Asch's series of experiments, in which participants judged the length of a line incorrectly because everyone else in the room gave the wrong answer, demonstrated the process of __________.
Answers
Asch's series of experiments, in which participants judged the length of a line incorrectly because everyone else in the room gave the wrong answer, demonstrated the process of conformity.
This refers to the change in behavior or belief as a result of group pressure or social influence.Conformity can be both normative and informational. Normative conformity occurs when individuals conform to the group's behavior to gain social approval or avoid disapproval.
Informational conformity, on the other hand, occurs when individuals conform to the group's behavior because they believe that the group's behavior is correct. The Asch conformity experiments are one of the most famous studies in social psychology, and they demonstrate the power of conformity.
The Asch experiment involves a participant who is seated in a room with a group of other participants, but all of the other participants are confederates (individuals who have been instructed to give particular responses). The group is shown a series of lines, and they are asked to match a "test" line to one of three "comparison" lines.
The correct answer is obvious, but the confederates give the wrong answer. The participant is then asked to give their answer. In most cases, the participant conformed to the group's incorrect response. The study demonstrates how people are willing to conform to group pressure, even when it goes against their better judgment.
Overall, Asch's series of experiments showed that individuals can conform to the behavior of others in group settings, even when it goes against their own beliefs or judgments. These findings have important implications for understanding social influence and group behavior.
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Related Questions
Which of the following scenarios would require the formation of a Congressional committee?
A committee is formed to decide whether who should be the next presidential candidate.
O A committee is formed to discuss potential laws and policies that would impact energy production and consumption in the United States.
O A committee is formed to decided if a Supreme Court justice should be removed.
O A committee is formed of the wealthiest members of Congress.
Answers
The following scenarios would require the formation of a Congressional committee: options A, B, and C:
A committee is formed to decide whether who should be the next presidential candidate.A committee is formed to discuss potential laws and policies that would impact energy production and consumption in the United States.A committee is formed to decided if a Supreme Court justice should be removed.What is a Congressional committee?A Congressional committee is a group of lawmakers who are appointed to consider and report on specific issues within the jurisdiction of the United States Congress. Congressional committees serve a variety of functions, including conducting investigations, holding hearings, and developing and reviewing legislation.
There are two types of Congressional committees:
standing committees and select committeesStanding committees are permanent committees that are established by the rules of the House of Representatives or Senate and generally have jurisdiction over a specific policy area, such as foreign affairs or appropriations.
Select committees are temporary committees that are established for a specific purpose, such as to conduct an investigation or to consider a specific piece of legislation. Members of Congress are usually appointed to serve on committees based on their expertise and interests.
Therefore, the correct answers are as given above
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Summarize the argument being made in this document. What is the most compelling evidence used by the author to support it?
(WILL GIVE BRAINLIEST!!!)
Answers
Answer and Explanation:
The main argument put forward by "The War in Vietnam" is that communist forces in South Vietnam found it easy to infiltrate and camouflage themselves as a North Vietnamese to receive appropriate military training. The most convincing evidence that the author presents on this argument is that the northern military training is handled by the elite military force commanded by Hanoi, thus allowing the communist army to strengthen itself easily.
During the years before the American Civil War, abolitionist ideas spread in the United States. This shows that most Americans...
A: recognized the importance of limiting states' rights.
B: approved of limiting the rights and privileges of slaves.
C: recognized the importance of free speech and a free press.
D:approved of continuing slavery in newly admitted states.
Answers
Answer: C
Explanation:
Answer:
The answer is C i just picked b and it said c
Explanation:
how do you stage a sit-in
Answers
Answer:
Gather who all understands what you believe in and have it organized and it must be peaceful.
Explanation:
Hope that answers your question.
_____ is a body of political science scholarship broadly arguing that many political and ethnic conflicts stem from resource scarcity, and that such scarcity is driven by overpopulation.
Answers
The political science body that argues about political and ethnic conflicts is Environmental security.
What is environmental security?It is a body in political science that is used to explain concept in political and ethnic conflicts.
Environmental security posits that when there is a scarcity of resources, it leads to political and ethnic conflicts as people divide themselves amongst those lines to compete for resources.
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The political science body which argues about political and ethnic conflicts as described in the question is Environmental security.
Environmental security as a concept
Environmental security is a body in political science characterized by it's use to explain concepts in political and ethnic conflicts.
The standpoint of Environmental security lies in the fact that when there is a scarcity of resources, political and ethnic conflicts stems as people divide themselves amongst those lines in a bid to compete for resources.
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Match each word with the phrase that best defines it.
principal
evaluate
interest
collateral
borrow
something given as security for the
repayment of a loan
a charge or fee in exchange for borrowing
money
to reflect on the success or merit of
something
the amount of money borrowed or the
amount of a loan still unpaid
to obtain money by promising to pay it back
Answers
Answer:
Here's my answer
Explanation:
Principal-the amount of money borrowed or the amount of a loan still unpaid, evaluate-to reflect on the success or merit of something, interest-a charge or fee in exchange for borrowing money, collateral-something given as security for the repayment of a loan, borrow-to obtain money by promising to pay it back.
The term "principal" most frequently refers to the initial sum of money obtained in a loan or invested. It may additionally refer to a bond's face value, the owner for a private corporation, or the principal player in a transaction.
In the background of borrowing, principal refers to the initial loan amount—it can also refer to the amount remaining due on a loan.
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PERCEPTION CHECKING
THE PROFESSOR WILL ASSIGN ACTIVITY AND GROUP(S) DEPENDING ON CLASS SIZE
The Gender Game. Divide the class into men and women. Each group is to come up with 5-10 questions they have always wanted to ask the opposite gender but, for some reason or another, never have. They are to rank their questions in importance because the class may not get to all the questions. Two simple rules govern the limits here: (1) you may not ask a question of the opposite gender that you are unwilling to answer yourself, and (2) you should avoid questions that are insulting (i.e., specific sexual behaviors that might embarrass some class members) or that tend to generalize about all members of a gender (e.g., "Why do women always go to the bathroom in pairs?").
Groups meet face to face after about 20 minutes allotted to question-generation, and the instructor acts as moderator as one "side" and then another asks one question at a time; each time the opposite side can put the question back to them. The instructor should encourage all members of the class to answer the question put to the group, but no one should be pressured if he or she feels uncomfortable.
The Intercultural Game. Using the same format as The Gender Game, this activity makes good use of any diverse population your institution may have. If your class has members of many cultures, you can divide them that way. Or, make use of foreign language classes or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and coordinate your activity with another instructor. In addition to providing a forum for perception checking, you can further interdisciplinary relationships at the same time.
Discussion Questions
What did you find out about the other gender (or about another culture) that you didn't know before?
Are your perspectives similar to or different from the others you interviewed?
What purpose did perception checking serve in this activity?
How do our perceptions influence communication with others? Give specific examples.
What effect might this activity have on future communication and relationships with people of the
opposite gender (or of another culture)? Suggest specific ways we can improve communication.
Answers
The activities aim to foster understanding and improve communication between different genders or cultures through perception checking and open dialogue.
What insights did the participants gain about the opposite gender or another culture through the perception checking activity?The given passage describes two activities, "The Gender Game" and "The Intercultural Game," which involve dividing the class into different groups based on gender or cultural background.
The groups are tasked with generating questions they have always wanted to ask the opposite gender or another culture.
The questions are ranked in importance, and then each group takes turns asking one question at a time while the other group responds.
The purpose of these activities is to foster understanding, perception checking, and communication between different genders or cultures.
The discussion questions provided further explore the insights gained from the activity, the similarities or differences in perspectives, the role of perception checking, the influence of perceptions on communication, and the potential impact on future communication and relationships with individuals from different backgrounds.
The activities aim to improve communication by promoting empathy, understanding, and breaking down stereotypes or misconceptions.
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in 1823 which imperial country dominates the western hemisphere? (monroe doctrine)
Answers
In the 1823, the United States is the imperial country that dominated the western hemisphere and this is proven with the monroe doctrine.
What was the monroe doctrine?Basically, the Monroe Doctrine is the best known as the U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere sphere. The Doctrine served as the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy which was enunciated by James Monroe in his annual message to Congress.
The Monroe Doctrine have four basic points:
U.S. would not interfere in the internal affairs of or the wars between European powersU.S. recognized and would not interfere with existing colonies and dependencies in the Western HemisphereWestern Hemisphere was closed to future colonizationany attempt to oppress any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as a hostile act against the US.Read more about monroe doctrine
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explain how the story of the berlin walllinks to an external site. by marc fisher represents this genre. what attributes make it a work of creative nonfiction instead of just a news article?
Answers
Berlin wall by Marc Fisher represents creative non fiction as we see that the article is completely about German stories during World War II and how various strategies got executed in reality using an effective storytelling technique.
The author here tells his personal experience felt during War and how things unfolded in reality and what response mechanisms were adopted. The article creates climax and compelling story making it a creative work of nonfiction using contemporary literature but not written for sole entertainment and commercial purposes and hence classified under this genre. The massively constructed Berlin Wall served as a physical "iron curtain" isolating Europe for the following 28 years, serving as the most visible representation of the Cold War. Germany had been divided into four Allied occupation zones by the time World War II ended in 1945.
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the function of Federalism
central government
Answers
Answer:
The functions are national defense and foreign affairs, commerce and finance, and all laws that are necessary and proper.
Explanation:
Which sentence best states the theme of this excerpt? The outsiders
Answers
Soda tries to understand, at least, which is more than Darry does. But then, Soda is different from anybody; he understands everything, almost. Like he's never hollering at me all the time the way Darry is, or treating me as if I was six instead of fourteen. I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom and Dad.
Which statement best states the theme of this excerpt?
People are alike inside.
Hardship builds character.
Kindness creates loyalty.
Appearances can be deceptive.
Answer: Kindness creates loyalty.
Hope this helps!
which of the following does the proposed program section of a proposal not customarily include?
Answers
The proposed program section of a proposal customarily includes several components, but it does not typically include the budget or financial details. The proposed program section focuses on outlining the specific activities, strategies, and objectives of the project or program being proposed.
It provides a detailed description of how the proposed program will be implemented, including timelines, methodologies, deliverables, and expected outcomes.
The elements commonly found in the proposed program section of a proposal may include:
Goals and objectives: Clearly defined goals and objectives that the proposed program aims to achieve.Program design: Detailed explanation of the program's structure, components, and activities.Methodology: Description of the approach, methodologies, and strategies to be employed in implementing the program.Timelines and milestones: Proposed timeline or schedule for various program activities and important milestones.Outputs and deliverables: Specification of the expected outputs, deliverables, or tangible results of the program.Monitoring and evaluation: Discussion of how the program's progress and effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated.Collaboration and partnerships: Explanation of any collaborations or partnerships with other organizations or stakeholders involved in the program.Sustainability: Discussion of the measures or plans for the program's sustainability beyond the proposed funding period.While the budget and financial details are crucial components of a proposal, they are typically included in a separate section dedicated to the financial aspects of the proposed program. This allows the proposed program section to focus specifically on the program's goals, activities, and implementation strategies.
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Which of the following is the best example of civil disobedience?
A. a refusal to pay taxes used to fight a war
B. a decision not to vote in any federal election
C. a letter to the editor complaining about a law
D. a threat made against law enforcement after an arrest
Answers
According to learning and cognitive perspectives on personality, which conditions would lead to someone having a studious personality?.
Answers
According to learning and cognitive perspectives on personality, high order thinking skills and a good listening ability would lead to someone having a studious personality.
A studious person is the one who enjoys spending time by studying something like books or online articles and blogs. They remain in their happiest state while studying and reading as it becomes their hobby. They can't imagine a day in their life without reading something. These people have high absorptive capacity of the information they read.
Having an immense benefits of being studious, there are some drawbacks also for this kind of personality like they try to become perfectionist in everything which is not always possible, they immerse themselves in studies so much that they leave school with very few memories and they are not very comfortable around people.
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If you discover the isu library does not have access to an article you need, what is your next best option?.
Answers
If you discover the ISU library does not have access to an article you need then you can request the article through the library's Interlibrary Loan service.
A collection of items, such as books, articles or movies, that can be used instead of only being shown is called a library. The items available through a library can be accessed physically or digitally, and the facility might be both physical and virtual. The resources available in a library's collection can include books, other tangible items in formats like DVD, CD, and cassette, as well as access to data, music, and other materials stored in bibliographic databases. An institution like a school or museum, a public body like the government, a corporation, a private person, or a library of any size may organize and manage one for public use.
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explain the distribution process
Answers
Answer: Distribution is the process of making a product or service available for the consumer or business user who needs it. This can be done directly by the producer or service provider, or using indirect channels with distributors or intermediaries. ... The overall distribution channel should add value to the consumer.
Early in its history, the Tombigbee Hills region mostly supported
cotton plantations.
manufacturing.
small farms.
the timber industry.
Answers
Early in its history, the Tombigbee Hills region mostly supported cotton plantations.
What was the region about?Northeastern Mississippi is where you'll find the Tombigbee National Forest. A large portion of the area was abandoned farmland with rapidly eroding soils before this forest was established. Pine and hardwood forests currently cover its sloping hills.
The Tombigbee Hills region was primarily responsible for plantations of cotton. Early in its history, the Tombigbee Hills region mostly supported cotton plantations.
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why was it necessary to cooperate with people for unification
Answers
Answer:
order to expedite his programme of unification, he appealed his countrymen to cooperate him with cash and kinds for strengthening the army. The people responded positively
Explanation:
Hope you like my answer.And Helpful.
Hope this helps you:)
Can someone Describe the three criteria for evaluating effective
team/group work and use the criteria to analyze the effectiveness
of the team.
Answers
When evaluating the effectiveness of team or group work, three key criteria are essential: communication, collaboration, and goal attainment. By analyzing a team's performance based on these criteria, one can assess its overall effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
When evaluating the effectiveness of team or group work, there are three key criteria that can be used: communication, collaboration, and goal attainment.
Firstly, effective communication is crucial for a successful team. It involves open and clear lines of communication among team members. Active listening, sharing information, and providing constructive feedback are essential components.
A team that communicates well ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
Secondly, collaboration is vital for effective teamwork. It involves the ability of team members to work together, leverage each other's strengths, and contribute to collective decision-making.
A strong sense of unity and cooperation within the team enhances productivity and efficiency. Effective collaboration fosters creativity, innovation, and the generation of diverse perspectives and ideas.
Lastly, goal attainment measures the team's ability to achieve its objectives. It includes meeting deadlines, producing high-quality outputs, and fulfilling the team's purpose.
Effective teams set clear and achievable goals, regularly assess progress, and adapt their strategies if needed. They remain focused and motivated, leveraging their skills and resources to overcome challenges and reach desired outcomes.
In conclusion, when evaluating the effectiveness of team or group work, three key criteria are essential: communication, collaboration, and goal attainment. By analyzing a team's performance based on these criteria, one can assess its overall effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
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the social and cultural regulations governing emotional expressions, especially facial expressions are called
Answers
Body language is the nonverbal communication method of using physical actions, facial expressions, and mannerisms. It is frequently done unconsciously rather than on purpose.
A cultural expression of emotion is what?Additionally, there are some particular occurrences that are likely to evoke a particular mood in different cultures. There are variances even within one culture, as evidenced by the fact that some meals are regarded as delicacies in one society but disgusting in another.
Which system is in charge of face expressions?The muscles that enable you to grin, frown, wrinkle your nose, and lift your eyebrows and forehead are all under the control of the facial nerve. The motor and sensory functions of the seventh cranial nerve are carried out.
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. What have important economic and social factors of the past two centuries contributed to the development of ideologies?
2. How does ideology relate to government and to politics?
Answers
Important economic and social factors have played a significant role in shaping the development of ideologies. Ideologies, have a strong relationship with government and politics, influencing the policies, decision-making processes.
Over the past two centuries, various economic and social factors have contributed to the development of ideologies. Industrialization and the rise of capitalism brought about class struggles and social inequalities, leading to the emergence of socialist and communist ideologies as responses to these issues. Globalization and technological advancements have further influenced ideologies, with debates surrounding free trade, nationalism, and the role of the state in a globalized world. Social movements, such as civil rights, feminism, and environmentalism, have also shaped ideological perspectives on issues of equality, gender, and the environment.
Ideologies are closely intertwined with government and politics. They provide frameworks of ideas, beliefs, and values that guide political actors and shape their policy agendas. Political parties and leaders often align themselves with specific ideologies, using them as a basis for their political platforms and strategies. Ideologies also influence public opinion, shaping political discourse and voter preferences. They inform policy decisions and serve as a lens through which government actions are evaluated.
In summary, economic and social factors of the past two centuries have contributed to the development of ideologies, while ideologies, in turn, have a profound impact on government and politics, influencing policy choices, political parties, and public opinion. The relationship between ideologies and government is complex and dynamic, with ideologies providing a framework for political action and governance.
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While – is most closely associated with value-free sociology, pre-existing values are not the only reason a sociologist might be biased. The notion of – can be skewed by the direction and focus of prior research. Additionally, the concept of – suggests that researchers can also influence those who are being studied.
Answers
Despite that basic research is most closely associated with value-free sociology, the pre-existing values are not the only reason a sociologist might be biased. The notion of objectivity can be skewed by the direction and focus of prior research and the concept of reactivity suggests that researchers can also influence those who are being studied.
What is basic research?Basic research is a scientific research with a purpose of improving theories for understanding or prediction of natural situations
In conclusion, the word basic research, objectivity and reactivity is correct.
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What is a boycott? What are the reason behind them?
Answers
Answer: A boycott is when a group of like minded individuals decide to not support a manufacturer/product. Because of this they rally against that specific thing.
Explanation:
how should you approach public speaking if you want your voice to be lively and expressive?
Answers
To approach public speaking with a lively and expressive voice, it's important to practice proper breathing techniques, which can help regulate your voice and allow for greater control over pitch, tone, and volume.
Additionally, incorporating vocal variety, such as changes in pitch and pacing, can make your delivery more engaging and interesting to listen to. Using gestures and body language can also help convey enthusiasm and passion for your topic.
Another important aspect is to make eye contact with your audience and connect with them emotionally. This can help you establish trust and credibility while also engaging your listeners.
Lastly, it's important to practice and prepare thoroughly, so you can feel confident and comfortable while speaking. With practice and a focus on these techniques, you can deliver a lively and expressive speech that captivates your audience.
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Did the opportunities provided by the Gold Rush outweigh the hardships people faced? Explain your answer with specific examples.
Answers
Answer:
The opportunities offered by the gold rush did not overcome the difficulties that people were going through.
Explanation:
The gold rush promoted the possibility for an individual to achieve great wealth and raise their standard of living and that of their family forever. However, this was a very scarce opportunity, since it was very difficult to find these riches and there were many individuals in the same search. This difficulty became even worse with the risk of contagion by diseases such as typhoid fever and the cholera that was common among people. In the name of wealth, people went through unavailability of food, water, shelter and security, without even knowing whether they would be able to find something of value, which made the gold rush not worthwhile.
what was happening socially in the early to mid 1940s in europe and germany?
Answers
In the early to mid-1940s in Europe and Germany, many countries were occupied by Nazi
The Holocaust, World War II, atomic bombs, and the start of the Cold War all helped to define the 1940s. Men who went to war needed to be replaced in the labour, and the war effort helped the United States escape the Great Depression.
During this time, Nazi Germany and its allies conquered numerous nations in Europe, causing extensive civil unrest as well as the persecuting and killing of millions of Jews and other members of minority groups. As a result of the conflict, numerous citizens also experienced food shortages, bombing strikes, and other difficulties. Positively, when people came together to support their nations and one another during the war, it also drew them closer together.
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Is King tut deserving of his status is the best known Egyptian ruler?
Answers
King Tut is an important figure in Egyptian history and has long been a subject of interest for archaeologists and the general public. However, whether or not he deserves the title of the best-known Egyptian ruler is debatable.
The fame of King Tut stems largely from the discovery of his tomb in the Valley of the Kings by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb was mostly intact, which was a rarity in Egyptian archaeology, and contained a vast collection of valuable artifacts. This discovery caused a sensation and brought King Tut to the attention of the world.The reason why King Tut has become so famous is partly due to the fact that he was a relatively unknown ruler. He came to the throne as a child and reigned for only ten years before dying at the age of 18 or 19. His father, Akhenaten, had tried to introduce monotheism to Egypt, which was deeply unpopular, and Tutankhamun's reign was largely dedicated to returning Egypt to its polytheistic roots.
Because of his youth and short reign, King Tut didn't have the chance to make a significant impact on Egyptian society or leave behind a substantial legacy. However, the discovery of his tomb and the beautiful treasures it contained have ensured that he will remain one of the best-known figures of Ancient Egypt.However, there are many other Egyptian rulers who had a greater impact on Egyptian history than King Tut.
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Quadrilateral ABCD is inscribed in a circle with m∠A=(x2)° , m∠B=(9x−2)° , and m∠C=(11x)°.
Find m∠D.
Enter your answer in the box.
m∠D =
°
Answers
To find angle D, use the property of opposite angles in an inscribed quadrilateral (summing to 180°). Without the specific value of x provided, it is not possible to provide the exact numerical measure of angle D.
According to the property of an inscribed quadrilateral, we have:
m∠A + m∠C = 180° (opposite angles)
Substituting the given measures of angles A and C in terms of x:
(x^2) + (11x) = 180°
Now we can solve this equation for x. After finding the value of x, we can substitute it into the measure of angle D:
m∠D = 180° - (m∠A + m∠B + m∠C) = 180° - [(x^2) + (9x-2) + (11x)]
Simplifying the expression for angle D will give us the final answer. Without the specific value of x provided, it is not possible to provide the exact numerical measure of angle D.
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PLZ HELP!!!!!
Shia Muslims are concentrated in Iran, southern Iraq, and southern Lebanon, and make up about 80% of the population in the oil-rich areas of the region. How do you think this fact might add to the current problems between the two groups?
Answers
Explain to me why school is bad in a complete paragraph with no less than 150 words.
Answers
Answer:
School is the place where we learn to read and write. It is the most crucial place for a student, and it helps us to learn new things. The teachers are always helpful and teach us important things in life. We must always be regular at school as missing classes can lead to problems during exams. Schools teach us how to be consistent, punctual, and obedient. It also makes us better human beings so that we can treat our elders with respect. Most of what we learn is a result of the learning imparted by our teachers.
It is said that schools shape us to become more responsible adults. We must treat our schools with respect as they are the places of worship for a student. A good student is the product of a good school. My school has excellent teachers who help students with studies, sports, and other extracurricular activities. They are the building blocks of aa school and teach us important lessons that we must apply in our daily lives.
Schools teach us to cooperate with our friends and classmates. The basic value of sharing is taught right from the beginning. We have different classrooms where the teachers teach us different subjects. Equal weightage is given to both studies and co-curricular activities so that we develop into better individuals. Our schools will always try to focus on our overall growth and transform us into healthy adults.
The top two mental health issues are anxiety and depression, with over 4 in 10 students who seek help reporting the conditions.
Those of us working with students is unsurprised by these numbers. I first wrote about my experiences with student anxiety before I even had this space and since then, I’ve come to believe that we are in the midst of an anxiety “crisis” when it comes to students and school.
The obvious response to increased demand from students for mental health services is to ramp up the amount and availability of those services – and we should no doubt do this – but maybe at the same time we should ask a different question, “Why does exposure to school cause so much anxiety and depression?”
I have my personal theories, most significantly that students experience school not as a place to explore and fulfill their potentials, but a gauntlet to be run, where failure is severely punished, their futures of security and prosperity permanently foreclosed following even a slight bobble.
I work with many students who spend an inordinate amount of time fearing for their futures, despite the fact that many of them come from backgrounds of socioeconomic and demographic privilege.
Add in a climate of economic anxiety, the increasing costs of education (often in the form of loans that loom on the horizon), and a culture that encourages the pursuit of “practical” studies that may be ill-suited to the spirit and desires of students, and you have an atmosphere that seems conducive to stress, depression, and anxiety. Writing at Pacific Standard, Madeline Thomas asks, “Did we fail our kids by relying on prescription medication to treat ADHD?”
Thomas covers the struggles of a generation who has come of age taking prescription drugs like Ritalin and Adderall which were once, “considered a godsend when they first started being used to help hyperactive, unfocused kids succeed in school.”
Now, Thomas finds adults who feel incapable of doing tasks as seemingly simple as grocery shopping without the aid of ADHD medication. They view themselves as addicts, terrified to navigate their professional lives without chemical aids.
They have experienced years of messed up sleep, reduced appetites, feelings that they’re never quite themselves.
literally damaging to students’ mental health. The very nature of what we ask them to do and how we ask them to do it seems to be harmful, and yet our response to this damage is to provide more resources to buff them up and get them back in the game.
For students diagnosed with ADHD, I believe we have pathologized differences. As schooling increasingly focused on paying “attention” and exhibiting compliance, those wired differently had to be “rewired,” lest they “fall behind” their peers.
These two stories and Secretary Clinton’s statement on tests share something in common, namely that school is a system where the student is fodder to feed the machine, rather than the product itself.
Rather than asking “What is good for students?” – “good” in every sense of the word - we instead orient policy and actions around abstractions like “success,” or “college readiness” without examining the underlying costs of pursuing those abstractions.
And so we get a culture where seven-year-olds who don’t get recess or art class and have difficulty paying attention for 45 minutes at a time become a problem in need of pharmaceutical intervention.
We get a culture where students see school not as a place to practice curiosity and grow socially, intellectually, and even spiritually, but a contest where the stakes are their future economic security and anxiety and depression are constant threats.
We get a culture where tests are not chances for students to test themselves and experience the fruits of their work and study, and are instead merely a chance to be judged by authorities who run the system.
These policies and perspectives are the result of prioritizing systems over people, of requiring conformity, and of valuing standardization over freedom and individuality.
They are anti-human, and it is not a mystery as to why they’re failing.
I am not arguing that we should make school easier, that we need to ease up on the kids. My experience is that students enjoy challenges that are authentic and meaningful. They want to be given the chance to figure out who they are and what they can do. They crave it.
But that’s not what we’re doing. Succeeding in school, as schooling is currently designed, seems to actively work against students developing the habits, knowledge, and self-concept that will allow them to thrive as real-world adults.
How can we believe we’re on the right track as students emerge depressed, anxious, medicated, and incapable of working without the oversight and approval of the authority figures?