Psychology in the news (special edition)

The world of psychology was rocked today by a number of alarming news stories:

TV host, psychologist and author Philip Zimbardo announced that he will be starring in his own Food Network reality show this summer. "The Flour of the Situation," set in the basement under the Food Network studios, will randomly select the show's contestants to work as authoritatrian chefs or as helpless diners forced to eat the meals that the chefs prepare. Zimbardo will be the executive producer and host of the show, which has a planned two week run this summer, and which will be produced by his own production company, Prisoner819DidABadThing.

The National Association of Clowns announced that they were suing psychologist Albert Bandura for his experiments in the early 1960s with the infamous Bobo dolls. "We know it was a long time ago," said spokesman Beau Zeau, "but ever since Bandura's experiments kids have been kicking us clowns around. We're not going to take it anymore - we're bouncing back!" When reached by an interviewer Professor Bandura declined to comment, as he was late for his turn as guest judge on America's Next Top Model.

Police in New York City this morning received a rash of phone calls about a sudden brilliant white light in the Times Square area. When police arrived they found a giant flashbulb, but could find no eyewitnesses nearby who could recall seeing the flash or where the flash came from. "You think I would remember something like that because it would be so vivid in my mind," said bystander Liz Lof-Tus, "but no, I've got no memory of anything like that."

Finally, the College Board surprised many today by issuing a press release about a change to next month's AP Psychology exam. This year, in addition to the familiar format of multiple choice and free response questions, the exam will include sections that require students to show their ability to practice psychology. For example, patients will be presented with a variety of disorders, and students can earn the highest grades on the test by both diagnosing and curing the patients on the spot. (Diagnoses alone without cures will not score.) But there is no truth to the rumor that students can get twice the points if they get a patient with dissociative identity disorder. If you have questions about this change, please contact Dr. A. Pril-fo Ols at the College Board.

  -- posted by Steve