Helms - Ohlone Psychology Blog

Lobotomy...

Dear Psychology 101 Students:

One of the most disturbing chapters in the history of modern treatment of the mentally ill is the introduction and practice of the Prefrontal Lobotomy.  This procedure involved various surgical techniques, each designed to cut off communication between the front lobes and the emotion center of the brain. Now considered "quack" medicine, more than 35,000 of these operations were performed by the late 1950s, on people of all ages, and for a host of mental, emotional, and social adjustment issues.

CLICK HERE to watch a PBS special (separated into several parts) entitled "The Lobotomist," about the most famous proponent of the operation, Walter Freeman.

CLICK HERE to watch the same video, but in streaming format (without the segmentation). Just click the "close" link in the advertisement to get the video to play.  I'm not sure how long that link will be active, so I'll leave the previous link in this post as well.

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CLICK HERE if you would like to learn more about Freeman and his infamous "Icepick Lobotomy" procedure.  The web site contains information, images, and most importantly an audio recording (see link at the top of the page) originally aired on National Public Radio (NPR).  It is narrated by Howard Dully, a man who underwent the procedure at the age of 12 at the behest of his step-mother.  Dully's narration and subsequent writings on the matter are as touching as they are horrifying.

Freeman is a controversial figure, and I must warn you that the PBS report above can be a bit disturbing for the more sensitive among us, so do not feel you have to visit the site or listen to the report.  For the rest of you, please know that the American Medical Association and the APA no longer endorse this procedure (or any lobotomy procedure).

Psych 101 - Possible Essay Questions - Test on Chs 12, 13, & 14...

Dear General Psychology Students:

I have decided that there will be no essay on the next test.  This is partly in recognition of the fact that you are studying for upcoming Final Exams and completing other class projects, and partly to allow me time to grade your Course Papers.

Study well!

-- Sheldon

Psych 102 Essay Question - Chs 13 & 14...

Dear Psych 102 (Experimental Psychology) Students:

There will be no essay on the test for Chapters 13 & 14.  Please study the chapters well, however, so you'll be prepared for the multiple choice questions.

Thanks,

-- Sheldon

Sexual Orientation Info, Continued...

One of my students recently brought up the question of so-called "conversion therapies," which purport to change people's sexual orientations. 

The dismal failure of such programs shows that they only succeed in occasionally creating short-term changes in people's behavior, not in their sexual orientation (eroticism).  The APA recently issued a rare statement, warning therapists that they would be sanctioned and could face losing their APA affiliation if they participate in such programs, showing how seriously damaging they can be.

For more information on this pseudo-science, CLICK HERE to visit Wayne R. Besens' excellent "TruthWinsOut" web site.

Sad News...

On July 24th, 2007, the world lost Dr Albert Ellis.

Dr Ellis' contributions to the field of Cognitive Psychology cannot be overstated.  A 1982 survey placed Ellis as second only to Carl Jung on the list of "Most Influential Psychotherapists of All Time."  (Sigmund Freud came in third.)

Ellis' break from Freudian Psychology in 1953 and his subsequent development of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), catapulted him into scientific stardom, and the field of Cognitive Psychology was never the same.

So when you get a moment, raise a drink (nonalcoholic, of course) as a sign of respect for an incredible, and very caring, man...and try to carry on his example of helping people by encouraging a rational (aka, scientific) worldview.

The Only Known Recording of Sigmund Freud...

Dear Students, 

Below is a very interesting artifact from the history of psychology -- a recording of Sigmund Freud, the Father of Psychology. 

In 1938, Freud was recorded by the BBC reading a short speech about his work in psychoanalysis.  It is the only known recording of Freud's own voice, and is a rare treat for those of us who work in the field.  To save the file, RIGHT click the link and choose "Save file as," then click "Save."

Nine months after this recording was made, Freud's inoperable cancer of the mouth (after a lifetime of smoking cigars) became unbearably painful.  He asked for, and received, a fatal injection of morphine.  He was 83 years old.

To hear the recording, click here:  Download freud_recording.wav

In case you have difficulty understanding him (he was in great pain, and was reading a script written for him in phonetic English), here is a transcript:

"I started my professional activity as a neurologist, trying to bring relief to my neurotic patients.  Under the influence of an older friend, and by my own efforts, I discovered some important new facts about the Unconscious in psychic life, the role of instinctual urges, and so on.  Out of these findings grew a new science - Psycho-Analysis - a part of Psychology and a new method of treatment of the neuroses.

I had to pay heavily for this bit of good luck.  People did not believe in my facts, and thought my theories unsavory.  Resistance was strong and unrelenting.  In the end, I succeeded in acquiring pupils and building up an International Psycho-Analytic Association. But the struggle is not yet over. 

-- Sigmund Freud."

Interesting Breakthrough in Schizophrenia Research...

A group of researchers at Johns Hopkins hospital released a report on July 31st, 2007, announcing success in genetically engineering mice with Schizophrenia, a breakthrough that could help researchers understand the disorder better and develop new treatments.

Until now, antipsychotic drugs used to treat Schizophrenia were often tested on mice who had received mind-altering drugs such as LSD or PCP.  This new strain of mice, however, make much better test subjects since they actually carry a gene (DISC1) isolated in a Scottish family known to be prone to the illness; this gene has been found in several other families in other countries as well, making it likely that the mutation plays some role in Schizophrenia.

These new rats show many of the behavioral traits of humans with Schizophrenia (odd behaviors, difficulty with memory, etc.), and react well when treated with current antipsychotics.

To read more about this report, CLICK HERE.

Phobias!...

Dear Psychology 101 Students:

Below, please find the list of Phobias we discussed in class.  This list of approximately 500 Phobias is by no means comprehensive, but it should illustrate to you that, since they are all learned, the types of Phobias are endless. 

Download ch_13_phobia_list.doc

David Reimer - The Boy Who Was Raised As a Girl...

The life story of David Reimer is a fact that reads like fiction. It regards one of the most personal and mysterious aspects of human life: gender.  The detailes of the story were recently released in a book by John Colapinto, "As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised As a Girl."

Born a male, a botched circumcision led his parents to make the difficult and fateful decision to surgically alter his genitals and attempt to raise him as a girl.  Encouraged by sex researcher John Money (a man who did much to assist those suffering from Gender Identity Dysphoria), the Reimers followed every script given to them down to the smallest detail, but in the end, this experiment would prove a complete failure.  These results, and others like them, strongly suggest that gender is not determined by how we are raised (our name, clothing, reflected appraisal from others, etc.), but by our genes, all of which were telling David, "You are a boy."

Although the story has a tragic ending, the results had led to a somewhat better understanding of Gender Identity, and will hopefully help put an end to the suffering and confusion of many whose bodies do not match the gender their brains tell them the truly are.

Click the links below to watch the TLC video (in four parts) that chronicles the story of David Reimer.

Clip 1

Clip 2

Clip 3

Clip 4

 

Personality - Keirsey Temperament Sorter...

Dear Students:

If you would like to experience a modern-day "Personality Test," click the links below and download the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.  Based loosely on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Keirsey uses a few dozen self-report questions to categorize you into one of 16 different personality types.

After answering the questions, use the KEY to add up the numbers and determine your 4-letter category.  Then, look up your "type" on the list of all 16 personalities.

Clicking the hyperlink above will allow you to critically analyze the orignal MBTI and its creators, and to decide for yourself whether these types of tests have any validity.

Download keirsey_temp_sorter.doc

Download color_calculation_sheet.doc

Download keirsey_types.doc

Jenny McCarthy, SHUT UP!...

Some of the most dedicated and underappreciated parents on the planet are those whose children have been diagnosed with Autism, a pervasive spectrum disorder that presents varying degrees of cognitive, emotional, and developmental problems beginning in childhood.  Although Autism is not likely to have a single cause, scientists are hard at work trying to determine its etiology.  As yet, very little is known.  Working to uncover more information about what might contribute to its prevalence is important, as are the development of effective therapies to help autistic children and their parents deal with the struggles of daily life. 

In the past several years, an increasingly vocal minority of well meaning parents has begun focusing attention on, of all things, childhood vaccinations, creating a classic (albeit intractable) Correlation vs. Causation scenario that threatens the lives of literally millions of children in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Happy Birthday, Carl!...

Those of you who are not familiar with the life and work of Carl Sagan are missing out on an amazing opportunity to approach science in a way that makes you re-think your view of the entire Universe.  Sagan was an Astronomer whose tireless efforts to educate the public about science made him arguably the most influential scientist since Charles Darwin.  Like those who have come after him (e.g., Bill Nye, "The Science Guy"), Sagan concentrated on making science fun and accessible, while never watering it down or treating the untrained as children.

In addition to the millions of lesser known scientists he influenced, Sagan's efforts roused many of the scientists we see regularly on television and in print today, including popular tv science presenter Bill Nye, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson, physicist Richard Feynman, etc.

Unfortunately, Carl Sagan's time on this earth was short.  He died at the age of 62 from cancer, after a long fight.  That loss reverberates throughout the scientific community to this day, saddening many, but also encouraging us to continue our efforts in his memory.  To celebrate what would have been his 75th birthday on November 9th, 2009, the clever minds at SymphonyofScience.com hired composer John Boswell to create the video below. Its use of synthesized modulation of the voices of four great popular science writers is a fitting and moving tribute to Sagan, and a pretty darn good piece of art!  Enjoy it, and please take a moment to look at other videos, writings, etc. by these scientists.

 

 

Fall 2009 Syllabi...

Dear Psychology Students:

Please click the links below to download your syllabus for the Fall 2009 term. Keep in mind that, since I teach five classes each semester, I leave it to you to download the correct syllabus from the list below. Downloading the wrong syllabus would be disastrous, since the dates for lectures, tests, and assignments would be incorrect.

These syllabi will NOT be handed out in class, but will instead remain posted on the blog for the entire semester.  Although they may be subject to change (hopefully not), I will announce any alterations so you will know to download or print again.

Thanks,

-- Sheldon

Abnormal Psychology (Psych 115) M/W 10:30-12:05
Download Helms - syllabus_psych_115_mw_1030

Experimental Psychology (Psych 102) T/Th 10:00-11:35
Download Psych 102 tth 1000---revised

General Psychology (Psych 101) M/W 1:00-2:35
Download Helms - syllabus_psych_101_mw_100

General Psychology (Psych 101) T/Th 12:25-2:00
Download Helms---syllabus_psych_101_tth_1225 - REVISED

General Psychology (Psych 101) T/Th 2:15-3:50
Download Helms---syllabus_psych_101_tth_215 - REVISED

Emotions, Stress, and Health...

Dear Students,

Below are links to several pieces of supplemental information.  One is a "personality test" of sorts which will allow you to determine whether you fit the definition of Type A or Type B Personality.

Below that are two Stress Scales (choose the one that best fits your life experiences) that offers a way to assess the amount of stress in your life...the first step to doing something about it.

Lastly, I've added a measurement tool that will rate your "Emotional Intelligence," also known as E-IQ.  Keep in mind that each of these is only an introspective tool, and should not be used to assess your overall personality, aptitude, etc.  If you want to discuss these results and/or would like more information on how to de-stress, email one of our mental health counselors Rosemary O'Neill (ROneill@ohlone.edu) or Gena Rhodes (GRhodes@ohlone.edu) for an appointment.

Download ch_12_type_ab_test.doc

Download Ch 11 Stress Scale (Youth Version)

Download emotional_intelligence_eiq_test.doc

Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy...

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer David Crary, Ap National Writer

The American Psychological Association declared on 08/05/09 that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.

In a resolution adopted by the APA's governing council, and in an accompanying report, the association issued its most comprehensive repudiation of "reparative therapy" — a concept espoused by a small but persistent group of therapists, often allied with religious conservatives, who maintain gays can change.

No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the resolution, adopted by a 125-4 vote. The APA said some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.

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I guess the only question left is, "How many times do they have to say this?"

CLICK HERE to read the entire news story.

CLICK HERE to read about protests outside Exodus International, the country's largest organization espousing the belief that people can switch sexual orientations.

Psych 101 - Please Don't Feed the Humans...

Students,

Although it's very popular these days to point out the obesity problem in the U.S., this phenomenon is actually a worldwide epidemic.  Click the link below to download a startling editorial on the Obesity Epidemic and its impact worldwide.  I think the facts will be very surprising to you.

-- Sheldon

P.S.  Please note that many of the words and terms are hyperlinks that will lead you to web sites supporting the author's statements and/or providing you with more detail.

Download please_dont_feed_the_humans.doc (55.0K)

Intelligence Testing...

As promised, this is a posting of some further information on the history of Intelligence Testing.

Keep in mind that the idea of "intelligence" is highly controversial.  Although it is relatively well accepted that some people are "smarter" than others, agreement on the issue stops there.  How intelligence is created (via Nature or Nurture), whether it can be increased, how it is distributed throughout our species, etc. are all highly controversial issues that are fiercely debated within the sciences.

One of the most talked-about publications on intelligence in recent years is the well known book "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life" by Herrnstein and Murray, a tome that reports scientific findings on intelligence in the general population.  Two chapters in particular (Chapters 13 and 14) helped to create the controversy, reporting differences in intelligence correlated with race (using Asian, White, Hispanic, and Black for these categories).  Many objected to study of this topic, others argued about the research and its interpretation, while still others (mostly Anthropologists) argued for there being no such "races" at all.  Copies of this book are available online if you'd like to read it for yourself.

Kim Peek, aka "Kimpedia"...

In 2009, Ohlone College hosted a discussion with Kim Peek, the man who was the inspiration for Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man."  Although the film portrayed a man with Autism, Kim does not fit that classification.  He has some unusual differences, including agenesis of the corpus collosum and structural damage from several childhood strokes. Scientists do not yet understand how these may relate to his abilities, but it's clear that Kim's memory is unsurpassed. One of only 50 known MegaSavants in the entire world, he reads at lightening speed, and retains about 98% of what he reads, sees, or hears.  He has amassed a vast encyclopedia-like database of knowledge that would fill several hard drives - thus his nickname "Kimpedia."

I, for one, felt honored to be in the presence of someone with such an extraordinary brain.  When I introduced myself, I joked, "Now, don't forget me."  He smiled, and I was treated to one of Kim's trademark hugs.  As we chatted, Kim began to recite local roads and their cross-streets (Kim has memorized all of the streets and highways in the United States), and ended with one of his pat phrases, "You have been made known like a man of greatness and love."  But he then added, "And your name is Sheldon."  Everyone around laughed and applauded, including Kim.

Click the image below to watch a documentary on Kim:

Psych 115 Presentation List...

Dear Abnormal Psychology Students:

READ THIS ENTIRE POSTING!!

Please click the link below to download the Presentation Schedule for our class.  You will find within it your names, as well as an indication of which chapter you and your team mates will be presenting (per syllabus schedule).

The primary goal in this assignment is to "provoke" your classmates to learn, process, and utilize the material in the chapter.  You may do this by numerous methods of your own choosing, including lecture, in-class assignments, formal or informal quizzing, memorization exercises, handouts, etc.  Whatever method(s) you choose will be up to you as individuals and as a group.  I choose this "Collaborative Learning" format because 1) you are adult students who do not need to be spoon-fed the material, and 2) my experience is that it is more entertaining and effective than a straight lecture format.

Each member of your group must prepare a single-sheet (both sides) handout that helps the students study for the chapter section you are charged with teaching.  These must have your name and chapter number at the top, and can include such things as important vocabulary, summaries of the chapter, references to (reputable) outside sources, etc.  (Please do not simply type the vocabulary words as your handout, however.)  You must make enough copies of your double-sided handout for each member of the class (28 copies should be enough) .

The entire class meeting is expected to be filled each day on the syllabus by you and your team mates, so be prepared with lots to lecture on, discuss, and do in class so you won't run short and then turn to me to bail you out.  LOL

Each presentation team should meet with me for a few minutes the week before they are scheduled to present.  During this short meeting, we will discuss your goals, I will share ideas and/or vid clips I might have, etc.  This meeting's primary purpose is to remind you of your obligations to present, and to allow you to ask questions or brainstorm.

Let me know if you have any questions, AND WATCH THE SYLLABUS TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE PRESENTING.

Download Presentation List

STOP USING "ZICAM COLD REMEDY"! ...

Given the off-and-on nature of Bay Area weather, it's not surprising that many of my friends and family members are suffering from those darned "summer colds."  (Although changes in weather do not cause colds, they make us more susceptible by guaranteeing that we'll be indoors and exposed to infected people - thus, the correlation between cold weather and colds/flus.)

In their efforts to avoid contracting a cold, many American consumers have turned to products like Zicam, a nasal spray that its manufacturer claims will prevent you from contracting a cold.  Although there is no evidence supporting that claim, scientists and doctors have discovered an interesting, and terrible, effect of this product: over time, it permanently robs users of their sense of smell!

CLICK HERE to read a report on the FDA alert issued recently, warning people to IMMEDIATELY STOP USING the product Zicam Cold Remedy since it permanently damages the sensitive olfactory (smell)  nerves in the nose.  Like thousands of other products, this zinc based nasal gel has never been tested by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, and is only legally sold due to a loophole in medicine laws called the "U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)."  This act was passed by Congress in an effort to guarantee low prices for vitamins and minerals, supplements that are useful in maintaining good health (although nearly all Americans get enough of these in the food they eat.)  Unfortunately, the law has become a legal loophole for people with money making schemes that involve selling a whole host of nonsensical, untested, and potentially dangerous "treatments" for everything from weight loss to erectile dysfunction.

As the Zicam story illustrates, you should always be wary of anything that has no scientific evidence of effectiveness or safety.  Watch for packaging statements such as "Dietary Supplement," or "This product has not been FDA tested," or the more common, "This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease, condition, or illness."  Those are RED FLAG WARNINGS that you are dealing with a product that has likely undergone absolutely NO testing, and could be quite dangerous!

Ohlone Psychology Club...

Dear Students:

As many of you may know, we have a thriving Psychology Club here at Ohlone College.  One of the most visible and active clubs on campus, the Psychology Club regularly hosts guest speakers, organizes off-campus field trips, has regular fund raisers, and engages in regular discussions related to the field of psychology.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov.18th at 2:30pm.

Our meeting room is 7104 (in the new Student Services Building).

Past events include:

-  a talk by Kim Peek (The Real Rain Man) and his father Fran;

-  a talk by best-selling author, skeptic, and psychologist Michael Shermer;

-  a visit by representatives from Furry Friends Pet Therapy (and their humans);

-  a talk by local psychiatrist Dr John Cotrufo on schizophrenia and mental disorder diagnosis;

-  a field trip to hear Stanford University's Dr William C. Dement, world renowned sleep specialist;

-  a field trip to meet Kim Peek, a man with Savant Syndrome, and the inspiration  for "Rain Man";

-  touring the Glankler School for children with autism and other behavioral difficulties;

-  regular "Donut Days" sales to raise money for the club, and many other fun events.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

See you there!

-- Sheldon

Fall 2009 Textbooks...

Dear Fall 2009 Students:

Information about required textbooks for your classes is available in the Ohlone College Bookstore on campus, with classes organized in the store by department, instructor, and course.  Just ask any of the floor staff to help you find the section marked "Psychology," and find the book(s) with my name on the tag.  To assist you, however, I have included the information below.

For those of you in my Psychology 101 classes, be careful that you don't purchase Tom McMahon's book (which is the same as ours, but in modules).  I have never read that version, and cannot speak to its content.

General Psychology (PSY 101) CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

- Exploring Psychology, 6th edition (David G. Myers)

-  ISBN: 978-0-716-71544-3

-

-

OR

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- Exploring Psychology, 7th edition (David G. Myers)

-  ISBN: 978-0-716-77141-8

-

-

-

-

Experimental Psychology (PSY 102) Required: 

-  Experimental Psychology, 6th edition (Myers & Hansen)

-  ISBN: 0-534-63441-9

-

-

-

Abnormal Psychology (PSY 115) Both Required:

Abnormal Psychology, 9th edition (Alloy, Riskind, & Manos) 

- ISBN: 9780072878707

-

-                              

Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology (Lilienfield, et al.)

ISBN: 1593850700

-

-

Nota bene:  It doesn't much matter to me how you get these books (in the campus bookstore, online, through a friend, etc.), but I cannot hold lectures or tests because you're still awaiting your book's arrival.

"Swine Flu" - Much Ado About Nothing...Again?...

Dear Students:

You have doubtless heard about the recent outbreaks of Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) that have cropped up in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.  Health officials are, rightly, concerned and are doing what they can to  track the virus and prevent its spread.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we've heard of Swine Flu, however, and many of us feel as if we are being somewhat manipulated into panic over something that will likely turn out to be a tempest in a teapot. 

Some of us are old enough to recall an outbreak in the mid-1970s, during which government officials assured us that a world-wide pandemic was on the horizon which promised to wipe out at least 1 million Americans.  It's important to recall that 1976 was an election year, that it was our Bicentennial, and that the country was still reeling from the recent impeachment and resignation of President Richard M. Nixon.  Politicians desperately needed a "cause celebre" to put them back in the good graces of the American people...and what better way than to "save them" from a horrible disease, even if there was that pesky little detail that there was no pandemic, and the small problem of no evidence that the virus would create one.  The end result: no reason to worry, ONE death and only three individuals infected in total (all from the same army barrack).

And CLICK HERE to read an excellent article from Salon.com which may inject a bit of reason and caution into the building panic over this Swine Flu "epidemic" (which, so far, has caused only a few deaths).  It's important to remember that the best defense against any threat is to use logic and reason, and to resist others' attempts to play upon our emotions.

Another GREAT ARTICLE from Rahul K. Parikh, MD gives a more detailed perspective of today's outbreak.

Think Before You Speak...

Ohlone College Psi Beta Chapter...

Dear Students:

It is with great pleasure that I announce the (near) completion of our plans to establish Ohlone's first chapter of the Psi Beta National Honor Society for Psychlogy.

Psi Beta is the community college branch of the university level honor society known as Psi Chi.  Becoming a member has many benefits, including a terrific way to feather your university application. Since qualification is based on academic achievement, membership shows that you are devoted to the field of psychology, that you have demonstrated academic superiority, and that you are focused on future study in the field.  CLICK HERE for further benefits, including scholarship opportunities.

In order to qualify, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Completed at least one Psychology course with a "B" or better.

2. Completed at least 12 units of coursework (e.g., fulltime status) so far.

3. Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, OR has a GPA in the top 35% range of fulltime students.

If you would like to join, please click the link below to download the Membership Application.  After filling it out and signing in BOTH spaces at the bottom, attach it to an "unofficial" transcript from WebAdvisor and get it to me asap (in person, or in my mail box). A one-time $50 application fee will be required (I will collect that later), but that allows lifetime membership.

Induction occurs each May, just before graduation, so please have your application to me at least three weeks before the Commencement Ceremony (see Ohlone College web site for date).

Download CharterMember_app_rev9_2008.pdf

Psych 101 - Course Paper FAQ...

Dear General Psychology Students:

Your Course Papers will be returned to you on the day of the Final Exam via the email address you used to send it to me. Click the link below to see some frequently asked questions regarding the paper. I have also re-posted the Course Paper/APA instructions for your reference and review.

Thanks!

- Sheldon