PSY 426: Health Psychology

Discover the essential process of neural pruning in brain development, distinct from creating new connections, managing neural waste, or increasing brain weight. Uncover how this natural "clean-up" refines our neural network, making our brains more efficient in processing information. Explore the impact of neural pruning on cognitive growth and the interaction between genetics and environment in brain development.

Understand Freud's perspective on dreams as manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. Contrast this with the Neural Activation Theory, which links dreaming to random neural activity during REM sleep. Discuss the criticisms and nuances of both theories in modern psychology.

Uncover the mystery behind reversed-color afterimages and how our eyes decode them. Explore the role of cones and the importance of Hering's opponent-process theory. Break down other vision theories and their relevance to our color perception.

Explore the principles of Social Exchange Theory and its role in understanding relationships. Learn how individuals balance benefits and costs in interactions. Delve into the concept of equity, highlighting the balance sought in partnerships.

This video explores the laws of visual perception: Closure, Proximity, Similarity, and Simplicity, and matches them with their respective meanings. Closure involves perceiving fragmented elements as a complete figure, Proximity relates to grouping close elements together, Similarity pertains to grouping similar-looking elements, and Simplicity emphasizes perceiving patterns in the simplest manner possible.

Explore the tenets of deism, a philosophical perspective from the Enlightenment that emphasizes belief in a creator who doesn't intervene in the universe's affairs. Delve into its rise alongside scientific inquiry and its influential proponents, such as Paine, Jefferson, and Franklin.