Visual illusions in geology
Examples of visual illusions in the laboratory are well documented, but what about illusions that occur during field observation of geological structures? In this article I discuss a study involving geologists and non-geologists and define some of the problems that may arise during geological field and laboratory work.
Description in the geological sciences and the Lithostratigraphic Descriptive System, LSDØ2
Summary A discussion of geological description and an account of the Descriptive System LSDØ2 are given. It is shown that by examination of the aims of description and of its main instrument, the geological observer, a set of principles and objectives may be established in order to design descriptive systems. The application of these principles is demonstrated by an account of the theory and practical aspects of the Lithostratigraphic Descriptive System LSDØ2.
Reforming Punishment: Psychological Limits to the Pains of Imprisonment
In "Reforming Punishment: Psychological Limits to the Pains of Imprisonment", author Craig Haney argues that the United States justice and prison system suffers from fatal structural and legal flaws that cause pain to the imprisoned and ultimately increase crime. Today the U.S. imprisons more people than any other nation. Prisons cause prisoners to make adaptations so they can take the long-term exposure to pain and these adaptations cause personal and social problems, both while offenders are imprisoned and after the offenders are released. Haney presents evidence that problems in prisons - which include overcrowding, violence, and sexual assault - are the result of poor design, lack of funding, and an outdated understanding of individual punishment that does not acknowledge the context in which crimes are perpetrated. In addition, the author argues that the War Against Drugs, combined with a majority culture's tendency to attribute wrongdoing to minorities, has created racially biased sentencing that has resulted in a gross overrepresentation of minorities among the prison population. This hard-hitting book challenges current prison practice and points to ways psychologists and policy makers can strive for a more humane justice system.