Psychology 4: Biological Psychology and Neuroscience

Proof required

Link the public repo with a notebook that simulates a neuron firing (a simple integrate-and-fire model) and explains each part: the notebook, the data (or a link to the open dataset) and a README saying what it shows.

What gets checked

• The model's parts map to real neuron parts.
• Changing an input changes the firing as expected.
• The README explains it without jargon.

Common mistakes

• Results the files cannot reproduce.
• A summary of the reading instead of your own work.

Powstik Guide

A notebook that simulates a neuron firing (a simple integrate-and-fire model) and explains each part.

Steps

1. Read the linked chapter and take the self-check.
2. Make a public repo.
3. Build the smallest version that works, then check it.
4. Write a README: the question, the method, what you found, the limits.
5. Ask someone who knows psychology to check it.

README
Course 4: Biological Psychology and Neuroscience
Question:
Data (source, n, how it was collected):
Method:
Result:
Limits:

What gets sent back

• No data or no code.
• Data from people that breaks the rules above.
• Copied work with no history.

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• The model's parts map to real neuron parts.
• Changing an input changes the firing as expected.
• The README explains it without jargon.
• Do the files produce what the README says?

You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.

Proof required

Link the public repo or shared document with a cited guide to six brain areas: what each does and the evidence (lesion, imaging or stimulation), with every source cited.

What gets checked

• Each claim cites a study.
• The kind of evidence is named for each.
• Overclaims (one area = one function) are avoided.

Common mistakes

• Results the files cannot reproduce.
• A summary of the reading instead of your own work.

Powstik Guide

A cited guide to six brain areas: what each does and the evidence (lesion, imaging or stimulation).

Steps

1. Read the linked chapter and take the self-check.
2. Make a public repo.
3. Build the smallest version that works, then check it.
4. Write a README: the question, the method, what you found, the limits.
5. Ask someone who knows psychology to check it.

README
Course 4: Biological Psychology and Neuroscience
Question:
Data (source, n, how it was collected):
Method:
Result:
Limits:

What gets sent back

• No data or no code.
• Data from people that breaks the rules above.
• Copied work with no history.

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• Each claim cites a study.
• The kind of evidence is named for each.
• Overclaims (one area = one function) are avoided.
• Do the files produce what the README says?

You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.

Proof required

Add a one-page poster on one neuroscience finding: the question, the method, the result and its limits as a PDF and name the people who reviewed it with you, with their questions.

What gets checked

• The method is explained correctly.
• Limits are stated.
• Questions from reviewers are answered.

Common mistakes

• Reading slides aloud with no questions taken.
• Claims with no study behind them.

Powstik Guide

A one-page poster on one neuroscience finding: the question, the method, the result and its limits.

Steps

1. Read the linked chapter and take the self-check.
2. Plan the talk or poster around one question.
3. Present it to at least two people who know some psychology.
4. Write down their questions and your answers.

Plan
Course 4: Biological Psychology and Neuroscience
Question:
Studies I cite:
What I expect to be asked:

What gets sent back

• Nobody heard it.
• No sources.

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• The method is explained correctly.
• Limits are stated.
• Questions from reviewers are answered.
• Did the person explain it in their own words and answer a question?

You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.