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Robert Sapolsky: The uniqueness of humans
Humans enjoy having a laugh at the seemingly silly things other animals do, oblivious to the fact that they offer up plenty of humorous fodder to the rest of Mother Nature in kind. Thanks to his extensive work with baboons, Robert Sapolsky looks at his fellow men and women through an intriguing (and hilarious) biological lens. Although they share plenty of parallels with other mammals, people certainly pull it off in their own unique, strange way. Watch the Ted Talk here
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Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms
Ken Robinson's observations of intersections between education and psychology come delivered through some delightful animations. He peers into three of the most disconcerting elements of the school system — an increase in ADD and ADHD diagnoses, escalating drop-out rates and poorly-funded art programs — and discusses the sociological and psychological principles at play here. In spite of some concerns about economics and resources, there are viable solutions that nurture creativity and produce healthy, productive children. Watch the Ted Talk here
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Beau Lotto: Optical illusions show how we see
Even those with only a tangential understanding of psychology know how important perception is in understanding human behavior. And Beau Lotto points out how important optical illusions are to understanding human perception. Through demonstrations, he illustrates the evolution of eye and brain alike in order to underscore how such things keep people from fully realizing the world around them. Watch the Ted Talk here
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Inge Missmahl brings peace to the minds of Afghanistan
In this wrenching, compelling lecture, psychologist and humanitarian Inge Missmahl opens up about her groundbreaking, sadly overlooked projects in Afghanistan. The war-ravaged nation is home to over 30 million individuals, yet only 24 mental health professionals practice there. Her efforts to increase the numbers bring hope and healing to a population that oftentimes feels depressed, wanting and teetering on the cusp of giving up entirely. Watch the Ted Talk here
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Dan Ariely on our buggy moral code
Humanity is inherently irrational and illogical. In spite of this, however, there exist valid psychological explanations for the whys and hows behind immoral behavior. Subtle stimuli — largely undetectable by most untrained individuals — can drive people to experience lapses in their moral judgment, convincing themselves that cheating, lying and other actions that hurt people are perfectly reasonable. Watch the Ted Talk here
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Stuart Brown says play is more than fun
Anyone hoping for a career in education — regardless of whether or not they opt to study psychology — should consider Stuart Brown's lecture essential viewing. No matter one's age, the pleasures to be found in playtime provide the brain and body alike with everything needed to forge ahead healthily and productively. Imagination and improvisation cultivated in leisure time leads to an improved performance once individuals need to apply their skills to working. Watch the Ted Talk here
