Choosing A Roommate You And Three Friends Have Rented A ✓ Solved
Choosing a Roommate You and three friends have rented a
You and three friends have rented a wonderful apartment near campus for the school year. There is ample space, including a separate bedroom for each roommate, a pool, laundry facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen; the four of you can easily afford the apartment. Just before the school year begins, one of your roommates has informed you that he will not be coming back to school because of financial problems. Since the apartment will be too expensive for just three of you, you have advertised for a fourth roommate. It doesn’t matter to you whether the roommate is a male or female, so long as he or she is compatible and will pay one-fourth of the expenses. You have received the following applications:
Gary – a Caucasian, is a big, hulking football player who was deemed academically ineligible at the end of the previous semester. He is a physical education major, seems very friendly and outgoing, and seems to have lots of friends. He wants to live in an apartment because he says he can’t get any studying done in the residence hall with his friends dropping by all the time.
Sally Ann – an African-American, is an English major who plans to go to graduate school and eventually become a professor. She works full-time in addition to going to school, and is taking a heavier load than most students because she wants to graduate in three years. She says she doesn’t have the time or inclination to socialize because of her studies and work.
Kwan-Job – is a Taiwanese student whose government is sending him to school in the states to become a computer engineer. His government has provided him with two computers and a laser printer, a ton of software (including video games), and a healthy living allowance. Kwan-Job seems very pleasant; his English skills are shaky, and his speech is very difficult to understand. In addition, he is strongly opposed to having alcohol anywhere in his living premises.
Sandy – a Caucasian, is an attractive junior majoring in sociology. She has a high grade point average and plans to go to law school. She works part-time at a nearby pizza parlor. She is an out-of-the-closet lesbian who is politically active in several gay organizations. She has assured you, however, that she is not prejudiced against straight people, and some of her best friends are straight.
Teresa – an Hispanic, is membership chair of her sorority and is active in a number of student organizations. She says with all the organizations she’s involved with, you’d expect her to be very organized, but she is a self-described airhead. She has laughingly told you that she had problems with her bank last year about a mess with her checking account. She wants to live off campus because living in her sorority house is too restrictive; you have to turn the TV off at midnight, and you can’t have beer on the premises.
Paper For Above Instructions
In choosing a suitable roommate, it is essential to evaluate the characteristics and behaviors of each candidate thoroughly. Insights from qualitative research methods, such as the criteria listed by Leedy and Ormrod (2010), can significantly enhance the decision-making process. By applying these criteria, we can create a systematic approach to determine which roommate would best fit the current living arrangement.
Assessing Candidates' Purposefulness
The core attribute to consider when evaluating potential roommates is their purposefulness, particularly regarding their academic and social commitments. Gary, the football player, presents a challenge; his academic ineligibility signals potential issues with dedication. While he is friendly and outgoing, his busy social life could pose distractions for the other roommates who prioritize their studies.
Sally Ann stands out as a candidate who is driven by her goal to graduate quickly and attend graduate school. Her commitment to her studies implies that she would likely be less invested in social distractions, which may lead to a quieter and more focused living environment. This aligns well with the needs of students who prioritize academic success.
Evaluating Explicitness of Assumptions and Biases
Understanding the assumptions and biases of each applicant is crucial in evaluating their compatibility within the apartment. Kwan-Job's background implies that he might have strict personal guidelines, particularly concerning alcohol. For roommates who regularly engage in social drinking, this could create friction or discomfort. Openness to differences must be a shared value among all roommates to ensure a harmonious living situation.
Sandy's political activity and sexual orientation invite considerations of tolerance and respect. While she claims not to harbor prejudices against straight individuals, those in the apartment should ensure they can foster an inclusive and respectful atmosphere.
Considering Rigor in Daily Life
Rigor not only applies to academic pursuits but also to organizing daily living routines. Teresa's self-description as an “airhead” may indicate a lack of organizational skills. Given her involvement in multiple activities, her potential irresponsibility with household duties could lead to tension in shared responsibilities, especially for roommates like Sally Ann and Kwan-Job, who may thrive in more structured environments.
Open-mindedness and Adaptability
Open-mindedness among roommates can help accommodate varying lifestyles and study habits. Gary's desire for an apartment setting reflects his quest for a conducive study environment away from his friends, indicating a willingness to adapt. On the contrary, Kwan-Job's opposition to alcohol and potential language barriers require an environment where open-mindedness is practiced daily to facilitate communication and coexistence.
Completeness in Representation
A thorough understanding of each candidate's lifestyle is crucial for long-term living agreements. Each applicant offers different backgrounds and experiences, from Gary's social life to Sally Ann's academic rigor, highlighting their various approaches to life and education. Exploring each individual’s uniqueness ensures that all aspects of shared living are acknowledged, potentially leading to future conflicts being proactively addressed.
Coherence in Dynamics
Another essential factor to review is the coherence between various candidates’ lifestyles and behaviors. Potential inconsistencies can lead to friction among roommates. For instance, while Gary may thrive in social situations, this could clash with Sally Ann's desire for study-oriented living. Additionally, Kwan-Job’s dietary restrictions surrounding alcohol must be recognized within this context, emphasizing the need for harmonious living dynamics.
Persuasiveness in Arguments During Discussions
Effective communication and reasoned arguments are essential for any collective living situation. A candidate's ability to discuss shared responsibilities openly can lead to better relational dynamics. Sandy’s involvement in political activism suggests she possesses persuasive communication skills, which could be beneficial for settling any disputes that may arise concerning household responsibilities or group activities.
Consensus in Group Settings
Lastly, establishing consensus among roommates can significantly affect overall living quality. For example, if the group can agree on mutual house rules, it would facilitate a harmonious environment. Candidates, including Teresa and Kwan-Job, must be willing to reach agreements on alcohol consumption and noise during study times. This necessary consensus will ultimately enhance the living experience for everyone.
In conclusion, the selection of a fourth roommate requires careful consideration of each applicant's attributes with respect to their academic pursuits, lifestyle preferences, communication abilities, and social compatibility. By applying qualitative research criteria, we equip ourselves with a structured approach to determining the most suitable roommate. A thoughtful decision will not only ensure financial stability but also facilitate a positive living experience that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
References
- Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2010). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Boston: Pearson.
- Berger, J. (2018). The Role of Roommates in College Adjustment. Journal of College Student Development, 59(5), 585-592.
- Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). The essential components of collaboration. In Handbook of Collaborative Learning (pp. 117-134). Routledge.
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- Thompson, A., & Kim, S. (2018). Roommate selection and its influence on personal development in college. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(3), 321-334.