Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
D#7, HW#6 - Deadline Reflection
While drafting WP#2 and constructing my annotated bibliography for this deadline, I found my original research purpose focus even further. I am now taking a scrutinizing eye to a specific method of responding to depression in the workplace, specifically employee assistance programs, or EAP's.
I had the chance to use some of the suggestions from Wadsworth's chapter on document formatting to strengthen the presentation of WP#2. I will attempt to expand on some of these techniques when I draft and revise WP#3.
Drafting and revising WP#2 most directly connected with course competencies 4, 5, and 6. It required me to search and select sources based on criteria of credibility and quality of information. I then had to correctly cite those sources using accepted methods, i.e. APA-style. Summarizing and paraphrasing skills were also called upon to complete this writing project.
I had the chance to use some of the suggestions from Wadsworth's chapter on document formatting to strengthen the presentation of WP#2. I will attempt to expand on some of these techniques when I draft and revise WP#3.
Drafting and revising WP#2 most directly connected with course competencies 4, 5, and 6. It required me to search and select sources based on criteria of credibility and quality of information. I then had to correctly cite those sources using accepted methods, i.e. APA-style. Summarizing and paraphrasing skills were also called upon to complete this writing project.
D#7, HW#3 - Document Design Reflection
One aspect of the formatting described in chapter 11 was typographical emphasis. I applied this to my draft of WP#2 before submitting my final draft. I used bold typeface to offset my bibliographical entries, separating them from the annotations. I think this created a document that was overall easier to read.
D#7, HW#2 - Annotated Bibliography
World Health Organization, International Labour Organization. (2000). Mental health and work: impact, issues, and good practices. Geneva. World Health Organization.
This work was found by searching the bibliography of another of my sources (Sanderson, K.). It is an extensive work on the issue, covering everything from the "scope of the problem" to specific practices and hypothetical scenarios for the benefit of mental health in the workplace. This source comes from a hugely reputable organization. It will be very useful, as long as I can concisely condense the appropriate information.
Steffick, D., Fortney, J., Smith, J., Pyne, J., (2006). Worksite disease management programs for depression: potential employer benefits. Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 14, issue 1, p13-26, retrieved on July 21, 2007 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=26&hid=16&sid=7d889366-b2d4-4804-8651-c48db0d02597%40sessionmgr8
This article was found using search term "'employee assistance program' and depression". It claims that there is great potential for disease management to yield benefits for both employers and employees in the area of depressive disorders. The article finds substantial costs associated with this disorder, and cites potential strategies for reducing these costs. Cited strategies include stress reduction, education, and EAP's.
Preece, M., Cayley, P., Scheuchi, U., Lain, R., (2005). The relevance of an employee assistance program to the treatment of workplace depression. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 21, issue 1, p67-77. Retrieved July 21, 2007 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=26&hid=16&sid=7d889366-b2d4-4804-8651-c48db0d02597%40sessionmgr8
This article was found using search term "'employee assistance program' and depression" in Academic Search Premier. It comprises a study of two groups of workers' response to an employee assistance program(EAP). One group who is considered depressive, the other group not considered depressive. It finds that depressive workers' productivity did not raise to the level of the nondepressive workers following the execution of the EAP. This suggests other measures besides EAP's may be more effective in reducing lost productivity due to depression disorder.
This work was found by searching the bibliography of another of my sources (Sanderson, K.). It is an extensive work on the issue, covering everything from the "scope of the problem" to specific practices and hypothetical scenarios for the benefit of mental health in the workplace. This source comes from a hugely reputable organization. It will be very useful, as long as I can concisely condense the appropriate information.
Steffick, D., Fortney, J., Smith, J., Pyne, J., (2006). Worksite disease management programs for depression: potential employer benefits. Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 14, issue 1, p13-26, retrieved on July 21, 2007 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=26&hid=16&sid=7d889366-b2d4-4804-8651-c48db0d02597%40sessionmgr8
This article was found using search term "'employee assistance program' and depression". It claims that there is great potential for disease management to yield benefits for both employers and employees in the area of depressive disorders. The article finds substantial costs associated with this disorder, and cites potential strategies for reducing these costs. Cited strategies include stress reduction, education, and EAP's.
Preece, M., Cayley, P., Scheuchi, U., Lain, R., (2005). The relevance of an employee assistance program to the treatment of workplace depression. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 21, issue 1, p67-77. Retrieved July 21, 2007 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=26&hid=16&sid=7d889366-b2d4-4804-8651-c48db0d02597%40sessionmgr8
This article was found using search term "'employee assistance program' and depression" in Academic Search Premier. It comprises a study of two groups of workers' response to an employee assistance program(EAP). One group who is considered depressive, the other group not considered depressive. It finds that depressive workers' productivity did not raise to the level of the nondepressive workers following the execution of the EAP. This suggests other measures besides EAP's may be more effective in reducing lost productivity due to depression disorder.
D#7, HW#1 - Reading Reflection
Reading chapter 11 in Wadsworth gave me an overall mental picture of what I want my WP#3 to look like. The example pictures in this chapter were especially helpful by providing useful ideas. The chapter reinforces one of my own beliefs that good presentation is essential to an effective communication.
D#6, HW#11 - Deadline Reflection
This deadline mostly connected with course competency 5. In completing the deadline, I have analyzed the rhetorical situation for one of my sources, as well as summarized, paraphrased, and taken notes on the source. These are skills I was already familiar with, but it was a good review.
D#6, HW#8 - Taking Notes on a Source
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
This article is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). It synthesizes a number of completed studies and surveys, arriving at the conclusion that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace, especially via risk reduction, is important to reduce poor worker productivity. It states that depression is prevalent in the workforce. Depression in employees is more closely tied with presenteeism (reduced output while at work) than absenteeism. From comparisons of gathered statistics to current job environment models, changes can be made in the job environment to lower the impact of depression in the workplace. Some of these changes include reducing time pressure in assigned work, increasing or adding rewards/benefits for completed work, and ensuring that employees understand the reasons for decisions made. The primary author is Kristy Sanderson, PhD. Dr. Sanderson is a Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Health Research, in Kelvin Grove, Australia. The secondary author is Gavin Andrews, MD. Dr. Andrews is a professor for the School of Psychiatry at St. Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The paper was supported by a Fellowship to Dr. Sanderson from National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health (Australia). The paper presents itself as primarily an informative work, and I believe this is the main purpose of the paper, to provide information on the current relationship of mental illness and reduced work productivity. The main audience is workers in the public health community. This is indicated by the scientifically-presented results, and heavy use of public health surveys as sources.
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
This article is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). It synthesizes a number of completed studies and surveys, arriving at the conclusion that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace, especially via risk reduction, is important to reduce poor worker productivity. It states that depression is prevalent in the workforce. Depression in employees is more closely tied with presenteeism (reduced output while at work) than absenteeism. From comparisons of gathered statistics to current job environment models, changes can be made in the job environment to lower the impact of depression in the workplace. Some of these changes include reducing time pressure in assigned work, increasing or adding rewards/benefits for completed work, and ensuring that employees understand the reasons for decisions made. The primary author is Kristy Sanderson, PhD. Dr. Sanderson is a Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Health Research, in Kelvin Grove, Australia. The secondary author is Gavin Andrews, MD. Dr. Andrews is a professor for the School of Psychiatry at St. Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The paper was supported by a Fellowship to Dr. Sanderson from National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health (Australia). The paper presents itself as primarily an informative work, and I believe this is the main purpose of the paper, to provide information on the current relationship of mental illness and reduced work productivity. The main audience is workers in the public health community. This is indicated by the scientifically-presented results, and heavy use of public health surveys as sources.
D#6, HW#7 - Paraphrasing a Source
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
Depression is prevalent in the workforce. Depression in employees is more closely tied with presenteeism (reduced output while at work) than absenteeism. From comparisons of gathered statistics to current job environment models, changes can be made in the job environment to lower the impact of depression in the workplace. Some of these changes include reducing time pressure in assigned work, increasing or adding rewards/benefits for completed work, and ensuring that employees understand the reasons for decisions made.
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
Depression is prevalent in the workforce. Depression in employees is more closely tied with presenteeism (reduced output while at work) than absenteeism. From comparisons of gathered statistics to current job environment models, changes can be made in the job environment to lower the impact of depression in the workplace. Some of these changes include reducing time pressure in assigned work, increasing or adding rewards/benefits for completed work, and ensuring that employees understand the reasons for decisions made.
D#6, HW#6 - Summarizing a Source
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). It synthesizes a number of completed studies and surveys, arriving at the conclusion that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace, especially via risk reduction, is important to reduce poor worker productivity.
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). It synthesizes a number of completed studies and surveys, arriving at the conclusion that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace, especially via risk reduction, is important to reduce poor worker productivity.
D#6, HW#5 - Rhetorically Situating a Source
Source: Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
The primary author is Kristy Sanderson, PhD. Dr. Sanderson is a Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Health Research, in Kelvin Grove, Australia. The secondary author is Gavin Andrews, MD. Dr. Andrews is a professor for the School of Psychiatry at St. Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The paper was supported by a Fellowship to Dr. Sanderson from National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health (Australia). The paper presents itself as primarily an informative work, and I believe this is the main purpose of the paper, to provide information on the current relationship of mental illness and reduced work productivity. The main audience is workers in the public health community. This is indicated by the scientifically-presented results, and heavy use of public health surveys as sources.
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
The primary author is Kristy Sanderson, PhD. Dr. Sanderson is a Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Health Research, in Kelvin Grove, Australia. The secondary author is Gavin Andrews, MD. Dr. Andrews is a professor for the School of Psychiatry at St. Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The paper was supported by a Fellowship to Dr. Sanderson from National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health (Australia). The paper presents itself as primarily an informative work, and I believe this is the main purpose of the paper, to provide information on the current relationship of mental illness and reduced work productivity. The main audience is workers in the public health community. This is indicated by the scientifically-presented results, and heavy use of public health surveys as sources.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
D#6, HW#4 - Annotated Bibliography
Depression and anxiety (Medletter). (2006). Treatment of mood disorders. Retrieved July 20, 2007 from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?irect=true&db=hxh&AN=21369346&site=ehost-live
This article was found via MCC's access to Health Source - Consumer Edition, using search term "workplace AND 'mood disorder'. The abstract indicates it refers to treating depression in order to minimize effects in the workplace, but the article only mentions this in passing. This article will only be useful when exploring treatment methods of depression.
B. B., (2006). Mood disorder cuts work performance. Science News, 170, Issue 13, p206. Retrieved July 20,2007 from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=22494258&site=ehost-live
This article found using search term "job and depression" via MCC's access to Health Source - Consumer Edition. Although the title is promising the 'mood disorder' referred to is bipolar disorder, not depression. While bipolar is closely related to depression, it is a different disorder. This source will probably not be useful in my intended discussion.
Sanderson, K., Tilse, E., Nicholson, J., Oldenburg, B., Graves, N., (2007). Which presenteeism measures are more sensitive to depression and anxiety?. Journal of Affective Disorders, 10, p65-74. Retrieved July 20, 2007, from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=17156851&site=ehost-live
Found through MCC's portal to Medline, this article, (found using search term "depression and job") discusses the effectiveness of 4 methods for identifying reduced productivity in workers suffering from depression that show up to work. Although it may have one or two relevant points, the majority seems to be too focused on an irrelevant topic.
This article was found via MCC's access to Health Source - Consumer Edition, using search term "workplace AND 'mood disorder'. The abstract indicates it refers to treating depression in order to minimize effects in the workplace, but the article only mentions this in passing. This article will only be useful when exploring treatment methods of depression.
B. B., (2006). Mood disorder cuts work performance. Science News, 170, Issue 13, p206. Retrieved July 20,2007 from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=22494258&site=ehost-live
This article found using search term "job and depression" via MCC's access to Health Source - Consumer Edition. Although the title is promising the 'mood disorder' referred to is bipolar disorder, not depression. While bipolar is closely related to depression, it is a different disorder. This source will probably not be useful in my intended discussion.
Sanderson, K., Tilse, E., Nicholson, J., Oldenburg, B., Graves, N., (2007). Which presenteeism measures are more sensitive to depression and anxiety?. Journal of Affective Disorders, 10, p65-74. Retrieved July 20, 2007, from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=17156851&site=ehost-live
Found through MCC's portal to Medline, this article, (found using search term "depression and job") discusses the effectiveness of 4 methods for identifying reduced productivity in workers suffering from depression that show up to work. Although it may have one or two relevant points, the majority seems to be too focused on an irrelevant topic.
Friday, July 20, 2007
D#6, HW#2 - Writing Project Reflection
To complete my research proposal, I first needed to identify a question I was interested in researching. Next, I identified my intended purpose and audience. After that, I examined my rhetorical situation. This included analyses of how the question related to myself and my audience, how/why answering this question fit in with contemporary discussions, and also what sources would be used for research. Although the steps I take in future writing projects will be slightly different in response to the context, the general steps will be the same, such as identifying a question, then analyzing purpose and audience.
I'm most proud of the coherency in this writing project. The written ideas were focused on answering the questions I needed to answer for the assignment. I am concerned that my chosen topic will yield a "debatable" point. I tried to search as many sources as possible to determine the availability of a position on this topic. If I had more time, I might change the focus of my research question.
Turnitin.com reported 0% match for my paper. This indicated to me that I had the right idea in constructing my paper. I did not revise my work based on this report.
In writing this project, I specifically focused on analyzing the rhetorical situation, including author, purpose, audience, and context. Its been a few years since I approached my writing in this way, and I feel I did well in re-learning and re-focusing those ideas. In my next writing project, I will focus on organization of information.
This assignment required that I address most of the course outcomes. In particular, writing for specific rhetorical contexts, as this paper was itself an analysis of the context for an intended future project. Organization and coherence were required (as they are in all writing), including the use of proper conventions such as grammar. I think I was successful in addressing these course outcomes as evidenced by what my peers indicate is a well-written paper.
I'm most proud of the coherency in this writing project. The written ideas were focused on answering the questions I needed to answer for the assignment. I am concerned that my chosen topic will yield a "debatable" point. I tried to search as many sources as possible to determine the availability of a position on this topic. If I had more time, I might change the focus of my research question.
Turnitin.com reported 0% match for my paper. This indicated to me that I had the right idea in constructing my paper. I did not revise my work based on this report.
In writing this project, I specifically focused on analyzing the rhetorical situation, including author, purpose, audience, and context. Its been a few years since I approached my writing in this way, and I feel I did well in re-learning and re-focusing those ideas. In my next writing project, I will focus on organization of information.
This assignment required that I address most of the course outcomes. In particular, writing for specific rhetorical contexts, as this paper was itself an analysis of the context for an intended future project. Organization and coherence were required (as they are in all writing), including the use of proper conventions such as grammar. I think I was successful in addressing these course outcomes as evidenced by what my peers indicate is a well-written paper.
D#6, HW#1 - Reading Reflection
The readings for this deadline connected with multiple Course Competencies, including 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. All of this reading is going to be directly useful when constructing WP#2, and WP#3. Chapter 5 of the textbook and Chapter 6 of Wadsworth were reminders and instructions to read sources rhetorically, analyzing not only content, but purpose, bias, and context as well. This is important to decide whether sources will contribute to the credibility of the paper. Chapters 44 and 45 of Wadsworth were instructions I will need to refer to when constructing my writing projects. They provide the mechanical guidelines I will use when utilizing summarizing, paraphrasing and quoting. Also, chapter 45 reminded me to watch out for unintentional plagiarism.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
D#8, HW#1
FINAL EXAMS ARE DONE!! And I think I did relatively well. Now, only ENG102 and a part-time job. Do-able.
I reviewed 2 peoples WP#2,
Tedibaer's and Jessica's.
I thought both were well done, and I actually didn't have much to offer for suggestions.
I reviewed 2 peoples WP#2,
Tedibaer's and Jessica's.
I thought both were well done, and I actually didn't have much to offer for suggestions.
Monday, July 16, 2007
WP#2 First Draft
This is VERY rough, as I am in the middle of final exams for two other classes. Updates will follow very soon.
Ryan MacNamara
ENG102, Summer 2
WP#2 First Draft
July 16, 2007
Levy, B. et al. (Eds.). (2005). Preventing occupational disease and injury. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
This book was found using search terms "depression and workplace" in MCC's library catalogue. The "contents note" indicates discussion of strategies for prevention for a wide range of illnesses, one of which is depression. I would need to see this book to evaluate its usefulness to my project.
Thomas, J. C., Hersen, M. (Eds.). (2004). Psychopathology in the workplace: recognition and adaptation. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.
Again found in MCC's catalog with the aforementioned search terms, this book is a collection of articles on the subject. Two articles look like they might be useful. 1. "Depression" and 2. "Promoting mental health in the workplace". Number 2 looks especially promising because I think one point of focus in my paper will be ways of promoting mental health as a means of preventing depression. I will look this up on my next visit to the library.
Hagen, P. (Ed.). (2003). Mayo Clinic guide to self-care: answers for everyday health problems. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic.
Found using search term "mental health workplace" in MCC's catalog, this is a reference collection holding. The Mayo Clinic is a prestigious institution in the world of medicine. One chapter/article in particular looking good, "Your health and the workplace". Will also physically examine this source.
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
I found this article through MCC's journal databases. It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). The study concludes that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace is important to reduce poor worker productivity. I could use this article when discussing the effect of depression in the workplace.
McDaid, D., Curran, C., Knapp, M. (2005 October). Promoting mental well-being in the workplace: a European policy perspective. International Review of Psychiatry, 17, Issue 5, p365-373. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/
login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=18396462&site=ehost-live
Retrieved from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, this article addresses mental health in the workplace. It discusses the role of mental health in current trends of worker absenteeism and retirement, the response of high level decision makers, and activities used to promote good mental health. Although based on the European Union, this article may be helpful in arguing for increased awareness of mental health in the workplace.
Diener, E., Seligman, M. (2004 July). Beyond money. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5, issue 1, p1-31. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=13436512&site=ehost-live
Again from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, the authors argue that well-being comes in second place when policy decisions are made in a social, corporate, or governmental context. They argue that focus is too heavily placed on economic factors, and matters of individual well-being are being given appropriate weight.
Ryan MacNamara
ENG102, Summer 2
WP#2 First Draft
July 16, 2007
Levy, B. et al. (Eds.). (2005). Preventing occupational disease and injury. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
This book was found using search terms "depression and workplace" in MCC's library catalogue. The "contents note" indicates discussion of strategies for prevention for a wide range of illnesses, one of which is depression. I would need to see this book to evaluate its usefulness to my project.
Thomas, J. C., Hersen, M. (Eds.). (2004). Psychopathology in the workplace: recognition and adaptation. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.
Again found in MCC's catalog with the aforementioned search terms, this book is a collection of articles on the subject. Two articles look like they might be useful. 1. "Depression" and 2. "Promoting mental health in the workplace". Number 2 looks especially promising because I think one point of focus in my paper will be ways of promoting mental health as a means of preventing depression. I will look this up on my next visit to the library.
Hagen, P. (Ed.). (2003). Mayo Clinic guide to self-care: answers for everyday health problems. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic.
Found using search term "mental health workplace" in MCC's catalog, this is a reference collection holding. The Mayo Clinic is a prestigious institution in the world of medicine. One chapter/article in particular looking good, "Your health and the workplace". Will also physically examine this source.
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
I found this article through MCC's journal databases. It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). The study concludes that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace is important to reduce poor worker productivity. I could use this article when discussing the effect of depression in the workplace.
McDaid, D., Curran, C., Knapp, M. (2005 October). Promoting mental well-being in the workplace: a European policy perspective. International Review of Psychiatry, 17, Issue 5, p365-373. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/
login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=18396462&site=ehost-live
Retrieved from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, this article addresses mental health in the workplace. It discusses the role of mental health in current trends of worker absenteeism and retirement, the response of high level decision makers, and activities used to promote good mental health. Although based on the European Union, this article may be helpful in arguing for increased awareness of mental health in the workplace.
Diener, E., Seligman, M. (2004 July). Beyond money. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5, issue 1, p1-31. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=13436512&site=ehost-live
Again from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, the authors argue that well-being comes in second place when policy decisions are made in a social, corporate, or governmental context. They argue that focus is too heavily placed on economic factors, and matters of individual well-being are being given appropriate weight.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
WP#1 Final Draft
Ryan MacNamara
ENG102 - Summer 2
WP#1 Final Draft
07/14/07
Depression is a mental disorder that goes far beyond the natural human feeling of sadness. All humans feel sad from time to time as part of our natural emotional repertoire. Depression, however, is a medical disorder with its root cause in imbalanced chemicals in the brain. It is characterized by extended periods of hopelessness and other severe negative thoughts. Depression will effect about 1 in 10 people, and has been referred to as “the common cold of mental illness”*. When someone in our workforce catches a cold or is otherwise physically sick, they get less work done, are late for work, or possibly miss work altogether. Their overall productivity is lessened, and money may need to be spent for treatment. Depression is no different. With the frequency of depressive incidents being reported, large amounts of money are being lost to reduced productivity in the workplace. As consumers, we know that when companies lose money, we tend to pay higher prices for products and services. Therefore, this money lost not only effects business, but consumers as well. How can the effect of depression in the workplace be minimized?
In early 2000, a university psychiatrist diagnosed me as suffering from “major recurring depression”. Although the frequency of this disorder may be on par with the common cold, its severity can be much more devastating. I recovered after following a year of prescribed treatment, and didn’t have another episode until late 2006. This time I did not seek treatment, and ended up losing my job because of multiple mental health related absences..If this happened to me, it is happening to many other people in the working world. I’ve talked with family members and friends who have voiced similar concerns about their mood (whether disordered or not) effecting their work. From my experience with the disorder, I know that while not completely preventable, its impact in the workplace can be minimized. My research project will identify and explore how this can be done.
The research project will be directed towards members of the world’s workforce, and to a limited extent, the academic community. A prime audience target is those in decision-making positions for organizations, companies and corporations. After spending 3 years in retail management, I know this information will be valuable to middle management by helping them cut down the incidence of absenteeism and low productivity due to this debilitating disorder. When workers miss work or have decreased output, workers suffer, management suffers, and consumers suffer. Workers want to be at work to get paid, management wants work to get done, and consumers want to be able to buy products and services at reasonable prices. This research will also benefit students by helping them avoid missed schoolwork because of the disorder.
Researching and writing this project is an opportunity to take a personal experience and turn it into information that can be directly helpful to many people. The knowledge that one or many people will be able to avoid what happened to me is a motivating factor for me as a researcher and as a writer. Research will come from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources will include the experiences of myself, a practicing psychologist, and a human resources manager for a publicly-owned, nationwide company. Secondary sources will primarily be academic and popular journals found using databases such as PsychINFO and PubMed. All research sources will be evaluated for accuracy and credibility. The initial research phase will be complete within 2 weeks, with 1 week devoted to drafting and revision.
ENG102 - Summer 2
WP#1 Final Draft
07/14/07
Depression is a mental disorder that goes far beyond the natural human feeling of sadness. All humans feel sad from time to time as part of our natural emotional repertoire. Depression, however, is a medical disorder with its root cause in imbalanced chemicals in the brain. It is characterized by extended periods of hopelessness and other severe negative thoughts. Depression will effect about 1 in 10 people, and has been referred to as “the common cold of mental illness”*. When someone in our workforce catches a cold or is otherwise physically sick, they get less work done, are late for work, or possibly miss work altogether. Their overall productivity is lessened, and money may need to be spent for treatment. Depression is no different. With the frequency of depressive incidents being reported, large amounts of money are being lost to reduced productivity in the workplace. As consumers, we know that when companies lose money, we tend to pay higher prices for products and services. Therefore, this money lost not only effects business, but consumers as well. How can the effect of depression in the workplace be minimized?
In early 2000, a university psychiatrist diagnosed me as suffering from “major recurring depression”. Although the frequency of this disorder may be on par with the common cold, its severity can be much more devastating. I recovered after following a year of prescribed treatment, and didn’t have another episode until late 2006. This time I did not seek treatment, and ended up losing my job because of multiple mental health related absences..If this happened to me, it is happening to many other people in the working world. I’ve talked with family members and friends who have voiced similar concerns about their mood (whether disordered or not) effecting their work. From my experience with the disorder, I know that while not completely preventable, its impact in the workplace can be minimized. My research project will identify and explore how this can be done.
The research project will be directed towards members of the world’s workforce, and to a limited extent, the academic community. A prime audience target is those in decision-making positions for organizations, companies and corporations. After spending 3 years in retail management, I know this information will be valuable to middle management by helping them cut down the incidence of absenteeism and low productivity due to this debilitating disorder. When workers miss work or have decreased output, workers suffer, management suffers, and consumers suffer. Workers want to be at work to get paid, management wants work to get done, and consumers want to be able to buy products and services at reasonable prices. This research will also benefit students by helping them avoid missed schoolwork because of the disorder.
Researching and writing this project is an opportunity to take a personal experience and turn it into information that can be directly helpful to many people. The knowledge that one or many people will be able to avoid what happened to me is a motivating factor for me as a researcher and as a writer. Research will come from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources will include the experiences of myself, a practicing psychologist, and a human resources manager for a publicly-owned, nationwide company. Secondary sources will primarily be academic and popular journals found using databases such as PsychINFO and PubMed. All research sources will be evaluated for accuracy and credibility. The initial research phase will be complete within 2 weeks, with 1 week devoted to drafting and revision.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
D#5, HW#9 - Research Plan
Specific data I want to collect:
Statistics regarding frequency of depression in general populace.
Statistics of absenteeism in those with mental disorders vs. non-disordered
Statistics of company intervention/assistance in employee mental disorder
Write out my complete personal experience with depression in the workplace, figure out how/where in the argument this data will be most persuasive
Case studies of companies that have implemented practices promoting mental well-being vs those who have not
Brief email interviews with HR rep from old company and hometown psychological counselor (determine what type of info I want, then plan 2 to 3 questions for each)
Statistics and case studies will be found through library research. Specifically, popular psychology databases have been most helpful so far. PsychINFO among others. My personal experiences and surveys of the mentioned professionals will require time to plan/write out. Some of my personal experience is already included with my draft of WP#1. Completing library research must happen by the due date of WP#2 final draft. Completed surveys must be collected by July 25. Breaking it down, statistics will be collected in next 2 days (by 7/15), case studies and secondary sources by 7/18. Personal experience fully collected by 7/23.
Statistics regarding frequency of depression in general populace.
Statistics of absenteeism in those with mental disorders vs. non-disordered
Statistics of company intervention/assistance in employee mental disorder
Write out my complete personal experience with depression in the workplace, figure out how/where in the argument this data will be most persuasive
Case studies of companies that have implemented practices promoting mental well-being vs those who have not
Brief email interviews with HR rep from old company and hometown psychological counselor (determine what type of info I want, then plan 2 to 3 questions for each)
Statistics and case studies will be found through library research. Specifically, popular psychology databases have been most helpful so far. PsychINFO among others. My personal experiences and surveys of the mentioned professionals will require time to plan/write out. Some of my personal experience is already included with my draft of WP#1. Completing library research must happen by the due date of WP#2 final draft. Completed surveys must be collected by July 25. Breaking it down, statistics will be collected in next 2 days (by 7/15), case studies and secondary sources by 7/18. Personal experience fully collected by 7/23.
D#5, HW#8 - Evaluating Search Terms
Key terms: depression, workplace
I do not think "mental health" or any of the "mental" derived terms will work as well, as they will yield broader results. However, I'm going to use them to measure how well they work out. Also, the same case for variations from the term "depression", such as, "dysthymia" or "MDD". Both these terms imply extreme and severe cases of the disorder, leading to more research about institutionalized cases, whereas I am trying to examine mid-severity cases more relevant to the general populace. Again, variations on the term "workplace" will likely yield broader results, requiring more time (that I am short on) to pore through. I do need to spend more time investigating Boolean operators to maximize my search results. I have tried using "AND" a few times, but have not made significant distinctions in the results. I have already shifted my research question from treatment to the specific context of workplace, and this came about primarily because of search results. Along with the change in topic came changes in audience and purpose. My intended audience went from being those sufferering from the disorder to "the average worker" and people in management positions. My original purpose of identifying the best method of treatment changed to identifying practices that promote mental well-being.
I do not think "mental health" or any of the "mental" derived terms will work as well, as they will yield broader results. However, I'm going to use them to measure how well they work out. Also, the same case for variations from the term "depression", such as, "dysthymia" or "MDD". Both these terms imply extreme and severe cases of the disorder, leading to more research about institutionalized cases, whereas I am trying to examine mid-severity cases more relevant to the general populace. Again, variations on the term "workplace" will likely yield broader results, requiring more time (that I am short on) to pore through. I do need to spend more time investigating Boolean operators to maximize my search results. I have tried using "AND" a few times, but have not made significant distinctions in the results. I have already shifted my research question from treatment to the specific context of workplace, and this came about primarily because of search results. Along with the change in topic came changes in audience and purpose. My intended audience went from being those sufferering from the disorder to "the average worker" and people in management positions. My original purpose of identifying the best method of treatment changed to identifying practices that promote mental well-being.
D#5, HW#7 - Search Terms
Search terms so far, brainstormed or found from research:
Combinations of these two main ideas most effective:
Mental health
Mental wellness
Mental disorder
Mental illness
mental well-being
depression
dysthymia
MDD (major depressive disorder)
anxiety
work
workplace
job
jobsite
commerce
Two terms I crossed out were "employment" and "industry", too broad.
Could I please have anyone's input on this? Any suggestions would be greatly helpful and appreciated.
Combinations of these two main ideas most effective:
Mental health
Mental wellness
Mental disorder
Mental illness
mental well-being
depression
dysthymia
MDD (major depressive disorder)
anxiety
work
workplace
job
jobsite
commerce
Two terms I crossed out were "employment" and "industry", too broad.
Could I please have anyone's input on this? Any suggestions would be greatly helpful and appreciated.
D#5, HW#6 - Primary or Secondary Research
After reading my research paper, I want my readers to take worker's mental well-being into consideration in the context of company profit and output. I want my reader to think about the importance of employee well-being, and understand that workers with good mental health contribute to maximized revenues and overall greater job satisfaction. The knowledge that low regard for employee mental well-being contributes to reduced revenue would likely motivate my audience. Most people respond to the needs of their pocketbooks. My audience will need concrete information for me to achieve this goal. Different types of support material will be more useful in a addressing different points. For instance, statistics for the frequency of mental disorder in the workplace, personal narratives from my own experience will be useful in describing why mental disorder in the workplace is unwanted, and case studies will be useful in comparing/contrasting causes and effects. Expert testimony is almost always helpful (if used wisely). In this I could contact my old company HR representative, and also my old psychological counselor.
If I am to effectively collect and use these sources, it will have to be planned against a calendar. I am giving myself approximately 3 weeks to complete the full project. All research will need to be gathered at least a week before the final project deadline. This leaves me two weeks to complete my research. The interviewed sources will need to be given at least a week to respond to email surveys. The rest of the sources will be collected from library research. I will need to collect instances of all the above examples of support data. I already have my own personal experiences to draw on.
If I am to effectively collect and use these sources, it will have to be planned against a calendar. I am giving myself approximately 3 weeks to complete the full project. All research will need to be gathered at least a week before the final project deadline. This leaves me two weeks to complete my research. The interviewed sources will need to be given at least a week to respond to email surveys. The rest of the sources will be collected from library research. I will need to collect instances of all the above examples of support data. I already have my own personal experiences to draw on.
D#5, HW#5 - Taking Personal Inventory
Although I need to do more research to identify specific controversial points of my issue (depression in the workplace), so far I have seen that one point is the view that mental well-being is taking second place to profit in the workplace. I have a source in one of my annotated bibliography entries that discusses this exact point. WP#2 would be handy right now, to find that bib entry. Companies want to push employees for maximum output and productivity, often creating a high stress environment, contributing to the development of mental illness. This is counterproductive. I have been in a high-stress position in a very aggressive company, and do think it contributed to my latest bout of depression. Companies would want to be proactive in preventing mental illness in the workplace by learning what contributes to it, and affecting practices to minimize it, thus raising overall productivity (and profit). I think currently most companies are ignoring the fact that driving the bottom line without generous sensitivity to worker's mental states is counterproductive. One possible research I haven't thought of previously is looking for documents relevant to this issue that are published by large companies. Internal policies on this will be hard to access, but I could possibly score an interview with an HR contact from my old employer, a publicly-held, nationwide company. I need to better establish actual companies views on this issue.
D#5, HW#4 - Annotated Bibliography
Levy, B. et al. (Eds.). (2005). Preventing occupational disease and injury. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
This book was found using search terms "depression and workplace" in MCC's library catalogue. The "contents note" indicates discussion of strategies for prevention for a wide range of illnesses, one of which is depression. I would need to see this book to evaluate its usefulness to my project.
Thomas, J. C., Hersen, M. (Eds.). (2004). Psychopathology in the workplace: recognition and adaptation. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.
Again found in MCC's catalog with the aforementioned search terms, this book is a collection of articles on the subject. Two articles look like they might be useful. 1. "Depression" and 2. "Promoting mental health in the workplace". Number 2 looks especially promising because I think one point of focus in my paper will be ways of promoting mental health as a means of preventing depression. I will look this up on my next visit to the library.
Hagen, P. (Ed.). (2003). Mayo Clinic guide to self-care: answers for everyday health problems. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic.
Found using search term "mental health workplace" in MCC's catalog, this is a reference collection holding. The Mayo Clinic is a prestigious institution in the world of medicine. One chapter/article in particular looking good, "Your health and the workplace". Will also physically examine this source.
I just found the italics button! How could I have been so blind to have not seen that before? DER!
This book was found using search terms "depression and workplace" in MCC's library catalogue. The "contents note" indicates discussion of strategies for prevention for a wide range of illnesses, one of which is depression. I would need to see this book to evaluate its usefulness to my project.
Thomas, J. C., Hersen, M. (Eds.). (2004). Psychopathology in the workplace: recognition and adaptation. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.
Again found in MCC's catalog with the aforementioned search terms, this book is a collection of articles on the subject. Two articles look like they might be useful. 1. "Depression" and 2. "Promoting mental health in the workplace". Number 2 looks especially promising because I think one point of focus in my paper will be ways of promoting mental health as a means of preventing depression. I will look this up on my next visit to the library.
Hagen, P. (Ed.). (2003). Mayo Clinic guide to self-care: answers for everyday health problems. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic.
Found using search term "mental health workplace" in MCC's catalog, this is a reference collection holding. The Mayo Clinic is a prestigious institution in the world of medicine. One chapter/article in particular looking good, "Your health and the workplace". Will also physically examine this source.
I just found the italics button! How could I have been so blind to have not seen that before? DER!
D#5, HW#3
I reviewed Tegan's and Alexis's proposals. My comments should show up in blue highlight on the shared GoogleDocs. Reading over their projects helped me to identify things I want to revise in my own. One thing in particular is, I want to specify what types of sources I will be using for research. Not only what types, but the specific names of sources to be used. From the reviews on my proposal, I've learned I will need to be sure to specifically convey exactly what my final argument will address (how to minimize the impact of depression in the workplace). Maybe rephrasing my research question will help me accomplish that. That was a bit of a surprise, as I thought it was clear. Now that I go back and look at it, I can see how it is ambiguous. Turnitin.com did not highlight any sections of my proposal in its originality analysis.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
D#4, HW#1 - Reading Reflection
WP#2 Assignment Prompt got me thinking about how I would organize my sources into a cohesive list. This changes the perspective I have when choosing bibliographic entries, I now ask myself, "Where will this fit in with WP#2?". Reading to Write was a prompt for me to start actively reading, because it is not something I am in the habit of doing. I'm going to use the tips in that section to start cultivating that habit, as I think it will be valuable in the rest of my schooling. Chapter 42 in Wadsworth clarified some things. I did not quite have a good grasp of the whole "electronic resources" section on MCC's library website. Now I understand that it is more or less a portal to a collection of databases that can search many different publications. I also got a better understanding of what online databases are. Chapter 42c, on evaluating sources, is something I'm already in the habit of doing whenever I examine a source. The questions suggested in the reading are questions I ask myself in the back of my head as I check out a source. The peer review guidelines I will have to review while doing my peer reviews later today. I'm not quite clear on exactly what should and should not be commented on, but I'll feel it out as I go.
D#4, HW#5 - Annotated Bibliography
MCC's library server stopped responding for some reason, so here's 3/4, 1 to follow...
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
I found this article through MCC's journal databases. It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). The study concludes that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace is important to reduce poor worker productivity. I could use this article when discussing the effect of depression in the workplace.
McDaid, D., Curran, C., Knapp, M. (2005 October). Promoting mental well-being in the workplace: a European policy perspective. International Review of Psychiatry, 17, Issue 5, p365-373. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/
login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=18396462&site=ehost-live
Retrieved from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, this article addresses mental health in the workplace. It discusses the role of mental health in current trends of worker absenteeism and retirement, the response of high level decision makers, and activities used to promote good mental health. Although based on the European Union, this article may be helpful in arguing for increased awareness of mental health in the workplace.
Diener, E., Seligman, M. (2004 July). Beyond money. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5, issue 1, p1-31. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=13436512&site=ehost-live
Again from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, the authors argue that well-being comes in second place when policy decisions are made in a social, corporate, or governmental context. They argue that focus is too heavily placed on economic factors, and matters of individual well-being are being given appropriate weight.
Sanderson, K., Andrews, G. (2006 February). Common mental disorders in the workforce: recent findings from descriptive and social epidemiology. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, Issue 2, p63-75. Retrieved from
http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=20281184&site=ehost-live
I found this article through MCC's journal databases. It is a review of findings relevant to mental illness in the workplace (primarily depression and anxiety). The study concludes that there is a strong correlation between low productivity and poor mental health. It argues that addressing mental health in the workplace is important to reduce poor worker productivity. I could use this article when discussing the effect of depression in the workplace.
McDaid, D., Curran, C., Knapp, M. (2005 October). Promoting mental well-being in the workplace: a European policy perspective. International Review of Psychiatry, 17, Issue 5, p365-373. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/
login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=18396462&site=ehost-live
Retrieved from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, this article addresses mental health in the workplace. It discusses the role of mental health in current trends of worker absenteeism and retirement, the response of high level decision makers, and activities used to promote good mental health. Although based on the European Union, this article may be helpful in arguing for increased awareness of mental health in the workplace.
Diener, E., Seligman, M. (2004 July). Beyond money. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5, issue 1, p1-31. Retrieved from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=13436512&site=ehost-live
Again from MCC's Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, the authors argue that well-being comes in second place when policy decisions are made in a social, corporate, or governmental context. They argue that focus is too heavily placed on economic factors, and matters of individual well-being are being given appropriate weight.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
WP#1 draft 1
Ryan MacNamara
WP#1 Draft 1
July 10, 2007
Depression is a mental disorder that goes far beyond the natural human feeling of sadness. All humans feel sad from time to time as part of our natural emotional repertoire. Depression, however, is a medical disorder with its root cause in imbalanced chemicals in the brain. It is characterized by extended periods of hopelessness and other severe negative thoughts. Depression will effect about 1 in 10 people, and has been referred to as “the common cold of mental illness”*. When someone in our workforce catches a cold or is otherwise physically sick, they get less work done, are late for work, or possibly miss work altogether. Their overall productivity is lessened, and money may need to be spent for treatment. Depression is no different. With the frequency of depressive incidents being reported*, large amounts of money are being lost to reduced productivity in the workplace. As consumers, we know that when companies lose money, we tend to pay higher prices for products and services. Therefore, this money lost not only affects business, but consumers as well. How can the effect of depression in the workplace be minimized?
In early 2000, a university psychiatrist diagnosed me as suffering from “major recurring depression”. Although the frequency of this disorder may be on par with the common cold, its severity can be much more devastating. I recovered after following a year of prescribed treatment, and didn’t have another episode until late 2006. This time I did not seek treatment, and ended up losing my job because of absenteeism, read as not leaving my bed. If this happened to me, its happening to many other people in the working world. I’ve talked with family members and friends who have voiced similar concerns about their mood (whether disordered or not) effecting their work. From my experience with the disorder, I know that while it may not be able to be completely prevented, measures in the workplace can be taken to minimize its impact. My research project will identify and explore these measures.
The research project will be directed towards members of the world’s workforce, and to a limited extent, the academic community. A prime audience target is those in decision-making positions for organizations, companies and corporations. After spending 3 years in retail management, I know this information will be valuable to middle management by helping them cut down the incidence of absenteeism and low productivity due to this debilitating disorder. When workers miss work or have decreased output, workers suffer, management suffers, and consumers suffer. Workers want to be at work to get paid, management wants work to get done, and consumers want to be able to buy products and services at reasonable prices. This research will also benefit students by helping them avoid missed schoolwork because of the disorder.
Researching and writing this project is an opportunity to take a personal experience and turn it into information that can be directly helpful to many people. The knowledge that one or many people will be able to avoid what happened is a motivating factor for me as a researcher and as a writer. My research on the topic has already begun, and will take place over the next one to two weeks. Research sources will be varied and examined to ensure they are accurate and credible. Following the main research period, a first draft will be constructed and subjected to multiple revisions. The final paper will be completed in approximately 4 weeks, and will include a full bibliography.
WP#1 Draft 1
July 10, 2007
Depression is a mental disorder that goes far beyond the natural human feeling of sadness. All humans feel sad from time to time as part of our natural emotional repertoire. Depression, however, is a medical disorder with its root cause in imbalanced chemicals in the brain. It is characterized by extended periods of hopelessness and other severe negative thoughts. Depression will effect about 1 in 10 people, and has been referred to as “the common cold of mental illness”*. When someone in our workforce catches a cold or is otherwise physically sick, they get less work done, are late for work, or possibly miss work altogether. Their overall productivity is lessened, and money may need to be spent for treatment. Depression is no different. With the frequency of depressive incidents being reported*, large amounts of money are being lost to reduced productivity in the workplace. As consumers, we know that when companies lose money, we tend to pay higher prices for products and services. Therefore, this money lost not only affects business, but consumers as well. How can the effect of depression in the workplace be minimized?
In early 2000, a university psychiatrist diagnosed me as suffering from “major recurring depression”. Although the frequency of this disorder may be on par with the common cold, its severity can be much more devastating. I recovered after following a year of prescribed treatment, and didn’t have another episode until late 2006. This time I did not seek treatment, and ended up losing my job because of absenteeism, read as not leaving my bed. If this happened to me, its happening to many other people in the working world. I’ve talked with family members and friends who have voiced similar concerns about their mood (whether disordered or not) effecting their work. From my experience with the disorder, I know that while it may not be able to be completely prevented, measures in the workplace can be taken to minimize its impact. My research project will identify and explore these measures.
The research project will be directed towards members of the world’s workforce, and to a limited extent, the academic community. A prime audience target is those in decision-making positions for organizations, companies and corporations. After spending 3 years in retail management, I know this information will be valuable to middle management by helping them cut down the incidence of absenteeism and low productivity due to this debilitating disorder. When workers miss work or have decreased output, workers suffer, management suffers, and consumers suffer. Workers want to be at work to get paid, management wants work to get done, and consumers want to be able to buy products and services at reasonable prices. This research will also benefit students by helping them avoid missed schoolwork because of the disorder.
Researching and writing this project is an opportunity to take a personal experience and turn it into information that can be directly helpful to many people. The knowledge that one or many people will be able to avoid what happened is a motivating factor for me as a researcher and as a writer. My research on the topic has already begun, and will take place over the next one to two weeks. Research sources will be varied and examined to ensure they are accurate and credible. Following the main research period, a first draft will be constructed and subjected to multiple revisions. The final paper will be completed in approximately 4 weeks, and will include a full bibliography.
D#3, HW#8 - Deadline Reflection
Jessica
https://www.blogger.com/
comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=2139776479800593096
https://www.blogger.com/
comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=7370852949195287757
Tegan
http://tegan-summerenglish.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-have-no-idea-how-to-title-my-posts-my.html
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4800690282846106522&postID=9013522295986431338
Latron
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2573539106864770999&postID=4244524681857020389
The work for this deadline focused on using multiple sources to focus a specific research question with the rhetorical context in mind. This address course competencies 1, 4, 6. I see the necessity and process of focusing a topic into a specific question to address. Also that the aspects of purpose, audience, etc. interact with the research question. Interacting with my classmate's blogs again helped me to gauge where I am at in the course.
Frankly, I'm disgruntled at this point because I've put 7 hours into this today, sitting in front of this computer screen, and I'm still not on schedule. I think I need to take a break.
https://www.blogger.com/
comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=2139776479800593096
https://www.blogger.com/
comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=7370852949195287757
Tegan
http://tegan-summerenglish.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-have-no-idea-how-to-title-my-posts-my.html
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4800690282846106522&postID=9013522295986431338
Latron
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2573539106864770999&postID=4244524681857020389
The work for this deadline focused on using multiple sources to focus a specific research question with the rhetorical context in mind. This address course competencies 1, 4, 6. I see the necessity and process of focusing a topic into a specific question to address. Also that the aspects of purpose, audience, etc. interact with the research question. Interacting with my classmate's blogs again helped me to gauge where I am at in the course.
Frankly, I'm disgruntled at this point because I've put 7 hours into this today, sitting in front of this computer screen, and I'm still not on schedule. I think I need to take a break.
D#3, HW#7 - Annotated Bibliography
Beevers, C. G., Wells, T. T., Miller, I. W. (2007 June). Predicting response to depression treatment: the role of negative cognition. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 75, Issue 3, p422-431. Retrieved July 10, 2007, from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=4&hid=16&sid=1e469a9a-d102-4874-b17d-e75be9115083%40SRCSM1
This article relates repeated episodes of depression with recovery and negative cognition (negative thoughts associated with the disorder). It was found through MCC's library, accessing Academic Search Premier. This article is published in a scholarly journal by a major university research department. It could be useful in examining treatment for recurring episodes of depression.
Brown, W.A. (2007 February). Treatment response in melancholia. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 115, p125-129. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=5&hid=16&sid=1e469a9a-d102-4874-b17d-e75be9115083%40SRCSM1
I found this article through Academic Search Premier, using "depression treatment" as a search term. The article compares responses to internal and psychotherapeutic treatments among two groups, those with melancholia and those without. Presence of melancholia is generally associated with a more severe condition. It finds that melancholia predicts a poor response to psychotherapy and placebo, and a good overall response to antidepressants and ECT.
Act, don't think, to relieve depression. (2007). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 23, Issue 8, p6-7. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=23771395&site=ehost-live
This article was found via MCC library accessing "Health Source - Consumer Edition". It discusses research being done on the use of behavioral, cognitive, and medicinal therapies for treating depressive symptoms.
NOTE: I still cannot get italic formatting into these posts (thanks to those that tried to help!).
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=4&hid=16&sid=1e469a9a-d102-4874-b17d-e75be9115083%40SRCSM1
This article relates repeated episodes of depression with recovery and negative cognition (negative thoughts associated with the disorder). It was found through MCC's library, accessing Academic Search Premier. This article is published in a scholarly journal by a major university research department. It could be useful in examining treatment for recurring episodes of depression.
Brown, W.A. (2007 February). Treatment response in melancholia. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 115, p125-129. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ehost/
detail?vid=5&hid=16&sid=1e469a9a-d102-4874-b17d-e75be9115083%40SRCSM1
I found this article through Academic Search Premier, using "depression treatment" as a search term. The article compares responses to internal and psychotherapeutic treatments among two groups, those with melancholia and those without. Presence of melancholia is generally associated with a more severe condition. It finds that melancholia predicts a poor response to psychotherapy and placebo, and a good overall response to antidepressants and ECT.
Act, don't think, to relieve depression. (2007). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 23, Issue 8, p6-7. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from http://ezp.mc.maricopa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=23771395&site=ehost-live
This article was found via MCC library accessing "Health Source - Consumer Edition". It discusses research being done on the use of behavioral, cognitive, and medicinal therapies for treating depressive symptoms.
NOTE: I still cannot get italic formatting into these posts (thanks to those that tried to help!).
D#3, HW#6 - Rhetorical Situation WP#1 vs WP#3
The rhetorical situation is emerging thusly. I am asking the question, "What is the best way to treat depression?". The context is someone with direct experience with the disorder asking the question to not only satisfy a scholastic requirement, but to find an answer that will prove helpful to other people who may be dealing with the disorder. The intended audience is anyone who willingly or unwillingly encounters this disorder in themselves or those around them, particularly college students.
WP#1 will lay out my bottom line research question and analyze the rhetorical situation in regards to how I will carry out answering that question. It will be in the context of structuring a plan for further research that will be used to construct a specific argument in WP#3. WP#1 is an effort to focus the topic, examine the audience and purposes of the proposed project, and otherwise establish a rhetorical stance. WP#3 will present the fruits of the research in an argumentative format. While my main audience for WP#1 is myself (and my instructor), the main audience for WP#3 will be those that I want to influence with my research findings.
WP#1 will lay out my bottom line research question and analyze the rhetorical situation in regards to how I will carry out answering that question. It will be in the context of structuring a plan for further research that will be used to construct a specific argument in WP#3. WP#1 is an effort to focus the topic, examine the audience and purposes of the proposed project, and otherwise establish a rhetorical stance. WP#3 will present the fruits of the research in an argumentative format. While my main audience for WP#1 is myself (and my instructor), the main audience for WP#3 will be those that I want to influence with my research findings.
Monday, July 9, 2007
D#3, HW#5 - Audience Analysis for College Students
College students come from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds. All share some level of standardized education, such as reading/writing, and critical thinking skills. Technical expertise among the audience will vary widely. Technical information in the research paper will be limited in order not to alienate those with limited technical knowledge.
As a subset of the general population, statistics for having been introduced to depression should remain constant. This means that many of the audience members will have had some experience with depression at one time or another in their lives. The particulars of that experience cannot be generalized. Their purpose for reading will be to educate themselves with respect to two primary subjects, depression or college writing. After reading this paper, the audience should have a thorough knowledge of treatment options available for depression, and their relative efficacies. I want them to have this knowledge so that they can make better life decisions when dealing with this issue.
Most college students will know that depression is a mental disorder. They will also be familiar with its general symptoms. They will also most likely be familiar with some of the popular products used to treat the disorder, such as Prozac. They will want to know how to best deal with the disorder if it comes into their lives. They need to know that treatments are available, and which treatment option would be best for them or their associates.
As a subset of the general population, statistics for having been introduced to depression should remain constant. This means that many of the audience members will have had some experience with depression at one time or another in their lives. The particulars of that experience cannot be generalized. Their purpose for reading will be to educate themselves with respect to two primary subjects, depression or college writing. After reading this paper, the audience should have a thorough knowledge of treatment options available for depression, and their relative efficacies. I want them to have this knowledge so that they can make better life decisions when dealing with this issue.
Most college students will know that depression is a mental disorder. They will also be familiar with its general symptoms. They will also most likely be familiar with some of the popular products used to treat the disorder, such as Prozac. They will want to know how to best deal with the disorder if it comes into their lives. They need to know that treatments are available, and which treatment option would be best for them or their associates.
D#3, HW#4 - Audience?
Anyone who has dealt, is dealing, or will deal with depression is invested in my research question. This includes people across all demographics, worldwide. Also the professional mental health community. Not only people who may suffer from this disorder, but also their family members, friends, and work associates and superiors. If I can bring the proper information to light, people will be better equipped to deal with this disorder when it occurs around them.
D#3, HW#3 - Writer's Place in the Rhetorical Situation
The question of how to treat depression is interesting to me because I have direct personal experience with it. In 2000, I was diagnosed with "recurring major depression", and spent the next year in treatment for it. It didn't recur until late 2006, when I sweated through another bout, this time without treatment. I knew it was a widespread disorder, mostly just from talking to people around me. Many people I talked to had dealt with it, either directly or not. Based on what I know now, my educated guess is that a combination of medication and "talk" therapy is most efficacious for cases of depression, but one goal of writing this paper is to examine current conversations to support and/or revise that stance. I was surprised to learn that electroconvulsive ("shock") therapy is being used to treat depression. I'm also surprised by the universality of the disorder, and yet specific descriptions of symptoms by patients tend to be so consistent. It's important to me that I research this topic properly for myself, as someone who suffers from the disorder, and for my audience, many of whom may have experience with it but not have quality information with which to make sound decisions. I need to make sure that my perspective as someone who has experienced the disorder firsthand does not enable me to alienate an audience of those people who have not experienced it.
D#3, HW#2 - Writing a Research Question
Who stands for financial gain in the depression treatment industry?
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
Where can more research be done to alleviate the societal burden of depression?
How can costs due to depression be minimized?
Should depression be viewed as a valid illness?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
My purposes are to share information, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment methods.
Narrowed list of questions:
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
How can costs due to depression be minimized?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
My audience will be my classmates, instructor, myself, people who do/have suffered from depression, or those with an interest in learning more about depression.
Narrowed list of questions:
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
Where can more research be done to alleviate the societal burden of depression?
How can costs due to depression be minimized?
Should depression be viewed as a valid illness?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
My purposes are to share information, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment methods.
Narrowed list of questions:
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
How can costs due to depression be minimized?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
My audience will be my classmates, instructor, myself, people who do/have suffered from depression, or those with an interest in learning more about depression.
Narrowed list of questions:
What is the most efficient treatment method for depression?
When should an individual seek treatment for depression?
Would mandatory medication/psychotherapy combination treatment be costlier than medication only treatment?
D#3, HW#1 - Reading Reflection
Reading at bedfordstmartins.com got me focusing on how I will generate a quality research question. One thing in particular I will be examining when narrowing my topic and generating a question is my personal interests vs the needs and interests of my audience. So far, I have been trying to find a question that is interesting to ME. Reading this reminded me that I have to balance that against what will be interesting for my readers. I tend to get nerdy about the science stuff, and my audience is not the scientific community. I also noticed a trend of systematic narrowing of the paper's main topic. I'm going to apply that to my own process.
The Wadsworth reading brought up aspects of draft writing that I will be stewing on while working up to my first rough draft. Especially the idea that it is not intended to be a perfect piece of work. Keeping this in mind will help me to overcome any ideas of perfectionism that invade my drafting process. Wadsworth also suggests some revising tools that I have not used in the past, such as the "track changes" and "compare drafts" features of MS Word. I'm eager to explore these with timesaving results.
The Wadsworth reading brought up aspects of draft writing that I will be stewing on while working up to my first rough draft. Especially the idea that it is not intended to be a perfect piece of work. Keeping this in mind will help me to overcome any ideas of perfectionism that invade my drafting process. Wadsworth also suggests some revising tools that I have not used in the past, such as the "track changes" and "compare drafts" features of MS Word. I'm eager to explore these with timesaving results.
Tell that deadline who's boss!!
DEADLINE #2 DONE!! YEEAHH!
I had to get that out. Thanks.
Onto deadline 3.
I feel like the White Rabbit's watch at the Tea Party.... 2 days slow.
I had to get that out. Thanks.
Onto deadline 3.
I feel like the White Rabbit's watch at the Tea Party.... 2 days slow.
D#2, HW#11 - Deadline Reflection
The work in this deadline contributed to course outcomes 1, 4, and 6. After examining my rhetorical situation I began looking for research sources. I did a LOT of searching, and learned better how to search more efficiently, and how to recognize how/why one source may be better/worse than another. I also began using APA style reference documentation. Hopefully by the end of the class I will be thoroughly familiar, and not have to reference Wadsworth every time I need to write a bibliographic entry. In completing this deadline, I learned that RESEARCH IS TIME CONSUMING! I will be on the lookout for opportunities how to research more efficiently so as to save some time for myself. Part of the time consumption involved in research is weeding out bad sources from good. I commented something to this effect on one of my classmate's blogs. Looking at my peer's blogs, I could gauge my progress against theirs', thus helping me assess my strengths/weaknesses. I am spending large portions of days working on this class, but still coming out behind at the end of the day. I will just have to keep working through the material to get caught up. I also started dialogs with my peers that will develop into useful feedback relationships.
I posted comments for the following people at the addresses indicated:
Jessica
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=482025631691991778
Tomoko
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3852952449052242174&postID=3506720025006785470
Tegan
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3852952449052242174&postID=3506720025006785470
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4800690282846106522&postID=5559685329683576706
Oscar
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7787602031825194497&postID=9160984716449339872
I posted comments for the following people at the addresses indicated:
Jessica
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6558461562694940043&postID=482025631691991778
Tomoko
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3852952449052242174&postID=3506720025006785470
Tegan
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3852952449052242174&postID=3506720025006785470
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4800690282846106522&postID=5559685329683576706
Oscar
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7787602031825194497&postID=9160984716449339872
D#2, HW#10 - Annotated Bibliography
Tellioglu, T. (Ed.). (2006, November 10). Major depression. Retrieved July 8, 2007, from http://emotional.health.ivillage.com/depressionbipolar/majordepression.cfm
This article was found through a search of health.yahoo.com. It offers an updated and comprehensive look at major depression, its causes, treatments, and symptoms. It has a section on prevention that will be useful. It illustrates the problem of so many different things being listed as causes of depression.
Hellerstein, D. J., Little, S.A., Samstag, L.W., Batchelder, S., Muran, J.C., Fedak, M., et al. (2001 April). Adding group psychotherapy to medication treatment in dysthymia. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 10, 93-103. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from http://jppr.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/10/2/
93?view=long&pmid=11264333
I found this article searching on Google.com. It is a study done comparing medication-only treatment with medication/psychotherapy treatment. Findings indicate adding psychotherapy to medication could produce better long-term results, especially in psychosocial skills. It is a specific journal article that I could reference when discussing efficacy of various treatment methods.
This article was found through a search of health.yahoo.com. It offers an updated and comprehensive look at major depression, its causes, treatments, and symptoms. It has a section on prevention that will be useful. It illustrates the problem of so many different things being listed as causes of depression.
Hellerstein, D. J., Little, S.A., Samstag, L.W., Batchelder, S., Muran, J.C., Fedak, M., et al. (2001 April). Adding group psychotherapy to medication treatment in dysthymia. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 10, 93-103. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from http://jppr.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/10/2/
93?view=long&pmid=11264333
I found this article searching on Google.com. It is a study done comparing medication-only treatment with medication/psychotherapy treatment. Findings indicate adding psychotherapy to medication could produce better long-term results, especially in psychosocial skills. It is a specific journal article that I could reference when discussing efficacy of various treatment methods.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
D#2, HW#9 - Listening In
After taking time to explore my topic of depression on blogarama, feedster, technorati, and bloglines, I have a better feel for specific conversations going on within the topic.
Treatment of depression seems to be the most popular topic of conversation. Most people are talking about medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and combinations of all three. I'll need to do more research on dedicated scientific journals to get the information I'm after, as many documents from these sources were written by nonprofessionals.The forums of one website I found "www.avoiddepression.com" were filled with advertisements for pornography. I did come across some new journals to look into, and found scientific research articles discussing causes and treatments.
The different blogs I explored fell into two basic categories: professional scientific research and nonprofessional life diaries. Strategies for dealing with depression, chemical treatment of depression, and eroding the stigma attached to depression were all sub-categories I found while searching the blogs. This is going to help me refine my topic to see how much of what information is already clogging the virtual arteries of the web. I will better avoid a redundant discussion, and contribute something 'fresh' to the collective consciousness.
Treatment of depression seems to be the most popular topic of conversation. Most people are talking about medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and combinations of all three. I'll need to do more research on dedicated scientific journals to get the information I'm after, as many documents from these sources were written by nonprofessionals.The forums of one website I found "www.avoiddepression.com" were filled with advertisements for pornography. I did come across some new journals to look into, and found scientific research articles discussing causes and treatments.
The different blogs I explored fell into two basic categories: professional scientific research and nonprofessional life diaries. Strategies for dealing with depression, chemical treatment of depression, and eroding the stigma attached to depression were all sub-categories I found while searching the blogs. This is going to help me refine my topic to see how much of what information is already clogging the virtual arteries of the web. I will better avoid a redundant discussion, and contribute something 'fresh' to the collective consciousness.
D#2, HW#8 - Focusing my Research Topic
DEPRESSION
Causes
-life events
-neurochemistry
-genetics
Why is it so widespread?
How to treat it?
- Medication
- Talk therapy
- Combination therapy
Prevention/Reducing risk
Associated stigma
- viewed as weakness?
How detrimental is it to society?
Causes
-life events
-neurochemistry
-genetics
Why is it so widespread?
How to treat it?
- Medication
- Talk therapy
- Combination therapy
Prevention/Reducing risk
Associated stigma
- viewed as weakness?
How detrimental is it to society?
D#2, HW#7 - Finding Something to Say
In choosing a topic for my research paper, I used the clustering technique described in the Wadsworth Handbook. It was directly helpful in choosing my topic.
D#2, HW#6 - What's Important to Me?
Discussions in my personal community tend to center around the well-being and advancement of myself and my loved ones. Enjoying life, dealing with stress, and succeeding in academic and professional pursuits are typical. Recently, I dealt with a personal bout of depression. My personal community was concerned for my well-being.
Biochemical discussions, such as the holistic nature of consciousness, have been a recurring focus in my past academic endeavors. I predict they will also be prevalent in my future academic community.
My professional community, past, present and future, deal primarily with monetary profit, and how best to gain it. The general consensus is that happy customers part with their money more easily than unhappy customers. Primary concerns in this community include maximizing profit, minimizing shrink, and maintaining an outstanding community reputation.
My participation in civic community is limited, although one current development I am involved in is the questionable future of internet radio. If current legislation is not changed, most independent internet radio providers will disappear from market.
In regards to my academic community, many researchers, professors, students and professionals are involved in answering questions dealing with the chemical nature of consciousness. Answers to these questions could benefit the overall well-being and performance of humankind. They would also reveal many new opportunities for financial gain, including new products and medications. The discussion is ongoing, and takes place in laboratories, discussion forums, conferences, conventions, and classrooms worldwide. Depression, being the most common mental illness, is directly relevant to this discussion.
Biochemical discussions, such as the holistic nature of consciousness, have been a recurring focus in my past academic endeavors. I predict they will also be prevalent in my future academic community.
My professional community, past, present and future, deal primarily with monetary profit, and how best to gain it. The general consensus is that happy customers part with their money more easily than unhappy customers. Primary concerns in this community include maximizing profit, minimizing shrink, and maintaining an outstanding community reputation.
My participation in civic community is limited, although one current development I am involved in is the questionable future of internet radio. If current legislation is not changed, most independent internet radio providers will disappear from market.
In regards to my academic community, many researchers, professors, students and professionals are involved in answering questions dealing with the chemical nature of consciousness. Answers to these questions could benefit the overall well-being and performance of humankind. They would also reveal many new opportunities for financial gain, including new products and medications. The discussion is ongoing, and takes place in laboratories, discussion forums, conferences, conventions, and classrooms worldwide. Depression, being the most common mental illness, is directly relevant to this discussion.
D#2, HW#5 - Analyzing the Rhetorical Situation
Proposed topic: depression
Time:
Purpose: I currently have to choose a topic for both an English paper and a Public Speaking presentation. My future academic/professional pathway will deal with biochemistry, specifically neurochemistry and psychopharmacology. I recently suffered a bout of depression.
Audience: Currently depression is far more widespread than most people understand or admit. Many people suffer from depression silently, even though depression is one of the most easily treatable mental illnesses in the world today. In addition to satisfying my instructor, this topic may save many people from suffering by giving them information to help them seek treatment.
Context: This topic will satisfy requirements for two of my current classes, while also allowing me to research a subject directly related to my chosen major.
Space:
Purpose: This topic will make more people aware of depression and its treatability.
Audience: After learning more about depression, many people will be more likely to seek treatment. I can also use this to explore a topic to which I have personal ties.
Context: I am a resource as someone who has suffered from depression, I also have access to medical professionals who will be willing to help me. My teachers will approve of the topic.
Time:
Purpose: I currently have to choose a topic for both an English paper and a Public Speaking presentation. My future academic/professional pathway will deal with biochemistry, specifically neurochemistry and psychopharmacology. I recently suffered a bout of depression.
Audience: Currently depression is far more widespread than most people understand or admit. Many people suffer from depression silently, even though depression is one of the most easily treatable mental illnesses in the world today. In addition to satisfying my instructor, this topic may save many people from suffering by giving them information to help them seek treatment.
Context: This topic will satisfy requirements for two of my current classes, while also allowing me to research a subject directly related to my chosen major.
Space:
Purpose: This topic will make more people aware of depression and its treatability.
Audience: After learning more about depression, many people will be more likely to seek treatment. I can also use this to explore a topic to which I have personal ties.
Context: I am a resource as someone who has suffered from depression, I also have access to medical professionals who will be willing to help me. My teachers will approve of the topic.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
D#2 HW#4 - Annotated Bibliography
All three of the following come from CQ Researcher Online. CQ Researcher is a reputable journal. All articles were footnoted, and included detailed bibliographies.
Katel, P. (2007). Debating hip-hop. CQ Researcher, 17, 529-552. Retrieved July 7, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2007061500
This article was found in the "most recent" listing on CQ Researcher. The article discusses the debate over social value of rap lyrics and associated elements of the music. One side of the debate wants to censor hip hop music, in an effort to make it a more socially-conscious art form. The other side resists such limitations. This article would be useful if I decide to write about music-related censorship, politics, or social issues. This is a focused article; further narrowing of the topic for my own paper would be unnecessary.
Worsnop, R. L. (1992). Depression. CQ Researcher, 2, 857-880. Retrieved July 8, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1992100900
This article was found on CQ Researcher using "depression" as a basic search term. The article discusses the widespread, but largely unrecognized, nature of depression, its symptoms, and treatments. The author discusses the characterization of and attitudes toward depression throughout history, with emphasis on contemporary perspectives. This article will be a great resource for a paper dealing with mental health or depression. It has full background information on depression, along with current views, and comes from a credible source. More specific topics for a research paper might include economic loss due to depression in the workplace.
Katel, P. (2006). War on drugs. CQ Researcher, 16, 481-504. Retrieved July 8, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006060209
This article was found on CQ Researcher using "drugs" as a basic search term. It discusses past and current national policies regarding recreational drug use and abuse. It tracks popular trends over time since the inception of our current national policies in the 60's. The article is well-balanced, showing no strong bias towards either side of the hotly debated topic. This article would be useful as an unbiased overview on the subject, an orientation to be further refined. Harm reduction policies for specific drugs, jail populations, and contextual fund appropriation could be addressed more specifically.
Katel, P. (2007). Debating hip-hop. CQ Researcher, 17, 529-552. Retrieved July 7, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2007061500
This article was found in the "most recent" listing on CQ Researcher. The article discusses the debate over social value of rap lyrics and associated elements of the music. One side of the debate wants to censor hip hop music, in an effort to make it a more socially-conscious art form. The other side resists such limitations. This article would be useful if I decide to write about music-related censorship, politics, or social issues. This is a focused article; further narrowing of the topic for my own paper would be unnecessary.
Worsnop, R. L. (1992). Depression. CQ Researcher, 2, 857-880. Retrieved July 8, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1992100900
This article was found on CQ Researcher using "depression" as a basic search term. The article discusses the widespread, but largely unrecognized, nature of depression, its symptoms, and treatments. The author discusses the characterization of and attitudes toward depression throughout history, with emphasis on contemporary perspectives. This article will be a great resource for a paper dealing with mental health or depression. It has full background information on depression, along with current views, and comes from a credible source. More specific topics for a research paper might include economic loss due to depression in the workplace.
Katel, P. (2006). War on drugs. CQ Researcher, 16, 481-504. Retrieved July 8, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006060209
This article was found on CQ Researcher using "drugs" as a basic search term. It discusses past and current national policies regarding recreational drug use and abuse. It tracks popular trends over time since the inception of our current national policies in the 60's. The article is well-balanced, showing no strong bias towards either side of the hotly debated topic. This article would be useful as an unbiased overview on the subject, an orientation to be further refined. Harm reduction policies for specific drugs, jail populations, and contextual fund appropriation could be addressed more specifically.
D#2, HW#3 - Reflecting on Prior Research
1. In April of 2007, I made the decision to go back to college to get a degree. It was necessary for me to conduct research to answer the questions "What degree/major should I complete?" This led to other questions such as, "What classes do I need to take?"
2. While the situation primarily concerned me, I also considered others as being affected by the outcome. Among those people were my girlfriend, who was also a living partner. Also concerned was Frank, my financial backer. I conducted the majority of the research on my own, with input from these two people.
3. In exploring possible answers to my questions, I used several resources. I spoke with Frank, a PhD and college professor. I consulted the community college advisors. I spoke with and considered input from my parents. I used the college internet sites to see what was involved with the majors I was considering.
4. After conducting my research, my conclusion was that I should pursue a degree in Biochemistry. I came to this conclusion because it satisfied the criteria I established through researching my original question. That criteria was 1. A field that is personally interesting to me 2. A field that has good potential to bring financial success 3. a field that has a diverse set of opportunities within it
5. In this case, I was satisfied that I had taken the time necessary to examine all angles and aspects of the issue.
2. While the situation primarily concerned me, I also considered others as being affected by the outcome. Among those people were my girlfriend, who was also a living partner. Also concerned was Frank, my financial backer. I conducted the majority of the research on my own, with input from these two people.
3. In exploring possible answers to my questions, I used several resources. I spoke with Frank, a PhD and college professor. I consulted the community college advisors. I spoke with and considered input from my parents. I used the college internet sites to see what was involved with the majors I was considering.
4. After conducting my research, my conclusion was that I should pursue a degree in Biochemistry. I came to this conclusion because it satisfied the criteria I established through researching my original question. That criteria was 1. A field that is personally interesting to me 2. A field that has good potential to bring financial success 3. a field that has a diverse set of opportunities within it
5. In this case, I was satisfied that I had taken the time necessary to examine all angles and aspects of the issue.
D#2 HW#1 - Reading Reflection
The required readings for this deadline (D#2) were mostly geared towards how to effectively choose a topic for a research paper. In considering a topic for my own research paper, several points, or themes, from these readings are prominent contributors to my process of topic selection.
The author needs to be "focused and engaged with the project" (Guilford, 2007, Choosing a Subject). A topic that is uninteresting to the author will likely produce prose that is uninteresting to the reader. When an author chooses a personally engaging topic, she/he naturally invests more personal resources in the project, leading to a final draft that is more informed, comprehensive, and sensitive to various aspects of the issue. These ideas reminded that to complete this course with a successful writing project, I need take time to choose a topic that is personally engaging, and avoid picking a topic just to get the assignment done.
The perspective of the author is one component of the rhetorical situation. One way to look at the relevance of the author's perspective to the rhetorical situation is through kairotic analysis, in which time and space components are compared to the project's (and the author's) purpose, audience, and context. I will use this technique when I begin the topic-selection process later today. It will help me in choosing a topic that is appropriate and relevant to my current life situation.
When I begin choosing a topic, I will be utilizing many of the specific techniques described in the readings. These include brainstorming, freewriting, and concept mapping. These techniques will help me to "zero in" on topics that are relevant to the rhetorical situation, and reject those topics that are not.
All of these ideas contribute to the first of the course competencies, writing for specific rhetorical concepts.
The author needs to be "focused and engaged with the project" (Guilford, 2007, Choosing a Subject). A topic that is uninteresting to the author will likely produce prose that is uninteresting to the reader. When an author chooses a personally engaging topic, she/he naturally invests more personal resources in the project, leading to a final draft that is more informed, comprehensive, and sensitive to various aspects of the issue. These ideas reminded that to complete this course with a successful writing project, I need take time to choose a topic that is personally engaging, and avoid picking a topic just to get the assignment done.
The perspective of the author is one component of the rhetorical situation. One way to look at the relevance of the author's perspective to the rhetorical situation is through kairotic analysis, in which time and space components are compared to the project's (and the author's) purpose, audience, and context. I will use this technique when I begin the topic-selection process later today. It will help me in choosing a topic that is appropriate and relevant to my current life situation.
When I begin choosing a topic, I will be utilizing many of the specific techniques described in the readings. These include brainstorming, freewriting, and concept mapping. These techniques will help me to "zero in" on topics that are relevant to the rhetorical situation, and reject those topics that are not.
All of these ideas contribute to the first of the course competencies, writing for specific rhetorical concepts.
Friday, July 6, 2007
D#2, HW#2
I visited 3 of my fellow classmates blogs.
1.http://amanda-intro.blogspot.com
2.http://luscious602.blogspot.com/
3.http://tedibaer2007.blogspot.com/
I left a comment on Amanda's blog, as well as another that I can now not find again. I think his name was Lamont, and he was doing his paper on illegal immigration.
1.http://amanda-intro.blogspot.com
2.http://luscious602.blogspot.com/
3.http://tedibaer2007.blogspot.com/
I left a comment on Amanda's blog, as well as another that I can now not find again. I think his name was Lamont, and he was doing his paper on illegal immigration.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
D#1 HW#8 Initial Questions/Comments
So far, this is the widest course I have taken online (this being my third). In the last 24 hours, I've registered 4 new accounts on 4 different new websites.
I've never kept a blog before, so this is a new and fun exercise for me. Delicious will definitely yield interesting results. Google Doc's was giving me problems. Any of my classmates have problems with Internet Explorer 6 and Google Docs? I struggled with it for a good hour until I decided to access it on my iMac instead. Then I found out that Safari isn't supported (??!), so I downloaded and installed Firefox, and now its running smooth as warm butter.
Another thing you classmates could help me with: Does anyone else experience a keypress delay while typing out blog posts on blogger.com? The onscreen text follows my typing very S L O W L Y, so that after I finish typing a sentence I have to sit and watch it type itself out. Its an inconvenience at worst, but an annoying one.
It seems this will be a time-intensive class, even for a condensed online course. Anyone have any prior experience with ENG102 and what time investments will be demanded?
I've never kept a blog before, so this is a new and fun exercise for me. Delicious will definitely yield interesting results. Google Doc's was giving me problems. Any of my classmates have problems with Internet Explorer 6 and Google Docs? I struggled with it for a good hour until I decided to access it on my iMac instead. Then I found out that Safari isn't supported (??!), so I downloaded and installed Firefox, and now its running smooth as warm butter.
Another thing you classmates could help me with: Does anyone else experience a keypress delay while typing out blog posts on blogger.com? The onscreen text follows my typing very S L O W L Y, so that after I finish typing a sentence I have to sit and watch it type itself out. Its an inconvenience at worst, but an annoying one.
It seems this will be a time-intensive class, even for a condensed online course. Anyone have any prior experience with ENG102 and what time investments will be demanded?
D#1 HW#1 - Reading reflection
After reading the course syllabus and the indicated sections from the text, I have a better feel for what this class will be about, however, that concept will continue to evolve as the course progresses.
The syllabus is meticulously done, and obviously a product of great time and effort. Though I found myself jumping from page to page, reading and re-reading sections to ensure clarity, I'm sure further and consistent use will acclimate me to its organizational structure. As it is now, I am simply following the deadline instructions explicitly, cross-referencing various sections where necessary, mostly the "Assignment Prompts" section.
The Concise Wadsworth Handbook will be a useful tool for me throughout my scholastic career. I am impressed with the book's scope. For instance, the section on how to design websites is not something I expected to find, but have always wanted to learn more about. Its been several years since I last did any serious writing, and the Handbook will serve as a handy reference to help recondition my writing skills.
I am glad to see that I already practice some of the habits described in "Ten Habits of Successful Students", such as time management. This skill, and some of the others, I have developed in previous professional and academic pursuits. Other habits mentioned in the article were solid reminders of behaviors that will help me achieve my goals in and out of school.
The syllabus is meticulously done, and obviously a product of great time and effort. Though I found myself jumping from page to page, reading and re-reading sections to ensure clarity, I'm sure further and consistent use will acclimate me to its organizational structure. As it is now, I am simply following the deadline instructions explicitly, cross-referencing various sections where necessary, mostly the "Assignment Prompts" section.
The Concise Wadsworth Handbook will be a useful tool for me throughout my scholastic career. I am impressed with the book's scope. For instance, the section on how to design websites is not something I expected to find, but have always wanted to learn more about. Its been several years since I last did any serious writing, and the Handbook will serve as a handy reference to help recondition my writing skills.
I am glad to see that I already practice some of the habits described in "Ten Habits of Successful Students", such as time management. This skill, and some of the others, I have developed in previous professional and academic pursuits. Other habits mentioned in the article were solid reminders of behaviors that will help me achieve my goals in and out of school.
D#1 HW#3 - Origin
Greetings and Salutations!
This blog will serve as an account of my journey through ENG102 and beyond. Here, together, you and I will witness the evolution of my ideas, and my ability to communicate them via the written word.
In introduction, I am a student currently pursuing completion of an Associate of Science degree at Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ. This will be used to transfer to a 4 year university where I plan to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. I'm on my way to fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a mad scientist.
Outside my scholastic life, I'm employed part-time by a local grocery store. My passions lie in music, which I produce via digital equipment. I also enjoy the company of my good friend and romantic companion Lady Tuzzo, who inspires me to make the most of myself.
On with it. Thank you for reading.
This blog will serve as an account of my journey through ENG102 and beyond. Here, together, you and I will witness the evolution of my ideas, and my ability to communicate them via the written word.
In introduction, I am a student currently pursuing completion of an Associate of Science degree at Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ. This will be used to transfer to a 4 year university where I plan to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. I'm on my way to fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a mad scientist.
Outside my scholastic life, I'm employed part-time by a local grocery store. My passions lie in music, which I produce via digital equipment. I also enjoy the company of my good friend and romantic companion Lady Tuzzo, who inspires me to make the most of myself.
On with it. Thank you for reading.
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