Prof. vK | ENG1101-D149 | Fall 2024

Homework due 11/13

  1. Bring in a printed copy of your three sources next class for peer review
  2. Post your third source!

The first part of your entry will be the “bibliographic entry.” This entry gives the publication information, author, date, title and so forth. There are many websites (like easybib.com) that can help you do this.  Here is one example:  

Fitzgerald, Jill. “Research on Revision in Writing” Review of Educational Research. 57.4 (Winter 

1987): 481-506. 

Part 2: Summary (1 substantial paragraph)

In the second part of your entry, you will write a summary. This will be useful to you later, because it will give you the rundown of what you’ve read (just in case you forgot.) Your summary should capture the most important points the author makes relating to your research question, quoting directly if possible. It’s also a good time to make note of what data, facts and evidence the author uses to support their claims, and how they use this evidence to arrive at their conclusions. 

It might be tempting to use ChatGPT here, but don’t do it! Even though you’re not giving us your strong opinion (yet,) YOU are choosing which parts of the text to focus on. You can show arguments that don’t quite fit with the current research, or direct readers to points that relate to your question. Also, remember– ChatGPT makes things up!

Part 3: Opinion and Rhetorical Analysis (2-3 paragraphs)

In the third part of your entry, you will respond to the text you’ve read. This is where your voice comes in. Avoid simply agreeing or disagreeing with the author; explain your full reaction. If you could say something to this author, what would you say? Do you think they have a good point, but they take too long to get there? Do you think they sound good, but actually are way off base? And, most importantly, what, if anything, did you learn from reading? Remember– you do not have to agree with the author!! 

In this section, quote particular sentences to which you are responding. Make note of questions you still have (this can help direct you to further research.) 

Also consider rhetorical factors here like the genre of the writing, the author’s credentials, and the publication venue. How do you feel the author’s writing style, awareness of audience and purpose (reason for writing), and choice of genre affect the meaning and credibility of the document? This is called a “rhetorical analysis” and we’ll talk about it more in class.  

Part 4: Quotables   

This last part doesn’t count toward your word count, but it will help you in Unit 3.  Here, you will make note of at least one direct quote from the author made that you feel really exemplifies the document’s claims or interpretations. Or, you might want to choose a sentence that you really agree with (or really DIS-agree with) that you want to refer back to later. You don’t need to repeat something you’ve quoted earlier– this is just a place to take note of quotations you feel you may want to use later.  Put it in quotes– and don’t forget the page number (if applicable). 

9 Comments

  1. adrianf

    Randi Bass, Effects of Social Media on teens and tweens”, DC News NOW, 2022, INTERVIEW: The Effects of Social Media on Teen and Tweens

    This video features psychotherapist Lena Derhally discussing recent findings on social media’s impact on teen mental health, highlighting that teens/tweens, especially, are more vulnerable to its negative effects during specific developmental stages. She explains that teens’ developing brains make them more susceptible to social comparison, often leading to body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and mental health issues. Derhally suggests delaying social media use for young kids and setting limits for teens, as the negative impacts outweigh the positive impacts. It also emphasizes the importance of in-person social connections and helping teens recognize that online content isn’t always an accurate reflection of reality.

    I feel like what psychotherapist Lena Derhally said broadened my understanding of how social media impacts teens mental health. I say this because I forgot that during certain ages, the brain goes through specific developmental stages which makes it more susceptible to how negatively social media can impact your brain. I didn’t think of this and can see why my parents never let me play too much on the internet when I was younger. I feel like Lena Derhally was very straight to the point and straight forward which makes the interview pretty educational. Being straightforward is a lot better than dragging the key takeaways on and providing misinformation. I feel like I learned a lot more from this interview than I have on the other articles. The reason I say this is because she’s a psychotherapist; she specializes in the brain and mental health and I can see from how Lena Derhally said “teens constantly compare themselves to other people and see false narratives about other people.” It goes to show how Lena Derhally really understands the topic she’s discussing and ensures a credible source. Although, she also leans more towards the negative side of the spectrum and not the positive side like the blog I read about. Ultimately, Lena Derhally perfectly explains the impact that social media has on teenagers during specific developmental stages and the results are crazy.

  2. Al

    PART 1: Citation.

    Walker, Adam J., et al. “Statins: Neurobiological underpinnings and mechanisms in mood disorders.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 128, Sept. 2021, pp. 693–708, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.012.

    PART 2: Summary.

    • Walker et al. 2021 focuses on the pathophysiology of mood disorders with a focus on pharmacology methods, using major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder as examples. While this may sound complicated, it simply means the paper will talk about the physiological and pathological effects of mood disorders under a pharmacological lense. The main focus of this study is satins in the context of mood disorders; Statins are reductase inhibitors used to treat dyslipidemia, known as high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis, the process by which cells produce cholesterol. Statins also have immunomodulatory, referring to altering the body’s immune response, and anti-inflammatory properties, referring to reducing swelling. Beyond cardiovascular disease, cholesterol and inflammation appear to be components of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, it can be concluded that statins may have some therapeutic benefit in mood disorders. According to the paper, recent data suggests that statins may have antidepressant properties, “however given their interactions with many known biological pathways, it has not been fully elucidated which of these are the major determinants of clinical outcomes in mood disorder,” meaning that it is unknown what exactly the antidepressant effects result from since statins affect so many different things. More trials and investigations are required to better understand statins and their potential effects on mood disorders, along with what biological effects translate into that.
    • Statins are among the most prescribed medications worldwide, but are still not clearly understood and have been misunderstood in the past. A prime example of this ‘misunderstanding’ is back when statin use was reported to be associated with increases in mood disturbances, such as aggression, impulsivity, and suicide, which were all attributed to statins reducing evoked potential indexed brain serotonin. More recent studies have shown that, generally, statins neither increase nor decrease risk of violence or emotional disturbances, and may instead have beneficial effects on neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence that supports this conclusion is provided in a cited study where analyses of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of statins on psychology where improvements in depressive symptoms had been noted, particularly in patients with clinical depression.
    • Statins are not all positive, however, and have been reported to cause side-effects including fatigue, myopathies and neurocognitive defects. Other adverse effects such as muscle symptoms, sleep disturbances, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive impairment, “were only statistically significant compared to placebo only when doctors and patients knew what was prescribed, suggesting a dominant effect of the nocebo reaction in statin side-effects.” Another recent paper has also re-challenged the idea that the vast majority of statin’s negative effects are due to nocebo, the opposite of placebo, instead of actual pharmaceutical effects. The paper suggests that confidence in the use of statins may increase by considering preclinical rodent data, which indicate that statins influence pathways implicated in the neuroprogressive nature of major depression which may translate over to humans.
    • The paper concludes by stating that statins while early studies concluded that the use of statins had negative consequences, more modern research suggests that statins may have properties that can help treat mood disorders.

    Part 3: Analysis.

    • As stated in the paper, statins are among the most prescribed medications in the world. To put this into scale, more than 92 million adults take statins in the US. Despite this, we still still lack understanding of statins and the many ways they affect us. Statins have a wide range of effects, most relating to their roles as reductase inhibitors and their primary use of preventing cardiovascular disease. This relates to mood disorders in two ways: 1. Statins are shown to have positive effects on treating mood disorders; and 2. The effect that statins are expected to have means that mood disorders aren’t limited to the brain, but also to the balance of the rest of the body. As discussed prior, potential causes of mood disorders include issues with regions of the brain and glial disorders, but statin opens up the possibility that the rest of the body may be involved in the forming of mood disorders.

    Part 4: Quotes.

    • “Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors) are among the most prescribed medications worldwide. Understanding the extent of their biological effects and clinical utility is thus critical.”
    • “Individuals with depression exhibit aberrant immune-inflammatory processes and neuro-oxidative stress toxicity which may be partly ameliorated by the use of statins.”
    • “There is the problem of identifying suitable candidates for adjunctive statin treatment. It is widely acknowledged that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach for treatment, especially when it comes to psychiatric mood disorders.”
  3. Nathan

    Priolo, Teresa. “Hate Crimes Rise in NYC Every Year Since 2020.” FOX 5 NY, New York State Comptroller’s Office Report, 2023.

    The article highlights a troubling increase in hate crimes across New York, with a 12.7% rise in 2023 alone and a 69% surge since 2019. It details how hate crimes disproportionately target specific groups, including Jewish individuals (477 incidents), Black individuals (183), and gay men (130). Anti-Semitic hate crimes rose by 13% in 2023, while anti-Black crimes accounted for 17% of all incidents. Crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias also rose sharply, with a 141% increase in incidents against gay men and a 140% increase in crimes against transgender individuals since 2019. Despite a drop in anti-Asian hate crimes from their pandemic peak, the numbers remain significantly higher than pre-2019 levels. The report emphasizes the role of data in combating hate, urging collaboration between political, community, and business leaders to address bigotry through prevention, education, and accountability.

    The article effectively draws attention to the alarming rise in hate crimes and provides compelling statistics to back its claims, but it leaves room for a deeper exploration of root causes and solutions. I found the data regarding the 69% overall increase in hate crimes since 2019 and the specific targeting of Jewish individuals, Black individuals, and gay men particularly disturbing. The sentence, “Fighting hatred and bigotry demands that we communicate with, respect, and accept our neighbors,” resonates strongly as a call to action, but the article could have expanded on actionable steps for community members and local leaders to take beyond general appeals for education and collaboration.

    The use of real-world accounts, such as a New Yorker’s testimony about their father being assaulted for being Jewish, adds emotional weight to the statistical data. However, while these anecdotes highlight the human impact of hate crimes, the article could have benefitted from delving into systemic factors, such as the role of social media or economic disparities, that fuel such crimes. The writing style is accessible and emotionally charged, which makes the information impactful but at times veers toward generalizations. The reliance on government data enhances its credibility, but the lack of detailed analysis limits its usefulness for devising specific strategies.

    “Fighting hatred and bigotry demands that we communicate with, respect, and accept our neighbors.”

    “Between 2019 and 2023, hate crime incidents grew in New York City by 59.3% and more rapidly in the rest of the state by 87.5%.”

  4. Ernesto

    CTE: The silent killer in contact sports | Emer MacSweeney | TEDxAthens

    Brain expert Dr. Emer MacSweeney discusses the most feared risk for amateur and professional contact sports players in this TED talk. She begins by briefly explaining how contact sports athletes are more vulnerable to CTE, which can lead to severe cognitive decline and personality changes. She further discusses how both amateur and professional players must become more aware of the consequences that can occur while participating in contact sports, also noting that the effect of contact sports on the brain tends to be overlooked. We also learn that athletes suffer injuries in contact sports & often try to play through the injury instead of taking the proper time to heal. This constant exposure to head trauma can worsen the damage to the brain. Dr.Emer suggests that athletes prioritize their health instead of the sport, as athletes tend to put the sport first then their health which can lead to major health implications as their career continues. She also calls on the coaches and organizations to make the right decisions for their player’s health.

    I agree with Dr. Emer on the dangers of contact sports, but I believe the author didn’t go into enough detail when explaining the brain damage that occurs from contact sports and how long it takes to affect individuals. This could lead to misinterpretation, making people believe it will affect them at the beginning of their careers. Aside from this, Dr. Emer does a great job explaining how head trauma can lead to dementia and CTE.

    This TED talk serves as a wake-up call to anyone looking to compete in physical contact sports. Instead of scaring them away, she finds it important to explain the dangers so players can avoid damage before it is too late. This wasn’t a wake-up call purely for athletes but also for their coaches and organizations to assist these players in prioritizing their health and creating a safer environment in contact sports.

    • Ernesto

      For paragraph 2 I meant she didn’t go into enough detail on how the brain damage occurs.

  5. Malik Olalekan

    Part 1 Citation

    Ascione, Laura. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” eSchoolNews, 2023,

    The journalist Laura Ascione wrote important news and ideas about the impact of the internet and technology on education. She spoke about how educational technology has become an integral part of classrooms, influencing teaching methodologies, student interactions, and the overall educational landscape. She talked about how education is changing, from interactive digital resources to online learning platforms, technology has given educators innovative tools to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments. She stated how students have benefited from increased access to information, personalized learning experiences, and opportunities for collaboration, while at the same time artificial intelligence an avenue for academic dishonesty and will harm students’ individual and critical thinking skills.

    Part 2 Summary

         The journalist wrote about how technology is affecting students negatively and the consequences that are being faced from overuse of the internet and technological medium. As quoted from the news article, the journalist wrote that “Prolonged screen time and sedentary behavior associated with technology use can contribute to health issues such as eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to obesity and related problems”. To be able to contribute properly in a classroom or to be able to learn, one has to be psychologically active, long hours of screen time leading to eye straining or distraction to sleep contribute badly to that. The addiction to technology devices and internet is a great problem in the world right now, inputting that into the educational system without a clear regulation control would be substandard.

    Summary and Analysis     

     The journalist, Laura Ascione did not fail to give beautiful impacts technology has had on the education system and I quote from her news article, she said “Technology has profoundly impacted education, upending traditional teaching methods and reshaping today’s learning landscape”, Laura was correct about the positive impact the technology had and is having the the school system, technology has created easy to access to information through Online resources, educational websites,digital libraries, etc. Other ways the technology and internet has impacted the education system is by promoting interactive and engaging learning, flexibility in learning, enhanced communication, promotion of twenty-first century skills etc. The world is turning digital, so it will only make sense that students are equipped with enough skills.

          In most cases anything with an advantage would definitely have a simultaneous disadvantage or effect, in the case of technology, internet or artificial intelligence in the education system, there is no exception, overuse of technology, internet or artificial intelligence creates a really big problem in students and society. Laura spoke more on how technology has a negative effect on the schooling system, and I quote, “There’s a risk of overreliance on technology, with educators relying too heavily on digital tools at the expense of traditional teaching methods. This could potentially hinder the development of certain foundational skills”. Overreliance on technology from a very young age can have a great effect on children’s development in so many ways, socially, psychologically etc. which becomes a habit and slowly into addiction although parents can be blamed for that. Additionally, excessive use of technology, particularly in the form of social media, can contribute to social isolation. People may want to spend more time interacting online than in face-to-face social settings.

    Part 4 Quote

    One quote from the author that I feel really exemplifies the document’s claims or interpretations is “Technology in education, such as online courses and educational apps, has expanded learning opportunities globally”. 

  6. Joseph Puriisc

    Source 3: Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Say Dating Has Gotten Harder for Most People in the Last 10 Years (Pew Research Center)

    Part 1 Summary

    Adults living in the United States, through extensive survey data analyzed in this report, have shown that nearly fifty percent of them believe the process of dating has become much harder over the last decade. The change is wrought by a couple of contributory factors: very rapid and great increases in the availability and usage of online dating applications, changes in the social environment regarding relationships, and an influence the COVID-19 pandemic had on the different ways of personal contact. Moreover, the paper goes in-depth into differences in expectations between two people and changed roles that society imposes, both combining to make it quite difficult for the individuals nowadays to have proper, meaningful life-long contacts.

    Part 2: Analysis

    This source is particularly rich with insights and offers a deep look into public perceptions related to the different challenges facing dating today, all of which is based on well-collected and -analyzed quantitative data. For instance, the great variance of opinions presented in this setting allows for a much more nuanced and complete view of what modern dating really constitutes. One rather interesting contradiction arising from that is that, although there are so many people quick to blame dating apps for their problems and frustration with dating, at the same time, the same individuals are dependent on those same apps to find connections and relationships, especially during the cruel times of the pandemic. The tone of the report is business-like, and the due care taken with the inclusion of statistics contributes much towards making it credible and convincing. However, despite all these strengths, it was rather unfortunate that it again fell short in providing what I would consider enough deliberation on the potential solutions to the challenges identified herein. From this source, the reader learns that the intricacies and complexity surrounding modern dating are guided by a multi-faceted confluence of factors including rapid advancing technology, changes in societies, and external forces, such as the impact caused by the pandemic.

    Part 3: Citations

    -“47% of U.S. adults feel dating has become more difficult in the past decade.”

    -“The pandemic intensified feelings of isolation, driving many to online dating despite its challenges.”

  7. Jesenia Pineda

    Ross, Emma. “Fast Fashion Getting Faster: A Look at the Unethical Labor Practices Sustaining a Growing Industry.” International Law and Policy Brief, International Law and Policy Brief, 28

    Oct. 2021,

    studentbriefs.law.gwu.edu/ilpb/2021/10/28/fast-fashion-getting-faster-a-look-at-the-unethical-lab

    or-practices-sustaining-a-growing-industry/.

    Summary

    Emmal Ross examines the ethical and environmental implications of fast fashion, emphasizing the exploitative labor practices and unsustainable production cycles that define the industry. She explains how companies like H&M drive overproduction through “micro-seasons” and highlights the environmental costs, such as chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis also details unsafe working conditions, citing the 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse as a grim example. Ross calls for systemic changes, such as legally binding agreements and supply chain regulations, to address these issues. She argues that consumer awareness alone is insufficient without corporate accountability and legislative intervention.

    Opinion and Rhetorical Analysis

    Ross’s analysis is comprehensive and well-researched, offering a critical perspective on the fast fashion industry. Her use of historical examples, like the Rana Plaza disaster, underscores the human cost of unsustainable practices. The inclusion of legislative solutions, like the Bangladesh Fire & Safety Accord, adds depth to her argument and distinguishes this source from others focused only on individual responsibility.

    Ross’s writing style is clear and accessible, making complex issues understandable for a general audience. Her use of credible data and case studies enhances her credibility, and the use of her critical tone conveys urgency for solutions on this issue. However, her analysis prays shoppers as passive participants and not like potential agents of change. However, the source provides a valuable framework for understanding the interconnected ethical and environmental challenges of fast fashion.

    Quotables

    • “The fast fashion industry employs approximately 75 million factory workers worldwide, yet less than 2% earn a living wage.”
    • “By 2050, the fashion industry could use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget.”
  8. joey

    Source Entry Three

    Wilkins, Faith. “Why Do Black Children with Autism Get Diagnosed Late?” Child Mind Institute, 4 Nov. 2024, childmind.org/article/why-do-black-children-with-autism-get-diagnosed-late/.

    This research article goes into detail about how early diagnosis could affect black children very negatively in the long run, causing them to develop issues regarding social functioning as well as academic achievement later down the road during their life. It says Early Intervention is crucial, however black parents usually don’t get this intervention due to a history of bias and racism that existed within the healthcare system. Without that early care, which results in a late diagnosis, black children miss out on critical forms of treatment that ends up giving them lasting negative effects on their academic, social, and professional development. For all intents and purposes, this is a problem. A very big one. The article also goes into detail about the roles primary healthcare providers play and how evaluations serve as a barrier to diagnosis. On the topic of primary healthcare providers, I’ve already mentioned that there is a history of bias and racism when it comes to black families trying to receive treatment: however, because of that history it causes parents to be extremely hesitant to bring up their concerns with their child’s pediatrician, to the point that they feel shame about asking for help because they might not even get it. Unfortunately, an assumption like this was correct, with families who’d often reported that their child’s doctor was dismissive of their concerns and blamed it on a stereotype of black children misbehaving, which adds on to the already extensive history of bias and racism that families face when trying to be get their children diagnosed. Evaluations serve as a barrier because, unlike white children, black children must go through many more rounds of evaluation. It ends up being a “wait and see” type of event when, in-reality, the longer that they wait, the more the child will suffer in the long run. This can also lead to children being misdiagnosed with mood disorders, which further delays proper diagnosis and causes the child suffering in the long run. Overall, the article makes many points and statements about how usually, there are shortages in people who specialize in autism and don’t know what it looks like, especially in black children; on the other hand, those who do specialize do not take families seriously and tend to misdiagnose their children which leads to a worse outcome for that child. Late diagnosis will always hurt those children.

    I think the author hit the nail on the head with this one. Reading this was very enlightening, as there was a writer as well as a clinical professional, Dr. Telesford, who has a PhD as a psychologist who specializes in autism. Each paragraph felt like I was learning something new and gave great explanations as to why some things happen, like late diagnosis, as well as the barriers that cause that. Knowing now that there is a fear associated with getting your child diagnosed, and that the fear is almost always played into but professionals who don’t do their job correctly honestly scares me. To think that there are people out there who did spend 10-12 years of their life becoming pediatricians or doctors to only turn away parents’ concerns and not believe what they say is honestly sickening to me. Unfortunately, that being sad, it’s just the way the world is. Certain people get to turn away black families and their children just because, in their mind, they mischaracterize and stereotype them and their children because they think they know better than the parent who lives with and raises that child all day, 24/7. Combating this is a great thing, though. Reading that, at the end of the article, it was talked about that the healthcare community has come to a consensus that more doctors need training regarding autism, implicit bias and racism brought a smile to my face, because at the very least, the people who have gone through such horrific things and as a result didn’t get the treatment they needed in time can rest easy knowing that other people just like them and their families won’t be treated the same way they did. Honestly, this article was handled perfectly in my opinion.

    The author and her clinical professional did everything correctly. This was a great research article where there was an excellent awareness of the audience. If you wanted to know more about autism, if you wanted to know about the factors that go into late diagnosis or WHY it happens in the first place, this would be the perfect article to read. The choice of genre (research article) makes this extremely credible in my opinion, because not only is it hosted on a website dedicated to children’s mental health, but there is a professional giving her opinion and a writer who parrots her and gives her own opinion perfectly. Her purpose is to be informative with her research and I can see that I learned a lot and anyone else would as well. I loved this article the most out of the three source entries that I’ve researched.

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