News: Psych of Deduction's Return

Sorry to keep you in the dark over the past two weeks! We'll be back in April, though, don't worry.  In the meantime, as we prepare our next series of posts, keep yourself entertained with Sherlockology! The best Sherlock fansite is, in our opinion, www.sherlockology.com. Check it out if you haven't already. And once you've busied yourself with that, try applying the information in this blog. Practice makes perfect -- Sherlock needed cases to keep his mind active, so why not make a few situations of your own to deduce.

we do not own the media used in this post.

Social Influences

I. The most basic form of social influence derives from human presence.

II. Human instinct is stimulated through the presence of others.

III. Stimulants are caused by discrepancies between performing actions and a watchful audience.

IV.  Terminology
     A. Social loafing
          i. when an individual lowers his efforts in a group
     B. Conformity
          i. the modification of behaviour to match that of a group
     C. Compliance
          i. the reaction of one subject to others without a modification in attitude.

V. Compliance tactics include...
     A. improving an offer
     B. putting a foot in the door

VI. Objects vs. People
     A. objects' characteristics are consistent; peoples' characteristics adjust in different situations
     B. objects don't judge you back; people judge you back
          i. when subjects judging the observer, the observer often becomes aware of maintaining his
             reputation within the social class

Deductive Logic [Part 3]

Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning in a Nutshell
Deductive reasoning: the result of a justified theory and legitimate conclusion
Inductive reasoning: the result of a justified theory and a likely (50% or above) conclusion

Train Your Brain
The frontal lobes of your cerebral cortex allow you to think logically. Exercise them with brain puzzles like Sudokus or logic grid puzzles.

How to Find Faults in a Statement
1. research to find any contradicting information to the statement
2. is the supporting evidence authenticated or from a respected source?
3. how updated is the information?
4. there is often more than one possibility in a situation -- evaluate others.
5. Ask yourself reflective questions to test the strength of the argument

Reflective Questions 
- What information does this statement rely upon?
- What is the main idea in the statement?
- How could you prove this statement to be incorrect?

Warnings
Consider the outcome of your actions.
As always, remember that context is key.
Practice creative thinking.
Reflect upon your work.
Deductive reasoning functions best with the support of additional techniques (creative thoughts, reflection, background psychology knowledge)

Recognizing Gazes

There are mainly three types of gazes that someone can give you. Gazes may be easier to recognize than looks, as a gaze can last a second or two longer. 

For this demonstration, please look within the shape drawn on the images.

Social Gaze
(Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson)

Here, you are looking at John in a neutral, non-agressive way. His face doesn't show it, but he perceives you positively. 

Intimate Gaze 

(Lara Pulver as Irene Adler)

When two people interact from a far distance, this is what happens: 

1. they acknowledge the face

2. they quickly overview the lower body to determine gender

3. they look from the eyes to the lower body to develop an opinion

Power Gaze 

(Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes)

This creates a pressuring atmosphere if you keep staring within this triangle. This technique is generally used to show annoyance or dominance, which translates to the dictionary definition of power. 

i do not own the media used in this post. 

Attentiveness

"Really look this time." Readers Digest published in their "101 Ways to Improve Your Memory" that there are nine factors required to achieve perfect attention. Note that perfect attentiveness to detail is compromised by even the lack of one factors.

Please click Read More to view the extensive list. 

Deductive Reasoning [Part 2]

Note: The following article may be considered subjective. Read with consideration. 

Pieces of a Puzzle

Figure I

     Our last post was the introduction to our deduction notes. Perhaps it hardly seems irrelevant, considering the title of our blog-site. Here's the catch, though: deductive reasoning examples all involve the collection of individual pieces of information that are connected to the final assumption in the end. While we see Sherlock's mind processing in the show (Figure I), I would argue that they don't show the entire cognitive procedure -- that would be terribly complicated. 

     The following is an example of a deductive reasoning question:

Mary, Janette, and Sarah went out to eat on Saturday and Sunday. When they go out together, each of them orders either fish and chips or yorkshire pudding.

Janette has yorkshire pudding if Mary has fish and chips.

Either Mary or Sarah will have fish and chips, but they won't both order it.

Janette and Sarah will not both have yorkshire pudding. 

Who ate fish and chips on Saturday and yorkshire pudding on Sunday?

Figure II

     In the questions I have reviewed, there is always an introductory statement with background information, multiple points, and a question. The first two sections are gained through the observance of the subject(s), which can be done through the application of social psychology. Noticing behavioural patterns and using body language knowledge to attribute them to an understanding of the subject is key (Figure II). This may be the importance of social psychology and the reason why this blog will start uploading posts on deduction. Another reason is because, when someone thinks Sherlock, they think of the pipe, the hat, and his deductive reasoning.

Deductive Reasoning [Part 1]

Deductive reasoning is the process of making educated assumptions from given facts (which could be taken from your social psychology knowledge). Maybe you can view it as an application of the strategies found on this blog site.

Deductive Reasoning: An Introductory Definition

1. A psychological process where the subject makes a fully-supported, accurate assumption
1. rule: the input proposition confirms the legitimacy of the output proposition through logic
1. deductive reasoning uses logic
2. deductive reasoning is not limited to logic.
2. cognitive psychology is involved in deductive reasoning
1. studies the foundations for problem-solving set of rules used in deductive reasoning
2. subjects are likely to make false assumptions when their output propositions are plausible
3. humans have 2 different systems of comprehension
1. System 1
1. automatic
2. quick-to-mind
3. near instantaneous
2. System 2
1. timely process
2. thoroughly thought-through

This is the first chapter in a reoccurring series I will upload regarding the skill of deductive reasoning. This first part addressed the main definition of the topic, but I will eventually go towards applications and tips with this technique. The speed at which these posts will be made depends upon the availability of resources and the speed at which I can access them.

Credit to:

Schechter, Joshua of Brown University. Deductive Reasoning. http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Philosophy/onlinepapers/schechter/DeductiveReasoning.pdf Accessed on 4 Mar 2012. 

Notes: 

Forthcoming in The Encyclopedia of the Mind, edited by Hal Pashler, SAGE Publishing. Editorial Board: Tim Crane, Fernanda Ferreira, Marcel Kinsbourne, and Rich Zemel.

I do not own the resources or the images used in this post. Respective links are provided either above this note or by clicking the photographs. 

Deducing His Age

Guessing someone's age becomes trivial when you factor in hair colour and glasses. "Employee Body Language Revealed" recommends you to use body language instead.

In a Nutshell:

• wrinkles
• slower eye movements (than that of an adolescent)
• e.g. takes a while to meet you directly in the eye
• soft-spoken voice
• doesn't apply pressure to the touch
• e.g. handshake is gentle
• memory capacity is lowered
• modest, distinct attire
• slower gestures 

Deducing His Home Country

Please note these are general observations from the book "Employee Body Language Revealed," and that these rules are not absolute. I do not own any of the images used in this post.

Australia
-maintain eye contact in conversations
-firm handshake
-somewhat reserved; do not show intense emotion publicly

Canada

-firm handshake

-eye contact important

China
-business cards presented with two hands
-never interrupt conversations
-don't shake hands with people of polar opposite social statuses
-nods, bows, handshakes






England
-greet with handshake
-avoid eye contact, staring

"Brilliant Body Language" Excerpt Summary

The Art of Negotiation

Sherlock clearly mastered this, as he manipulates Molly Hooper's infatuation on many occasions.
Here's how you can figure out if someone is going to cave in:

• eyes dart around
• finger or teeth on lip 
• blushing
• breathing rate increases
• fidgeting
• hiding mouth with hands
• pacing
• sweating
• finger on nose

Watch this clip to see how Molly displays some of the signs. She's going to give in to Sherlock at any time now! Credit to http://askmollyhooper.tumblr.com/ for the image.

I do not own any of the media used in this post.

Employee Body Language Revealed: Legs, Feet

Trying to catch unconscious body language? 
Lower your head a bit. It turns out that people don't always pay much attention to what they're doing with their legs or feet.

Crossed Legs 
in men: uncertainty, closed-mindedness
in women: [varies]

Leg Language DECODED
seated
legs extended and crossed at ankle: comfortable, relaxed
legs crossed over the knee: closed-mindedness (sometimes)
one leg's ankle rested over the knee of the other leg: dominating/aggressive, confidence
one leg's ankle rested over the knee of the other leg (with a hand holding the ankle): stubborn, decisive
legs crossed, one foot rested behind the other leg. legs are angled in one direction: insecurity, shyness


standing
legs crossed: insecurity, decisiveness, submission

Feet First 
fidgeting: impatience, anticipation, anxiety, boredom
ankles twisted together: insecurity, negative attitude

The Method of Loci (Mind Palace Technique)

"Get out. I need to go to my mind palace." If you've seen Season 2 of Sherlock, you might remember this scene. If you've read Hounds of Baskerville, you may also recall the use of this particular technique. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll say this: Sherlock says this as he tries to recall something from his memory. He is here referring to the method of loci, which is basically a visual mind map, if you will, in which information is stored. This memory technique is for the visually-inclined individuals.
     The method of loci is best used for remembering lists rather than processes. In other words, it is more effective in memorizing the types of continental winds than exactly how the winds are formed. I enjoy this memory technique, although I sometimes have trouble focusing after I exit my memory palace.
     If you'd like to give Sherlock's method a try, there are various professional sites you can seek. There were no books at my library dedicated solely to this technique, so I conducted a Google search.
     There are better sites for the actual history and further detail regarding the method of loci, but this Howcast video concisely and visually explains the execution. If you have a deeper interest, I encourage you to research this topic after viewing the video to your left.

I do not own BBC Sherlock, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works, or Howcast.

Employee Body Language Revealed: Hands

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Four Summary (Part 2)

Hands Put Together

Clasped Hands

impatience

attempts to remain dignified and calm 

courtesy to show you're listening 

Clenched Hands 

placed high: very frustrated/annoyed

placed midway: slightly annoyed

placed low: feeling threatened 

Steepled Hands

placed high: confident

placed midway, hands lowered: listening, interested

Shaking Hands

Employee Body Language Revealed: Arms

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Four Summary (Part 1)

Crossing Your Arms 

Listeners who cross their arms retain 38% less information than those whose arms aren't.

GENERAL MEANING

person is closed to what speaker is saying

person is uncomfortable: unconfident, nervous

SPECIFIC MEANINGS

listener's arms suddenly cross while speaker is talking: listener doesn't agree with one of the speaker's ideas

see "Arm Movements'

Arm Movements

• Gripping Arms While They're Crossed:
• person is anxious
• Clenching Fists While Arms Are Crossed:
• authoritative stance
• defense mechanism 
• possibly aggressive stance 
• Thumbs Pointing Up While Arms Are Crossed
• hesitation while maintaining a sense of confidence
• Arms Behind Back
• while talking
• subject is withholding something
• with head tilted, smiling
• flirting
• with a hand grasping elbow
• subject is guilty and trying to apologize
• person is insecure 
• person is confident, showing authority

Employee Body Language Revealed: Eyes, Head

Sorry it's been awhile, everyone. I've been out collecting resources for the site and been preoccupied by previous commitments. But I said the next post would be on the 21st, and it is. Enjoy!

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Three Summary

Eyes to the ceiling: person is trying to remember something
Eyes downcast, to the left: person is thinking
Eyes downcast, to the right: person is displaying emotion
Eyes downcast (straight): embarassment, sympathy
Eyes sideways (left or right): person is uncertain, threatening
Eyes constantly on the move: person is uncomfortable or inclined otherwise

Head tilting: submission
Head ducking: submission, lack of comfort

When someone lies, their pupils don't dilate.

When someone's eyes are focused on work while his eyebrows are "elevated in the forehead," he may not actually be concentrating (pg 61).

Cited Works
Stalter, Harmony. Employee Body Language Revealed. Florida: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc. 2011.

Perception

Perception: An process of defining the environment via organization and interpretation of individualistic impressions.

Significance:

1. Perception of reality is the foundation of human behaviour
2. The world gains significance through the way in which it is perceived.

Factors Influencing Perception

1. The Perciever
1. Observer
1. Attitudes, motives, interests, experience, expectations
2. The Target
1. Person of interest
1. Novelty, motion, sounds, size, background, proximity
3. The Situation
1. Time, work setting, social setting

Perceptual Error

Recommendation: I Can Read You Like a Book

Title: I Can Read You Like a Book.
Authors: Gregory Hartley; Maryann Karinch
Publisher: Career Press
Publication Date: March 1, 2007.
Pages: 288

Review: I skimmed through this book in the library. I'll probably be jotting down some notes for you at some point, but it's here if you want to get a quick start. There were some parts I found interesting, other areas I skimmed through. I will probably be looking out for these authors, though, as the formatting was straightforward and comprehendible.

I used the library's copy, but you can also buy it on Amazon.

Please note I do not own any of the media used. I am not affiliated with these companies. 

Categorical Thinking Web

Mind Tools: Body Language

Here's a website that discusses nonverbal communication. Feel free to check it out in your spare time. http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/Body_Language.htm


Please note I do not own MindTools nor this picture used. I am in no way intending to endorse this site.

Social Perception Web

sorry the post was a day late!

"The Secret Language of Business" Ch 7-13 Summary

I apologize for the odd formatting of these notes. I cannot use the bullets/numbering for the stylistic requirements of this particular entry.

The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less (by Kevin Hogan) in a Nutshell [cont'd]


Body Language

I. Body language can be an influential tool or an extension of spontaneity. 


II. Body language affects first impressions 
     A. People take note of clothing, facial expressions, and other factors previously discussed. 


III. You can gain rapport through reflecting the attitude of others, listening to them, and through reciprocating their behaviour. 


IV. Trust is an extension of rapport.


V. Personal perception and interpretation affect behavioural observation. 

"The Secret Language of Business" Ch 1-6 Summary

I apologize for the odd formatting of these notes. I cannot use the bullets/numbering for the stylistic requirements of this particular entry.


The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less (by Kevin Hogan) in a Nutshell

This novel centralizes around body language (verbal and nonverbal communication).

Nonverbal communication:
-as implied by the name, it is the exchange of information without words.
-my example: laughing

Verbal communications:
-as you've probably assumed, it is the exchange of information with words.
-my example: "You're hysterical."

Social Psychology: A Definition

Social psychology is the study of visible (human) behaviour.

Part of its purpose is to draw educated conclusions regarding people's personal lives. The execution of which involves perception of emotions, beliefs, and attitudes. The danger in this lies in the accuracy of our perceptions: we must remember that humans have their own individualistic definition of reality -- this will be discussed in a later entry.

Social psychology is a generic phrase that includes a wide range of fields. Some of which include the studies of aggression, impressions, shifts in attitude, human relationships, and communication. Naturally, this blog cannot extensively cover all aspects in acute detail.



To follow along with the postings, please refer to the Reading List. This page includes all of the textbooks, websites, and novels that this blog will refer to.

Introduction

I am inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the world's only consulting detective.
I will be going to go into detail about how you can do what Sherlock does, because chances are you want to try, too.
If you've got a problem that you need to solve, then please sift through this blog. Any cases apply.

This is what I do:
1. I collect resources and take notes.
2. From what I read, I compile the knowledge in a light, comprehensive blog.
3. When you apply this knowledge, whatever you recall, no matter how irrelevant it might seem, may or may not be the key to deduction.






Disclaimer: I do not own the cited sources. I do not own any official affiliation of Sherlock Holmes. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes only.

Request: please enjoy your reading.