Comic strips that illustrate psychological concepts: Learning, conformity, and caffeine/sleep

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Let’s keep things light and look at some more psychology-related comic strips this week. Whether you use these in lecture, on an exam, or as discussion or assignment prompts, be sure to follow the classroom usage policy set by the comic strip’s licensing agency. If you have any doubts, link to the comic strips instead of using the image.

Conformity: Close to Home by John McPherson: December 16, 2023

Identify the factors discussed in class and in your readings that contribute to conformity.

In this comic strip, which of those factors are illustrated? Explain.

 

Operant conditioning: Real Life Adventures by Gary Wise and Lance Aldrich: December 20, 2023

Which of the father’s behaviors is being reinforced?

What is the reinforcement?

If the father is on a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, what would need to happen?

If the father is on a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, what would need to happen?

 

Operant conditioning: Dog Eat Doub by Brian Anderson: December 29, 2023

Which of the dog’s behaviors is being reinforced?

What is the reinforcement?

If the dog is on a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, what would need to happen?

If the dog is on a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, what would need to happen?

 

Sleep: Strange Brew by John Deering: December 21, 2023

Research how much caffeine is in a Starbucks venti americano. Site your source.

Next, research how much caffeine is considered safe for daily consumption. Site your source.

Lastly, explain how caffeine use during the day can affect sleep quality at night.

About the Author
Sue Frantz has taught psychology since 1992. She has served on several APA boards and committees, and was proud to serve the members of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology as their 2018 president. In 2013, she was the inaugural recipient of the APA award for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at a Two-Year College or Campus. She received in 2016 the highest award for the teaching of psychology--the Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award. She presents nationally and internationally on the topics of educational technology and the pedagogy of psychology. She is co-author with Doug Bernstein and Steve Chew of Teaching Psychology: A Step-by-Step Guide, 3rd ed. and is co-author with Charles Stangor on Introduction to Psychology, 4.0.