Our group size waxes and wanes depending on the time of the year. At present the 6-8 regular contributors are enjoying proportionately more chatting time than larger groups can offer.

We look forward to welcoming new members in 2023. Participation in the U3A 5-session Demystifying Psychology Course program is listed as a pre-requisite. In some circumstances that may not be necessary, so please contact the Convener.

We started a discussion about personal and community values and how easy, or otherwise, it might be to consistently apply these values. It was noted that circumstances can impact on our ideals and concluded that history suggests that extreme environments impact on the ideal expression of one’s values, and that values can change when priorities change.

Andrew McFarlane posed a curly question which challenged us to individually make a choice and to explain that choice in terms of our earlier values discussion. Andrew described a failing hot air balloon carrying three passengers. The balloon could survive if the load was lightened. One passenger had to go. Andrew’s question was “Which passenger? The young health scientist, an environmental scientist, etc etc. ..”. As you likely know, there is no one single and correct solution to such a dilemma. How we live in shades of grey can be the challenge.

UPDATE (please ignore previous dates)

Thursday 21 December 12:00 – 2:00 – Xmas lunch at The North Eastern Hotel (1 Nunn Street, Benalla). Booking name “Jane”. Please RSVP to 0437 621 575 or janerushworth2101@gmail.com by Monday 18 December. Note – the Demystifying Psychology Course Group will join us.

I would like to end the year with a big thank you to the fearless “Discussion” group participants who have covered ground recommended ”not suitable” for Xmas, weddings, BBQs and the like.   My appreciation to the U3A committee for making Benalla U3A work so smoothly, particularly to Len, Bev and Heather.
 
All the best for 2024!

Jane    

​A convenor’s role includes summarising group discussions for publication. I have never found that task so challenging as when I’m writing up the Demystifying Psychology Group’s discussion summary. The challenge is doing justice to 2 hours of rich, vibrant, informed, creative, humorous, and unplanned discussion.  So, forgive me dear group members … here goes!

This month we discussed how we have given our life meaning, and our visions for the future – which defy the ever-present age trope. We wondered at the possibility that we are, individually, a lucky collection of molecules in an extraordinarily bigger picture, and we enjoyed questioning many of the historical frameworks (including religion) proffered to explain our existence. Phew!!

As Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, says .. “We just don’t know”.

Here are some links that might take you on a similar journey.

• Some of Benalla’s treasures?

https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Community/Seniors/Benalla-Treasures

• Brian Cox on What it Means to be Human.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7q1QCrz1s

• Psychological perspective on “Why do You Exist?”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/biocentrism/201111/why-do-you-exist

• Theoretical approach (or Framework) - Erik Erikson’s Stages Of Psychosocial Development

https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html

• Theoretical approach - “Erikson’s Gift: The Developmental Tasks of Adulthood”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lifespan-perspectives/201901/erikson-s-gift-the-developmental-tasks-adulthood
​
Maybe Monty Python has the answer!   Enjoy …  https://youtu.be/X_-q9xeOgG4

Please add these dates to your diaries:

1. Discussion Group – Ruby Blue Café, Nunn St, Benalla; Thursday 16 November 2 to 4pm
2. 2023 Review – Ruby Blue Café, Nunn Street, Benalla; Tuesday 28 November 10am to 12pm
3. Celebrating the end of 2023 with lunch (from the menu and at own cost)—North Eastern Hotel, 1 Nunn Street, Benalla; Tuesday 28 November 12 – 2pm.  VIP – Please RSVP by Friday 15 November.  Partners and friends are welcome.

Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575

Andrew McFarlane, now retired, has a long and fascinating association with the commercial flying world. In this discussion session, and within the context of recent changes in Qantas leadership, Andrew described some of the back story to such changes. He explained early days of the Australian aviation industry, the positive culture and pioneering spirit among staff, a strong camaraderie, a sense of adventure, loyalty to the industry, and changes in management focus across eras. Then Covid arrived and, acting as catalyst to management opened the door for leadership to prioritize cost-cutting measures, and strain relations with employees due to layoffs and wage freezes. It seemed staff loyalty was severely bruised, if not lost, and the leadership team was under a cloud. Recent media coverage of Qantas suggests staff and customers have reason to feel a loss of loyalty to an iconic airline.

The purpose of the discussion group is to apply theoretical frameworks to everyday occurrences. In this case we pondered on the concepts of “Loyalty” and “Leadership”.

Loyalty is a strong feeling of support or allegiance (Oxford).

• How is it earned?
• When is it lost?
• Can it be restored, and if so, how?

 
Leadership is varied and is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team (Oxford).

• How would we describe the recent Qantas leadership style?
• What leadership style are we most attracted to and why?
• Do leaders need to be likeable?

"Look after your employees and they will take care of your business. It's as simple as that." Richard Branson.

Enjoy listening to a conductor talk about leadership in Lead Like the Great Conductors. https://www.ted.com/talks/itay_talgam_lead_like_the_great_conductors?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

The next group will meet on Thursday 19 October, 2-4pm, Ruby Blue Café – 67 Nunn Street Benalla.

Jane Rushworth

Benalla's winter migration and trend means a smaller group and additional time for individual input. While we miss our traveller friends and look forward to their safe return, we happily declare ourselves "Old, Bold ... and surviving the cold!". 

We meet at Ruby Blue (thank you RB Team!!) 2-4pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month. The content is unplanned (* see below) and a topic grows out of the initial 15 minutes of chat. This month's topic was "leadership" including:

• Leadership/Management styles - generally.
• Experiences working in effective and ineffective management environments.
• Preferred coping styles.
• Public characteristics of some high-profile leaders.
• Effective community leadership.
• Types of leadership, for example, situational and elected.

 * There is always a "starter" sitting in the wings as a discussion prompt. This was the (unrequired) conversation starter for August …enjoy.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201304/top-10-list-psychology-s-big-questions-and-the-answers

Next Meeting:  Thursday 21 September 2-3:45 pm @ Ruby Blue Cafe, Nunn Street, Benalla

​Jane Rushworth

Though many of the group have "escaped" to warmer climates, the group was still a good size for hearty discussions. We thought of a T-Shirt slogan for us "hardy" souls that declares  "Old, bold and survived the cold". It is, however, certainly not cold in the cosy Ruby Blue meeting room. Thanks again to The Ruby Blue Team. Please note that due to our lower numbers we will end the next two months at 3:45pm and return to 4:00pm in October.

First, it was wonderful to welcome Heather back to the group and looking so wonderfully healthy.

This month discussions were as varied, interesting, and mind stretching as ever. In hindsight, the theme that developed could be described as  "strategies for difficult conversations" with topics including:

1. Keeping your energy during difficult discussions in the work/volunteer space, and/or with friends and family.  Renowned Social Worker Tony Morrison (1954 - 2010) developed an interview model for Social Workers (see link below). The model is circular, has five distinct phases, and encourages the person with the problem to design and implement solutions to their  problem.   Though the language of the model reflects a professional setting, I  found that it can be adjusted for everyday settings. Its effectiveness is two-fold. First the listener is efficient in their role, and second, the person with the "problem" is guided to express that problem and to take responsibility for their solution. The model has been adapted from Tony Morrison’s – “Supervision in Social Care” (3rd edition, Pavilion, 2005), “From Strength to Strength: A guide to facilitating the Development of Supervisees” (Pavilion 2005) v.19_11_2019
2. Australian Referendum - the process, and "Yes" and "No" information. The referendum can be the subject of much confusion, so we focused our discussions on the processes, the role of the constitution, key players, and resources that will assist put the topic into a framework.  Handy places to go for this information include:

• The Weary Dunlop Learning Centre - Benalla Library has booklets and flyers
• "What is the IndigenousVoice to Parliament? Here's how it  would work and who's for and against it."https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-15/what-is-the-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-referendum-australia/102317242?fbclid=IwAR3-g5CpE3k3HRnO8Bq8ioSu0DZOLb4jfClQOxlDMm_bDRnO2OQnUXK4N-0
• Boost your understanding of Referendums: address misconceptions & increasing awareness. Stay informed on Referendums. Explore AEC's site for resources and updates. https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/

See you at our next meeting: Thursday 17 August 2023 2:00 - 3:45pm at Ruby Blue Cafe -  Nunn Street. Bring a topic to get the ball rolling .. and  let's  again enjoy what arises.


Jane Rushworth

​July’s discussion group was well attended. The meeting room at Ruby Blue continues to meet our needs nicely – warm, private, and great coffee/tea. A couple of members are on “escape to warmer climes” trips. We wish them loads of fun and we look forward to their return.

 “Leadership” was our focus this month and we discussed:

• Who do you admire as a leader, and why?
• How do you decide to follow a leader?
• What leadership qualities would get your vote at an election?
• Can anyone be a leader?
• Is it necessary for a leader to be likeable?
• Do you, have you ever, view(ed) yourself as a leader and why?

 
The following TED talks address “Leadership” in different ways, and each TED talk invites us to “step-up”. The italicized text is my “take-home” message for each. I hope you find them inspiring, enlightening and encouraging.
 
Everyday Leadership – The lollipop moment/kindness/incidental leadership.

​Collaborative Leadership – We need radical interdependence/when you see problems you can’t unsee them.

​The crisis of leadership -- and a new way forward – (Mis)trust in leadership/ courageous leadership/ our accountability.

Each TED Talk builds on the notion that we are all leaders, sometimes in ways we are not aware of, and that every act of leadership matters. Your thoughts?
 
Demystifying Pschyology Discussion Group in Semester 2 

Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group meetings will continue in Semester 2 with meetings held on the 3rd Thursday of the month from July to November at Ruby Blue Café. The next group will meet:
Day/Date:        Thursday 20 July
Time:               2-4pm
Venue:             Ruby Blue Café – 67 Nunn Street Benalla

At this stage, there are no plans to open the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group to new members in Semester 2 of 2023.  Continuing members of the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group, do however, have the option of taking the five session course to be held on the 3rd Tuesday  of the month from 10 am to 12 noon.
 
In December we will gather at the North Eastern Hotel (1 Nunn Street) for an end of year review and celebration lunch. Here are the details .. and a reminder will go out again later in the year.
Date:               21 December 2023
Time:               12 noon
Venue:             North Eastern Hotel (1 Nunn Street)
Menu:             Your choice from the menu.

Jane
04378 621 575
janerushworth2101@gmail.com

(Picture source- https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/282037995386092606/)

​Our group meets to discuss issues of psychological interest to the group and to apply psychological theoretical overlays as a way of understanding more about the  topics.
 
Meeting at Ruby Blue gives us a private discussion space, opportunities to buy excellent coffee and cake, and enjoy fabulous care from the Ruby Blue team. Thank you to Daniel and Team.
 
Andrew’s suggestion we prepare our obituary prompted varied responses and a full two hours of discussion.
 
Some in the group spoke about what they would include if they did write their obituary. Some wrote and chose to keep that to themselves, and some wrote and shared. We concluded that:

• Writing about ourselves can be a challenge.
• Genetics is an amazing life lottery.
• Will be remembered by others as a kaleidoscope of their experiences of us.
• Obituaries can be in story form, highly visual, and often give us previously unknown insights into that person,
• Sometimes obituaries are spiritually focused and quite poignant.
• Funny headstones are great.
• Planning for death can be a challenge.

 
We could relate to the simplicity of Andrew’s intent to “walk softly in life” and Brian’s “I did my best” – and all agreed neither aim is straightforward.
 
Thank you to Margaret who researched  … “Advanced Care Plans on Benalla Health Advanced Care Plan benallahealth.org.au site. It addresses the various aspects of this topic including Chris Thorne 10-minute video on “Taking care of Dying Time …”. The Benalla Health site has references to similar Victorian government organisations that can also be found by googling Advance Care Planning Victoria. It is important to include Victoria as legislation varies slightly from State to State.”
 
Here are some interesting resources that consider our various attitudes to death.

• “Doubting death: how our brains shield us from mortal truth” 
• “Death anxiety. The worm at the core of mental health.”  
• Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development Explained  

Next meeting – Thursday 15 June 2023 @ Ruby Blue Café (Nunn St) – 2:00pm to 4:00 PM.  Note - Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group continues through to November 2023.
 
SEMESTER 2 UPDATE
Starting 18 July 2023

• Demystifying Psychology - Course           
• 3rd Tuesday 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. U3A Room 1
• A five-session light-hearted course introducing psychology in everyday life and some of the theories that try to explain how and why we do things. 

 
Jane
0437 621 575 

​This article popped up the day before we gathered and was sent out as a conversation starter .. if we needed such a thing! I emailed it anyway.
 
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-18/succession-logan-roy-narcissism-abusive-parent/102231658
 
It describes the plight of a TV series family in which the adult children try extraordinarily hard to appease a difficult .. often abusive … parent, to no avail. The article also included many excellent links to the various theories about this familial discord – including a link to “Schema” (not schemer) theory. This was a new rabbit hole for us .. and down we went for a look.

By the time we had explored “Schema” theory and its application to some day-to-day examples, we discovered we were discussing the potentially confronting topic of gender, sex, and transitioning. Having been raised in a gender binary, and more likely to hear the term “fluidity” in a Form 4 science lab, gender fluidity and cultural change became the day’s topic.
 
Two hours later we had discussed DNA, sex, gender, chromosomes, parental responses to gender fluidity, parenting and supporting a transitioning child, social responses to transitioning children and adults, challenges in sports, the relatively short history of a binary world, historical and cultural attitudes to gender diversity, the social and economic reasons for some of these attitudes .. and much more.
 
It was time to depart.
 
Then .. a “History of multiple genders” on Tick Tok popped up on my facebook .. a fascinating chat, though not to be quoted in respected science journals. See link below.
 
(The drawing down the side of this report? It’s an Adobe Stock visual of the evolution of our group discussions.)
 
“History of multiple genders” https://www.facebook.com/reel/1883370048692216?sfnsn=mo&s=F5x8gs&fs=e&mibextid=6AJuK9

​Ps … Many thanks to Glenys and to Andrew for May’s topics:

• Leadership, and
• Writing your own obituary.

 
Next Psychology Discussion group: Thursday 18 May 2-4 pm @ Ruby Blue Café – Nunn Street.
​
Contact: Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575

Many thanks to the Northo for hosting the second Psychology Discussion Group. 15 U3A members settled into cozy couches and did what we do best … chat. This was the first time new members had an opportunity to chat (the first session focused on psychological concepts and was very structured), and it was heartening to see how easily topics were raised and diverse thoughts shared and considered.

The groups role is to raise topics for discussion. The convener links discussions with psychological theories, research, ethical considerations etc.

Here is an example of that rhythm:

One discussion caught the groups attention - the Benalla Fawkner Drive re-development concept, survey design, and the impact of the survey participant upper age range being “50+years”. The group agreed that this upper age designation potentially ignored lifetime developmental phases and an older person's approach to problems, goals, and situations.
This observation was supported by Erikson’s Theory that “older adults develop a “comprehensive sense of wisdom” by renewing earlier stages of development and developing mature forms of the psychological achievements they that they made throughout the life course”.
Ref - https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/erikson-stages .

As the hubbub of hotel activity continued around us, a customer approached the group to say how much she had enjoyed listening to our discussion, how impressed she was at the variety of shared conversations and offered us some of her thoughts on a concept known as the “15 Minute City”. These links will give you an idea of the direction that conversation took us over the coffee break.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/16/15-minute-city-planning-theory-conspiracists  
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-27/the-15-minute-city-conspiracy/102015446

Join us if this piques your interest .. and you still have space in your 2023 diary. Contact the convenor on 0437 621 575.

The next Psychology Discussion Group will be held:

Date/time:       20 April 2:00-4:00 pm
Location:         Ruby Blue Café – 67 Nunn Street, Benalla.                                                                            
Please note the change of location.

Jane Rushworth

Meeting at the wonderful Northo has been a tradition for this group - and we have been well cared for by Jeff, Phillipa, Woodsie, Mel and staff  .  

The group environment was designed in 2022 for a smaller number of participants. The 2023 "up-size" warrants a review that takes into account budgets for monthly room hire, background noise, venue access etc, etc, etc (more "etc"s as we mature!!). 

I've taken the liberty of changing the venue for the next meeting. The aim is for us to have a comparison for further discussions about our "etc"s. Time will be allocated at the end of the gathering for these discussions.

The next meeting will be held:
Date/time: 20 April 2:00-4:00 pm
Location: Ruby Blue Café – 67 Nunn Street, Benalla. 
Room Cost: None.
Refreshments:  Extensive selection available at own cost. 
Toilets: On-site or public toilets in Denny Street care park.

Options for Access to “Ruby Blue Café” via :
1.  Nunn St Entrance – advise staff that you are joining the U3A meeting in the back room. Head to the door at the back of  the café, into a small hallway, then proceed straight ahead through the next door to our room.

2.  Laneway entrance - The lane way is on the left side of the cafe. From Nunn St, the first door down the laneway on the right is the door to the small hallway mentioned above. Once in the small hallway, enter the door on your left to get to our room.

3  Back yard of Ruby Blue Cafe via Denny Street car park -  From the perspective of the Denny Street car park behind you, and with the back wall of Ruby Blue Cafe in front of you, there is a brick pathway down the left side of the building. This pathway will take you to an entrance. Once through the door, our room will be on your left.

I hope I have not wasted Mrs. Bucci's time. Mrs. Bucci was my fabulous grade 5 maths teacher. One day she gave the class the task of writing instructions for "How to tie a shoe-lace" (last century and pre-velcro era). We then paired up with a class-mate who tested the instructions. I did alright. I do hope the access options work :).


Jane
Jane Rushworth

​"Our first 2023 gathering was held at the Benalla Bowls Club. The preparation and support from Daniel and his BBC team created an ideal start to our  2023 U3A program. Thank you so much to the BBC Team.

By way of a bit of background, the idea for this group arose during  a discussion amongst the 2021 Demystifying Psychology course participants. With the U3A Committees blessing, a small Psychology Discussion Group gathered monthly during 2022. It was a casual "let's see how this works" style of group. In 2023 Psychology Discussion Group is now part of the U3A 2023 Course Calendar and will remain a casual "let's see how this works" style of group . 

Welcome to the original "experimental" group, and welcome to the many 2023 new-comers to the 2023 U3A Psychology Discussion group. It's going to be a fascinating year.

Throughout 2023 expect to have fun as we apply a psychological lens to everyday events. To get the ball rolling, and based on the 2022 "experimental" group's suggestion, 2023 opened with the only structured session for this program. The 2023 group thought it would be an idea to introduce participants to the many concepts referred to in psychology. This session was a bit dense with information. We looked at, for example,  the history of psychology, the underpinning disciplines, what constitutes a psychological theory, who thought up some of these theories and how do psychologists maintain consistency in any diagnosis made.

The rest of 2023 will be considerably "fly by our pants", varied, and insightful. Expect casual, unplanned, and very interesting discussions. Participant's role is to share chat time about anything that interests you. The convenmers role is to create links between the discussion content, psychological theories and frameworks, and ensure participants have an opportunity for discussion input.

If you think this is for you, and you missed the first session .. do not worry. It is the norm for participants in this group (including the Convener) to say " I have no idea" and for us to refer to Google.

Future gatherings will be held at the North Eastern Hotel, 2-4 pm, each third Thursday of the month. We meet indoors or outdoors depending on  the weather, and cuppas 'n cake are available for purchase if we wish (cost unknown at this stage).

Next meeting : 19 March 2023, 2-4 pm at the Northo."

The Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group led by Jane for members of the classes of '20 and '21 met informally but regularly throughout 2022 at the Northo.  The group is being formally added  to the U3A timetable in 2023.  Same time, same place - 3rd Thursday from 2 to 4pm; the place, 'the Northo' (North Eastern Hotel).  

"An open discussion group with a psychological focus looking at current events.  If you are interested in various interpretations of relationships of all kinds, you are welcome and can expect to have fun.  No preparation required".

Convenor:  Jane Rushworth      Time and Place:  The Northo, 3rd Thrsday 2 to 4 pm

Added to this, in Semester 2, Jane will be offering the Demystifying Psychology course again in a five session light hearted course introducing psychology in everyday life and some of the theories that attempt to explain how and why we do things.  

Convenor:  Jane Rushworth        Time and venue:  Semester 2 - to be advised.

Click on the image to open, view, download the Slideshow/PDF.   Happy Christmas!

​In November one gathering was held over Zoom, the second was face-to-face, and the topic was supposed to be “The Psychology of Christmas”.
 
Of the many joys of being a U3A convener, one of the most satisfying is the interaction between group members, their shared views, some divergent, some mirror images, and many somewhere in between, and the group’s confidence to share these varied views.
 
The group was asked to bring along a topic of personal interest that could be related to “Ethics”. The plan was to spend just one hour (scouts honor) discussing these topics, before exploring the “Psychology of Christmas”.
 
What followed were many hours dissecting, digesting, and deliberating on ethics and theories related to:

1. Mandatory Vaccinations
2. Psychological impacts on children of single or same sex parents.
3. Climate Change, Leadership style and the impact on citizens.
4. Gambling – genetics, superstitions, learned behaviours, culture and advertising impacts.

 
November ended without discussion on “The Psychology of Christmas”. Poor Santa!
 
Demystifying Psychology will take time out for 2022. This decision heightened reflections on group dynamics in the Covid era 2020 and 2021. The 2020 format of the group was quite constructed using the infamous monthly Powerpoint (PP) coupled with guided discussions. This matured into a PP, or content session, plus a discussion session each month, until the current transition into the “performing” phase of our group dynamics. (https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm).
 
So, I hope you can imagine the creative, humorous, and inquiring discussions, plus the potential for respectful controversy, these topics generated. It’s a wonderful stage in group dynamics.

About Santa and Psychology … we WILL consider him (note the political style commitment) at our final gathering over morning tea at:

1. North Eastern Hotel (enter from Mackellar Street entrance)
2. 1 Nunn Street
3. Tuesday 7 December 9.30am to whenever...
4. Depending on weather, seating will be in the courtyard or inside around the fireplace.
5. The courtyard is pet friendly for furbabies. 

Morning Tea:

1. Cuppa (cup size) and cake - $7.50
2. Cuppa (mug size) and cake - $8.50

 
Phillipa will be our host. Please confirm your attendance by Sunday evening.

Everyone experiences the immense value of being a U3A member and the wonderful work U3A Committees do to make this possible.

Thank you  Benalla U3A’s Dorothy, Bev and Heather for guiding me through the role of Convener, for your unending patience (I‘ve earned a PHD in Late Newsletters), and your enthusiasm for the world of psychology. It’s been a ball, I will be back in 2023, and I look forward to participating in groups in 2022.
 
Psychology can be seen as complicated, not relevant to the real world, mind-reading and to be avoided. The purpose of Demystifying Psychology has been to debunk many of these myths. Here are some musings from current group members that might be handy for your plans in 2023.
 
Not too high brow, understandable by anyone, totally relevant, and great to understanding how (the) brain works and people interact. (The) program even better than I expected. The pp presentations great.
(Jan)
 
Psychology as we live it; discussions, explanations and examples of human behaviour, in everyday terms. Fascinating and often fun, and where high-falutin' jargon could not be avoided, (we) translated it.
(Andi)
 
If you want to know what gets into Santa at Christmas, have a look at this month’s PowerPoint.
 
Only the best for 2022,

Jane

Intelligence and Memory –  snippets of a bigger story.
 
Intelligence and memory rely on each other.
 
Intelligence - the ability to think, learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/chapter/9-1-defining-and-measuring-intelligence/

Memory - encoding, storing, keeping, and recalling information and past experiences.
https://www.livescience.com/43713-memory.html

Scientists have not yet defined the boundaries of either intelligence nor memory. Humans are not the only species to show intelligence, and human intelligence is not the only type of intelligence.
 
Animal problem-solving and decision-making is a function of their nervous systems, including the brain. Intelligence is closely related to the nervous system and staying alive is dependent on intelligence. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/qa--what-is-intelligence
 
Memory is important in developing intelligence. Without memory we start from the beginning over and over. Curiously, Slime Mold, a brainless, single-celled organism has a type of measurable intelligence and displays memory. Go to: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/the-sublime-slime-mold
 
Intelligence theorists abound, as do opinions of the types of intelligence. Aristotle is credited with the earliest reference to intelligence which he called “reason”. By the early 1900’s Sternberg developed the Triarchic Theory which describes (1) analytical or “book smart”, (2) creative or “light bulb” thinking, and (3) practical or “street smarts” types.
 
Then in 1905 Alfred Binet (1857 – 1911) and his student Theodore Simon (1873- 1961) developed a tool to measure intelligence. This tool was based on their theory of types of intelligence:

1. Fluid reasoning i.e., logical problem solving in novel situations.
2. Knowledge i.e., facts, concepts, procedures and metacognition, or what learners know about learning.
3. Quantitative reasoning i.e., basic mathematics skills.
4. Visual-spatial processing i.e., ability to imagine/visualize positions of objects, their shapes, their spatial relations, and their movement.
5. Working memory i.e., small amount of information held in the mind and used in thinking tasks. (See below for references.)

And so, the Intelligence Quotient (I.Q.) and the Stanford-Binet IQ test were invented. Today a range of IQ tests are available, each based on various theories of intelligence and increasingly reflecting the expanding concept of intelligence.
 
As always, psychologists have looked closely at some of the problems and ethics associated with IQ testing.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”
Albert Einstein
https://www.simplypsychology.org/intelligence.html

“Intelligence is what intelligence tests measure” 
E. G. Boring https://everydaypsych.com/the-history-of-intelligence/
 
Neurologists and researchers into brain plasticity have found strong evidence that brain memory exercises work and can also improve IQ.  While not everyone agrees with this, the exercises can still be fun:

• jigsaw puzzles
• crossword puzzles
• concentration card game, or card matching
• sudoku

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-iq
https://www.verywellmind.com/does-brain-training-really-increase-iq-2795286),
 
See this month’s Powerpoint (below) for:

• How to improve your memory
• Memory games
• YouTubes about “Working Memory” and “Intelligence”
• Fun puzzles to challenge you … with the answers.
• On-line memory game.
• I.Q.s of famous people.

​
References for 1905 Alfred Binet (1857 – 1911) and Theodore Simon (1873- 1961) –

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/neuro.09.008.2007/full#:~:text=Fluid%20reasoning%20represents%20the%20capacity,McArdle%20and%20Woodcock%2C%201998%20).
2. https://cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development
3. https://www.aacu.org/peerreview/2014/summer/elrod#:~:text=By%20one%20definition%2C%20quantitative%20reasoning,students%20in%20their%20daily%20lives
4. https://www.parentingforbrain.com/visual-spatial-reasoning-skills-stem
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207727/

 
NEXT gathering:   
10 – 12 noon Tuesday 2nd November – Cup Day
NB - Zoom or face to face to be confirmed.
 
TOPIC:   Why do we do these things? - Psychology of Christmas

• Shopping
• Lights and decorations
• …. …. …. and Jokes.

 
Cheers Everyone
Jane

 Her key points are:

• The psychological and behavioural aspects of this crisis are not being taken seriously enough.
• Psychological distortions are shaping governments' responses around the world.
• But this crisis also presents an opportunity for states to take these factors into more beneficial consideration.

Alannah Shaikh - the recommendation about mask wearing is one example of the type of change that we have accommodated during Covid-19.
 
It surprised me to discover that during Covid 19 what we “really want is to be told what to do” and that we enjoy being bossed around. Researchers found:

• Shut international borders - 8/10 respondents agreed.
• Support for state governments – 8/10 respondents agreed
• 7/10 respondents agreed that "sometimes people's freedoms need to be restricted to keep Australians safe “,
• 8.5/10 respondents said “Yes” to vaccines (strongest amongst young and older),

Reference: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-24/annabel-crabb-australia-talks-survey-analysis-covid-19/100142792
 
What surprised me about this research was that, rather than enjoying being told what to do, I thought I had trust in effective leadership at a time of great uncertainty.  I found some answers in these articles:

1. Five things we learned about crisis leadership during covid-19

Reference: https://www.anzsog.edu.au/resource-library/news-media/five-things-we-learned-about-crisis-leadership-during-covid-19

1. Three reasons why Jacinda Ardern’s coronavirus response has been a masterclass in crisis leadership

Reference: https://www.anzsog.edu.au/resource-library/news-media/three-reasons-why-jacinda-ardern-s-coronavirus-response-has-been-a-masterclass-in-crisis-leadership
 
The authors propose that “direction-giving”, “meaning-making” and “empathy” are outstanding characteristics of good crisis leadership. This made more sense than the thought of enjoying being told what to do.
 
Ethics in a Covid era:
There is nothing straight forward about ethics, so I’ll leave you to explore topics of interest in the session power point below. The session content included:

1. There are many models to help us understand and apply ethics.
2. Ethics can be divided into types

1. Utilitarian – greatest good for the greatest number of people,
2. Deontological – the idea that people should be treated with the greatest respect and dignity, 
3. Virtue – considering what virtues make the best public relations professional.

1. Ethics and Covid Vaccines.* “NEWSFLASH” Since the U3A session on 17 Sept this document has been sent to me. The document pages are not numbered. Scroll three quarters through the document to the heading PART 2 –VACCINE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO COVID. See document at : https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/html/2021fwcfb6015.htm
2. Ethical distribution of health resources and standards of care in Covid.
3. Impact and expectations on businesses – “Rustik Café and Foodstore” a local example.

 
With such a lot to cover on this topic, I hope you cherry-pick something interesting and enjoy yourself.

In lockdown v.7 for Benalla Demystifying Psychology (aka Psychology Simplified) relied on on-line get-togethers. While this suited many people, it was not the preferred option for just as many others. Sadly, this meant some missed out. From a convener’s position this was unsatisfactory, even if it is the only option in lockdowns.
 
Like many of you, I became exasperated with the most recent lockdown – surprisingly so! I thought another lockdown would be “Ho, hum ... familiar” and I was confused that I felt otherwise. I felt flat and cranky (like 3-year-old “out of sorts”). The media was reporting on “Covid fatigue”. This seemed a reasonable explanation. So, I had grown-up words for “flat and cranky”, and then the region re-opened. I feel energised again with a more understanding of reactions to this Covid era.
 
Hope you have increased energy in this most beautiful Northeast spring.
 
In August and September our group looked at a “Day in the Life of Residential AoD Rehabilitation”. (“AoD” is short for “Alcohol and Other Drugs”, and “Residential Rehabilitation” tends to be shortened to “Resi Rehab”.) Benalla Rural City hosts a Resi Rehab located at Molyullah, so the group had many interesting questions to ask and comments to make. These questions and comments guided our group discussions and, along with the PowerPoint  “U3A – A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab”  made up the content of 2 sessions.
 
Here are some insightful recollections/portrayals of the ordinariness of addiction and a sample of life in Resi Rehab.

• Luke Williams, a Melbourne-based journalist Resi Rehab diary. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/feature/rehab-diaries
  
  
• SBS Addicted Australia: Episode 1 https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/1812256323517/addicted-australia-s1-ep1 
  
  
• Movie “28 Days”, Staring Sandra Bullock

 
See the course content in the Powerpoint “U3A – A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab”:

Demystifying Psychology class members – keep an eye on your emails for messages and check out the Demystifying Psychology page on the website next week for our August report.  

Jane

​July was a time of endings, new beginnings, changes and … surprise, surprise … working around that attention-seeking bug “Covid”.
 
On July 6 we celebrated the end of Semester 1 with another great series of discussion topics and shared plates of scrumptious morning tea treats. Discission topics are generated from the group on the day. On this, our last day, the topics were as ever thoughtful, insightful, and provocative resulting in discussion that was a combination of deep thought spiced with possible hypothesis and wrapped in lots of laughter and memories.
 
So, at the end of Semester 1 we bid farewell to some of our psychology buffs (we will miss your input), looked forward to the return of the “delightful die-hards” (thinkers who love a chuckle), and warmly welcome the new Semester 2 members (fear not, you too shall have fun).
 
The changes include:

• Unofficially renaming the group “Psychology Simplified”. This is an in-house adjustment rather than a website and timetable adjustment for the rest of 2021.
• A mix of content and discussion for each session. The current program dates and locations remain the same. The content will be spread over two sessions to allow more time for discussions ... deep thinking … chuckles … and fun.
• Zoom will replace face-to-face as per the program when we have restrictions banning face-to-face. Face-to-face remains the default aim outside of Covid restrictions.

 
A thought bubble …. This era is reminiscent of how we embraced voice-only telephones. Ever seen today’s 17-year-olds trying to make a call using a rotary phone? Priceless. ( https://youtu.be/1OADXNGnJok)

Semester 2 started on a lockdown day (16 July) via zoom with a small group of people who are familiar with zoom in this course. Thank you for the apologies from those who could not join. We hope face-to-face is an option for the next session (3rd August at Cooinda 10-12), but if not, and you just need a bit of support to join zoom, then let me know.
 
Most people in Session #1, being “delightful die-hards”, were familiar with the content. So, we did a quick reminder then settle into rich discussions. Here’s a summary of Session 1 content:

• Community supports – regional and local.
• Aims of the course.
• What the course will not cover.
• Frequently used concepts.
• Theories and theorists.
• What defines a Psychological Theory?
• Theories and measurement.
• Who says? Where’s the proof?
• Methods of Psychological Research.
• Pre and post measurement.
• Schools of modern Psychology.
• Explaining abnormal behavior – and how that has changed over time.
• Diagnostic Statistical Manual #5, the psychologists guide or “bible”.
• Ethics and Psychology - including some shocking examples.
• History of Psychology 387 BC to now.

 
The 2020 version of the content PowerPoint and handouts can be found at https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/demystifying-psychology/february-an-excellent-start.  The 2021 version includes this “rollicking, horse race call” crash course in Psychology in 10 minutes. Secure your seatbelts, please .. (https://youtu.be/vo4pMVb0R6M)

​Source https://twitter.com/jeremymills69

Jane

​Lockdown meant this months’ Discussion Group was cancelled. So, we particularly look forward to the July gathering which will be the last for the Semester 1 program and a chance to share morning tea. (Details below).
 
But we were luckier with the Content session on 18 June when we looked at child development and addiction.
 
The concept of “child” is relatively modern dating from the 15th century. Moving forward to the more recent era and the notion of “childhood” increases in acceptance and interest characteristics quite distinct from those of adults. The research bank grew, medical knowledge improved, children lived longer which encouraged parental emotional investment, and the legal world offered increasing protection for a child’ right to have a childhood. Many more factors contributed to the current view of childhood as a discreet phase of life.
 
Phillipe Aries – author of Centuries of Childhood (1960) – is credited will being the first to record the historical development of the concept of “childhood”.
 
Many theorists have commented on the development of children. We focused on developmental theorists Jean Piaget (1896 – 1980) and Lawrence Kohlberg (1927–1987). Both hypothesised that children move through discrete stages of development in many areas, and that these stages are consistently observable, including moral development.
 
Paiget’s theorises can be explored with this experiment.  Ask a couple of children of different ages to listen to both the following scenarios, then ask “Who was naughtier?”- Margaret or Marie and why?
 
Scenario #1
A little girl called Margaret went and took her mother’s scissors one day when her mother was out. She played with them for a bit. Then, as she didn’t know how to use them properly, she made a little hole in her dress.
 
Scenario #2
There was once a little girl who was called Marie. She wanted to give her mother a nice surprise and cut out a piece of sewing for her. But she didn’t know how to use the scissors properly and cut a big hole in her dress.
 
Kohlberg (1963) extended Paiget’s theory to include 6 life-time stages. It is fascinating viewing the video of Kohlberg’s “Theory of Moral Development” and reflect on day-to-day examples of each stage.

​After a cuppa break, we looked at the potentially fraught topic of addiction. More often the link between addiction and illicit drugs is the focus of family, community and media concern. In this case we looked at some addictions we tend to make fun of … like chocolate and other carbs. There are cycles for most things and addiction is no different.  The cycles of addiction and change are simple and incredibly useful ways to look at often confusing and discouraging behaviours – of our own and of others.
 
So, I bet you know the most used drugs in Australia? Along with much more information, the answer is in the slide show below. Surprised?

​NEXT GATHERING – Discussion Group at Cooinda Hub, 10 – 12 noon on 6 July. Bring a share plate to celebrate the end of 2021 Semester 1.
__________________________________
 
SEMESTER 2 NEWS - 2021 Semester 2 content is different from Semester 1 and begins on Friday 16 July, 1 to 3pm, at Seniors’ building Fawckner Drive. The timetable and topics are on the U3A Demystifying Psychology website page. Queries and/or enroll by contacting me on 0437 621 575 or janerushworth2101@gmail.com
 
Jane Rushworth

​​Well, no skirting around this (hopefully short) lockdown. Disappointingly, the latest Group Discussion (1 June) was cancelled. If the lockdown is extended (masks on and fingers crossed this will not happen) then Demystifying Psychology will dust off the Zoom link and get on with it! Covid, consider yourself on notice!
 
The calibre of Group Discussions is extraordinary, varied and a delightful surprise. Topics and opinions raised are interesting, queries and comments are fabulously thought-provoking, and the result is proof that footy, religion and politics can be discussed in “polite society”. (More “How to” at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/talking-politics-in-polit_b_11306930)
 
Our most recent Content Session (21 May) was a dense two hour look at three aspects of Social Psychology - “self and others”, “obedience and power”, and “group dynamics”. Put simply, social psychology is about relationships. But, as we all know, there is nothing simple about relationships.

William W. Wilmot’s (1943 – 2013) three paradigmatic view of self and others in relationships was new to us all. His theory is interesting and plausible and its application to the (apparent) USA “individualism” compared to Japan’s (apparent) “collectivism” is worth a read.
 
Obedience and power looked at the Milgram experiment (in which research participants were first duped to participate and then led to believe they had administered a lethal electric shock to another participant … true!). This experiment is considered unethical by current research standards.
 
Starting with the oft quoted “forming, storming, norming and performing” theory of Group Dynamics, the plan was to then expand this theory with a listen to a highly recommendable tedTalk. The speaker describes how teams can emerge out of extreme circumstances, such as emergencies, and how well-functioning teams do get the job done even when members do not even know each other’s names. It was the plan until tech got the better of me. The talk became “homework”. Here’s the link https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_edmondson_how_to_turn_a_group_of_strangers_into_a_team?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread
 
Finally, I love it when researchers read every available study on a topic and then summarise these findings. In the case of Group Dynamics, I am eternally grateful to Hüseyin Gençer who has collated an extensive commentary on group dynamics in a globalized world. Hüseyin Gençer’s paper 'Group Dynamics and Behaviour'  can be downloaded from www.hrpub.org/download/20181230/UJER28-19512242.pdf.
 
Next Sessions:

• Course Content - 18 June at Seniors Building 1pm to 3pm
• Discussion Group – 6 July at Cooinda Hub 10am to 12noon – This is our final Semester 1 session. Bring a morning tea plate to share.

 
2021 Semester 2 begins on Friday 16 July, 1 to 3pm, at Seniors’ building Fawckner Drive. You will find the timetable and topics on the link below or contact me for a copy. Also, queries and/or enroll by contacting me on 0437 621 575 or janerushworth2101@gmail.com

​Note: The original plan was to repeat Semester 1 content in Semester 2. However, in Semester 1 we covered a little over half the planned content. The left-over content is now in the Semester 2 timetable. Semester 1 people who are joining Semester 2 may wish to skip Session #1 on July 16th … or come along -  it would be lovely to see you back. 

​Jane

On 6 April we enjoyed fearless, frequently humorous, and often meandering group discussions at Cooinda.
 
The previous evening ABC TV had aired “Brazen Hussies” - a 2020 Australian documentary recording the history of the Women's Liberation Movement in Australia from 1965 to 1975. This era, seared in the memories of so many, formed the foundation of the morning’s discussion. We covered the impact of the pill, the role of religion, the role of Women’s Weekly magazine, raising girls as future wives, access to education, gender-based wages, the right to employment when married or pregnant, the definition and aims of feminism, 6 o’clock closing, and so much more.
 
(View Brazen Hussies at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/brazenhussies)
 
The impact of Germaine Greer’s 1970 “Female Eunuch” and 2019 Jane Caro’s 2019 reflections and commentary in “Accidental Feminist” as authors who “put words to our experiences” was also included. 
 
In the context of how difficult it was for many women to get an education Andi introduced us to Elizabeth Gaskell’s character “My Lady Ludlow”. The novel was printed in a women’s magazine called Household Words in 1858.  Lady Ludlow described education as “a bad thing, if given indiscriminately” (Ref: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Lady_Ludlow). The full text is available online at Project Gutenburg - https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2524/2524-h/2524-h.htm
 
It’s said that discussing either football, religion or politics is a surefire way to destroy barbecue bonhomie.  Experience tells me that combining all three of these national “holy grails” into a single barbeque does not compare to the historical and current angst often attached to the social movement called feminism.
 
On 16 April we concluded the session on Family Violence. I’m disheartened by recent tragedies and with the continual escalation of Family Violence. Never look away. Call 1800respect/1800 737732.
 
Bringing this month’s report to a gentle close, we thank Andi again for telling us about this, a mother’s sage entry in her child’s autograph book (remember those?).
 
“If wisdom’s ways you wisely seek,
Five things observe with care,
To whom you speak,
Of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where.”
― Caroline Lake Ingalls (mother of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and recorded in "Little House on the Prairie")
 
May sessions:

1. Discussion Group: Tuesday 4th May 2021 10 – 12 noon @ Cooinda
2. Course Content: Friday 21 May 2021 1 – 3pm @ Benalla Seniors Building Fawkner St.

Jane 

​Rich and varied discussions continue. We have discovered the group has a handy cross section of preferred coping styles. Each of the “types” - eagle, owl, dove, and peacock – are evenly spread amongst us. We discussed how to make the most of these preferred coping styles in various settings such as work, home, and committees. You might hear family or friends comment about an “owl moment” or the need for a “peacock” for a particular task.
 
Ever the thinker, Mary Bridgland pondered on “coping styles”, especially the “How” of the development of our preferred coping styles, resulting in a wonderful presentation by Mary and discussions on the “Influences on Coping Style”. Mary began with this curiously ambiguous picture. What do you see? https://www.illusionsindex.org/i/young-woman-or-old-woman
 
Mary continued to describe the dual impacts of our sense of self and well-being and external influences on our preferred coping styles. Go to Mary’s Powerpoint below for more “How”.

The content focus into April is a gentle consideration of the disturbing facts of family violence (FV).  The aim of Demystifying Psychology (a lighthearted look at psychology) has been temporarily abandoned in favor of increasing our understanding of the characteristics of FV and how we might help someone we suspect is experiencing FV. In Australia 1:4 women and 1:13 men reported experiencing intimate partner violence. So, the chances are high that you know someone who has experienced/is experiencing family violence.
(Source: http://dvvic.org.au/understand/about-family-violence/).
 
Topics covered in March and April will include:

• Types of abuse in families.
• Patterns of control.
• Perpetrator psychology.
• Perpetrator presentation.
• Cycle of abuse.
• What to do when you suspect abuse.

 
To begin, we did an activity I hope you will also do. On your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop -

1. Type 1800RESPECT into your search bar.
2. Choose https://www.1800respect.org.au/
3. Scroll down to “Supporting someone”.
4. Scroll back to the top of the page.
5. Click on the word EXIT on the upper right of the page. What just happened? This is a quick safety option now used on many FV support websites.
6. Check your browsing history. Did this site show up?
7. Finally, click the left return arrow found next to your web address bar. What happened?

  The powerpoint for the first session on Family Violence follows: 

 .
​Thank you for participating and for “not looking away”.

Jane Rushworth

COMING in Demystifying Psychology meetings:

1. Discussion Group (face to face) at Cooinda 10-12 noon on Tuesday 6 April (third Tuesday of the month).
2. Content Group (face to face) at Benalla Seniors Building 1-3pm Friday 16 April (third Friday of the month)

 
Call
1800 737732
1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic family violence COUNSELLING service.

• NRS: 1800 555 677
• Interpreter 13 14 50
• Online chat

​Like 2020 … 2021 has been a great start to the semester program. We were lucky enough to skirt around the short lockdown and so managed to meet twice in February. A 100% improvement compared to 2020!
 
This year semester 1 Demystifying Psychology content will be repeated in semester 2. We meet twice a month.
 
After our first month at the Hub, we recently redesigned Demystifying Psychology to allow all sessions to be 'face to face' and improve visibility of powerpoint and video content during Course Sessions. 

Course Sessions have  been rescheduled to the third Friday afternoon of the month from 1 - 3 pm in the U3A Meeting Room (our pre-covid timeslot).   These sessions are designed around planned topics and the content is displayed using PowerPoint and a large TV screen. There is a lot of opportunity for discussion in a relatively structured environment.  Our next session will be a Course Session in the U3A Meeting Room on  Friday March 19th at 1pm.
 
Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group Sessions (held previously on Zoom), will now be held 'face to face' at the Cooinda Hub on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 10 to 12 midday, commencing in April. Our discussion group sessions are a free-for-all and a lovely surprise. No planning goes into the session and topics are generated by participants on the day. 
 
Depending on the busyness of “Covid Normal” calendars, participants join both or either of the Demystifying sessions.
 
The aim of Demystifying Psychology is to have a lighthearted look at psychology. To do this it is necessary to be familiar with some of the frequently used concepts and words. So, that is where we have started (again) in 2021.
 
In February we looked at:

• What is Psychology and its purpose.
• What is a theory, who are some the most known theorists, and what are “schools” of theory?
• Part of how disorders are diagnosed and described in the DSMVI (Diagnostic Statistical Manual, number 5).

 
.. and then we ran out of time!
 
In March we will complete the DSM discussion, look at preferred coping styles (and play some games around this), consider ethics in psychology (and listen to some decidedly dastardly examples of historical ethical issues), and finally the history of psychology including the influence of women in psychology.
 
The Powerpoint session content is now available in the post below this report..
 
Here’s to a great 2021 and ..
 
Cheers
​
Jane