The Lobotomist

After viewing the program, "The Lobotomist", write a 500 word explanation of the story of Dr. Walter Freeman and his use of the frontal lobotomy.  Be sure to describe the procedure, it's uses, it's strengths and weaknesses and the overall story of this important figure in psychology and the treatment of mental illness.
Include at least 2 relevant pictures.

You should do some additional research to expand your knowledge of this subject. Be sure to site any resources used.  This assignment is due Sunday, March 20th.

Step 2: Internal Assessment

This is the week you should be conducting your experiment replication.  What does this mean for you?

1. You need to make arraingements with another teacher(s) to use his/her students as your participants during class time.  I recommend conducting the experiment during our block on Thursday to ensure you have enough time to be successful.  *be sure to let the teacher know when you will be there, how many of his/her students you will need to use and how long you plan to use them.
2. Write or type up the procedure you will be following in conducting the experiment (I will be checking this for a grade.) You will need the original (or at least another) write-up of the experiment.
3. Be sure you have all the neccesary materials to conduct the experiment.  You should make a list and be sure you have everything before Thursday.
4. Create and print up your consent forms - you will need one for each participant and anyone under 16 needs to have a parent sognature before they can participate. 

Step 1: Internal Assessment

You may work with up to three of your classmates in the preliminary stage of the Internal Assessment: this means you may work in groups of up to four to conduct the experiment.(It may be helpful to have at least one partner to assist you.)
You need to identify which experiment you are going to replicate by Thursday December 2nd. This means you must have done some research to determine who actually conducted this experiment and what are the details of the experiment (you need to know how it was carried out, with whom and what were the original results.)
Lastly, you need to do internet research to better understand the background of your experiment: this means you need to identify the topic area under which your experiment falls and find additional information to help you explain the concept when you complete your write-up.  Your background information must be submitted to me by Thursday, December 9th.  This requires you write 400 words detailing the original experiment and background information on the topic area - post it to your blog by the due date.

When we return from winter break we will be conduting the experiments so this is an improtant first step in preparing to be ready for STEP TWO.

Research in Psychology: Ethics (or the lack thereof)

The Milgram Experiment on Obedience - Original Footage

Top-10 Evil Human Experiments:  http://listverse.com/2008/03/14/top-10-evil-human-experiments/

APA Guide for Ethics in Using Animals:  http://www.apa.org/science/leadership/care/guidelines.aspx

The Placebo Effect - Is it real or just imagined?

After reading the two articles linked below, write a 250 word minimum response:

Include in your response:

* what is the placebo effect
* explain H.K. Beecher's study which suggested the effectiveness of placebos
* what types of problems do these studies have?
* based on what you have learned, what is your opinion regarding the effectiveness of placebos?

http://www.skepdic.com/placebo.html

http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Debunking_the_Placebo.shtml

DUE DATE: Sunday, November 28th by midnight
REMINDER: do not COPY/PASTE and site any/all resources used

Research in Psychology: The Placebo Effect

Studies have shown that the human brain/body is capable of healing itself but also fooling itself.  Placebos are those things we think are doing us some good but, in reality, they have no true healing or mediconal  power on their own.  The power is derived through our expectations and nothing more. 
We usually think of placebos as being sugar or water pills but they are actually found in many forms.  Among these are surgical procedures, religious beliefs and other previously unknown forms of placebos.

The accompanying videos will help to understand the concept and it's applications. (Placebo: Cracking the Code parts 1/2, parts 3/4)