World Mysteries Assignment 1 by https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd Made by Amy McHugh, Melissa McClatchey and Kaitlyn Ihasz en-us 2021-02-01 21:14:23 UTC 2024-11-28 03:50:35 UTC hello@padlet.com Post #1: Assignment 1 amymchugh3 https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151027341 By: Amy McHugh, Melissa McClatchey, Kaitlyn Ihasz]]> 2021-02-01 21:17:14 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151027341 Post #2 Red Flag: All Natural amymchugh3 https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151033134 The red flag of All Natural is defined as something that is composed of ingredients or an ingredient itself that are/is from nature and has no artificial or synthetic additives. Something that is considered “all natural” should be 100% safe and healthy; although, there are many “natural” things that can still harm us greatly.
 
This video goes through a list of 25 different “all natural” items/foods that people encounter every day. The video gives information regarding each item and how just because they are considered “natural” does not mean they are technically good for us. These items range from water, to mushrooms to beauty products. 
 
]]> 2021-02-01 21:18:40 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151033134 Post #3 Red Flag: Conformation Bias amymchugh3 https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151041164 The red flag Conformation Bias is defined as the tendency of humans to search for, believe or recall only information that confirms or supports their own belief or values on a topic. Many people have a set of beliefs and values that they do not want to stray from or open their mind to other opinions. These individuals will purposely only look for “evidence” that proves what they already think. This is an example of how humans process information; whether it is because it seems “easier” and less overwhelming, to protect their self-esteem, or their relationship with the person who told them. 
 
This image depicts two individuals who enjoy watching the news, however they will only watch one news station because it speaks to their values and beliefs. Many people have different beliefs when it comes to what the news stations report; politics for example. This leads them to purposely choose to watch the news station that is tailored to their views and values, without giving the other channels a chance to open their mind and possibly challenge their beliefs.
]]> 2021-02-01 21:21:22 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151041164 Post #7 Reason for Belief: Agenticity amymchugh3 https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151046831 Agenticity is defined as humans natural act of “assigning” a meaning or deep connection to a particular invisible being. These beings can come in the form of ghosts, spirits, gods, souls, angels, aliens, demons and more. People believe that not only do these beings exist but that they have some sort of “power” and intention in their lives. There are many conspiracies behind the idea of these agents and what their purpose is. For example, some believe aliens are brought here to warn humans of something bad coming; or, angles are protecting and guiding us. 

This article from The Atlantic discusses and questions why people believe in ghosts/spirits. It goes into detail of surveys done showing that a significant portion of the population (40-50%) believes in ghosts. The article discusses that the reason for believing for many comes from reports of people having paranormal experiences. For most individuals who stand behind the idea of agenticity there is a feeling of emotional connection, for example a family member who has passed away and they feel they have a “guardian angel”. There is also the belief that people who have had paranormal experiences were hallucinating or perceiving something wrong. ]]> 2021-02-01 21:23:11 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151046831 Post #4 Red Flag: Appeal to Authority https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151445846 Appeal to authority is an argument based on a certain logic that a figure “claims” to be true. This type of logic is believed due to the fact that the statement is being made by someone who is said to have “authority” on the topic or subject. Rather than focusing on the evidence or facts, people are intrigued by the idea of something based off of who is promoting it. This concept is commonly seen with celebrity endorsements. 

The link below is a commercial for a skincare brand called Aveeno featuring Jennifer Anniston as the promoter of the product. In the ad, Jennifer Anniston is talking about a healthy lifestyle along with healthy skin which can be achieved through the use of Aveeno. “Naturally beautiful results” is the claim being made by the celebrity, which will easily be believed by viewers who are fans of Jennifer Anniston or even those who just simply know of her. Commercials like this can often influence people to believe that if a celebrity uses it then it must be a good product, thus encouraging others to try the product themselves.

]]> 2021-02-02 00:47:22 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151445846 Post #5 Red Flag: Ancient Wisdom https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151449617 Ancient wisdom can be described as a certain practice from long ago that people believe is very beneficial or holistic. It is commonly focused on treatment models or healing approaches that have been around for a very long time. This can be seen as alternative medication therapies from the age of “wisdom” from ancient civilization times. Although some people have strong opinions on these methods being “superior”, this is often false as there were less resources available during these times. 

Before prescription medications were available, people relied on the use of plant and animal products for medicinal purposes. In the article below are 7 examples of ancient medical techniques. Animal products such as lizard blood and horse saliva are some of techniques that were used as topical ointments in ancient Egypt. One of the more common techniques was the use of cannabis for curative purposes and this is still something that we see in today’s society. This demonstrates ancient wisdom, as all of these medical treatment techniques were from ancient times and some are still even used in today's society.

]]> 2021-02-02 00:49:22 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151449617 Post #8 Reason for Belief: Patternicity https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151452273 Patternicity can be described as finding meaningful patterns in an object or being that could be seen as “meaningless”. Humans are pattern seeking beings and we tend to look for patterns in daily life, even when not trying to. We use our imagination and sense of imagery to see what we want to see, when in reality it isn’t real. 

The image provided below is an example of patternicity, as the image itself is of something so meaningless, like a cloud. Although when we look at the picture, our minds trick us into finding a meaningful pattern in the clouds; the outline of a face. We are using imagery to see and recognize something that we are familiar with. 


]]> 2021-02-02 00:50:45 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1151452273 Post #6: Red Flag: Mystical Energy kkihasz https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1155925684 Mystical energy is false energy; made up to sound scientific. New age practitioners seem to think that energy is a "cloud" that can go wherever it is needed. Mystical energy does not use scientific measurements or information to prove that it is real. An individual practicing spiritually or paranormal activity would be using mystical energy, but if the term energy were to be replaced with measurable, it would not make any sense as mystical energy is not scientifically proven. 

The link below is for a website that speaks on the use of crystals. Crystals have been around for decades and have been believed to heal people's energy through their mind, body and soul. People are drawn to these crystals for their unique colours, shapes and sizes. Crystals have not been scientifically proven to show any healing capability; physically and mentally, but since there is explanations behind each crystal, people believe that their healing powers are real. 

]]> 2021-02-02 20:35:59 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1155925684 Post #9 Reason for Belief: Ideology kkihasz https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1156175609 A system of beliefs, values, theories and/or policies one may follow. The most common example is the ideology of religion or spirituality and the set of values that follow each. There are many other forms of ideology such as politics, economics, culturalism and more. 

In the attached website, there is a list of basic duties and rights that a Catholic person would follow. Every religion is different with their own set of duties, but this is for a practicing Catholic. This demonstrates ideology as there is a set of beliefs and values that a Catholic individual would live by to maintain and respect their religion. ]]> 2021-02-02 21:53:25 UTC https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1156175609 Post #10 Critical Thinking of the Aveeno Commercial kkihasz https://padlet.com/amymchugh3/ps4o9gpnuwwk0jkd/wish/1156212232 Define Problem:
The problem is that the brand, Aveeno is promoting a product used by a well known celebrity that has easy access to a healthy lifestyle and enhancements to make herself look better. Aveeno claims that having a healthy lifestyle and using Aveeno will get rid of dry skin in just one day.
Gather Information:
The commercial for Aveeno featuring Jennifer Anniston, is to promote a daily skin moisturizer. The pros to this commercial is that the product uses natural ingredients, credits a famous actress that has flawless skin from using the product and claims to give the best results in two weeks. The arguments against this commercial is that it uses the appeal to authority red flag with including Jennifer Anniston, making people want to purchase this product. Another con to this commercial is that it gives off the illusion that anyone could look like Jennifer Anniston if they used Aveeno, which is not true.
Evaluate Evidence:
The source is credible and there are reviews for this specific product to prove it. The ingredients of this product are claimed to be natural, absorb well into the skin, and improve dry skin within two weeks. All of these claims have been proven to be correct on the Aveeno website and especially under the reviews from customers.
Recognize Assumptions, Emotions and Biases:
The personal assumptions and emotions from this ad is that peoples skin will look as heathy and beautiful like Jennifer Anniston's skin. A personal bias is for individuals to only buy this product because their favourite actress is promoting it. The potential impacts of all of these are that the customer will be disappointed by this product and end up feeling upset as to why their skin did not look like Jennifer Anniston's.
Synthesize Evidence and Identify Alternatives:
A few alternate solutions to promoting this product would be using a "normal" person instead of a well-known celebrity and showing more pictures of real results from customers. Using a "normal" person instead of a celebrity would show customers that the brand is more focused on the results from their customers, rather than getting a celebrity to promote the product, merely to sell more and make more money. Secondly, using pictures that include real life results would show customers that the product does really work and that their money is not being wasted.
Select Best Alternative:
The best alternative for this commercial would be to show real life examples of customers using the product. It would be helpful for future customers if the brand included pictures and reviews to prove that their product succeeds all the claims that are made. 

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