Helms - Ohlone Psychology Blog

Nonhuman Primate Communication...

Dear Students:

Click the link below to read an interesting article from Skeptic about research on nonhuman primate communication.  For decades we've heard conflicting reports about efforts to teach chimps and gorillas (and sometimes orangutans) to "talk" using sign language, message boards, and other means.  In the early 1970s, the answer seemed to be that it was possible that they might actually have the capacity to express themselves on something approaching a human level of communication.  Since that time, the research has been criticized in terms of its methods, research design, conclusions and, in some cases, even its very authenticity!.

Introducing James Randi...

James Randi's reputation as a magician and escape artist is a matter of world renown.  Unfortunately, Randi passed away on October 20, 2020 at age 92, in the home he shared with his spouse, Deyvi Pena. He leaves behind a legacy as a tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.  Utilizing a keen scientific mind, Randi - as he preferred to be called - examined claims of paranormal powers and activities all over the world.  I was one of the millions and millions of fans who were influenced by his incredible body of work, as well as his kindness. And I count myself lucky to be one of the relatively small group who called him a friend. Click the link below to learn more about this incredible man.

Instructions for Canvas and Zoom...

Dear Students:

This post is only for those courses that meet over Zoom video for lectures. If you are in a purely online course, this will not apply to you.

Please click the link below to download the sheet explaining how to access and use Canvas and ConferZoom video conferencing.

Download Synchronous Remote-Instruction Welcome Letter

 

Welcome and Canvas Instructions - Psychology 101 ONLINE class...

Dear Psychology 101 (General Psychology ONLINE) Class,

Please click below and download the Welcome Letter and the instructions for accessing our Canvas shell. Let me know if you have any difficulties, and I'll do my best to help you resolve them.

Thanks!

-- Sheldon

Download Online Class Remote-Instruction Welcome Letter

Michelle's Study Tips...

Dear Students,

Please click the link below to download a one-page of tips from a former student that may provide you with some insight about how to study better.

As I said in class, these are tips from one student who found them helpful for herself. They may, or may not, all apply to your own learning patterns. But, it probably won't hurt to consider some of them. Michelle took all of my courses, and proved herself an exceptional student. Some of that may have been due to things other than her study habits, but who knows?

 

Download Michelle's Study Tips

Recording of my lectures is prohibited...

Hi, Everyone!

As I mention in each of my classes, I do not allow video or audio recording of my lectures.  This has apparently been confusing for some, so I wanted to be very clear about it.

The lectures that I give are extemporaneous and, although they may seem to be "off the top of my head" at times, I can assure you that that is an illusion.  Each of my lectures contains a great deal of carefully planned information and is "performed" as much as recited.  Therefore, my lectures and those performances constitute my Intellectual Property.  Without ownership of this property, a faculty member can become somewhat obsolete, as well as having her/his property disseminated without consent.

I hope this clarifies my policy; let me know if you have any questions.

-- Sheldon

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California Education Code 78907 prohibits students taping a class, and violation is a misdemeanor:

78907. The use by any person, including a student, of any
electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without the
prior consent of the instructor is prohibited, except as necessary
to provide reasonable auxiliary aids and academic adjustments to
disabled students. Any person, other than a student, who willfully
violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
  Any student violating this section shall be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action.

Memory? - F'gettabout it...

Dear Students:

Imagine that you are a war veteran who is haunted by memories of death and destruction, or that you were abused by a parent as a child and are suffering from the effects of those memories. Then consider being offered a drug that would literally erase the memory of the events that are causing you such pain. Click the link below to download a recent report from ABC News on efforts by scientists to do just that - to chemically alter memory consolidation in humans, making them forget specific events forever.

inFact: The Trashy Secret of Plastic Bag Bans...

Over the decades, state and local governments have passed environmental laws that enjoy widespread support. Studies show that most people use their intuition to determine whether to vote for a law, rather than looking at answers from science. Is this always a good policy?

Skeptical investigator, Brian Dunning, has done a deep dive into one of these: Plastic Bag Bans. In his investigation, Brian compares the carbon footprint and overall effect of disposable plastic bags, paper bags, and other alternatives.

The results might surprise you!

inFact: The Trashy Secret of Plastic Bag Bans

The NFL's Concussion Crisis...

Over the past 100 years, American football has grown from a little known sport played on ivy league campuses, to a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of employees. The NFL is one of the largest employers in the nation, and carries with it a terrible secret that has only recently come to light. Concussions. And the picture is far worse than you ever imagined.

CLICK HERE to watch an important PBS documentary entitled "League of Denial: The NFL's Concussion Crisis."  In it, doctors, former sports reporters, and former NFL players, and the wives of former players dicuss the toll the sport has taken on the health and safety of thousands of young men, sending many to an early grave.  Until recently the NFL has taken great pains, and spent millions in payoffs and lawyer fees, in an attempt to deny and/or conver up just how bad the problem is.

Here's hoping the scientific information will continue to be discussed so that measures can be taken to at least make the sport less dangerous for those who choose to play it.

"An Honest Liar" Now On Amazon Prime (free with ads)!...

Dear Students,

James Randi is not only one of the greatest magicians and entertainers of all time, he's also a wonderful critical thinker and a decent human being. He has devoted most of his adult life to protecting the public from those he sees as charlatans and swindlers, while also teaching us some important lessons about the power of rationality and the scientific method.

In Spring of 2015, I hosted a screening of the documentary film about Randi's life, called "An Honest Liar." At the time, it was only being shown in theaters and our screening was the only one approved for release on a college campus. I'm happy to say that the film has now been released on DVD and Blu-Ray, and is available to watch online via Amazon Prime (with ads).

I strongly encourage you to watch it. You'll not only be entertained, but also informed and better prepared to protect yourself against the many scam artists and con criminals you'll encounter in life.

 

 

The Myth of Acupuncture...

Although it seems bizarre, many people believe strongly in the promise of acupuncture, an ancient Eastern technique in which small needles are inserted into the skin at specific points with the purpose of eliminating diesease, pain, emotional problems, etc.

In the video below, psychologist and author Michael Shermer investigates this mystical form of Eastern "Medicine" to determine 1) whether there is any scientific basis for acupuncture, and 2) whether any benefits beyond the placebo effect.

 

APA Tips for Avoiding Cabin Fever...

Since everyone and his brother is playing amateur scientist or psychologist these days, I've hesitated to chime in. But I've also received a good number of messages from people who've asked me to advise them about how to cope with the Shelter-In-Place order, and all the other craziness that we're currently faced with. To that end, here's my advice for dealing with Cabin Fever.
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Magic In The Classroom - An e-Book from the JREF...

A few years ago, I was asked by the James Randi Educational Foundation to contribute to part of their educational efforts. The result of this collaboration was three chapters in their e-book, "Magic in the Classroom."  In it, I wrote chapters on the following topics:

1. Your Nervous System Can Fool You (Chapter 25)
2. Your Common Sense Can Fail You (Chapter 26)
3. Your Beliefs are Malleable (Chapter 28)

Click here to visit the download page where you can get a FREE copy in multiple formats.

And you thought I was kidding....

Dear Students:

Many of you laughed when I mentioned the Flat Earth Society in class (and it is, indeed, laughable). But believe me, I'm not kidding.  There are litereally thousands of otherwise normal, everyday folks around the world who believe that our planet is flat.

This view of the world is ancient, and derives from staggering ignorance. Even Christopher Columbus knew that the world was a sphere (regardless of the children's tale that says otherwise).  To find people who believed this, you'd have to go back much further than the 1400s. In fact, it was the Greek philosopher Pythagoras who first proposed a spherical Earth in the 6th century (the 500s)!

CLICK HERE to read a report about the Flat Earthers and their ridiculous beliefs. Then, consider what other beliefs people hold (homophobia, Creationism, sexism, anti-GMO, racial superiority, vaccine denial), as well as any that you yourself may hold that aren't supported by the facts.

ANNOUNCEMENT: ShelShocked Podcast Airs!...

I'm pleased to announce that my long-awaited podcast has finally aired. Each week, my co-host Amanda DeVaus (from the Australian Skeptics) will cover a different topic from science or skepticism, and feature interviews from famous scientists, authors, critical thinkers, etc.

NOW AVAILABLE in the iTunes store! Just search for "ShelShocked," then subscribe so that episodes will download automatically each week FREE.

CLICK HERE to join our Facebook fan page where each new episode will post, and related information can be found.

In addition, you can listen to (or download) episodes directly from my website HERE.

 

Coffey Talk - The Success of Operation Bumblebee...

Dear Students:

I'm happy to report that Operation Bumblebee (San Jose) was a rousing success. Several of us to took part have written up articles about the experience, and some are already taking part in podcast interviews to spread the word. In addition to tricking self-described psychic Chip Coffey into connecting with our fake dead relatives, we also hoped to spark skeptical activism in our community. When you have a moment, click the link below to read (or listen to) my take on the evening. It was an emotionally exhausting experience, but very gratifying, nonetheless.

CLICK HERE to read a report of the evening's events (also available in audio format on that page).  We have some interest from several major publications and a TV show, and I'll keep you posted about those as they develop.

Stay skeptical!