Response to Employment Article

"Employers Study Applicants' Personalities" explores the idea that employers want those who they hire to fit into the company best and be able to work the most effectively with those around them. The article addresses the fact that many employers are becoming more and more picky with who they hire by strategically analyzing personality type. Many employers have also developed introductions to their companies that are intended to portray a realistic view of the time and effort that is necessary to commit fully to the company. Although it may be a bit intimidating to read about these harsh new standards in the world of employment, I believe that the attention to detail in assessing personality is not only important, but necessary in order to build a strong set of employees who will work together to achieve success. I want to be part of a company that takes such measures because I will know that I truly am the best fit not only with the company itself, but with the people who surround me. I am a strong advocate of teamwork and synergy, and I believe that strict interviewing processes can only lead to a positive outcome for the company and its employees.

Dual Coding Theory

After assessing a number of different advertisements in print and on TV, I have found that Coca Cola effectively utilizes the idea of dual coding. In most Coke ads, there are elements of both the first and second sensory systems, which, in turn, lead to the third sensory system. One specific example is this 1970 advertisement. By using both text and image reinforcement, the ad is able to illustrate its message very effectively. The first system involved in dual coding, language processing, must be ultilized by reading the phrase: "It's the real thing. Coke." This phrase is concise and easy to process, but it would not be fully effective without the picture to reinforce it. The second system, which processes visual displays, must be used to understand the picture. The Coke bottle is pictured with pure, natural food like cheese and fruit. The third system involved in dual coding ties the first and the second together. This system will allow the person to incur that the ad is attempting to suggest that Coke is the "real" thing, like cheese and fruit. By using both imaging and words to convey a point, this advertisement effectively uses the theory of dual coding to appeal to its viewers and form a distinct impression in the minds of potential consumers.

Reflection on Group Work

Fortunately, I did not feel like we had any major miscommunication in our group that caused a problem with progress. Our utilization of email significantly helped communication to remain constant and up-to-date. We kept each other updated with progressions throughout the project, and we were able to plan additional details of meeting agendas without having to verbally communicate. The biggest problem that we had was with people following through after communicating. Multiple times the group unanimously decided on a meeting time in the library and one of our members did not follow through and come to the meetings. This issue, however, was not due to lack of communication.

I usually strongly dislike group projects. I am a very independent person and a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my schoolwork. I do not like depending on other people in academics. Although I felt that this proposal project was a good situation in which to have a group, I still am not partial to the idea.

I was extremely pleased with how our project turned out and felt that the majority of my group contributed to our success. My group did a wonderful job of keeping ahead of our individual work and holding regular meetings and ended up finishing ahead of schedule. For Phase 2, the only improvement that would make our group more successful would be to have all group members attend preplanned meetings.