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Assessment Related Discussion Board
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We are learning about the assessment of abnormal behavior and mental disorders this week. Now is a great time for us to look at some self-assessments that are posted online to see if we consider them to be good or poor self-assessments.
Self-assessments are tests or questionnaires you take yourself to test whether or not you “may have a problem” or should “seek further help.”
Please find a self-assessment online and take it. Please copy and paste the URL into your browser. Please do NOT share how you scored on the assessment (this is confidential). Here is an example Web site that offers one self-assessment: http://www.depressedtest.com/ (Links to an external site.)
INITIAL POST
What you SHOULD share in your response (with each part labeled a), b), c), d), e), and f) as follows) is;
a) the disorder that the assessment was aimed at measuring (please include this as the first word words of your post so students can see the disorder easily as they scroll through the discussion forum (“e.g., Depression Assessment)
b) paste in the URL of the assessment that you found
c) discuss whether you thought this assessment was “good” or “poor” and at least three points supporting your argument
You should consider whether the assessment is too vague, too short, too long, contains “jargon” or is difficult to understand, is easy to fake, etc.. You can comment on specific questions included as well as the assessment overall.
d) did the test seem to assess DSM criteria for the disorder? If the criteria for the disorder are not in the book, you should be able to find them online
e) do you think that the interpretation of the results was adequate?
f) Were the interpretations sensitive and “responsible” in the sense that the test-taker gets referred to seek professional help for a second opinion?
REPLY POST
Please reply to one other student who chose to take an assessment for a disorder other than the disorder that you chose to write about in your initial post. Follow the link to the assessment that the other student posted, view their initial post, and then respond with your opinion about the assessment. Three or more sentences of meaningful commentary are required for the reply. You can mention if you agree with their opinion partially or fully, you could compare and contrast the kinds of questions that the assessments you both wrote about contained, and more… You may reply to more than one student, but only one reply post is required this week for full credit on this assignment

The Assignment: This assignment asks you to identify Sparks’ or Pallotta’s argument and evaluate how
persuasive their argument would be to a thoughtful and informed member of their intended audience by
examining their article in the light of other arguments made on that same topic. The goal here is not to write
an agree-disagree paper, but rather to consider how the additional sources you find can be used to reframe
Sparks’ or Pallotta’s position. Your outside sources will be used to analyze, qualify, and/or add to the
argument. This new understanding will be used to evaluate the overall strength of Sparks’ or Pallotta’s piece.
You may consider a variety of issues for this piece, such as how well Sparks or Pallotta uses evidence or
represents evidence gathered from other sources. (Thus, one potential set of sources you find might include
original sources used by either Sparks or Pallotta, or other texts using the same or similar evidence.) You
may also consider the extent to which Sparks or Pallotta has considered and responded to different claims
and arguments already made on the topic, particularly those represented by the additional sources, or
evidence that may seem not to fit with Sparks’ or Pallotta’s claims

PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS CLEARLY. OPEN THE WORD DOC.
Write the assignment as a report, not as an essay. In other words, more structure (e.g. section headings) Use section headings.
PLEASE INCLUDE GRAPHS AND CHARTS to show the comparison between the two cities
economic aspects.
Choose Houston for the Preferred Location.
The Sections for the Report are: ( Include statistics, charts and graphs where necessary)
1. Population
2. Labor Force/Job Market, Unemployment, Employment
3 Economy Growth
4. Affordability of Housing
5. Education
6. Healthcare
7. Tourism
8. Crime Rates
9. Climate
10. Overall Cost of Living
***DO NOT PLAGIARIZE AS THIS WILL GO THROUGH PLAGIARISM DETECTORS.

Introduction
A research paper is a type of academic writing that provides an in-depth analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a single topic, based on empirical evidence. The objective of the research paper is to provide a comprehensive work that thoroughly demonstrates the author’s understanding of the subject they researched. Every research paper is formulated around a thesis statement—the statement in the opening paragraph that states the author’s position and summarizes their supporting arguments.
Research Paper Topics
The topic of the research needs to address Big Data or Data Analytics. You are free to select a topic that you find most interesting. Some examples could be:
Security and/or Privacy Issues in Big Data
Machine Learning
Tools and software for processing Big Data
Big Data in Heath care or Retail
Big Data Quality and Governance
Paper Logistics
2 to 3 pages in length
Use APA format
Avoid using direct quotes. Paraphrase!
Ensure that information is properly attributed to works cited. Generally, in a research paper, most of the information should be cited
Avoid first person and passive voice
Check and double check your grammar and spelling
Structure of a Research Paper
Introduction that clearly states the thesis and aims of the work. Using what you found in your preliminary research, write a thesis statement that succinctly summarizes what your research paper will be about. This is usually the first sentence in your paper, making it your reader’s introduction to the topic.
Body – Position/finding/challenge supporting the thesis
Supporting content
Supporting content
Conclusion – The conclusion of a research paper restates the research, summarizes your arguments or findings, and discusses the implications.
In constructing the body of the paper, you may consider developing your paragraphs using the MEAL plan. Well-organized paragraphs guide readers logically through a paper’s development, adding to the effectiveness of the argument and the credibility of the writer. Paragraphs vary in length and structure based on context, but they should focus on only one idea. Most paragraphs also include the following elements: a statement of the paragraph’s main (M) idea, evidence (E) to support that main idea, analysis (A) of that evidence, and some link (L) to the paper’s thesis. The MEAL Plan is an easy, effective strategy to help you organize paragraphs.
MAIN IDEA – All paragraphs should have a main idea or point. Typically, this main idea is expressed in a topic sentence – a sort of mini-thesis statement for the paragraph. Often, a topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph, though it may come after or within a transition statement.
EVIDENCE/EXPLANATION/EXAMPLES – This next section of the paragraph elaborates on the main idea. Depending on the type of assignment, the paragraph might require one or more of these “E”s:
Evidence—What does the main idea of the paragraph need to support it? Make sure to cite outside information.
Explanation—Do you need to explain key terms, concepts, or events? What information in the paragraph may be especially complex or unclear?
Examples—Other main ideas are best suited to examples, either from personal experience or research, to illustrate or highlight elements of the main idea.
ANALYSIS – Once the main idea has been stated and supported, it is time to break that information down and analyze it. What more do your readers need to understand about the evidence or examples you provided? How can you make it clear that you are interpreting this information in a certain way? In other words, this is the section of the paragraph where the HOW? WHY? or WHO CARES? of your evidence is explained.
LINK – Linking refers to the link between a paragraph and the paper’s thesis. Ask yourself how does this paragraph contribute to the overall effectiveness of the paper? You may not end up including that answer as part of the paragraph, but you must make sure you have made the connection clear. Too often writers assume readers automatically will recognize the link on their own, but your job as a writer is to make it impossible for a reader to miss how each paragraph supports your overall goal for the paper. Think about this connection to your thesis as a way to develop a smooth transition to the next paragraph.Introduction
A research paper is a type of academic writing that provides an in-depth analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a single topic, based on empirical evidence. The objective of the research paper is to provide a comprehensive work that thoroughly demonstrates the author’s understanding of the subject they researched. Every research paper is formulated around a thesis statement—the statement in the opening paragraph that states the author’s position and summarizes their supporting arguments.
Research Paper Topics
The topic of the research needs to address Big Data or Data Analytics. You are free to select a topic that you find most interesting. Some examples could be:
Security and/or Privacy Issues in Big Data
Machine Learning
Tools and software for processing Big Data
Big Data in Heath care or Retail
Big Data Quality and Governance
Paper Logistics
2 to 3 pages in length
Use APA format
Avoid using direct quotes. Paraphrase!
Ensure that information is properly attributed to works cited. Generally, in a research paper, most of the information should be cited
Avoid first person and passive voice
Check and double check your grammar and spelling
Structure of a Research Paper
Introduction that clearly states the thesis and aims of the work. Using what you found in your preliminary research, write a thesis statement that succinctly summarizes what your research paper will be about. This is usually the first sentence in your paper, making it your reader’s introduction to the topic.
Body – Position/finding/challenge supporting the thesis
Supporting content
Supporting content
Conclusion – The conclusion of a research paper restates the research, summarizes your arguments or findings, and discusses the implications.
In constructing the body of the paper, you may consider developing your paragraphs using the MEAL plan. Well-organized paragraphs guide readers logically through a paper’s development, adding to the effectiveness of the argument and the credibility of the writer. Paragraphs vary in length and structure based on context, but they should focus on only one idea. Most paragraphs also include the following elements: a statement of the paragraph’s main (M) idea, evidence (E) to support that main idea, analysis (A) of that evidence, and some link (L) to the paper’s thesis. The MEAL Plan is an easy, effective strategy to help you organize paragraphs.
MAIN IDEA – All paragraphs should have a main idea or point. Typically, this main idea is expressed in a topic sentence – a sort of mini-thesis statement for the paragraph. Often, a topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph, though it may come after or within a transition statement.
EVIDENCE/EXPLANATION/EXAMPLES – This next section of the paragraph elaborates on the main idea. Depending on the type of assignment, the paragraph might require one or more of these “E”s:
Evidence—What does the main idea of the paragraph need to support it? Make sure to cite outside information.
Explanation—Do you need to explain key terms, concepts, or events? What information in the paragraph may be especially complex or unclear?
Examples—Other main ideas are best suited to examples, either from personal experience or research, to illustrate or highlight elements of the main idea.
ANALYSIS – Once the main idea has been stated and supported, it is time to break that information down and analyze it. What more do your readers need to understand about the evidence or examples you provided? How can you make it clear that you are interpreting this information in a certain way? In other words, this is the section of the paragraph where the HOW? WHY? or WHO CARES? of your evidence is explained.
LINK – Linking refers to the link between a paragraph and the paper’s thesis. Ask yourself how does this paragraph contribute to the overall effectiveness of the paper? You may not end up including that answer as part of the paragraph, but you must make sure you have made the connection clear. Too often writers assume readers automatically will recognize the link on their own, but your job as a writer is to make it impossible for a reader to miss how each paragraph supports your overall goal for the paper. Think about this connection to your thesis as a way to develop a smooth transition to the next paragraph.

So this is for a discussion post. There is 3 prompts no essay just discussion, I will paste instructions of discussion below.

Please read the forum about online behavior & discussion engagement before answering the discussion boards.

Please read through the prompts & plan your responses; you want to be thorough & explain your answers, referencing the course materials for support.

Your answers should display depth of engagement with the material & careful, critical thought. Your answers should be 2-3 sentences each, at least.

Please answer the following prompt:

3-2-1 assignment – tell us:
3 things you learned from this week’s readings
2 connections, insights, or “a-ha” moments you had with the material
1 question you have or 1 thing you still want to learn about/have more info about

Terms & Concepts – please answer any FOUR of the following five prompts:

Select one of the following pairs of words & explain, in your own words & with your own examples, what the difference is between them:
Bias and Prejudice
Implicit Bias vs Bias
Structural Racism vs Implicit Bias

How can our privileges influence our implicit biases?

How do responses like “if they would just listen” or “it’s their own fault” to oppression & brutality show implicit biases in our society?

How effective would Jane Elliott’s experiment be if she were a person of color (male or female), or a white male? How would our reactions to her change?

How do Elliott’s experiments reflect implicit bias as well as overt racism?

Please answer the following prompt:
The Implicit Bias test works to test how quickly you can be socially conditioned to have a response towards the subject of the text. Essentially, it does what society does – it offers you associations with idea of good/bad, safe/dangerous, etc. in connection to specific identities. Society does this through how the news is reported (calling white criminals “troubled” while people of color get labeled “thugs” or “trouble-makers,” for example), TV/film portrayals, stereotypes, etc. Even when you understand how the test works, it still reveals how quickly those unconscious biases can impact your reactions.

In a brief paragraph (4-6 sentences), talk about the results from at least one of your Implicit Bias tests. Remember that these results do not reveal that you are sexist, racist, homophobic, etc. – they merely reveal a bias that has largely been influenced by society.

Question:
Interpret the following passage from Schopenhauer (this can even be read
as a diagnosis of our modern culture’s pursuit of materialistic happiness):
Optimism is at bottom the unmerited self-praise of the real originator of the
world, the will to live, which views itself complacently in its works. And
accordingly it is not only a false, but a pernicious doctrine. For it presents
life to us as a desirable condition, and the happiness of man as the end of it.
Starting from this, everyone then believes that he has the most just claim to
happiness and pleasure. And if, as is wont to happen, these do not fall to his
lot, then he believes that he is wronged, nay, that he loses the end of his
existence. But it is far more correct to regard work, privation, misery, and
suffering, crowned by death, as the end of our life.

I want you to interpret each of the above sentences. For each sentence I want one
brief paragraph interpreting in plain words what you think it is saying. Then at the
end of the paper sum up briefly what the whole passage is saying.

Instructions:
1. Make sure that the paper is double-spaced, and about one page in length.
2. Don’t use outside sources, use only the one provided (attached files or links)
3. Use your own words. Don’t use CHATGPT or plagiarize.

Check out the two very good videos, showing the wider context of Schopenhauer’s
philosophy; the paper topic (which the videos help to clarify)
Links:
1. https://youtu.be/ypOtX1kEo8U (Title: Introduction to Schopenhauer: Schopenhauer’s Ethics)

2. https://youtu.be/6R8NNLQbQNU (Title: 05 – Schopenhauer on Love – Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness)

The second essay is a 5-page (approximately 1500 words) summary and analysis of either
Richard Pipes, Communism: A History,No additional sources are necessary. Your essay will have a title page and proper acknowledgment of source (minimum 15 citations).

Essay Structure:
1. Your introductory paragraph should be a half page or less. Your objective is to introduce your
author and book and present your thesis statement. Clarity is essential. Avoid frustrating your
reader with confusing sentences at the start of the essay.
2. The next few paragraphs will be a summary of the book. Your goal is to summarize the main
points.
3. Your analysis is next. Is the author convincing? Does the author enrich your understanding of
the topic? Here you want to present a combination of shortcomings and strengths of the book.
You might judge the book to have more strengths than shortcomings or vice versa.
4. The final paragraph does not offer any new material. One strategy is to copy and paste your
introductory paragraph and then re-word it.
Final Essay Checklist
1. Is your thesis defined clearly? Stating what your topic is or what you are going to write about
is not an argument.
2. Good introduction? Keep your introductory paragraph concise.
3. Evidence supports argument? Focus on persuading your reader with relevant facts.
4. Proper paragraphs? Do not have very short or very long paragraphs.
5. Good conclusion? The concluding paragraph should reflect the introductory paragraph.
6. Documented adequately? You must have a minimum of 15 proper citations. You must give
the specific page where you find your information (Pipes, Communism, 78 is correct; Pipes,
Communism, 78-122 is incorrect). It is good to have direct quotes, but avoid having too many.
Stringing quotes (especially secondary source material) shows a lack of work and engagement
with the material.
7. Proof of reading? Do not leave out large blocks of the book.
8. Correct length? Keep in the range of 1350 to 1650 words not counting footnotes.
9. Careful proofreading? Proofread to eliminate grammar errors or other problems.
10. Submit on time? Avoid late deduction marks

I Povided the instructions in the files but here is the overview: basically you need to anser the following questions using the book which I also provided in the files! and use some sources from the book to anser the questions!

Write a minimum of 500 words (1 page single spaced) to respond to the following questions. Make sure to use the reading and bringing in examples to answer the questions this week:

1. What events and people are considered part of the official historical record and why? Whose perspectives are prioritized, omitted, or distorted?

2. How do worldviews shape the construction of history? For example, in what ways could binary thinking or viewing time as linear construct a particular view of history?

3. What counts as valid historical evidence and to whom? Can multiple, perhaps contradictory, histories exist simultaneously?

4. How has your ethnic, cultural, and/or racial group’s history been represented in textbooks, the media, and the popular imagination?

5. Based on your responses above, in your own words, define “the decolonial imaginary.”

6. What stood out to you most about this book?

Objective: Choose a story you have read for this class (excluding “The Story of an Hour”). In 750-1000 words (excluding Work[s] Cited), explain the significance of some element(s) of the text – how this/these element(s) contribute/s to the story’s thematic development. It’s not enough to claim that “man v. nature” is a theme – you must also explain what the author is saying about the theme.
Put another way, write an essay analyzing how the author of your chosen short story uses the text to comment on one of its themes. Argue about how his/her decisions about literary elements and use of literary devices communicate the author’s stance regarding one of the story’s themes or a couple of closely related themes. This is how you generate an interpretive, analytical claim.
Consider:
Point of View
Character
Plot
Setting
Dialogue
Symbolism
Motifs
Tone
Imagery
Figurative Language
Juxtaposition
Flashbacks/narrative structure
A good place to start is to look to quotes from the text that seem profound or symbolic or that concern you. Also trace motifs, recurring symbols, or patterns in the text. Group like or linked observations together to see how these items might contribute to what the author wants to tell us about the theme(s). If the pattern breaks or changes, that will be significant, too. Review the “Intro to Literary Interpretation” PowerPoint on Blackboard.
Thesis Examples:
• The pattern of flashbacks interrupting “This Is What It Means” mirrors Thomas’ story-telling and allows Alexie to model the double-consciousness of Native American identity in a society assimilated with modern American culture. (This essay would then go on to comment on the other literary elements within the narrative structure: character, setting, symbolism, etc.)
• Chopin’s juxtaposition of Mrs. Mallard’s enclosed environment with its open features reflects the conflict between the constraint of social expectations for a wife and grieving widow and the implicit freedom that release from marriage presents.
Process:
Make a list of observations, and look for connections. Form an outline then a draft. Please consider taking your ideas, outline, or draft to the Writing Center. Please review API Chapter 15 for guidelines and advice and Chapter 21 for a sample essay.
Introduction
Summarize your chosen text briefly – just the most essential plot points. Discuss major theme(s) and the work’s contribution to society/literature and/or the social/cultural circumstances of the time. A good introduction tactic is to introduce how the text could be interpreted differently – show how you are offering a unique reading. Develop a thesis statement – a disputable claim, something it is possible to disagree with, that addresses the prompt. Your entire essay, following the introduction, should aim to prove your thesis statement. Your thesis should be the last sentence of the introduction.
Body
Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, a thesis statement for that particular paragraph. Each sentence in the paragraph that follows should work to prove that topic sentence. Each sentence should build logically upon the one before it, just as each paragraph should build logically upon the preceding paragraph. (Ex. You must demonstrate that “The Swimmer” is set in Suburban America before discussing why it is set there.)
Each paragraph must include a main idea (topic sentence), citation (textual evidence – usually a quote, though paraphrases and summaries may sometimes suffice), and explanation of how the evidence supports the claim. Don’t forget to end each paragraph with a transition into the next.
Conclusion
Please refrain from merely summarizing your essay. It is short enough that I have not forgotten what you wrote on page 1. Do restate your thesis (in different words), and then try answering the “So what” question: why does your interpretation of the text matter? What does the text offer to its contemporary society and/or to ours? What should other scholars investigate about the text? Try to leave your readers with food for thought, not just with a recap of an already short essay. But do avoid making new interpretations/claims in the conclusion. You should have proven your claims in the body of the essay.
Notes: Keep plot summary throughout the essay to a minimum. Assume I am familiar with your chosen story. You are writing a literary analysis, not a book report, so you only need to provide brief summary when necessary to making a point (e.g. when you are using a plot event as evidence of a claim).
Always write about literature in present tense; the story happens anew each time you read it. Keep the tone formal: avoid personal pronouns (e.g. I, you, we, etc.), contractions, and slang.
You are creating an original piece of analysis. Do not use Sparknotes, Cliff Notes, Shmoop, Grade Saver, etc. Do not look to literary criticism for interpretations of your chosen text. You are not required to use any secondary sources, but you must cite any you do consult. You must cite your primary text using in-text citations and a Work(s) Cited page.
Format:
• TNR, 12 pt. font, double-spaced
• 1 in. margins on each side
• No extra spaces between sentences or paragraphs
• Use an MLA style header and page numbers
• Create MLA style citations (in-text and Work[s] Cited)
• Format entire paper according to MLA 9 guidelines: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
• Use standard written English to govern grammar and mechanics.

Not your average Renaissance woman
In The Book of the Courtier, the ultimate ‘how to’ guide on Renaissance lifestyle for
men and women, Baldassare Castiglione’s description of the lady of the court
makes the difference in sex roles quite clear. On the one hand, the Renaissance
lady appears as the equivalent of the courtier. She has the same virtues of mind
as he and her education is symmetrical with his. She learns everything-well,
almost everything-he does: “knowledge of letters, of music, of painting, and . . .
how to dance and how to be festive.” Culture is an accomplishment for
noblewoman and man alike, used to charm others as much as to develop the
self. But, for the woman, charm had become the primary occupation and aim.
Whereas the courtier’s chief task is defined as the profession of arms, “in a Lady
who lives at court a certain pleasing affability is becoming above all else, whereby
she will be able to entertain graciously every kind of man.”
Not all women lived to do this. In recent years the lives of women artists and their
careers have slowly surfaced as more scholarship is devoted to uncovering their
contributions to art.
Research the life of one Italian Renaissance female artist and discuss the
following:
1. Background info. Make it relevant.
2. What were the circumstances that allowed this woman to become an artist in a
time period governed almost exclusively by men? Who did she study with?
3. Select an artwork by the artist you have chosen and compare it to the same
subject painted by a male artist. How does her work differ from his? Discuss style
and approach. Post your chosen artworks.
Guidelines:
 400-500 words (400 minimum NOT including citations, bibliography,
etc.). Anything less is a grade deduction. Ok if you go over a bit, no more
than 525 words please.
 You must include one quotation. Do not use more than one.
 Use two sources that are reliable and solid. Do not use any textbook or
basic encyclopedia. Make sure your sources are solid.
 Cite your sources in MLA or Chicago style. Include bibliography in last
page.
 Include images at the end of the paper. Label images appropriately.
 Upload a word doc.
 Due on April 9 at 11:59pm on Canvas.