Psychology—Semester A

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Lesson 3.08: Our Evolving Brains

Were we always the way are? Did our brains always work the way they do? Many psychologists say no, and believe that our minds have evolved over the centuries right along with our bodies. This belief has given rise to a field called evolutionary psychology.

The evolutionary approach to studying psychology claims that current human development and behavior is the result of our species selecting the most adaptive behaviors and features.

The brain is such a special organ that it seems to have its own built-in system for adapting to physical changes. Humans have the advantageous quality of brain plasticity. Wait. The brain is plastic? Yes, sort of. (Because of rubber ducky, it's probably not even PVC-free.)

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 3.3.08a: Plastic Brains

"Shmoop," you might be saying, "my brain is plastic? You're crazy!" Yes, we are, but not in the way you think. Your brain is definitely plastic, but that doesn't mean it's made up of the junk that clogs landfills and pays for jeans at the mall. Brain plasticity means that the brain is able to change or adapt when necessary.

As an example of brain plasticity, in stroke patients, a certain portion of the brain dies, and the victim must completely relearn walking and speaking, which was once pretty easy for them. What scientists find is that while patients relearn these skills, neighboring, undamaged parts of the brain take over these tasks. Adaptation: it's what helps keep us going.

In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species and established evolution as a valid scientific principle. Still, it was not until after his lifetime, in the 1930s, that the modern evolutionary synthesis was developed, and his concept of natural selection was finally accepted as the central facet of evolution.

Evolutionary psychologists, sometimes called sociobiologists, use the theory of natural selection to examine how some psychological traits are more advantageous for survival than others.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 3.3.08b: Goody Two-Shoes Au Naturel

Now we will bring evolutionary theory into the modern day. We'll make it more relevant than "we developed tools to hunt food." Humans have come a long way down the evolutionary chain, and researchers like to look back in our shared history to explain current behavior.

One of the booming topics in evolutionary psych today is social cooperation, the human tendency to interact and share information to achieve a common goal. Why do we cooperate? Isn't it extra work to identify with others? As existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Sartre said, "Hell is other people." 

We here at Shmoop do not endorse Sartre's statement. We're more in line with University of Chicago researchers whose "interdependence hypothesis" gives Sartre a run for his money. You can read about their study on cooperative behavior here. Answer the questions on your handout as you go.

Have you ever heard the term "Gandhi neurons"? Huh? We'll take that as a no.

In 2005, Italian researchers published a study claiming that our brains literally communicate with one another through mirror neurons. These specialized neurons activate both when you perform an action and when you observe an action. Located throughout the brain, mirror neurons are thought to form the biological basis of empathy (i.e. crying at the end of Marley & Me—you know you did).

Directly after their initial discovery, mirror neurons catapulted to celebrity status. Psychologists used them to explain all kinds of human behaviors and deficiencies, such as the problems autistic individuals face in socializing with others. The evolutionaries argued that they evolved so that we could empathize and work together. Since then, other researchers have shed doubt on the eminent mirror neurons, launching a debate that will likely never end. (You know how scientists can be.)

In order to be an informed participant in the mirror neuron conversation, read this interview with neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran on the role these fancy neurons play in helping us sympathize with others. Don't forget to take notes on your handout!

Sample Lesson - Activity

Activity 3.08: Mirror, Mirror, in My Brain

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who's the brainiest of them all?

Shmoop, of course! Who did you have in mind?

Pull out your completed note-taking handout from the last reading so that you can refer to it in this activity. We want to hear what you think about mirror neurons. Do you agree with others like Ramachandran who say mirror neurons explain why we can empathize? Will they do to Psychology what DNA did for biology? What is your opinion on the controversy surrounding mirror neurons?

Step One:

Scientists have been debating on this topics for years, so we here at Shmoop thought it would be a great opportunity for you to do the same. (Told you we were the brainiest.) Review the article from the previous reading using your notes, and find 1-2 other articles from the web about mirror neurons. Try to read articles that talk about both sides of the controversy. We like unbiased reporting.

Step Two:

In 250-300 words, summarize the debate on mirror neurons and state your personal opinion about it. Post your thoughts on the discussion board. Be creative, but most importantly, be original—both with your words and your opinions. As cute and fury as copycats can be, we are allergic and don't allow them on our discussion boards. 

Step Three: 

Then, visit the discussion board and respond to 2 of your classmates. You can ask them questions or criticize their opinions (constructively). Be kind to your fellow Shmoopers and scientists who are stating their own, unique and equally valid opinions. Although it might be fun to base the next Survivor show on who's right and who's wrong, we don't think it'll be in your best educational interest.