Psych in Pop Culture
The story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose mother made her believe she was sick for years, is a tragic example of this disorder, where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care...
What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
This founder of psychoanalysis theorized that every person has an "ego," "superego," and "id." — Your mom has all three.
Who is Sigmund Freud?
This professor is one of NCC’s most well-known faculty members, famously teaching Statistics and I/O Psychology. He also has a pet platypus that is frequently on the loose in the Science Center.
Who is Dr. Kelly?
The hypothalamus, amygdala, and the hippocampus are a part of this system that is often nicknamed the "emotional nervous system."
What is the limbic system?
This is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
What is GABA?
What psychology concept is shown in this scene from The Office?
What is Classical Conditioning?
This 20th-century psychologist studied conditioning with rats and pigeons, showing how rewards and punishments shape behavior.
Who is B.F. Skinner?
This professor is the newest full-time faculty member in Psychology and Neuroscience, and he used to teach at Furman University in South Carolina. He is also the advisor of Psychology Club :)
Who is Dr. Hakim?
The cerebral cortex is composed of neurons that make up the brain’s “___ matter."
What is gray matter?
This is the official name of the cell body of a neuron, which contains the nucleus.
What is the soma?
Olivia Rodrigo’s song “traitor” captures the fear of abandonment and emotional highs and lows linked to this attachment style.
What is anxious attachment style?
In the 1800s, this railroad worker survived a tamping iron passing through his skull, dramatically changing his personality — a famous case showing the link between the brain and behavior.
Who is Phineas Gage?
This professor teaches classes in both Psychology and Neuroscience. Her area of interest is sleep, and you may catch her conducting research in the sleep lab on the basement level of Wentz Science Center!
Who is Dr. Chambers?
This main brain unit might kick into effect the you are trying to keep your balance while walking on a narrow curb or avoid slipping on ice.
What is the cerebellum?
This part of the neuron is also referred to as "white matter" and helps increase speed of transmission of neural signals down the axon of the neuron.
What is the myelin sheath?
Getting random viral hits reinforces behavior through this kind of reward schedule in operant conditioning.
What is variable ratio reinforcement?
Philip Zimbardo’s study at Stanford demonstrated how quickly people adopt abusive or submissive roles in a simulated prison
What is the Stanford Prison Experiment?
This professor has research interests in eating disorders and suicide prevention. She was on sabbatical in the fall, but you may have her for Stress and Coping or Psychological Assessment this semester.
Who is Dr. Azarbad?
This brain region involved in memory is the first brain region to attacked by Alzheimer's Disease.
What is the hippocampus?
What are mirror neurons?
The “ick” — a sudden loss of attraction for minor reasons — could be linked to this cognitive shortcut that helps the brain make quick judgments.
What is a heuristic (specifically the affect heuristic)?
This movement in the 1950s–60s emphasized how people process, store, and use information — comparing the mind to a computer.
What is cognitive psychology?
This professor has run 10+ marathons, used to work as a music therapist, and is the proud owner of an Irish Wolfhound.
Who is Dr. Rivera?
This limbic system brain region is critical to System 1 thinking.
What is the amygdala?
This refers to the period of time after a neuron fires in which it cannot fire again.
What is the absolute refractory period?