Introduction to Sensation and Perception

In this video I introduce sensation and perception by explaining the difference between these two related terms. I also define transduction and consider how the organization and interpretation of sensory stimulation involves learning, experience, and the possibility for multiple interpretations … Read More

What is Heritability?

In this video I provide a basic introduction to twin studies and heritability scores. I explain how a heritability score tells us about the role of genes in explaining variance in a trait. I also discuss some common errors and … Read More

Introduction to Genetics and Shared Genes

In this video I provide a basic introduction to genetics and explain genes, genomes, DNA, chromosomes, and genetic relatedness of parents, offspring, siblings, and identical and fraternal twins. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have … Read More

Parts of the Brain: Hindbrain Structures

In this video I explain the main regions of the brain: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, as well as the difference between the “old” and “new” brain in evolutionary terms. Then the location and function of four main areas of … Read More

What is Psychology? (Intro Psych Tutorial #1)

This first video provides a brief overview of what psychology is and describes a few of psychology’s many subfields. Viewers in China can watch this video here: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTgzNjkxNDUzMg Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions … Read More

Test Your Awareness

Test your awareness with this clever Whodunnit! video demonstrating change blindness

Debunking Therapeutic Touch

In another great clip from Penn and Teller we see how Emily Rosa’s simple experiment helped to debunk the practitioners of Therapeutic Touch. It can be surprising just how quickly these types of interventions become popular and in some cases … Read More

Penn and Teller demonstrate the Placebo Effect

This clip from Penn and Teller’s Showtime series Bullshit! offers a funny look at how people may come to believe in the effects of some rather bizarre interventions. Of course, while this is humorous, we should be careful not to … Read More