Comparative Psychology
Remote Controlled Rat
Written by
Keiron Walsh
This week's resource of the week is this very interesting video clip showing how the decisions of rats can be controlled by directly manipulating the reinforcements they receive through stimulation of the pleasure centres in their…
The General Adaptation Syndrome
Written by
Keiron Walsh
When Hans Selye was conducting research on rats by injecting them with extracts of various glands of the body, he noticed that the rats were all displaying the same group of symptoms. At first he believed…
Psychopathology: Brain Activity Could Be Used To Diagnose OCD
Written by
Keiron Walsh
Psychopathology: Brain Activity Could Be Used To Diagnose OCD
Some new research has been unveiled that adds to a growing body of evidence supporting biological explanations of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; it further supports the link between …
How to Spot a Narcissist From Their Facebook Profile
Written by
Keiron Walsh
Narcissism is a personality disorder, characterised by "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy" (DSM IV-TR). Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, believe they are special and unique, have…
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Written by
Keiron Walsh
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Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Piaget believed that there is a qualitative as well as a quantitative difference in the intelligence of young children, compared with older children and adults. There is a…
Vygotsky's Theory of Cognitive Development
Written by
Keiron Walsh
Vygotsky criticised Piaget’s emphasis on the child’s interaction with the environment, claiming that Piaget ignores the role of social interaction. Vygotsky, in contrast, sees the child as an apprentice who learns through interacting with others rather…