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Probing the Mind: Testing the breaking point of neuropsychological assessments
Medicine and psychology intersect more than you would expect. In particular, tests developed based on psychological concepts are used frequently in clinical evaluations to assess different aspects of a patient’s cognitive abilities. However, there are important limitations to these tests that become evident in cases of severe disease. Research has moved towards using neurophysiological methods…
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A Lifetime of Knowledge Can Benefit Memory in Old Age
Overall, memory declines as we age, but prior knowledge may be able to benefit memory in old age.
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The Dangers of Fluency
Fluency is a useful cognitive tool that we use when choosing study strategies, buying products, and assessing information accuracy. Yet, there are times when fluency can mislead us and result in meaningful consequences.
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The debate on pushing school start times: Is there a perfect solution?
Despite strong scientific evidence to suggest that teens would benefit greatly from later school start times, California has vetoed a bill that would ensure middle and high schools do not start before 8:30AM. Why?
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When Does it Feel Good to Give?
Growing evidence suggests that it feels good to give. But does giving feel better for some people than others?
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Learning from Emotions in Infancy
Early in life, learning about emotions is an important skill to develop. As early as infancy, the ability to interpret others’ emotions can be used to learn about various aspects of the surrounding world.
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NASA on the brain! Why Space Exploration Needs Neuroscience
Radiation and microgravity can seriously mess with an astronaut’s brain and behavior— see why NASA is focusing on psychology & neuroscience research to advance the journey to Mars.
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Where is my mind? A brief review of neuroscientists’ search for biological substrates of memory
Neuroscientists have sought to understand the biological nature of memory for decades. In this brief review, I talk about the history of memory research and where the field is now.
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Correlation, Causation, and Coffee
In recent news, a large study found a link between coffee consumption and risk for mortality. While the news media has taken off with claims that coffee is the key to longevity, they commit a cardinal sin in science—confusing correlation with causation.
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How to Get Ahead the Summer Before Graduate School
You’ve finished applications, interview cycles, admission processes, and now you’re bound for graduate school. You have three months of free time before you begin one of the greatest maranthon races of your life. So, what should you be doing now to get ahead?