Mixed Methods

A concept from chapter thirteen that I found interesting is the idea of triangulation. The book defines it as, "the process of approaching a research question from multiple perspectives." (375) This shows how a researcher isn't confined to only one method. For example, a researcher may conduct a survey in order to justify the results obtained during an experiment. This allows the researcher to use a wide variety of tools in order to conduct their research.

The problem with using ethnography as your research method may make you feel like a liar and might cause you to hurt someone. When you go 'undercover' to do the research there is the possibility that you will end up forming close relationships with people. If they found out that it was all for an experiment they will probably not be too happy about that.
One possible solution is to find an informant who can help you gain information about the people in the area you are researching. Doing this would eliminate the need to go undercover. Playing an overt role may not work because as the book mentions, "when people know they are being watched, they may try to impress the observer." (379) This is the reason why finding an alternate way (such as using an informant) to gather information may be the best solution.

research methods

I find experimental research to be the most interesting. In this type of research a variable is manipulated in order to study the effects that variable has on certain subjects. I find this research interesting because it seems to use tools that are used in scientific research. This makes it easier for me to accept the results as credible.
If I was to study deception one possible research question would be, "what function does deception serve for people who choose to use it". I would use the ethnography approach in trying to answer this question. Using this method would allow me to study people in natural settings. This would allow their lies to come out naturally instead of knowing that they are being studied and ironically, making their lies up.

the downward flow of information

It has been my experience that sometimes messages don't travel the way the should in the work place. The book mentions that employees hardly get to see the person who is handing them the message. This makes it easier for the message to change once it reaches the intended person's hand. A company is often a very busy place. This makes it difficult for a manager to personally hand the message to an employee. This leaves a lot of room for errors to occur.
One thing managers can do in order to improve the downward flow of information is to make sure they choose the correct medium and carfeully analyze what it is that they want to convey to the employee. If a manager wants an employee to know something right away then it's not wise for the manager to send the employee an email. It will also save time if the manager carefully went over the message before he or she sent it out. This would allow the manager to see any flaws in the message. It's true that a manger is very busy, but these are steps that need to be taken if a company's information is to flow accurately and without any problems. Having another person read the message in front of the mnager may also help. Since the message will probbaly not be handed to the employee by the manger, it's important that they make sure it's accurate. Some mangers may not see that there is problem with the message and this is when having another person read the message before it's sent out will help.

One example of how the type of medium that is used also determines what type of messages will be sent out is how the President is shown on television. The President usually needs congress' permission to do just about anything, yet, the way television presents the President gives off the impression that the President is the face of the country. Therefore, the medium that is used to convey a message will also determine how and which messages are sent.
McLuhan's idea that television is a 'cool' medium comes from the fact that television sends us multiple messages that we must process. Audiences are required to use their cognitive thinking to try and make sense of it. McLuhan believes that only people who are 'cool' can be successful television audience members. According to McLuhan, if a person isn't 'cool' enough that person may need to listen to a radio instead. It makes sense that the form in which messages are sent to us also determines what messages will be sent out.

I have had a few relationships online and one main difference is that it seems easier to create n intimate relationship with someone online because it's easier for you to communicate. When most of us have trouble speaking about something to someone we write them a letter. When you're communicating with someone in cyberspace it's like you're constantly writting letters to one another. However, unlike the post office your letter arrives right away. This keeps the moment from passing before your letter arrives.
Another thing I enjoy about cyberspace is that you can communicate with people you would never get a chance to talk to, otherwise. You can talk to someone across the country or even in a different country. The book states, "one of the most important characteristics of electronic communication is that it allows us to transcend space and time." (169) This allows us to create even bigger communities that can communicate with one another.

Tuckman's five-stage model

I found Tuckman's model interesting because it made me think of all the group work I have done at school. It's strange because you don't really think about it when you are going through the process but his model sounds about right. For example, once things have settled down the group usually moves on to the performing stage. This is when all the work gets done. This stage comes right after the norming stage, which is just the way it sounds. This is when you begin to form a functioning group. The last stage is the adjourning stage. This is when your group usually talks about the things they remember about working on the project together. This model is important because it serves as a guide to illustrate how people work together in a cohesive manner.

Trying to find Miss Right

I agree with Duck's attraction filters. I think we all go through basically the same processes when determining who we want to try and get closer to. I put some emphasis on physical beauty but there has to be more than that if a relationship is to last. I have talked to girls who were physically attractive but there really wasn't much else going on. I remember this one girl who was attractive and a single mom. However, she came across as being a bad mother and this was a turn-off for me. We also didn't have much in common. She thought most of the stuff I liked was weird and I didn't even tell her half of it. It goes to show that it takes more than physical beauty in order for a relationship to work. Physical beauty can be a starting point but once your interaction and cognitive cues come into play things change dramatically. Now the real attraction between you two can be seen. Physical beauty can only take a relationship so far. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but this is the norm.

the way we think

I believe that competeitive symmetry and submissive symmetry would be the hardest to change simply because each partner is holding on to control of the situation. There is no compromise in these types of situations because each partner wants the upper hand. The book explains that submissive symmetry is confusing because: "Although both partners ostensibly avoid control, each does his or her best to control the other by forcing the other to make the decision." (148) However, this does seem less damaging than competitive symmetry because both partners want to be in charge to a greater extent in this situation. They don't think to compromise and this is why competitive symmetry is the most damaging, not only to a relationship, but also to the individuals self-esteem. They may begin to feel unworthy because of the way they are treated by their partner who is always trying to have control. The book says that: "Learning how to share the one-up and one-down positions gives a couple the flexibility they need to adapt to changing circumstances." (149) This means that by comprmising partners will make their relationship stronger.

the shock that can come from culture

I was wacthing a special on some local channel here where I live and they showed a place in Hong Kong where people cook cats and dogs. It showed a man cooking in a huge urn. He lifts what's inside with a pair of huge pliers to reveal that what he is cooking is a full grown cat. He places it on a mat and begins to pull off the remainding fur. To the average American this can be seen as being cruel to animals. We were taught that cats and dogs are our pets and not for consumption. However, in Hong Kong it's a normal part of theri diet. The program can be seen as a perfect example of what culture shock is. I was shocked and grossed out by the footage, but teh more I think about it the more I realize I was looking at it from only my point of view. I'm sure there are numerous things about my culture that bother people from China so I guess it even out in the end.

This is just one example of how what's is perfectly normal in one culture can be seen as inappropriate or even gross in another. However, in order for us to be able to communicate interculturally we must not assume that all cultures are the same. This can minimize our culture shock when we come across things that are out of the norm for us.

people are different

Education is an instiution that practices all three concepts. In school, we are taught what is right and what is wrong. We are also expected to study and pass tests or we risk failing. Parents also always tell their children to go to college or to do well in school. This can be seen as the mutuability premise since it's believed by most people that education and physical excercise is good for the mind and body. This might be why we have physical education classes as part of our school cirriculums.

Religion also uses all three concepts. Most religions believe that people are generally good. They also believe that people are rational and as a result will want to do what is in their best interest. Some religions even ask a person to 'fast' or go without eating for a while or ask people not to eat a certain food or drink a certain beverage. This is done with the hope of putting the person in the best physical and mental state possible.

The only reason I don't believe in the premises is because it is my belief that some people are just bad and actually look to harm other people. It also doesn't take into account the numerous of people who suffer from mental illnesses. In these cases, it would be hard for the premises to be applied. However, for the most part they are important concepts that help develop strong healthy individuals. For this reason, I think they need to remain in our society.