RWP #2

Professor’s Comment:

Well, I think you have some things incorrect. Introverts are not lonely serial killers (Links to an external site.) . Introvert and extravert are on two opposite sides of a spectrum, and is considered as aspect of personality. We'll cover that in RWP#3. Can you think of a question that is appropriate for this RWP's theme which is "learning and memory"? If you still want to learn about the differences between introverted and extroverted, you can here, but the focus should be on differences in their learning and/or memory.

Examples from other students: 

1.

Stage 1

The topic I am interested in studying is photographic memory. I think it is an important topic because a photographic memory can assist humans in remembering things better in almost every aspect of life whether it be remembering formulas, a food recipe, or landmarks to find your way home.

 

I am curious to know if photographic memories are genetic, if a certain type of people are more likely to have them, if there are certain exercises that can train the brain to have a photographic memory, and what part(s) of the brain are associated with photographic memory.

2.

Stage 1: The real world psychology question I would like to assess this time is "Which senses contribute more to short-term memory?" Due to the fact that we have five, I'd like to know if one is more commonly attributed to recalling short term events amongst a large number of people, or if it varies based on then number and type of experiences. If this can vary among different people or ages. Good vs. bad experiences (unsettling noises, or bad smells vs good ones). Or maybe find out if one sense is lost, which sense will contribute to memory in place of that. 

3.

STAGE 1

For my RWP #2, I would like to understand the significance of flashbulb memory in an older adult life. Flashbulb memories (FMs) are known as detailed recollections about an emotionally arousing or shocking event. These events are usually those that are remembered in clear vision by the person as if their mind has been lit up by a flashbulb, hence the term flashbulb memory. As a person gets older, does this phenomenon tend to decrease or increase? How does developing brain structure affect this sort of memory, especially in light of degenerative brain diseases such as dementia, etc.?

4.

Stage 1 (4 points).  Describe a real world psychology example using the concepts we have talked about in each section of the course. Tell us why you think it is an important observation and what questions the observation leaves you with.

My last RWP was on our brain when learning, so to stay on the same topic I would like to research how music affects our study habits. Does specific genres of music help more than the others? Why or why not? Do we study better with music or without? 

I personally listen to whatever music I am into at that time when studying or working on homework, just as background noise. I hate the silence. However, I think classical or instrumental music would be the best genre to listen to as it is not distracting. 

5.

Stage 1 (4 points).  Describe a real world psychology example using the concepts we have talked about in each section of the course. Tell us why you think it is an important observation and what questions the observation leaves you with.

I am severly allergic to pineapples and kiwis and have had very bad allergic reactions that have lead me to feel a form of trauma even when these foods are near me. The question I want to explore is "What allows humans to re-live traumas just by the sight of an object that triggers them to a certain event?"

6.

Stage 1 (4 points).  Describe a real world psychology example using the concepts we have talked about in each section of the course. Tell us why you think it is an important observation and what questions the observation leaves you with

I would like to investigate the cognitive-behavioral and learning models of body dysmorphia.  Body dysmorphia has always been prevalent in society among both men and women, almost to the point that is not even a dysmorphia, but a societal norm.  This is exemplified by the recent wave of body positivity.   Yes, I praise and admire those who are body-positive for their atypical stance, but why is this notion even necessary and why is it considered righteous?  I would like to examine the ways in which those who identify as body dysmorphic are conditioned to think, and why that may be.