Here are my personal takeaways and reflections from Chapter 1:
1.1 — Generative AI and My Research: Crew, Not Captain I need to remember that AI is here to help
bring ideas, but it can't create from my lived experiences or gut feelings. At the end of the day, I’m the
one in control of this ship; AI is just here to help me keep the ship straight. When I’m focusing on a
topic, it has to genuinely be interesting to me, carry real weight, and give me something fresh to dig into.
AI can give questions my way, but the initial spark should come from my own life—things I’ve seen,
read, or experienced that left me wanting real answers.
1.2 — Tapping into My Own Curiosity Curiosity is really what makes or breaks a project like this. A
quick burst of situational interest is fine to get started, but I need the kind of a long lasting curiosity that
will keep me invested weeks from now. If I start feeling bored with my topic, that’s my cue to find a way
to pivot or find a new angle before I lose interest completely . Whether it comes from another class,
personal history, or something weird I noticed in daily life, the goal is to shape a broad idea into an
inquiry question I actually care about answering.
1.4 — Narrowing Things Down Taking on a massive topic is just asking for a headache. When I keep the
range tight, the work becomes manageable and a lot more fun to write. AI will dump mountains of info on
me, which is helpful but I have to be able to filter out what's actually needed. Whenever my subject feels
like it's too much , I can rein it in by focusing on a specific time period, a single place, a particular person
or group, or one concrete story that anchors the point.
1.5 — Deciding Why I’m Writing I have to be honest about my end goal: am I writing to explore, or am I
writing to argue? If I’m exploring, it’s okay that I don’t know what I really want to write yet—my thesis
can take shape as I go through the research. But if I’m arguing, I already have a clear stance, and my job
is to build a solid case with evidence that holds up.
1.6 — Stepping into the Conversation Viewing research as joining an ongoing room full of conversations
really takes the pressure off. The main room is where broad public opinions are discussed, while the side
rooms host deeper academic debates. I don’t have to dive into heavy scholarly journals right away;
starting broad is completely fine. When I do pick up dense academic papers, I shouldn’t get tied down
trying to read every syllable. Skimming for the core problem, claim, and evidence is plenty.
1.7 — Checking in with Myself Research naturally brings up mixed feelings—some days I’m energized
by it, and other days I’m unfocused or doubtful about where I’m taking it . Taking a moment to notice
where I feel confident and where I expect push back will help me navigate the process a whole lot better.
1.1—
People
Andrew Jackson - Seventh President of the united states, Had a native son even though he was extremely
racist to said group of people, why did he always get into duels for no reason
Kanye West- one of the greatest musicians of all time, went a little crazy after the loss of his mother, but
I'd like to know what inspired him.
Trump- A Con artist given the golden leg up by his father, and has continued to do as he does, i just want
to know why, cause if he wants to be viewed well why continue doing the things you do.
Neffratiti- A egyptian Queen
History
Hirshoshima- where the first nuclear bombs were dropped, a land devastated by radioactive
actively,people there have their literal shadows burnt into the land from how quickly and hot it was when
they got vaporized
Napoleon Wars- the time period from 1803-1815, where France under Napoleon was going through each
European power. WWI- essentially reshaped society When it ended sure the treaty of Versailles was
signed after the 15-22 million deaths, but that treaty set up the next war essentiality since while wrong to
say was to harsh on germany, and the german people grew tired and resentful, then a man with a mustache
came with promises and they went with it
The Invention of the Telephone- i just want to know who came up with it, who actually produced it,
Places
Beijing- the capital of chiana and a place of age
Paris- the capital of France and one of the most important historical capitals in the world
London- where the royal family lives and where many events that affected the world would be discussed
Madrid- the capital of spain
Habits
Bitting lips when nervous- want to know why this is done what compelled us to do so
Tapping your foot when nervous- same as the last one i want to know what makes us do that
Getting irritated over small things- this is think is just cause of a build up of too many or when someone is
not in the mood a little thing can set them off
Smoking- its a bad habit because it's addictive.
1.4 What chemicals do horror movies release in the brain that makes us like them
Step:3
1 Horror movies are made to evoke fear and excitement in viewers.
2. Fear triggers the release of chemicals such as adrenaline and dopamine in the body, which are
important because they prepare the body to respond to threats by increasing alertness, physical readiness,
and emotional intensity.
3. Such chemicals increase heartbeat and keep one alert.
4. A lot of people love to be afraid because they know that they are safe.
5. All people react differently to horror movies.
Step 4:
1. What chemicals are released during horror movie watching?
2. Why do people love to be afraid?
3. How does adrenaline affect the reaction of people watching horror movies?
4. What part does dopamine play?
5. Why is it fun or exciting to be afraid?
6. Why do some people love horror movies whereas others hate them?
7. How does the brain respond to horror movies?
8. How does frequent horror movie watching affect one's response to fear?
9. Does watching horror movies in the company of others change anything?
10. How do brain chemicals make watching horror movies fun?