Picture Smart:Spatial Reasoning and Its Role in Cognition :: Psychology Essays

Picture Smart:Spatial Reasoning and Its Role in Cognition There are many theories about the nature of intelligence. The formal definition of intelligence is "the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge." One aspect or kind of intelligence, according Dr. Howard Gardner, founder of the multiple intelligence theory, is spatial intelligence(1). Spatial intelligence is one amongst eight kinds of intelligence. The most common description of spatial intelligence is the ability to be able to recreate one's visual experience and reasoning about shape, measurement, depiction and navigation. Spatial intelligence might be one of less familiar kind of intelligence, however it has wide implications in many academic and professional disciplines. It is extremely important in disciplines such as mathematics and computer science. Spatial Intelligence also accounts for the thinking process of engineers, architects, designers, sculptors and inventors. This paper is an over all comprehension of spatial reasoning and why it is important in learning and problem solving, it is an investigation into what spatial reasoning is and its role in learning and cognition. This paper will also address the neurobiology of spatial reasoning and discuss the specific areas and organization of the brain that accounts for spatial intelligence. There are many theories and models attempting to define spatial reasoning. The first model is called the MV/PD model. According to this model, spatial representation consist of two parts. The first is a metric diagram, which includes quantitative information and provides a substrate, which can support perceptual-like processing. The second part of the model is termed place vocabulary, which makes explicit qualitative distinction in shape and space relevant to the current task (2). Therefore, spatial reasoning is not just visualization of objects and space but also the ability to take qualitative information and then transformation them to spatial representations so that it can be better understood. Spatial reasoning is useful in physics, math and computer science and can be applied to different industries. Engineers use graphs to express complex relationships, such as temperature-entropy or pressure volume plots, Often these graphs are sketches, intended to convey qualitative information about the shapes of curves and relative magnitudes rather than precise numerical values(2). Therefore, spatial reasoning is an essential part of the thinking process of scientist and engineers because they need to understand and interpret qualitative information in graphs and models in order to gain critical understanding of the problems at hand. What exactly is the process through which humans use spatial reasoning to solve problems?

Invertebrates

Invertebrates Jellyfish The Jellyfish are truly a wonder of nature. They have always been objects of deep observation and admiration. Not to mention the fact, that they are also considered in great awe, fear and even repulsion by some folks. The repulsion and fear have originated from the fact that these creatures can be quite beautiful to behold, but extremely painful when stung by them. These marine creatures are classified under the group of Cnidarians. They typically have a soft jelly like consistency to their body, prompting the people to call them as Jellyfish. There are numerous surprises in store, when we deal with Jellyfishes.The first and foremost of the surprise is the vast reservoir of chemical factories, inside the tiny body. Though this creature does not have a vertebral column, a proper demarcation of body and head, and not even a brain, yet this Jellyfish is seen to possess numerous different chemicals, some of which are extremely toxic and poisonous too. Next in stor e for the observer or the scientist is the next surprise, which is the fluorescent quality of these creatures. The Jellyfish possess a chemical protein inside their body fluid, called as aequorin, which was derived from the species of Jellyfish called as Aequorea Victoria.The GFP or the green fluorescent protein was derived from this protein. Both these proteins have a property of photo luminescence, which means lighting up in the dark, and also the property of fluorescence. Then there are the Neon Jellyfish which are also called as rainbow Jellyfish. These do not produce any photo luminescent protein as such. But yet they manage to shine or light up in the dark. They possess a hair like structure called cilia which help in their motility. The light which falls on these cilia is reflected back and this simple property of light reflection makes these rainbow Jellyfish fluorescent.Cycloporus Venetus (Blue Flatworm) FLATWORMS – UMMM. THEY'RE FLAT We have to run out of steam ther e. But that's the one obvious connection between all of the worms in this group. Sure we can tell you that there are over 20,000 known species. Most of the species are parasitic. They are super-primitive organisms that were the first to develop mesoderm. The big thing you should remember is that they are flat. There may be one more fact to remember. They are found in every environment that has water. Many scientists believe there are hundreds of species we will still discover. BASIC TYPESYou'll learn about a few classic examples of flatworms in your classes. Tapeworms are always a nasty example. They live in intestinal tracts of many species. Cats, dogs, and even you could wind up with tapeworms. You'll also hear about flukes. It's another parasitic species that has a close relationship with man and other mammals. They are suckers in the flatworm family. Planaria are harmless flatworms that are often used in your biology labs. They are freshwater flatworms that have a head like an a rrow. They're black with two white spots on their heads. Those spots are not eyes, but they do sense light.Flatworms have very simple nervous systems. WHERE WILL YOU FIND THEM? If you find water, there's a good chance flatworms will be around. Most are very small and not obvious immediately. Flatworms get most of their oxygen through diffusion. Since they have no specialized circulatory system, their flatness gives them a greater surface area to absorb more oxygen. There are species in many freshwater and saltwater environments as well as inside larger organisms. While we made them seem easy to find, it's sometimes very hard to track them down. Since many flatworms are parasites, they have lifecycles in different hosts.Eggs many be deposited in the feces of one species. Another organism might eat those eggs and development begins in the digestive system. The flatworm might then mature in the muscle tissue. Flatworms can get around. SOME STRUCTURE STUFF Although really simple, flatwo rms have some advanced structures compared to some other animals. They were the first species to develop mesoderm. That mesoderm tissue develops into organs and muscles as the organism grows. They also have simple nervous systems and sensory organs. While they don't have a respiratory system or circulatory system to speak of, they do have a neat little digestive system.Most species of flatworms have no anus and a cavity with only one opening. While not all species do, many flatworm species use a mouth to eat. The only problem with no anus is that the stuff you don't digest has to go out the mouth when you're done. Other materials that need to be removed from the system can be excreted through specialized cells called flame cells. Flame cells are the first appearance of excretory ducts in organisms. Flame cells have cilia that beat and filter out materials that the flatworm wants to get rid of.

Portrayal of Women in the Media Essay - 1291 Words

The facts are haunting. The American research group Anorexia Nervosa Related Eating Disorders, Inc. says that one in every four college-aged women use unhealthy methods of weight and diet control – including fasting, skipping meals, and laxative abuse. The pressure to be thin is also affecting young girls; the Canadian Women’s Health Network warns that weight control measures are now being taken by girls as young as 5 and 6. In 2003, Teen Magazine reported that 35% of girls 6 to 12 years of age have already been on at least one diet. It is estimated that up to 450,000 young girls and women were/are affected by an eating disorder; Women’s magazines have over 10 times more ads promoting dieting and weight loss than men’s magazines. Women’s†¦show more content†¦The girls of our society are learning to grow up and look up to role models that may not be perfect, including Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears. Why not encourage them t o look up to people who have truly contributed in positive ways to our society, like Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres? Body image involves our perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations of and about our bodies. It is not static, but ever changing, sensitive to changes in mood, environment, and physical experience. It is not based on facts; it is psychological in nature, and much more influenced by self-esteem than by actual physical attractiveness as judged by others; it is not inborn, but learned. This learning occurs in the family and among peers, but these facts only reinforce what is learned and expected culturally. In this culture, women are starving themselves, starving children and loved ones, gorging themselves, gorging children and loved ones, alternating between starving and gorging, purging, obsessing, and all the while hating, pounding and wanting to remove that which makes us female: our bodies, our curves, our pear-shaped selves. Twenty years ago, the a verage model weighed 8% less than the average woman – today, models weigh 23% less. It is crazy that in magazines, meant for the latest trends or advice about boys, also pack in info on dieting and how to stay thin. This message tells teens that theyShow MoreRelatedMedia s Portrayal Of Women1190 Words   |  5 Pageswith appearance and numb to sexism, it comes as no surprise that women are expressing hate for their bodies more than ever before. Mass media’s portrayal of women is one of unattainable perfection— most models are stick thin with flawless complexions and pearl-white smiles. Consumers are bombarded with images of women being displayed as sex objects, valued for their physical appearance above all else. The evasiveness of media has led women to believe they must resemble the models pictured in advertisementsRead MoreMedia s Portrayal Of Women1155 Words   |  5 PagesThe media is everywhere; phones, televisions, magazines, so it is hard not to be exp osed to some type of media platform throughout the day. Among these forms of media are photos and videos of woman idealized as the perfect woman. Magazines release photos of women whose looks are highly unachievable and thought as as the ideal woman. An average woman exposed to these photos may feel depresssed and may want to look like the model through unsafe dieting and other eating disorders. The media has affectedRead MoreMedia s Portrayal Of Women1588 Words   |  7 Pages Media represents males and females by gendering them in different categories. According to a presentation, the author states, â€Å"Media perceives women in a very sexual manner whereas men are symbolized as powerful (Khan). Over and over again, the one thing that the media reveals is that women are very sexual beings. They show that they are only good for taking care of the home and the man is very powerful. For example, the author on the presentation shows a ad that a man is in a life guard outfitRead MoreEssay o n Portrayal of Women in the Media3123 Words   |  13 Pages Portrayal of Women in the Media Gender is the psychological characteristics and social categories that are created by human culture. Doing gender is the concept that humans express their gender when they interact with one another. Messages about how a male or female is supposed to act come from many different places. Schools, parents, and friends can influence a person. Another major factor that influences millions of impressionable females and males is television. Not only does the televisionRead MoreMedia s Portrayal Of Women2007 Words   |  9 PagesIn addition to the unbelievably high beauty standards women are expected to achieve as a result of the media’s portrayal of women, they are also expected to create and maintain a perfect household. Interior design is often perceived by contemporary society as a feminine interest. As a result, a majority of publications dedicated to home decoration are targeted towards women. Whether or not it is directly stated, a magazine’s attempt to target a pa rticular sex can be identified through both the subjectRead MoreMedia Portrayal of Women and Its Effects1187 Words   |  5 Pageshas changed drastically, which can be directly attributed to the powerful persuasion of media. This ideal image has transformed from a voluptuous, size 14, 1950’s Marilyn Monroe to a 5’9, 100 pound, 1990’s Kate Moss. The most shocking aspect is specifically what young girls are now doing to achieve this â€Å"Kate Moss† image. Through the utilization of advertisements and stars on the big screen, this female portrayal directly targets the physical and mental well-being of females in cultures across theRead MorePortrayal of Women in the Media Essay3165 Words   |  13 PagesPortrayal of Women in the Media Gender is the psychological characteristics and social categories that are created by human culture. Doing gender is the concept that humans express their gender when they interact with one another. Messages about how a male or female is supposed to act come from many different places. Schools, parents, and friends can influence a person. Another major factor that influences millions of impressionable females and males is television. Not only does the televisionRead MoreEssay on Portrayal of Black Women in Media1635 Words   |  7 PagesThe Portrayal of African-American Women in Media The stereotypical misrepresentations of African-American women and men in popular culture have influenced societal views of Blacks for centuries. The typical stereotypes about Black women range from the smiling, a sexual and often obese Mammy to the promiscuous Jezebel who lures men with her sexual charms. However, the loud, smart mouthed, neck-rolling Black welfare mother is the popular image on reality television. These images portrayed in mediaRead MoreFalse Portrayal Of Women s Media1683 Words   |  7 PagesFalse Portrayal of Women in Media â€Å"We as women are trained to see ourselves as cheap imitations of fashion photographs, rather than seeing fashion photographs as cheap imitations of women†-Naomi Wolfe. In most advertisements as well as some movies and tv shows, women are shown in not very much clothing, while also being photoshopped and airbrushed. Young women and girls are constantly being sexualized in the media, in order to make more money, and sell more of whatever is being advertised. ManyRead More The Portrayal of Women in the Media Essay examples3424 Words   |  14 PagesThe Portrayal of Women in the Media Redbook magazine are devoted to selling products ranging from shoes to shampoo. The entire magazine only has only 210 pages. Approximately 6-8 min of every half hour television show is produced by ad agencies. Americans are bombarded with advertisements. We see them everyday in many different forms and through different mediums. Advertisers study America’s population through a systematic breakdown and analysis of our likes and dislikes in relation to our differences