College students in two sections of a general psychology course participated in a demonstration of a simple neural circuit. The activity was based on a neural circuit that Jeffress proposed for localizing sounds. Students in one section responded to a questionnaire prior to participating in the activity, while students in the other section…

Most psychology curricula require the completion of coursework on the physiological bases of behavior. However, delivery of this critical content in a laboratory format is somewhat rare at the undergraduate level. To fill this gap, this article describes the design and implementation of an undergraduate laboratory course in psychophysiology at a…

Describes a one semester-hour self-paced laboratory section accompanying a physiological psychology course. Points out five disadvantages and three advantages, including more time and advance planning needed, active involvement of students, and increased learning and retention. (CK)

Present research into the psychophysical process affecting illness and health is providing an awareness that a person cannot be treated piecemeal. Described is an experiential course in holistic health that was favorably received by students and had a significant impact on them. (RM)

Described is an exercise involving the measurement of temperature in a peripheral tissue, brown adipose, that is readily accessible in the laboratory rat. (RM)

The continuing erosion of financial support for undergraduate laboratories makes cost an increasingly important factor in the choice of undergraduate animal experiments. Projects employing insect predation by rodents, which require minimal equipment and pose a number of interesting questions about animal behavior, are described. (RM)

Maintains that, although the relation of the mind to the brain is a common topic in teaching psychology; psychogeny, the study of the mind's origin, is a neglected problem. Outlines and discusses two theories: (1) identify theory; and (2) emergentism. Presents student reactions to psychogeny. (CFR)

Identifies the "missing fundamental illusion" as that which occurs when two tones are heard together and the listener hears a third tone with a pitch corresponding to the difference in their frequencies. Describes an inexpensive and valid demonstration of the missing fundamental using a British police whistle. (MJP)

Reports on a laboratory experiment where students measured their heart rate, blood pressure, mood, alertness, and cognitive performance. Measures showed significant circadian heart rhythm variations. They were strongly correlated and peaked at different times. Discusses the implications of this and students' reactions to the experiment. (MJP)

Describes a demonstration that recreates the central features of taste aversion (learning to avoid distinctively flavored food or drink paired with gastrointestinal illness) research. Rats are allowed to drink a saccharine flavored solution and then are given an injection of sodium chloride. They associate the unpleasant effects with the solution.…

Suggests that students' preconceptions about hunger and eating are inconsistent with contemporary theories. These theories assert that among adequately nourished individuals, hunger occurs because of pleasurable expectations of eating rather than energy deficits. Maintains that instructors should discuss the incompatibility of these preconceptions…

Presents an interview with Susan Lederman that contains a fascinating and informative overview of the recent developments in neuropsychological research concerning the sense of touch. Discusses the physiological processes that support this sensory experience and reveals them to be much more flexible, intricate, and adaptive than previously…