Gregorc Syle Delineator...
We did another experiment today in class to try to determine our method of thinking. The "test"
is modeled from Gregorc Syle Delineator. The test will sort us into the four different categories.
1. Concrete Sequential (CS)
2. Abstract Random (AR)
3. Abstract Sequential (AS)
4. Concrete Random (CR)
The test format is as follow:
- look at a group of 4 individual words, then quickly rank them according to how closely I can associate the word with myself. The most alike is 4, and the least is 1.
- continue with other sets.
- add the numbers across the row, then add the sum down the column to the sums on all the rows beneath.
- there will be 4 columns total after the second addition. These columns represent each of the 4 areas (CS, AR, AS, CR)
Not surprisingly, The result shows that my strength is the Concrete Sequential. people with this area will tend to think things in a practical and logical way, without much creativity. They work things step-by-step, and will not be happy if things are not well-organized. They pay close attention to details.
Overall, the qualities described in the CS seem to fit my personality that i think I have. I see myself as being systematic with the procedures. I keep track of events in my planner, and tick off after I have completed. I even write small notes and stick them onto my watch for things that I have to complete on that day. Some of the qualities that might not be a perfect fit for me is "work well within time limit". Although I meet all my deadlines, I tend to not start the work as soon as possible.
~Daniel
Extended Reading Assignment
1. What is the relationship between memory and selfhood?
As suggested by its new paradigm, memory “creates the self”. It allows people to see their past, although sometimes not accurately. By looking at their past, people will understand their identity and “self”, thus suggesting that memory helps create the self. In other words, memory helps people understand their present identity. The process of learning is essential to determine our sense of self, and learning cannot take place in absence of memory. Afterall, we need memory to remember who we are.
“We remember, therefore we are”
“We remember, therefore we are”
2. What new discovery about memory do you find most interesting?
I find the PET scan very interesting. Although I know that technology always bring surprises, but visually observing brain activities is absolutely stunning for me. The first thing that came into my mind after reading about it is the sci-fi movie I watched when I was young. The sophisticate machines that appeared to be wrapping around the patient like a python. As a kid, when I see those images, I always wonder whether it is possible to track down the brain’s activities with some type of technology, not paper-work. The article had just told me it is.
3. How can some memories become indelible?
Memories can be indelible if the causes are severe, such as being shot or seeing a dead body. A traumatic event will increase the level of the stress hormone which can make the memory indelible. When a certain idea is experienced, the stress hormones from those causes will be released again, bringing back the painful past. Moreover, memories do not function as a single system, but many systems working together. Because of this, it is not easy to delete a certain memory. The part of the brain that records an event’s content is not the same as the part that encodes its meaning (how it felt toward you), therefore it is not easy to completely remove it.
4. How can amnesia and repression be explained?
Both repression and amnesia are caused by the malfunctioning of the part of brain called hippocampus. Repression results from repeated numbers of traumas, while amnesia is defined as a forgetful state due to the material failing to be stored in the long term memory in the first place. When a person experiences repression, the information is lost deep under the unconscious level of the mind. This is a way that the mind protects the person from such painful memory. Amnesia is often caused by events such as an accident that leads to loss of consciousness after the injury.
5. Explain the following statement: “Memory is more reconstructive than
reproductive.”
After memories had been encoded, the process of retrieving reveals how memories can be reconstructed. The process of memory reconstruction occurs when people associate what they remember with the schema in mind, and so they recall not only what they input, but a mixture of the input and the reconstructed materials from their own experiences.
6. What new paradigm of memory is now emerging?
Memories are now understood as the “creative blending of fact and fiction” where images are converted into memories from the mixture of experience and emotion. Psychologists start to think that memory creates the self of an individual. In the past, Freud’s work led to the understanding of memories merely as repressed ideas. The old concepts about memory also tend to be rather negative from Freud. However, more optimistic explanations of memory such as are now introduced.
7. After reading this article, what conclusion can you make about memory?
Memory is the existence of the past. Without it, there will be no past. It is the “creative blending and reblending of experience and emotion”. Moreover, it gives us the sense of self. There are many new findings of memory until now. It does not work in a single network, but requires a number of systems working together. It is the ability to “repeat a performance with mistakes”. Memories are either implicit or explicit, meaning that it happens both on the conscious and unconscious levels.
~Daniel
