Divided attention

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

3 main properties: 1- 24h period. 2- Endogenous (rhythmic responses continue even in absence of stimulation) 3- Entrainable (rhythms can be reset/adjusted by exposure to external stimuli)

Study: rat has access to running wheel -> turns of wheel recorded on chart recorder, plots each wheel rotation as tick on chart -> each line represents one day’s activity -> activity plotted for month under no light 6am-6pm, rat shown to be active during dark hours of day-night cycle 

Zetigebers:

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Human Eye Anatomy and Visual Physiology

1. Three Layers of the Eye

Outermost Layer (Fibrous Tunic)

  • Sclera: Tough white outer coat; protects and maintains shape.
  • Cornea: Transparent front; the main structure that bends (refracts) light.

Middle Layer (Vascular Tunic / Uvea)

  • Choroid: Rich in blood vessels; nourishes the retina and absorbs stray light.
  • Iris: Colored part; controls pupil size.
  • Ciliary Body: Contains muscle that changes lens shape for focusing.

Innermost Layer (Neural Tunic)

  • Retina: Contains rods and cones; converts light into electrical
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Foundational Concepts in Psychology: Science, Methods, and Brain

Chapter 1: Psychology Science Fundamentals

Defining Psychology and Historical Views

Psychological Science is the scientific study of the Mind (internal/hidden) and Behavior (external/observable).

Historical Shifts in Demographics

  • Historically white male dominated.
  • Currently, about 70% of PhDs are women, and 30% are People of Color (POC).

Philosophical Foundations

  • Dualism (Descartes): Mind and Body are fundamentally different; connected at the pineal gland; non-falsifiable.
  • Materialism (Hobbes): “Mind is
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Key Concepts in Human Cognition and Intelligence

Key Concepts in Human Cognition

Cognition – The way we think, learn, remember, and solve problems. It’s all the mental work our brain does. For example, when you study for a test, plan your day, or figure out how to fix something, that’s cognition.

Metacognition – Thinking about your own thinking. It helps you notice how you solve problems or learn so you can improve. For example, before doing homework, you might plan your approach or check if your solution makes sense.

Organizing Thought

Concepts

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Neuroscience of Human Learning and Memory Systems

Introduction to Learning and Memory

Learning is the process by which we acquire knowledge about the world. It involves taking in new information, skills, or behaviors through experience, study, or teaching.

Memory is the process by which knowledge acquired through learning is encoded, stored, and later retrieved.

Interrelationship: Learning and memory are closely linked; learning enables us to acquire information, and memory allows us to retain and use that information later.

Example: Learning a new

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Psychotherapy vs. Clinical Psychology: Key Differences

1. Definition of Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology

Give a formal definition of psychotherapy. What is the difference between clinical psychology and psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is formally defined as the “informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles.” Its primary objective is to assist individuals in modifying their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and other personal characteristics in directions that the

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