PSI Tutor: Academic Mentor

Another gorgeous day in tropical north QLD. I will potter around the house and work in my garden and enjoy time with my dog. Steve Irwin’s death has made a big impact on my life (and to most of those whom I’ve chatted with over the past couple of days). Living life to the full (yes, for me that means cultivating my garden :-), and being even more aware of appreciating the world I live in, and those I share it with.

Exploring the history of psychology can give insight to where theorists come up with their theories, and why we focus on use of the scientific method. We are able to see how the discipline of psychology has molded and progressed over the ages, and perhaps get a firmer grip on where it is we want to go, as a species. Who knows… The Mouse Trap has an idea is has considerately shared with the rest of us in cyberville. The post continues with articles as it hosts the latest Synapse carnival. And over at the Neurophilosopher’s blog there is a great post about the history of the neuron alone.

Listen to noise and learn how babies under the age of 6 months are able to identify target sounds: their name!

A funny strip compliments of Medium Large.
Pharyngula reports on his incentive to have students maintain a blog as part of their course assessment. What a fantastic idea! I often encourage students to keep a journal, and what better then the dynamic medium of a blog. Cybercitizens are encouraged to comment on the articles posted by the members of the Developmental Biology class. Try it -its fun and insightful.A review of Benzaquen’s book about wild children is blogged at Pure Pedantry. Great reading for those doing developmental psychology, or philosophising over the nature/nurture debate.

Make your vote for the Science Idol cartoonist awards. The comp is to raise awareness of corporate and governmental abuses of science. Here is one finalist entry below:

Try this at home…live the science! And learn about learning at Pure Pedantry with Long Term Potentiation (LTP). Check out the comparison of animals and infants in regards to their mathematical abilities.Cognitive Daily points to an article on those who complete suicide and the characteristics which may differentiate them from those who do not attempt to take their life.

Finally, here is a brilliant Autistic resource blog, and a very disturbing article about the care of autistic children.