Infant Perception

Here, a short video on prenatal and early influences on taste preferences in young children.

Extra Credit: Undergraduate Assessment

Give your opinions about instructors, course offerings and advising.  And EXTRA CREDIT.  2 points to be specific.

Undergraduate Assessment Survey

Back to work.

So you want to be a teacher?

Information on becoming a teacher in Oregon is here, for those interested in that path.

Theory Shmeary

So you know how sometimes people complain about theories being just a theory?  You know, as opposed to a law?  Ever wondered what that really meant?

Theories are organized sets of hypotheses, organized sets of whys laid out in an attempt to understand some group of facts that have been observed. In scientific terms at least, theories have stronger support and explanatory power than laws.  Good theories are testable, they can be shown to be wrong, or if we are lucky good and careful scientists, perhaps on the road to right. So theory schmeary and all that.

And, in scientific terms at least, "law" doesn't mean quite the same thing as in everyday speech.  In everyday speech, laws are rules we are supposed to obey - things we have to do but sometimes don't or things we get in trouble for doing.  By contrast, in scientific terminology laws are descriptions of things that happen.  They are primarily observatory in nature, meaning they tell us what happens under a certain set of circumstances.  Apple rolls off head, apple falls.  It tells us the what of what happened.  But - and here's a crucial part - it doesn't tell us the why, and that's because we generally don't understand why they happened, we just know that they do. So in terms of evidence and explanatory power, theories are the better bet.

However, in the spirit of internet memes, let me pass on for you a PSA recently forwarded to me about a law you should follow.

Because seatbelts?  Not just a good idea.  The LAW.

Research Internship at OHSU

Research Intern

Oregon Health Science University, Sleep and Mood Disorders Laboratory http://www.ohsu.edu/sleeplab
The Sleep and Mood Disorders Laboratory at OHSU conducts studies on human circadian rhythm disorders, including experiments testing the effectiveness of properly-timed doses of melatonin to treat such disorders in totally blind people.  Other research studies include work in circadian misalignment in non-seasonal major depression and the genetics of morning and evening types.

We are currently looking for one or more psychology, biology or pre-med students to assist in various levels of the research process, including data entry and analysis, literature searches, transcribing sleep diaries, filing journal articles, and preparing materials for research subjects. This position may also require interaction with research subjects, including recruitment and screening.  Good communication skills and attention to detail are required. Knowledge of computer application software (Word, Excel) is preferred.  This position is an unpaid internship.  To apply for this position, please submit cover letter and resume to Amber Laurie at sleeplab@ohsu.edusleeplab@ohsu.edu>.

Money for Participating in a Research Study!

Hi all,
Robert Roesser, of the psychology department here at Portland State, is recruiting students for a study on contemplative education.  His website is here, his blog is here, and the recruitment information is here.


                  

Scholarship opportunity

Hi all,
I just wanted to alert you to a potential scholarship opportunity.  The Ronald E. McNair Scholar's Program  is a fabulous opportunity for a motivated student.  It is designed to help students from low income, first generation or traditionally underrepresented groups get into graduate school.  Basically, you participate in a series of professional development courses all year, are matched with a faculty advisor, and then design, carry out, write up and present your own research project during the summer (with a salary! that means money!).  I've served as an advisor three times and am a HUGE fan of the program.  I've linked above to the webpage, but feel free to ask me questions about it as well.