We said the season was over – but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we’re delighted to welcome one of the world’s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.

Drawing on her work on children as “little scientists,” the explore–exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence – one that becomes increasingly important in later life – and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.

We said the season was over &ndash; but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we&rsquo;re delighted to welcome one of the world&rsquo;s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.
Drawing on her work on children as &ldquo;little scientists,&rdquo; the explore&ndash;exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence &ndash; one that becomes increasingly important in later life &ndash; and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

 

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work &ndash; and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s School of Psychological Sciences.
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Modern life explored by psychology experts