Day 12

http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2014/09/02/guide-to-game-theory-books/#.VgwvQ_nVHGs

Came across this link today while researching about direction to head with my project. Will check out some of these books!

Mr. Correa mentioned that he sent out the mentor request form. Hopefully I hear back from someone.

My sister has met someone at USC deep in the Survivor universe. He frequently hosts viewing parties, has stimulated his own online version of Survivor, and has interned at CBS. I am going to try to talk to him and see if he could be a potential mentor or would have a better idea of who exactly could help me with my project.

Day 11

Continued with my research on psychology. Learning more about how people influence and get the results they want. One example is classical conditioning. However, I think successful Survivor players work under operant conditioning in which they get their competitors to do what they want based off a reward/punishment system. This can come with either good grace in the group, jury votes, etc.

Day 10

dale carnegie advice so far in book:
-sincere appreciation
-look out for other's self interest

players i might study:
hayden moss
rob cesternino


The prisoner's dilemma is a canonical example of a game analyzed in game theory that shows why two purely "rational" individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interests to do so.  

another potential mentor option: dom and colin of the dom and colin podcast. Because Rob fell through, i am forced to turn to another mentor. These guys have a very popular podcast in which they relate Survivor moves to game moves. Very analytical in their approach and super calculated. I might reach out to them and see if they would be interested in being a mentor. 

Day 9

Link to Presentation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BznoWpBx3R51cl80eWhic3BtNFk/view?usp=sharing

Working Bibliography:

Carnegie, Dale. How to Win Friends and Influence People. Rev. ed. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981. Print.


- I have begun reading the above book. I am hoping to use this as a psychological resource for why certain Survivor layers have had more success in exerting their will over a situation versus someone who has been less successful. Fantastic read so far and am learning more about myself as a person. - 

Day 8

Listened to 6 Thesis Presentations today. They really helped me learn what exactly makes a good speaker. I need to avoid poor posture and avoid speech crutches such as "like" and "um." Had no time to work during class, but the book How To Win Friends and Influence People came into the library today and so I will pick it up tonight to begin reading it.

Day 7

Rob Cesternino responded to my mentor request. He said he would be happy to help me with my project but he was unsure if he would have the time to commit to such a project. I responded with an outline of the time commitment I would need. It has been several days now and unfortunately I have received no response. I am planning on waiting a few more days before sending a courtesy email and if I still do not hear back than I need to make plans for a new mentor.

Some other ideas I have would be:
Mr. Brown, the AP psychology teacher at school
Mike Holloway, winner of Survivor season 30 who lives in Dallas
Caroline Thomas, game theory specialist at the University of Texas

I have also filled out Mr. Correa's mentor request form in the hopes of hearing back from someone who has connections to one of my fields of study

I have also picked up copies of How To Win Friends and Influence People and The 48 Laws of Power in the hopes that they can be sources for some of the social psychology elements of my project.

Day 6

Today I presented my thesis to the class. Luckily there were not too many questions for me to clear up any confusion which means that I am on the right track

Day 5

Accomplished Today:

- sent an email requesting mentor help from Rob Cesternino
- composed my speech for Thursday's presentation
- Began the powerpoint that I will use to accompany my speech during said presentation

Day 4

Lost a day due to college preparation with Ms. Marberry. Will get back on track next time!

Day 3

I have officially sent out my email to my first mentor choice, Rob Cesternino. I am planning on emailing some more out today.

Seasons of Survivor I have seen:
- 5
- 6
- 8
- 12
- 13
- 16
- 18
- 21
- 23
- 25
-26
-27
-28
- 30

Seasons of Survivor I still need to watch for homework:
- 4
- 7
- 15
- 19
- 20

Books on Game Theory I have ordered from the Library -
- Thinking Strategically: The Competitive Edge in Business, Politics, and Everyday Life
- Game Theory and Strategy by Philip D. Straffin