Cost and time constraints make it challenging to include hands-on laboratory experiences in psychology courses, yet engaging laboratory experiences can increase scientific literacy and appreciation. The present study tested whether learning by observing could also increase scientific literacy (knowledge of social neuroscience). We additionally…

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…

The authors present the experience of a continuous assessment procedure carried out in the second term of a physiological psychology course during 3 consecutive academic years at a Spanish university. Each year, the academic outcomes of students under continuous assessment (the experimental group) were compared with those of students under…

This discussion of the importance of psychotechnologies such as biofeedback, meditation, and guided imagery to education focuses on the potential of such techniques to expand human learning capabilities and consciousness. The work of many theorists and researchers in the fields of education, physiology, and psychology is reviewed, citing evidence…

Discusses the growing areas of behavioral medicine and behavioral health. Traces the developments leading to the establishment of the American Psychological Association's Health Psychology Division and activities on the national level that have led to the development of organizations with a more interdisciplinary focus. (Author/MK)

Examined the content of the "Journal of Black Psychology" from 1985-99, classifying 245 articles into 15 content categories and ranking authors and institutions that were most frequently published. The categories of articles receiving the most activity were related to personality (racial identity), reactions and commentary, social…

This meta-analysis reviews 208 laboratory studies of acute psychological stressors and tests a theoretical model delineating conditions capable of eliciting cortisol responses. Psychological stressors increased cortisol levels; however, effects varied widely across tasks. Consistent with the theoretical model, motivated performance tasks elicited…

Reports on research investigating links between the psyche and somatic diseases. (CP)

In reviewing the research of experimental psychology, genetic psychology, and psychopathology, the author finds the data show: (1) the extreme importance of the period between the third and sixth year when the Oedipus situation of the child is resolved and when he takes the first step in the use of reason; (2) the importantce of the latency period…

Designed for use as supplementary instructional material in a cultural anthropology course, this learning module traces the history of psychological anthropology, introducing various schools and perspectives within the field of psychology. First, a discussion is provided of biological determinism, examining its historical development and the…

Describes an interdisciplinary course providing basic background in behavior, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters, drugs, and specific brain disorders. Provides rationale, goals, and operational details. Discusses a research project as a tool to improve critical evaluation of science reporting and writing skills. (JM)

The links between endocrine physiological processes and adolescent psychological processes are the focus of this article. Presents a brief history of biopsychosocial research in adolescent development. Discusses four models for conceptualizing hormone-behavior research as illustrative of biopsychosocial models. Concludes with challenges and…

The use of computer simulations as teaching devices in two psychology courses (statistics and research design and physiological psychology) is discussed. In the statistics and design course the primary purpose of simulation activities was to provide a problem and data set which could be used to practice skills acquired through a traditional…

An exciting period in mental and physical health research is beginning, resulting from a paradigm shift from an outdated biomedical reductionism approach to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model, which emphasizes the unique interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors required to better understand health and illness. This…