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Alison Gopnik

On infant learning, connectionism, philosophy, and cognitive science. Learning and representation, applications in computing and developmental psychology and the role of probablistic modeling. What knowledge is innate and what is learned from environment? Experiments show powerful results, and Gopnik reveals how previously opposed views can actually support one another. Interviewed at CogSci 2010: Cognition in Flux.

Creating a Healthier Future through Prevention of Child Maltreatment

Excellent panel presentation on effects of and strategies to prevent child maltreatment. Experts describe harms including a long list of psychological, cognitive and physical health issues, brain development and epigenetic consequences, fatalities, legal, government and social costs of abuse and neglect. The lifetime economic burden in the US is estimated between a conservative figure of $121 billion (2008) and an estimated half a trillion dollars, per year. They discuss what can be done for prevention with public health and policy approaches, including eliminating risk factors, and resource allocation from cost-benefit analyses. Evidence-based prevention programs include home visitations by nurses, maternity ward education, and the Positive Parenting Program (PPP) which all promote safe, supportive, nurturing relationships (SSNRs).

Talks are followed by a Q&A. The presentations are also available on a PDF.

If you are a parent interested in self-help skills development, check out PPP’s practical step-by-step resources for parents.

The Downward Spiral of Upward Social Comparison

Comparisons among peers, acted out as situations around a fashion photo shoot and party, mixed with narrated citations. An unusual video format, with lots of good research info about media and peer comparisons affecting body image, drinking, eating disorders, identity, racism, individuality, suicide, and more.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

An instructional video with demonstration and guided narration to practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). PMR is an evidence-based relaxation method that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups, effective for stress and insomnia. Good, detailed how-to in a professional video production (will be part of an upcoming DVD by Dr.Glen Berry, Annapolis Valley Mental Health).

The Signatures of Sleep

The functions and role of sleep in learning and memory consolidation. Sleep consolidates perceptual and motor skills learned during the day, and improves immune and neuroendocrine functioning. Different stages of sleep enhance different types of memory but all play important roles.

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[Image by nikki_tate.]

Crisis Intervention Team

Collaborative, community-based crisis intervention training for police members who respond to mental health emergencies. More info.

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Child Genius 2 – Young and Gifted

This sequel to a 2005 documentary on gifted children visits several years later to report on their development. Parenting, potential, privilege, and public education. Although it’s a Channel 4 production this episode is featured on a Canadian TV site that permits international viewing; if you’re located in the UK you can watch both episodes here.

Experimental philosophy of freedom

Wonderful experimental philosophy video illustrating a question posed by Aristotle about voluntary vs. involuntary moral choices. While host Ram Neta explains, it’s acted out in front of a screen then sea storm backgrounds and other imagery is keyed in. Simple, fun, and nicely edited too. I also liked the burning armchair logo and riot grrrl music, and they’re probably the only philosophy professors with a MySpace profile, wiki, blog and YouTube channel. The Experimental Philosophy Society is net-savvy. While there’s some debate about whether the logo makes them seem less serious in the academic world, I think it’s great for reaching wider audiences. But they’re not just about new media: read the paper accompanying this video, Moral Judgments and Intuitions about Freedom by Jonathan Phillips and Joshua Knobe. They conducted field experiments in a mall to learn how moral judgments influence the intuitive perception of freedom, and found the process complex and suffused with multiple judgments.

Phillips, J., & Knobe, J. (2009). Moral Judgments and Intuitions About Freedom Psychological Inquiry, 20 (1), 30-36 DOI: 10.1080/10478400902744279

More Than Sad: Teen Depression

Depression and suicidal behavior in youth. Nicely produced video with great messages, and I also appreciated that online, the stories are in separate players on the same page so I could watch four at once (though I don’t recommend you try that at home). Schools and families, order a DVD with resource materials ($50). Online, check out AFSP and 1-800-273-TALK for help with suicide and depression.

title Involvement or Isolation: Research on the Social Lives of Children with Autism at School
description A look at research and case studies of kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their social experiences at school.
producer U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
featuring Connie Kasari
format Flash
date 19/05/09
length 00:57:08
link http://www.ucsd.tv/search-details.asp?showID=16234

Tags: brain video lecture autism neurodevelopmental sociology psychology youth education