There has existed a long-held stereotype of what a gamer is. Among many (often unflattering) characteristics, the public stereotype has also been that it is men who primarily play video games. In general, women who play video games are perceived to be to a very small minority. It can be seen manifested in what society at large thinks of as a gamer (non-gamers/”outsiders”), but it unfortunately permeates many other facets as well.Continue reading “Addressing the Misconception of Women Playing Video Games”
Is Personality Fixed?
On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage was overseeing the blasting for the creation of a new roadway. While drilling a new hole and then packing gunpowder with an iron rod for another controlled explosion, a spark from the iron against the rock ignited the gunpowder, shooting the iron out of the whole and through his skull. The iron entered under his cheek bone and exited through the top of this head. Astonishingly, Gage survived to live a long life. He was free of any expected side effects such as language or motor impairments, but his doctor began to notice a strange and unexpected symptom: his personality had changed.
Why Is Altruism?
One of the most baffling questions in evolutionary biology is why humans are altruistic, that is, engaging in behavior that has benefit to others but not to oneself. Altruism can even put oneself at a disadvantage at times. This is the reason why altruism is so puzzling. It does not operate cleanly within evolutionary theory at first glance. Evolutionary theory works on the principles of natural selection, that those traits that help an organism survive long enough to pass on its genes will prevail. Under this law, it makes sense for an organism, in this case a human, to act selfishly because it will ensure the legacy of their genetic material. On the surface, altruism appears disadvantageous and unrealistic. However, it certainly exists. So what is going on?
Are Our Attitudes Our Choice?
Most of us think and agree that we have control over our beliefs and opinions as well as reasons why we hold them. The concept of having personal attitudes is integral to our sense of self and individuality. It’s what sets us apart from other people and how we define ourselves and how we choose to live our lives. Contrary to what we may think, research has shown that how we feel about things and perceive others is not always fully within our control.
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