This study "showing" that Americans have difficulty understanding the point of view of others is just about the least scientific study I have ever read and the biggest jump in reasoning I've seen in a while, but it is amusing. They cite no research linking spatial perception to "understanding others," nor do they use a control group to isolate whether there is a different between the spatial perception of Asians versus say, Europeans or Russians (another "collectivist" group). The sample is hardly large enough to compensate for the many racial backgrounds that constitute "Americans," nor do they seem to have inquired into whether the Asians tested were raised with collectivist or individualist values or whether they were American-born or naturalized. There's no use bringing this study down further, and perhaps the journalist is equally guilty of inaccurate and oversimplified reporting, but it is funny to see people trying to demonstrate "old news" scientifically. It's not funny that this kind of joke happens at UChicago.
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
20 July 2007
old news
This study "showing" that Americans have difficulty understanding the point of view of others is just about the least scientific study I have ever read and the biggest jump in reasoning I've seen in a while, but it is amusing. They cite no research linking spatial perception to "understanding others," nor do they use a control group to isolate whether there is a different between the spatial perception of Asians versus say, Europeans or Russians (another "collectivist" group). The sample is hardly large enough to compensate for the many racial backgrounds that constitute "Americans," nor do they seem to have inquired into whether the Asians tested were raised with collectivist or individualist values or whether they were American-born or naturalized. There's no use bringing this study down further, and perhaps the journalist is equally guilty of inaccurate and oversimplified reporting, but it is funny to see people trying to demonstrate "old news" scientifically. It's not funny that this kind of joke happens at UChicago.
02 December 2006
hummers go green!
An algae-filled recyclable Hummer that opens like a flower to absorb sunlight is pretty funky and an attention-getting way of designing a fully recyclable car. It's a nice surprise for GM spokesmen to speak of the SUV's original intended customers as "people who worked in the outdoors, environmentalists, naturalists and outdoorsmen." But my favorite is Toyota's "electric-powered, tandem-style vehicle with wicker seats that the occupants could opt to pedal through stop-and-go Los Angeles rush-hour traffic." I'd definitely get me one of those.
The most intriguing social commentary I've seen in a while: For one analyst of popular culture, [the popularity of public apologies and rehab solutions is] a measure of the "therapeutic culture" that we live in. "It's like a huge moving conveyor belt. Once you declare yourself to be a client of our therapeutic culture, we say, 'OK great! Welcome aboard,' " says Jerry Herron, professor at Wayne State University. "Somewhere, there will be a sofa waiting for you."
The most intriguing social commentary I've seen in a while: For one analyst of popular culture, [the popularity of public apologies and rehab solutions is] a measure of the "therapeutic culture" that we live in. "It's like a huge moving conveyor belt. Once you declare yourself to be a client of our therapeutic culture, we say, 'OK great! Welcome aboard,' " says Jerry Herron, professor at Wayne State University. "Somewhere, there will be a sofa waiting for you."
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