Ch 5: #21 (11/12/12)

In the cases of Kenna's music and the Aeron chair we see that first impressions can often lead us astray. What we initially judge as disapproval may just be a case of confusion or mistrust for something new and different. How can we distinguish a decision motivated by fear of the unknown from the ones that stem from genuine dislike towards something? Are we better off leaving it to the experts to tell us what we should like?

Reminders for Responses

• Responses should be at least 5-7 sentences
• Do not simply say "I agree with Susie" or "I hadn't thought of it that way"-- include examples from your own experience and/or hyperlink us to other articles or websites that also pertain to these questions

• Respond to this question before midnight on Mon 11/12/12
• All late posts will be deducted 1 point per day late

Ch 4: #19 (11/12/12)

If improvisational comedy is governed by rules and requires practice like any other sport, could anyone be a stand-up comic or performer? Or, will some people always naturally be better at thinking on their toes and more adept at unleashing spontaneity?

Reminders for Responses

• Responses should be at least 5-7 sentences
• Do not simply say "I agree with Susie" or "I hadn't thought of it that way"-- include examples from your own experience and/or hyperlink us to other articles or websites that also pertain to these questions

• Respond to this question before midnight on 11/12/12
• All late posts will be deducted 1 point per day late

Ch 3: #14 (10/23/12)

1. The Warren Harding error reveals the dark-side of 'thin-slicing'--when our instincts betray us and our rapid cognition goes awry. Looking at the example of that 1920 presidency, can we say that this type of error is happening today in political elections? Do you think this explains why there has never been a black or female president?

** Note- this book was written in 2005. Since we have seen a black president....  consider what may have changed in society to allow for that. What about why we still haven't seen a female?

Reminders for Responses

• Responses should be at least 5-7 sentences
• Do not simply say "I agree with Susie" or "I hadn't thought of it that way"-- include examples from your own experience and/or hyperlink us to other articles or websites that also pertain to these questions

• Respond to this question before midnight on 10/23/12
• All late posts will be deducted 1 point per day late

Ch 2: #9 (10/11/12)

2. Priming refers to when subtle triggers influence our behavior without our awareness of such changes. An example of this occurs in Spain where authorities introduced classical music on the subway and after doing so, watched vandalism and littering drastically decrease. Can you think of situations when priming occurs?

Reminders for Responses

• Responses should be at least 5-7 sentences
• Do not simply say "I agree with Susie" or "I hadn't thought of it that way"-- include examples from your own experience and/or hyperlink us to other articles or websites that also pertain to these questions

• Respond to this question before midnight on 10/11/12
• All late posts will be deducted 1 point per day late

Intro & Ch 1: # 3 (10/2/12)

3. The central argument of the chapter is that our unconscious is able to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience. This is called 'thin-slicing.'' What kinds of phenomena, if any, do not lend themselves to 'thin-slicing?'

Reminders for Responses

• Responses should be at least 5-7 sentences
• Do not simply say "I agree with Susie" or "I hadn't thought of it that way"-- include examples from your own experience and/or hyperlink us to other articles or websites that also pertain to these questions

• Respond to this question before midnight on Tues 10/2/12
• All late posts will be deducted 1 point per day late