Using Problem Based Learning in Biological Psychology

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Using Problem Based Learning in Biological
Psychology

• Laura Freberg
• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis
  Obispo

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I hear, and I forget I see, and I remember I
do, and I understand Chinese ProverbLao Tau
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What is Problem Based Learning?

• Similar to case studies used in business, law,
  and medicine
• Case studies usually provide solution materials
• Problem based learning requires students to find
  solution materials

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Benefits of Problem Based Learning

• Active learning
• Information competency
• High interest
• Collaborative

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Characteristics of a Good Problem

• Engaging
• Real-world
• Related to a central concept of the course
• Multiple solutions should be possible
• Requires group work

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Setting Up the Problem

• Form groups of 4-6 students
• Specify group roles
• Brainstorm hypotheses
• What information do we have? What information do
  we need?
• What activities need to happen to solve the
  problem?
• Evaluate outcomeDoes the solution work?
• Present the problem and solution

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Evaluation Rubrics

• Accessing and selecting information
• Processing information
• Composing a presentation
• Individual task management
• Individual time management
• Group process

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Sample Problem 1 Research Ethics

• Learning Objectives
• Familiarity with sources of ethical standards
• Understand the IRB approval process
• Know the ethical requirements for research with
  human participants
• Apply knowledge in the construction of an
  informed consent form
• The case of Jesse Gelsinger

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The Jesse Gelsinger Problem

• Jesse Gelsinger became the first person to die
  from gene therapy on 9/16/99.
• Gelsingers father claimed that the risks of the
  procedure had not been clearly spelled out in the
  informed consent.
• One of the physicians involved appeared to have a
  financial conflict of interest.
• Your task Write an informed consent form for
  Jesses procedure.

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Resources for the Gelsinger Problem

• This is a very comprehensive website from
  Creighton University that uses the Gelsinger case
  as a problem in gene therapy ethics. While
  pitched to a professional audience, the material
  is very readablehttp//medicine.creighton.edu/idc
  135/2004/group2b/
• This site is a bit sensational, but it provides
  one of the most thorough descriptions of the
  Jesse Gelsinger case. The site provides an
  opportunity to discuss information
  competencyhttp//www.cancer-coverup.com/cancer-ho
  rror-stories/default.html
• This is simply a reprint of an article that
  appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, so faculty
  may wish to direct students to the original
  source. Nonetheless, I included this link because
  this is an interesting message board on the topic
  of IRBs. Because the task in this question
  involves the development of an informed consent
  form, surfing the archives of this site might
  prove interesting and helpful http//www.irbforum
  .com/forum/read/2/95/95

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More Gelsinger Resources

• Although the case in question was a medical
  experiment, most students in a Biological
  Psychology course are more likely to be doing
  psychological research. The APA site on human
  participants is a must-read http//www.apa.org/sc
  ience/research.html
• Tutorials and formal training are available on
  this site for research teams. These resources are
  generally password-protected, but you can get an
  idea about what training is available. Your own
  institution may have similar resources for your
  students http//www.apa.org/science/research/regw
  ebtrain.html
• This is a popular press article from an
  Australian publication that includes some
  interesting quotations regarding the case
  http//www.newsweekly.com.au/articles/2000aug12_bi
  o.html

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Sample Problem 2 Psychological Disorders

• Learning Objectives
• Familiarity with diagnostic criteria for
  schizophrenia
• Understanding of the diagnostic process
• Knowing demographic data regarding schizophrenia
• Familiarity with cultural influences on
  psychological disorder
• The Blow et al. (2004) results

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The Blow et al. Problem

• Blow et al. (2004) reviewed records of over
  130,000 VA patients.
• Schizophrenia is supposed to affect 1 of the
  population.
• African-Americans in the VA database were 4 times
  more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia
  than whites.
• Blow et al. controlled for wealth, drug use, and
  other significant variables.
• Your task Write a set of procedures for
  clinicians designed to prevent a misdiagnosis of
  schizophrenia due to race.

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Sources for Further Information

• Problem Based Learning at Samford University
  http//www.samford.edu/pbl/
• Buck Institute of Education http//www.bie.org/pb
  l/pblhandbook/intro.php
• Case Studies in Science http//ublib.buffalo.edu/
  libraries/projects/cases/ubcase.htm
• Problem Based Learning in Biology
  http//www.saltspring.com/capewest/pbl.htm

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More PBL Resources

• Problem Based Learning Sites http//home.capecod.
  net/7Etpanitz/pbl.htm
• Problem Based Learning Bibliographies
  http//www.aaee.com.au/networks/PBL/extdoc/pblbibl
  iography.htm
• Problem Based Learning and the Internet
  http//www.essdack.org/internettraining/problem.ht
  ml

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Thank you for your time and attention.

• For copies of this powerpoint, please email me at
  laura_at_laurafreberg.com