Definition Rewrite–ConfusedPinky

Posted on November 29, 2023 by confusedpinky

Mete-Perception

Meta-perception, the process of evaluating how one is perceived by others, constitutes a fundamental aspect of human interaction. As we delve into the complexities of cluster b personality disorders, specifically focusing on the intricate world of Narcissism, exploring the nuanced realm of meta-perception becomes essential. The goal of this essay is to navigate the multifaceted layers of meta-perception, shedding light on its significance within relationships, with  Narcissism as an application example.

In the landscape of psychological research, meta-perception is defined as the assessment of how individuals are perceived by others (Lam, 2012). It surpasses mere self-awareness, delving into the often-distorted perceptions that others hold about individuals within these personality clusters. The narcissistic cluster emerges as a compelling example within this context, characterized by individuals displaying self-centered tendencies and inflated self-importance (Lam, 2012). Meta-perception within the Narcissistic cluster acts as a distorted lens, where self-aggrandizing perceptions create gaps in understanding how others truly perceive them. Lam’s research exposes that this distortion significantly impacts interpersonal relationships.

Lam’s (2012) research sheds light on a critical aspect: the existence of perception discrepancies within the Narcissistic cluster. Individuals grappling with inflated self-perceptions often misinterpret how others genuinely perceive them. This discrepancy becomes a significant source of strain in interpersonal dynamics, leading to strained relationships and emotional disconnection. Lam’s findings underscore the pivotal nature of addressing these meta-perception discrepancies to improve relationship satisfaction within the Narcissistic cluster.

Understanding meta-perception and its inherent discrepancies within personality clusters, particularly Narcissism, carries profound implications. By addressing these perceptual gaps, interventions and therapeutic approaches can be tailored to promote healthier interpersonal relationships within the Narcissistic cluster. Furthermore, this insight provides a conceptual framework for navigating the intricacies of other personality clusters, fostering more empathetic and understanding interactions. Meta-perception, a subtle yet powerful force, intricately weaves through the tapestry of personality clusters, shedding light on the complexities of human interaction.

Through the lens of Narcissism, we discern the distortions created by inflated self-perceptions. Lam’s research acts as a guiding beacon, emphasizing the significance of addressing meta-perception discrepancies to enhance interpersonal relationships within personality clusters. Embracing the intricacies of meta-perception opens pathways for empathetic connections, fostering understanding and harmony amidst the diverse landscapes of human personalities. The implications of this exploration extend beyond Narcissism, serving as a foundation for comprehending and improving the dynamics within various personality clusters.

The application of meta-perception analysis within the Narcissistic cluster serves as a microcosm for broader insights into human behavior and interaction. As we dissect the layers of meta-perception, we unravel the intricacies that shape interpersonal dynamics in diverse social contexts. By honing in on the specific challenges posed by the Narcissistic cluster, we glean valuable lessons applicable to a spectrum of personality types. The exploration of meta-perception, Narcissism, and relationship satisfaction intertwines with the intriguing study conducted by Schaffhuser et al. (2016). Their investigation delves into the relationship dynamics shaped by discrepancies in personality perceptions and how such incongruities impact individual well-being and relationship quality.

The theoretical landscape governing the discussion on personality perception discrepancies is nuanced. The self-verification theory posits that coherence between self- and other-perceptions enhances individual well-being. On the contrary, an alternative perspective suggests that discrepancies between personality perceptions yield positive outcomes. Schaffhuser et al. (2016) underscore that discrepancies, whether viewed as blind spots, illusions, or conscious biases, are of psychological relevance. They argue that every personality perception provides valid information about patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that distinguish individuals. Furthermore, discrepancies in personality perceptions should explain additional variance in outcome variables such as relationship satisfaction, beyond the main effects of different personality perceptions.

The study by Schaffhuser et al. (2016) prompts a nuanced exploration of associations between discrepancies in personality perceptions and relationship satisfaction. It posits that individual differences in certain Big Five traits, specifically neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, are particularly influential in shaping relationship satisfaction. Previous research primarily focused on self- and partner-perceptions, but the study introduces the concept of meta-perceptions, adding a layer of complexity to the analysis.

The connection between self- and partner-perceptions and relationship satisfaction is intricate. Congruence, or agreement, between these perceptions is thought to have beneficial effects on relationship functioning. This alignment is viewed as a proxy for the level of self-disclosure between intimate partners. Self-disclosure, involving sharing concepts about values or discussing one’s negative qualities, fosters intimacy, which, in turn, enhances positive relationship outcomes. Empathic accuracy, the ability to anticipate the thoughts and feelings of the partner, is posited as another underlying process fostering support and closeness between partners.

Contrastingly, some studies suggest that discrepancies between self- and partner-perceptions yield positive effects on relationship satisfaction. Positive partner-perceptions, surpassing self-perceptions, are linked to higher relationship satisfaction. This positive discrepancy effect is explained by the notion that seeing the partner through rose-colored glasses decreases relationship doubts and increases feelings of security. Positive illusions in relationships are thought to foster commitment and reduce attention towards potential alternative partners, contributing to relationship maintenance.

The study introduces a novel dimension by considering meta-perceptions — an individual’s perception of how their partner perceives them. It posits that agreement between partner- and meta-perceptions is beneficial for relationship functioning. High agreement is viewed as a form of meta-insight, promoting perspective taking, mind-reading, and situational awareness. This meta-insight is seen as a tool for adapting one’s relationship behavior and regulating interactions, contributing to predictability and security in the relationship.

Alternatively, the study suggests that discrepancies between partner- and meta-perceptions might be beneficial for relationship functioning. Individuals may have conscious knowledge about their partner’s positive illusion toward their personality, and an even more positive partner-perception in relation to the meta-perception could signify high levels of appreciation and affirmation. However, if an individual perceives the partner more positively than the partner perceives themselves, it may indicate a hidden partner disillusion, potentially leading to lower relationship satisfaction.

The study by Schaffhuser et al. (2016) enriches our understanding of the intricate interplay between personality perceptions, meta-perceptions, and relationship satisfaction. The findings underscore the complexity of human dynamics, challenging conventional notions and paving the way for a more nuanced comprehension of how individuals perceive themselves, their partners, and the impact on the tapestry of intimate relationships.

References

Lam, Z. K. W. (2012). Narcissism and Romantic Relationship: The Mediating Role of Perception Discrepancy. Report submitted to the Department of Applied Social Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology.

Schaffhuser, K., Allemand, M., Werner, C. S., & Martin, M. (2016). Discrepancy in Personality Perceptions Is Related to Relationship Satisfaction: Findings from Dyadic Latent Discrepancy Analyses. Journal of Personality, 84(5), October 2016. DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12189.

Posted in Definition Rewrite | 2 Comments

Casual Rewrite-thad711

Posted on November 29, 2023 by thad711

Canine Companions on Boosting Lives of PTSD Veterans

Majority of the world know and understand what PTSD is but what most of them don’t know is how bad it affects the people who deal with it day to day. BOOM, a gunshot? a bomb? or just a balloon these veterans never know what to expect when coming home and simple things may trigger a PTSD vet and give them so called flashbacks to what they went through at a certain point in their life. Could there be something to fix those triggers and calm someone who suffers from this mental illness? Well there is an animal out there that is the number one helper with PTSD veterans and that is the dog, but more specifically a canine.

Canines are more slender, long legged dogs with pointy ears and a lovable personality. German shepherds are one of the most common companions prescribed to vets with PTSD as they make the vet feel safe and comforted. They show their owner love and affection in return for a companion that watches them and takes care of them. These dogs do miracles to the veterans by helping them cope with their illness and move on in life. I believe that when many of these veterans get home from a war or battle they feel that they are all alone and never try to get help but instead ignore these feelings of pain and suffering. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility for anyone and it could give a veteran some meaning back into their life.

VA studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of veterans live with PTSD and with that around 50% of those vets turn to suicide compared to non PTSD adults. According to the VA Suicide Prevention Annual Report, nearly 18 service members take their own lives each day. These numbers and statistics show the dangers of what PTSD can do to someone and how it makes simple daily tasks a complete struggle. The CEO of Canine Companions, Paige Mazzoni says that “Service dogs provide a significant therapeutic benefit for veterans with PTSD.” In providing these canines to veterans they can significantly reduce the suicide rate of PTSD patients and help them succeed with this fight against PTSD. 

One main factor that leads to worsen symptoms of PTSD is being alone and having no one to talk to. Lots of vets live alone and are afraid to go out and speak about what they are feeling or avoid help in general, what if they may not need to speak to a therapists but can instead have a friendly animal? That’s where K9’s come into play as they will make a vet no longer feel lonely and empty as they have someone or something to take care of. Service dogs give back a meaning into veterans lives which is having a responsibility and that is to take care of their new companion.

Jeanne Segal, who is one of the writers of “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets” speaks on how owning a pet specifically boosts two key chemicals inside your brain. These two chemicals are serotonin and dopamine, also called the happy drugs which function in your brain help effect your mood, motivation, and even cognition. Boosting serotonin and dopamine with PTSD is a huge benefit and can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness that these veterans face on a day to day basis.

These canine are special as they are trained to be service dogs and are specifically trained to help vets with PTSD-mitigating tasks such as turning on lights, and creating a buffer especially in public places, and even help prevent nightmares. Although these tasks seem awful easy for the regular person, for a vet suffering from PTSD its like a battle in their minds. Dogs in general help adults battle anxiety, depression, and loneliness, so specially trained dogs for PTSD vets are even more trained to help their owner with almost anything they struggle with. Lots of PTSD vets suffer from nightmares and often get very little sleep which then affects how they think even more and makes them feel more inclined to commit suicide as it affects their mind and thinking. Canines drastically help benefit veterans sleep as it makes the vets feel loved and having someone by their side helps with nightmares and panic attacks. 

PTSD and its affects on ones mind very much can guide a person to commit suicide to end the struggle of battling with PTSD. Many vets don’t know where to get help and are scared to talk to others about their problems which makes their battle with it even worse. Nowadays more and more VA clinics are offering help to the vets and canines are just one of the many solutions to help combat PTSD. Canines are loyal and will always stick by their owners side taking away that feeling of loneliness and anxiety vets may face. The canine also gives the veterans activities to do like taking a walk or napping together on the couch even going to the dog park helps fulfill happiness in both the dog and the vet. These studies showing the effects of canines and PTSD vets offer a great explanation as to why a vet should really consider getting a trained dog and their quality of life will skyrocket. 

References

Konopelski, Janine. “VA Study Shows Service Dogs Impact Veterans with PTSD Canine Companions® applauds expansion of VA insurance benefits for Veterans”. 17 March 2021 https://www.proquest.com/docview/2501802103?parentSessionId=EEyhmWEdF%2F2TDuaIT%2B8EwIiE25fuc2Sy0yezeZJKFbU%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=13605

“The Health and mood boosting benefits of pets” L.Robinson, J. Segal (October 2 2023)- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

Posted in Causal Rewrite | 2 Comments

The Elevator Riddle – ConfusedPinky

Posted on November 29, 2023 by confusedpinky

In managing how the elevator works in a four-story building, there’s a clear set of steps for moving passengers around. Starting on the 4th floor, the elevator responds when passengers press the buttons with arrows pointing up or down on each floor. For example, if someone on the third floor wants to go down, they press the “Down” button, and the elevator lights it up to show it got the message.

To make things smooth, the elevator decides to go to the closest floor when multiple buttons are pressed. So, if the third and fourth floors both want to go down, the elevator goes to the third floor first because it’s closer. The “Down” button on each floor helps passengers say if they want to go down.

If someone on the fourth floor presses the “Down” button while the elevator is on the third floor, the elevator goes up to the fourth floor. Then, both the third and fourth floors can go down together. Inside the elevator, there’s a button you can press if you want to go down. When the elevator reaches the ground floor, it turns off all the lit-up buttons, including the “Down” button, and opens its doors so people can get out. This plan helps the elevator work well, considering different situations with buttons while making sure people get where they want to go.

The elevator follows these steps:

  1. Start on the 4th Floor: The elevator begins its operation on the 4th floor.
  2. Respond to Call Buttons: It lights up when someone on any floor presses the “Down” button to indicate a desire to go down.
  3. Prioritize Closest Floor: If multiple buttons are pressed, the elevator goes to the closest floor first.
  4. Additional Scenarios with Call Buttons: If someone on the fourth floor wants to go down while the elevator is on the third floor, it goes up to the fourth floor to pick them up. Passengers from both the third and fourth floors then go down together.
  5. Internal “Down” Button: Inside the elevator, passengers can press the “Down” button to signify their desire to go down.
  6. Completion: Upon reaching the ground floor, the elevator turns off all illuminated buttons, including the “Down” button, and opens its doors for passengers to exit.
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Reflective Statement- Ladybug122718

Posted on November 29, 2023 by ladybug122718

Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

Our Annotated Bibliography/Proposal +5 assignment has rerecursive stages of discovery and development. The research sources are arranged in an orderly manner in the annotated bibliography and create a strong conceptual claim that requires a lot of work. Professor Hodges assisted me in coming up with several kinds of information for my claim that would fit into the academic searches when coming up with a topic for the final paper.

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

In class, we invented a new interpretation of Yap’s monetary system through the Stone Money assignment. In order to achieve Core Value 2, we used the research and work of Stone Money to create meaning and synthesize ideas from their community. When we combine concepts of the system, we question if Brazil’s response to its inflation crisis was either imagined or genuine. Upon examination of all the evidence, it became clear that our current system is a kind of reflection of Yap’s system.

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

The Elevator Riddle is an illustration of how we analyze our audience rhetorically and write instructions with specific images in mind. When we created a set of instructions for the elevator, it took us countless attempts and discussions to find the right format. However, the assignment overall led to a new process of thinking about our audience in writing. Throughout the assignment, I was able to improve my overall ability to recognize details and apply them to my own work by being precise and direct.

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

By completing the visual rewrite assignment I was able to find, assess, and use visuals to help analyze and find a 30-second video for this assignment. It was critical to describe each second/ or visual without sound in order to understand the video’s message. This assignment’s work allowed us to identify a specific audience, analyze the message, and understand every topic that can be counterintuitive.

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citations. 

The Rebuttal Rewrite incorporates several sources that provide citations for the argument which upholds my response and representation of the arguments that Caffeine has an impact on College Students. I’ve located and evaluated the sources that appear when searching the words ” Caffeine” and “College Students” that will help sway the readers. I’m still providing information that helps allow the reader to get a better understanding of how us as college students are impacted by Caffeine.

Posted in Reflective | 2 Comments

Bibliography – Maxxpayne

Posted on November 29, 2023 by maxxpayne

Title: “Shifting Perceptions of Cryptocurrency’s Intrinsic Value”


This research proposal aims to investigate the evolving perceptions of cryptocurrency’s intrinsic value across different age groups. Cryptocurrency, as a digital asset, has generated considerable debate regarding its inherent value. While traditional assets such as real estate or precious metals possess tangible worth, the value of cryptocurrency is often questioned due to its intangible nature. This study postulates that while cryptocurrency is presently perceived as lacking intrinsic value among many age groups, the younger generations demonstrate a potential for a different perspective as they gain a deeper understanding of this digital asset over time.

Research Questions
To guide this research, the following questions will be addressed:

a. How do individuals across different age groups perceive the intrinsic value of cryptocurrency?
b. Are there generational differences in the understanding and acceptance of cryptocurrency’s value?
c. Can we identify trends or shifts in the perception of cryptocurrency’s value as individuals gain more exposure and experience with digital assets?

Hypotheses
Based on preliminary observations, this study proposes the following hypotheses:

H1: Older generations are more likely to perceive cryptocurrency as lacking intrinsic value.
H2: Younger generations are more open to the idea that cryptocurrency possesses intrinsic value, especially as they gain a deeper understanding over time.

Expected Outcomes-
The research expects to find that older generations are more skeptical about cryptocurrency’s intrinsic value due to their limited exposure and understanding of digital assets. Conversely, younger generations, who have grown up in the digital age, are more likely to embrace the idea that cryptocurrency holds intrinsic value as they gain more experience and knowledge in this field.

Importance and Implications-
Understanding the changing perceptions of cryptocurrency’s intrinsic value among different age groups is essential for various stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, and educators. The outcomes of this study can inform investment strategies, regulatory decisions, and educational programs tailored to address the varying needs and concerns of different age groups.

Conclusion-
This research proposal outlines a preliminary plan to explore the shifting perceptions of cryptocurrency’s intrinsic value among different age groups. By collecting data from individuals spanning various generations, this research aims to contribute to a better understanding of how generational factors influence cryptocurrency perceptions.

Use Of Sources –

  1. “Motivations, Barriers and Risk-Taking When Investing in Cryptocurrencies”
    • Background: This study explores the motivations, barriers, and risk-taking behaviors of individuals when investing in cryptocurrencies.
    • How I Used It: The research provided insights into the psychological factors influencing cryptocurrency investment decisions, aiding in understanding the mindset of potential investors.
  2. “Social and Psychological Predictors of Youths’ Attitudes to Cryptocurrency”
    • Background: This article investigates the social and psychological predictors that shape the attitudes of young individuals towards cryptocurrencies.
    • How I Used It: The findings helped in uncovering the underlying factors that influence the youth’s perception of cryptocurrencies, providing a social context for their engagement with digital assets.
  3. “Blockchain-powered Social Media Analytics in Supply Chain Management”
    • Background: This paper explores the integration of blockchain and social media analytics in supply chain management.
    • How I Used It: The research offered insights into the practical applications of blockchain technology, particularly in supply chain management, highlighting potential impacts on transparency and efficiency.
  4. “Investment Decision of Cryptocurrency in Millennials and Gen Z”
    • Background: This study focuses on the investment decisions of Millennials and Gen Z in the cryptocurrency market.
    • How I Used It: The research findings assisted in understanding the investment preferences and decision-making processes of the younger demographic, contributing to a broader view of cryptocurrency adoption.
  5. “Cryptocurrency as the Currency of the Future”
    • Background: This IEEE-explored article delves into the concept of cryptocurrencies as potential future currencies.
    • How I Used It: The article provided insights into the futuristic perspectives on cryptocurrencies, aiding in understanding the potential long-term impacts on traditional financial systems.
  6. “Does Crypto Currency Market Dance, Volatile & Addicted to The Youth- An Empirical Analysis Using Market Survey Approach”
    • Background: This research employs market survey approaches to analyze the volatility and youth addiction in the cryptocurrency market.
    • How I Used It: The empirical analysis contributed valuable data on market dynamics and youth involvement, offering a practical dimension to the impact of cryptocurrencies on younger generations.
  7. “Do Cryptocurrencies Really Have (No) Intrinsic Value?”
    • Background: This article explores the concept of intrinsic value in the context of cryptocurrencies.
    • How I Used It: The research provided critical perspectives on the intrinsic value debate, enriching the understanding of the fundamental factors influencing cryptocurrency valuations.
  8. “Cryptocurrency Business Covers the Psychological Impact of the Business Market on the Youth Segment”
    • Background: This source investigates the psychological impact of cryptocurrency business on the youth market.
    • How I Used It: The study’s findings helped uncover the psychological aspects influencing the youth segment within the cryptocurrency business landscape, contributing to a holistic understanding.
  9. “Analysis of the Potential of Digital Youth Entrepreneurship Development in Russia”
    • Background: This research analyzes the potential for digital youth entrepreneurship development in Russia.
    • How I Used It: The insights from this study provided a regional perspective on youth involvement in digital entrepreneurship related to cryptocurrencies, aiding in understanding the global variations in adoption.
  10. “Investment Attitude of Millennials Towards Cryptocurrencies”
    • Background: This source explores the investment attitudes of millennials towards cryptocurrencies.
    • How I Used It: The research findings contributed to understanding the specific investment preferences and attitudes of the millennial demographic in the context of cryptocurrencies.

Five Academic Sources:

Posted in Bibliography | 1 Comment

Rebuttal Rewrite – TheFrogSprog

Posted on November 29, 2023 by TheFrogSprog

The Opposing Side’s relationship with Games

A huge wave of studies about the mental effects of video games have been conducted over the past two decades. Researchers often still debate over what kind of video games have caused these issues and whether or not these problems have been recently shown in the subjects or whether there’s an underlying cause to these problems. The general consensus from researchers has shown that video games only amplify negative emotions in players with issues that are already present. Unlike what many researchers claim, video games are in fact not the root cause of all of these issues, rather than the current underlying issues that are the true culprits to the player base. When studying the effects of video games on aggression, specific criteria must be met for the study to be a fair assessment of how people are affected. 

In the published study, “Consequences of Play: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Online Gaming” by Victoria Anne Sublette and Barbara Mullan, it is stated “However, more common physical and psychosocial effects attributed to online video gaming are social isolation, increased aggression, and negative academic and occupational consequences” these are simply generalizations made by the researchers in their attempts to prove games as being harmful towards their player base. Later on, in the same study by Sublette and Mullan, it is stated that “A study by Eastin and Griffiths (2006) found that hostile expectation ratings were highest in virtual reality (VR) games, although actual aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior were not affected by the type of game played; while an earlier study found no significant correlations between playing violent video games and levels of aggression (Williams and Skoric 2005)” this blatant contradiction in the study mentioned above statement and summarization of earlier studies in combination with their own shows that there have been no correlations towards violent games and aggressive behavior. This goes directly against the common belief that video games are the progenitor of many forms of offline aggression. 

Many more Researchers agree as M. Delisi, M. Vaughn, and J Shock said in their research paper, “Violent Video Games, Delinquency, and Youth Violence: New Evidence”, they claim that “The present study was designed to respond to these needs using a multifactorial risk factor approach focused on more serious violent delinquent behaviors among a correctional sample of serious male and female institutionalized delinquents” with this new found study that focuses on only the institutionalized it neglects the major population who don’t necessarily have a known issue already present. In the researchers’ attempt to prove the hypothesis correct that video games actually do cause offline aggression and violent tendencies in their player base; they use those who are already known to have aggressive tendencies. This pigeonhole makes it seem as if the study was set up to fail as studying the effects of media on aggressive behavior in those who have been placed in prison is a counterproductive assessment as it is safe to assume that those who are incarcerated also have a higher likely hood of being more aggressive than the average person.

The study titled “Does Playing Violent Video Games Induce Aggression? Empirical Evidence of a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study” by researchers Weber, Rittenfield, and Mathiak a scientific study was done on a group of gamers and their brain’s reactions towards the stimuli they are receiving from the games they are playing. A quote contained in the study is, “which allowed for distinguishing between actions involving virtual violence and actions in which virtual violence was absent” This quote indicates that the study itself used a specific game for studying both aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors using one game to see the differences in brain activity between the “phases of play”. To see the full range that the brain can reach, different types of games should be played in order to tell how the brain interprets the stimuli and potentially processes some aggressive tendencies or lack thereof from different genres such as puzzle games like Tetris or open-world games like Grand Theft Auto. The difference in how these games affect people is very different as the absolute lack of violence in certain games can help provide a baseline control group for comparison to the violent games.

Grand Theft Auto is a major part of the thought process that violent games create violent people. In the research study, “Violent Video Games and Real-World Violence: Rhetoric versus Data”, written by Charlotte and Patrick Markey, and Julianna French the violent actions often associated with games like Call of Duty and multiple entries in the Grand Theft Auto series are brought up in their study in aggressive and violent actions being caused by games is brought up. These people have connections to these games by their crimes happening around when these games were released, and their crimes involve multiple homicides, rapes, and robberies. This study goes into how the releases of these games have affected the minds of the men who committed multiple violent acts. This, however, has been proven to be very muddled, and according to C. Ferguson and his article “Blazing Angels or Resident Evil? Can Violent Video Games be a Force for Good?” he states “Put simply, this issue notes that both public and scientific concern (Anderson, 2004, refers to violent video game effects as “somewhat alarming” p 120) is not matched by violent crime data, which for both adults and youth (Childstats.gov, 2008; FBI, 1951–2007) has plummeted at the same time as video games have increased in popularity” This large decline in violent crime data seen does not account for the almost exponential decrease in violent crimes among young men as these games increase in popularity. The large disparity between these studies and research depends entirely on who and how the study is processed. It also depends on who the studies follow as that can skew the study to a degree but generally, most studies now find that while some rises in aggression can be detected it is entirely negligible.

References

DeLisi M, Vaughn MG, Gentile DA, Anderson CA, Shook JJ. Violent Video Games, Delinquency, and Youth Violence: New Evidence. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice. 2013;11(2):132-142. doi:10.1177/1541204012460874

Ferguson, C. J. (2010). Blazing Angels or Resident Evil? Can Violent Video Games be a Force for Good? Review of General Psychology, 14(2), 68-81. https://doi-org.ezproxy.rowan.edu/10.1037/a0018941

Sublette, V.A., Mullan, B. Consequences of Play: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Online Gaming. Int J Ment Health Addiction 10, 3–23 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-010-9304-3 

Markey, P. M., Markey, C. N., & French, J. E. (2015). Violent video games and real-world violence: Rhetoric versus data. Psychology of Popular Media Culture., 4(4), 277-295. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000030   

Rene Weber, Ute Ritterfeld & Klaus Mathiak (2006) Does Playing Violent Video Games Induce Aggression? Empirical Evidence of a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study, Media Psychology, 8:1, 39-60, DOI: 10.1207/S1532785XMEP0801_4   

Posted in Rebuttal Rewrite | 6 Comments

Purposeful Summary Task – ConfusedPinky

Posted on November 29, 2023 by confusedpinky

Summary 1:  What’s Race Got to Do With It? 

It seems counterintuitive that a common disorder like depression is still in the grasp of racism. Since its initial debut in 1987, Prozac has been the main cash earner for the antidepressant industry. As of now, 1 in 10 Americans are prescribed antidepressants, resulting in over 30 million Americans being treated with some form of antidepressant. 

Even with this statistic, there is still a disparity in antidepressant prescription. Though it is uncertain what factors truly influence antidepressant prescription, author Azzen Ghorayshi suggests this disparity may be caused by factors such as insurance status and race. 

Scientists from the University of Michigan found interest in this discrepancy and decided to analyze physicians prescribing patterns with patients  diagnosed with major depression. With a patient pool of over 120 million, examiners found that white patients and patients with private insurance were far more likely to be prescribed antidepressants.  It was also found that for those minority patients and patients on Medicare or Medicaid that were prescribed antidepressants were about 60% less likely to be prescribed new generation antidepressants like Prozac. Another study done by Washington State University found that antidepressant treatment rates were also affected by the same influences. I found that 4 percent of minority patients diagnosed with major depression were prescribed antidepressants whereas white patients with seemingly the same diagnosis were prescribed antidepressants at a higher percentage of 11. 

Summary 2: Why Keeping Little Girls Squeaky Clean Could Make Them Sick

It seems counterintuitive that exposing your children to dirt and germs would help build a strong immune system, but shockingly recent studies are proving this is true. It is a common practice to keep your children nice and clean during playtime, especially our little girls. Though intentions mean well this practice may be doing more harm than good. In our society the standard of cleanliness is much higher for young girls than for young boys, Oregon State University  researcher Sharyn Clough believes this discrepancy explains why women develop certain illnesses at a higher rate.  One of these Illnesses is asthma. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention reports men have lower rates of asthma at 7.1% compared to women with a rate of 8.5%. This same tread is seen with many autoimmune disorders. 

Summary 3: Is Extreme Parenting Effective

It seems counterintuitive that extreme parenting, as advocated in Amy Chua’s essay “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior,” could be effective. Chua, a Yale Law School professor, argues for tough love in raising successful children, implementing stringent measures like prohibiting sleepovers, playdates, school plays, TV or computer games, and even dictating extracurricular activities. These extreme tactics, while aiming for success, may be perceived as too controlling by most parents. Some commentators suggest that such an approach stems from a perhaps naïve belief in absolute parental control. The critical question arises: What are the effects of such a demanding parenting style? Does strict control lead to success, or could it be counterproductive?

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Rebuttal rewrite- Propel78

Posted on November 29, 2023 by propel78

Criticisms of the Innocence Project 

The innocence project renowned for its  unwavering commitment to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and advocating for social justice reforms has not escaped scrutiny that often accompanies influential organizations. Critics in various forms have raised concerns regarding the methods employed by the innocence project, and its potential impact on the criminal justice system as well as border implications for societal attitudes toward law and order.

A significant aspect of the criticism directed at the innocence project. It revolves around its selective focus on DNA cases where DNA evidence can be a deciding factor improving innocence. Critics argue that this narrow approach may create a skewed perception of those wrongfully convicted, particularly as it predominantly addresses cases where biological evidence is available, and present in the case. However, the innocence project emphasizes on DNA cases is not arbitrary; rather it is a strategic choice driven by the need of concentrated evidence to successfully overturn convictions and free the wrongfully convicted. Why, this may present some challenges, the organization and the committees in it are committed to its primary goal of exonerating the wrongfully convicted, and has resulted in significant success. The innocent project achievements in DNA cases played a pivotal role in the criminal justice reform system, exposing systematic flaws in forensic legal representation and misconduct within the criminal justice system. This targeted approach has sparked many conversations about the need for the system to change that benefits all individuals within the flawed criminal justice system, not just those that have DNA present or accessible.

Another critic addresses the innocence project, disproportionate focus on cases involving prosecutor misconduct. They focus on these because they know the prosecutor was wrong, and it is easier to win or overturn cases, potentially creating an unbalanced narrative that under means the credibility of the entire criminal justice legal system. This concern by many people has them wondering how trustworthy the legal system really is. Critics argue that why the organization sheds light on the prosecutor, misconduct cases it may introvertedly contribute to public trust in the system. Rather than seek to hold accountable those who abuse their authority, and violate principles of justice, by exposing incidents of prosecutorial misconduct, the organization aims to promote systemic change, and increase accountability within those in the legal system, or the legal profession. It is essential to acknowledge that the majority of prosecutors are dedicated to upholding the law ethically, but the innocence project focuses on misconduct, addressing the incident where ethical boundaries are crossed, contributing to more than transparent and trustworthy criminal justice systems.

Critics have also voiced concern that the innocence project emphasizes on highlighting wrongful convictions and misconduct, made in advertising, fostering public distrust in the legal system. Acknowledging the potential for skepticism, the organization aims to strengthen public trust by being accountable and advocating for reforms. By addressing these issues, the innocence project believes it encourages informed and critical public perspective. By understanding the justice system, rather than promoting blind skepticism to the public. recognizing the importance of public trust and legal system is one of the main things the organizations strive to balance that out, and for the accountability, with the needs on highlighting the imperfections with the system, for a reflection on how to reevaluate and reform the system, to make it a more safe and balanced system. The innocence project efforts on wrongful convictions contribute to a deeper understanding of the justice system fostering information discussed rather than fostering blind skepticism to the public innocence project wants to be more involved within these cases, and have more information and background so they know more about them and can vouch for themselves.

Another concern raised against innocence. Project is its perceived lack of attention to victims and their families in cases of wrongful convictions. People argue that the organization’s primary focus on the wrongfully convicted May neglect the impact on those who have suffered due to the crimes, including the victims and their families. The innocence project, however, is not oblivious to this pain and suffering of the victims and their families; its mission is rooted in justice, not only the exoneration of wrongfully convicted, but also, addressing the true perpetrators of the crime. The organization advocates for accurate investigations and a fair legal process. By doing so they are recognizing the importance of supporting victims and their families through the exoneration process not only during, but they are also after they will support their families and do whatever they can to help them. Actively involved in post exoneration efforts, the innocent project assists individuals in re-entering society and seek the support they need. The reentry of society may be a hard thing for most of these people that were wrongfully convicted of a crime that they did not commit. Especially if they served a decent amount of time in prison, it could be very challenging for them to live a normal life after that because of what they went through and the traumatic experiences they had to go through . It can also be hard for the families of those victims because they saw a loved one go through so much just for it to be false and a wrongful conviction. The innocence project remains sensitive to the multifaceted impact on wrongful conviction, striving to correct injustice.

In conclusion, the criticism directed at the innocence project should be viewed within the bordered context of its contributions to criminal justice reforms. The organization focused on DNA cases, exposure of prosecuted, misconduct, and attention to the victims families and the victims themselves. They also focus on the potential impact on public trust are all parts of a well balanced effort of this organization. The innocence project can address these concerns why maintaining its commitment to justice, accountability and systematic change within the criminal justice system. Serving as a critical force for positive transformation, challenging the statue quota, and advocating for those wrong fleet convicted, they contribute to the pursuit of a more reliable and more just legal system

References

The Innocence Project. “Research Resources.” Innocence Project, 10 May 2023, innocenceproject.org/research-resources/. 

LaPorte, Gerald M., et al. “Wrongful Convictions and DNA Exonerations: Understanding the Role of Forensic Science.” National Institute of Justice, 7 Sept. 2017, nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/wrongful-convictions-and-dna-exonerations-understanding-role-forensic-science. 

Ferrerro, Eric, and The Innocence Project. “U.S. Department of Justice Failing to Enforce Critical Forensic Oversight, New Innocence Project Report Finds.” Innocence Project, innocenceproject.org/u-s-department-of-justice-failing-to-enforce-critical-forensic-oversight-new-innocence-project-report-finds/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023. 

Posted in Rebuttal Rewrite | 1 Comment

Definition rewrite-thad711

Posted on November 28, 2023 by thad711

K9 Therapy, the Medicine
that PTSD Veterans Need!

Veterans of war are some of the most damaged people mentally and sometimes physically also. When War Vets come home they experience horrible nightmares and are often rattled and on edge constantly. Waking up everyday is a struggle to these vets after what they have been through and seen or heard. These struggles are hard and can often lead to depression and loneliness as they seem to push everyone away from them in fear for what might happen if they stay like family and loved ones. Veterans seem broken and helpless, forced to take medications that rarely take away their feelings but instead only mask the pain underneath. Is there a way to truly help fix these veterans or are they broken forever?

PTSD veterans often need someone or something to help them through the pain. Sometimes these vets come back so mentally wounded that their family and friends may not want to be around them seeing how changed they are after a war or battle in the line of duty. One possible way may be a dog, specifically a dog trained to help support their companion and make them feel happy and full of emotions again. Service dogs are one of the best options out there for vets to feel safer and loved and gives the veteran a responsibility to look after the dog as it will look after for them. Service dogs have been provided to veterans since 1958, beginning with blind veterans needing guide dogs to help them travel and assist their mobility. Since then PTSD service dogs are offered at thousands of clinics to provide support in those who may need a specially trained dog. Places like K9’s For Warriors, the nations largest provider for service dogs for veterans even provides statistics for how much their dogs have helped these veterans. They reported that approximately 92% of veterans report in a reduction of medication after owning a service dog. A high 82% of veterans report that they no longer have suicidal thoughts and feelings after having a k9. K9’s for Warriors main goal is to lower the suicide rate for veterans with PTSD as around 20 vets take their own lives each day. Their program has rescued over 1,500 dogs to give them a life and allowing them to have a purpose instead of being put down or abused.

Some may say most veterans need a service dog to help them rehabilitate and get back on track with their life. Veterans battle with mental health issues daily and having a service dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Being out in public again with all the loud noises and people walking around may bother or trigger a veteran with PTSD, so having a dog can help take away all that anxiety they have from being out in the public. Service dogs also help renew enjoyment in life for the vets and allow them to do things they may have felt uncomfortable doing before. Also these dogs can help lessen the amount of medication a vet takes as they no longer feel the need to take these medications for stress or anxiety as the dogs can help solve that issue for them.

Many veterans with PTSD may consider suicide as an option to get them to forget everything they ever witnessed but forever. Suicide rates among veterans of war is very high as around 22 veterans take their lives daily in America. The stress and suffering these veterans go through makes them think they have nothing to live for and are in constant pain, mentally from PSTD. Service dogs can take away some of that stress and fear from the veterans and studies have even shown that people with dogs have lower blood pressure levels and are less likely to develop heart disease. Service dogs can help a veteran release dopamine in the brain as dopamine is the brains “happy drug” which can counter the symptoms they may get from PTSD. Playing with dogs has a high increase in peoples dopamine levels, which is what makes us feel excited and motivated. 

More and more vets suffering from PTSD are getting service dogs to help better their lives. NEADS Inc. is one of the top suppliers for trained service dogs specifically for ill or injured veterans around America. These trained dogs could seriously change the lives of vets forever and practically turn some of their lives around and bring that joy back in the world for them. Being alone is one of the worst things ever especially after something traumatic as a war or fight that lead to PTSD. Veterans just need someone around, someone they can trust and feel safe around and protect. K9’s are the best solution for these vets struggling day to day with PTSD symptoms and other mental battles they may face as a veteran.

References

“How pets can help us maintain mental health”- https://namica.org/blog/how-dogs-can-help-us-maintain-mental-health/#:~:text=How%20Dogs%20Can%20Help%20with,improve%20your%20all%2Daround%2

Dogs and PTSD”- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/dogs_ptsd.asp

K9’s for warriors-https://k9sforwarriors.org

Posted in Definition Rewrite | 2 Comments

Causal Rewrite – laflame

Posted on November 28, 2023 by laflame

Challenging Notions of Success:
CEOs, Resilience, and Happiness

Meet Sarah and Mark, two successful CEOs in different industries. On the surface, Sarah appears to have it all – a lavish lifestyle, luxurious vacations, and substantial wealth. In contrast, Mark lives more modestly, prioritizing frugality and contributing a significant part of his income to charitable causes. You might think Sarah is happier due to her wealth and extravagant life, while Mark, despite his modest living, might seem to struggle more. This essay explores and challenges the notion that financial success guarantees well-being.

In today’s corporate world, stress is rampant, affecting employees’ well-being and organizational productivity. The pressures of modern business environments can be overwhelming, and it’s not just the employees who bear the brunt. CEOs, the leaders of these organizations, also grapple with high-stress levels and unique challenges. However, there’s a growing realization that resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, plays a crucial role in combating workplace stress and improving mental health.

Cindy Kermott et al., in their study titled “Is higher resilience predictive of lower stress and better mental health among corporate executives?” shed light on the stress epidemic in the corporate realm. They emphasize the shocking statistic that “The large inverse association of resilience with anxiety and depression was noteworthy, with an almost 3-fold higher prevalence of anxiety and a 4-fold higher prevalence of depression in the lower-resilience group compared with the higher-resilience group.” This survey of executives found that those with higher resilience reported a better quality of life, lower stress, and a lower prevalence of mental health issues like depression. These benefits remained consistent across various factors like education, age, gender, and income. The study aligns with previous research, indicating that promoting resilience in the corporate setting could help alleviate the negative impact of workplace stress on mental health. However, it acknowledges limitations, such as its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported outcomes.

Personal and professional growth is a fundamental part of self-improvement. This journey involves continuous learning, skill development, and the pursuit of challenging goals. For CEOs, this journey is ongoing and equips them with resilience and effective coping mechanisms to handle the stress of their demanding roles. Justin Berg, an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, suggests that embracing growth, both personally and professionally, enhances an individual’s ability to withstand stress. This implies that the pursuit of self-improvement is not solely about achieving success but also about fostering resilience.

Happiness isn’t solely about wealth and luxury. It’s about finding purpose and contributing to the greater good. Many CEOs actively engage in philanthropic initiatives and create positive societal impacts. Take Bill Gates, for example, who, through his foundation, exemplifies how contributing to society provides a profound sense of purpose. These acts of philanthropy and contribution often bring immense fulfillment and happiness to CEOs, transcending the boundaries of financial success. There are different facets of well-being, and it’s not limited to a hedonic pursuit of pleasure. Eudaimonic well-being, which centers on finding meaning and self-actualization, stands in contrast to hedonic well-being. People who actively enjoy the small victories in life and have resilience tend to experience eudaimonic well-being, which is closely linked to enduring happiness and contentment. It’s not only about fleeting moments of joy; it’s about a deep and enduring sense of well-being. 

Cath Everett, a journalist writes about her conversation with psychotherapist and mindset coach Ella McCrystal in her article, “Why CEOs’ mental health is business-critical”, McCrystal says “Many CEOs have quite an obsessive nature, which helped them get to the top in the first place, but it can make them single-minded about work and lead to self-sabotage,” McCrystal says. “Or they can just be so dissociated from themselves and so focused on the tasks at hand that they don’t realize they’re burning out.” McCrystal’s insight highlights a paradox among achievement-driven individuals, particularly CEOs. Their obsessive focus on success, while propelling them to the top, often leads to a single-minded pursuit of tasks, potentially resulting in self-sabotage. The quote emphasizes how this relentless drive can cause dissociation from personal well-being, leading to burnout. For such individuals, the pursuit of achievements becomes a perpetual quest for fleeting moments of joy, overshadowing a balanced and sustainable approach to happiness. The cycle of constant achievement may offer momentary rewards but risks a disconnection from a holistic and fulfilling life.

Contrastingly, those individuals striving for perfection often experience heightened anxiety, dissatisfaction, and chronic stress. Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, often leading to more harm than good. On the other hand, mindfulness emphasizes improvement and resilience, minimizing the negative impact of perfectionism. A growth mindset, characterized by the belief in one’s ability to develop and improve, plays a crucial role in attaining happiness. It promotes an ongoing path of self-improvement and adaptation, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and sustain a positive outlook.

In exploring the lives of CEOs Sarah and Mark, it becomes evident that Mark possesses a unique ability to synthesize happiness by being present in the moment and relishing the small victories of life. While Sarah’s opulent lifestyle might suggest a pathway to contentment, it is Mark’s intentional choices and mindfulness that provide a deeper understanding of genuine well-being.

Mark’s modest lifestyle, characterized by frugality and a commitment to charitable causes, reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize meaning over material excess. This intentional decision underscores Mark’s ability to find joy in simplicity and highlights his capacity to synthesize happiness from experiences that extend beyond financial success. By actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors, Mark not only contributes to societal well-being but also discovers a profound sense of purpose and contentment in making a positive impact.

Furthermore, Mark’s resilience, as demonstrated through his ability to bounce back from challenges, positions him to appreciate the present and derive happiness from everyday moments. The act of giving, coupled with a mindful approach to life, allows Mark to find joy in the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. His capacity to synthesize happiness lies in the appreciation of life’s small victories, fostering a deeper and more enduring sense of well-being.

In contrast, Sarah’s opulence may not inherently provide the same opportunities for synthesizing happiness. The pursuit of lavish experiences and material wealth, while offering moments of pleasure, may not necessarily contribute to a sustained and authentic sense of contentment. Mark’s story serves as a reminder that true happiness often emerges from cultivating gratitude for the present, finding meaning in one’s actions, and savoring the simple joys that life has to offer.

In essence, Mark’s ability to synthesize happiness goes beyond the external trappings of success. It is rooted in mindfulness, resilience, and a conscious choice to derive joy from the journey. His story encourages us to reconsider the sources of genuine well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment and embracing life’s little victories as integral components of a fulfilling and happy life.

In conclusion, the essay challenges the conventional belief that financial success guarantees well-being by examining the lives of CEOs Sarah and Mark. It addresses the prevalent issue of stress in the corporate world and underscores the vital role of resilience in mitigating workplace stress, drawing on studies and expert insights. The exploration expands to distinguish between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, showcasing how CEOs contributing to society can find profound purpose and fulfillment beyond financial success. The concept of synthesizing happiness is introduced, emphasizing that individuals who actively enjoy small victories and cultivate resilience tend to experience enduring well-being.

References

05, J., | by Corey Binns, Binns, C., Berg, J. M., Wrzesniewski, A., Grant, A. M., Kurkoski, J., & Welle, B. (2022, July 5). Take this job and love it: How a growth mindset can boost happiness at work. Stanford Graduate School of Business. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/take-job-love-it-how-growth-mindset-can-boost-happiness-work

Everett, C. (2023a, May 2). Why CEOS’ mental health is business-critical. Raconteur. https://www.raconteur.net/leadership/ceo-mental-health#:~:text=A%20survey%20by%20Deloitte%20last,to%20reset%20their%20emotional%20balance.

Kermott, C. A., Johnson, R. E., Sood, R., Jenkins, S. M., & Sood, A. (n.d.). Is higher resilience predictive of Lower Stress and better mental health among corporate executives?. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0218092 

Posted in Causal Rewrite | 4 Comments