Pickpocket - Aug 2012

In the last six issues, I have already introduced to you the basic techniques to read others’ behaviors and to decode them. Most of the people do not believe such reading others’ thoughts or psyche thing. But let me tell you, there is no such thing like reading your mind with special ability like those psyche claims. But only induction and psychology science support.

The Recognition of Reading Non-verbal Behavior

A Case of America (Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968))

On October 31, 1963, a 39-year-old senior detective of Cleveland Police Department in Ohio, Martin McFadden noticed there were two men meandered around in front of a shop. They took turn to peek inside the shop then walked away. After few times, they went to a corner of the street and talked to a third party while they kept looking around.

Image: stus.com

Detective McFadden was worried about they were gathering the shop’s information and planning to rob it, so he went to them and did body search to them. They were under arrested after guns were found.

The painstaking observation of McFadden at last became a base of the judgment of the case and the influence from it: If the officer has reasonable suspicion that the person is armed, the officer may perform a search of the person's outer garments for weapons.

For the reasonable suspicion, because of the result of the case, Supreme Court of the United State recognized NVB can foresee crimes with suitable observation and interpretation of NVB.

The Lying Brain and Honest Brain

The Honest Brain

Photo: conwaypsychology.webs.com

Computer has CPU as a control unit to make all different components work smoothly. In human, brain is human’s control unit. All behaviors and reaction, no matter true or fake, conscious or unconscious, are under the command of the brain (except involuntary muscles), like from you scratch your face to you compose a song.   

In our brain, there is a part called limbic system which is the origin of behaving. Limbic system will react reflectively without thinking (especially amygdala and hypothalamus), so the reactions come from this part of the brain are most truthful to the surrounded situation. Also limbic system is the emotion center.

Table: minnesotamedicine.com

The signals are transmitted from this part to other parts of the brain and then coordinate our behaviors. The behaviors are related to our emotion and survival and they are presented though our legs, arms, hands, trunks and faces, so we can observe, induct and explain. The point is, unlike language, they are presented without thinking, so limbic system is recognized as “honest brain” when we are discussing NVB.

This time I put out a lot of evidences to let you know reading NVB is not only a bluff but a tool. I will introduce you about another part of the brain which called “Lying Brain” and more cases!

Practice makes perfect!

Pick their thoughts! They cannot hide their expression and hold their intentions from your eyes!

Jason Lam

References:

392 U.S. 1, 88 S. Ct. 1868, 20 L. Ed. 2d 889 (1968)

Navarro, J., &Karlins, M. (2009).What every BODY is saying an ex-FBI agent's guide to speed reading people (Kindle ed.). S.I.: William Morrow Paperbacks

News Feed - Aug 2012

香港的心理學盛會

今年六月，香港心理學會的週年會議假香港城市大學舉行。本刊成員對於副總編輯司徒素雪 (Stephanie) 以及創作編輯蕭子鋒 (Sora) 的研究海報能夠在今次會議中展出深感高興。有關會議的精彩內容，請留意內文。

今年會議的主題為「香港的心理學發展：過住、現況及將來」，由香港大學心理學系教授 Geoffrey Blowers 揭開序幕。 Prof Blowers與主持人詳談香港發展心理學時所面對的困難及將來的可能性，對於想繼續進修心理學的同學極具啟發性。

於海報展覽期間，展出者須要就他們的研究項目向評判作簡介，並解答現場人士及學者的疑問，以作學術交流。 Stephanie 及 Sora 都認為這次經歷令他們眼界大開，非常難得，他們也把握了機會，積極與場內的學者及學生互相交流。

緊接著海報展覽的，是分科交流研討會，四個不同主題分別為科技、小數族裔、人格及正向心理學，探討不同範疇的心理學研究，以鼓勵分科之間的知識交流。Stephanie 及 Sora 選擇了參與正向心理學為主題的研討會，因他們對當中探討的其中一項研究－「開心的人比不開心的人更寬宏大量」感到興趣。

會議最後一個環節是領袖峰會，最令人驚喜的是這個環節的互動性及參加者主導性，參加者須要寫出一些有助香港心理學發展的意見及建議，並且互相評分，得分較高的會加以討論。 Stephanie 及 Sora 認為今次會議令他們獲益良多，希望大家的共同理念能有助推動香港的心理學發展。

Photos: HKPS.org (others) and Sora Siu (middle)

A Psychological Journey: HKPS Annual Conference 2012

The Hong Kong Psychological Society Annual Conference 2012 has taken place at the City University of Hong Kong in June. We were so glad that the research posters of our Deputy Chief Editor, Stephanie Szeto, and Creative Editor, Sora Siu, were chosen to exhibit in the conference. Let us share the wonderful day with you.

The conference was started with an interview called “A dialogue with Professor Geoffrey Blowers - The Development of Psychology in Hong Kong: Past, Present, and Future”. Prof Blowers, Department of Psychology at HKU, discussed about the difficulties and future possibilities for the development of Psychology in Hong Kong. It was an excellent enlightenment for students like us who want to pursue further study in the field of Psychology.

During the poster presentation session, the researchers presented their studies to judge panel and answered scholars’ questions. Stephanie and Sora said that it was a great opportunity to widen their horizon by getting in touch with other psychology students and scholars.

Following the poster session, four cross-divisional symposia on the topics of Technology, Minority Groups, Personality and Positive Psychology were arranged for inter-discipline knowledge exchange. Stephanie and Sora chose to attend the symposium of Positive Psychology because of the interesting topic “To forgive or not to forgive: The mediating effect of subjective happiness and forgiveness.

The last session was Leaders’ Forum. It was the most surprising part of the conference in terms of the interaction between moderator and participants. Participants were required to brainstorm opinions and suggestions to boost the development of Psychology in Hong Kong. The ideas were exchanged and rated by each other. Stephanie and Sora hope that the collective ideas would be beneficial for developing Psychology in Hong Kong.   

Sora (左) 及 Stephanie (右) 正展示他們的研究海報 。
Sora (left) and Stephanie (right) were presenting their posters during the conference. Photo: Sora Siu

SD3 - Aug 2012

Quick test! Tick in the following boxes which best suit your situation.

Did you get the clue of the disorder which I am introducing this time? It maybe a little bit difficult. It is the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The scale listed above is the checklist of the symptoms of the adult ADHD. If you have four or more ticks in the shaded boxes, you should consider seeking further help from professionals!

Naughty Is More Than Just Naughty

The symptoms of ADHD are divided into two dimensions, including inattention disorganization and hyperactivity. Regarding the divisions of symptoms, there are three subtypes of ADHD, which are primary inattentive, primary hyperactivity and combined. Please refer to the following table:

	Inattentive	Hyperactivity
primary inattentive	↑	↓
primary hyperactivity	↓	↑
combined	↑	↑

Sufferers of inattentive type are often associated with academic problems, while those of hyperactivity types are related to substance abuse.

The estimated prevalence of adult ADHD is between 4% and 6%. Children with ADHD are likely to face certain difficulties in their adulthood. Compare with the non-ADHDs, the ADHD sufferers generally have lower educational level and lower salary. Not only will they have hard experience at work, but also when interacting with others. To interact smoothly with peers, friends and family may be a challenging task for them. They may find it difficult to fit in a social group. Moreover, a portion of the adult ADHD sufferers are associated with substance abuse, like alcohol and tobacco.

Treating adults with ADHD needs a great amount of effort. They often find difficulties in getting things done. To treat this, they will need to set up circumstances to help reminding them the schedule. By achieving the goals, their self-efficacy will be raised, acting as reinforcement for the therapy. In addition, a nice and caring social network is helpful to start the therapy. So it means that if your friends are having difficulties to finish their homework, you are the most suitable one to grant help!? After all, peers and families are great factors in shaping one’s personalities. Try to be nice to your friends and family.

Venus Lai 

References:

Manos, M.J. (2010). Nuances of Assessment and Treatment of ADHD in Adults: A Guide for Psychologists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41(6), 511-517.

Nikolas, M.A. & Burt, S.A. (2010). Genetic and Environmental Influences on ADHD Symptom Dimensions of Inattention and Hyperactivity: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119(1), 1-17.

Psycovery - Aug 2012

腦退化症的小小致病原

澱粉樣蛋白斑塊 (amyloid plaque) 長久被視為導致腦細胞壞死的毒素，幾乎在所有阿滋海默氏症 (Alzheimer’s disease, 腦退化症的一種) 患者的腦部都能發現這些蛋白纖維積聚，但這些纖維的多少與患者腦退化症的病情及其病徵卻找不出關係。最新的研究發現，澱粉樣蛋白斑塊原來並不是致病的毒素，只是該症的副產物。反而，一些細小及可溶的分子，由β澱粉樣肽 (Aβ, beta-amyloid) 組成的低分子聚合物 (低聚物, oligomer) 才是致病毒素。

研究發現，這些低聚物能夠經神經元移動，擴散至腦部其它部分，甚至能夠「感染」其它腦細胞。研究人員利用染上綠色的正常人類神經元及已注入紅色低聚物的神經元作人工培養，他們發現，紅色的細胞只需一天就能接觸到綠色的正常細胞，而兩天後，神經元的軸突 (axon) 甚至出現變形，細胞內的細胞器更出現滲漏，逐漸被染紅。這些低聚物可以通過並破壞細胞膜，令腦細胞無法生存。然後，由於這些髮夾狀的分子能引致在腦部聚集成纖維糾結，並且不斷吸引其它錯誤摺疊的低聚物，最終成為斑塊。

這些低聚物通常在大腦的內嗅皮質 (entorhinal cortex) 產生，並且會擴散至整個海馬體 (hippocampus) 。由於這個部分對記憶非常重要，所以初期患者的記憶力會開始衰退。而隨著這些病理上的轉變繼續傳播到腦的其它部分，患者的病情亦會每況愈下，影響包括認知能力下降及情緒不穩等等。

目前，阿滋海默氏症仍然是一種無法根治的的疾病，雖然最近成功研發出可處方藥物，能夠輕微緩和初期病徵，但患者最終亦會失憶、混亂、失言、甚至癡呆。最近這些發現，有望能破解該症潛在的機制，影響日後關於腦化症的研究方向，只要研發出能夠預防或阻止低聚物組成及擴散的抑制物，就可以有效預防及治癒初期的腦退化症。

圖中黃色箭嘴所示的紅色分子為 Aβ 。當受感染的神經元接觸綠色的健康神經元時，白色箭嘴所示的 Aβ 會擴散，如黑色箭嘴所示，令到綠色細胞受到感染。 (Image: Hjelm, Å, 2012)

Sora Siu

References:

Alzheimer's infects from neuron to neuron. (2012, 6 28). Retrieved 7 20, 2012, from Psypost: http://www.psypost.org/2012/06/alzheimers-infects-from-neuron-to-neuron-12461

Hjelm, Å. (2012, 6 27). Alzheimer's infects from neuron to neuron. Retrieved 7 20, 2012, from Linköping University Research: http://www.liu.se/forskning/forskningsnyheter/1.352091?l=en

Small molecule may play big role in Alzheimer's disease. (2012, 7 14). Retrieved 7 20, 2012, from Psypost: http://www.psypost.org/2012/07/small-molecule-may-play-big-role-in-alzheimers-disease-12780

Psych-Action - Aug 2012

Organiser: Dept of Soc Work & Soc Admin, HKU
Name of Activity: A new non-drug variant of neurolingusitic programming (NLP) resulting in a rapid resolution of chronic depression and phobia
Speaker: Professor Bruce Arroll
Type: Seminar
Date: 23th August, 2012 (Thur)
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Venue: MW103, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Organiser: Dept of Psych, HKU
Name of Activity: Chinese Parenting Paradox: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Maternal Controlling Behaviors
Speaker: Ms Kitty Ka Yee Tsang
Type: Seminar
Date: 27th August, 2012 (Mon)
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 noon
Venue: Rm 813, 8/F Building C, Centennial Campus, HKU

Sora Siu

Sunshine is always with you - Aug 2012

「快樂」由你自己決定!

人類與動物不同，因為有自由意志 (free will) 而知道到「快樂」的存在。人類天生是追求「快樂」的，沒有人想追求痛苦，這個道理真是人所共知。但是「快樂」是如何產生，可能不是每人也知道，其實快樂和滿足都是主觀的感覺，很在乎你對現實的理解和期望，換言之每人也不同，這道理既抽象又實在。但原來在很早前，美國心理學家沙尼文博士 (Dr. Martin Seligman)，在正向心理學這方面已經很有研究，還把「快樂」的定義作出很清晰的解說。

Image: topics.jp.msn.com/otoko_blog

沙尼文在他的名著「真正的快樂」(Authentic Happiness)裡列出了一條快樂的方程式：H=S+C+V。H就是快樂指數；S是指與生俱來的情緒基調，有些人天生是較易開心，有些則較易憂鬱，這理論是從雙生兒的心理研究中獲得的。原來每個人天生都有一個快樂的幅度 (Set range)，後天因素亦很難把這幅度改變。在快樂方程式中，沙尼文相信S的影響約佔40%。C代表現實環境和個人際遇 (Circumstances)，一般人以為C最重要，以為環境順利如意是快樂的保證，但原來C在快樂方程式中衹佔20%而已，因人在適應環境或際遇之後，心情往往會回到自身的水平，例如研究顯示，中了彩票的人的快樂大多不能長久維持，就是這個理由。最後，V是指個人所能控制的範圍 (Voluntary activities)，即你可以選擇去做令自己開心或不開心的事情──你的思想模式、信念、對事情的理解、應付問題的能力、行為模式等，都是決定你「快樂」與否的因素，約佔整體的40%。

由此可見，除了天生的因素外，快樂可以掌握在自己手中，因為V在快樂方程式中佔很高百分率，所以我們可以訓練自己正面思考，這是最實際和有效的方法去令自己快樂。相信只要我們每天也實踐正面思考，每人也會成為一個開心快樂人，縱使日後遭遇到一些不幸事情也能跨得過去。

Woody Yip

Reference:
Seligman, M.E.P. (2002). Authentic Happiness. New York: Free Press.

Pillars in the Making - Aug 2012

Learning by observation

This time, I want to introduce observational learning to you. It is a type of learning which happens by watching other’s behaviors. It is a form of social learning. I think observation is the most effective way for children to learn knowledge or behavior, as we can easily find a lot of daily examples of observational learning happening around us most of the time.

Albert Bandura is the founder of observational learning, he called it the process of social learning modeling, and provided it with four conditions which are necessary for learning to form through observation. The first condition is attention.  When attention takes on the target modeled behavior. This can understand the details about this behavior. The second condition is retention. The observer must be able to recall the observed behavior. The third condition is motor reproduction, which means the observer has to have the ability to perform the particular type of behavior. The last condition is motivation and opportunity. Observer must have motivation and chance to carry out the behavior. Without the above conditions, observational learning cannot occur.

Bandura’s BoBo doll experiment

Image: learningtheories4101.pbworks.com

As Bandura was very interested in how observational learning affected children’s behavior, he conducted an experiment in 1961 and 1963, and this experiment was named as “The BoBo Doll” experiment. Three groups of children were involved in this experiment. They have to watch videos which contained different level of violence behavior. Children were allocated to three different rooms and each room got a BoBo doll. The result showed that the group of children who watched video containing the most violence video would perform more violence behavior to the BoBo doll.

This experiment shows that it is important that parents should choose the right type of TV programs for their children, otherwise the kids will become the clown in the Batman movie!!
 

 Vicky Wong

References:
Bandura, Albert. (1986) Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, US: Prentice-Hall.

"Blazing Angels or Resident Evil? Can Violent Video Games Be a Force for Good?", Christopher J. Ferguson, Review of General Psychology, 14, 68-81

Sharon & Woolley (2004). Do Monsters Dream? Young Children Understands of the Fantasy/Reality Distinction. Journal of Developmental Psychology, 22, 293-310. Retrieved October 4, 2010 from the British Psychological Society database.

Words from Editors - Aug 2012

Time flies. This is the tenth issue already. It has never been easy to start a newsletter, yet the hardest part perhaps is to persist. I have always been grateful to have a few passionate editors fighting besides me. We demonstrated “social facilitation” throughout the process. Each of us supports each other. By suggesting creative ideas and implementing the plans more fluently, the product is becoming more and more satisfying.

If you ask me the key to start or unite an organization, I would say it must be communication. There are pros and cons for every idea, while editors often stand on contrasting positions during the discussion. In a condense group like us, what a leader must not do is to judge their view points. Instead, he or she should appreciate their initiatives and find the best way which everyone is mostly satisfied. Working itself is not difficult. Working with people is the most difficult. There is still a long way for us to go.

I am delighted to witness the improvements made so far. Comparing with the previous issues, now we have more pictures, more creative design and also more informative articles to share. The number of readers is increasing and we received appreciation from various sides. Particularly, the school gave us unconditional support as we grow and become mature.

Let your life flames! There is only three years of university life. Although this Psycholic consumes us a great amount of time, it is worth publishing. At the end, I would like to dedicate my best wishes to our dear readers: No Regrets.

Venus Lai