Tag: Psychology

IQ Is Not the Same as Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Intelligence is a complex quality involving different abilities like thinking, problem-solving, emotions, and creativity. IQ tests, which measure some cognitive skills such as reasoning and math, only give a partial picture of how smart someone is. They don’t capture everything about a person’s intelligence because they focus on specific areas and use standard questions and scoring.

Watch the video to know more about it and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “remedial help” mean? “Alfred Binet was asked by the government to develop a test that could determine whether people needed remedial help with their education.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “innate” mean? “American Psychologists decide that I.Q. is innate, that you were born with it, and there’s nothing you can do to change it.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘innate’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “multifaceted” mean? “Intelligence is a multifaceted thing and multifaceted things can’t really be measured in terms of a single number.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘multifaceted’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that IQ tests accurately reflect someone’s overall intelligence? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, what other factors besides cognitive abilities should be considered when defining intelligence?
  3. How important is it for society to recognize and value different forms of intelligence beyond what is typically measured by IQ tests?
  4. In what ways can emotional intelligence and creativity be important aspects of intelligence that are not fully captured by traditional IQ tests?

When Feeling Angry, Venting Doesn’t Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It must be cathartic to let your negative emotions out. Somehow, it seems like you are actually feeling better after letting off some steam probably because sharing our emotions reduces our stress level.

Psychologists have recommended people to “let it all out” when we have this overwhelming feeling of anger. However, new studies reveal that venting does not actually help in this case.

Let’s watch the video and know more about this myth and other helpful tips on how to release your anger in a more positive way.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hqff54/feeling-angry-venting-doesn-t-actually-help

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed” mean in this context, “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.
  2. How about “to put more wood on the fire“. “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “physiological arousal“? “Basically, anything that reduces physiological arousal can be worth trying.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does venting not help reduce anger?
  2. Aside from venting, what other activities are not effective for anger management? Why is that?
  3. What are some ways to manage one’s anger?
  4. Do you have the tendency to vent when you get angry? If yes, did it make you feel any better? Talk about it.
  5. How do you respond when someone vents to you?

Gaslighting: A Hidden Psychological Abuse

The term “gaslighting” has since been coined to describe this form of psychological manipulation, where one person makes another doubt their own reality. Gaslight explores the power dynamics within relationships and the devastating effects of emotional abuse.

Through its suspenseful plot and strong performances from its cast, Gaslight remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of psychological torment and manipulation.

Read the article to find out more about gaslighting and how to handle it.

https://www.tero.com/articles/gaslighting.php

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “indelible” mean? “The techniques to inflict such abuses may vary from unconscious to malicious, covert to intentional, but always leave indelible spiteful marks on their victims.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “vindictiveness” mean? “ For example, saying, “you won’t get it – forget it, just think, it never happened,” conveys abuse, vindictiveness, and intentionally hurting others. “Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “wear down ” mean? “They wear down their victims over time” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can gaslighting be beneficial and detrimental?
  2. Give some examples of gaslighting instances in the workplace.
  3. Why do you think individuals are gaslighted?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Behavioral Scientists perceive that gaslighting has become a mental health and social issue and is a root cause of myriad problems in societies.” You can even give specific situations where this is evident.
  5. Cite ways on how to deal with gaslighters.

Mindfulness at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mindfulness at work involves bringing its practice into the professional setting to enhance focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It encourages present-moment awareness, stress reduction techniques, and better emotional regulation, ultimately fostering a positive work culture and improving individual and organizational performance.

Watch the video about some tips on how to practice mindfulness at work.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “disarm” mean in the sentence, “It’s going to disarm some issues that may be popping up because people know that you’re taking the time to figure out what they’re saying”? Think of a synonym and use this word in your own words.
  2. What does the expression “on the right note” mean in the phrase, “to get you started off on the right note“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “run high with something” mean in the sentence, “It takes any stress levels that you have which you’re usually running pretty high with and allows you to bring it down.” Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily work routine?
  2. How do you think mindfulness contributes to overall workplace well-being and employee satisfaction?
  3. How do you handle distractions or stressors at work while trying to maintain a mindful mindset?
  4. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start practicing mindfulness at work but doesn’t know where to begin?
  5. Share any mindfulness techniques or practices that have helped you stay focused and productive at work.

The Psychology of Greed

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not everyone’s greed.”.

One must ask, where does this desire to accumulate things, keep them for yourself, and not share them with others stem from?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to explore the psychology of greed.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240118

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mean, “Some people indeed have worked themselves up by their own bootstraps and get what they have because they worked hard.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to pull yourself up by your bootstraps” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “flip of a coin” mean, “They talked about how they controlled their own outcomes, they talked about how it was the decisions they had made that had led to their being ultimately victorious, and not that flip of a coin that randomly got them into that position of privilege in the first place.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “flip of a coin” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to take credit for” mean, “Interestingly, the rich players took credit for winning.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to take credit for” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is greed ever good? Share your thoughts.
  2. Talk about your opinion on this, “It’s not greed itself that’s bad, but the things we’re greedy for.”.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We’re genetically built to want things that increase our social status.”.
  4. When someone feels financially better off than others translates into feeling better than others and the reason behind these feelings could be what money buys you, especially one thing: space. Share your thoughts on how well-off people don’t need others in their lives as much because they can afford to be in their own private bubble.
  5. Talk about an instance you think you got a little greedy. How can it be justified?

Paying Attention to Our Dreams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Paying attention to our dreams can offer valuable insights into our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and concerns. While some view dreams as random mental chatter, others believe they hold significant meaning and that they can provide clues to unresolved issues or desires.

Psychologists and researchers often explore the potential connections between dreams and waking life, studying patterns and themes to understand their potential impact on our mental well-being.

Ultimately, the importance of paying attention to dreams varies from person to person, but many find that acknowledging and reflecting on their dreams can offer unique perspectives and foster personal growth.

Read the article about how much should we be paying attention to our dreams and some benefits of keeping a dream log. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

How Much Should We Be Paying Attention To Our Dreams?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “decipher” mean, “People have been recording, analyzing, and attempting to decipher dreams for centuries, as is seen in evidence of cave drawings and early literature.”? Give two synonyms and use ‘decipher’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “omen” mean, “Some believed they were prophecies from God, others interpreted dreams as omens from demonic forces”? Give two synonyms and use ‘omen’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “wiring” mean in the sentence, “Keeping a dream log is just one more way we can get to know ourselves and better understand our unique wiring.”? Use this word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you typically remember your dreams? How do you perceive the importance of dreams in your life?
  2. What are your thoughts on making a dream log? How might keeping one contribute to personal growth or understanding oneself better? 
  3. Do you believe dreams have psychological significance, or do you see them as random brain activity during sleep? Explain.
  4. Have you experienced instances where your dreams seemed influenced by your activities or thoughts before sleep? How do you think external factors affect dream content?
  5. What are your thoughts on the idea that dreams might reflect physical health or conditions in the body? Do you find this concept plausible or far-fetched? Explain.

Confidence Dumping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever catch yourself over-enthusiastically sharing your achievements or being nudged about boasting? If the desire for acknowledgment and external validation feels familiar, you might be engaging in “confidence dumping,” as labeled by TikTok creator Connor DeWolfe. Recognizing this behavior is the first step and there’s no need for shame.

Read this article to learn more about “confidence dumping”.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-confidence-dumping_l_653a5e99e4b0c855610460a1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut someone some slack” mean? “It’s important to cut folks some slack and assume the best intentions.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  2. Define “along the lines of something”. “Along the lines of the latter, put a rock, penny or something else you want to collect in a jar.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “counterintuitive”? “It might seem counterintuitive, but people with ADHD engage in this behavior when they are in a supportive environment with others where they feel they can be vulnerable and will not be judged.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “counterintuitive”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “confidence dumping”?
  2. Have you ever noticed instances when you or someone you know engage in “confidence dumping”? How does it make you feel?
  3. What are the potential negative impacts of being on the receiving end of “confidence dumping,” both personally and professionally?
  4. How does “confidence dumping” impact team dynamics, and what strategies can address it in a workplace?
  5. Can you think of a more positive and helpful way of conveying your accomplishments without resorting to confidence dumping?
  6. What are effective ways to feel validated or affirmed?

A Japanese Method to Relax

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life moves pretty fast. If you need a quick breather, these Japanese relaxation techniques could be your new go-to. The video spills the beans on a five-minute calming session that could be a game-changer.

Check out the full video and get ready to relax in no time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “take a toll” mean in the sentence “Excessive stress can take a toll on your life.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “decisive” mean in the sentence “The ring finger is responsible for making you more decisive.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “hustle and bustle” mean in the sentence “Get peace of mind in the middle of hustle and bustle.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the Japanese relaxation hack all about?
  2. What are the benefits of a quick relaxation routine that make it worth exploring?
  3. Have you ever tried a similar relaxation method? Share your experiences.
  4. What are your struggles in finding time for relaxation?
  5. In what other situations could a quick relaxation trick come in handy?

The Stress Bucket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stress hits everyone differently, and this stress bucket thing? It’s the real deal. This video breaks it all down, giving you the inside scoop on managing stress like a pro.

Check out the full video to wrap your head around the stress bucket and maybe find your own stress-busting strategy.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to break something down” mean in the sentence, “Make a list to break problems down.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “tackle” mean? “Which smaller task should you tackle first?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “fill up” mean in the sentence “Different problems and demands fill up your buckets.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s this stress bucket the video is talking about?
  2. Discuss about the tricks the video suggests for getting rid of stress.
  3. Share your own stress bucket stories.
  4. Spot the signs – when is your stress bucket about to overflow?
  5. Which stress-busting tip from the video would you like to try?

Positive Psychology at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever feel like work is a bit of a rollercoaster? Well, positive psychology might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. This video digs into how positive vibes can seriously shake things up in the workplace.

Dive into the full video here to get the lowdown on injecting some positivity into your 9-to-5 grind.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “core strength” mean, “By consciously engaging in work and activities that utilise your core strengths, you can become more confident and more productive.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “tangible goal” mean in the sentence, “Set tangible goals for yourself.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take pride in something” mean in the sentence “Take pride in your accomplishments.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key takeaways from the video about positive psychology at work?
  2. Can you pick out some practical tips from the video for keeping things sunny at work?
  3. How can positive vibes improve your work life (talk about your situation)?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that a happier workplace makes you more productive? Why or why not?
  5. What are some small changes you can think of to sneak some positive psychology into your work routine?