Stroop Effect Online

If we have time, we'll be using this link to explore the limits of our ability to attend to multiple aspects of a stimulus at once, a phenomenon called the Stroop Effect.

Online Synesthesia Test & More Info

If today's discussion of synesthesia has you wondering whether this condition describes you, it might be helpful to visit http://synesthete.org/. The site gives more information about synesthesia research and provides online tests for different forms of synesthesia.

Study Tools for Sensation & Perception Test

I've thoroughly enjoyed this unit and its fun demos, but all good things must come to an end. For us, the end will be on Thursday as you complete your test on Sensation and Perception. Now, even though this unit is cool, I'll warn you that the unit test can be a challenge. There are a LOT of concepts and terms to remember this unit, so don't kid yourself about the amount of studying you'll need to do in order to be ready.

Here are some things you can do to help prepare:

• Quizlet flashcards - Remember, you should be ready to provide written examples or explanations of these things in your own words, so practice doing so!
• Don't forget that List of Confusing Term Pairs you received in class. Can you explain how these are similar to AND different from each other?
• More practice MC items: Sensation and Perception
• Crash Course Videos: Sensation & Perception, Perceiving is Believing, Homunculus Crash Course

Sensation and Perception Notes:


Vision


Audition


The Other Senses

Substance Use Related Disorder Project(s)

Remember, if you would like to complete the IceKube Simulation for your project on Substance Use Related Disorders, you must obtain parental permission to do so. If I do not have a signed permission slip from you by Friday, November 21, I will assume you are completing one of the alternative project choices.

For those who decide to explore issues of use and dependence in other ways, you've got several options to choose from. You are also welcome to propose your own alternative project ideas, but they must be approved by Mrs. Welle no later than Friday, November 21.

Auditory Explorations Links

We'll be exploring the hearing process on Friday and Monday. If time allows, we may be using some of these links.

PsychSim 5: Auditory System

Virtual Barbershop Illusion: Explore sound localization with this simulated "haircut."

Sound Illusions: Can Your Ears be Fooled?

Links for Visual Perception Demos

Color Blindness Test - test your ability to perceive color in this (non-diagnostic) test

FYI: In Case of Snow Day

So, the weather people are expecting snow. I guess that means the rest of us should as well. Sadly, it's so early we haven't even had a chance to have the "what-happens-if-we-have-a-snow-day" talk in person yet, so this will have to suffice.

There are many great things about being an AP Psych student. (Heck, you got to sniff scented markers as part of a demo last week!) Snow days, unfortunately, are not one of them. Given that the AP Psych exam happens on May 4th, 2015, no matter how many blizzards, ice days, earthquakes, mudslides, floods, or other natural and man-made disasters we endure, we've got to stay on track NO MATTER WHAT.

So, in the event of a snow day tomorrow (or any other time this year), I'll be posting several things for you to do on this blog. (Most likely a combination of some notes, some online modules/demos for you to try, and maybe some questions to answer). I do expect that you complete them, since we'll fall behind in our learning otherwise. Sometimes, if I have to record notes, they may not be up until Noon because of uploading times, and I apologize for the inconvenience. On the upside, you can "attend" AP Psych in your pajamas if that is the case.

I really hope I see you in person tomorrow...in part because I hate getting up and recording this stuff, and I'd rather just hang out with  you guys in real life. But please take note that I'll be spending some time this evening getting ready for the possibility that class may happen remotely tomorrow (or Tuesday?).

Stay safe and warm everyone. I hope to see you in the morning.

Brain Food Contest!

I tend to believe that the best models of the brain are edible ones. So, our next Psych Club (Friday, Nov 7) meeting will feature a celebration of delicious neuroanatomy through a "Brain Food" contest. 

Current AP Psych students who participate will earn 5 points extra credit (computed in test category), as this will help them review important structures in the brain/nervous system.

The Rules:

• Entries must be edible representations of the brain or portions of the nervous system (e.g. neuron, synapse, brain stem, etc).
• Component parts must be accurately labeled.
• Entries will be judged during LUNCH A, so they must be delivered to room 136 no later than 12:15. You have to set up/complete registration for your entry during lunch (or have a friend do so), so please don't just leave your creation in my room in the morning an assume it will get set out.
• Winners will be announced and snacking will commence during our regular meeting time (Lunch B)!

Even if you do not wish to enter (and earn Extra Credit), you are welcome to join us for the meeting and eating. There is always plenty of food to go around.

If you are looking for inspiration and ideas, check out the AP Psychology facebook page for pictures of some of last year's entries and winners.

Threshold Demonstrations

Today in class we'll be learning about psychophysics and different types of thresholds. To that end, we'll be trying a couple of online tests for sensory ability.

Absolute Threshold - Vision - This module introduces you to how absolute thresholds are measured. You won't get a score, but you will try out some practice test items.

Difference Threshold (JND) - Adaptive Pitch Test - determines your sensitivity to detecting differences between two presented tones. This is a difference threshold test because the test attempts to determine what degree of difference is necessary