I've learned a lot

Since I've been at Centre (I came here in June 2007 to start an independent research project), I've learned a lot about psychobiology that I never knew. There are some fascinating things that quail do that simply amaze me. During one experiment conducted with Dr. Cusato, we conditioned quail to respond to a tone or a light when a potential sexual mate would be present. At first the quail didn't respond to the light or the tone, although some of them exhibited a fearful response. However, after only a few days the birds began to go to the door after the tone or light was activated. This showed that animals, just like humans, can use cues to help them learn and anticipate certain situations. I also learned that a dog could be trained to know when it's time to eat. In a similar experiment, a bell would ring and the dog's mouth would water because it was hungry.

In sociology, I learned that society is run based on the principles of "McDonaldization". This means that the normal functions of humans are rationalized just like the jobs of workers at McDonald's. Everything is fast, efficient, and predictable. When something bad happens, the whole process is thrown off and the efficiency and speed is ruined. Humans are even controlled by technology, hence the reason people stop at red traffic lights. This theory is very true and it's easily seen in the real world. These are only a few things that I've learned so far since I've been at Centre.