【推荐2】Humans are uniquely smart among all the other species on the planet. We are capable of outstanding feats of technology and engineering. Then why are we so prone to making mistakes? And why do we tend to make the same ones time and time again? When Primate Psychologist Laurie Santos from the Comparative Cognition Lab at Yale University posed this question to her team, they were thinking in particular of the errors judgement which led to the recent collapse of the financial markets. Santos came to two possible answers to this question. Either humans have designed environments which are too complex for us to fully understand, or we are biologically prone to making bad decisions.

In order to test these theories, the team selected a group of Brown Capuchin monkeys. Monkeys were selected for the test because, as distant relatives of humans, they are intelligent and have the capacity to learn. However, they are not influenced by any of the technological or cultural environments which affect human decision-making. The team wanted to test whether the capuchin monkeys, when put into similar situations as humans, would make the same mistakes.

[A] Of particular interest to the scientists was whether monkeys would make the same mistakes when making financial decisions. [B] In order to find out, they had to introduce the monkeys to money. [C] The monkeys soon cottoned on, and as well as learning simple exchange techniques, were soon able to distinguish “bargains” — If one team-member offered two grapes in exchange for a metal disc and another team-member offered one grape, the monkeys chose the two-grape option. [D] Interestingly, when the data about the monkey’s purchasing strategies was compared with economist’s data on human behavior, there was a perfect match.

So, after establishing that the monkey market was operating effectively, the team decided to introduce some problems which humans generally get wrong. One of these issues is risk-taking. Imagine that someone gave you $1000. In addition to this $1000, you can receive either A) an additional $500 or B) someone tosses a coin and if it lands “heads”, you receive an additional $1000, but if it lands “tails”, you receive no more money. Of these options, most people tend to choose option A. They prefer guaranteed earnings, rather than running the risk of receiving nothing. Now imagine a second situation in which you are given $2000. Now, you can choose to either A) lose $500, leaving you with a total of $1500, or B) toss a coin; if it lands “heads” you lose nothing, but if it lands “tails” you lose $1000, leaving you with only $1000. Interestingly, when we stand to lose money, we tend to choose the more risky choice, option B. And as we know from the experience of financial investors and gamblers, it is unwise to take risks when we are on a losing streak.

So would the monkeys make the same basic error of judgement? The team put them to the test by giving them similar options. In the first test, monkeys had the option of exchanging their disc for one grape and receiving one bonus grape, or exchanging the disc for one grape and sometimes receiving two bonus grapes and sometimes receiving no bonus. It turned out that monkeys, like humans, chose the less risky option in times of plenty. Then the experiment was reversed. Monkeys were offered three grapes, but in option A were only actually given two grapes. In option B, they had a fifty-fifty chance of receiving all three grapes or one grape only. The results were that monkeys, like humans, take more risks in times of loss.

The implications of this experiment are that because monkeys make the same irrational judgements that humans do, maybe human error is not a result of the complexity of our financial institutions, but is imbedded in our evolutionary history. If this is the case, our errors of judgement will be very difficult to overcome. On a more optimistic note however humans are fully capable of overcoming limitations once we have identified them. By recognizing them, we can design technologies which will help us to make better choices in future.

【推荐3】New animals

In northern Vietnam, in thick forests in the North Annamite Mountains, there is a wildlife park called Vu Quang. In 1986, the area was made an official forest reserve. In 2002, 550 square kilometers of the area were declared a National Park.     1    . It is in an area that is hard to get to, for one thing. And it’s an area that’s difficult to walk through because the rocks are covered with algae and are very slippery.

    2    . In the last twenty years, several new species of animals that have never been seen anywhere in the world before have been discovered there. Some of them are so new that scientists haven’t given them official names yet!

The new animals discovered at the park include the Vu Quang ox or Saola, a “slow” deer, a giant muntjac (the world’s largest, in fact), a black deer and a “holy” goat.     3    , as well as two species of amphibians and 15 species of reptiles.

The Saola was the first new species of large mammal to be discovered in more than fifty years, so it caused a lot of excitement in the scientific world. It is a strange goat-like creature that looks as if it is somehow related to cattle. It has horns that can be between one and two feet long, and that seem to come out of the animal’s head at slightly different angles.     4    .

The creature had hidden safely for generations in the Vu Quang area. But once it was discovered, it was in danger.     5    . Sadly, the Saola is now being hunted and may well end up as another endangered species.

【推荐1】A new year can bring new excitement and opportunities to grow for kids, too.     1     New Year’s resolutions can be a beneficial way for kids to get motivated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“    2     ”said Dr. Lanre Falusi, a Washington, D. C., pediatrician (儿科医生) in an American Academy of Pediatrics statement. “Kids also love having something to work toward and to have fun keeping track on sticker charts or getting praise or rewards as they reach these goals.”

The idea of a goal may also be easier for younger children to grasp. Jack Frezell, 3, of Ontario, Canada, said his goal for next year is to “go on my bike by myself.” Setting goals can teach children persistence, focus and the value of planning, according to Gary Latham, Secretary of State Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Toronto, who specializes in goal setting. “     3     ” Latham said, “It teaches them control over their environment instead of being dependent on Mom and Dad.”

    4     “It has to be concrete; it has to be within the child’s ability to attain; and there has to be a reasonable time frame,” said Latham. He noted that once kids reach age 7 or so, it’s achievable for them to set a goal and make their own plan for how to pursue and attain it.     5     Here’s when to show children with inspiration and give them a hand.

“Next thing you know, the overall goal has been attained, and it gives kids a sense of accomplishment, excitement and achievement,” he said.

【推荐2】The student years are not only about books and lectures. This wonderful period of time makes students’ transition(过渡) to adult life easier. Students learn how to live by themselves, and network with professors and other students. Moreover, if they choose, they can join a student organization.

One of the university’s main purposes is to prepare students for an intellectual job. Student organizations’ functions are consistent with that. Usually, such an association on campus carries on many projects that can have a positive impact on students’ life. These can be inspirational speech events and many other non-profit activities. All these interesting projects require more than just students being present. Each of them has to go through various developments regarding management, digital design, finding sponsorships, organizing events and many others. These will be valuable enough to help them get amazing work.

Besides the material effects above, researches show joining a student organization helps psychological development. It is indeed difficult to deal with both extracurricular projects and studies. However, this routine is serious training for their adult life. They will come to understand better the importance of their lectures without which they can’t complete complex tasks, so they will become more committed to their collegiate education.

Once they get involved in a student organization, however, it’s more than likely that they have to spend much time participating in weekly and monthly meetings and contributing their own efforts to lots of projects. Since these activities will have a huge impact on students especially off campus, many students will place extracurricular duties above college courses.

Anyway, the impacts vary in number and effectiveness depending on students’ attention. However, one thing is for certain. Such organizations will provide an unforgettable experience that will unlock their full potential and deserve a shot.

【推荐3】There are so many benefits of volunteering. It connects us with people who may come from different life experiences.     1     Volunteer opportunities can provide teens with valuable skills and life experience. Why not help your teen discover opportunities to use his or her passions to serve others?

Animal lovers

    2     Check with your local animal shelter. Most animal shelters are happy to have teens volunteer to walk dogs, play with kitties, and do some cleaning. If you're willing, your teen may even be able to sign up to foster (领养) pets.

Caretakers

Many teens are quite gifted in working with young children.     3     They can volunteer as a mother’s helper for another homeschool mom or read to children at local schools or day cares.

Artists

Depending on teens’ skill level, perhaps your teen artist could volunteer to teach classes at a local community center. Check with local recreation or child care centers to see if they need volunteers to lead some art lessons or simply create with children.

Bakers

Is your kid a chef or baker? Prepare a meal or bake a treat for your local police officers, fire fighters. You might also consider taking a meal to your local hospital.     4    

Encourage teens to use their gifts and talents to serve others is a win-win situation. They’re doing something they enjoy.     5     What a beautiful cycle!