The Psych Files Podcast » Biopsychology

Episode 128: Do Brain Training Games Work?

Michael — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:54:17 +0000

You’ve probably heard about these Brain Training games. Do they really help you to keep your mind sharp? Will they prevent cognitive decline or slow the effects of alzheimer’s disease? In this episode I review some recent studies on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of these popular games.

Brain Games Research

A nice review of the brain training research can be found in this excellent book, "The Invisible Gorilla"

Owen, A.M., Hampshire, A., Grahn, J.A., Stenton, R., Dajani, S. Burns, A. S., Howard and Ballard, C.G (2010). Putting brain training to the test, Nature, 465, 775-779.

Colcombe, S. and Kramer, A.F. (2003). Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults. Psychological Science, 14(2), 125-130.

Papp, K.V., Walsh, S.J. and Snyder, P.J. (2009). Immediate and delayed effects of cognitive interventions in healthy elderly: A review of current literature and future directions. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 5, 50-60.

Willis, S.L., Tennstedt, S.L., Marsiske, M. Ball, K., Elias, F., Koepke, K.M., Morris, J.N., Rebok, G.W., Unverzagt, F.W., Stoddard, A.M., and Wright, W. (2006). Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. Journal of the American Medical Association, 296 (23).

Smith, G.E., Housen, P., Yaffe, K., Ruff, R., Kennison, R.F., Mahncke, H.W. and Zelinski, E.M. (2009). A cognitive training program based on principles of brain plasticity: Results from the improvement in memory with Plasticity-based adaptive cognitive training (IMPACT) Study. The American Geriatrics Society.

For a different perspective, read this article by CogMed a company that makes brain training tools. You’ll see how they critique the Owen, et. al study (above). Putting “brain training” to the test – and about time. They recommend that you read the research that they have conducted. If you do so, do you think their research is more convincing that those cited above?

Episode 127 (video): Phrenology: Maybe They Were On To Something

Michael — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:35:31 +0000

Everyone can picture one of those phrenology heads with personality traits drawn into different sections of the cranium. Was there anything to that? Well, not exactly. However, with the use of MRI scans researchers today may have located where certain personality traits lie in your brain. Travel with me into a 3D brain and let’s find out where your personality may lie.

Openness – dorsolateral PFC, anterior PFC, anterior parietal cortex (research was inconclusive on this personality factor)
Conscientiousness – Lateral Profrontal Cortex
Extraversion – Orbitofrontal Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens, Amygdala
Agreeableness – superior temporal sulcus, posterior cingulate cortex
Neuroticism – Medial prefrontal cortex, Amygdala, Hippocampus

Resources

DeYoung, C. G., Hirsh, J. B., Shane, M. S., Papademetris, X., Rajeevan, N., & Gray, J. R. (2010). Testing predictions from personality neuroscience: Brain structure and the Big Five. Psychological Science, 21, 820–828.
DeYoung, C.G., & Gray, J.R. (2009). Personality neuroscience: Explaining individual differences in affect, behavior, and cognition. In P.J. Corr & G. Matthews (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of personality psychology (pp. 323–346). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Here’s the website of the lead researcher, Colin DeYoung
Check out the wonderful 3D brain program called Brain Tutor by Brain Voyager
Here’s the concept map on Personality Neuroscience I used during this episode.
A summary and brief interview with Dr. Deyoung can be found in this article, Shape of Brain Tied to Personality, Says Scientist.

Episode 126 (video): SuperNormal Stimuli: Is This Why We’re Overweight?

Michael — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:07:12 +0000

There are many reasons why it is difficult to lose weight, but have you considered how supernormal stimuli might be one of them? In this episode I discuss some of the ideas in the books Waistland and Supernormal Stimuli by Dierdre Barrett. Is it possible that the old saying Everything in Moderation might just be wrong? And will Small Changes really help you to get in shape or are radical changes really the way to go?

Episode 121: Top 10 Psychology Apps for the iPad, iPhone, & iPod

Michael — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:05:09 +0000

In this video episode I show you 10 of what I consider to be the best psychology apps in the app store. There are a lot of apps out there and many are not so good, but in this episode I pick out what I consider to be credible therapy apps, excellent mobile mind mapping tools, relaxation apps, games based on Gestalt principles of psychology, and some of the best 3 dimensional ways to look at the brain.

Psychology Apps

Graphic Organizer: Popplet

Graphic Organizer: SimpleMind

Anxiety: iCounselor for Anxiety

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: iCounselor for OCD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT Referee

Relaxation: Koi Pond

Relaxation: White Noise

Relaxation: Relax Waterfall

Gestalt Principles Game: Shift

3 Dimensional Brain: 3DBrain

Learn the parts of the brain: BrainTutor

Goal Setting Tool: TraxItAll

Optical Illusions: Eye Tricks!

Color Vision and other Eye Tests: EyeXam

Mnemonics for memorizing the parts of the brain (my app): BrainNmonX

Episode 106: Your Sexual Orientation – How Did It Develop?

Michael — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:56:50 +0000

How did you get to be heterosexual? Homosexual? Bisexual? Was it nature or nurture (or both?). Were you born with a sexual orientation or did it develop as you grew? What role did your parents play? In this episode I present the most recent scientific research on the topic of how we develop our sexual preference. You’ll find out whether heterosexual men have more testosterone than homosexual men, how most people know their sexual orientation when they are as young as 10 years old (blame your adrenal gland), how your third interstitial nucleus might be playing a role and finally, could it have something to do with the length of your fingers? Find out in this episode of The Psych Files.

“…we should…be asking ourselves why we as a society are so emotionally invested in this research. Will it – or should it – make any difference in the way we perceive ourselves and others or how we live our lives and allow others to live theirs? – William Byne: The Biological Evidence Challenged (1994, Scientific American)

Correction: In the first version of this episode I incorrectly estimated the number of homosexuals in the US. Assuming a US population of about 260 million with about 1/2 female and 1/2 male, then 2% (females) and 3% (males) of 260 million would equal about 6 and a half million total. I updated the audio file to include this corrected information.

Resources on Sexual Orientation

If you would like to see the concept map I used to hold my notes for this episode click here: sexual orientation.

If you would like to download the PowerPoint file containing these same notes click here: sexual orientation powerpoint file.

Research on Sexual Orientation

Bailey, J.M., Bobrow, D., Wolfe, M., & Mikach, S. (1995). Sexual Orientation of Adult Sons of Gay Fathers. Developmental Psychology, 31 (1), 124-129.

Bell, A., Weinberg, M., & Hammersmith, S. (1981). Sexual preference: Its development in men and women. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

Bem, D.J. (1886). Exotic becomes erotic: A Developmental theory of sexual attraction. Psychological Review, 103, 320-335.

Byne, W. (1994). The Biological Evidence Challenged. Scientific American, May.

Ciccarelli, S. & Meyer, G.F. (2006). Psychology. Prentice Hall.

Cantor, J.M., Blanchard, R., Paterson, A.D. & Bogaert, A.F. (2002). How many gay men owe their sexual orientation to fraternal birth order? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 31, 1; Psychology Module.

Gladue, B.A, The BioPsychology of Sexual Orientation. in Current Directions in Human Sexuality and Intimate Relationships, Fisher, T.D. & McNulty, J. eds. Allyn and Bacon.

Hock, R. (2010). Human Sexuality, 2e. Prentice Hall.

Kendler, K.S., Thornton, L.M., Gilman, S.E., & Kessler, R.C. (2000). Sexual orientation in a U.S. national sample of twin and nontwin sibling pairs. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 157; 11; Health Module.

King, B.M. (2005). Human Sexuality Today. Prentice Hall, 5e.

Levay, S. (1991). A difference in hypothalamic structure between heterosexual and homosexual men. Science, 253, 1034-1037.

McClintock, M.K. & Herdt, G., Rethinking Puberty: The Development of Sexual Attraction in Current Directions in Human Sexuality and Intimate Relationships, Fisher, T.D. & McNulty, J. eds. Allyn and Bacon.

McFadden, D., Loehlin, J.C. and Pasanen, E.G. (1996) Additional findings on heritability and prenatal masculinization of cochlear mechanisms: Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions. Hearing Research, 97, 102-119.

Patterson, C.J. (2000). Family Relationships of Lesbians and Gay Men, Journal of Marriage and Family, 62, 1052-1069

Rind, B. (2001). Gay and bisexual adolescent boys’ sexual experiences with men: an empirical examamination of psychological correlates in a nonclinical sample. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 30 (4).

Selekman, S. (2007). Homosexuality in children and their parents. Pediatric Nursing, 33(5).

Smith, B. (2007). The Psychology of Sex and Gender. Allyn and Bacon.

Toates, F. (2007). Biological Psychology. Prentice Hall.

Wood, S.E., Wood, E. G., & Boyd, D. (2005). The World of Psychology, 5e. Allyn and Bacon.

Episode 101: The Psychology of Music: The Role of Expectations and Minor Chords

Michael — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:36:36 +0000

How does music affect us emotionally? Why do minor chords so sad? In this episode of The Psych Files I explore ideas from Daniel Leviton‘s fascinating book, Your Brain on Music, especially those ideas concerned with what composers do to draw you into their music by first conforming to your musical expectations and then carefully confounding them in order to surprise and delight. I talk with guitarist and composer David Temple to get his perspective on this process as well. Along the way you’ll hear excerpts from some fascinating pieces of music and David and I will discuss what makes them so compelling, especially those in the minor key. My My piano playing skills are pretty rough but get ready for some fun.

Resources for the Psychology of Music

Daniel Levitin’s excellent book is a great read for those interested in psychology and music:

Thanks so much to guitarist and composer David Temple. The pieces of music you heard in today’s episode can be purchased from David Temple‘s website:
You can email David at davitem AT yahoo DOT com and he will give you more info about how to purchase his CDs.
The Psych Files Episode 101
Here’s the book I used to learn music theory and to play piano:
Excellent article that appeared in Cognitive Daily called, "Even isolated cultures understand emotions conveyed by Western music".

Great article that appeared in the July 2009 edition of Scientific American Mind entitled "Why Music Moves Us".

Another interesting article on how music affects us from Scientific American Mind called "Music in Your Head"
Here’s a more academically-oriented book on the topic of music and expectations:

Episode 93: Your Brain on a Website

Michael — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:38:46 +0000

How can you use psychology to design a website so people are likely to buy products from you? Or design a website so people are likely to donate money to your cause? In this episode Dr. Susan Weinschenk discusses some of these ideas from her book Neuro Web Design. Ever thought you could apply brain science to web design? Find out how in this episode of The Psych Files.

Resources for this Podcast

Here is Susan Weinschenk’s blog where you’ll find lots of more information about her and her work.
Dr. Weinschenk also has a website devoted to her book Neuro Web Design.
Dr. Weinschenk mentioned in the interview a very interesting site called Kiva. Here’s a little information about the site from their homepage, "Kiva lets you lend to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world – empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty."
Related episode: In episode 31, Lemon Slices and a New Face on Mars! Gestalt Principles at Work, I talked about how Gestalt principles are used in designing web sites.
Dr. Weinschenk’s book:
Other books mentioned during this episode:

Episode 72 (video): Memorize the Parts of the Brain

Michael — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:04:20 +0000

Memorize the parts of the brain once and for all! Here’s a mnemonic device to help you remember the parts of the brain. You will never forget the anatomy of the brain after you see this video. Improve your grade on your next biopsychology test and learn more about mnemonics at the same time. If you’re looking for psychology mnemonics, this is it.

Need to memorize even more parts of the brain? Click this image:

Mnemonic Devices Used in this Episode

Cerebral Cortex: imagine a Texas cowboy hat on top of a brain. The cortex is the outer layer of the brain just under the hat where complex thinking occurs.
Corpus Callosum: The corpus callosum is the fibers that connect the two halves of the brain. Thus, it adds the two parts together. Think of the corPLUS CalloSUM. Since the corpus callosum coordinates communication between the two hemispheres, think of corpus Call Someone.
Thalamus: the thalamus takes sensations that come from the body and directs them to the appropriate part of the brain for processing. Thus, think of Hal and Amos – two traffic cops in the brain who direct these sensations to the right route.
Hypothalamus: the hypothalamus regulates a number of things in the body such as body temperature, thirst, hunger, and sex drive. Think of “hypo the llamas”. Your llamas are hot, sweaty and thirsty and you use a hypo to spray water on them to cool them down and give them some water.
Hippocampus: the hippocampus is the seat of memory. Think of a hippo with a compass. The hippo uses the compass to find his way back to the swamp because he can’t remember where it is.
Amygdala: the amygdala controls your sense of fear. Think of either a MIG coming right at you and, of course, making you afraid, or picture a scary wig with dollars in it
Pons: the pons helps you relax and sleep. Think of a relaxing pond.
Cerebellum: the cerebellum helps in coordination and balance. Picture your favorite athlete with bells all over his/her body (hanging from his/her clothes, hands, feet, etc.).
Reticular Formation: the reticular formation helps you to become alert and aroused when you need to be. Think of what would happen if you were napping and someone tickled you: your reticular formation would kick into gear to wake you up.
Medulla: the medulla regulates the autonomic activity of your heart and lungs. Picture medals over your heart and lungs, or stick those medals into a heart.

Psych Files listener Toby sent me this link to an excellent site where you can find mnemonics for all kinds of disciplines: Mnemonics Guide from EUdesign.

If you liked the “Tickle Me Freud” doll you saw in the episode (I got it for my wife as a present), you can get it at Amazon. Click on Freud:

Episode 63: Cognitive Dissonance, the Monty Hall Problem and a Possible Resolution?

Michael — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:21:39 +0000

Cognitive Dissonance – one of the most established and respected theories in psychology – is under attack. An economist – M. Keith Chen – uses what is called the “Monty Hall problem” to show that the research on cognitive dissonance may be seriously flawed. In this episode I explain Chen’s concerns about the research on and then I propose that a new study which uses neurofeedback to study cognitive dissonance may come to the rescue at just the right moment. Join me to find out how.

Here is the table from M. Keith Chen’s article, “Rationalization and Cognitive Dissonance: Do Choices Affect or Reflect Preferences?” that shows why, once a Monkey has chosen one letter over another (in this case letter A – which could be a red M&M – over letter B, the blue M&M), letter C is likely to be chosen.

Resources on Cognitive Dissonance

The original article on Cognitive Dissonance which used the “free choice paradigm” was Brehm, J. W. (1956) Postdecision changes in the desirability of alternatives, Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 52, 384-9
The article Monty Hall Meets Cognitive Dissonance By John Tierney appeared in the Science section of the NYT on April 7, 2008.
Go Ahead, Rationalize. Monkeys Do It, Too.
And Behind Door No. 1, a Fatal Flaw – article appeared in the NYT on April 8, 2008
Behind Monty Hall’s Doors: Puzzle, Debate and Answer?
The online version of the game of the “Three Door” or “Monty Hall” problem can be found here.
M. Keith Chen’s homepage where you can download the working paper where he explains the problem with the “free choice paradigm” approach to measuring cognitive dissonance.
The research article I discussed in which subjects went through the free choice approach and then underwent biofeedback to reduce activity in the left frontal cortext is called,
- Left Frontal Cortical Activation and Spreading of Alternatives: Tests of the Action-Based Model of Dissonance by Eddie Harmon-Jones and Cindy Harmon-Jones (Texas A&M University), Meghan Fearn, Jonathan D. Sigelman, and Peter Johnson (University of Wisconsin–Madison). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2008, Vol. 94, No. 1, 1–15
- The lead author’s homepage – Dr. Eddie Harmon-Jones – can be found here.

Related Episodes

This Episode’s Sponsor:

The Brain Science Podcast Interview on Exercise and the Brain

Michael — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:06:40 +0000

Dr. Ginger Campbell hosts an excellent podcast which I highly recommend. It’s called the Brain Science podcast. In episode 33 she interviews Dr. John Ratey about his new book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. As my regular listeners know, I’ve been working hard lately to get in shape and this interview was very enlightening. I went right out and bought the book (you’ll find a link to the book from the Brain Science podcast site). Check out this episode and her excellent podcast.
Brain Science Podcast