San Antonio College Library

University of California psychologist and researcher Lawrence D. Rosenblum explores the astonishing abilities of the five senses, abilities few of us even know we have. Drawing on groundbreaking insights into the brain's neuroplasticity and integrative powers, including findings from his own research, Rosenblum examines how the brain uses the subtlest information to apprehend the world. A blind person, for example, can "see" through batlike echolocation;...

Can perception be explained in terms of sensation? In this program, the senses, including proprioception, are described; the structuralist, gestalt, constructivist, and direct perception theories are critically analyzed, focusing on both their strengths and weaknesses; and perceptual models such as those of Ulric Neisser and David Marr are presented. Many examples of the perceptual theories are provided. In addition, the roles of Wundt, Wertheimer,...

Chris Packham explores the remarkable ways animals use their senses. Focusing on dogs, he discovers how their powerful sense of smell creates a bizarre alternative reality.

This film is a demonstration of how important texture and touch is in the kitchen, with an analysis of how the brain processes feeling. Tom Colicchio's first three stars from The New York Times were awarded as executive chef of Mondrian. Since then, he has been similarly acknowledged for Gramercy Tavern, his signature venture Craft, and Colicchio & Sons. He has opened several restaurants, penned several books, and became head judge on Bravo's hit...

Gentleman thief Apollo Robbins demonstrates how he manipulates attention to enable him to pick pockets.

Is meditation the key to fostering a happier, more productive workplace? New York Times reporter David Gelles investigates this claim and compares notes with a neuroscientist who specializes in the effect of meditation on the brain, Christopher Moore. Gelles is a staff writer for the New York. Previously, he was a correspondent for the Financial Times, and his work has appeared in Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Christopher...

Psychologists like Max Luscher believe the secrets of peoples' personalities are revealed in their color choice. David Lewis investigates claims made regarding color psychology.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche discusses sensory deprivation with R. Clay Reid, Professor of Neurobiology at Harvard, comparing its use as means of stimulating the brain (as in Bon and Buddhist 'dark retreat practice') with its use as a torture practice. "Dark retreat" (mun mtshams) is apowerfulmeans in which special circumstances--both physical and psychological--are created in order to enhance particular meditation and yogic practices. This form of solitary...

Color is such a big part of our world, yet we often take it for granted. Why do we associate certain colors with certain things? And do we really see every color of the rainbow or is our world just a 'pigment' of our imagination? We'll show you that when it comes to processing colors, things aren't always as simple as black and white.

This program investigates how psychological principles determine a smell's level of repellence. After testing natural smells found to be offensive to most people, scientists at Monell Chemical Services Center and the University of California propose that our reactions are heavily shaped by personal experience. Demonstrations of how olfactory lobes work are featured. Host Nigel Marven observes how one of nature's worst smells, skunk, fails to bother...