By definition psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, this module will focus on the influence of the mind on behavior.  In Lesson 1 students will take a look at the workings of the brain, exploring concepts of cortical localization, brain plasticity, right down to neural transmission and looking at how the many regions and structures of the brain work together to create the human experience.  From there Lesson 2 explores the relationship between sensation and perception, focusing on how the mind works to interpret what our body senses.  Finally Lesson 3 will explore higher cognitive functions in the brain, focusing on memory and intelligence.  By the end of this module students will have a knowledgeable perspective on the brain.

This week you will wrap up this learning module and explore more complex functions of the brain involved in thought and intelligence.  As the brain becomes accustomed to problem solving it utilizes a variety of resources to reduce the amount of energy needed to solve those problems; these strategies are presented in Objective 29.  Your textbook also presents interesting concepts which help to explain errors in thought and faulty conclusions in Objective 30. 

In the United States how quickly or efficiently one solves these problems is often an indicator of an individual's level of intelligence.  I'm sure you've heard of the term "IQ" but what does that mean?  An average IQ is 100 but the average range is between 85 - 115, which can be easily described using a standard bell curve:

The majority of individuals will fall between that "normal" range, with smaller numbers of individuals performing above or below that range.  However the definition of what intelligence is depends on who you are asking.  Does it represent book smarts?  Problem solving skills?  Do professional athletes have intelligence but a different kind than a book-smart individual?  The bottom line is that there is considerable debate about the definition of intelligence and how it should be used and Objectives 31 & 32 will present variable definitions of intelligence then you can make up your mind what intelligence is for you. If at this point you are still interested in learning more about intelligence here are a few optional but interesting links:

• Website: Intelligence and Birth Order Article (Scientific American Mind)
• Textbook Companion Website:  "Get Smart" and "My Head is Spinning"
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