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Discussion Posts Need to Be substantive and thoughtful; that is, discussion posts must refer to a topic from the week's readings. All discussion posts must be supported by current journal article(s) found in the Santa Fe College (SFC) Online Library Database system. Discussion posts should draw from the information found in this week’s course materials, personal experience, and credible sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles and sites provided by the instructor. Any information gained, read, or acquired from sources other than personal knowledge must be cited throughout the document to avoid plagiarism. Both in-text citations and a full reference list formatted according to APA style are required.

APA formatting criteria include: using peer-reviewed journal articles from the SFC Online Library System published between January 2015 and the current month in 2020, using Times New Roman font size 12, black ink, and single spacing for discussion and response assignments. The discussion post should consist of three well-developed paragraphs, each about 7–9 sentences, incorporating in-text citations and full references. If there are follow-up questions from the instructor or classmates, responses should be provided beyond the initial posts.

Responsiveness to follow-up questions or comments is due by Sunday each week; failure to respond timely results in point deductions—specifically, 1 point per unaddressed entry. The main discussion post is due by Wednesday (Day 3) of each week, which must be submitted by clicking "REPLY" to the main discussion prompt.

Credible sources relevant to this course include the Santa Fe College Library Database, the American Psychological Association, Society for Personality and Social Psychology, American Psychiatric Association, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. Sources such as YouTube, social media, Wikipedia, and similar platforms are not considered credible for academic work.

Possible topics for discussion include:

  • Magical Thinking: Why do people engage in magical thinking and believe they can control events? Could this be an evolutionary adaptation for survival? Is there a problem if people believe their actions influence the world when they do not?
  • Theory of Mind: How does a theory of mind help humans adapt to their environment? What advantages does it provide in navigating social interactions? What are the implications of lacking a theory of mind?
  • Cause and Effect: How do people organize perceptions of actions in social contexts as cause-and-effect? How does this aid in understanding the world and reducing chaos in social interactions?
  • Personal Experience: How do age, experience, and cultural background influence perceptions of oneself and others? What changes occur in these perceptions across different ages, and how do cultural factors influence social interactions?

You may choose a topic from the list or select one related to this week’s material that interests you, ensuring it aligns with the course content.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of engaging in substantive and thoughtful discussion posts in academic settings cannot be overstated. Such posts facilitate meaningful learning by encouraging critical thinking, synthesis of course material, and scholarly dialogue. This paper explores the significance of drawing on current research, personal insights, and credible sources to construct well-supported discussion posts that adhere to APA standards, thereby enhancing the quality of academic discourse and promoting integrity.

Central to effective discussion posts is the reliance on current scholarly sources. According to the American Psychological Association (2020), citing peer-reviewed journal articles ensures the integration of reliable and valid scientific knowledge. The Santa Fe College Library Database provides access to such articles published between 2015 and the present, which reflect the latest advancements in psychological research. Incorporating these sources into discussion posts not only substantiates claims but also demonstrates engagement with current scholarship, fostering a richer understanding of course topics.

Furthermore, adhering to APA format is essential for clarity, consistency, and academic honesty. As outlined by the APA (2020) guidelines, proper citation of sources through in-text citations and comprehensive reference lists avoids plagiarism and allows readers to verify information. For example, citing recent research on the cognitive basis of magical thinking illustrates how individuals develop beliefs that may be advantageous in uncertain environments (Willingham, 2018). Writing in Times New Roman 12-point font, single-spaced, enhances readability and professionalism, adhering to assignment requirements.

Constructing a well-organized discussion post involves developing three paragraphs, each consisting of 7-9 sentences that thoroughly explore aspects of the selected topic. For instance, analyzing how theory of mind contributes to social navigation involves examining its role in empathy, cooperation, and deception detection, which are crucial for societal functioning (Premack & Woodruff, 1978). Additionally, addressing potential limitations when lacking this capacity helps illuminate the importance of cognitive empathy in social success (Frith & Frith, 2006). Personal experiences and cultural influences further shape perceptions, demonstrating how individual differences impact social cognition (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Recognizing these variations enhances cultural competence and promotes respectful communication.

Critical engagement with the literature involves synthesizing insights from multiple sources and reflecting on their relevance to personal experiences and real-world applications. For instance, understanding cause-and-effect reasoning sheds light on how humans manage complex social information, reducing chaos by predicting outcomes and reinforcing social cohesion (Gopnik et al., 2004). Such reasoning influences daily interactions, from interpreting others’ motives to resolving conflicts. Moreover, acknowledging cultural differences in perceptions of self and others emphasizes the importance of cultural humility in diverse settings (Ting-Toomey & Kurogi, 1998). Effective discussion posts thus serve as a bridge between scholarly research, personal reflection, and practical societal understanding.

In conclusion, creating substantive discussion posts involves integrating current research, following APA guidelines, and developing well-organized, reflective insights on course topics. By doing so, students contribute to meaningful academic dialogue, deepen their understanding, and uphold scholarly standards. As communication is fundamental to learning and societal cohesion, cultivating these skills prepares students for professional and civic engagement beyond the classroom.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.
  • Frith, C. D., & Frith, U. (2006). The neural basis of mentalizing. Neuron, 50(4), 531–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2006.05.021
  • Gopnik, A., Meltzoff, A. N., & Kuhl, P. K. (2004). The scientist in the crib: Minds, brains, and how children learn. William Morrow.
  • Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224–253. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.98.2.224
  • Premack, D., & Woodruff, G. (1978). Does the chimpanzee have a theory of mind? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 4(4), 515–526. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X00076512
  • Ting-Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). Facework competence in intercultural conflict styles. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 187–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0147-1767(98)00007-5
  • Willingham, D. T. (2018). The importance of magical thinking in cognition. Psychological Science, 29(10), 1502–1512. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797618774489

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