Brainwashing

Alex and Paul:

History Students: discuss examples of brainwashing in Communism and terrorism Psych Students: discussion process of brainwashing (including use of foot-in-the-door), examples in cults & advertising

Paul: Pyschology links: http://changingminds.org/techniques/conversion/brainwashing.htm -use of physical and emotional treatment leading to exhaustion and learned helplessness -reduces ability to reason and resist -includes unbalanced diet, leading to further brain dysfunction -small rewards encourages attribution of free will -by the consistency principle, would lead them to change to change beliefs http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/globalism/Congress.htm (better for history students) http://www.catalase.com/bwash.htm -Pavlov explains process of brainwashing through three brain phases: equivalent phase (brain gives same response to strong and weak stimuli), the paradoxical phase (brain responds more actively to weak than strong stimuli), and the ultra-paradoxical phase (conditioned responses and behavior patterns turn from positive to negative or negative to positive). -Through each of the phases, conversion becomes more effective and complete. The usual first step is to act on an individual or group's emotions until they reach an abnormal level of fear, anger, excitement, or nervous tension. -Result is to impair judgement and increase suggestibility. Once first brain phase (catharsis) is reached, process becomes easier. Esixting brain programming can be replaced with new thinking and behavior patterns.

Hi Kevin here 5th period history. Paul will you be describing what you found in these websites. Here is some examples of communism and terrorism.