We'll begin with an icebreaker and an easy introductory task (adapted from Luechauer & Shulman, 1995).

Metaphors reveal how we feel about the world. They help us impose order and understanding on life. This "assessment" is an example of a subjective assessment. You'll read more about those when we get to Personality Tests. It is not a valid test nor is it necessarily reliable. (What do I mean by "valid" and "reliable"-- do you know? You will soon.) It is, however, fun, and helps jump start those mental processes after a long (and I hope happy) vacation period. So ease into thinking.....

1. First, answer the following questions with one or two sentences. There are no right or wrong answers (Don't think too long or hard about them. and Don't peek at others' responses before finishing your own. The first reaction is best.):
   1. If tests were an animal, what kind would it be and why?
   2. If tests were a type of food, what kind would it be and why?
   3. If tests were weather, what kind would it be and why?
   4. If tests were a TV show or Movie, which would it be and why?
   5. If tests were a place, where would it be and why?
      
      Don't read further until you finish 1 to 5...
      
      
   6. What do your metaphors have in common? What do you think they reveal about your attitudes towards tests and measurement?
      
      
2. Put your answers in an email to me at sally.kuhlenschmidt@wku.edu, with the subject: Psy 361 Metaphors. When I reply, print my message and put it in your folder for your Portfolio. (This is your confirmation you did it on time. If I haven't replied in 2 days-- contact me by phone! I use this to determine if we are connected or not).
   
   
3. Go to the Discussion Forum (Communications...Discussion Forum...Course Discussion) and post an introduction following the directions that are there....one of the items to post is one of your metaphors-- the one you like the best and why this metaphor. See if anyone else has the same metaphor (you'll have to check back).
   
   
4. Week 2 discussion you could post a description of the themes you see in the metaphors....are there a lot of frightening things or are they challenging things. What did you notice?