Brain Function: An Introduction The Frontal Lobe, the Amygdala and the Prefrontal Cortex Numerous studies have shown that there are correlations found between brain function and violent behaviour. In order to fully understand these studies, it’s important to have a general understanding of some of the functions of these parts of the brain. The brain is labelled as having different …
Criminology: Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory Children that grow up in violent households might be more prone to violence not only because of the physiological effects of the trauma that may have altered their brain and/or cognitive development, they may have also learned to be violent from watching their parents. Stanford Psychologist Albert Bandura proposed the Social Learning in the 1960s… Key Theory: …
Criminology: Unit Overview
Relevant Topics The follow are the relevant topics related to the learning outcomes from the IB course that this unit will aim to cover. Social Learning Theory (SCLA) Sociocultural Explanations of Violence (Human Relationships) Exposure to Violence (Human Relationships) Strategies to Reduce Violence (Human Relationships) Grade 12s can also opt to make connections to topics already covered last year: Neurotransmission Hormones …
Criminology: Introduction
In the middle of the night on August 1st, 1966, 26-year-old Charles Whitman sat down at his typewriter in his house and began typing a letter. It begins: “…I don’t really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I don’t recall when it started) I have been a victim …
Criminology: An introduction
Brain Function: The Frontal Lobe and the Prefrontal Cortex Numerous studies have shown that there are correlations found between brain function and violent behaviour. In order to fully understand these studies, it’s important to have a general understanding of some of the functions of these parts of the brain. The brain is labelled as having different “lobes”. The frontal lobe is …
True, Natural and Field ExperimentsAn easy lesson idea for learning about experiments.
There is a difference between a “true experiment” a “field experiment” and a “natural experiment”. These separate experimental methods are commonly used in psychological research and they each have their strengths and limitations. True Experiments A true experiment is one where: the researcher has controlled for the influence of extraneous variables (i.e. factors that may potentially become confounding variables) and… …
The Jigsaw Classroom: An effective strategy to reduce violence?
Jigsaw Classroom to Reduce Violence Sherif’s Realistic Conflict Theory What is goal interdependence? What did Sherif do to reduce conflict between the groups? In the Robber’s Cave Experiment, Sherif and his colleagues divided boys into two groups and encouraged competition between the two. To test under what circumstances the stereotypes and conflict between the groups (Eagles and Rattlers) could be …
Lesson Idea: Identifying Sampling MethodsA quick and easy activity to help students learn different sampling methods.
Updated Nov 2019. Understanding sampling methods by just reading definitions can be difficult. The best way to learn about them is to see them in action. The following simple activity has been designed to help. What you need to know… Here are four of the common sampling methods used in quantitative research. You need to know what these mean and …
Lesson Idea: Understanding observational studies
Understanding how psychologists conduct observational studies is a key part to learning about research methodology. Observations are especially common in qualitative research. The following lesson is designed to get students to understand the different types of observation methods. Activity Here are some very brief summaries of real studies that have been carried out using observational methods. Work with a partner …
Qualitative v QuantitativeWhat's the difference?
Psychologists seek to understand the human mind and behaviour. Traditionally, the most common way of doing this was through experimentation. This is because in the 20th century psychologists wanted to adopt a more scientific approach to understanding human cognition and behaviour. But it’s not the only way. In fact, it’s quite limited. In this post, we’ll look at the two …