Sensation and Perception Post #2

Recently, we have been discussing sensation and how our sense bring in information and transduce that information in order for our brain to interpret the information.  Today and tomorrow we will begin to examine the perception side of things.  Many people feel their perception high and they can view things around them and take in all the details.  However, as the book The Invisible Gorilla points out to us in the chapter "Illusion of Attention", that our abilities to spot details and recognize things going on around us is questionable at best.  When thinking about this, two terms come to mind: inattentional blindness and changed blindness.

Your assignment is as follows: describe the two terms above.  Then, give an example of how inattentional blindness can be beneficial and how changed blindness can be detrimental.  Be sure to be specific.  Also, below are the links to the videos we watched in class.

http://www.simonslab.com/videos.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u9hB4ff4Hc

This is due Friday by the beginning of class for 5th hour, and Monday at the beginning of class for 1st hour.

Sensation and Perception Post #1

Over the next couple of weeks we will be examining a very fascinating topic, Sensation and Perception.  How we take in information from our senses and process that information is extremely important to understanding how the mind works and examines information.  Today we discussed bottom-up processing and top-down processing and selective attention.  For your post, I want you to give me an example of top-down and bottom-up processing working together (not one from the book or class) and then explain the importance of selective attention and the affects it has on both.  This is due Wednesday morning by 9am.

Neuro Project

AP Psychology Project

 The purpose of this project is to further your knowledge about research that has been done in the field of  biopsychology.  Through this project you will gain insight into this ever growing field of psychology and get a  chance to examine the research being done in this field.

 Your assignment is to examine eight studies that have been conducted in the field of biopsychology.  This can  be anything from studies on the brain, neurons, or nervous system.  After you have located and examined  eight different studies, you will then write a summary of each study being sure to include the following  information:

• ·         What the study was examining
• ·         Who, when, and where the study took place
• ·         What occurred during the experiment
• ·         Findings
• ·         Significance of the study for people today

 Once you have written your summaries, you will then choose one of the studies that most interests you.  You  will then create a poster display and present the study to your fellow classmates in a two minute presentation,  and then field any questions they, or I, may have regarding the experiment or findings.  Be sure to include any  charts, graphs, or statistics to confirm the findings.

 Grading:

    Each summary will be worth a total of 5 points per summary for a total of 40 points.  Points will be 

    deducted  for missing items or failure to cite sources.        

  Presentation/Display:

·              Visual appeal (We are looking for a professional poster presentation): 10 points

·              Explanation of Study: 15 points

·             Ability to answer questions: 5 points

* Note: Only one student can do any particular study.  Therefore students must inform me of the study of their choice at the beginning or at the end of any class between now and the due date.  Students can do conflicting studies, which could lead to good debate and questions.  Also, studies cannot be older than 30 years.

Due Date: Thursday September 8^th, 2011

Neuro Post #2

Throughout the past two weeks we have been discussing everything from neural communication to parts of the brain and their functions.  We have examined the importance of the various functions of the brain and how much of a role it plays in not only our survival, but daily functioning in society as well.  Although it is encased in the skull, the brain is susceptible to injury.

You assignment: On page 93 in your textbook, there is a free-response question.  Instead of five paragraphs and scenarios, I only need three.  Make sure your description is thorough and quality.  This assignment is due Saturday August 27th by midnight.  I look forward to reading your responses on Sunday.