Grades have been entered

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Week of November 26 - December 2

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 13 - Law and Politics
*No discussion this week
*Finish working on the final project: Group Facilitation Paper.  This paper will be due by Dec. 2 @ 11:59pm.  Be sure to submit your assignment early.   This paper should be your BEST work, as it is the culminating project in the class. 

Week of November 19-25

Hello Folks!

The only thing to do this week is:

*Continue working on the final assignment:  Group Facilitation Paper.  As a reminder, the final assignment is due by Dec 2nd @ 11:59pm.  Please have one member of your group submit the final assignment through email.  NOTE:  There will be no Group Participation Assessment due for this assignment.

Have a great week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Reminder

Hello Fabulous Students,

As a reminder, you are able to contact me a number of different ways:

1). Email
2). Tues/Thurs - Yahoo Messenger:  carolperezcommclass  I hold office hours from 9:30am-11:30am.
3). Phone conversation - I'm always available to chat over the phone.  Just email me and we can set a time/date to chat.  I know it seems strange for students to chat with their instructor over the phone, but I let me assure you that I chat with students over the phone consistently.  So while it may seem a little strange to you, it is common practice for me.

In short - I'm available whenever you need to chat.

Have a great day!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Science

Goals of this chapter:

1). Learn about the history of science.

2). Identify and critically analyze the assumptions underlying science.
3). Study the scientific method.
4). Learn how to evaluate scientific explanations.
5). Distinguish between science and pseudoscience.
6). Learn about the different types of scientific experiments and how to evaluate them.
7). Look at ethical concerns in scientific experimentation.
8). Examine Thomas Kuhn's theory of normal science and paradigm shifts.

What is Science?
Science rests upon reasoning that move from observable, measurable facts, usually called data, to testable explanations for these facts, usually called data, to testable explanations for these facts.  Scientists discover, observe, and collect facts in a systematic manner to explain relationships.  The then link these relationships through explanatory devices such as hypotheses.  Modern science has a profound impact on our lives, and because it is so pervasive, we tent to perceive it as the natural method for obtaining knowledge about the world.  However, we must recognize and evaluate the assumptions underlying science to ensure what we are learning is accurate and credible.

Assumptions Underlying Science
Science is the primary way Western culture perceives and interprets reality.  However, it is important to keep in mind that science is a system created by humans and, as such, is based on a particular set of assumptions.  These assumptions include empiricism, objectivity, materialism, predictability, and unity.

Empiricism, Objectivity, Materialism, Predictability, and Unity
*Empiricism - Sense experience is the source of truth.
*Objectivity - We can study the physical world without bias.
*Materialism - Everything in the universe is made up of physical matter.
*Predictability - The universe is composed of interconnected causal relationships.
*Unity - The universe has an underlying, unified dynamic structure.


Limitations of Science
Despite its obvious strengths, scientific reasoning has some limitations. Empiricism and the use of sense experience limits science to observable, shared phenomena.  Additionally, the basis of science, the existence of the physical world, cannot be empirically proven.  Furthermore, quantum physics challenges the idea that reality is ultimately predictable and material and that objective observation is even possible.

As critical thinkers, it is important to keep both the strengths and limitations of scientific reasoning in mind.

The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the basis for generating scientific knowledge.  It involves a series of steps.
*Identify the problem.
*Develop an initial hypothesis.
*Gather additional information and refine the hypothesis.
*Test the hypothesis.
*Evaluate the hypothesis based on the results of testing or experimentation.

Evaluating a Scientific Hypothesis
When evaluating a scientific hypothesis, the following criteria are appropriate:
*Is it relevant to the problem under investigation?
*Is it consistent with well-established theories?
*Is the simplest explanation for the problem
*Does it provide a testable and falsifiable explanation of the problem?
*Can it be used to predict the outcome of similar events?

Distinguishing Between Science and Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience is a body of explanations or hypotheses that, in an attempt to gain legitimacy, masquerades as science.  Unlike science, which uses systematic observation, reasoning, and testing, pseudoscience is based on emotional appeals, superstition, and rhetoric.  Astrology is an example of pseudoscience.  Pseudoscience takes advantage of cognitive errors in our thinking, and is often used to persuade people, particularly the young, as a means to gain money or political support.

Research Methodology
Research methodology is a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing information based on established scientific procedures and techniques.  One of these methodologies is experimentation.  Three  common types of experimentation are field experiments, controlled experiments, and single group (pretest-posttest) experiments. These experiments include elements such as independent variables, dependent variables, and confounding variables, and all use experimental material, the group of class of objects or subjects under study.

Evaluating Experimental Designs
Regardless of which type of experiment design is used, common evaluation criteria can be applied to test the validity of the experiment and its results.  Well-designed experiments use the following criteria:
*Unbiased - The experiment has checks or controls to eliminate both subject and experimenter bias.
8Measurement - The measurements used are appropriate and reliable as well as accurate and precise.
*Replicable - The experiment can be reproduced by other scientists.
*Generality - The experimental results can be generalized to the population under study.

Ethical Concerns in Science
Although scientific experiments may be well designed and produce significant results, they may be inappropriate due to their violation or moral and ethical principles and guidelines.  Ethical considerations of informed consent, rights, and nonmaleficence (no harm) are particularly important when dealing with human subjects.  During World War II, Nazi doctors performed unethical experiments on Jews, prisoners of war, and other prisoners.  These activities have also occurred in the United States, such as in the Tuskegee study.

Thomas Kuhn and Scientific Paradigms 
In his work The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962), American physicist and science historian Thomas Kuhn (1922-1996) challenged the idea that science is progressive and objective.  Instead he argued that science, like other human enterprises, is a social construct - a product of its society.  As such, it is biased by social expectations and professional norms that determine what is acceptable in terms of hypotheses and experimentation.

Scientific Revolutions and Paradigm Shifts
Kuhn argued in favor of three key concepts: normal science, paradigms, and scientific revolutions.  Normal science refers to "research based upon one or more past achievements", while paradigms, building on normal science, provide an accepted view of the world.  A scientific revolution,  or a paradigm shift, occurs when a new scientific theory is developed to replace a problematic paradigm.  Einstein's theory of relativity is an example of a paradigm shift.

Conclusions
Science and scientific thinking has generated enormous benefit to humanity.  However, as critical thinkers we must be aware of its limitations, the temptations of pseudoscience, and the possibilities of other explanations for phenomena, and the possibilities of other explanations for phenomena.  We muse use evaluative criteria when considering scientific reasoning, and recognize that new ideas may hold answers to questions that existing paradigms cannot resolve.

Week of November 12-18

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 12 in the Boss text - Science
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.


*Continue working on the final assignment:  Group Facilitation Paper.  You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned).  Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components. 
*Review Mission Critical Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/main.html
*Review Causal Arguments Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/induc/causal.html

Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.

1). After reading Chapter 23 in its entirety, go back to page 383 and answer the following question:  Read your horoscope for the day on the internet.  How accurate, in your opinion is the prediction?  Is the prediction falsifiable?  Note some events that would definitively falsify the horoscope.  (Be sure to include your horoscope at the beginning of the post so we can read it, and your answer).

2). Think of a time when you drew an incorrect conclusion on the basis of observation alone.  How did you discover that your observation was misleading?  Discuss the role scientific knowledge played in correcting misperception.

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. 


Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Grades updated in D2L

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Study Abroad Summer 2013 - Beijing

The Blogging Prof. is leading a study abroad trip to Beijing during the summer of 2013!!!!!!      

Visit Beijing and earn four upper division units in communication studies!

During the summer of 2013 I will be leading an intercultural communication study abroad program to China, with a special emphasis on tourism, modernity, and urban life.

Students will stay at Communication University of China, which provides comfortable dormitory housing, low-cost meals, and easy access to the sights of Beijing.  Classes focus on conversation and real-life exploration, and you will have lots of free time.  That means opportunities to climb the Great Wall, wander the Forbidden City, experience the Peking Opera, and more.

Great Wall

Forbidden City

Peking Opera

Pricing (excluding airfare and visa fees) is about $2,500, which covers housing, course fees, food, and several local tours.  Cost for airfare and visa fees is estimated at an additional $1,500.  The course meets COMM 161F requirements, but course substitutions can be made if you've already taken that class.  If you a communication major, you should apply for this terrific opportunity.  However, this opportunity is open to all SJSU students.

Want to learn more:

Please contact me for more information.  Students are currently working on getting their passports and deposits, but there is still time to join the trip.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Week of November 5 - 11

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 11 in the Boss text - Mass Media
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment:  Group Facilitation Paper.  You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned).  Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components. 
*Quiz: Chapters 4, 9, 10 & 11.  You should log onto D2L to take the quiz.  Please do not wait until Sunday to take the quiz in case you run into technical difficulties.

Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.

1). After reading Chapter 11 in its entirety, answer the following question from page 359:  Discuss ways in which your media experiences reinforce your existing worldviews and values as well as ways in which they challenge or expand your views.  Be specific.

2). Go back and review pages 360-365 "Internet Plagiarism Among College Students" and answer the following question:  Critically analyze the responses of both Sadler and Hunt to the issue of Internet plagiarism.  Which person presents the best argument and why?  (Remember, use principles from the course text to back up your assertions).

3). Pick one concept from the reading this week, not already discussed, that found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Grades have been updated

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.