Peer Discussion Response Critical Thinking Example

Critical Thinking Discussion

Peer A
I agree with Peer A’s post. Focusing on gender allows us to understand the opposite sex because we understand that gender qualities and characteristics affect our behavior (King, 2013). Realizing this, we would be able to understand one another and resolve conflict brought about by gender differences. Furthermore, understanding the differences between men and women allows us to structure our world in a way that creates a better situation for both sexes. Gender discrimination is unacceptable but we must learn to determine men and women’s strengths and to focus on their contributions as people to their own relationships and society in general (Eagly, 2013).
I also agree with Peer A that the evolution of language is interesting. I found this so especially in the digital age where people keep coming up with many new terms due to new and shared experiences. For instance, the trend of taking self-portraits with our phones led to the invention of the word “selfie” (Jesenska, 2015). Aside from the “selfie”, people have coined other words following online trends or modern practices such as “hashtag”. We don’t use this word simply to describe the hashtag symbol but also as a verb that means “hashtagging” online. I think that language evolves due to people’s experiences and when they need to create new words for people, objects or phenomena, when the need arises (Pattee, 2012).
Parental involvement is important whether it is argued or supported by science, particularly psychology. Based on our own personal experiences, we know and understand that the involvement of our parents in our daily lives, or their non-involvement for that matter, affects our self-esteem as well as the way that we value ourselves. Parental involvement also means the presence of guidance. Our parents help us make better decisions, which is why studies show that children with involved parents will more likely succeed than those with absentee parents (LaRocque, Kleiman, & Darling, 2011).

Peer B

I learned something new from reading Peer B’s post. Peer B related Brain Games to the Maier string problem solving. I did a quick search of Brain Games online and watched a few episodes. There are so many things to be learned from watching shows such as Brain Games or just simply knowing about how other people solve complex problems. These types of problem solving allows people to “think outside the box” so to speak and find different or new ways to solve problems. Understanding the concept of functional fixedness makes people realize the importance of opening up to different options or alternatives to view and solve problems (Moskvina & Kozhevnikov, 2011).
In a way, the foregoing discussion relates to another concept mentioned by Peer B, which is open-mindedness. The Maier string problem promotes open-mindedness, particularly in the way that we see or view problems. People, particularly those who are used to traditional ways or refuse change, are more likely close-minded individuals. The discussion, however, argues that open-mindedness is beneficial to a balanced and rational way of viewing things. Furthermore, open-mindedness helps people act objectively when analyzing problems and viewing issues or situations (Kruglanski & Boyatzi, 2012).
Peer B also mentioned process development and Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. The theory introduced many other concepts that shed light on how an individual’s functioning progresses over time. Peer B also mentioned puberty. I also enjoyed reading about puberty and reflecting on my own experiences during this period. Puberty is a confusing but also exciting time. I believe that teaching puberty and its stages, or things such as “what to expect” to children would help them cope with challenges during their adolescence.

References

Eagly, A. H. (2013). Sex Differences in Social Behavior. New York, NY: Psychology Press.
Jasenska, P. Hurry, hurry and love, what thou shall not see twice”. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 3(1), pp. 238.
King, L. (2013). Experience Psychology, 2nd Ed. McGraw-Hill.
Kruglanski, A. W. & Boyatzi, L. M. (2012). The psychology of closed and open mindedness, rationality, and democracy. Critical Review: A Journal of Politics and Society, 24(2), pp. 217-232.
LaRocque, M., Kleiman, I. & Darling, S. M. (2011). Parental Involvement: The Missing Link in School Achievement. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 55(3), pp. 115-122.
Moskvina, V. & Kozhevnikov, M. (2011). Determining cognitive style: Historical perspective and directions for future research. In S. Rayner & E. Cools (Eds.), Style Differences in Cognition, Learning and Management: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group.
Pattee, H. H. (2012). The Necessity of Biosemiotics. Laws, Language and Life, 7, pp. 275-292.