Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Examining Causes and Effects

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 Analyze 
Use the basic features.

For more information about using writing strategies such as comparison-contrast and definition, see Part 3, “Writing Strategies,” in the textbook.

Beck uses several of the strategies that are typically called upon for explaining a concept. For example, she defines the “cocktail party effect,” compares and contrasts true multitasking with quick shifts in attention, and illustrates her definition with research findings and observations. Beck’s primary writing strategy, however, is reporting causes and effects.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write a paragraph or two analyzing how Beck explores causes and effects:

  1. Skim paragraphs 1–3, and click on the text to highlight the causes of the cocktail party effect.
  2. Skim paragraph 4, highlighting the causes and effects of inattentional blindness.
  3. Assess how effectively Beck explains the causes and effects of these two phenomena. What questions, if any, do you have about the cocktail party effect or inattentional blindness after reading this article? What other types of information might have Beck provided to answer such questions?

    Question