Secondary Catalogue

This film takes a look at who B. F. Skinner was, and what he really said in his twenty books. In this film his set of vocabulary is introduced in context so the student understands how they were intended to be used and the research that produced them. The film lays to rest some myths and credits Skinner with contributions not often attributed to him. Show Less

Treading new ground in the field of social psychology, Albert Bandura’s work has become basic to an understanding of how social forces influence individuals, small groups and large groups. Utilising archival materials and newly shot visuals, students will be introduced to the vocabulary and innovative methods of this influential thinker. Dr. Bandura’s narration imbues this film with his compelling presentation style and intellectual authority. Show Less

This film introduces students to the wisdom of Erik H. Erikson. Best known for his identification of the eight stages of the life cycle, Erikson spent a lifetime observing and studying the way in which the interplay of genetics, cultural influences and unique experiences produces individual human lives. This film combines biographical information and theoretical proposals, showing the relationship between Erikson's life and the work that he produced. Show Less

The film is a companion piece to the 'Giants of Psychology' film on Bowlby's colleague, Mary Ainsworth, which is centred largely on the development of attachment relationships in infancy. This film addresses issues related to attachment in later life as people seek to establish new ties and cope with separations and losses. Therapeutic applications of the theory as developed by Dr. Bowlby and others are illustrated, along with new insights that neuroscience brings us to understand the legacy of attachment histories. Show Less

John Dewey wrote extensively about philosophy, psychology, education, political science, and the arts. This film introduces students to his philosophy and his critical studies of education, the arts and democracy. Terminology and the historical context necessary for understanding Dewey's work are provided by expert commentators, historical materials, newly shot visuals and clever graphics. Show Less

Maria Montessori's conception of the changing roles the classroom environment and teacher should play for students of various ages is presented with carefully shot film of toddler, preschool, primary school and secondary classes at work in accredited Montessori schools. Students will also learn of Dr. Montessori’s own dramatic life and will be challenged to think about what they think are the components of exemplary educational practice. Show Less

The film details the developmental course of attachment behaviours and the different patterns that are captured by the controlled observational techniques of the “Strange Situation.” Using archival (including the Harlow primate studies) and new footage, the film also gives students a sense of how psychological research is conducted and used in therapeutic situations. Show Less

Dr. David Elkind explores the roots of Piaget’s work and outlines important vocabulary and concepts that structure much of the study of child development. Using both archival film of Dr. Piaget and newly shot sequences of Dr. Elkind conducting interviews with children of varying ages, this film presents an overview of Piaget’s developmental theory, its scope and content. Show Less

This film introduces the life, vocabulary and concepts of Lev Vygotsky. The film illustrates four basic concepts integral to his work: children construct knowledge, learning can lead development, development cannot be separated from its social context, and language plays a central role in cognitive development. Lively classroom examples enable students to incorporate these concepts into their understanding of child development. Show Less

William James, more than anyone else, was responsible for introducing the wide range of topics that now comprise the broad field of psychology. In his magnificent text, The Principles of Psychology, he explored and expanded what was then known about neuroscience, cognition, emotion, perception, and behaviour and left a legacy of inquiry into the workings of human experience that still fuels this social science. This film presents some of James’ most important formulations, including his discussions of habit, consciousness, will, and religious experience with current live-action illustrations. Dr. McDermott's commentary reminds viewers that James's work also prods us to lead our own individual lives with courage, openness to possibilities and awareness to what James referred to as the "fringe" of experience. This fringe includes the hunches, un-expressible feelings, and haunting memories that influence our thoughts and actions. An interview with a young recovering alcoholic and an account of James’s own struggle with suicidal depression make this film an emotionally moving experience as well as an instructional one for students. Show Less