Mission:Critical Links

Mission: Critical (Casual Arguments)

-          I thought this link was very helpful because it gave an example and then showed how the example fit the pattern of the inductive argument and then further goes on to discuss it in more detail. I thought this was helpful because it allows you to relate the information to the example which helped me understand it better. At the end it says that the strength of a casual argument relies on 3 factors. It lists what they are and again relates them to the example.

Mission: Critical (Main Menu)

-          This site offered links about arguments. For example, the first link takes you to a page which is the Introduction to Statements (or Claims). This page gives a general definition then goes on and gives information on universal statements, qualified statements, specific statements, non-specific statements, comparative statements, etc.

Both of these websites are very helpful and offer information that is very easily accessible.

Observation

A few weeks ago my TPMS light came on in my car (tire pressure monitoring system). I was running late for work so decided to keep driving. I also did not think it was a big deal because when I had first bought the car the light came on and I took it to the dealership and they said there was an error with the monitor and they fixed it. So my problem was my tire, and based on my observation was based on previous history with the monitoring light so I hypothesized that it was an error in the monitoring system again. That night I checked my tires and one looked like it was going flat so I took it to a mechanic the next day. They proved my hypothesis to be incorrect and there was nothing wrong with the monitoring system. Instead, they found that I had a huge screw stuck in my tire which was causing it to go flat.

Horoscopes

According to cafeastrology.com this was my horoscope for the day:

Cancer Daily Horoscope

Today's Cancer Horoscope from Cafe Astrology

April 28, 2012

Willingness to resolve problems will get you everywhere now, dear Cancer. There is a desire to grow and improve in our interactions today. As such, don't shy away from conflict now. Approach it with a sincere desire to move past difficulties rather than with defensiveness. Concentrate less on who is right and most on what can be done to make important changes. Friends are supportive and your biggest fans right now. Close relationships are strengthened with confidence in one another. Some of you could enjoy a gift or unexpected gain today.

Creativity: Good ~ Love: ~ Business: Excellent

I do not think this prediction is accurate at all. I do not believe horoscopes but I do pay attention to them, if that makes sense. If I get positive information I’ll think “hm, maybe it’ll come true” but realistically, a prediction for everyone that was born in the same time range cannot possibly be true. I remember I would read the horoscopes in magazines and I’d read everyone’s and I felt like I could relate to almost all of them. Anyway, back to the question. I think there’s a 50/50 chance that a horoscope can possible be accurate. The book uses swans as an example to show a hypothesis is falsifiable. In THINK Judith A. Boss says “For example, the hypothesis that ‘all swans are white’ was based on observations of hundreds of thousands of swans, every one of which was white. However, the hypothesis was falsifiable, since it would take only one swan to prove it false.” (381) So comparing this to my horoscope prediction, I would have a desire to grow and improve in our interactions today. This is falsifiable because I did not have this desire, therefore my horoscope is incorrect.

Plagiarism

As mentioned in the textbook THINK by Judith A. Boss, the internet has become an enormous part of research. At the same time, the internet has also made it easier for students to commit plagiarism. The book defines plagiarism as “fraudulent copying that involves deception and the intent to mislead the reader.” (361) Two articles discuss plagiarism and what the academic community should do about it. Brook J Sadler argues that plagiarism is wrong and should be severely penalized, while Russell Hunt views plagiarism as a way for the academic community should rethink ways that encourage plagiarism. I feel like both are strong arguments, and if I were to listen to both present their arguments in person, I would definitely think Sadler’s argument was stronger because there’s so many points he makes and highlights the seriousness of the problem. I feel like Hunt’s argument is stronger because it is more positive and suggests students are to learn about plagiarism and take workshops to avoid it as opposed to just threatening them with failing.

Media Experiences

Media experiences have reinforced my existing worldviews and values and also have changed and expanded my views. The textbook says: “If we are unaware of the impact media has on our lives and decisions, or if we engage in self-serving bias by fooling ourselves into thinking that the media affects others but not ourselves, we run the risk of being controlled by the media rather than being in control of our own lives.” (357) The text also says that only watching programs that confirm your worldview contributes to confirmation bias and narrow-mindedness. (358) THINK by Judith A. Boss suggests reading or watching coverage of the same issue or news event on another channel to overcome bias and narrow-mindedness. I do this because you cannot rely on one source for your news because one story can be interpreted and given so many different ways. I do not do this with every story I read or see, but it is interesting to do so especially with news surrounding politics.

Social Networking

According to THINK by Judith A. Boss, ‘The internet is affecting daily life by reshaping social dynamics among young people” (353) I definitely agree with this statement and it has definitely had an impact on the way I communicate. Something I found interesting under this topic was points to consider when posting a message on a social network site. These include: What is my goal or intention in posting this message? Who is the recipient of the message? Include both intentional and unintentional recipients in your answer. What information is being conveyed in the message? What feelings and attitudes are being communicated in both the verbal and nonverbal messages? Does the message being posted enhance or move me closer to my life goals? (354) I feel like in a normal Facebook or Twitter post I don’t usually take any of these points into consideration! I put thought into what I’m posting but definitely not as much thought as the list mentions.

Children's Food Advertising

Healthy habits start from home, not the T.V. With that said, if parent’s do not want their children exposed to television advertisments of companies who pay to have their ads shown, their children should not be watching that much T.V, or limited to watching when their parents are present to fast forward through commercials they don’t want their kids watching. I understand where Margo G. Wootan is coming from because the obesity rate has gotten out of control, but parents cannot rely on the television to influence their children. They should be informed on the importance of eating healthy and how junk food, if eaten uncontrollably can harm their health. The guidelines of food and beverages that are outlined in this article are understandable, and in an ideal world should be followed but I personally feel like you cannot blame advertising for children’s unhealthy eating habits so I think the criteria of what should and should not be marketed is a little crazy. Because of all of this, I think that Robert Liodice makes a stronger argument. The article says “Without the free exchange of information, we limit the ability of Americans to be fully informed to make the choices that are inherently theirs to make. When those freedoms are jeopardized, we all lose. When you begin to chip away, even marginally, we all run the risk of sliding down that slippery slope of diminishing rights and privelages.” (336) I agree 100% with this point. I feel like I could quote his whole article because I agree so much with what he says so I’ll limit myself to the following: “Unlike CSPI’s guidelines which mislead the public by narrowly focusing on food advertising, the Surgeon General’s report [2001] contains thoughtful, specific recommendations on how to address the challenge [of childhood nutrition] in a balance, comprehensive way” (337)He goes on to say the challenge of childhood nutrition instead calls on individuals, families, schools, etc. to work together to bring better health to everyone in the country.

Product Placement

Product placement is an advertising strategy in which a real commercial product is used in fictional media, and the presence of the product is the result of an economic exchange between the company and the business that produces the product. (321) I think that this is an effective way for companies to advertise because it is hitting their target market without having to use a commercial. For example, the text says the logo for a sports apparel company may appear on sports uniforms and equipment. This is great advertising because if a runner is wearing Nike’s and their race is televised, someone who is watching is likely interested in running and in turn may think, “Wow, this person just won a super long race and was wearing Nikes, that must be a great brand of shoes to buy” which may lead to them purchasing the shoes in turn bringing profit to the company.

Marketing Strategies

I feel like I have been victim to all of the marketing strategies mentioned in the text recently! For example, the text says marketers have come up with strategies to get customers to stay in stores longer than they normally would to buy something they wouldn’t buy if they had been in and out. Boss says most drug stores make customers wait 15 minutes while a prescription is being filled, not because it takes that long but in order to give customers time to make additional purchases. (No wonder the people who go through drive through pharmacies are always helped so fast!) Just in the past week I was picking up an antibiotic at Walgreens and while I was in there I bought chapstick, toothpaste, hair ties, and a notebook just because I was browsing the aisles, not because I needed any of it!! I know I always buy things on impulse and have a serious spending problem! Now I feel like I’ve been conned into doing so lol. I’ll definitely be more aware now!

Healthy habits start from home, not the T.V. With that said, if parent’s do not want their children exposed to television advertisments of companies who pay to have their ads shown, their children should not be watching that much T.V, or limited to watching when their parents are present to fast forward through commercials they don’t want their kids watching. I understand where Margo G. Wootan is coming from because the obesity rate has gotten out of control, but parents cannot rely on the television to influence their children. They should be informed on the importance of eating healthy and how junk food, if eaten uncontrollably can harm their health. The guidelines of food and beverages that are outlined in this article are understandable, and in an ideal world should be followed but I personally feel like you cannot blame advertising for children’s unhealthy eating habits so I think the criteria of what should and should not be marketed is a little crazy. Because of all of this, I think that Robert Liodice makes a stronger argument. The article says “Without the free exchange of information, we limit the ability of Americans to be fully informed to make the choices that are inherently theirs to make. When those freedoms are jeopardized, we all lose. When you begin to chip away, even marginally, we all run the risk of sliding down that slippery slope of diminishing rights and privelages.” (336) I agree 100% with this point. I feel like I could quote his whole article because I agree so much with what he says so I’ll limit myself to the following: “Unlike CSPI’s guidelines which mislead the public by narrowly focusing on food advertising, the Surgeon General’s report [2001] contains thoughtful, specific recommendations on how to address the challenge [of childhood nutrition] in a balance, comprehensive way” (337)He goes on to say the challenge of childhood nutrition instead calls on individuals, families, schools, etc. to work together to bring better health to everyone in the country.