For my last and final post for this class, I found random sampling from chapter 14 interesting. Random sampling is used in a lot of research however I did not know it can be used for critical thinking. According to Epstein, random sampling is, "a sample is chosen randomly if at every choice there is an equal chance for any one of the remaining members of the population to be picked." It is obvious that surveying every individual in the world is impossible, therefore using random sampling is the best option because any person can be picked. Selecting random people to conduct an experiment is not as easy as it seems. In the book it says that mathematicians prepare random numbers for the selection. Random sampling gives people a good reason to believe it is good sampling because it is not biased. An argument would be valid because its premises are not false due to the sample selection.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
favorite and least favorite
Week 16, Post 2
My favorite thing about the class is how it is online. I did not have to worry about being late to class. It was also very convenient for my hectic schedule. This class also took me out of my element, I never thought I would ever start a blog and actually write. It was a good experience because I learn to express my thoughts and allow others to read it. The 12 hour intervals made me stay on top of my work because I feared missing the deadline.
My least favorite thing about the class was the final project we did. When I first registered for the class, I didn't know we had to meet in person. My schedule is not as flexible as my other group mates so meeting was very difficult. For the last project, I had to skip two of my classes in order to complete the final project.
One thing this class can improve on is the projects assigned. Conflicting schedules made it difficult to gather every group member. Although, this class is critical thinking and it is about communication, busy schedules made meeting in person inconvenient.
My favorite thing about the class is how it is online. I did not have to worry about being late to class. It was also very convenient for my hectic schedule. This class also took me out of my element, I never thought I would ever start a blog and actually write. It was a good experience because I learn to express my thoughts and allow others to read it. The 12 hour intervals made me stay on top of my work because I feared missing the deadline.
My least favorite thing about the class was the final project we did. When I first registered for the class, I didn't know we had to meet in person. My schedule is not as flexible as my other group mates so meeting was very difficult. For the last project, I had to skip two of my classes in order to complete the final project.
One thing this class can improve on is the projects assigned. Conflicting schedules made it difficult to gather every group member. Although, this class is critical thinking and it is about communication, busy schedules made meeting in person inconvenient.
What I learned
Week 16, Post 1
I learned numerous things in this class but the one thing I learned the most is to make any argument strong and valid. The concepts I learned in class are applied in my daily life now. Before starting this class, I thought every argument was valid if it sounded realistic. However, after learning the different claims and reasoning, I realized that the conclusion is only as good as the premises. I have always been told that there are always two sides for ever story so don't be quick to judge or make conclusions. When I am engaged in a conversation with my friend, I noticed that I am more aware of what he or she is saying. I find myself looking for valid points or if they are saying certain things due to appeal of emotions. Not only do I listen to others but I also make sure that I get my point across to others in a manner where it is reasonable and valid.
I learned numerous things in this class but the one thing I learned the most is to make any argument strong and valid. The concepts I learned in class are applied in my daily life now. Before starting this class, I thought every argument was valid if it sounded realistic. However, after learning the different claims and reasoning, I realized that the conclusion is only as good as the premises. I have always been told that there are always two sides for ever story so don't be quick to judge or make conclusions. When I am engaged in a conversation with my friend, I noticed that I am more aware of what he or she is saying. I find myself looking for valid points or if they are saying certain things due to appeal of emotions. Not only do I listen to others but I also make sure that I get my point across to others in a manner where it is reasonable and valid.
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