Mind Over Money--Behavioral Economics

The new big thing in the field of psychology and its natural connection to other sciences is in the field of behavioral economics.  I will do some posts on some recommended books later, but for now, you can get your feet wet with an episode of NOVA on PBS called Mind Over Money.  I've collaborated with my economics colleagues and have gained some fascinating insights into human behavior as a result of learning more about this field of decision making and money.  It also will give you additional examples of any aspect of cognitive psychology.

The show first airs on April 27 and is viewable online on April 28, 2010.

Chuck Schallhorn

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The DNA of Picky Eaters

The July 21st episode of Nova ScienceNOW included a segment on taste entitled "The Science of Picky Eaters" which detailed how children may be predisposed to like or not like certain foods. The segment goes into detail regarding the basics of taste and how DNA may influence one's taste preferences.

The 12:45 segment can be played or purchased from the show's website at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0404/01.html The website also includes a teacher's guide for the show with a classroom activity involving PTC paper, a complete transcript of the segment, audio interactive segments, additional video clips and a FAQ page.

A special thanks to Russell Hoffman, Psy.D., School Psychologist at SAR High School in the Bronx, NY whose initial message on the AP Psychology Electronic Discussion Group provided the impetus behind this posting.

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