RESPOND TO THESE STUDENTS POST  In each response, focus on the area in which your peer appears to be most concerned. Review what your peer says about sources of help for that area. What else would you suggest? Catherine post At this time, the aspect in the doctoral process that holds the most confidence is the coursework.  I have generally been rather successful in completing tasks, and earning decent grades.  The history of coursework, grades, and determination to complete things that have been started provides the confidence to support the previous statement. The aspect of the doctoral process that is most concerning is the Comprehensive Exam.  While I work “well under pressure”, I am concerned about the amount of work required for the rather short time frame provided to compete the Comprehensive Exam (28 days, 3 questions, each answer being 12-17 pages in length).  These requirements, at this point in the doctoral journey, are intimidating. At this point in my life, career, and education, I have learned the value of asking for, and accepting help.  I believe that self-sufficiency is extremely important, but not to the extent that my health and sanity should be at risk.  While I feel more confident in many aspects of my life when I am doing well in other aspects, I am not beyond taking care of myself.  As I tell my clients often, you must take care of yourself, to be able to take care of others.  If I do not perform self-care, how can I care for my clients?  Ruscio (2006), in Critical Thinking in Psychology, referenced the “well-established correlation between self-esteem and academic achievement” (p. 99).  While there is controversy in this correlation, I personally feel that academic achievement increases self-esteem, rather than the other way around.  However, they both affect each other differently, for different individuals.  As most things in life, it is dependent upon the individual, rather than 100% one way or the other. The sources of help in the process of doctoral learning that appears to be most helpful would be the dissertation mentor and academic advisor. These individuals would be helpful in providing feedback, support, answering questions, and helping to take the mystery out of the process.  The presentation “Welcome to Dissertation” provided insight on the process, and solidified the thought that they will be useful in the dissertation process. Michele post I am still not sure if I have confidence in any aspect of this process at this point. I do feel like I am slowly getting a better understanding of the dissertation process and no longer think this is something that happens to end your Ph.D. but rather starts from day one. I am starting to gain confidence in my topic of interest and my ability to create new and important research in the field. I largely think that my confidence in this area is coming primarily from peer feedback in the discussion posts. This group of people has proven to be supportive and .

1. RESPOND TO THESE STUDENTS POST
In each response, focus on the area in which your peer appears
to be most concerned. Review what your peer says about
sources of help for that area. What else would you suggest?
Catherine post
At this time, the aspect in the doctoral process that holds the
most confidence is the coursework. I have generally been rather
successful in completing tasks, and earning decent grades. The
history of coursework, grades, and determination to complete
things that have been started provides the confidence to support
the previous statement.
The aspect of the doctoral process that is most concerning is the
Comprehensive Exam. While I work “well under pressure”, I
am concerned about the amount of work required for the rather
short time frame provided to compete the Comprehensive Exam
(28 days, 3 questions, each answer being 12-17 pages in
length). These requirements, at this point in the doctoral
journey, are intimidating.
At this point in my life, career, and education, I have learned
the value of asking for, and accepting help. I believe that self-
sufficiency is extremely important, but not to the extent that my
health and sanity should be at risk. While I feel more confident
in many aspects of my life when I am doing well in other
aspects, I am not beyond taking care of myself. As I tell my
clients often, you must take care of yourself, to be able to take
care of others. If I do not perform self-care, how can I care for
my clients? Ruscio (2006), in

2. Critical Thinking in Psychology,
referenced the “well-established correlation between self-
esteem and academic achievement” (p. 99). While there is
controversy in this correlation, I personally feel that academic
achievement increases self-esteem, rather than the other way
around. However, they both affect each other differently, for
different individuals. As most things in life, it is dependent
upon the individual, rather than 100% one way or the other.
The sources of help in the process of doctoral learning that
appears to be most helpful would be the dissertation mentor and
academic advisor. These individuals would be helpful in
providing feedback, support, answering questions, and helping
to take the mystery out of the process. The presentation
“Welcome to Dissertation” provided insight on the process, and
solidified the thought that they will be useful in the dissertation
process.
Michele post
I am still not sure if I have confidence in any aspect of this
process at this point. I do feel like I am slowly getting a better
understanding of the dissertation process and no longer think
this is something that happens to end your Ph.D. but rather
starts from day one. I am starting to gain confidence in my topic
of interest and my ability to create new and important research
in the field. I largely think that my confidence in this area is
coming primarily from peer feedback in the discussion posts.
This group of people has proven to be supportive and
inquisitive in the best of ways. Having that feedback now and
throughout this course I believe will prove to be vital to my
success.

3. After this week’s studies the part of the program that is most
concerning for me is the comprehensive examination. I have test
anxiety as it is and to know that the results of not doing well
there could result in administrative withdrawal from the
university made my stomach drop. I was heartened by the
amount of help that is offered for the examination but still I am
going to have to spend some considerable time meditating to
ease this anxiety and clarify my focus both now and before the
exam.
I am a true Midwest born and raised child we don’t ask for help
and we apologize for EVERYTHING. In fact, there are many
memes that float around Facebook about our inability to ask for
help. What I find interesting about this in comparison to Ruscio
(2006) is his discussion about the influence of media on our
perceptions. Are the memes based on a strong reality or do we
simply identify with them and thus small traits are reinforced to
become an important part of our perception of self. I have said
this in previous posts and am still working on this in all aspect
of my life, not just academically, but asking for help is not my
strong point. I feel like interaction from peers will continue to
be the most helpful for me. I am very curious about the courses
that are more peer than instructor driven. I have found that thus
far my peers have been able to inspire and challenge me to think
in different ways and I feel that is a wonderful tool in helping
me grow academically. I am also excited about the smart guide
writing help because I have been engaging in clinical writing
for work that coming back to academic writing can be a bit of a
challenge and help is certainly welcome when I think to ask for
it!
Focus on the extent to which your peer's post of three aspects is
consistent with the feedback described. If you see anything that
your peer may be missing, make a suggestion. Considering the

4. three aspects that your peer has chosen, select one additional
resource that you think might be helpful.
Sherita post
Self-Assessment
The self assessment helped me refresh many of the skills
I have become too comfortable with to further advance.
Beginning with Bloom's Taxonomy, the course introduced a
different perspective and purpose behind individual approach to
research and literary production (Persaud, 2018). How the
resources provided are viewed can dictate an individual's
approach and perspective on what is considered ethical and
credible. The goal behind doctrine level writing may different
but should follow a certain construct to retain its integrity. The
Writing Assessment reminded me to remain open to credible
sources, refresh my APA formatting and to utilize said sources
in a manner that reflects *excellence.
Discussions, Thus Far
The discussions have been interesting and have made me
think, more than I expected. I almost feel ashamed for not
expecting this level of intuitiveness from the course given the
expectations of a doctrine degree. Sometimes courses only seem
to address content from one perspective, giving me a falsified
sense of "what to expect". The very way the course has
addressed simple ideas and questions has pushed me pass my
current understanding of psychology and into a realm where I,
once again, wish to know more or see the outcome. It has been a
while since I was this intrigued by a course's discussions,
especially one centered on writing.

5. Feedback
Last week's feedback should have been my biggest
concern for this week's response. Proofreading has always been
one of my greatest disappointments as my process for review
has been flawed for a while now. I will often begin by writing a
great paper and verifying my points have been met. Each
section is written and proofread as I scribe them. In many cases,
particularly when adjustments are made, I forget to reproof the
changes made. When rushing, I often continue to my next
section without notice. As a result, when done, I now have an
extensive number of pages which need to be reproofed (again)
and small issues may slip through the crack such as wording,
phrasing, punctuation, spelling or correct dictation.
Remembering the goal and purpose of doctrine level writing and
the feedback will support a more apprehensive approach to my
proofreading on a continuous level.
Smarthinking
I have not yet submitted my Discussion 3 or 4 to
Smarthinking yet but I will do so once I have proofed my Unit 4
Discussion again, per the instructor feedback received. I would
like an additional review of my post but not with what I already
understand as an issue. I would like to correct these mishaps
first and then utilize Smarthinking to evaluate my writing skills.
Improvement is my goal and my writing is now beginning to
develop based on the purposes selected during composition.
This course has shown me that my writing can be more than a
grade when applying the correct method for presentation. The
creation of viable sources is also a goal I plan to achieve.
Important Aspects
Three aspects I find important in writing are: integrity (as

6. it relates to honest and credible sourcing), alignment (content
and purpose) and flow. Capella offers many resources to assist
into the development of my writing style and skills. Academic
Integrity and Plagiarism Is a document, available for download,
detailing the need for honest and productive writing. Many
organizations will offer similar resources as guidance to how
research should be approached. This form of assistance helps
provide a constant and accessible resource on the policy as well
as a statement of Capella's dedication to the credible application
of writing. The Capella Writing Center is a great asset when
determining how to aligned and develop my paper. Coupled
with resources such as Capella Library, Youtube and Google,
locating references, guides, research and data is seamless easy
and comprehensive. The articles found within the Library and
podcast located on Youtube also assist in how the flow of
doctrine level writing is completed. Graduate Savvy has
supported many of my formatting concerns while concepts like
Bloom's Taxonomy And Ruscio's discussions of pseudoscience
have helped shaped how my research should be used in order to
retain the balances* necessary to produce credible primary and
secondary sources of content (Persaud, 2018).
Nikki post
When I completed the self-assessments in the Capella Writing
Center I was able to determine that I am fairly familiar with
APA style writing as well as citing. I have some areas to
improve upon, but overall I found that I am able to operate at a
Master’s level writing. This does leave room for improvement
especially at the doctoral level.
I have found myself re-evaluating my writings more critically,
questioning if I am writing in a scholarly fashion or if I am just

7. writing to fill a requirement. I have been more intentional in
my writing in this course in hopes that I get feedback to help me
improve. I have also found that I am excited about this course
and this process so writing feels more natural and not as forced
as in courses in the past that I may not have been as excited
about. Writing about topics that interest me help to engage
more fully with the writing assignments.
To be honest I was a little stunned with the feedback I received,
I expected more feedback showing areas that I need to improve
upon. Other than some grammatical errors and/or formatting
errors the feedback provided showed that I did well with my
writing. I expected that it would not have been at a
distinguished level at this point but I am grateful for the ability
to practice. Annotated bibliographies are so useful even though
they do not appear in dissertations because they help organize
our thoughts and what we are reading. This was useful for me
as I look ahead to creating a literature review.
Grammer, grammer, grammer is the area that I need to improve
on the most. I am already excited about utilizing Smarthinking
for our Unit 6, 8, and 10 assignments. I think that the extra
eyes to assess my work and to provide unbiased feedback will
help me become a better writer overall and continue to learn and
grow in this field.
The three most important aspects of writing for me to improve
on include grammar, formatting, and focus or organization of
writing.
Grammar – In my Annotated Bibliography there were some
minor grammar errors that should not have been made but speak
to my need to reach out more for help and assistance in this
area. There are a couple of useful resources that Capella offers
when working to identify grammar mistakes and correct them.

8. The first is the writing center in which you can work with
individuals who can assess your writing and provide feedback.
Another very useful resource is the Smarthinking tutoring that
is offered. Both resources can provide the assistance and
second set of eyes to catch small mistakes that can translate into
big errors. See:
https://campus.capella.edu/writing-center/grammar
Formatting – The second area that I could brush up on is
formatting papers and various parts of the paper. Again looking
back at my annotated bibliography there are a few areas that I
formatted incorrectly that could have been easily corrected if I
had utilized some of Capella’s resources. For this again there is
the always useful Writing Center where you can access helpful
tips and tricks about APA formatting; but Capella also offers
the APA writing handbook on the website which is useful to
review when feeling confused. See:
https://campus.capella.edu/writing-center/apa-style-format
Focus or Organization – I think many people have commented
that the topics we are beginning to review tend to feel
overwhelmingly large and broad. As I consider the assignment
coming in Unit 6 writing a problem statement, I already feel
myself somewhat nervous wondering how to narrow down my
focus and to organize what I am interested in studying. There
are a few different areas where I can seek help and guidance for
this, of course the writing center, specifically the area of focus
and organization. I can also seek advice or help from peers,
instructors, TAs, and Smarthinking tutoring. For Focus/Intent
See:
https://campus.capella.edu/writing-center/focus-and-intent
For Organization See:
https://campus.capella.edu/writing-center/organization

9. Comment on the information other learners have focused on in
their postings. Would you come to the same conclusions about
the information or different ones? Why?
Charlotte post
After reading about little Johnny Wilson I discovered that he is
a 6 year old child that is once again repeating kindergarten. He
battles in school, both with his academics and his social skills.
After perusing his case, I realized that Johnny's home life has
influenced his school life. Now at one point in time he was an
energetic and inquisitive child, he is presently pulled back,
however for what reason is this happening and is now the case?
His mom doesn't generally appear to think about the
enthusiastic prosperity of Johnny and may be trying to claim
ignorance. I accept she is willfully unconscious in light of the
fact that she states she doesn't raise dumb children and in the
event that you remove things from him, he will improve in
school. She doesn't fully comprehend that there might be hidden
variables and her activities could influence him more than she
knows. Since there has been ceaseless child study groups (SST)
gatherings, I accept the teachers and staff accept this too. They
are attempting to help Johnny through different instructing
methodologies. The SPED educator has done haul out
administrations (two times per day), where he takes a shot at the
PC and in little gathering. The SPED educator may see that he
is a visual student, so innovation may work best for his
learning. Despite everything he battles when working in the
general ed. homeroom, basically when it is managing paper and
pencil. With that battle, and him being hesitant to come up
short, he has been determined to have the confusion seriously
genuinely bothered (SED); he likewise has been determined to

10. have a lack of ability to concentrate consistently issue (ADD). I
trust with the nonstop gatherings and coordinated efforts
between the general ed. what's more, SPED educator, Johnny
can get the assistance he needs.
Jacquanta post
After reading the transcript, concerning the information about
Johnny I could definitely relate to this situation. This
information provided insight to how a child's home life is a
major reflection in the classroom and how it effects their ability
to learn! Johnny seemed to be an typical kindergarten in the
beginning but what all he faced after school weighed heavy and
emotionally on his mind. Especially having to deal with a
mother, who mistreated him and verbally abused him, may have
been the start of his turn around. Now, from what I gathered
from the information, the team is possibly has the mindset in
helping him succeed and to help the overall family. As for his
general education teacher, she seemed very negative and did not
seem to offer positive or motivating words for Johnny. As for
the learning style, the teacher did meet with other personnel in
regards to her concerns for Johnny. But maybe she could have
first adjust her tone and made classroom more welcoming or
just demonstrated a little more sympathy for child. The teacher
could have worked along side special education teacher in other
ways to work with Johnny inside classroom. After reading the
transcript, mom may have been the cause of his Severly
Emotional Disturbed disorder, because she would scold him and
"smack" him, as well as closing him in a bathroom. This may
have been the result of him not able to remember or do anything
that he once did. The instructional strategy used by the Special
Education teacher, consisting of him being in smaller groups
and verbally communicating, demonstrated progress. About a
year ago, I had a child in the same predicament like Johnny.

11. The only difference was that his mom stayed in and out of jail
during the school year along with them living in multiple hotel.
The child left during the last month of school and I remember
seeing the mother in the local paper for a crime in another
state.
RESPOND TO BETHANY POST
Local sanitary landfills can pose potential increased health risks
for local residents. With the increase in garbage production, we
run the risk of increased hazards to human and animal health.
There is always a risk that our garbage and disposed chemicals
can be diverted into local waterways from a landfill site. The
increased amount of dumping into our local landfills can also
damage and kill the
local wildlife
if certain precautions are not taken. One of the biggest risks
with sanitary landfills is increased air pollution. When waste
breaks down at these landfills it creates methane gas that can
potentially escape into the air of the surrounding community.
The methane gas build up can also be dangerous because it is
highly flammable and could be potentially explosive.
In the past, our waste was more biodegradable, but today we use
more products made from toxic chemicals and other hazardous
substances that can be ultimately damaging to our health and
environment. Many plastics and pesticides are poisonous or
become toxic under certain conditions. These chemicals can
also enter our food chain by being ingested by animals that we
eat or absorbed into our crops. Another substance that can be
toxic to human health is mercury inhalation from landfills that
comes from fluorescent light bulbs.

12. There are many things that are being done as prevention to limit
human harm and exposure to these types of hazards. There are
newer landfills that are being constructed with synthetic
membranes to prevent mercury from escaping into the soil.
(Bausback, 2016). These newer types of landfills are designed
to drain the toxins through pipes into a designed sewer system
for retention and conversion into fertilizer. (Bausback, 2016).
Other solutions are being designed in newer landfills to capture
methane before it escapes into the air and reduce the initial
methane production. There are other processes available that
use anaerobic digestion in a confined space to capture methane
and convert it into energy. (Bausback, 2016).