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Snoop: Yes or No? Good or Bad?

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Last fall Basic Books published Snoop, a book by University of Texas psychology professor Sam Gosling. Gosling's research has demonstrated that an individual's personality can be profiled according to the "stuff" he surrounds himself with. His premise is very appealing.

So in each section of ENGL 1102 I asked students to take the simple 10-item test that shows them which aspect of the "Big Five" personality domain they were strongest in: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. I don't think any of them were surprise by the result, and the group was about as evenly divided as I expected. The only domain we were short on is agreeableness.

Now they have to write a critical analysis of the book. (What! We have to read the WHOLE BOOK?!!) Most, however, are finding that the further they get into it, the more they are taking to the concept of snooping. Being a "snoop" is one way of seeing into the problems and issues faced by the students around you; and if you are stong on openness, extraversion, and agreeableness, you may be able to help others get more comfortable in their own skins.

I am looking forward to reading the insights students will gain from this book, and I am looking forward to our first attempt at peer review this semester. It's always hard for some students, but in the end, it benefits everyone in the class to have feedback.

So keep reading and keep writing, Sections S, T, GG, and L! Your paper's due Monday!

Mrs. B.

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