Publication Title
Teaching of Psychology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-10-2023
Abstract
Introduction: As higher education continues to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), cognitive/behavioral neuroscience and other physiologically-based psychology courses may face challenges incorporating DEI issues into the curriculum relative to other subfields of psychology.
Statement of the Problem: Instructors of these courses may believe that their discipline is more objective than other psychology subfields, or may simply be unsure where to insert discussion of DEI issues into their course material. Literature Review: There is a substantial evidence regarding both the fallacy of total scientific objectivity and how structural inequalities can impact brain structure and function in historically marginalized populations. Teaching Implications: I discuss where and how in the neuroscience curriculum instructors can implement relevant discussion of DEI issues, as well as provide practical suggestions for how to increase belongingness for historically marginalized students, including open educational resource lecture slides and a critical thinking assignment. Conclusion: Excluding DEI content from neuroscience courses harms our students and perpetuates the myth of total scientific objectivity, so it is imperative that faculty include DEI discussions in neuroscience-based courses.
Recommended Citation
Opper, Jamie, "Teaching Cognitive / Behavioral Neuroscience Through a DEI Lens" (2023). Psychology Faculty Publications. 2.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/psy_facpubs/2
Comments
This is the accepted version of an article that was published in the journal Teaching of Psychology. The published version can be found at https://doi.org/10.1177/00986283231183936.