Overview
Answer both engagements on two different papers.
Engagement 4:
- I would like you to complete the Maximizer Scale in Chapter 4 in your Paradox of Choice book (directions are in the chapter). **Important - do not just google "maximizer scale," because the scale that google shows you is not the same as what is in the book.** Tell me your numerical total and then tell me if you are a Satisficer or a Maximizer. Write a short paragraph explaining your classification and if it is what you expected.
- As Schwartz explains, there are times in our life when we act the opposite of whatever we classify as. Tell me a time where you acted opposite what your scale total classified you as (if you scored as a maximizer, tell me about a decision you made when you acted as a satisficer. If you scored as a satisficer, tell me a time when you acted as a maximizer).
- Read these chapters carefully and think thoroughly through your answer to this one. Chapter 4 has a Regret Scale (directions in the chapter). You don’t need to report your Regret Scale results to me, but as you read Chapter 7, Schwartz discusses how (although there is a potential for causing misery) regret can serve us in a positive manner. Some people go through life saying, “I have no regrets!!” but I fear they aren’t allowing themselves the benefits and lessons that Schwartz outlines at the end of Chapter 7. Tell me of a time you that made a decision and then had regrets about your decision and then tell me what the upside of experiencing those regrets were/are for you. NOTE! This is NOT cognitive dissonance reduction. Also, this is not, "this bad thing was going to happen but it turned out to be a good thing." Read the chapter carefully and then write about your experience. You should not be writing to me to check with me on your submission before submitting.
Engagement 5:Your Paradox of Choice author spends quite a bit of time/many pages talking about happiness. In chapters 7 and 8, Schwartz discusses ways in which the choices we are presented with can negatively impact our happiness and how social comparison impacts our happiness as well as ways our happiness can be increased. After carefully reading this section in the book, think of your own experiences.
In a paragraph, explain one time when downward counterfactuals (remember, this is not the same as downward comparison) benefited you (made you happier). This is worth 10 points toward engagement. It will show up in the grade book within a week after the deadline.
Usually there will be no credit if an assignment isn't submitted by the due date. However, for this one, if the assignment is submitted after the due date, but before the deadline, it will be eligible for a maximum of 50%.