Biological Psychology Essay Assignment Instructions Nowadays, there is a lot of hype on whether we can “improve our brain power”, and if so, how to achieve such a goal. For example, some health supplements are said to be able to improve our memory. On the Internet, a quick Google search on “brain health tips” turn up a lot of “advice” (e.g., http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-simple-ways- to-increase-your-brain-power.html). Are these tips out there scientifically sound? In this essay, you will identify a product / program (e.g., some kind of health supplement, brain training app / game / training program) / activity (e.g., learning a new musical instrument, learning a second language, physical exercise, engaging in social activities, meditating) that is suggested to be beneficial to brain health (e.g., improvement in attention, memory, prevent Alzheimer’s disease). Do you agree that these products / strategies work? Support your argument with recent findings (~ past 10 years) published in peer-reviewed journals. That is, you will identify research articles from which these claims are based on (about 2- 3 primary research articles, NOT review articles. Refer to this link if you do not know their difference: http://apus.libanswers.com/faq/2324), evaluate these research studies, and then conclude whether you think such claims are valid. It should be 1100-1300 words. A longer essay will not necessarily correspond to a higher grade – conciseness counts too (see grading criteria below). Frequently asked questions: Q1: Do I have to include both positive and negative evidence in the 2-3 studies? A1: Not necessarily. You can identify studies that support or refute the effectiveness of a product / program, and you need to evaluate these studies in terms of scientific rigor (you can use what you have learned from the course Research Methods). No matter positive or negative evidence, you can agree or disagree with the conclusions of these studies and make your own conclusion about whether you think the claims are valid. Q2: Do I need to summarize the studies before the evaluation? A2: Before the evaluation, you need to briefly summarize the methods and results of the 2-3 studies. If there are too many details, you can focus on those that you are going to evaluate. Q3: Do I have to cite studies demonstrating the biological mechanism underlying the potential effect of a product / program? A3: You are recommended to do so if possible, but it’s not a must. Q4: Do I have to choose studies that adopted brain imaging methods? A4: Not necessarily. You can evaluate studies that focused on the behavioral effects of a product / program. Q5: Can I cite articles published before 10 years? A5: Only the 2-3 research articles to be evaluated must be published in the past 10 years. Other references can be published earlier.
