Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Gender or Cross-cultural?

On my opinion, yes, the difference between males and females communicating is similar to the difference between people from two different cultures. For example, when a men and a woman are getting to know each other, there could be a lot of misunderstandings. It is the same when you go into a country with a different culture, even if they speak your native language. There will be a lot of misunderstanding at the beginning. However, after some time, you may think that you know how people from that particular culture may communicate. It is the same in a couple, you can get know each other and how to communicate. Of course, the difference will be there always, but you get to identify them.

And of course, there could be a mixed cultural marriage.

Monday, July 7, 2008

the book presentation experience

I have chosen the book Anne of Green Gables for my book Project because I like sweet stories. I would definitely have chosen it again. This project was really worth it, because I have learned about a Canadian classic story and about its authors’ biography.

It was my second novel written in English. A couple of years ago I read Anne Frank and it was amazing how I was thinking in English while reading it. However, I didn't read any more in English until now. I'm planning to buy the Anne of Green Gables' continuing adventures.

I’ve never imagined myself writing an opinion of a novel. So far, for me this was a great experience.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

happiness

1. Do you think these data collection tools are valid scientific tools? Why or Why not? (In research this is part of what is called validity)

No, I don’t think they are valid scientific tools. There are a few reasons of why the on-line questionnaire is not a valid scientific tool. One is that after a few questions you can notice the way it goes. For example, you may see that the positive answers are the last two. Thus, some people may not pay real attention to the following ones and will just respond as it goes. One more reason is, they are focusing on people who have a job, but they never asked if you have one.

In the other hand, the 'Happy-Face' questionnaire is a very simple one. I think there is a need to add at least 4 more questions. 2. Do you think your results would be if you took the on-line questionnaire at a different time, on a different day? Why or why not? (In research this is part of what is called reliability
The results of the on-line questionnaire can be different at a different time; it will depend on the time of your life you are facing. You may be happy with your job and with your entire environment; however, one day you may have a problem with your boss. Then, if you take the on-line questionnaire that day it will show different results.
3. Which of the two tools is better to do with a large group of people (eg. university students, people living in cities versus rural locations, etc.) to discover patterns of happiness in a given population? Why do you think that one is better suited?

I don’t think any of them will be the best tool to do with a large group of people to discover patterns of happiness. Could be a mixture of both, the happy-face questionnaire and the on-line questionnaire, but I think none of them will perfectly suit. I think both are lacking something.