Dr. Edelbach's SET Reading Quiz Information

Revised: 28 September, 2009 11:25 AM         Back to SET home page        Back to Dr. Edelbach's SET page

In order to encourage students to be familiar with the key concepts of each reading assigned for the six topics each in the SET text, a short reading quiz will be given at the beginning of the first class in each new seminar topic areas # 2 through # 7. 

Those dates and seminar numbers can be reviewed here.   Make certain to read the appropriate pages of the ASSIGNED ARTICLES by the designated class meeting. 

It is suggested that the key points of  the assigned reading/s be highlighted and that notes be taken in order to assist in understanding the concepts and broad points presented in the selection. You may use your notes when taking the quiz. You should be familiar with the key issues. Don't try to memorize every fact in the assigned readings. Note-taking tips here.

If you come to class late for any reason or miss the class, it will not be possible to make-up the reading quiz. Each student is permitted to drop the lowest quiz score from their record. Quiz grades will be calculated as part of the "participation" category.

Reading quizzes are not returned but may be reviewed in my office. Contact me to setup a meeting to do so. Reading quiz scores are posted on the SET web site under the last four digits of your TCNJ ID number.

Below are a few SAMPLE questions based on the first group of readings for Topic 1. If you have any questions, let me know. The questions will relate broad topics, not specific bits of information. Expect the quiz to take no more than 10 minutes.

Sample Reading Quiz -  Lecture 1   -  Introduction - The Children on Invention Revisited

The following questions are typical of the type included in quizzes based on topic reading assignments. When reading the assigned articles, specific note should be made of MAJOR POINTS and CONCEPTS. The important thing when doing any reading is to be able to discern the most critical information from the total amount of information presented. Doing that is not easy but one suggestion is to take particular note of any group of items mentioned such as the stages through which a change occurred, the individual items which make up some whole, and other such groupings.

Specific dates are normally not of critical importance but the general time frame or era should be noted. It is important to keep in mind that it is not possible for most people to memorize all the information presented in any significant reading. However, it is important to remember the KEY POINTS which are presented and be able to reference them as required. Highlighting significant items as well as creating an outline of the important fact are methods used to aid in the learning process. An outline or notes of the reading can be used when taking the reading quizzes.

1.  Define “technology.”

2.  Name 4 of the 6 “interacting aspects” of a technological system.

3.  Briefly explain the “aggregate effect” as an ethical issue
related to technology?

4.  Aside from the greater individual power inherent in technology,
what is the other primary reason many feel our planet is at
greater risk today than in the past?

5.  What is suggested as the first and most basic kind of ethical problem
associated with technology?

6.  What term is applied to the “elements of the built environment” 
which create or support new technologies?

7.  The development of what technology permitted the decentralization
of industry?

8.  What term is applied to “wise humans who knows she/he is wise?”

9.  What has a symbiotic relationship with technology and what types of
questions do each ask?

10. List 2 disadvantages of “settled agriculture.”

11. What term is used when referring to one’s responsibilities as an
American in relation to technology?

12. The modern application of the decentralization of production is a key
element of what contemporary trend?

13. What was the first great technology revolution, and when and where
did it occur?