Monthly Archives: June 2012

Daniel Pink: The Surprising Science of Motivation

In a brilliant talk, Daniel Pink highlights the huge disparity between “what science knows and what business does.” He makes the case that bigger financial incentives can narrow focus, reduce creativity and are successful only when the goal of a particular task is straightforward and does not require cognitive skill. He contrasts this with the incredible results that intrinsic motivators can produce, and argues for a new business approach that focuses on autonomy, mastery and purpose.

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Is Your Job Killing You? – Infographic

stress managementStress is an inevitable part of day to day life and the workplace is just one of its many sources. But even so, you can learn to keep stress levels in check. There have been numerous studies which confirm that stress on the job can wreak havoc on your general health. In fact, frequent headaches and heart palpitations are signs that your job could be slowly killing you.

People who are chronically stressed are more likely to develop heart disease, insomnia, digestive problems, obesity and a decline in mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to depression, anxiety and memory problems. Do not be afraid to take a few days off from your job if you feel that you have been working too hard and are too stressed out. Coming back to work when fresh in body and mind can make all the difference. Continue reading

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What is Educational Psychology?

schoolgirl taking exam

Educational psychology is the scientific field concerned with applying psychological theories and concepts to the understanding and improvement of teaching and learning in formal educational settings. In simpler terms, it is concerned with the study of how students learn and how teachers can help them to learn effectively. Educational psychology draws on and combines various psychological theories and principles – such as those related to human development, motivation, learning, behavior management and assessment, among others – in order to improve the conditions of teaching and learning. Educational psychologists study the process of learning not only among the general population but also among sub-groups such as gifted children and those with various learning disabilities. Continue reading

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How to Influence Your Children to Make Healthier Fast Food Choices

children dressed as batman and robinPerhaps the only thing parents would prefer more than making healthy dietary choices for their children, is to have their children willingly make those beneficial decisions for themselves. Well, based on research conducted by food psychology expert Brian Wansink and colleagues, it seems that parents might be able to encourage their kids to do just that.

What would batman eat? It is a question that comic book artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger probably never had to answer in all the years since they first created the legendary caped crusader. Nevertheless, this is the key question in helping kids choose nutritious foods on their own. Continue reading

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Sir Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity? (Video)

A profound talk by Sir Ken Robinson on human intelligence and the pressing need for an education system worldwide which nurtures childhood creativity. He argues that schools today are geared towards stigmatizing wrong answers (which subsequently restricts creativity and freedom of expression in students) and makes the point that creativity is something we slowly unlearn as we get older and become molded by the “rules” of general society.

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Full Recovery From Schizophrenia? Post #2 – Is Schizophrenia Really a Brain Disease?

schizophrenia and the human brain

In spite of over a hundred years of research and many billions of dollars spent, we still have no clear evidence that schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders are the result of a diseased brain. Continue reading

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