2016 Cross-Cutting Theme Programs

Cross-Cutting Theme Programs

Breaking Free – Intersecting Perspectives on the Science of Behavior Change

Friday, May 27
9:00 AM – 11:55 AM

People seek to modify their behaviors in a wide range of domains—healthier eating, smoking cessation, increased exercise, reduced electricity and water usage, and avoiding racial and gender discrimination are all common goals of behavior change efforts. These efforts face a common problem: current behaviors are destructive yet automatic, habitual, and/or rewarding, and the self-control resources needed to override them are easily depleted. This theme program highlights cutting-edge research by scientists approaching the problem of behavior change from several perspectives within psychological science.

Sponsored by: NIH Common Fund Science of Behavior Change (SOBC)
As part of this sponsorship, the symposium “Science of Behavior Change: Finding Mechanisms of Change in the Laboratory and the Field” will be presented on Friday, May 27, 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM.

 

Check back for updates on additional special programs and events related to the SOBC.

Advancing Psychological Science Through Technology

Friday. May 27
12:30 PM – 3:25 PM

From smartphones to medical breakthroughs to online education, rapidly advancing technology has revolutionized the way we live. This revolution is raising exciting new questions for both the science and the applications of psychology. Can we treat mental health challenges remotely using the Internet? What are the consequences on development? Can we use neuroimaging technology to adaptively control our own brains? How do we make the most of the ‘wisdom of the crowds’? Can we use technology to study humans as they behave in a more natural setting? Within this cross-cutting theme, leading thinkers will share the latest advances and techniques, discuss the potential of technology for psychology, and offer a window into the future role of technology in our discipline.

The Meaning of Time

Saturday, May 28
9:30 AM – 12:10 PM

Time affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors at a variety of levels, yet scientists have been slow to study these influences. This cross-cutting theme program includes a diverse set of presentations on time perception. The talks will cover findings on how neural memory structures enable simulation of future events, perceptions of having lots or little time left in life, construing events as “soon” or “a while from now,” individual differences in time perceptions affecting work behavior, and autobiographical life stories. Whatever your schedule, be sure to make time for these presentations.