Scientific Approaches to Learning, Behavior,

Scientific approaches to learning, behavior, and brain function are part of a tradition of methodology that is based on a set of standards, empirical knowledge, and experimentation. Cures, brain improvement technologies, etc. that are advertised are often pseudo-science and have not been tested in a robust environment that has peer-reviewed experimental results that can be duplicated. They are typically based on anecdotal evidence, and while some may indeed have some value, often lack "proof." A scientific basis, however, requires a more rigorous hypothesis testing rubric.

In general, pseudoscience is a belief that claims or appears to be scientific, but does not use appropriate scientific methodology. Astrology is one example; it has millennia of tradition, wraps itself up in numerous details, and keeps claims rather vague and general so that almost everyone can find a kernel of truth within the claims. Scientology is another example of a pseudo-science that creates a veneer of "science," but has no openness in research, proof of claims, or duplication of experiments (Carroll, 2009).

3. Creative thinking is one of the ways in which human beings are able to separate themselves from other animals and to actualize. Animals can be curious, but whether that curiosity has memory, or deeper implications of "what if," in the future, or synthesizing disparate materials into something new is still debatable. There is a wonderful book series by Roger Von Oech that asks us to continue to develop creative thinking within our daily lives in order to keep our brains functioning well and robust (Von Oech, 1973, 1986). There are several questions about innate human nature that are personally fascinating: 1) Why do myths and legends seem to resonate throughout the ages? 2) What is about certain music, art or literature that seems to transcend human emotions and make us feel actualized? 3) Is there a neurochemical relationship to emotions, and if so, how did it develop within the human psyche?

4. The idea of cross-species language remains somewhat controversial. On one side, proponents say that certain hominids and cetaceans have been able to learn sign or verbal language; on the other hand, skeptics say these individual examples are mimicry. Cetacean experts believe that there is a unique and verifiable language that whales, dolphins, etc. use to communicate emotion with one another; certain insects use chemicals to communicate, as well as motion (think of a bee hive, the dance telling the hive where a new set of flowers is located). However, the perception of language as communication is one thing -- yes, animals communicate, emotionally pets seem to know when we are happy or sad, or needy. There is evidence that chimpanzees who are taught sign language can come up with independent thoughts (weaving of disparate signs into something new). However, the jury is still out scientifically regarding actually learning of human language -- but the question may also be -- can humans learn to communicate with animals in their language? (Rumbaugh and Washburn, 2003).