Essay II has been FINALIZED

The curve has been set at 94%, check the Great eSIS for your updated grade. Have a great Black Friday...Watch out for the crazies.

Tootles!
Caro

P.S. The below video is from Unkle but features Yorke from Radiohead. It is a great song and a pretty cool video. Enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Go get them turkeys!

The Week Ahead

Internal Assessment Week!
Recommendations:
1. Bring your laptop if you have one
2. Bring your Reader EVERY day
3. Come prepared to work in class

GOOD NEWS: I have removed the reading for Thanksgiving Weekend -- Methods development is enough. I will provide the content via lecture just prior to Sleep and Dreams.

GO TO: IA's homepage for all forms, rubrics, support materials, and resources!
Internal Assessment DATES/DEADLINES:

• Introduction DRAFT due: Nov. 26.
• DATA COLLECTION DAY: Dec. 4
• Methods DRAFT due: Dec. 5
• Result DRAFT due: Dec. 9
• Discussion DRAFT due: Dec. 12
• FINAL DRAFT: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References, Appendix DUE Dec. 19

Monday (11/24)
1. Final words on the Internal Assessment
2. IA group work AND group meetings with me
HW: Work on Introduction

Tuesday (11/25)
1. IA group work AND group meetings with me
HW: Work on Introduction

Wednesday (11/26)
INTRODUCTION DRAFT DUE
1. December Calendar is Distributed!
2. IA group work AND group meetings with me
3. FINALIZE plans for data collection day - (retain a class to use)
HW: Work on Methods

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Calling ALL Local Artists

Check out Homeschool, a new Portland art shop where you can sell your art work or simply go see other artists' work! It only happens once a month so be sure to check out their web site if you are interested.

The blog image for this week is a piece a saw there that I REALLY liked. The artist is Kristen Flemington.

Below is a video from the Cure -- a single off their new album. My wife and son Xavier (only 5 months gestation) were at this show and this was the opening song. Enjoy!

Depression on the holidays is common

For most people, the start of the holiday season brings feelings of joy and anticipation.

But for those who have lost a loved one, the holidays can be viewed with dread and depression.

Family traditions will never be the same, and many people suffer from loneliness and depression.

However, there are things you can do to help alleviate some of the stress and worry that surrounds this time of year.

According to www.griefshare.org, strategies can help those grieving during the holiday season.

--Prioritize and plan what is important this holiday season. Changing traditions might get you out of a depressed rut. Try volunteering and helping people in need. You will feel better about yourself, and it will give you something to smile about when you see the good impact you are having on someone's life.

--Accept your limitations this season. You probably depended on a loved one in the past to help you get things done. If they are no longer around, make sure to keep other important people in your life up-to-date on your situation and let them know what to expect this season. Start buying presents earlier. This will allow you to mitigate some of the financial burden that dealing with the loss of a loved one often brings.

--Ask for and accept help. Your friends and loved ones probably are looking for ways to spend time with you, and by allowing them to help you this season, you will have more energy to focus on things that are higher on your priority list.

--Living in and enjoying the present can be a way to get your mind off of the past. Think about the great things that are still a part of your life, not comparing the sadness of today with the happy times of years past.

--Reconnect with an old friend or relative. Make it a point to talk to someone who used to be in your life, but for whatever reason, is no longer. You might be surprised at the joy connecting with past friends can bring you in your time of need.

Remember to make time for yourself. If there was something you enjoyed doing by yourself when your loved one was alive, keep doing it. Remember that you are important and need time to enjoy yourself.

When times get really bad, remember the true meaning of the holidays. Take the time to write down exactly what the holidays mean to you. Take those core values and celebrate them with the people who still are with you.

Welcome to Cognitive Psychology

Monday begins Cognitive Psychology, our second to last unit and the home of the Internal Assessment. I am always very excited to get into this unit because we cover so many interesting topics such as sleep and dreams, altered states, memory, information processing, and of course the Internal Assessment.

Below is a look at the weeks ahead, AND a list of essential dates. I will also be posting this information on my homepage at mrcaro.com as well as the IA's homepage located at:
http://www.mrcaro.com/psychology/iac.html -- CHECK this page throughout the IA process.

As I have stressed in class, it is extremely vital that you hold closely to the deadlines for the IA and work on the drafts as they are returned to you.

GO TO: IA's homepage for all forms, rubrics, support materials, and resources!
Internal Assessment DATES/DEADLINES:

• Introduction DRAFT due: Nov. 26.
• DATA COLLECTION DAY: Dec. 4
• Methods DRAFT due: Dec. 5
• Result DRAFT due: Dec. 9
• Discussion DRAFT due: Dec. 12
• FINAL DRAFT: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References, Appendix DUE Dec. 19

The Weeks Ahead
Monday (11/17)
1. Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
--History and Assumptions
---Notes
HW: Read pages 213-217 in Reader -- take notes on studies & theories

Tuesday (11/18)
1. Cognitive Psychology: Memory
--Memory
---Notes/Video
HW: Read pages 218-230 in Reader

Wednesday (11/19)
Cognitive Psychology: Memory
1. Memory
--Notes/Video/HW review
HW: Read pages 230-236 in Reader - complete a JAS form

Thursday (11/20)
Cognitive Psychology: Memory
1. Memory
--Notes/Video/HW review
2. Begin talks on the Internal Assessment
HW: Read pages 237-242 - complete a JAS form

Friday (11/21)
Cognitive Psychology: Memory and the IA
-- Discuss HW
-- Introduce IA: pages 450-501 in Reader
HW: Read Abstracts on pages: 477, 489, 485, AND Read pages 243-48 and take notes on studies

Monday (11/24)
Cognitive Psychology: Memory and the IA
--Discuss HW
Internal Assessment
-- Group work (see pages 497-501 in Reader)
HW: Work on DRAFT of Introduction

Tuesday (11/25)
Internal Assessment
-- Group work (see pages 497-501 in Reader)
HW: Work on DRAFT of Introduction

Wednesday (11/26)*
Internal Assessment
Introduction DRAFT DUE
-- Group work (see pages 497-501 in Reader)
HW: Work on Methods DRAFT and documents and Read pages 249-267 in Reader -- take notes on models of information processing and studies.


THANKSGIVING BREAK

Now Serving...

I am working through the e-mails so DO NOT PANIC! I will get to yours. I will be checking the blog for questions throughout the night so post as you need to!

GRADES! They are looking AWESOME!!!!!

GREAT WORK EVERYONE. I HAVE THE HIGHEST GRADES EVER IN IB PSYCH!


Check eSIS for updates all day today and into the night! E-mail me with questions. The below video made me a worse human being, but the song made me be able to love again. Thank you Flock of Seagulls.

De-stress to Fight Off Seasonal Depression

A Great song and a Great flick


The bewitching hour of 2 a.m. Sunday marked the end of daylight saving time and the beginning of shorter days and longer nights. For many people, especially women, this annual change of seasons also triggers a change in mood, leading to feelings of fatigue, depression and anxiety --- more severe than just winter blues.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about half a million Americans suffer from winter-onset depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Although more common in northern regions where the winters are longer, the condition plagues residents in southern regions, too.

Symptoms, which can include weight gain and insomnia, can start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. They usually lift during spring and summer but return about the same time every year.

Many women already experience heightened stress leading up to the holidays trying to juggle work and family demands, plan for holiday gatherings, shop for gifts, and cook. Lower the temperatures, gray the days and dim the sunlight, and women succumb to seasonal affective disorder more often than men.

"They're trying to cram more into less daylight hours," said Jacqueline Dawes, owner of Brookhaven Retreat, an East Tennessee residential treatment center for women. She said that many women complain of feeling completely helpless by the end of October, isolate themselves and create excuses for not going out. "Suddenly they find themselves just kind of stuck," she said.

To unstick yourself, start by unloading some of the stressors.

Instead of taking on more during the holidays, prioritize activities and make good choices about what you can get done. Plan ahead and share responsibilities with other family members. Learn to accept imperfection and set boundaries.

"Women don't like to say no," said Dawes, of women's need to perpetuate the superwoman image. "It's OK to say no."

When feeling down in the dumps consumes your life, especially if you struggle to get out of bed, socialize and sleep, seek help. Don't let depression persist or worsen into feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide.

A doctor will conduct a psychological evaluation, asking questions about changes in your mood, behavior, sleeping and eating patterns and a physical exam to check for underlying health problems. Treatment options include light therapy, antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.

"Once a woman understands what and why it's happening and understands the skills of self-regulating, she learns the tools to manage it," said Dawes.

TAKING CONTROL

Unmanaged stress can lead to depression (seasonal or otherwise). Here are some ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed:

> Manage expectations. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize important activities.

> Set realistic goals. Know what you can and cannot do. Don't put the entire focus on just one day. Activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.

> Learn to say no. If you say yes only to what you really want to do, you'll avoid feeling resentful and overwhelmed.

> Forget perfection. TV specials are filled with happy endings, but in real life, people don't usually resolve problems within an hour or two. Expect and accept imperfections.

> Share the load. You don't have to do it alone. Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.

> Don't abandon healthy habits. Continue to get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet and take time to relax. Don't turn to alcohol or unprescribed drugs for relief.

> Make time for yourself. Spend at least 15 minutes alone, without distractions, to recharge your batteries. Take a walk at night, listen to soothing music or take slow breaths.

> Lighten up. Make your home sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.

> Get out. Get outdoors on sunny days, even during winter. Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit peacefully on a bench and soak up the sun.

> Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.

> Socialize. Stay connected with people you enjoy being around. They can offer support, a shoulder to cry on or a joke to give you a little boost.

> Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations in sunny, warm locations if you have winter SAD, or cooler locations if you have summer SAD.

Source: National Mental Health Association, Mayo Clinic

BEYOND THE BLUES

Common symptoms of winter-onset seasonal affective disorder include:

Depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, change in appetite (especially craving foods high in carbohydrates), weight gain, difficulty concentrating and processing information, fatigue, irritability, increased sensitivity to social rejection, avoidance of social situations.

Source: National Mental Health Association, Mayo Clinic

Stressed Out? Managing It Critical to Physical, Mental Health

Stress in the workplace doesn't have to be all bad. But too much of it can cause both mental and physical problems that can impact not just your work productivity, but your personal life.

Michael Hall, L.M.S.W., outreach coordinator for Memorial Behavioral Health, Gulfport, provides presentations about reducing workplace stress as part of employee assistance programs provided by some businesses in the state. Hall defines stress as the responses our bodies and minds have to the demands placed on them. Workplace stress is the result of high demands placed on an individual on the job, be it real or perceived.

"There are two types of stress," Hall said. "Positive stress can help you concentrate, and can often help you to reach peak efficiency. Positive stress is beneficial in performing your job or other responsibilities. Negative stress is any situation in the workplace that leaves a feeling of depression, anxiety or pressure."

Stress triggers on the job can include being over worked, working long hours for low pay, conflict in the workplace, increased responsibility and unrealistic demands of supervisors. Conflict with other employees or even with customers can also add to workplace stress.

Hall said the physical reaction to stress is always the same, but with negative stress your body stays "geared up" and doesn't relax. When stress becomes chronic and ongoing, your physical and emotional health can suffer.

"Negative stress has been linked to headaches, sleep disturbance, upset stomach, poor concentration, low moral, poor family relations, hypertension, heart disease and psychological disorders," Hall said. "Chronic stress hinders our body's ability to fight off disease and reduces job productivity. There are many factors contributing to stress in general that spill over into the workplace. These include financial, marital, single-family parenting and substance abuse."

Employers can help limit on-the job stress, Hall said, by improving communication sharing pertinent information related to employee's jobs and the future of the organization.

"Set realistic goals and priorities encouraging employees to be part of the process," he said. "This will encourage ownership, which encourages taking responsibility. Support a healthy lifestyle in and outside of the workplace. This investment pays for itself by preventing lost productivity and worker's compensation claims. Wellness programs can decrease stress in the workplace and also cut down on missing work due to illnesses."

He also recommends businesses encourage employees to use vacation days to get away from the day-to-day routine of work and stressful environments.

Tips for employees to manage stress include the following:

* Proper diet and exercise.

* Cognitive techniques such as positive thinking.

* Become more assertive and take control of your lifestyle.

* Improve time management skills.

* Develop a supportive network.

* Do not use alcohol or other drugs.

* Maintain a good sense of humor.

Dr. Harry Mills, who has a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and did his clinical residency at the University of Mississippi Medical School, said stress can add excitement to your life or it can become the bane of your existence.

"Whether it is the one or the other depends on the source of stress and on you," said Mills, who now practices in Orlando, Fla., and has 30 years' experience as a stress psychologist. "Any event that makes a demand for a response that may exceed your capacity may be experienced as a source of stress."

First Period Quiz Scores

E-mail if you would like your score e-mailed to you tonight!

In Case You Missed It!

Sex and Gender Video Clips from Class:
Take notes on the following points:
1. How are gender roles learned (operant conditioning and observational learning)
2. The influence of sex/biology on the development of gender specific behaviors (such as play)
3. Culture and gender roles
4. Health and gender
5. Childhood and gender

Clip 1:


Clip 2:


Clip 3:

Obama Blowout!

Happy?
Sad?
Sound off here! What do you think about your new president?

The Week Ahead: 11/3 - 11/7

CHECK eSIS FOR YOUR GRADES -- CHECK FOR MISSING ASSIGNMENTS -- FRIDAY IS THE END OF THE QUARTER...


Monday (11/3)
Operant Conditioning
--Phobia - finish video clips
--Problems with Punishment - finish notes
Observational Learning
--Notes
HW: Read pages 201-205; complete JAS form

Tuesday (11/4)
Observational Learning
--Notes
--Aggression - Bandura (HW)
HW: NONE/Study for Quiz

Wednesday (11/5)
QUIZ
Observational Learning
--Gender Rules - Video
HW: Reading from TEXTBOOK! pages 241-250


Thursday (11/6)
Observational Learning
--Notes
Cognitive Learning
--Discuss HW
HW: Read pages 206-209 (Maps in Your Mind), complete JAS Form 


Friday (11/7)
Biology of Memory and Learning
--Assemble notes on studies on the biology of learning
Evaluation of the Perspective
HW: Read pages 253-262 in TEXTBOOK!

Hopkins study finds combination therapy best for child anxiety
The Baltimore Sun, Maryland - October 31, 2008

Oct. 31--Researchers led by Johns Hopkins doctors have found that three popular treatments for childhood anxiety disorders are all effective, but that combining an antidepressant with behavioral therapy is the superior treatment.

It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of children suffer from anxiety disorders -- the most common psychiatric illness in children -- which can cause serious problems in school and in relationships. The authors of the study, released online yesterday by TheNew England Journal of Medicine, said they hope their work will give doctors confidence about the treatments they prescribe and raise awareness of the seriousness of the disorders.

"[A]nxiety disorders in childhood remain underrecognized and undertreated," the authors wrote. "An improvement in outcomes for children with anxiety disorders would have important public health implications."

In the study of 488 children age 7 to 17 done at six institutions across the country, researchers found that, over a 12-week period, 81 percent improved using therapy and medication, 60 percent improved on therapy alone, 55 percent improved when taking the antidepressant Zoloft and 24 percent improved when taking a placebo. A second phase of the study will monitor the children for an additional six months. It is the largest study of its kind.

Some studies have shown antidepressants don't work significantly better than placebos. In this short-term study, medication was clearly the better option.

The children studied all had moderate-to-severe separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder or social phobia. Separation anxiety often means children are afraid to be alone, sometimes following their parents around the house, balking at going to school or even having a baby sitter. Generalized anxiety disorder patients are often characterized as "worrywarts," worrying about the future and the past to a problematic degree. Those with social phobia are very self-conscious in social situations, often refusing to speak in school or answer the phone at home.

If left untreated, doctors say, these disorders can lead to more severe anxiety or depression as the child gets older.

"People tend to think of anxiety as part of childhood. Children worry and have fears," said Dr. John Walkup, a child psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and lead author of the study. "This is much more serious than that. They're debilitated by their anxiety."

Now, he said, parents can know they "have lots of flexibility, lots of choices" when it comes to treating their children.

Antidepressants have come under scrutiny for potentially triggering suicide in some children. In this study, no child attempted suicide.

2008 Seniors Bowl

Happy Weekend! Go Tigers: Soccer, Football, Water polo, Cross Country, Sword Fighting, etc. etc.