7/20 Biases and Perceptions in the Brain

Just in:

Watch the entire, unedited version of Wednesday's Zoom by clicking here.

BHQ site: (www.brainhq.com)

In our lesson last week, we discussed neurodiversity, the concept that explains why we are all different. In this week’s lesson, we look at the factors behind our differences, particularly our biases and the perceptions behind them.

There are many examples of biases in today’s world. For this class, I wanted to focus on changes resulting from COVID. I wanted to learn more about masks, and why is it that some people agree to wearing masks, while others refuse? I wanted to take a look at social distancing and other things that we are now practicing. And I wanted to see if there was a brain-based bias which predisposes us to a certain perspective. Join us on the journey to find out more about bias and perception and how that shapes our compliance with the new normal.

Perhaps in understanding this, we will gain a deeper understanding of other biases which are shaping our world.

You can view or download this lesson as a handout. But I recommend instead that you view the lesson online. You can then have access to the videos and resources which are displayed on the site. There is also a short poll on the web lesson (1 question) on wearing a mask which we would love you to take, and lots of information to bias you towards social distancing and wearing masks. When you are done with the lesson, take this quiz. Here is the powerpoint used in the Wednesday night session. (Here it is in PDF)

We learned in the week's lesson that one of the best ways to make sure our biases and perceptions are not getting in the way of good decision making, is to keep our working memory in good share, in order to process new information accurately and reach the right decisions. Those with better working memory capacity also tend to recognize and understand the important details and aspects necessary for making good decisions.

The BrainHQ Website explains the relationship between both short-term and working memory and how the BrainHQ exercises can help us to improve them.

Short-term Memory is responsible for storing information temporarily and determining if it will be dismissed, used to manipulate information on the spot, or transferred on to long-term memory. Working memory emphasizes the brain’s manipulation of information it receives - using it, storing it, and so on (while short-term memory is a more passive concept).

Working memory keeps information—a number, name, or whatever else—on hand just long enough to use or store. For example, working memory is what helps you keep the first half of a sentence in mind long enough to make sense of the end of the sentence! The brain’s working memory processes contribute to many aspects of more complicated behaviors, involved in things like decision-making and problem-solving, which is why their improvement is a key brain training target.

Here are a couple of short BrainHQ articles to help you understand the importance of your working memory and how the BrainHQ exercises can help you keep it working efficiently.

Researcher Shows BrainHQ Improves Working Memory

Mental Gymnastics Improve Working Memory

We will be having our face-to-face, online Zoom session this week, on Wednesday evening, July 22nd, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. It's really pretty easy to access and it's fun, so we hope to see you all there. Here's the schedule of events:

6:30 - 7:00 - Q & A about the exercises, the lesson, or the websites. Everyone is welcome to participate, help answer questions, and share your experiences.

7:00 - 8:00 - Summer Orientation for all students, followed by a presentation of this week's lesson - Biases and Perceptions in the Brain

Getting on Zoom:

If you have been on Zoom before, you can go directly to the Zoom site by clicking here , Or...

Here is how you join the Wednesday evening Zoom session via the Zoom web address:

Just prior to the session, click here: https://cccconfernow.zoom.us/j/9191959460

Or, if you don’t’ have access to a computer, join by phone:

+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)

You may be asked the Meeting ID: 919 195 9460

Note: If it’s your first time participating in a Zoom session, you can try getting on the site early to see how easy it is to get it set up. We begin our BHQ Zoom at 6:45, so try getting on at about 6:30 and call if you have any trouble. You can participate by video and audio, or just listen in by phone. Please let us know if you need help! Call Pat’s cell at 619-818-3953. If you’ve been on Zoom before, you will appreciate this new Zoom Video that Mary created to help you learn about some of the features available to you while on the site. See you on Wednesday.

Enjoy the lessons, and have a brain-healthy week.

Need help? Contact us at:

Mary Burns (mburns@sdccd.edu) - Online classes

Debbie Flores (dsflores@sdccd.edu) - Online classes & Zoom Sessions for Practicum Students: Wednesdays 9:30 am - 11:00 am and 12:30 pm- 2:00 pm.

Janet Blair ( blusdbits@gmail.com ) - St Pauls Plaza. Contact for Support and Lesson Review

Yael Lorberfeld (ylorberfeld@sdccd.edu) - Online classes & Zoom Sessions for Practicum Students: Mondays 11:00 am- 12:30 pm and Fridays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Pat Mosteller (pmostell@sdccd.edu) - Online classes and Student help - Cell 619-818-3953