Overcoming the Challenge

The use of technology is very important in today’s society, and in fact, strengthens the balance between the freedom of an individual to construct to maintain and to continue to grow an authentic moral identity because it enables us to connect not only to ourselves but everyone around us in a more efficient way that was not possible before. First, the author establishes a personal definition for education, the role of texts and the use of technology; and shares the assumptions and personal expectations that she had regarding texts. Then, the author discusses how the reading by Dr. Richard Restak challenged that assumption; according to Restak’s suggestions that as time progresses our attention is split into so many different ways that it becomes difficult for us to focus on one thing. Next, the author realizes that it was in writing an essay in response to that challenge that she can incorporate the use of texts and techonology in order to expand on her own definition of education. In conclusion, the author notes that technology doesn’t have to overcome one’s life as much as it may be a helping tool to strengthen his/her ability to adapt to changes and expand their horizons.

Abstract

Psychology’s early allegiance to behaviorism and experimental methods led many to disparage personality approaches throughout much of last century. Doubts about personality psychology’s viability culminated in Mischel’s assertion that measures of personality account for modest amounts of variance in behavior. In the years immediately following this critique, interest in personality research waned and many psychology departments dropped their training programs in personality. Throughout the past two decades, however, personality psychology has enjoyed a resurgence. The authors discuss several possible explanations for personality’s comeback and then describe the emergence of a promising symbiosis between personality psychology and its sister discipline, social psychology. The article concludes by noting that although this emerging symbiosis is likely to continue bearing considerable theoretical fruit, the traditional distinction between personal, situational, and interactional determinants of behavior continues to be useful within appropriate contexts.