need to use this link in order to complete your PsychSim Module on Visual Illusions. If, for some reason, you are unable to get this link to work correctly, try using this older version of PsychSim and clicking on "visual illusions." The same illusions will be presented, but with less-flashy graphics.

Your reflection worksheet will be due Friday.

Have fun!

Slides for 6th Hour

Sorry for the delay, folks. But here is the link to the two slides missed by most folks who were out of the room yesterday for organizational pictures.

Fun with Illusions!

At about halfway through the Sensation & Perception unit, we've seen a good number of visual illusions, and more will follow. I like to try to post links to sources of the ones I use in class, as well as new, interesting ones that students bring to my attention.

The one shown below is of the latter type. A student sent me the link, and I think it works by simulating stroboscopic movement (we perceive movement in a series of slightly changing static images). Seems like it would be fun to try using the links to print out your own! (Shown in the comments section if you view in YouTube.)



Also, back again this year are the holophonic illusions that exploit stereophonic hearing and the results of the Visual Illusion of the Year contest held by the Vision Sciences Society. Embedded below is the 2012 contest winner, which shows a device that creates the convincing illusion that one's hand has disappeared! Unfortunately, the video has no accompanying sound, which made me question whether my computer's speakers were working for a moment (that was probably not an intended part of the illusion).