is fundamentally reshaping how modern college students engage with behavioral science . For years, traditional introductory courses relied on massive, dense textbooks that encouraged passive cramming rather than genuine understanding. However, through her role as an instructor at Binghamton University (SUNY) and her innovative digital content, Dr. Altman has proven that the "hottest" trend in higher education is active, multimedia-driven learning.
through 20-minute digestible blocks and active participation. Key takeaways from her teaching philosophy: Interactive Learning:
The widespread success of Dr. Altman’s introductory material demonstrates a permanent shift in higher education. When students log into their coursework, they are no longer just consumers of text; they are active participants in a psychological laboratory. Her methods have been highlighted in education industry analyses, including Education Dive , as a gold standard for mastering the art of teaching large introductory college courses.
Hot cognition is a theoretical framework that posits that emotions are not separate from cognition, but rather an inherent aspect of cognitive processing. This concept challenges the traditional view of cognition as a purely rational and emotion-free process. Hot cognition suggests that emotions are intertwined with cognitive processes, such as attention, perception, memory, and decision-making. introduction to psychology meaghan altman hot
: Her published papers on Google Scholar explore "adaptive attention," examining how human evolution primes our brains to prioritize certain visual stimuli (such as detecting living animals versus inanimate objects).
Unlike traditional publishers that charge hundreds of dollars for hardcover textbooks, this digital ecosystem is notably affordable. Course syllabi reveal a total cost of roughly $76 for full access, ensuring that lower financial barriers lead to more inclusive learning environments. Research-Backed Insights: From Cognition to the Classroom
In my lifestyle videos, I talk a lot about "creating a vibe." Why does lighting a specific candle help you relax? Why does that one lo-fi playlist make you hyper-productive? Altman has proven that the "hottest" trend in
Why do we binge-watch true crime? Why do we feel a personal connection to a pop star we’ve never met? Psychology provides the answers to our entertainment cravings. Parasocial Relationships
In a standard introductory curriculum—similar to those taught by educators like Meaghan Altman—the goal is to move beyond "pop psychology" and into evidence-based research. 1. The Biological Foundations
Why Dr. Meaghan Altman’s "Introduction to Psychology" is the Hottest Textbook in Higher Education Dr. Meaghan Altman
Which of these do you want?
Dr. Meaghan Altman, an Instructor of Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University, is recognized for her innovative, interactive approach to psychology education and as lead author of the Top Hat Introduction to Psychology textbook. Her research focuses on adaptive mediators of attention, learning, and evolutionary psychology. Read more at Top Hat .
Pick one scent (lavender, vanilla, whatever) and only use it when you are winding down for bed. After two weeks, that smell alone will act like a sleeping pill. That’s psychology, baby.