Recently, the Level 2 Psychology students ran Nayland’s first ever Human Behaviour Science Emporium.

Each group designed a piece of research that gathered data about how we process our thoughts in different situations. There were a range of different types of research, from surveys, interviews, and experiments. Students enjoyed the chance to take part in over 20 different research projects, mixing with other students. Students also learned that running their practical over 70 times was a reality check into the hard work and time required to carry out reliable and valid research.

For the teachers of the Level 2 Psychology course, having an entire day was a productive experience. 

“I was really impressed at how independent and organised every group was,” says Psychology teacher Gaye Bloomfield. “The moment that stood out for me was when everyone came in at 9am and just got on with setting up their station and were working together as a team." 

Fellow psychology teacher Adam Crichton agrees. “The planning involved for the day was a lot of hard work for the students, and it was really cool to see that work pay off as they collected their data. They were so professional in making sure their research was done ethically.”

Research ranged from interviews about recalling your earliest childhood memories, solving optical illusions, opinions on personal versus collective responsibility for climate change actions, ability to recognise facial emotions, solving logic problems and eyewitness memory. 

Feeling like you've missed out on all the fun? Try this Nayland College variation on the Prisoners Dilemma. https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/basics/prisoners-dilemma

• You both have the chance to have some lollies. If you both choose to share, then you both will receive 1 lolly each.
• If one of you shares, but the other chooses to take, then the person who said they will take will receive 2 lollies, the other gets nothing.
• If both of you choose to take, then you both receive nothing.

What would you do?