Week 3 - The Elements of Thought

PURPOSE

1. I understand "purpose" to mean the main idea(s) of any given situation.
2. In other words, the driving point of any problem/situation. What gives us the motivation to tackle a problem or the meaning of a situation? 
3. An example of someone exhibiting purpose using social media would be, people bringing awareness to a specific cause, that they feel passionately about, in order to become part of the solution.

QUESTION

1. I understand "question" to mean thinking of problems and how one will find solutions.
2. In other words, asking questions will lead to a deeper understanding of the problem and/or situation. By asking questions, you open the gateway to further your research about a topic or idea.
3. An example of someone exhibiting questioning using social media would be, people using social media to ask questions about certain current events in order to better understand the situation.

ASSUMPTIONS

1. I understand "assumptions" to mean self-made conclusions made before all evidence/facts are identified.
2. In other words, people making theories and coming to the conclusion based on said theories. Usually, without fully understanding the whole story or without looking further into the incident.
3. An example of someone exhibiting assumptions using social media would be, people on Facebook having an argument and people taking sides on who is right and who is in the wrong without really understanding the full story, or without listening to both sides.

POINT OF VIEW

1. I understand "point of view" to mean the perspective of the narrator or the main party.
2. In other words,  the main perspective of the parties involved. Each side has their own side of the story so it is best to get everyone's side before coming to a conclusion.
3. An example of someone exhibiting a point of view using social media would be, a YouTube couple breaking up and each one tells their own side of the story via separate YouTube videos.

DATA, INFORMATION, and EVIDENCE.

1. I understand "DATA, INFORMATION, and EVIDENCE." to mean the resources needed for you to come to a definite conclusion.
2. In other words, gathering information, hearing all sides of the story, and putting the pieces together before coming to your conclusion. This is important because without these things you will not be able to fully grasp the problem/solution and may come to wrong conclusions.
3. An example of someone exhibiting data, information or evidence using social media would be, (regarding the previous example involving the YouTube couple) a group of concerned subscribers watching both videos in order to get a bigger picture. As well as, the couple's close friends, asking the couple questions about what led to the break up.

CONCEPTS and IDEAS.

1. I understand "CONCEPTS and IDEAS." to mean attempting to make sense of the problem or situation.
2. In other words, to not necessarily come to a conclusion (just yet,) but to think of possible conclusions from the information that you have gathered thus far. In order to make understanding the situation easier.
3. An example of someone exhibiting concepts and ideas using social media would be people on social media vocalizing their thoughts on a current event or other personal problem in order to get other people's thoughts on the matter. 

INFERENCES or INTERPRETATIONS by which we draw CONCLUSIONS

1. I understand "inferences and interpretations" to mean processing the information in a way that is easier to understand the problem. 
2. In other words,  thinking of different ways to look at a problem that is easier for you and can possibly help you process it better. Thus, coming to a better conclusion.
3. An example of someone exhibiting inferences and interpretations using social media would be people using social media to gather different people's thoughts and ideas, in order to look at things from different perspectives and to interpret them in a way that will be easier for them to come to a conclusion. 

IMPLICATIONS and CONSEQUENCES.

1. I understand what "implications and consequences" mean finally coming to a conclusion.
2. In other words, discovering the solution to the best of your knowledge and understanding. As well as, dealing with the ensuing events that will arise after your revelation.
3. An example of someone exhibiting the implications and consequences of using social media would be people using social media to voice their belief on a matter, after doing the necessary research. As well as, dealing with the resulting support or criticism that comes with their conclusion.

The purpose of the assignment is to better understand the progress on how to think more critically. As well as, listing good key points to keep in mind when thinking about a problem or situation.

The key question at the heart of the assignment is how can these elements of thought help you in your daily life?