Grand Canyon – PSY 402 Full Course Assignments

• Brain: Illustrate the major lobes of the brain as well as the areas in the sub-cortex. A brief description of the function of each component should be included.

1. 1. Show the gross anatomy of the brain.
   2. Show both the neurons and various types of glial cells.
   3. Identify the structure of a neuron.

• Nervous System: Illustrate the major components of the nervous system (Central/Peripheral, Autonomic/Somatic, and Sympathetic/Parasympathetic). Also, include the basic functions of each section, along with the basic functions of neurons.

1. 1. Show the gross anatomy of the nervous system
   2. Show synaptic transmission
   3. Explain what happens to cells during an action potential

Speaker notes, of 50-75 words, are required for each slide. The title and reference slide do not count toward the total slide count.

You are required to use a minimum of four to six scholarly resources.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

The goal of this paper is to understand how the brain and memory processes are intertwined and how certain techniques can improve these processes. In an essay of 1,000-1,250 words, discuss how memories are formed and maintained in the brain through the actions of neural circuitry. Use at least four scholarly resources to address the following questions:

1. Theoretically, how is working memory similar to and different from long-term memory?
2. How are memories formed in the brain (using neural circuitry), and how are they maintained?
3. When is it adaptive to remember, and in what ways may it be adaptive to forget?
4. Given what we know about brain mechanisms in memory, are our memories accurate? Explain your answer using information on how memories are stored in the brain.
5. How can knowledge of the brain and memory systems be used to help individuals suffering from memory problems (e.g., poor memory, amnesia, PTSD)?
6. Compare the role age and environment play in how memories are formed and maintained.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency: 1.3: Compare biological and psychological explanations of the brain and its functions and 2.3: Apply critical thinking skills in solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.

1. Explain cognitive mapping and one other memory strategy of your choosing from the course materials.
2. Explain at least two positive effects of using each memory strategy in daily life.

Using the GCU Library databases, include a minimum of four sources, one of which may be the textbook.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

For this assignment, select a peer-reviewed journal article relating to an area of problem solving, decision making, or an intelligence theory that was discussed in class (e.g., fluid or crystalline intelligence, primary/secondary reinforcers, biases, or effective problem-solving strategies).

The article must meet the following criteria:

1. The article must be from a peer-reviewed journal.
2. The article must be obtained from the GCU Library.
3. The article must be a research study, rather than a literature review (i.e., the article has to have methods, results, and discussion sections).
4. The article must utilize a cognitive or behavioral theory, model, or effect.
5. The purpose of this article review is to get you to think critically about an area of cognition or learning. After reading your chosen article, address the following questions. Use subheadings to differentiate between the various aspects of your review.
   
   Remember, APA guidelines can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
   

Major Findings/Conclusions:

1. Be sure to include the major findings of the study.
2. What conclusions did the researchers draw from the data?

Implications for the Field of Psychology (how the findings could be used/applied in the field):

1. Include how the results of the study can be applied (e.g., why are the findings of the study important?). These may be the implications the authors put forth, or your own ideas (be sure to cite if they are not your ideas).
2. How would psychology/education/counseling professionals benefit (learn) from the findings?
3. How might the results improve knowledge or application in the field? What should psychology professionals “take away” from the findings?

Method/Participants:

1. Describe the basics of how the study was conducted. What procedures were used?
2. Who were the participants?

Strengths/Limitations of the Study:

1. Include at least one strength AND one limitation you saw in the study.
2. Explain why you believe each is a strength or limitation. Hint: study findings are not “strengths” in and of themselves.

The article review should be 1,000-1,250 words. Include a minimum of three scholarly articles.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency: 4.4: Explain the importance of maintaining knowledge of current trends in psychology.