By definition, psychology is the science of human behaviour. Albert Katz, Chair of the Department of Psychology at The University of Western Ontario, suggests for many that science is simply ‘grandmotherly advice.’
He explains: “For some, psychology is simply ‘discovering’ what our grandmothers already know and have embodied in truisms like ‘two heads are better than one’ or ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ But are these grandmotherly truths actually correct?”
Over the next two months, the answer to that question will be explored in a series of lectures offered by eminent professors and psychologists from Western, who describe their research as putting “folk psychology to the test.”
Western’s Department of Psychology and the London Public Library present the inaugural Annual Community Lecture Series on Psychology: The Science of Being Human on the dates and times listed below. All lectures run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and include a 30-minute question period. (Note that each lecture will be presented on two occasions).
Nation of Immigrants?
Presented by Victoria Esses, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Collaborative Graduate Program in Migration and Ethnic Relations
Thursday, April 16 at Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room A
Wednesday, May 20 at Masonville Branch
Are two heads really better than one?
Presented by Natalie Allen, Professor of Psychology
Thursday, April 23 at Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room B
Wednesday, May 13 at Masonville Branch
Is laughter the best medicine?
Presented by Rod Martin, Professor of Psychology
Thursday, April 30 at Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room B
Wednesday, May 27 at Masonville Branch
Are dogs really man’s best friend?
Presented by William Roberts, Professor of Psychology (Emeritus)
Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room A
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Masonville Branch