Choice

Given Skinner's, Pavlov's, & Bandura's focus on reinforcement, conditioning, and modeling respectively, is there room for free will? Are we mindless creatures that can be trained who act based on rewards and/or consequences or are we acting freely? Discuss the contributions of behaviorism.

Top 10 Psychology Studies

David Letterman has nothing to do with this list! Pick 1 of the top 10 from 2009 that interests you, explain why you chose it, and what can be learned from the research.

Stress is good?!?

Discuss why some stress is considered to be good stress. Give an example of a situation in which stress can be helpful. When does stress become a problem?

Caffeination nation

There is some talk about the inclusion of caffeine to the next edition of the DSM as a substance that can be addictive. Review the addiction criteria and post your own thoughts. Is caffeine an addictive substance? Why or why not? Should it be classified as a mental disorder? Are they other commonly used substances that could also fit this criteria?

What is your frame of mind?

Gardner describes 8 frames of mind or types of intelligence. Are some valued more than others in U.S. Society? Why? Has our concept of intelligence changed since Binet developed the concept of the IQ? Who defines intelligence? How do you define it?

Think

Welcome! The purpose of our blog is to take concepts from class and to think about them in ways that are real. Please be sure to respond to each question in your own way. There are no right or wrong answers.