On Friday, Dec. 16, a large group of curious grade 12 students attended the University of Guelph-Humber’s 6th Annual Psychology Conference for a series of lively presentations aimed at opening young minds to the benefits of studying the mind.
A full day of presentations from University of Guelph-Humber instructors included informative introductory sessions on existential psychology, motivation, applied social psychology and community psychology.
Meanwhile, prospective psychology students with a healthy competitive streak were invited to take part in the Psychathlon for an opportunity to win one of five $1,000 awards toward UofGH tuition and to have their name and high-school inscribed into the Thom Hermann Psychology trophy. The winner was a student from Martingrove Collegiate Institute in Toronto.
These were just a few of the highlights of what students learned during the conference:
Analyzing Athletes
Ever wonder what separates talented athletes from game-breaking superstars? In Dr. Peter Papadogiannis’ presentation, students learned that athletic excellence can be defined as much by the head as the body. Dr. Papadogiannis explained the increasingly prominent role of sports psychologists, who study all the psychological factors that affect performance, assess concussions on the sidelines, and help performers deal with the phenomenal pressure that comes with being on top. “They are experts in coping, but what they need is support,” he said of athletes.
Welcome to Your Brain
In Dr. Amanda Wintink’s introduction to Neuroscience, students not only delved into the physical layout of the brain – they also took time to consider their own. Dr. Wintink explained that the “brain itself is just an information processor,” and through a simple colouring activity illustrated how our different skills, emotions and intellectual tendencies stem from our unique brains. Curious students took the conversation in several interesting directions, including Alzheimer’s, neuroplasticity and what happens to the brain after death.
Developmental Psychology
Students who listened to Dr. Michael Mueller’s informative session on developmental psychology were treated to a brainteaser in the form of the famous Riddle of the Sphinx: what is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening? The answer is man, and it was an appropriate introduction for Dr. Mueller’s explanation of developmental psychology as the study of human development from “pre-natal until they carry you to the cemetery.” Other topics covered included working memory, the effects of divorce and adverse family factors on children, and the environmental factors that influence anti-social behaviour.
Dangerous Minds
Despite its glamorous reputation, forensic psychology bears little resemblance to what we see on TV. Dr. Julie Goldenson’s presentation sought to “de-mystify” her area of expertise, explaining that clinical and forensic psychologists typically work at hospitals and correctional facilities, not with police at live crime scenes. “It really is not what you see on TV,” she said. Forensic psychologists interview and assess criminals’ risk to re-offend, they investigate the veracity of civil lawsuits involving claims of psychological damage, and explore the capacity of parents involved in custody claims. In a fascinating segment called “Demystifying Dexter,” Dr. Goldenson looked at defining the “average psychopath,” someone with total disregard for right and wrong who does not generally behave like the serial killers we see on TV.
Learn more about Psychology at the University of Guelph-Humber.