Peer Review

ePsych

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This site offers an innovative method to examine brain function. These divisions
focus on structure, sensation, learning and information processing. Each
segment provides "modules", "adventures" and "guidebooks" that give more detail
as well as application of concepts. Despite the complexity of some ideas,
animation and a video game backdrop are inviting.
Type of Material:: The site contains animations, text, video clips, detailed graphics, and
interactive exercises.
Recommended Uses:: This site would best be used as an adjunct to the topics addressed. It is not
designed to stand alone.
Technical Requirements:: Some form of media vehicle with video capabilities, such as Quick Time or
Windows Media, is needed.

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Identify Major Learning Goals:: The site is designed to provide the learner with an interactive illustration of
various psychological concepts. The activities provide students with an
opportunity to further their understanding and appreciation of topics such as
perception and sensation, learning, and neuronal interaction.
Target Student Population:: College students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Some previous exposure to the subjects addressed, especially sensation and
perception, would be needed to get maximal benefit from the use of the site.

Rating:
Strengths:: This site provides a great deal of material packed into well-designed and
organized modules. The learner can do things such as experience the Stroop Task
in a variety of forms, engage in a signal detection exercise, experience how
colors are mixed, see a negative afterimage, test their reaction time, operantly
condition "Fuzz", and watch video of the learning and development of the ape
Vickie. Complicated concepts are delivered in a light-hearted and
non-threatening manner, with amusing touches such as the professor's Freud-like
accent. The appeal to millennium students who thrive on video games and
technical stimulation should be high.
Concerns:: Two links did not work and led to an error message. If a sequence was intended,
it was not conveyed. Some of the directions could be more clear and parts of the
site are still "under construction".

Rating:
Strengths:: The activities and interactive experiences would strengthen student interest and
understanding of important psychological ideas. The format would be engaging
for today's college student.
Concerns:: While the material is interesting and important, there should be some note or
guidance for students who need more detail and further explanation.

Rating:
Strengths:: All of the activities and demonstrations work well.
Concerns:: Some buttons at the bottom of the page were covered by a tool bar and might be
overlooked. There seemed to be no real "conclusion" or ending, but rather a
circular navigation. The inclusion of some type of "post test" or follow-up
assessment would be a welcome addition. The navigation is designed to be
visually appealing and enticing, but this tends to make it more complicated than
need be.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is a well-designed interactive site that is inviting for students. The
story theme adds a great deal to the overall message. This is an excellent site
and worthy of consideration for use in the appropriate courses. Students will
gain much from visiting this site.
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