week 16, post #2

The most interesting concept that I found throughout the course of the semester if that of group dynamics. I think the social integration to the group is extremely interesting and fragile process. Whether it is in a large group or small group, I think the size is also important. A small group should experience greater socializing factors, than a large group. In a large group there is an aspect of anonymity, of which someone would not be as integrated into a group. Communication wise, if you are not fully integrated into a group, than your communication will be reduced as well. Think about how much you would communicate with your friends, as compared with a large group in a classroom. You would communicate more with your friends than the other group of which you are affiliated.

week 16, post #1

Which of the research methods listed in Table 11.3 seem the most interesting? Assume you want to study some aspect of deception. Frame a research question. Which method would you choose to answer the question? Why?

I am a psychology major, and the scientific method is very important to me. The most important characteristic of scholarly research for me is being methodological. Having a solid method to research will assist in reducing confounds, which may lead to false or unsupported conclusions. Methods are also the area in which the most issues may occur and the research can go wrong. Methods must focus on the question the researchers wish to answer, and not solve every question in the world at that time. This is often where research goes in the wrong direction, and the research is unsuccessful.

week 13, post 3

Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

I do find the point of the medium is the message very interesting, however I do not agree with Marshall McLuhan's assessment. My question that I do not have answered would be what if the message was meaningless? If it was just a picture on a screen, but it was being broadcasted to thousands or millions, isn't it still just a picture on a screen? The message medium and its contents are needed jointly to represent the correct information that is needed to be represented. Television is absolutely a cool medium because it mirrors real life. It is as close to real life as possible.

week 13, post #2

The function of the media were expanded upon by sociologist Charles Wright. They include surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission, and entertainment. Surveillance includes the actions of gathering and disseminating information. Correlation is the analysis and evaluation of information. Cultural transmission is the education and socialization of receivers. And finally, entertainment is the presentaiton of escapist material that provided enjoyment and gratification. Currently, I believe most of the population rely on media equally for all 4 functions, whether is a comdedy show, news coverage, or educational programs. This process leads to prosocial learning as well, which is the reinforcement of social ideals and passing on cultural norms.

week 13 post no 1

1) Have you made friendships that exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyberspace relationships, why not?

I have never engaged in friendships that are exclusively in cyberspace. I have engaged in social networking through sites like myspace and facebook, but I have met, in person, all of my contacts in the two social networks. I feel there needs to be some sort of reliability and validity to a person, and the anonymity is a major freedom that threats someones reliability and validity. If you’ve never met someone in person, that what would be your major source of entertainment or enjoyment with this person, anyway. It simply doesn’t make sense to ignore the 1,000 or more people in close proximity to you, and who undoubtedly would have to share some sort of interest.

week 12, post 3

3. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a very pressing issue in today’s times. The inequality of the male and female genders and the chasing nature of male to females has created a dangerous situation in the workplace. The pursuing of a co-worker that is not interested can easily be considered sexual harassment with attempts at different displays of affection and intimacy. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and conduct of sexual nature. The laws of the workplace are now designed to prevent the actions from taking place by the harshness of the consequences. In my organizational history, I have not worked in organizations, which are more likely to promote sexual harassment, and would be uncomfortable in such an organization.

week 12, post 2

2. Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

I definitely think that we must be able to understand the diversity of people within the organization, and be able to respect one another. Personal business always seems to surface in the professional world, so it something that simply must be endured.

I have been bothered by cell phone use, especially in my current job. When guests are checking into the hotel I work at, and the person is on the phone, I believe it is extremely rude. I may have other guests wanting to checkin as well as the guest, and this person is still on the phone.

From my experience in a heavy call volume position, it is not rude to place a call on hold a assist another person. You need to be able to multitask and help both at once, with researching while speaking to the new person.