Emotion and Memory

In this video I provide more examples of the relationship between emotion and memory. Flashbulb memories are detailed memories of emotionally-charged events. These memories may be more detailed but they are still subject to the errors and biases that affect other memories and so they may be inaccurate. Next I distinguish between state-dependent memory, which refers to a matching of … Read More

Olfaction: Sense of Smell

In this video I explain the process of transduction for scent; how odorant molecules in the air can trigger different olfactory receptor neurons which then send messages to the rhinencephalon or “nose brain”. I mention the links between scent, emotion, and memory and how pheromones allow for chemical communication between members of a species. Finally I mention the relationship between … Read More

Approach and Avoidance Motivations

Another way of categorizing motivations is to consider them as either approach motivations or avoidance motivations. An approach motivation is a drive to experience a positive outcome, while an avoidance motivation is a drive to not experience a negative outcome. The relative strength of these motivations may not be equal and some research has suggested that motivations to avoid loss can … Read More

Amy Cuddy on Power Posing

This is one of my favorite TED talks from a few years ago and I just realized that I never posted it here. In this video, Amy Cuddy discusses her research (and personal experience) in how our body language influences perceptions of dominance and confidence. While we probably know that posture can influence how others perceive us, it’s important to … Read More