One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the END!!

Sorry about forgetting to creating a post for yesterday. I know you all missed it!

React to the end of the movie. Did you like/dislike the ending? Give reasons! How would you change the ending if you could?

Have fun!

Post by Tuesday, May 19.

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG - MY LOBOTOMY

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG!!
Go to http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5014080 and click on "listen now."

This is approximately 22 minutes long and is a fascinating (also somewhat disconcerting and disturbing) story of a man who was lobotomized as a child. When done, post your thoughts on the procedure. However be sure to carefully listen to the parts of the story when Howard Dully talks to people who felt the procedure had benefits.

Post response by Friday, May 15 for the extra credit!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 2

Now that you have observed all these characters (McMurphy, Chief, Harding, Bibbitt, Martini, Cheswick, and Taber) a little, tell me if you think they have a mental illness. I know we are not ready to label them something specific, but we can describe their behavior and decide if they need psychiatric treatment. So go ahead and describe their problems, if any.

Post by Wednesday, May13.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 1

Ok, now that you have seen the first "group session" run by Nurse Ratched, comment on the treatment methodology. Based on what you know about on a number of personality theories, does it make sense to use a group setting to help people confront and overcome their problems? What good, if any, could come from Nurse Ratched's "treatment?"

Post blog by Tuesday, May 12

Reading, p. 205-220

After reading about Operant Conditioning, do the following two things:

1. Ask B.F. Skinner 2 questions concerning Operant Conditioning. They can be philosophical in nature or they can be for clarification of something you do not understand.

2. Briefly explain the essential difference between operant and classical conditioning.

Blog is due by Tuesday, April 28.

Reading, p. 186-196

This section tells us the dynamics involved in Pavlov's accidental discovery of Classical Conditioning. Do you believe an understanding of this phenomena gives us insight into certain human behaviors? Which ones? Predict how this concept can be applied to humans.

Response due Wednesday, April 22.

Jung v. Erikson

We may not have able to cover any of Erikson's theory but we will shortly. However, based on the text reading, compare Jung to Erikson and decide which one makes more sense. Be sure to give supporting evidence to justify your choice.

Post response by Tuesday, March 24.

Extra Credit - Bored? Try Doodling To Keep The Brain On Task

Go to the following link (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101727048) and listen or read the story on doodling. Given this new view on the relationship among the brain, boredom, and doodling, comment on how teachers should react to students doodling in class. Also look at the video and comment on whether doodles actually have meaning as Freud would suggest.

Have fun!!

If you want extra credit, post a response by Monday, March 23.

Freud or Fraud

Time to take a position! I have taken a lot of time explaining Freudian theory in much detail. Was that time well-spent? Based on the text and the article you read, tell us if you think Freud was a "fraud" and I have misused the limited time we have in Psychology. Or do you think Freudian theory is relevant still today and should continue to be an important part of any Psychology curriculum.

Post by March 17.

Freud, part 3

Now that you have completed the text for all of Freud's theory, tell what part makes the most and the least sense to you. Be sure to reference the text to give your reasons.

Due Tuesday, March 10.

Freud, part 2

Give us an example of one instance in which you or someone you know (make up a name to protect the innocent or guilty) used an ego defense mechanism. Be sure to identify the defense mechanism used. Then tell us if you believe ego defense mechanisms are real and a natural way to deal with difficult psychological conditions. Be sure to explain why or why not.

Due by Friday, March 6.

Freud, part 1

Read p. 453-458 in your text on Freud.

Now that you have been introduced to some of Sigmund Freud's theory, tell me what part of his structure of the personality makes sense to you. Also if something sounds ridiculous, comment on it, too. Explain why it makes sense or why it does not.

Post response by Tuesday, March 3.

Animal Research - Is it necessary or a waste?

Some people have suggested that using animals in experimentation is unethical since animals cannot "volunteer" to participate. They suggest humans have a moral obligation to be caretakers of our world and not subject animals to suffering. However, others contend that our superior status in the world confers upon us the right to utilize animals to advance our condition.Please react to the two articles on the use of animals in medical research. Do you support or oppose the use of animals in experimentation? Use evidence and please be specific in referencing the articles to support your position!

MAKE SURE YOU COME BACK AND READ COMMENTS BY YOUR CLASSMATES! ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO OTHERS WILL GET YOU EXTRA CREDIT!

IN ADDITION, ENCOURAGE YOUR PARENTS TO VIEW THE BLOG AND INVITE THEM TO PARTICIPATE. PARENTAL PARTICIPTION WILL GET YOU EXTRA CREDIT, TOO.

BE SURE ALL COMMENTS ARE APPROPRIATE!

Please post response by Tuesday, February 9.

Exit Ticket, 2/2/09

Sorry about posting this late!

Tell me what you think Milgram's experiment tell us about human nature. Do you accept his conclusion that American society does not insulate us from committing terrible acts of atrocity if an evil person knows what buttons to push? In other words, are we so obedient that we are capable of hurting innocent people if commanded to do so?

Please post a response by Wednesday, February 4.

Which early School of Psychology do you like?

While the text reading (p. 2-16) on the early schools are limited in this chapter, there is enough to give you a general idea of what their main approach is to human behavior. Tell me which one makes the most sense to you and would likely be the most "modern."

Please post a response by Thursday, February 5.

Why are you here?

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Psychology! I hope you have as much fun learning in this class as I have teaching it. Psychology offers a window into not only the thinking and behavior of those people around you but also ourselves. It is still a relatively young science and there is much to learn still. Since this course is an introduction, I truly hope you pursue more classes in Psychology later in your academic career.

For now, tell me why you are taking this class. What are your goals for this class? What do you hope to learn?