The New York Times is a great resource for finding articles on current events about Psychology. For this assignment, you will learn more about a topic of interest to you by choosing a New York Times article from the list below and writing a 3-page reflection paper about it. Instructions: **NOTE: You will need to create a free account with the New York Times to have full access to the articles. See instructions for creating an account with your Post student email in the Unit resources. In your reflection paper, you will address the following six (6) content components: 1. Summarize the main ideas presented in the article. 2. Discuss something new that you learned. 3. State whether you agree or disagree with the main ideas presented in the article, and explain why you agree or disagree. 4. Discuss how you might apply what you’ve learned to your own life. 5. Research additional information related to this topic, and include a discussion of what you found most interesting. Include the link to the source you have chosen. 6. Discuss at least one idea/question for follow-up research on this topic (do not use the follow up question(s) provided in the articles). Requirements: • This reflection paper should be a minimum of three (3) full pages in length. The page requirement does not include the title and reference pages. • Writing should be in paragraph form, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides. PSY101 – Fundamentals of Psychology I Current Events Article Reflection Paper Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED • Reference the New York Times article using the following format: Example: Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year of publication, Month Day). Title of the article. Title of Online Periodical. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/restofaddress List of New York Times articles to choose from: Bakalar, N. (2019, March 15). Can TV dumb you down? The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/15/well/mind/tv-television-memory-brain-adults.html Brody, J. E. (2019, April 29). Virtual reality as therapy for pain. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/well/live/virtual-reality-as-therapy-for-pain.html Carey, B. (2019, April 13). Doctors use electrical implant to aid brain-damaged woman. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/13/health/implant-braininjury.html Carey, B. (2019, April 29). In month after ’13 Reasons Why’ debut on Netflix, study finds teen suicide grew. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/health/13- reasons-why-teen-suicide.html Murphy, K. (2019, April 18). Can botox and cosmetic surgery chill our relationships with others? The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/well/mind/can-botoxand-cosmetic-surgery-chill-our-relationships-with-others.html Reynolds, G. (2019, March 19). Broken-heart syndrome is not all in the head. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/19/well/mind/broken-heart-syndrome-is-notall-in-the-head.html Reynolds, G. (2019, May 1). How exercise affects our memory. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/well/move/how-exercise-affects-ourmemory.html Richtel, M. (2019, April 5). The latest in military strategy: Mindfulness. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/05/health/military-mindfulness-training.html Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Schiffman, R. (2019, March 28). Can what we eat affect how we feel? The New York Times

ANSWER

 Reflection on “How Exercise Affects Our Memory” – A New York Times Article

Introduction

In this reflection paper, I will discuss the article titled “How Exercise Affects Our Memory” by Gretchen Reynolds from The New York Times. The article explores the relationship between physical exercise and memory, shedding light on the cognitive benefits of staying active. I will summarize the main ideas presented in the article, discuss something new I learned, express my agreement or disagreement with the article’s main points, and explore how this information can be applied to my life. Additionally, I will conduct further research related to the topic and present an idea for follow-up research.

Summary of the Article

Gretchen Reynolds’ article delves into the impact of exercise on memory. It highlights research findings that suggest regular physical activity positively influences memory function, particularly in older adults. The article cites various studies that demonstrate how exercise enhances memory, both short-term and long-term. Reynolds explains that aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, increases the hippocampus’s size, the brain region responsible for memory formation and retrieval. Additionally, physical activity boosts the release of certain brain chemicals that aid in memory consolidation and cognitive functioning.

Something New I Learned

I found it fascinating to learn about the specific brain mechanisms influenced by exercise. The article’s discussion on the hippocampus’s plasticity and how it can change and adapt in response to aerobic exercise was particularly enlightening. This information highlights the brain’s remarkable ability to be shaped by our lifestyle choices, and it motivates me to prioritize regular physical activity for the cognitive benefits it offers.

Agreement with the Main Ideas

I wholeheartedly agree with the main ideas presented in the article. As someone who values both physical health and mental well-being, understanding that exercise can positively impact memory reinforces my commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle. Moreover, the fact that exercise can aid in memory retention and cognitive function throughout life is encouraging, especially as I get older.

Application to My Life

This article has motivated me to incorporate more regular exercise into my daily routine. While I have been aware of the physical benefits of staying active, understanding the positive impact on memory and cognitive function adds a new dimension to my commitment to exercise. I plan to engage in aerobic activities such as running and dancing, as well as mindfulness exercises like yoga, to enhance both my physical and mental well-being.

Research on the Topic

In my further research on this topic, I came across a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study suggests that not only does exercise improve memory, but it may also help delay or prevent age-related cognitive decline and dementia. The link to this study can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.16291

Idea for Follow-Up Research

Given the growing interest in the connection between exercise and memory, it would be interesting to explore the long-term effects of various exercise regimens on memory and cognitive function in different age groups. This research could provide valuable insights into personalized exercise recommendations for optimizing cognitive health across the lifespan.

Conclusion

The article “How Exercise Affects Our Memory” has been an eye-opening exploration of the cognitive benefits of regular physical activity. It has reinforced my commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle and has inspired me to prioritize exercise not only for its physical benefits but also for its positive impact on memory and cognitive function. As the research on this topic continues to evolve, I am excited to see how exercise interventions may be harnessed to enhance overall brain health and well-being.