Blog Post

I believe it is important for our group to consider the level of decorum we should use. I can see this project being one where plain or low style is put into practice. I’m not quite sure how visuals will be used in our paper for this project. Our group has plenty of experience incorporating pictures into papers, so we would not have any problems with that. I’m not quite sure what role an abstract would play in our multi-modal project. I don’t feel like it would be appropriate. Designing our visual argument is essential to convince people of our message. It would be fun to create our own visual that is a compilation of images, but I think we may end up doing a video compilation. Either way, our creativity needs to be apparent in the visual we provide. Pathos and Logos will be especially important to our topic if we choose to make an argument on how children’s TV shows today are teaching them the wrong things. Disney channel and other networks will provide the logos, while the actual shows and what’s going on in them will provide the logos. A parody would be interesting to use for our project, especially since we would be advocating the negative affects of children’s television shows. We could somehow transform a Disney channel ad to include negative aspects of a particular television show. Creating a website will take a lot of effort, but that may be the mode we choose to use to share our video or visual representation. I would not want the navigational scheme to be anything too simple. I would like it to be something fun and atypical for the viewer. I definitely want my group to use a splash page for the website. I think that would really capture our audience’s attention if we had a relevant quote or picture that popped up right before people entered the site. However, we do need to keep in mind the usability when we are creating our site. I know I hate when there are too many things going on when I enter a website that its too difficult to gather information. I think a video montage would be perfect for our group, since we are planning on doing our project on children’s cartoons and television shows. As long as we keep our audience in mind, we should not have any problems presenting our argument.

Blog post for pages 500-524

Certainly, ones position in the world shapes his or her views on culture, society, and identity. A victim's view is different from a photographer's, and a rescue team member's view is different from an onlooker's perception. A person's position defines the type of emotions he or she will have towards an event or a photograph. Jill Abramson, a managing editor, chose the photograph in figure 14.12 of the dead children because it accurately displayed the aftermath of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. She has been trained to report the news as accurately as possible and choose photographs that best represent certain situations. This line of work can sometimes cause people to lose sensitivity. She was not considering how the reader might feel when he or she comes across the photo. Yes, it is accurate and people should see the picture, but it is shaping how the readers view that society and culture. The picture does not represent the entire population, yet that is what viewers will take from the photograph.

Charles Porter, a bank clerk and amateur photographer, captures another moment in history. Through his picture, Porter conveys the identity of the valiant firefighter and the helpless infant after the Oklahoma bombings. For many Americans, the photograph evoked concern and sadness, which is a result of what society and culture has caused them to feel. For someone living in the middle east, this type of tragedy happens more often, so they can better cope with the images than Americans who do not experience this very often. Society teaches the norms and values that people adopt and practice. Images, whether accurate or inaccurate, end up defining a culture. It is our responsibility to see the truth in them, and react accordingly. 

Elliott Thomas

Mr. Stowe

English 103, Section 20

21 October 2011

Nature vs. Nurture Outline

1.     Introduction

·      Hook- Nature versus nurture has been a lasting debate for several decades. So when will

·      Thesis- Criminal behavior is determined by a combination of nature and nurture because one relies on the other for development.

·      All of the research I have gathered supports both nature and nurture affecting human behavior, and that will be discussed in the introduction.

2.     Genes Role in Criminal Behavior

·      What genes affect behavior?

·      Serotonin and Dopamine are responsible for the activation of some genes and how those genes are expressed.

·      Certain neurochemicals are known to have a part in the initiation of violent behavior.

·      This image can be used a transition and create humor in the research paper.

·      Paul Arnold believes that, even though genes play a large role in behavior, one is still responsible for his or her crimes.

3.     Studies on twins in relation to behavior

·      First the studies discussed in the article “Sociological and Environmental Factors of Criminal Behavior” will be introduced. It states that twins raised by an adoptive family are as aggressive as that family, and not their biological parents.

·      Then Dr. Farber’s findings will be discussed. She believes that twins who are raised together have more differences than those raised apart because they are trying to create their own identity. This finding also supports the role of environment in behavioral development.

·      The picture above will be used to show the relationship between fraternal twins and identical twins.

·      Joe Richman’s article also supports the environmental affects on behavior of twins.

4.     Case about the Italian

·      Five brain scans were performed in order to come to the conclusion that 5 of the murderer’s genes were associated with violent behavior.

·      Some doctors are questioning the legitimacy of the reports because it all boils down to gene expression.

5.     Environment’s role in criminal behavior

·      Psychologists believe that deviants commit crimes because of “unsuccessful socialization”.

·      Dinitz and Reckless’ study will be discussed in order to prove that environment is a key component in developing certain behaviors and personalities.

6.     Nature and Nurture

·      The four remaining sources that I gathered that contain both nature and nurture will be used to support my argument.

·     

·      This image will be used to show that 

Elliott Thomas

Mr. Stowe

English 103, Section 20

19 October 2011

Nature versus Nurture Bibliography

This article considers a criminal’s responsibility for his or her crimes, since genes play such a large role in behavior. Paul Arnold brings up a case in Italy where a man’s murder sentence was shortened because of his predisposition to aggressive behavior. Arnold does not believe that everyone will take on criminal behavior if he or she has the gene for it. Bad genes do not excuse people from being responsible for their actions.

Arnold, Paul. “Nature vs Nurture of a Criminal Mind.” Bright Hub. N.p., 20 Nov 2009.Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/55218.asp&xgt;>.

Italian courts reduced a murderer’s sentence by a year after testimonies proved he had bad behavioral genes. The court looked over 3 psychiatric reports that claim Bayout was not mentally stable when he committed the murder. Brain scans turned up abnormalities and 5 violent behavior genes. People are questioning the legitimacy of the psychiatric reports because so much factors into gene expression. Ethnicity and gene function are among those factors.

Feresin, Emiliano. “Lighter sentence for murderer with ‘bad genes’.” Nature news. N.p., 30 Oct 2009. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091030/full/news.2009.1050.html>.

This article describes two experiments that were done with twins. Identical twins are more likely to both exhibit criminal behavior than the fraternal twins. Another study was done where twins were adopted by two different families and raised apart from each other. It concluded that a child is as aggressive as his or her guardians, not his or her biological parents. Obviously, nurture plays a role in violent behavior. 

French, Joanna, Lindette Thornton, Matt Kuhls, and Adam Himebauch. “Sociological and Environmental Factos of Criminal Behavior.” Genetic Predisposition to Criminality- Should It Be Monitored?. N.p., 21 Nov 2000. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.udel.edu/chem./C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm>.

Dr. Farber is well versed in identical twins studies pertaining to their upbringing. She identifies a pattern seen in many twins’ studies, which is that twins who are raised together have more personality differences than those raised apart. This supports the argument that nurture does in fact play a role in personality development. Even though this study has nothing to do with criminal behavior, it highlights the importance of nurture.

Gruber, Howard. “Nature VS. Nurture: A Natural Experiment.” The New York Times. N.p., 01 Mar 1981. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/01/books/nature-vs-nurture-a-natural-experiemtn.html?pagewanted=all>.

This is an extensive article that will provide me with a multitude of research. It discusses the neurochemicals that play a role in violent behavior and what the level of each chemical indicates. Certain personality traits and disorders are known explanations for criminal behavior, as well. Serotonin and dopamine are responsible for certain behaviors and how they are activated.

Jones, Caitlin. “Genetic and Environmental Influences on Criminal Behavior.” Personality Papers. N.p, Feb 2005. Web. 25 Sep 2011. <http://personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.htm>.

Psychologists believe that deviants came to be that way because of “’unsuccessful’ socialization”. They believe personality develops through social experiences, even though some traits are inherited. A study done by Walter Reckless and Simon Dinitz shows the behavioral tendencies of schoolboys who are categorized as good or bad. The conclusion of the study indicated that certain personalities could control deviant behavior.

Macionis, John. Society the Basics. 11^th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2011. 173-174. Print.

A 1993 study expressed Americans' beliefs on how people turn out later in life. The article also discusses the role of sexuality. People cannot overcome the drive because it blocks out rational thought. This could explain why violent rapes take place. Also, Culture has been proven to shape our innateness.

“Nature vs. Nurture: How much free will do really we have?.” Social Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sep 2011. <http://www.trinity.edu/mkearl/socpsy-2.htm>.

This article explains the complexity of nature versus nature. Basically, violent behavior manifests from both nature and nurture. Certain alleles and genotypes combined with early childhood environment can explain why people are more violent later in life. Only the abstract is used for this source because the rest of the source is complex and very thorough.

Reif, Andreas, Michael Rosler, Christine Freitag, marc Schneider, Andrea Eujen, Christian Kissling, Denise Wenzler, and Christian Jacob. “Nature and Nurture Predispose to Violent Behavior: Serotonergic Genes and Adverse Childhood Environment.’ Neuropsychopharmacology. Nature publishing group., 07 Mar 2001. Web. 24 Sep 2011. <http://nature.com/npp/journal/v32/n11/full/1301359a.html>.

Even though this article solely talks about serial killers, it provides insight into the argument of nature versus nurture in relation to criminal behavior. Most serial killers were raised in an abusive or neglectful environment, which would contribute to their violent tendencies. Problems with the frontal lobe of the brain, which controls normal human behavior, have been found in many serial killers. Most serial killers commit deviant acts due to a change in environment, which goes to show that environment is an important factor in criminal behavior.

“Serial Killers: Nature vs. nurture.” Serendip. N.p., 18 Dec 2007. Web. 25 Sep 2011. <http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1598>.

Joe Richman describes a study of twins separated at birth and raised by two different families. They later find out that they are twins and seek out each other. The twins believe that they have the same basic personality, and one of them argues genetics have larger role in personality development than the nurture side of development. Certainly, this study is perfect because it started from their birth, which is unlike any other of its kind.

Richman, Joe. “’Identical Strangers’ Explore Nature Vs. Nurture.” npr books. N.p., 25 Oct 2007. Web. 18 Oct. 2011. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15629096>.

This source discusses the problems with viewing behavior as either nature or nurture. Inherited genes do affect behavior, but one cannot discount the environment in which the person grows. People learn different behaviors in order to replace the ones that are already inherent. In conclusion, all behavior is the result of gene expression and environmental influences.

“The role of nature and nurture in the development of behaviour.” University of Plymouth Department of Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www. flyfishingdevon.co.uk/salmon/year1/psy128animal_bahviour/animbeha.htm>.

Cochran, Gove, and Wood explore the motivations behind violent crimes by sampling 295 inmates from two correctional facilities in Oklahoma and asking them specific questions. Most people are driven to commit deviant acts because of the pleasure or “high” they get from the crime. The psychological process that takes place when someone is committing a crime can be compared to the same process that occurs when someone becomes addicted to drugs. One can see that nature and nurture play a part in criminal behavior.

Wood, Peter, Walter Gove, and John Cochran. “Motivations For Violent Crime Among Incarcerated Adults: A consideration of Reinforcement Processes.” N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.doc.state.ok.us/offenders/ocjrc/94060G.HTM>.

Elliott Thomas

Mr. Stowe

English 103, Section 20

28 September 2011

Research Paper Freewrite

            Nature versus nurture in relation to human behavior has been a constant debate for many decades. After many experiments, scientist cannot seem to eliminate one or the other. Both have proven to affect human behavior. Criminal behavior is caused by genetic mishaps and certain disorders developed at birth. Environmental influences play a significant role in the development of aggressive behavior. How a person is raised determines how a gene is expressed. Criminals often cannot be blamed for their actions because their upbringing and gene expression has caused them to lose control of their behavior. Therefore, criminal behavior is determined by a combination of nature and nurture because one relies on the other for development.

            The sources I have already found are credible. The first source I found is from a neuropsychopharmacology website. It is well maintained by nature publishing group and the article is over 4 years old. It explains the complexity of nature versus nurture in respect to genes and their role. Another online source discusses experiments performed that conclude environment is essential to the development of violent behavior. The other sources support the conclusion that ones surroundings and culture shape our personalities and our gene expression. I suspect I will need some more sources that discuss the specific genes that are involved with violent behavior. Also, I would like to research specific crimes, which support environmental influences on violent behavior. Conducting an interview would be beneficial, but I think my research topic may be too complex to find someone who is fluent in this subject.

I may run into problems concerning the broadness of my topic. I have limited it to criminal behavior, not just behavior in general. If I run into problems with my topic being too broad, I may limit it, specifically, to serial killers and how nature and nurture affect their behavior. I could run into sources on nature being too complex for me to comprehend; however, this could be avoided by limiting the amount of primary sources I choose to use. I will have to thoroughly reword and generalize the information I obtain about gene functions, so that the reader can understand the facts without getting confused. 

Supporting research paper articles

Nature and Nurture Predispose to Violent Behavior: Serotonergic Genes and Adverse Childhood Environment

http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v32/n11/abs/1301359a.html

This article explains the complexity of nature versus nature. Basically, violent behavior manifests from both nature and nurture. Certain alleles and genotypes combined with early childhood environment can explain why people are more violent later in life. 

Sociological and Environmental Factors 
of Criminal Behavior

http://www.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm

This article describes two experiments that were done with twins. Identical twins are more likely to both exhibit criminal behavior than the fraternal twins. Another study was done where twins were adopted by two different families apart from each other. It concluded that a child is as aggressive as his or her guardians, not his or her biological parents. Obviously, nurture plays a role in violent behavior. 

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Criminal Behavior

http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html

This is an extensive article that will provide me with a multitude of research material for my paper. It discusses the neurochemicals that play a role in violent behavior and what the levels of each chemical indicates. Certain personality traits and disorders are known explanations for criminal behavior, as well. 

Serial Killers: Nature vs. Nurture

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1598

Even though this article solely talks about serial killers, its provides insight into the argument of nature versus nurture in relation to criminal behavior. Most serial killers were raised in an abusive or neglectful environment, which would contribute to their violent tendencies. Problems with the frontal lobe of the brain, which controls normal human behavior, has been found in many serial killers. 

NATURE VS. NURTURE:
HOW MUCH FREE WILL DO REALLY WE HAVE?

http://www.trinity.edu/mkearl/socpsy-2.html

A 1993 study expressed Americans' beliefs on how we turn out later in life. The article also discuss the role of sexuality. We cannot overcome the drive because the it blocks out rational thought. This could explain why violent rapes take place. Culture has been proven to shape our innateness. 

Research Paper Topics

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. This topic is really interesting to me because I find human behavior fascinating. I would like to argue that lie detector tests are accurate in their conclusions. I would go into detail about kinesiology and its background. Then i would argue that it has a vital part in lie detection.

Understanding Dreams


According to scientist, the average person spends about 6 years dreaming, but they have yet to figure out why we have dreams. I would like to argue that we can in fact control some of our dreams. However, dream control is not instantaneous and does not always work the way you want it to. I would go into detail about lucid and non-lucid dreaming and how to control those dreams. I think there is a lot to talk discuss in regard to this research topic. I have always found dreams fascinating and would like to do more research.