Approaches to estimate the habitability of a trait
It is impossible to estimate the habitability of a trait but there are two approaches that are use by scientists to infer it. These two approaches are; Quantitative approach and Qualitative approach. Quantitative approach deals with numbers and statistics that are collected by way of questionnaires while qualitative approach is done through interviews and observations done by the scientists.
In Quantitative approach, deals more with the collection and analysis of the data in form of numbers and it mostly emphasizes on very large quantities of data and is usually seen by people as just gathering of the facts. This is a false view that people have on the quantitative approach because it is more than just collecting the facts but it is collecting data in numeric form so as to be able to arrive to a conclusion that is suitable. Its original plans are the basis of the approach and its results are analysed quickly and interpreted.
On the other hand, the qualitative approach focuses on the collection of data in mostly non-numeric forms. This involves doing observations from interviews, photographs and such methods. Its focus is on a much smaller number of events or interesting examples. It aims to achieve ‘depth’ rather than ‘breadth’ (Blaxter, Hughes and Tight, 1996: 61)
The different aspects of intelligence according to Robert Sternberg
Componential / Analytical Subtheory
According to Sternberg, this componential aspect of intelligence is one of the three types of giftedness that he recognizes. It involves analyzing, evaluating, criticizing, reasoning, and judging. This aspect of intelligence is what causes someone to see solutions to problems which are not seen easily. The only disadvantage about it is that people with only this type of intelligence are not very good in creating their own original ideas (Sternberg, 1997).
Experiential / Creative Subtheory
This is the second stage of Sternberg’s theory and it considers how well a task is tackled with respect to how familiar one is with the task. It has two parts: automation and novelty. Automation is when a process has been done so many times such that one does not need a lot of thought in doing it. A novel situation is one that you have never come across before. People who are used to such situations find new ways of solving problems so that others would notice. This type of intelligence is seen when creating, discovering and inventing(Sternberg, 1997).
Practical / Contextual Subtheory
This is the ability of a person to adapt to the surrounding environment. It involves adaptation, shaping and selection and it is through these processes that one is able to fit themselves in the environment they are in. This type of giftedness is usually known as “street smarts”. People with this type of intelligence are able to succeed in any environmental setting because they are able to apply creative and analytical skills to their everyday lives.
Implification of set point theory on dieting
This is a theory that states that the human body will maintain its normal body weight and fat levels through internal controls which set the body weight according to how high or low the set point theory setting is. This implies that people with a high setting tend to have more weight and fat according to the set point. According to the set point theory with respect to dieting, it suggests that the body tends to return to its normal set weight regardless of your dieting efforts but regular exercise can help to adjust the set point.
Repression of memories
Through research, it is indicated that traumatic incidents such as sexual abuse may be forgotten. This occurs due to the traumatic nature of whatever happened to them and thus the mind subconsciously buries this memory inside the brain possibly never to be recovered again. Traumatic memories are very different from ordinary memories in that traumatic memories have a lot of emotional arousal which in turn affects the memory functions. Research suggests that traumatic memories that were forgotten and then later on remembered have the same accuracy as the ones that had not been forgotten.
How Ekman peeked under the human mask
Paul Ekman is an American psychologist who specializes in the study of emotions with relation to facial expressions in human beings. He peeked under the human mask with his associates by collaborating with John Cleese in the BBC documentary the “The Human Face”. The documentary covers the science behind beauty of the face, facial expressions and the fame of an individual.
Reinforcement schedules
If one wants a response to persist after it has been learned, a continuous reinforcement schedule would be the best. The reason for this is because the desired outcome or response is reinforced every time it occurs. The continuous reinforcement schedule is at its best form of usage during the first stages of learning so that the individual has a strong association between the behavior and the response.
As for Paige’s desired reinforcement schedule, a continuous reinforcement schedule will be suitable for her friend Kelly because with it Kelly will strongly associate the behavior and the response thus enforcing the outcome as desired by Paige.
References
Sternberg, R. J. (1997). A Triarchic View of Giftedness: Theory and Practice. In G. A. Davis (Eds.) & N. Coleangelo, Handbook of Gifted Education (pp. 43–53). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Blaxter, L, Hughes, C and Tight, M (1996) How to Research, Buckingham, Open University Press
