Section A: Interpretation of the Pre-ratings for Task 1

The Pre-ratings for Task-1 was a plain and straightforward survey about our feelings and attitudes for completing this task. The questions mainly regarded our skills, or lack thereof, with computers. We are assigned to register and make an account at the University of Hawaii database. In order to do this, we have to go to the website and fill out information about ourselves. This task shouldn’t take me long; however, I am intimidated by computers. I may make a mistake with creating a new file for I do not make files as such on the computer very often.

Section B: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 1

Registering as a Lab User was pretty much how I expected it to be. It was pretty simple and uncomplicated. I did not take me that long to complete, maybe five minutes or so. As silly as it may sound, what was frustrating for me was the copy and paste process. I did not know that I had to email the information to myself before emailing it to the professor. I hate creating, saving and emailing with attachments. I am quite aware that this is the 21st century and I should know how to do such simple tasks, but I don’t. I am currently in the process of learning.

Section C: Interpretation of the Pre-ratings for Task 2

In this task we are required to locate two specific journal articles in the University of Hawaii’s electronic database. After we locate the files, we are to copy and past the abstract, and write a brief summary of what each article is about. In the survey I rated that I would have an extremely difficult time in this task. This task will be challenging for me because I have never used The University of Hawaii’s library resources- especially electronic resources!

Section D: Abstracts of Article 1 and Article 2

Article 1: British Journal of Social Psychology; March 2004, Vol. 43 Issue 1, p99, 14p

The research presented in this paper uses memory work as a method to explore six women’s collective constructions of two embodied practices, sweating and pain. The paper identifies limitations in the ways in which social constructionist research has theorized the relationship between discourse and materiality, and it proposes an approach to the study of embodiment which enjoins, rather than bridges, the discursive and the non-discursive. The paper presents an analysis of 25 memories of sweating and pain which suggests that Cartesian dualism is central to the women’s accounts of their experiences. However, such dualism does not operate as a stable organizing principle. Rather, it offers two strategies for the performance of a split between mind and body. The paper traces the ways in which dualism can be both functional and restrictive then explores the tensions between these two forms. The paper concludes by identifying opportunities and limitations associated with memory work as a method for studying embodiment.

http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,url,uid&db=aph&an=12787719

Summary and reaction to Article 1:

An all women study group was formed to begin researching the Cartesian dualism. The researcher’s decided that the women’s sweat and pain were to be the triggers for this experiment. The women would then write down their memories as well as discuss them in group sessions. The memories suggested that Cartesian dualism was functioning.

This article was very interesting. It is very common for one to refer the mind and body as separate entities. In this particular article, this speculation was put to the test. I agree with what the researchers suggested: the Cartesian dualism can have positive and negative affects. I feel that more in-depth research would be necessary to prove this theory.

Article 2: Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, June 1990, Vol. 29 Issue 2, p277, 2p

The year 1988 marked the tricentennial of the birth of the Swedish scientist, theologian, and revelator Emanuel Swedenborg. Swedenborg and His Influence consists of 25 papers originally presented at a symposium held by the Academy of the New Church which is founded on Swedenborg’s teachings. The subject matter of these papers is as varied in content as were Swedenborg’s activities in life. He had a long career as a scientist and inventor who made important contributions m the mining and metallurgical industries, devised a method for navigation based on the position of the moon, made contributions to the theory that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny in biology, founded and edited the first scientific journal in Sweden, and was undoubtedly among leading scientists in eighteenth century Europe.

http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,url,uid&db=rlh&an=9604085487

Summary and reaction to Article 2:

This article was about Emanuel Swedenborg. Emanuel Swedenborg was an inventor, a scientist, a theologian, and a philosopher, all before he accepted God's call to be a rational revelator during the Age of Enlightenment. Swedenborg has accomplished many significant and valuable theories. Historically, his theological writings have been the source of his greatest influence.

I enjoyed reading about Swedenborg, only because I have never heard of him before. It is always interesting to learn about someone, or anything for that matter, that you have never heard of before.

Section E: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 2

This task took me forever! I absolutely could not find the articles. I tried to do this task independently; however, I broke down and asked somebody for assistance. Finally, after locating the journal articles, I read them thoroughly. I found it somewhat difficult to summarize Article 1 for it was an experiment. In experiments, nearly every step is important and crucial to its findings. I attempted to do my best and not put any futile information. Article 2 was much easier to summarize for it was a brief biography of the last scientist, Emanuel Swedenborg.

Section F: Interpretation of the Pre-ratings of Task 3

In this task we are to shop for a specified type of mailbox on the web. In the Pre-ratings survey I rated to expect extreme trouble in this task. The only thing I do on the internet is check my email. The first thing I thought of was the popular ebay.com. I then decided that maybe that would be too difficult. Because once I got to ebay.com, I would have to learn about e-bay, and then find a mailbox. It looked like an extra step that I could not afford to take, considering my computer illiteracy.

Section G: The Mailbox

http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?pcode=7683&country_code=0

Copper Mailbox makes an attractive addition to your home. It is a great alternative to stick on letters and numbers. The hand-rolled, hammered copper exterior of this Mailbox is adorned with one of three scenes and can be personalized with up to 18 characters on each side. Copper will weather to a beautiful verdigris finish over time. Galvanized steel body. Made in the USA.

Available Styles:
CHICKADEE
MARE & FOAL
OAK TREE
Size:
21" x 9 "x 11"
Shipping:
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Section H: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 3

I began this task at google.com. I typed in copper mailbox. Thousands of websites were available. It took me over half an hour to find one. Perhaps, I am a little slow or maybe I am just picky. (I think I am slow!). I hate shopping on the web- I don’t even do it. In fact, I wouldn’t even trust shopping on the web. I’m sure thousands, maybe even millions, shop on the web every day. Regardless, I will continue to be not one of them.

Section I: Interpretation of the Pre-ratings for Task 4

I don’t like the way this task looks! Publishing my report on the web?? I am completely doubtful of this task and I am sure it’ll take even longer than my predicted month time!! I am being completely pessimistic about this task but in any case, I realize I have to at least try.

Section J: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 4

This has been the most difficult task to date…just as I suspected. I experienced a lot of stress and frustration. My biggest problem is that I don’t have a computer. I have to use the computer at school. My second problem is that I don’t even know how to use a computer. So finally, anyone would assume that I publishing a website of my own would be impossible- it would never happen. Well, never say never! After much stress, I successfully completed task 4.

Section K: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 4

This final task consisted of reflection and feedback. It was a self-evaluation of Report 1. I did not rate much stress or frustration for nothing can stress me now. It was good to have this feeling of accomplishment finally. I am glad that it’s over.

Section L: Summary of Report 1

Completing Report 1 was no stroll in the park for me. It was very difficult and I became very frustrated at times. However, I try not to focus on that. I remind myself that, even though this assignment took me a long time, I still finished it. This assignment was like an assignment from an internet course. The self-assessments were very helpful for me because I was able to let some of my stress out. I found it interesting that my scores fluctuated immensely. Thus, my motivation, competence and awareness changed from time to time.

Section M: Interpretation of the Post-ratings for Task 5

This task wasn’t hard for me. I am starting to realize, the more practice I get, the easier it becomes and the better I get at completing tasks as such. This task didn’t take as long as I expected it to. It was rather easy and I am extremely happy about that. Once again, I am glad that it’s over.

Class Home Page:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy21/classhome-g21.htm

My Home Page:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/409af2004/rodriguez/home.htm