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.

Brain Movie Trailer Marathon

I'm currently working my way through scoring all of the wonderful Brain Projects that have come in since Friday, and so far I'm pretty impressed. Not only do you folks appear to be a pretty creative bunch, but you're applying your knowledge of neuroscience, too!

Since I probably won't have time to share ALL of the movie trailers in class, I figured I'd make a playlist here. (This way I won't lose the links so easily, too). As you will notice, the amygdala was a wildly popular choice.

Tessa and Maisy: Deteriorating Medulla
Ty and Kathryn: Paranormal Amygdala
Molly: The Boy with the Mishapen Amygdala
Carter and David: The Decent Cop Whose Amygdala Gets Damaged and Turns Super Aggressive
Tim and Mitch: Amygdalacalypse
Maygen and Anna: The Amygdala
Gina: The Amygdala
Cheyenne: The Amygdala

I think those are all the links I've gotten? If yours is missing, please let me know and I'll add it.

Reviewing for Your Biological Bases of Behavior Test

Holy cow! This has been an exciting unit, and I'm actually a bit sad that we're drawing to a close. I've had fun introducing you to the AWESOMENESS that is neuroscience, and I hope you've enjoyed the process, too. Since our unit test is coming up on Wednesday, October 28, here are some links to help you get started with review.

• Don't forget that you've got a multiple choice study guide to help with retrieval practice! (You picked this up after the quiz.)
• Be sure to review the Unit Objectives! These are all the things you should be able to know and do for this unit's test.
• Quizlet flashcards
• MORE practice multiple choice questions on Neuroscience and The Brain!
• Crash Course: The Chemical Mind - 10 minute overview of neurons, neurotransmitters, etc. Check your understanding as you view!
• Crash Course: Meet Your Master - Getting to Know Your Brain - overview of brain anatomy. Check your understanding as you view!

Quizlet Flashcards



Intro to Brain Science


Neurons


Nervous System v. Endocrine System


Techniques for Studying the Brain



Brain Anatomy



Nature and Nurture

A Bad Night at the ER

Today in class we looked at some (hypothetical) patients with neurological problems and attempted to match and generate diagnoses. Some of you didn't have a chance to finish and requested that I post the case files so you can complete your diagnoses. Here they are!

• Patient Case Files
• If needed for reference, here is the handout you were using to record your work.

AP Psych Lesson: Thursday PM

Hi AP Psych students!

Unfortunately, I have to be away for a meeting this afternoon. So, if you're viewing this, it's probably because you're in my 6th or 7th hour class and have been directed here by your substitute teacher. Lucky for you, all the directions for today's activities can be found below!

STEP #1: View the Slide Show (we began this yesterday) and take notes at your own pace. You may also refer back to your text as needed. You will want headphones, as there is a video clip to view. You will have to answer some questions in Socrative following the show, so please go through this information carefully before moving on to that step.



STEP #2: Answer the comprehension questions in Socrative. (The final slide in the show will prompt you to do this.)

STEP #3: View the video, "Inside the Teenage Brain." You will not complete all of it, but should get enough information to launch our discussion tomorrow. Particularly, please be ready to discuss how the teen brain is different from the adult brain and how this impacts behavior and decision-making. In the video, see if you can spot examples of the different devices used to study the brain that you just learned about (EEG, MRI's, etc).

Neurotransmitter Exploration

Today in class we'll be exploring the functions of several different neurotransmitters. In addition to the informational chart you can find on pg. 82 of your textbook, you might find the following links helpful:

• Here's a great overview of what neurotransmitters are, as well as the functions of particular types (including relationships to diseases and drugs that alter their activity).
• This chart of drugs and their effects can be helpful, particularly if you scroll to the bottom for the table that is sorted by neurotransmitter type.
• Here's a more simplified neurotransmitter list.

Mouse Party Assignment

Poor, addicted mouse.

Here it is! The link to the Mouse Party interactive! You should have received this worksheet, which you will use to record your answers. Remember, this assignment will require you to use what you learned in class today to determine whether a drug is an agonist or antagonist for a particular neurotransmitter. It will be due tomorrow (Oct. 13).

If you've got time after completing the Mouse Party assignment, you might want to check out some of the other cool interactives and games created for you by the Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah. For example:

• This animated slide show is an EXCELLENT review of the principles we have been discussing in class over the past two days, including neural transmission and the generation of action potentials.
• The "Make a Mad, Mad Neuron" game will help you review the parts of the neuron and their functions.
• If you're interested in learning about the effects of various abused drugs, this animated interactive gives a basic review of the effects of various drug types and reasons they are often abused.
• And...my favorite (besides the Mouse Party), the Cerebral Commando game, which challenges you to help keep the balance in a synapse by encouraging reception and reuptake.

Learn...and have fun!

Neural Messages PsychSim

For Monday, I'm asking you to complete this worksheet on Neural Messages. You will be using an online module to review and extend your learning regarding neural communication. Here is how you access the online module:

1. Click on this link to reach the PsychSim 5 launch screen.
2. Select "Main Menu."
3. Choose "Neuroscience and Behavior" from the available content areas.
4. Then, select "Neural Messages." 
5. A module will open with information to assist you. Use the "next" and "back" navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen to navigate through the entire module.

Studying for your Cognition and Memory Test

Your unit test on Cognition and Memory is coming up on Wednesday, October 7th. To help you prepare, I'm compiling a bunch of study tools here, including notes from this unit. I'll add more next week, but this is a good start for now.

• Quizlet Flashcards
• NEW! Flashcards with Problem Solving Error Examples
• Extra MC Questions on Memory and general Cognition topics.
• Crash Course Video: How We Make Memories
• Crash Course Video: Remembering and Forgetting
• Crash Course Video: Cognition - How Your Mind Can Amaze and Betray You
• Crash Course Video: Language

Memory


Cognition and Problem Solving Notes


Language

Availability Heuristic - Summer of the Shark

Looking forward to sharing this classic (2002) Daily Show clip to introduce the Availability Heuristic to students this week. With the transition to a new host some of my links to Jon Stewart clips needed to be updated, so I'm posting it here in part so I can locate it again in the future.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive