“We can learn a lot from psychopaths. Certain
aspects of their personalities and intellect are often hallmarks of success”
By: Kevin Dutton
Published: Scientific American, October 12,
2012; http://scientificamerican.com
Alternatively, google the title and writer’s name.
Level of difficulty: ***
BEFORE YOU READ
Documentary
to watch
·
“I am fishead: are corporate
leaders psychopaths?” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/i-am-fishead-are-corporate-leaders-psychopaths/
·
“I, psychopath” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/i-psychopath/
“Psychopath” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/psychopath/
TAKE THE TEST
·
How dark is your personality? http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20151123-how-dark-is-your-personality?ocid=global_future_rss&ocid=global_bbccom_email_03122015_future
It is
suggested that you watch and make notes on videos concerning the qualities of
leaders, CEO, business leaders as well as serious criminals (try ted.com). When
you have done so, discuss what you have learnt with your friends. Make a note
of the conclusions you reach. Then access the following podcast and listen carefully. You will find the accompanying text on the same sight. Copy paste to access:
QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
1.
Why
do some people continue along their chosen path with a complete disregard for
social, moral and legal consequences? Be explicit.
2.
Read
paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5. What is the point the writer is trying to make? Use
your own words.
3.
What
is your personal opinion of Doctor Geraghty?
4.
What
does “these” refer to in the phrase “claims like these” in paragraph 8?
5.
What
do you think is meant by the term “inner city”? Use your own words.
6.
What
do you think is meant by the term “soundtrack” in this text? Use your own
words.
7.
Read
as far as Trolleyology. Was the initial hypothesis of the writer proved or
disproved as a result of the experiment? What is the implication of this
result?
Read the section titled “Trolleyology” to the
end.
8.
In
what respect do the reactions of normal people and psychopaths resemble each
other? With respect to their reaction to …………………………………………………………………………………………
9.
In
what respect do the reactions of normal people and psychopaths differ from each
other? With respect to their reaction to ……………………………………………………………………………………………
10.
What
specific physical difference is observed in psychopaths?
11.
The
above means that in the case of psychopaths, reasoning / rational thought /
empathy doesn’t / don’t enter the mix. Circle the correct answers.
Read “The Psychopath Mix”
12.
In
the study conducted by Board and Fritzon, serial killers and mass murderers greatly
surpassed business leaders in the following aspects: ………………………………………………………
13.
Does
Mehmet Mahmout’s research prove or disprove Board and Fritzon’s findings? How
do you know?
14.
What
does “This” refer to in the phrase “This, Mahmout suggests, means that the two
groups should not be viewed…”
15.
What
surprising finding was made in the study involving first year undergraduates?
Use your own words.
16.
Why
is insensitivity considered such an asset by businessmen? Use your own words.
WRITING TASK
Write a definition essay discussing
the qualities of an ideal CEO. Use the notes you made while listening and
watching videos, the information you gleaned from the text and the plan below.
In your introduction, discuss the modern business world, the rise of large conglomerates and
multinationals and the displacement of the owner-manager by high power CEO. End
your introduction with a thesis statement: A successful CEO needs to have
various positive and negative characteristics to be able to achieve his goals.
In your first developmental paragraph, discuss the following qualities:
determination, charm, fearlessness, focus and curiosity. Remember to provide a
topic sentence and examples.
In your second developmental paragraph, discuss ruthlessness, insensitivity and lack
of morals. Remember to provide a topic sentence and examples.
In your conclusion, make a restatement.
WHAT PSYCHOPATHS TEACH US ABOUT HOW TO SUCCEEED KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES
If any text has a wow factor, this is it. In terms capturing the
attention of the students, this text is off the charts! I expect it to fly.
Also, the text comes up with some surprising and interesting information
guaranteeing that attention won’t wander. There is text related writing task
but I do suggest a few videos off ted.com concerning the qualities of CEO and a
discussion first.
1.
Because
they have a grandiose sense of self worth, persuasiveness, superficial charm,
ruthlessness, lack of remorse and the ability to manipulate others.
2.
Possible
answer: All these examples share various qualities.
3.
Open
ended.
4.
Paragraph
7, starting “the arsonist……” then “the kid with a knife….”
5.
A
serious psychopath.
6.
The
selection of psychopathic traits.
7.
It
was proved. Zeroing in on weakness may well be part of a serial killers tool
kit.
8.
The
first experiment; OR: in the case of an impersonal moral dilemna
9.
The
second case. OR: in the case of a personal moral dilemna
10.
In
psychopaths, the amygdale and related brain circuits remain dark.
11.
Empathy.
12.
Law
breaking, physical aggression and impulsivity
13.
It
proves it. Other studies seem to confirm the mixing deck picture…
14.
The
fact that patterns of brain dysfunction observed in criminal and non criminal
psychopaths exhibit dimensional rather than discrete differences.
15.
CEO,
spies, politicians, the military, serial killers, assassins and bank robbers
were put together in one group.
16.
It
means they don’t have a conscience to distress them
No comments:
Post a Comment