The figure exercise we attempted in class really made me aware of the way I attempt to decipher codes, problems, and think logically. I realize that our minds are amazing in the way we quickly create a strategy, attempt it and throw it out if it doesn't work. This is basically the premise for thinking analytically. I began thinking about how we do this when it comes to dating.Most mammals have a very strategic way of choosing a mate.
1. Name the elements...
a. man
b. woman
c. other
2. Classified Elements: (This is called coding...)
a. Is he or she gorgeous
b. Intelligent?
c. Kind?
3. Looked for Patterns
a. what was your last relationship like?
b. what is your type?
c. how is your relationship with your family?
4. Draw a hypothesis
a. You are needy
b. you are great
c. you are a player
5. Test your hypothesis
and if it doesn't prove to be true you can always start over :)
This is an interesting approach to research. The differences between the sexes has been argued, categorized, and broken down since time immemorial and there is no end to the discussion in sight.
ReplyDeleteI like your broken down idea for how to approach the topic, but I have a few questions about the processes that you are thinking of undertaking.
First, are you only referring to people in your research? I see that you mention "mammals" in general in your opening paragraph, so I am curious if you are going to try to find similarities and differences between the way the human species dates (or mates, as it were) and other members of the mammalia class. It could be interesting, as some mammals mate for life while others only mate for procreative purposes, and still others take on multiple mates (in a harem-type setting, like with lions).
Next, are those options under each step the only things you're considering or are they just examples that came to your head? For example, you mention "gorgeous," "intelligent" and "kind" as three factors for choosing a mate. Is this all that you think goes into finding someone or are they just the most important in your research? I know it would be impossible to list all characteristics that a potential mate could offer, so narrowing it down makes the most sense.
Finally, I like that you have the option of "other" in your first step. Many people tend to overlook the transgendered community even though statistics show a very high number in our society. It is also interesting to consider the factors that come into a play for gay and lesbian relationships, while the steps would not be altogether different, they wouldn't be the exact same factors that come into play in a heterosexual relationship.
I like what you have started here, it is a very interesting topic to tackle and also one that could spark a lot of great debate in the class (although I believe the women outnumber the men, so things could definitely get interesting!)
Cheers,
Joe