slides lectures will be provided!

Complete a 23 page, double-spaced, reflection on the impact of artificial intelligence on student learning and academic integrity

Read Kosmyna et al (2025) and Fabiano (2025). Your reflection must include a brief summary of the findings of the Kosmyna et al. study as well as a honest reflection of your reactions and perspective on the conclusions.

Some questions to consider may be:

• Were you surprised by the findings? Why or why not?
• How does this impact your own relationship to the use of AI, if at all
• Contextualize these findings within your own career goals in the field of psychology, how might the use of AI assist or deter these goals?

This reflection is intended to provide you with the space to interrogate the research on AI, and your relationship to it, actively and honestly, during your graduate academic career.

Please watch this classic historical video on the life of Sigmund Freud. Sternberg, A. (2007). Sigmund Freud: exploring the unconscious – historical documentary. [Lucasfilm]. YouTube. Then write a 250-word minimum to 350-word maximum reflection on this documentary and post your commentary on the discussion board. You are also required to respond to a post from one peer of your choosing. Your reflection should focus ONLY on the content of the video documentary and not include information derived from other sources or other video documentaries on Sigmund Freud. It should be clear to the instructor that you watched the entire documentary by providing specific details. A general or generic overview of the documentary with information that appears in any source discussing Freud will earn a low score on this assignment. A draft of your notes must be attached to your submission.

Instructions:

1 Highlight three specific facts and/or theoretical conceptsthat caught your attention or interest in the 1) beginning, 2) middle, and towards the 3) end of the documentary.

2 Provide two time-stamped quotes from the documentary with a reflection on why you found this quote to be personally relevant, intriguing, or important. This quote (use ” ” quotation marks) should be no less than 10 words and followed by a correct APA time-stamped in-text citation of the location of the quote in the documentary (e.g., Sterberg, 2007, 3:15).

1 Include Draft Notes/Post: Submit a draft of your notes (summary) of the documentary (hand-written or typed) as an attachment, and post your final edited draft in the Canvas discussion submission box for a grade.

2 Writing Format: Make sure to proofread your work for errors in writing before submitting it for a grade. The essay format should not have bullet points but include transitions between ideas, proper grammar, and direct and clear writing that is easy to understand. Provide a word count at the end of your post (e.g., 300 words).

Topic: Choose a brain area and describe it in detail, including its cognitive capacity.

Brain area – Hypothalamus

Sources- 1. Adamantidis, A. R., & de Lecea, L. (2023). Sleep and the hypothalamus. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 382(6669), 405412.

2. Saper, C. B., & Lowell, B. B. (2014). The hypothalamus. Current Biology, 24(23), R1111R1116.

Possible sources: 1. Yang, T., Yang, C. F., Chizari, M. D., Maheswaranathan, N., Burke, K. J., Borius, M., Inoue, S., Chiang, M. C., Bender, K. J., Ganguli, S., & Shah, N. M. (2024). Social Control of Hypothalamus-Mediated Male Aggression. Neuron (Cambridge, Mass.), 112(11), 18921892.

Intro- where is it located? What brain systems does it work with? What is the structure? Are there parts of the hypothalamus? What is homeostasis? Overall, how does the hypothalamus play a role?

Connector – Hypothalamus is looked at as a master gland / and the other hormones it influences

body 1 – Sleep ?

Body 2 – Hunger and thirst

Body 3 – Temperature regulation

Body 4 – limbic system / Emotions and behaivor

Body 5 – autonmic

Outline :

The Hypothalamus: A Central Regulator of Cognitive, Emotional, and Physiological Processes

Your Name

University of Southern California

PSYC ___

Professor ___

Month Day, Year

Abstract

The hypothalamus is a small but critically important structure located beneath the thalamus in the forebrain. Despite its limited size, it exerts powerful influence over survival, behavior, and cognition by coordinating the autonomic nervous system and endocrine activity. This paper examines the anatomical organization of the hypothalamus, its integration with surrounding brain systems, and its role in regulating sleep, hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, emotional behavior, and autonomic responses. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, this paper demonstrates that the hypothalamus functions not only as a biological control center but also as a cognitive and motivational regulator that shapes attention, emotion, and behavior.

Introduction

The human brain contains specialized regions that regulate both conscious and unconscious processes. One of the most essential of these regions is the hypothalamus, a structure of the forebrain located directly beneath the thalamus and forming the floor of the third ventricle. Although small in size, the hypothalamus plays a critical role in maintaining internal balance and coordinating survival-based behaviors. According to Saper and Lowell (2014), the hypothalamus integrates neural and hormonal signals to regulate hunger, thirst, sleep, body temperature, stress responses, and emotional behavior.

The hypothalamus is uniquely positioned to communicate with multiple brain systems. It maintains direct connections with the pituitary gland, allowing it to influence endocrine activity throughout the body, and it communicates with the limbic system, brainstem, and autonomic nervous system. Through these connections, the hypothalamus translates internal physiological conditions into behavioral and emotional responses. The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothalamus in detail, focusing on its structure, functions, and cognitive capacity, as demonstrated through its regulation of homeostasis, sleep, motivation, emotion, and autonomic control.

Anatomical Organization and Neural Integration

The hypothalamus is composed of multiple nuclei organized into anterior, medial, and posterior regions. Each region contributes to specific regulatory functions while remaining interconnected with other brain systems. Saper and Lowell (2014) describe the hypothalamus as an integrative hub that receives sensory information about the bodys internal state and generates appropriate neural and hormonal responses.

The anterior hypothalamus is primarily involved in thermoregulation and parasympathetic activity, while the medial region regulates feeding, reproduction, and emotional behavior. The posterior hypothalamus contributes to arousal, sympathetic activity, and body temperature maintenance. These regions work together rather than independently, allowing the hypothalamus to function as a coordinated control system.

One of the most significant anatomical features of the hypothalamus is its direct connection to the pituitary gland. This hypothalamicpituitary connection allows neural activity to influence hormone release, linking brain function to physiological regulation throughout the body.

Homeostasis as a Motivated Cognitive Process

Homeostasis refers to the bodys ability to maintain internal stability, but this process involves more than automatic physiological regulation. The hypothalamus actively monitors internal conditions such as glucose levels, hydration status, hormone concentrations, and body temperature. When deviations from internal set points occur, hypothalamic neurons generate motivational states that drive behavior (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and discomfort are not passive sensations; they are motivational signals that influence attention, emotional experience, and decision-making. When energy levels decline, hypothalamic circuits bias cognition toward food-related cues and suppress competing goals. In this way, homeostasis functions as a cognitive process that shapes behavior in response to biological needs.

Sleep Regulation and Cognitive Control

Sleep is a critical biological process regulated by specialized hypothalamic neurons. Adamantidis and de Lecea (2023) explain that the hypothalamus contains distinct populations of neurons that promote either wakefulness or sleep. These neurons form reciprocal inhibitory circuits that allow the brain to transition efficiently between sleep and wake states.

Disruptions in hypothalamic sleep regulation lead to disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy, which are associated with impaired attention, emotional instability, and reduced cognitive performance. Sleep deprivation weakens impulse control, reduces working memory capacity, and increases emotional reactivity. Because the hypothalamus determines when the brain can enter restorative sleep states, it indirectly governs learning, attention, and decision-making.

Hunger and Thirst: Motivational States and Behavioral Bias

The hypothalamus regulates hunger and thirst by detecting circulating hormones and nutrient levels. Hormones such as leptin and ghrelin communicate information about energy availability to hypothalamic neurons, which then generate hunger or satiety signals (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

These motivational states influence cognition by biasing attention and behavior toward survival-related goals. When hunger or thirst is present, individuals prioritize behaviors that restore energy or hydration. This demonstrates that hypothalamic regulation directly shapes perception, emotional state, and behavioral decision-making.

Thermoregulation and Stress

Thermoregulation is another essential function of the hypothalamus. Thermosensitive neurons detect changes in blood temperature and activate physiological responses such as sweating, shivering, vasodilation, or vasoconstriction (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

Temperature stress also activates stress pathways, influencing emotional states and cognitive performance. Heat stress can increase irritability and impair concentration, while cold stress may heighten anxiety. These effects demonstrate that thermoregulation is closely linked to emotional regulation and mental functioning.

Limbic System, Emotion, and Social Aggression

The hypothalamus maintains strong connections with the limbic system, allowing emotional and social information to influence physiological responses. Saper and Lowell (2014) explain that hypothalamic nuclei receive input from limbic structures such as the amygdala, enabling emotions to produce coordinated bodily responses.

Yang et al. (2024) demonstrated that specific hypothalamic circuits regulate socially driven aggression. Their findings show that aggressive behavior is influenced by neural mechanisms that respond to social cues and internal states. This research highlights the role of the hypothalamus in regulating emotional and social behavior rather than viewing such behavior as purely voluntary.

Autonomic and Endocrine Integration

The hypothalamus coordinates the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, allowing emotional and psychological states to produce physiological changes. Through its connection to the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus controls hormone release that affects stress responses, metabolism, growth, and reproduction (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

By regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, the hypothalamus influences heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory patterns. This integration ensures that physiological responses are matched to environmental demands and emotional states.

Cognitive and Behavioral Significance

Although often viewed as a physiological regulator, the hypothalamus plays a critical role in shaping cognition and behavior. By regulating sleep, motivation, emotional expression, and stress responses, it indirectly controls attention, memory, and decision-making.

Internal biological states generated by hypothalamic activity influence how individuals think, feel, and act. In this way, the hypothalamus provides the biological foundation upon which higher cognitive processes are built.

Conclusion

The hypothalamus is a central regulatory structure that integrates biological, emotional, and cognitive processes. Through its control of homeostasis, sleep, motivation, emotion, and autonomic function, it shapes behavior and mental functioning. Understanding the hypothalamus reveals that cognition is deeply rooted in physiological regulation and that the mind and body function as an integrated system.

Topic: Choose a brain area and describe it in detail, including its cognitive capacity.

Brain area – Hypothalamus

Sources- 1. Adamantidis, A. R., & de Lecea, L. (2023). Sleep and the hypothalamus. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 382(6669), 405412.

2. Saper, C. B., & Lowell, B. B. (2014). The hypothalamus. Current Biology, 24(23), R1111R1116.

Possible sources: 1. Yang, T., Yang, C. F., Chizari, M. D., Maheswaranathan, N., Burke, K. J., Borius, M., Inoue, S., Chiang, M. C., Bender, K. J., Ganguli, S., & Shah, N. M. (2024). Social Control of Hypothalamus-Mediated Male Aggression. Neuron (Cambridge, Mass.), 112(11), 18921892.

Intro- where is it located? What brain systems does it work with? What is the structure? Are there parts of the hypothalamus? What is homeostasis? Overall, how does the hypothalamus play a role?

Connector – Hypothalamus is looked at as a master gland / and the other hormones it influences

body 1 – Sleep ?

Body 2 – Hunger and thirst

Body 3 – Temperature regulation

Body 4 – limbic system / Emotions and behaivor

Body 5 – autonmic

Outline :

The Hypothalamus: A Central Regulator of Cognitive, Emotional, and Physiological Processes

Your Name

University of Southern California

PSYC ___

Professor ___

Month Day, Year

Abstract

The hypothalamus is a small but critically important structure located beneath the thalamus in the forebrain. Despite its limited size, it exerts powerful influence over survival, behavior, and cognition by coordinating the autonomic nervous system and endocrine activity. This paper examines the anatomical organization of the hypothalamus, its integration with surrounding brain systems, and its role in regulating sleep, hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, emotional behavior, and autonomic responses. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, this paper demonstrates that the hypothalamus functions not only as a biological control center but also as a cognitive and motivational regulator that shapes attention, emotion, and behavior.

Introduction

The human brain contains specialized regions that regulate both conscious and unconscious processes. One of the most essential of these regions is the hypothalamus, a structure of the forebrain located directly beneath the thalamus and forming the floor of the third ventricle. Although small in size, the hypothalamus plays a critical role in maintaining internal balance and coordinating survival-based behaviors. According to Saper and Lowell (2014), the hypothalamus integrates neural and hormonal signals to regulate hunger, thirst, sleep, body temperature, stress responses, and emotional behavior.

The hypothalamus is uniquely positioned to communicate with multiple brain systems. It maintains direct connections with the pituitary gland, allowing it to influence endocrine activity throughout the body, and it communicates with the limbic system, brainstem, and autonomic nervous system. Through these connections, the hypothalamus translates internal physiological conditions into behavioral and emotional responses. The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothalamus in detail, focusing on its structure, functions, and cognitive capacity, as demonstrated through its regulation of homeostasis, sleep, motivation, emotion, and autonomic control.

Anatomical Organization and Neural Integration

The hypothalamus is composed of multiple nuclei organized into anterior, medial, and posterior regions. Each region contributes to specific regulatory functions while remaining interconnected with other brain systems. Saper and Lowell (2014) describe the hypothalamus as an integrative hub that receives sensory information about the bodys internal state and generates appropriate neural and hormonal responses.

The anterior hypothalamus is primarily involved in thermoregulation and parasympathetic activity, while the medial region regulates feeding, reproduction, and emotional behavior. The posterior hypothalamus contributes to arousal, sympathetic activity, and body temperature maintenance. These regions work together rather than independently, allowing the hypothalamus to function as a coordinated control system.

One of the most significant anatomical features of the hypothalamus is its direct connection to the pituitary gland. This hypothalamicpituitary connection allows neural activity to influence hormone release, linking brain function to physiological regulation throughout the body.

Homeostasis as a Motivated Cognitive Process

Homeostasis refers to the bodys ability to maintain internal stability, but this process involves more than automatic physiological regulation. The hypothalamus actively monitors internal conditions such as glucose levels, hydration status, hormone concentrations, and body temperature. When deviations from internal set points occur, hypothalamic neurons generate motivational states that drive behavior (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and discomfort are not passive sensations; they are motivational signals that influence attention, emotional experience, and decision-making. When energy levels decline, hypothalamic circuits bias cognition toward food-related cues and suppress competing goals. In this way, homeostasis functions as a cognitive process that shapes behavior in response to biological needs.

Sleep Regulation and Cognitive Control

Sleep is a critical biological process regulated by specialized hypothalamic neurons. Adamantidis and de Lecea (2023) explain that the hypothalamus contains distinct populations of neurons that promote either wakefulness or sleep. These neurons form reciprocal inhibitory circuits that allow the brain to transition efficiently between sleep and wake states.

Disruptions in hypothalamic sleep regulation lead to disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy, which are associated with impaired attention, emotional instability, and reduced cognitive performance. Sleep deprivation weakens impulse control, reduces working memory capacity, and increases emotional reactivity. Because the hypothalamus determines when the brain can enter restorative sleep states, it indirectly governs learning, attention, and decision-making.

Hunger and Thirst: Motivational States and Behavioral Bias

The hypothalamus regulates hunger and thirst by detecting circulating hormones and nutrient levels. Hormones such as leptin and ghrelin communicate information about energy availability to hypothalamic neurons, which then generate hunger or satiety signals (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

These motivational states influence cognition by biasing attention and behavior toward survival-related goals. When hunger or thirst is present, individuals prioritize behaviors that restore energy or hydration. This demonstrates that hypothalamic regulation directly shapes perception, emotional state, and behavioral decision-making.

Thermoregulation and Stress

Thermoregulation is another essential function of the hypothalamus. Thermosensitive neurons detect changes in blood temperature and activate physiological responses such as sweating, shivering, vasodilation, or vasoconstriction (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

Temperature stress also activates stress pathways, influencing emotional states and cognitive performance. Heat stress can increase irritability and impair concentration, while cold stress may heighten anxiety. These effects demonstrate that thermoregulation is closely linked to emotional regulation and mental functioning.

Limbic System, Emotion, and Social Aggression

The hypothalamus maintains strong connections with the limbic system, allowing emotional and social information to influence physiological responses. Saper and Lowell (2014) explain that hypothalamic nuclei receive input from limbic structures such as the amygdala, enabling emotions to produce coordinated bodily responses.

Yang et al. (2024) demonstrated that specific hypothalamic circuits regulate socially driven aggression. Their findings show that aggressive behavior is influenced by neural mechanisms that respond to social cues and internal states. This research highlights the role of the hypothalamus in regulating emotional and social behavior rather than viewing such behavior as purely voluntary.

Autonomic and Endocrine Integration

The hypothalamus coordinates the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, allowing emotional and psychological states to produce physiological changes. Through its connection to the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus controls hormone release that affects stress responses, metabolism, growth, and reproduction (Saper & Lowell, 2014).

By regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, the hypothalamus influences heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory patterns. This integration ensures that physiological responses are matched to environmental demands and emotional states.

Cognitive and Behavioral Significance

Although often viewed as a physiological regulator, the hypothalamus plays a critical role in shaping cognition and behavior. By regulating sleep, motivation, emotional expression, and stress responses, it indirectly controls attention, memory, and decision-making.

Internal biological states generated by hypothalamic activity influence how individuals think, feel, and act. In this way, the hypothalamus provides the biological foundation upon which higher cognitive processes are built.

Conclusion

The hypothalamus is a central regulatory structure that integrates biological, emotional, and cognitive processes. Through its control of homeostasis, sleep, motivation, emotion, and autonomic function, it shapes behavior and mental functioning. Understanding the hypothalamus reveals that cognition is deeply rooted in physiological regulation and that the mind and body function as an integrated system.

One of the most important skills that people need to learn in order to succeed is the ability to get along with others.

Task: Write a short essay discussing the extent to which you agree or disagree with this opinion. Support your views with specific reasons and examples from your own experiences, observations, or reading.

Requirements:

• Length: 500600 words (submissions above or below this range will receive a penalty).
• Text must be in your own words; please do not use AI, as the use of AI is considered plagiarism. This assignment is meant for you to freewrite and demonstrate your knowledge in the course.
• Structure: Your essay must include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Submission: Upload as a Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF file,

Be sure to review the rubric below before submitting.

this is a social work class . I will send information on the instructions for this class. Reply 2 classes . I will upload 2 classmates post

Media & Development Analysis Project Assignment Overview Television and streaming shows play a powerful role in shaping childrens and adolescent’s understanding of the world through gender roles, social behavior, and relationships. In this project, you will analyze 2 childrens shows (educational and non-educational) and 1 teen show to evaluate how accurately and responsibly these programs align with developmental theories and research in lifespan psychology. Instead of writing a paper, you will create a visual or interactive presentation (e.g., infographic series, slideshow, podcast, Canva, video essay, or virtual poster board) that presents your findings. Objectives Apply lifespan psychology theories (e.g., Piaget, Erikson, Bandura, Vygotsky) to media content. Critically evaluate media for age-appropriate and age-inappropriate developmental messages. Identify potential effects of exposure to media content on children and adolescents. Communicate psychological analysis in a clear, creative, and engaging way. Assignment Instructions 1 Select Programs Choose 2 childrens shows (one educational, one non-educational). Choose 1 teen show (live-action or animated). 2 View and Record Watch 1 full episode of each program. Keep a tally & notes (template provided) of: Aggressive acts (physical or verbal) Gender stereotypes and roles Sexual content and innuendos Other developmental issues (peer pressure, body image, moral lessons, diversity, etc.) 3 Analyze Developmental Relevance For each show, connect your findings to lifespan psychology concepts: Cognitive Development (Piaget: stage of thinking, problem-solving, educational value). Social-Emotional Development (Erikson: identity, autonomy, relationships, role models). Learning & Behavior (Bandura: modeling, reinforcement, observational learning). Cultural and Environmental Influences (messages about race, class, gender, etc.). 4 Create a Final Product Present your findings in a non-paper, creative format (suggestions below): Slideshow (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva) with visuals, charts, and key points. Infographic Series (34 connected infographics summarizing findings). Video Essay or Podcast Segment (57 minutes with evidence-based discussion). Virtual Poster Presentation (summarizing findings with visuals, charts, and psychological connections). Infographic Poster Series Design a set of 23 posters that summarize findings (e.g., Gender Roles in Kids TV or Aggression in Teen Drama). Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Record a short video aimed at parents or teens warning about potential impacts of media. Podcast Episode Record a 510 minute discussion analyzing the shows, formatted as a talk show or expert interview. Your presentation should include 5 parts: 1 A brief description of each program (audience, format, purpose). 2 Data/observations from your viewing (use template provided). 3 Analysis of developmental relevance (see #3 under instructions). 4 A conclusion that evaluates: Whether the program supports or hinders healthy development. Potential positive and negative outcomes for young viewers. Which program you would recommend (or not recommend) and why. 5 Reference page, in APA format, that contains entries for your 3 TV shows, theorist, & any other sources used in your project. Grading Rubric (100 points) Selection of Programs & Observations (20 pts): Clear, detailed, and systematic notes on episodes. Application of Theory (20 pts): Accurate, meaningful use of psychological concepts. Critical Evaluation (20 pts): Analysis of developmental appropriateness. Creativity & Format (10 pts): Engaging, organized, and professional visual/interactive product. Clarity & Accuracy (10 pts): Free of errors, easy to follow, well-supported with evidence. Worksheet (10 pts): Completed worksheet submitted. Reference Page (10 pts): All sources listed in APA format. This assignment will be submitted to TurnitinTM.

**Please respond to each of theses students responses with no less than 150 words each. The materials they are referencing are attached below**

Discussion Prompt B

Prompt B: After reading the text (both chapters) and watching the videos answer the following questions:

What did you learn this week that revealed weaknesses in your own study habits and what might be some steps you could take (based on that research) to improve your ability to store and retrieve information for your classes?

Student #1

Prompt B

I was excited to write this week’s discussion because I have been thinking about this a lot recently. I returned to school later in life and have found that many things have changed. People now take notes on their laptops, whereas when I was in college, few did. I have been learning how best to take notes and use them to study and succeed on exams. As I read the chapters this week, I found that taking notes by hand is better than taking notes on a laptop. I agree that when I am on my computer, my mind can wander, and I am tempted to do other things on my computer. In contrast, when I take notes, there are fewer distractions, and my mind is more focused on what I am doing. I was surprised to find that rereading your notes is not helpful, as I often do when I am studying. I was taught to study that way, but I have noticed that often I feel like I am trying to jam information into my head that isn’t wanting to compute correctly. I found many habits that I want to incorporate into my study life as I read the chapters this week. Studying before you go to sleep thus allows the information to be stored more efficiently. I have never thought of this before, but it makes so much sense. Allowing your brain to rest and make sense of what it has just learned is brilliant. Also, I found that answering review questions, not just memorizing the answers but actively seeking the answers myself, engages my brain and allows my memory to remember the answer. Doing both of these new study habits will hopefully help me be able to retain the information. I am learning and becoming a better student and studying more efficiently.

Student #2

The readings on memory and learning this week have led me to understand that some of my methods for studying may not be as effective as I thought they were. The biggest area I have recognized as being ineffective has been my tendency towards passive review, reviewing notes, highlighting them, and simply looking over them again. The readings on encoding and retrieval have led me to understand that this type of review may make information seem familiar, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to deeper processing for long-term retention. I have also recognized that I tend to cram for exams, which overburdens working memory and doesn’t leave much room for information to be stored in long-term memory.

Another weakness is related to divided attention. I personally like to study with music, notifications, or background noise, thinking that I can multitask. The literature on attention, particularly related to the capacity of processing and the central executive, made me realize that multitasking leads to a decrease in the quality of encoding. Even small distractions can interfere with the joining of high-quality memory traces.

From what I have learned, I know that there are steps that I can take to better store and retrieve information. First, I will attempt to move from a passive review process to an active retrieval process. This includes methods such as self-testing, using flashcards, and summarizing the information in my own words. Spaced repetition is another strategy I plan to use, because spreading out study sessions allows memories to consolidate and reduces the forgetting curve.

I also need to limit cognitive load by reducing distractions. In addition, turning off the notifications, studying in a quieter area, and setting up a particular interval for studying will ensure that my working memory stays engaged with the information. Finally, I will utilize elaborative encoding, which entails associating the new information with examples, experiences, and past knowledge. Overall, this week helped me see that improving my study habits is less about working harder and more about working with the brains natural memory systems.