The first article, which essentially just said "404 Not Found" is a wonderful example of how meanings are in people not words. Although the symbols mean absolutely nothing, this was a wonderful site that taught me a lot about my conflict style and conflict avoidance. I now feel prepared to take on high conflict issues... say nuclear proliferation.
The second link was well somewhat worse. I did however extremely enjoy the e-book on the side titled Boost Your Confidence! How to Succeed at Being Yourself! After reading that e-book, I am so much better at being myself. Trust me, or whoever I was, before, I was not doing a good job of Myself. In fact, im not sure who I was but it definitely was not me! (Cylon perhaps?) Really Jenn, I mean I don't think I could find more self-help coloring sheets if I tried. These articles are for people who hate themselves and live in padded cells. The article itself, again had some interesting points, but they were presented on the level that most pre-schoolers (or people doped up on psychiatric drugs) could understand.
The Honorable Ross Coker had a great point, would this junk pass for sources in our papers? Of course not...
It's been well... interesting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Week 7
The first website was having major technical problem... it was psychology today so I'm sure it was just psychobabble anyhow...
The second test, on attachment and intimacy styles was slightly more interesting. I personally rated slightly over 1/4 towards low avoidance and secure. I was slightly less than 1/4 towards the low anxiety axis. The largest problem with the survey was it relied on questions relating to a specific romantic relationship. As I am not currently in a relationship of this nature the data therefor is quite unreliable. Additionally, the true focus of this quiz is not the relation style of the test taker, but of the test taker's relationship. Depending on the nature of the partner and relationship the results could be significantly different.
The third test, on the "Relating Quotient" essentially offers very little analysis. First, the word Quotient is used completely out of context. Additionally, the article never explains what an RQ actually is. Furthermore, the small survey of 5 simple questions offer very little insight into an individual's relational model. Finally, the simple number (which for me was 18) is provided with little to no interpretation.
The second test, on attachment and intimacy styles was slightly more interesting. I personally rated slightly over 1/4 towards low avoidance and secure. I was slightly less than 1/4 towards the low anxiety axis. The largest problem with the survey was it relied on questions relating to a specific romantic relationship. As I am not currently in a relationship of this nature the data therefor is quite unreliable. Additionally, the true focus of this quiz is not the relation style of the test taker, but of the test taker's relationship. Depending on the nature of the partner and relationship the results could be significantly different.
The third test, on the "Relating Quotient" essentially offers very little analysis. First, the word Quotient is used completely out of context. Additionally, the article never explains what an RQ actually is. Furthermore, the small survey of 5 simple questions offer very little insight into an individual's relational model. Finally, the simple number (which for me was 18) is provided with little to no interpretation.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Week 6
Hello friend,
I love you... I'm sure you needed to hear that. Let me tell you a story. After I learned to listen, I mean really listen, the world opened up before my eyes. I had more friends, could help others through their troubles, found the fountain of eternal youth, could engage my peers more appropriately, and most importantly increase my manhood.
/sarcasm
Here are my secrets of listening. First, open up your inner self to the world around you. Most people don't realize how small verbal cues can reveal so much about a person. Remember the last person you heard cough when you walked by them on a side walk? Most likely, this was not a nasal disturbance, but rather caused by a physical likeness you share to a distant relationship who often sneezes!
/psychobabble
Seriously, take the self-help nonsense and psychobabble out of that article and what is left... nothing. Don't get me wrong, listening, especially attentive listening is important, but it's not magical.
I love you... I'm sure you needed to hear that. Let me tell you a story. After I learned to listen, I mean really listen, the world opened up before my eyes. I had more friends, could help others through their troubles, found the fountain of eternal youth, could engage my peers more appropriately, and most importantly increase my manhood.
/sarcasm
Here are my secrets of listening. First, open up your inner self to the world around you. Most people don't realize how small verbal cues can reveal so much about a person. Remember the last person you heard cough when you walked by them on a side walk? Most likely, this was not a nasal disturbance, but rather caused by a physical likeness you share to a distant relationship who often sneezes!
/psychobabble
Seriously, take the self-help nonsense and psychobabble out of that article and what is left... nothing. Don't get me wrong, listening, especially attentive listening is important, but it's not magical.
Week 5
Well, there are quite a few ways this could be beneficial... first and foremost to academic progress it is really freaking fun to scew up her face! More mundane, this thingamajig can be quite useful for ascertaining how humans communicate nonverbaly, how visual/facial cues can communicate,
The show "Lie to Me" was quite interesting. It does a great job illustrating the power of micro expressions in a practical environment.
The online quiz on para-language does have a good point; however the quiz itself is so ridiculously easy and uses such blatant examples that I'm sure my very own cat, Lord Balian of Ibelin could have completed it with a perfect score.
The show "Lie to Me" was quite interesting. It does a great job illustrating the power of micro expressions in a practical environment.
The online quiz on para-language does have a good point; however the quiz itself is so ridiculously easy and uses such blatant examples that I'm sure my very own cat, Lord Balian of Ibelin could have completed it with a perfect score.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Week 4
1. To an extent, of course language has an effect on reality. If I shout "bomb" people will run out of a building. However, reality, the referent, exists outside of language. Language cannot change essential reality. The greatest affect language can have is influencing our perception of reality, or poisoning the well. Even this phenomena has been greatly exaggerated in recent scholarship and has lead to language becoming just another battleground of different philosophies, rather than the tool for arguing the philosophies themselves. Indeed, when this concept is expanded to far it easily strengthens the influence of language instead of lessening.
2. Well, obviously the website promotes 6 different, conflicting views, and since I'm not a psych major I'm not sure how comprehensive it is. However, it does seem to present these views accurately. After examination the Naive Cognitive view is obviously the most correct.
3. The Article essentially forces a "what came first the chicken or the egg" scenario. Additionally, it tries to infer a claim that its data does not support. By attempting to say that "emotional" reactions are the result of already existing physical conditions is defied by the need for a cognitively processed external stimuli. In fact the physical and mental signs of emotion are both derived from this cognitive decision.
2. Well, obviously the website promotes 6 different, conflicting views, and since I'm not a psych major I'm not sure how comprehensive it is. However, it does seem to present these views accurately. After examination the Naive Cognitive view is obviously the most correct.
3. The Article essentially forces a "what came first the chicken or the egg" scenario. Additionally, it tries to infer a claim that its data does not support. By attempting to say that "emotional" reactions are the result of already existing physical conditions is defied by the need for a cognitively processed external stimuli. In fact the physical and mental signs of emotion are both derived from this cognitive decision.
Perception
Week 3 - Perception
This website does have a unique input on the material of the chapter. The website demonstrates how our perception can be inaccurate. Additionally, it shows how truth and reality exists outside of ourselves and can many times be quite different than our perception.
Due to this discrepancy between reality and perception, it is important to realize in communication that often two people will not share the same perception. Additionally, even in this situation it is quite possible neither perception is accurate.
This website does have a unique input on the material of the chapter. The website demonstrates how our perception can be inaccurate. Additionally, it shows how truth and reality exists outside of ourselves and can many times be quite different than our perception.
Due to this discrepancy between reality and perception, it is important to realize in communication that often two people will not share the same perception. Additionally, even in this situation it is quite possible neither perception is accurate.
Self-Concept
Week 2 Self-Concept
Justice
Respect
Logic
truth
history
fantasy
intelligence
technology
compassion
aesthetics
What types of descriptors seem most fundamental to your self concept?
Descriptors of items essential to humanity seem to be the most important to me. Descriptors that involve my own personality or interests are most subject to change.
Do you think others would describe you as you have yourself?
This is really a difficult question. I believe some of the descriptors I hold closest to, are far more subtle. Additionally, the less important descriptors seem to show up more in everyday pursuits. Thus, the least important might be more obvious to an outside observer.
Justice
Respect
Logic
truth
history
fantasy
intelligence
technology
compassion
aesthetics
What types of descriptors seem most fundamental to your self concept?
Descriptors of items essential to humanity seem to be the most important to me. Descriptors that involve my own personality or interests are most subject to change.
Do you think others would describe you as you have yourself?
This is really a difficult question. I believe some of the descriptors I hold closest to, are far more subtle. Additionally, the less important descriptors seem to show up more in everyday pursuits. Thus, the least important might be more obvious to an outside observer.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Self Fulfilling Prophecy
Week 2
The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy essentially states that when one believes something to be true, even though it is at the time false, that person will alter his or her behavior to make the prior belief (the prophecy), reality. This idea, although it may seem a bit colorful, is actually quite logically based and has many practical applications.
First, because this is essentially a causal relationship, it is both documentable and falsifiable. The self-fulfilling prophecy essentially works as a type of construction. We are quite familiar with other constructions, such as cultural constructions, that are not actually true until a person or group of people make it true. In the same way simply by belief the self-fulfilling prophecy constructs a new reality.
Second, although this principle originates in sociology and has been most noticeably applied to education, the impacts of the theory can be applied in virtually any atmosphere. Because the theory essentially works off of a motivation principle any environment from business to military to anything in between can benefit from its efforts. The simple fact is, humans rarely work at 100% of their ability, and even further we many times direct our efforts at faulty goals. The self-fulfilling prophecy works to both increase our ability and redirect our pursuits to the goal of the prophecy.
Third, it is interesting how much of this theory takes place on an unconscious and peripherally processed level. As we all know, many of our common everyday decisions take place on a peripheral level and are based more on preconceptions than actual high order cognitive thought. Self-fulfilling prophecy essentially changes a preconception, thus resulting in completely changed behavior on the peripheral level. Although these decisions are usually small, when viewed in their sheer amount it is easy to see how powerful this concept can be. Furthermore, the conglomeration of these smaller peripheral decisions can progress to influence centrally processed decisions, thus creating a multiplied effect.
In conclusion, the impacts of this theory are easily established. It is important to note how this tool can be used both positively and negatively.
The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy essentially states that when one believes something to be true, even though it is at the time false, that person will alter his or her behavior to make the prior belief (the prophecy), reality. This idea, although it may seem a bit colorful, is actually quite logically based and has many practical applications.
First, because this is essentially a causal relationship, it is both documentable and falsifiable. The self-fulfilling prophecy essentially works as a type of construction. We are quite familiar with other constructions, such as cultural constructions, that are not actually true until a person or group of people make it true. In the same way simply by belief the self-fulfilling prophecy constructs a new reality.
Second, although this principle originates in sociology and has been most noticeably applied to education, the impacts of the theory can be applied in virtually any atmosphere. Because the theory essentially works off of a motivation principle any environment from business to military to anything in between can benefit from its efforts. The simple fact is, humans rarely work at 100% of their ability, and even further we many times direct our efforts at faulty goals. The self-fulfilling prophecy works to both increase our ability and redirect our pursuits to the goal of the prophecy.
Third, it is interesting how much of this theory takes place on an unconscious and peripherally processed level. As we all know, many of our common everyday decisions take place on a peripheral level and are based more on preconceptions than actual high order cognitive thought. Self-fulfilling prophecy essentially changes a preconception, thus resulting in completely changed behavior on the peripheral level. Although these decisions are usually small, when viewed in their sheer amount it is easy to see how powerful this concept can be. Furthermore, the conglomeration of these smaller peripheral decisions can progress to influence centrally processed decisions, thus creating a multiplied effect.
In conclusion, the impacts of this theory are easily established. It is important to note how this tool can be used both positively and negatively.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Communication Skills Test
Week 1
Discovery Health Quiz
Well, the Highlord scored 50 on the test, which is supposed to be a moderate level of efficiency in communication. However, I believe there is further analysis need to properly understand this exam. First, one must remember this small test, consisting of only ten questions in no way tests communication, only ones opinions of communication. Furthermore, there is some significant room for argumentation as to whether or not some qualities are actually important for communication. Take for instance, "People don't get what I am saying," there is no logical link between others not understanding and fauly communication.
Effective Communication Skills
This quiz is nothing more than an object lesson in poor education and closed minded thinking that the Highlord despises. It does not at all judge communication and furthermore the "best" answers are presented as fact without justification. Finally, if we really want to judge communication, said quiz fails misserably in both its presentation and lack of creating a dialogue.
Self-Assessment
By now it is of little surprise; however this "quiz" also fails misserably to the degree that it leaves the Highlord wondering exactly what communication scholars are doing. For example, take the first question, "I want to adapt my communication behavior to meet others’ expectations." Why would anyone want to change themselves to adapt to others "expectations" no matter how faulty they may be. Again, looking at question four, "I want to be involved in the conversations I have with other people," isn't involement required for a conversation?
Discovery Health Quiz
Well, the Highlord scored 50 on the test, which is supposed to be a moderate level of efficiency in communication. However, I believe there is further analysis need to properly understand this exam. First, one must remember this small test, consisting of only ten questions in no way tests communication, only ones opinions of communication. Furthermore, there is some significant room for argumentation as to whether or not some qualities are actually important for communication. Take for instance, "People don't get what I am saying," there is no logical link between others not understanding and fauly communication.
Effective Communication Skills
This quiz is nothing more than an object lesson in poor education and closed minded thinking that the Highlord despises. It does not at all judge communication and furthermore the "best" answers are presented as fact without justification. Finally, if we really want to judge communication, said quiz fails misserably in both its presentation and lack of creating a dialogue.
Self-Assessment
By now it is of little surprise; however this "quiz" also fails misserably to the degree that it leaves the Highlord wondering exactly what communication scholars are doing. For example, take the first question, "I want to adapt my communication behavior to meet others’ expectations." Why would anyone want to change themselves to adapt to others "expectations" no matter how faulty they may be. Again, looking at question four, "I want to be involved in the conversations I have with other people," isn't involement required for a conversation?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Proclomation of Intent
Hear the words of the Highlord, your Highlord! Although the highlord has no need to explain his actions, I Highlord Gunter, being rich and mercy and not lacking in patience, have decided to write down my reasoning for coming to this discussion of interpersonal communication. Hopefully through understanding the Highlord’s most excellent reasoning one will be better able to follow through his orders.
First, it must be understood that despite the Highlord’s great patience and wonderful personality, many of the common people are simply hard to understand. Hopefully by instituting this study into the common interpersonal communication the Highlord can better communicate with his people and understand their problems.
Second, the Highlord also hopes this summit will give him greater insight into the communications between his lord. Proper communication and understanding is essential between the Highlord’s closest companions. Precision and clarity must be maintained so the Highlord can have the best possible relationship with his compatriots.
Third, the Highlord is also expectantly awaiting the entertainment value of this class, specifically in discussing Air Conditioners. He expects this particular discussion will provide for multiple opportunities to gleefully shout “that’s what she said”
Fourth, the Highlord has also upheld the strongest value on scholasticism. Even if this knowledge does not have an immediate application, it is still knowledge and should be cherished, protected, and passed on. Through an abundance of knowledge will come prosperity and happiness.
Fifth, the Highlord also hopes this class will be of assistance during war and other contests abroad. Surely this knowledge will further the Highlord’s piercing insight and allow him to have a greater understanding of his adversaries that will lead to victory. Even the gay yankee atheist haters will bow before the Highlord’s grand schemes!
In conclusion, the Highlord has high expectations for this intellectual discourse, on practical, philosophical, and self-actualization levels. To be sure it would be better if the commoners and mercenaries were not present; however thanks to the Highlord’s great advisor and fellow lords this should not prove to be a significant problem. With this firm statement of intent onward my people... For Knowledge, For Victory, For the Highlord. DEUS VULT!
First, it must be understood that despite the Highlord’s great patience and wonderful personality, many of the common people are simply hard to understand. Hopefully by instituting this study into the common interpersonal communication the Highlord can better communicate with his people and understand their problems.
Second, the Highlord also hopes this summit will give him greater insight into the communications between his lord. Proper communication and understanding is essential between the Highlord’s closest companions. Precision and clarity must be maintained so the Highlord can have the best possible relationship with his compatriots.
Third, the Highlord is also expectantly awaiting the entertainment value of this class, specifically in discussing Air Conditioners. He expects this particular discussion will provide for multiple opportunities to gleefully shout “that’s what she said”
Fourth, the Highlord has also upheld the strongest value on scholasticism. Even if this knowledge does not have an immediate application, it is still knowledge and should be cherished, protected, and passed on. Through an abundance of knowledge will come prosperity and happiness.
Fifth, the Highlord also hopes this class will be of assistance during war and other contests abroad. Surely this knowledge will further the Highlord’s piercing insight and allow him to have a greater understanding of his adversaries that will lead to victory. Even the gay yankee atheist haters will bow before the Highlord’s grand schemes!
In conclusion, the Highlord has high expectations for this intellectual discourse, on practical, philosophical, and self-actualization levels. To be sure it would be better if the commoners and mercenaries were not present; however thanks to the Highlord’s great advisor and fellow lords this should not prove to be a significant problem. With this firm statement of intent onward my people... For Knowledge, For Victory, For the Highlord. DEUS VULT!
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