Reductionism

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Questions to explore after reading “Reductionism, When Are the Answers

Too Easy?” 

            These questions are all based on materials in this essay.  Don’t give routine or perfunctory answers.  Search you own experience, and make sure you base your answers on that.  Even when I ask you to explain something in the text, use your own words and thoughts.

            These questions are meant to exercise your skill and imagination in readingsocial science theory, andanalyzing social processes.  Real reading of real writing is not easy; it takes practice. Social analysis, likewise, is not in your genetic code, and certainly not available from mainstream journalists or politicians: that’ll be the day.  No, it has to be learned, and learned from sources outside of what passes for “the mainstream.”

            Just answer the each question in two or more paragraphs, but each time you make a new point, make anew paragraph, as many as ittakes.

            Short paragraphs are good.  Punchy.

1.  Is “theory” a difficult term for you?  In what contexts (where and from whom) have you heard the term before now?  How about outside of class?  What was it used to mean there?  How is/was it often misused?  What’s wrong with saying, “Oh, that’s just a theory”?  What does Strange say it means?  What does he say is important about theory in the first two paragraphs?

2.  Have you heard of ADHD (or ADD) before now?  Where and in what context?  How were its causes explained to you, or how did you imagine it could be explained? (If you have never heard of it before, say so, and move on to the next Q.)

3.  Answer the question at the end of section I about your first critical reaction to the chemical- genetic explanation of ADHD given so far.  How does it (the theory/explanation) of ADHD sound to you at this point?  Be frank.  What other human actions (complex behaviors or traits) have you heard described as having genetic, or hormonal, or biological causes (make a list)?

(The remaining questions, but especially 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, demand a little more detail, as well as more soul-searching.)

4. a) What are the possible shortcomings stated here (but translate into you own words) with the chemical-genetic explanation of Isabelle’s ADHD?  b)  What can be said to be missing from the chemical-genetic explanation/theory?  c) What is meant by “blaming the victim”?  Do you feel the chemical/genetic theory does this to Isabelle?  How so, or how not? What is your reaction to the other examples mentioned here of blaming the victim?  Do they?

What impact does this drug use or abuse have on the state of families in the U.S.?

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The following is a list of the most commonly abused substances:

 

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Hallucinogens such as LSD, or PCP or angel dust
  • Stimulants, such as cocaine, nicotine, amphetamine, or methamphetamine
  • Opiates such as heroin, opium, or codeine

 

Select one that you believe is most problematic for society, and discuss in detail why you believe this is the case.

 

What impact does this drug use or abuse have on the state of families in the U.S.?

 

Substance Use Disorders

 

Read the following two case scenarios:

 

Initially, Jose used cocaine only on the weekends when he was out with friends. But now he uses it every day, even when alone. Jose spends nearly his entire paycheck on his cocaine use. His wife is threatening to divorce him, and he is close to being fired from his job for underperforming. Yet, he continues to use cocaine.

 

Steven suffers from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder.  In order to help him focus better at work, Steven’s doctor prescribed Adderall (amphetamine).  Initially, Steven noticed an improvement in his concentration at work.  After he had been taking Adderall for 6 months, however, recently he is starting to feel his concentration slipping again. He mentioned this to his doctor, and his doctor increased the dosage Steven was taking.  He has also noticed that if he forgets to take his medicine, he is very tired, feels depressed, and has trouble sleeping.

Based on your readings, what is your viewpoint regarding Jose’s and Steven’s substance use? Keep the following questions in mind while writing the paper:

 

  • What category of substances do cocaine and amphetamine fall under, and what are the implications of this category on the body?  Be sure to give the classification, DEA schedule, and physical effects.
  • How is a substance use disorder diagnosed?
  • Is Jose’s behavior evidence of a substance use disorder? Give a clear and thorough rationale for your response.
  • Is Steven’s behavior evidence of a substance use disorder? Give a clear and thorough rationale for your response.

 

Before responding to the questions, read the information on this Web site:

http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/cocainerrs.pdf

 

Submit a two-three page paper in Microsoft Word

What evidence do the researchers offer as a test of their hypothesis?

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Read the following article:

  • Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K. N. (1993). Music and spatial task performance.Nature, 365. 6447: 611. (October 14, 1993). (ProQuest Document ID 76004658).

In your article summary, respond to the following questions:

  • State the research hypothesis in your own words. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
  • What were some variables the researchers controlled in their study? Why was this necessary?
  • What evidence do the researchers offer as a test of their hypothesis? Is this evidence empirical (observable)? Is it valid?
  • What explanation do the researchers offer for their findings? Does the evidence justify this explanation?

Read the following article:

Jenkins, J.S. (2001). The Mozart effect. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 94, 170-172.

Based on your readings, respond to the following:

  • Do you think there is any merit in the study (Rauscher, Shaw, & Ky, 1993)? Give three reasons for your position.
  • Does the study take individual differences in spatial ability into account? Explain your answer.
  • What are two ways in which the experiment could be modified to make the results more generalizable?

Write a 5–6-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M1_A3.doc.

Assignment 3 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Accurately identified and described the research hypothesis and variables studied in the research article. Identified any control variables, and explained the necessity of controlling them.
12
Evaluated validity of the evidence presented as a test of the hypothesis in the research article.
12
Evaluated interpretation of results in the research article.
12
Critically assessed the merit of the research study providing at least three reasons.
12
Evaluated whether the test took into account individual differences in spatial ability giving reasons.
12
Suggested at least two ways to modify the experiment to make the results more generalizable.
20
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
20
Total:
100

Describe the benefits and purpose for an organizational vision statement.

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Leaders today must be able to create a compelling vision for the organization. They also must be able to create an aligned strategy and then execute it. Visions have two parts, the envisioned future and the core values that support that vision of the future. The ability to create a compelling vision is the primary distinction between leadership and management. Leaders need to create a vision that will frame the decisions and behavior of the organization and keep it focused on the future while also delivering on the short-term goals.

To learn more about organizational vision statements, do an Internet search and review various vision statements.

In this assignment, you will consider yourself as a leader of an organization and write a vision statement and supporting values statement.

Select an organization of choice. This could be an organization that you are familiar with, or a fictitious organization. Then, respond to the following:

  • Provide the name and description of the organization. In the description, be sure to include the purpose of the organization, the products or services it provides, and the description of its customer base.
  • Describe the core values of the organization. Why are these specific values important to the organization?
  • Describe the benefits and purpose for an organizational vision statement.
  • Develop a vision statement for this organization. When developing a vision statement, be mindful of the module readings and lecture materials.
  • In the vision statement, be sure to communicate the future goals and aspirations of the organization.
  • Once you have developed the vision statement, describe how you would communicate the statement to the organizational stakeholders, that is, the owners, employees, vendors, and customers.
  • How would you incorporate the communication of the vision into the new employee on-boarding and ongoing training?

Write your response in approximately 3–5 pages in Microsoft Word. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M1_A3.doc. For example, if your name is John Smith, your document will be named SmithJ_M1_A3.doc.

 

Assignment 3 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Chose and described the organization. The description included the purpose of the organization, the products or services the organization provides, and the description of its customer base.
16
Developed a vision statement for the organization. Ensured to accurately communicate the goals and aspirations of the organization in the vision statement.
24
Ensured that the incorporation and communication strategy for the vision statement is clear, detailed, well thought out and realistic.
28
Evaluated and explained which values are most important to the organization.
24
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
8
Total:
100