Psych 101 Online Resources: Hotlinks

The Whole Brain Atlas
http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/home.html
CONTAINS-
Images of the "normal brain," "CVD" (e.g., strokes, etc.), "neoplastic disease" (i.e., brain tumor), "degenerative disease" (e.g., Alzheimer’s, etc.), and "inflammatory/infectious disease" (e.g., MS, AIDS, and Herpes).

Neuroanatomy Collection:
http://neuroanatomy.bsd.uchicago.edu
CONTAINS-
• "View by System": You choose the system you’d like to see. Will show images of various parts of the CNS. You also have the choice of whether you’d like the pictures labeled.
• "Comparative Atlas" (very interesting) Comparative images of the human brain versus other animal systems, such as cat, pig, monkey, etc.

Let’s Play Jeopardy: (Sensation & Perception)
http://www.uni.edu/walsh/jeopardy.html
CONTAINS-
A fun way to learn and test your newly acquired knowledge of this field by playing a game of Jeopardy. Categories include visual, color, and depth perception, as well as other aspects of sensation and perception.

Optical Illusions:
http://www.dankaplan.com/illusions.shtml#top
CONTAINS-
A variety of common optical illusions

http://www.illusionworks.com/html/jump_page.html
CONTAINS-
A comprehensive collection of optical and sensory illusions: This site includes topics such as "Introduction to Illusions," "Interactive Demonstrations" (requires Java), "Illusions in Art," "Illusion Puzzles" (requires Shockwave), and "Your Mind’s Eye". Scientific explanations are included with the various illusions.

http://www.sandlotscience.com/Aftereffects/Rotating_Spiral.htm CONTAINS-
The spiral illusion as shown in class.

http://www.sandlotscience.com/Distortions/Muller_Lyer_java.htm CONTAINS-
An interactive Muller-Lyer illusion. You can adjust the lines until you think they are identical lengths.

SECTION TWO: HOW THE MIND WORKS

Behaviorism:
http://snycorva.cortland.edu/~ANDERSMD/BEH/BEHAVIOR.HTML
CONTAINS-
A brief overview of the behavioral approach to teaching and learning; also includes "Early Theorists" (e.g., Pavlov, Skinner, etc.), "Types of Learning" (e.g. Classical/Operant Learning, modeling, etc.), "Assessment Techniques," and "Applications" (e.g., positive/negative reinforcement, shaping, etc.)

Memory:
http://www.braindance.com/bdimem1.htm
CONTAINS-
Various methods of how to improve one’s memory are included. Methods such as Periodic Reviews, Developing You Visualization Muscle, Mind Maps, Active Reading and Articulation are discussed. Also, a summary of other memory distinctions is given.

Learning: (Operant Conditioning)
http://www.seaworld.org/animal_training/atlearn.html
CONTAINS-
Seaworld’s overview of how trainers use operant conditioning to teach their marine animals.

SECTION THREE: DEVELOPMENT, PERSONALITY, CONSCIOUSNESS, & BEYOND

Child Development:
http://www.cdipage.com/development.htm
CONTAINS-
A glance at major aspects of child development including:
• Time Table of Prenatal Development
• General Development Sequence (Toddler-Preschool)
• Language Development in Children
• Normal Stages of Human Development (Birth-5years)
• Stages of Intellectual Development in Children & Teenagers
• Stages of Social-Emotional Development in Children & Teenagers

http://idealist.com/children/cdw.html
CONTAINS-
This site covers aspects of childhood development from 1 month to 2-3 years old. Additional links review the perspectives of Margaret Mahler, Sigmund Freud, and Erik Erikson and their theories on child development.

SLEEP DISORDERS:

(Sleep Apnea)
http://www.newtechpub.com/phantom/faq/osa_faq.htm
CONTAINS-
This site is dedicated to a variety of the frequently asked questions regarding sleep apnea including:
• What is Sleep Apnea?
• How do I know if I have it?
• What are the effects?
• What treatments are available?

(Night Terrors)
http://www.nightterrors.org/
CONTAINS-
This site goes into the difference between "Night Terrors" and the average nightmare. It also goes into common symptoms and "fast facts" about the disorder.

SECTION FOUR: MENTAL ILLNES, TREATMENT, & PREVENTION

BIPOLAR DISORDER-- MANIC DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS:
http://www.thebody.com/nimh/bipolar.html
CONTAINS-
The National Institute of Mental Health put this site on in order to make people aware of this serious disorder. Major topics of discussion include fast facts on the disease, awareness, "Depression/Awareness Recognition and Treatment" (D/ART), symptoms, treatment, and getting help.

Specific Articles of Interest:

SPECIFIC ARTICLES
SECTION ONE: HOW THE BRAIN WORKS

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF FRONTAL LOBE INJURIES?
http://www.baycrest.org/pressreleases.html#7
"People With Brain Injury To Frontal Lobe Don't Get Punch Lines -- Prefer Slapstick Humor!"
Study shows people with damage to the right frontal lobe of the brain have trouble understanding punch lines and show a preference for slapstick humor -- the first evidence showing humor can be tested and scientifically scrutinized.

HOW DOES MELATONIN AFFECT SONGBIRDS?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/04/990414153922.htm
"Melatonin Shapes Brain Structure In Songbirds"
This article reports data that Melatonin decreases the "High Vocal Center" (HVC) in songbirds while shrinking gonads and other growth that normally occurs during the spring.

ARE THERE GENDER-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN THE HUMAN BRAIN?
http://www.sciencedaily.com:80/releases/1999/04/990422061106.htm
"Gender-Specific Differences Found In Human Brain"
Researchers have found that there are biological differences in the human brain. Males have more neurons in the cerebral cortex, while woman have more neuropil—contains processes allowing cell communication. These findings add credibility to the belief that there are gender-specific ways of thinking. However, the study warns that the data has a potential for abuse and harm if either gender seeks to use the evidence to construct the belief of a "superior" sex.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF MIGRAINE HEADACHES?

http://www.newscientist.com:80/ns/19990501/newsstory2.html|
"Mother of all Headaches Caught on Camera"
Scientists at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore believe that they have found the blame of migraine headaches. It seems that the cause of such suffering is a swelling in the meninges! SPECT photos were used on migraine patients and their results are discussed.

IS THERE A ROLE OF NEURAL TIMING IN PERCEPTUAL TIMING?
http://www.eurekalert.org/releases/vu-vrh051399.html
"Vanderbilt Researcher: Human Brain Has Great Sense Of Timing"
Scientists have known for years that to perceive figures against a busy background, human vision uses color, brightness, and direction of motion. Startling new findings reported by Vanderbilt researcher Randolph Blake in the May 14 issue of "Science" magazine indicates that the human brain can also use the precise timing of subtle visual changes to group elements into objects.

ARE THERE SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE PROPORTIONS OF GRAY & WHITE MATTER IN THE BRAIN?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/05/990518072823.htm
"Sex Differences Found In Proportions Of Gray And White Matter In The Brain: Links To Differences In Cognitive Performance Seen"
Head size correlates statistically with intelligence. The correlation, while small, has been reported in multiple studies. Because, on average, men's bodies are bigger than women's are, their heads too are larger than women's are. One might reasonably expect men to be more intelligent than women. However, men and women consistently score equally on intelligence tests. For neuroscientists, this paradox has long presented a puzzle. If head size correlates with intelligence, and women have smaller heads, why don't they have lower intelligence?

SECTION TWO: HOW THE MIND WORKS

What are the effects of the "by-stander effect"?
http://psychstudy.wadsworth.com/student/common/hot_topics/99-02/samaritan.shtml
"When Bystanders Just Stand-By: Are ‘Good Samaritan’ Laws the Answer?"
A closer look into whether or not "Good Samaritan" laws should be used in cases where the "By-Stander Effect" is seen and how to decrease the occurrence of this phenomenon.

SECTION THREE: DEVELOPMENT, PERSONALITY, CONSCIOUSNESS AND BEYOND

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD/ADOLESCENT VIOLENCE?
http://www.msnbc.com:80/news/261462.asp
"Child Violence: The Warning Signs"
This article reports findings from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Both organizations list numerous warning signs, such as "loss of temper" and "use of drugs and/or alcohol". The APA also suggests tips for coping with anger without resorting to violence.

ARE THERE PSYCHOLOGICAL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA USE?
http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/drugs/marijuana/reefer.html
"It’s Not Using it but Losing it Makes Dopeheads Angry"
Heavy users of marijuana who suddenly go cold turkey have aggressive impulses. The reaction is far less intense than the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholics or people addicted to cocaine or heroin, and may reflect a psychological dependence on the drug, rather than a genuine physiological addiction. The study is the first to measure aggression during withdrawal from a long period of heavy marijuana use.

CAN SNORING BE MORE THAN A NOISY ANNOYANCE?
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9703/19/nfm/snoring/index.html
"Snoring Can be More than a Noisy Annoyance"
As many as 40 percent of adults, most of them men, snore. Snoring has a huge spectrum. According to Dr. David White of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, "Some people, it's just making noise -- it may upset their spouse or the guy next door, but it has very little clinical impact. In other people, it indicates that they're dramatically working to breathe. It indicates they have sleep apnea."

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS/COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MALE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS?
http://www.eurekalert.org/releases/psu-tim051999.html
"Testosterone Is Mixed Blessing To Men's Health"
Higher levels of testosterone can have significant health benefits for some middle-aged men, according to a Penn State study. However, a majority of these men cancel out the good effects of higher levels by engaging in unhealthy behavior. This article provides a concise view of the results, while the complete study was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

ARE THERE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH FOSTER HOME KIDS?
http://www.sacbee.com:80/news/news/old/local17_19990520.html
"Foster or Abused Kids May Lose Ability to Trust Adults"
Therapists call it "attachment disorder," and professionals who work a growing population of foster and adoptive children need to become more familiar with its symptoms. Just as people have finally come to understand the trauma rape victims and war survivors go through, social workers warn that the behavior seen in some foster children should not be labeled, "bratty." Instead, child welfare workers claim that this is just a form of parent-child insecurity that needs to be addressed.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ORPHANAGES ON CHILDREN?
http://whyfiles.news.wisc.edu:80/087mother/4.html
"Harlow Revisited, in Humans: "Drastic Deprivation"
Neuroscientist Mary Carlson studied under the famous Harry Harlow when his monkey attachment studies took place. Similar effects of lack of human attachment have shown detrimental developmental effects in the orphans of Romania. This article goes into some of these misfortunes.

SECTION FOUR: MENTAL ILLNESS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

IS MAGNET THERAPY AN ALTERNATIVE FOR TREATING SEVERE DEPRESIO?
http://www.ats.org/v2/News/1999_News/ns041299/ns041299.html
"Double-Blind Study Shows Magnet Therapy Eases Severe Depression"
This was a double-blind study done to prove magnets effectiveness in treating depression. This procedure may become a painless alternative to electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), which is currently used.

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WRITING YOUR FEELINGS ALLEVIATES CHRONIC SYMPTOMS?
http://www.cfah.org/website2/newsrelease/990413.htm
"Writing Your Feelings: Good Medicine for Chronic Conditions"
This study shows that a sample of arthritic and asthmatic patients felt improvement in their conditions after writing about daily stresses as compared to a control group who did not show equivalent results.

IS THERE A CURE FOR SOCIAL PHOBIAS?
http://www.pslgroup.com:80/dg/facfa.htm
"Luvox Effective for Treating Social Phobia"
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is the third most common psychiatric disorder in the United States, affecting more than 5 million Americans each year. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out at UCSD School of Medicine, Columbia University in New York, Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. They treated 90 patients for 12 weeks with either fluvoxamine or a placebo. Significantly more patients in the fluvoxamine group than in the placebo group responded to treatment (43 percent vs. 23 percent). The drug was also more effective than placebo in improving disruption in work, social life and family life.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF SCHIZOPHRENIA?
http://www.nejm.org/content/1999/0340/0008/0645.asp
"Understanding the Causes of Schizophrenia"
Nancy C. Andreasen, M.D., Ph.D. of the University of Iowa submitted this editorial to the New England Journal of Medicine. She feels that Schizophrenia is one of our most important public health problems. Dr. Andreasen goes into various aspects of the disease to produce an informative yet brief piece on the disease. Topics include causes, sign/symptoms, and typical characteristics of the disorder.

ARE PHYSICAL ABNORMALITIES IN THE BRAIN A RISK FACTOR FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA?
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/D8DB2.htm
"Risk Of Schizophrenia Onset Linked To Brain Abnormalities"
Doctors in Scotland reported that people at high risk of developing schizophrenia for genetic reasons have several structural brain abnormalities that are similar to those in patients with the disorder. Schizophrenia has already been shown to be associated with enlarged ventricles (four fluid-filled cavities within the brain) and decreased brain size. However, their research shows that in high-risk individuals, the volume of a part of the brain (the left hippocampo-amygdala) was smaller than in normal controls, but larger than in the relatives with schizophrenia.

CAN SEVERE DEPRESSION AFFECT SEX HORMONE LEVELS?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/05/990526060549.htm
"Depression May Lower Your Sex Hormones"
A team of eight medical doctors associated with the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich has determined that sex hormones are secreted at different rates in men who are severely depressed than those who not depressed. A negative relationship between cortisol and testosterone levels was found; the cortisol concentration was 68% higher in men with major depression.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS "ACTIVE LISTENING" IN A MARRIAGE?

http://www.nhne.com/newsflashes/nfnewadvicecouples.html
"Researchers Say ‘Active Listening’ Won't Keep Couples Tuned-in For A Happy Marriage"
According to a study published in the JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE & THE FAMILY, such Active Listening techniques may fall on deaf ears where the success of a marriage is concerned. Researchers are finding that successfully married couples did not often use active listening techniques such as paraphrasing their spouses, or summarizing their partner's feelings or content of their statements. They also almost never validated their spouse's feelings. Researchers recommend that couples need to abandon the Active Listening model. They report that the real drama of the research is the finding that showed that gentleness, compassion, and physiological soothing of partners are key ingredients that enable marriages to succeed.