WHY EVEN THE BEST FEEDBACK CAN BRING OUT THE WORST IN US

“Our minds have many cunning strategies for shunning feedback – but there are ways to avoid these traps, say psychologists Robert Nash and Naomi Winstone”

Published: 9 March 2017, BBC, http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170308-why-even-the-best-feedback-can-bring-out-the-worst-in-us

Level of Difficulty: **

BEFORE YOU READ

·         Get better at receiving feedback https://hbr.org/video/3166586126001/get-better-at-receiving-feedback

QUESTIONS

1.       What is the irony in our attitude to success? Although ….(Tweak the text)

2.       There is no doubt that we could benefit from feedback but nevertheless we consider it………………………..

3.       The above attitude and our resulting reaction is basically foolish because ….

4.       Which of the examples below is an example of a “fingers in ears” reaction?

·         A terminally ill cancer patient not visiting or consulting the doctor

·         A patient who is scared of surgery not going to the doctor for a hip replacement

5.       What was the result of the “TAA Deficiency” experiment?

6.       What is the take home point from this experiment?

7.       A professional actor is attending a theater course. During an exercise, he is outperformed by an amateur. How does he preserve his positive self image? By saying

·         I should have done better

·         I could have done better

·         I must do better next time

·         I have more professional contacts

·         I need to have more professional contacts

8.       Discrediting the feedback provider enables the subject to

·         Restrain himself

·         Comfort himself

·         Improve himself

·         Tempt himself

9.       What conclusion can we draw from the example of the female teacher?

10.   We understand from all we have read so far that people who are more accepting of criticism are those with…

11.   We understand from the study involving historical events that there is a positive correlation between being receptive to feedback and …(Two answers, find both)

12.   Which of the following phrases could be added to the beginning of the introduction:

·         As a result

·         In conclusion

·         To sum up

WRITING TASK

Watch the following lecture on giving and receiving feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJoMZaZVFkg  When you are done, write an essay in which you discuss the ways to provide and receive feedback.

WHY EVEN THE BEST FEEDBACK CAN BRING OUT THE WORST IN US KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES

Giving and receiving feedback is very important in achieving success. This text analyzes the reasons why most people are so touchy and have problems receiving feedback. The questions provide a gentle  introduction to serious inferential questions.

1.       Although we want to achieve success , we would rather not hear worm words of wisdom, constructive criticism or 360 degree feedback

2.       A threat to our self esteem and positive sense of identity

3.       It shines an unflattering spotlight on our insecurities, character flaws and unpleasant attitudes

4.       The second

5.        52% of those who were told they would have to take a pill for two weeks agreed to provide a diagnostic cheek swab but only 21% of those who were told they would have to take the pills for the rest of their lives did.

6.       People are resistant to hearing feedback when they believe it could oblige them to do something difficult or unpleasant

7.       I have more professional contacts

8.       Comfort himself

9.       The way we blame feedback givers can sometimes uncover our most unpalatable prejudices

10.   High self esteem

11.   Investment of resources in receiving it  OR the feedback being wanted

12.   To sum up; the conclusion is a summary

CAN I TRUST HIM? THE PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOPHY OF TRUST

“What is trust, when does it pertain, and can it ever be absolute?”

By: Neel Burton M.D.

Published: Psychology Today, March 3 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201703/can-i-trust-him-the-psychology-and-philosophy-trust

Level of Difficulty: ***

BEFORE YOU READ

·         What we don’t understand about trust https://www.ted.com/talks/onora_o_neill_what_we_don_t_understand_about_trust/transcript?language=en

·         Are people born Good? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phwHEE-Zz_A

·         Is Evil Rational? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryA8PafooQ4

QUESTIONS

1.       Where else could we place the paragraph beginning “We behave justly…”? Could this be done without the need for alterations in the following paragraph?

2.       Look back at the exchange between Glaucon and Socrates. They disagree… Mark as many as fit.

·         As to the implications of injustice

·         As to the implications of health and disease

·         As to the requirements of the soul

·         As to one major source of happiness

·         As to the lack of rational control

3.       Which of the following subtitles would best fit the paragraph beginning “Even”

·         Back to nature

·         The domino effect

·         States in turmoil

·         Attack  and counter-attack

4.       Aristotle disagrees with Socrates in that he thinks that ………..isn’t the only facture that makes one good.

5.       Look back on the text up to “In Leviathan…”What kind of text is this turning out to be? What method has the writer used to make his point?

6.       Hobbes agrees / disagrees with Socrates concerning the basic liberties/proclivities / facilities / learning of human nature. It is for this reason that he believes that for peace to exist there needs to be …

7.       Read the paragraph beginning “Game Theory”. Which of the subtitles below would best fit this paragraph?

·         Game Theory

·         Vested interests

·         Virtue and interest

·         Covenants and swords

8.       Look back at the views of Socrates, Aristotle and Hobbes. Who has the most faith in human nature? Who has the least? How do you know?

9.       What conclusion can be drawn from the paragraph beginning “Happily…”?

10.   The writer supports his defense of altruism as the glue that holds society together by stating that altruism helps people both …………………..and……………………… (Base your answer on the text but use your own word)

11.   During a meeting with prison inmates Pope Francis was jostled by people who wanted to get to him and almost tripped. He raised his voice and said “Don’t be selfish!” This was uncharacteristic. He probably felt angry / confused / immoral/ ashamed afterwards because he felt that he had………………..

12.   Imagine a nobleman who is living in the middle ages. He is a notorious rake who is dying and decides to gift all his wealth to the Catholic Church on his deathbed.

Now consider the example of The Bill Gates foundation: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do . Bill Gates has poured his wealth into this organization.

Which is altruistic and why?

13.   The writer feels there is a link between trust and the acceptance of…..This means that people we trust can relinquish……………but in doing so they will …………………………………………………….

WRITING TASK

Write an essay on the following topic: Which of the thinkers mentioned in the text do you agree with most? Justify your answer.

CAN I TRUST HIM? THE PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOPHY OF TRUST KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES

This reading task mainly focuses on drawing conclusions and summarizing and is based on a truly academic text including the views of Socrates, Aristotle, Hobbes and Hume. It is a sophisticated text written at a relatively simple level and as such should appeal to those interested philosophy.

1.       Right at the beginning; yes it could

2.       One and four

3.       The domino effect; because the paragraph describes a chain reaction

4.       Nature

5.       Argumentative, comparison (by whole units)

6.       Disagrees, proclivities, social contract

7.       Covenants and Swords because it best summarizes the paragraph and gives the reader a clue as to what he is getting into

8.       Socrates, Hobbes, Socrates says that justice and injustice are to the soul as health and disease are to the body; and if health in the body is intrinsically desirable, then so is justice in the soul. Hobbes thinks so little of human nature that he cannot even conceive of genuine trust and by his social contract…

9.       Happily, human nature is a bit brighter than Hobbes surmised

10.   Personally and socially OR on a personal level and a social level

11.   Ashamed, Fallen short of cultural or societal moral standards

12.   The Bill Gates foundation. In the first example there is far more vested interest. The nobleman wants to save his soul. He has come to the end of his life and he is afraid. There is vested interest in the first example as well but it is much less important.

13.   Responsibility, responsibility, not mislead us and let us down gently

HOW COLLECTIVE NARCISSISM IS DIRECTING WORLD POLITICS

“A little-known personality trait may lie behind the political upheaval across the world”

By: Christian Jarret

Published: BBC, 3 March 2017, http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170303-how-collective-narcissism-is-directing-world-politics

Level of Difficulty:**

BEFORE YOU READ

·         Collective Narcissism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WecBIoqA34s

·         What is collective narcissism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUnxtgftNTY   

QUESTIONS

1.       Read the following test and answer the questions. When you are finished add up your score. The higher your score, the more narcissistic you are. COLLECTIVE NARCISSISM SCALE (GOLEC DE ZAVALA ET AL., 2009)

Instruction: Please think about (the name of the group) while responding to the items of the scale. 1 = Totally disagree to 6 = Totally agree

I wish other groups would more quickly recognize the authority of my group.

My group deserves special treatment.*

I will never be satisfied until my group gets the recognition it deserves.*

I insist upon my group getting the respect that is due to it.

It really makes me angry when others criticize my group.*

If my group had a major say in the world, the world would be a much better place.*

I do not get upset when people do not notice the achievements of my group. (reversely coded)

Not many people seem to fully understand the importance of my group.*

The true worth of my group is often misunderstood.

*Items with asterisk form a shorter version of the Collective Narcissism Scale 2.  What is ironic about the character of the narcissist? 3.  It is implied in the text that someone who has pride in his nation is different from a collective narcissist because he has ……………………………………… 4.  Take the following tests and determine your degree of bias: * http://www.understandingprejudice.org/iat/racframe.htm *  http://www.understandingprejudice.org/iat/ 5.  We understand from the text and your own trial run of the test that the main criteria that determines the results is how…. 6.  What conclusion can be drawn from the polish example? 7.  Why did the researchers ask participants to think about a time in their past when they had no control? To see if… 8.  Look at the following Nazi slogans. Who was Hitler appealing to when he uttered them? Führer befiehl, wir folgen dir! (Führer command, we'll follow you!)  Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer ("One people, one empire, one leader") — Nazi campaign slogan.  9. Check out the top ten conspiracy theories on this website http://listverse.com/2007/08/21/top-10-conspiracy-theories/ Do you believe these theories? What does that make you? 10. What is the significance of the above attitude? 11. What is the reason for the Portuguese attitude to Germany and the Turkish attitude towards the EU? Be specific 12. Healthy national pride lacks the …………..and ……………which characterize collective narcissism. WRITING TASK Use all you have learnt to describe what kind of a person a collective narcissist is and why the increase of collective narcissism is such a threat. Before you start, access the following article, read it and make notes: ·         Believe in conspiracy theories? You're probably a narcissist: People who doubt the moon landings are more likely to be selfish and attention-seeking http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3482408/Believe-conspiracy-theories-probably-narcissist-People-doubt-moon-landings-likely-selfish-attention-seeking.html HOW COLLECTIVE NARCISSM IS DIRECTING WORLD POLITICS KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES Collective narcissism is a growing trend in the world and has serious implications in all fields of life. The students should be able to relate all they read about to events taking place on the global stage and people in the news. As such, there is plenty of opportunity for lively discussion and a good writing task. 1.       The answers will vary 2.       He is grandiose and overconfident on the outside, but needy and vulnerable underneath 3.       No doubt about his group’s prestige and he doesn’t crave its recognition by others 4.       The answers will vary 5.       How quick we are to respond when the same key is allocated to categories that we associate in our minds 6.       People who don’t see their national in group in a positive light desperately seek affirmation of their country’s worth from other people 7.       The participants scores on collective narcissism  would increase 8.       Collective narcissists 9.       A collective narcissist; 10.    It could fuel hostility between countries 11.   The publics are collective narcissists and are motivated by revenge 12.   The defensive and paranoid tone, the insatiable desire for due recognition from others

ON BEING SANE IN INSANE PLACES

ROSENHAN, D. L. (I973)

Published:  A.S. Psychology http://www.holah.karoo.net/rosenhanstudy.htm

Level of difficulty: ***

BEFORE YOU READ

·         Rosenhan- Being Sane In Insane Places https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8OxdGV_7lo

·         Re-enactment: Rosenhan's Being Sane in Insane Places https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRPICpCNrU

FURTHER STUDY

·         BBC Mental A History of the Madhouse FULL DOCUMENTARY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oswUssXzFlY

QUESTIONS

1.       The classification of mental illness is no longer haphazard because …

2.       The aim of the Rosenhan’s study was to show that ......................... still cannot be distinguished from each other.

3.       We understand from the first paragraph of the section titled “Procedure” that the study met / didn’t meet the criteria necessary to conduct a scientific study.

4.       The vast majority of the people taking part in the study were…. Use your own words.

5.       The choice of complaints was random / haphazard / calculated / arbitrary

6.       What aspects of the staff’s behavior towards the pseudo patients are hard to understand? They disregarded the fact that…………………………….and the fact that………………………………

7.       What was ironic about the reactions the pseudo patients received at the hospital?

8.       The mistake the hospital staff made in assessing the pseudo patients was seeing….

9.       Which of the sayings below could best express the main idea of the paragraph beginning “Another example”? Mark as many as fit.

·         When you hear the sound of galloping, think horses not zebras

·         If you judge people, you have no time to love them

·         Don’t trust everything you see; even salt looks like sugar

·         We build too many walls and not enough bridges

·         Do what you can, with what you have, where you are

10.   The treatment of patients on a daily basis is analyzed in the text. How could it be described?

Considerate / inhuman / insensitive / invasive

11.   Read the account of the administering of medication. What conclusion can you draw about the staff’s attitude?

·         They didn’t visit the toilettes

·         The medicine was a placebo

·         They trusted the patients

·         They had no cameras in the toilettes

·         They were uninterested

12.   Read the information concerning the second experiment. What is the take home point from the section? How many fit?

·         The doctors seem to see what they want to see

·         The doctors are not properly trained

·         The doctors probably don’t treat their patients properly

·         The judgment of the doctors seems to be clouded

·         The doctors seem to have an over-active imagination

13.   What conclusion can be drawn from the results of the two experiments?

14.   The way the different variables were selected allowed for…

15.   How were the problems that came to light as a result of Rosehan’s study dealt with? By adopting …

16.   Numerous psychiatric institutions reacted to Rosenhan’s findings by…

WRITING TASK

Write an essay discussing the problems involved in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Before you do so, watch the videos and documentaries below:

Videos:

·         Towards an understanding of mental illness https://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_insel_toward_a_new_understanding_of_mental_illness#t-63561

·         Doctors admit no diagnosis for Mental Health Problems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_tiAkdLJ38

Documentary:

·         Understanding Mental Illness, Episode 1: What is Mental Illness? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MvY-Qpl1I4

·         Understanding Mental Illness, Episode 2: Community Based Programs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN69cElEU6I

ON BEING SANE IN INSANE PLACES TEACHERS’ NOTES AND KEY

This wonderful text is an account of Rosenhan’s famous experiment concerning the diagnosis of mental disease. The text is a straightforward and factual one. Yet the questions are inferential ones. It is harder to write such questions for a text like this but it is possible. Such questions ensure that the students are fully engaged.

1.       Because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used to classify abnormal behavior

2.       Sane and insane people

3.       Met

4.       Possible answer: Professionals, educated, trained,

5.       Calculated

6.       The pseudo patients said they were fine and no longer experienced symptoms / they spent time writing notes

7.       They were not suspected by the staff but many of the others suspected their sanity

8.       Everyday human experiences and behaviors as pathological

9.       The first one and the third one

10.   Insensitive

11.   They were uninterested

12.   One, four and five

13.   Psychiatric labels tend to stick in a way that medical labels do not (This is the minimum you need)

14.   The results to be generalized

15.   DSM-III

16.   Improving their philosophy of care

THE ONLY THING HISTORICALLY THAT’S CURBED INEQUALITY: CATASTROPHE

“Plagues revolutions, massive wars, collapsed states – these are what reliably reduce economic disparities”

By: Walter Scheidel

Published: February 21, 2017, The Atlantic, https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/02/scheidel-great-leveler-inequality-violence/517164/

Level of Difficulty: ***

BEFORE YOU READ

·         History fun fact: The Great Compression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjVhO7GNARg

·         How economic Inequality harms society https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_wilkinson

QUESTIONS

1.        There is a misunderstanding concerning the good old days of the American economy. Income disparity was not down to……………….it came about as a consequence of ………………………… (Partly inferred)

2.       The Great Compression, which was a consequence of ……….., came about due to the government policies of……………….and……………………….

3.       The American Civil War is given as an example of an event which reduced economic disparity by…………….

4.       The Russian revolution and the Chinese revolution were different from The French revolution in terms of ……………….As a result they succeeded in ……………….

5.       Why is it surprising that violent turmoil increases equality?

6.       The plague and similar pandemics were considered to be advantageous in terms of income disparity because they increased the wages of the labour force /  they angered the nobility / they reduced competition for jobs / the value of property dropped sharply.

7.       What depressing conclusion is reached in the paragraph beginning “But what of…”?

8.       The economies of South American countries are presented as examples in order to………………(Your own words)

9.       We understand from the text income inequality cannot be expected to be reduced because the existing order can no longer be completely upended / major catastrophes will no longer occur / the major leveling forces are a thing of the past / violent leveling of society is still possible / developments in many fields make catastrophes impossible. Mark the one that doesn’t fit.

10.   We can draw the conclusion that it will keep getting harder and harder to tackle income disparity because ……………………

11.   This text is an advantages and disadvantages essay/ an argumentative essay / a problem and solution essay / a cause and effect essay. How do you know? Explain.

WRITING TASK

Use all you have learnt to write about the effects of income disparity and how to reduce it. Before you do so, watch the following videos:

·         Reducing Economic Disparity - Richard Norgaard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No-WH9yBSMk

·         Income inequality impairs the American dream of upward mobility http://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/income-inequality-impairs-american-dream-upward-mobility

THE ONLY THING HISTORICALLY THAT’S CURBED INEQUALITY: CATASTROPHE

This short yet brilliant text is argumentative in style and fits in nicely with the way students are encouraged to write such essays. It is a sophisticated text with a wealth of vocabulary, which will need to be dealt with. It also puts the dampener on dreams about achieving income equality; a view that students may want to discuss.

1.       Economic development ; the world wars (Learn to fine-tune your answers; this is the minimum you need to write

2.      The world wars (Or wartime or total war)Aggressive government intervention in the private sector ; disruptions to capital holdings

3.       Upending the established order

4.       Scale; transforming societies

5.       Because everyone stands to suffer in times of collapse (Most explicit and direct answer)

6.       They reduced competition for jobs.

7.       Democracy on its own doesn’t consistently lower inequality

8.       Possible answer: Disprove / Refute the views of Simon Kuznets

9.       Violent leveling of society is still possible

10.   Rich countries are aging, immigration will put pressure on social solidarity and technological change might boost inequality

11.   Argumentative: the thesis statement provides the writers view, which is then supported. The counter arguments are given and refuted and the concluding statement is a rephrasing of the thesis statement