Myths about our brain abound. You’ve probably seen at least a few of them in movies, books, or TV shows.

Introduction:

Myths about our brain abound. You’ve probably seen at least a few of them in movies, books, or TV shows. For this assessment, you'll select one of the following myths to debunk.

• We only use 10% of our brain.
• Brain training will make you smart.
• The brain perceives the world as it is.
• Right-brained people are more creative.
• Adults can’t grow new brain cells.
• The brain is a computer

Preparation:

Select one of the following myths:

• We only use 10% of our brain.
• Brain training will make you smart.
• The brain perceives the world as it is.
• Right-brained people are more creative.
• Adults can’t grow new brain cells.
• The brain is a computer.

You can learn more about the myth you chose in Jarrett's 2014 book, Great Myths of the Brain, which is located in your reading list and can be used as a source in your paper.

Find one flawed source of information on the Internet. To find a flawed source, look for one with a substantial number of errors.

• Read what the textbook says about the myth.
• Use the myth you chose and use it as your search word or phrase on the Internet.
• Look for sources that are not accurate based on the information in your textbook.
  • If you don't see a flawed source on the first page of results, skip to the third page of results or further.
• Tips for finding flawed sources:
  • Scroll through your social media feeds.
  • Scroll through your results and look for sources that are NOT:
    • .gov websites.
    • News or press websites.

Find and read two peer-reviewed journal articles that summarize a research study on the topic. You will use these articles to help debunk the myth through their research findings. Reviews of literature or meta-analyses are not appropriate for this assessment.

For help finding flawed sources and peer-reviewed articles for this assessment, you may want to complete the library instruction activity:

• Searching Capella Library for Myth Busting Assignment.

Consider whether the research is ethical based on one of the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. You should cite this resource in your paper.

Instruction:

Write a 3–5 page paper that includes:

• A brief summary of the myth and evidence provided by the website (your flawed source).
• Challenge the myth by providing scientific evidence that disproves the myth.
  • Identify and explain the underlying assumptions that support the myth.
  • Use two peer-reviewed journal articles to support your argument. For each scholarly source:
    • Summarize the methods, participants, and results.
    • Explain the reliability, validity, and generalizability of the findings.
    • Assess, using evidence from the article, the study’s adherence to TWO of the APA’s five Ethical Principles of Psychologists:
      • Beneficence and Nonmaleficence.
      • Fidelity and Responsibility.
      • Integrity.
      • Justice.
      • Respect for People's Rights and Dignity.
• A discussion of how the brain and body work in relation to your myth, using your textbook and other scholarly sources to support your statements.
  • We only use 10% of our brain: Focus on the cerebrum.
  • Brain training will make you smart: Focus on the chapter on intelligence.
  • The brain perceives the world as it is: Focus on the chapters about our senses.
  • Right-brained people are more creative: Focus on how the hemispheres work.
  • Adults can’t grow new brain cells: Focus on Chapters 2 and 3.
  • The brain is a computer: Focus on the chapter on memory.
• Your own theory: Based on your research, what do you think is correct?

Use headers to organize your paper. You should have at least three headers.

Requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Resources: Use a minimum of five sources: your flawed source, your textbook, the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and two peer-reviewed journal articles
• APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
• Length: 3–5 double-spaced, typed pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

Sources:

The Nervous System

The following chapters provide insight on the communication between neurons, which trigger activity in the brain. In addition, through the readings, you will learn about the functions and structures of the nervous system. Understanding these aspects will lend an understanding of the role each plays in our physical and psychological functioning.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 2, "Communication Within the Nervous System."
    • In this chapter, the author explains how neurons communicate with each other.
  • Chapter 3, "The Organization and Functions of the Nervous System."
    • In this chapter, you learn about the major structures of the nervous system and some of their functions.

Hearing and Vision

This chapter explores how our brain processes audio stimuli and how we process language.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 9, “Hearing and Language.”

The following chapter provides insight about the eye structure that processes visual information. In addition, you will explore current and relevant theories of vision to understand how color, form, movement, and spatial location are handled in the brain.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 10, "Vision and Visual Perception."

Optional WebAR Experience

Use the QR code WebAR: The Eye to experience a 3D visualization of the eye.

The Body Senses

This chapter explores the way our sense of touch and awareness of where our body is in space works within our brains.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 11, “The Body Sense and Movement.”

Memory and Learning

This chapter introduces the concepts of memory and learning. These are two hot topics in biopsychological research. Some information you will gain is how and where memories are stored in the brain as well as how aging and other disorders impair learning.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 12, "Learning and Memory."

Neural Characteristics of Intelligence

This chapter explores specific topics related to the neural characteristics that contribute to intelligence, and the role of heredity and environment in forming intelligence.

• Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2021). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Chapter 13, "Intelligence and Cognitive Functioning."