问答题
Peak-End Phenomenon
In the psychology of memory and its reliability, one of the most important phenomena is the "peak-end" phenomenon. In simple terms, the two most important factors in how people remember an experience are its end and its peak. Namely, people tend to have the most vivid impressions about the most intense part and end segment of something they experienced. These findings suggest that memory is sometimes a poor guide in assessing the overall tenor of events. The ability to generalize tends to be overwhelmed by one or two striking moments as outlined above.
Question: Using the information from the lecture, explain how the professor's memory of his vacation in Alaska demonstrates the peak-end phenomenon in the reading passage.
Now hear a talk on the same subject.
【正确答案】The professor illustrates the peak-end phenomenon by giving an example from his own experience in Alaska during his vacation last year.
According to the lecture, the weather was cold and rainy when the professor arrived in Alaska, so everyone stayed in the hotel for about a week. Later, he and his friends went outside and saw a whale close up during a lull in the rain. The experience was unforgettable. Also, at the end of the vacation, they had a party featuring good brandy, singing, and a cozy fire. Now, the only parts of the vacation he recalls are the whale and the party. He remembers having a great time, even though most of the hours were miserable.
【答案解析】[听力原文]
M: Let's get started, shall we? Today we are going to talk about peak-end phenomenon which refers to people's memory or impressions tending to center on only the peak-and- end part of events they experienced. So let's take an example, OK?
Last summer, some friends and I went up to Alaska. In the Southeast of that state it rains constantly! Really, two-hundred days of rain is considered normal. So we stayed inside and watched TV. But, after about a week of silent misery, we were out on the harbor in a boat one day. Of course, the rain had stopped. Suddenly, only about a hundred yards away, a white whale surfaced! It was huge-like a building. And it was alive! You never ever forget a sight like that.
After that we all got together in the hotel lounge, opened up some bottles of old French brandy, and sang songs around the fire place. And now, if you ask me about my Alaska vacation, I clearly remember only two things: that awesome whale and that cozy party. So I tell you I had a great time, even though we spent most of the time in our rooms watching TV and complaining because it was raining.
Alternative Wording(替换表达)
Synonyms (a)stay in—be cooped up in (b)go outside—venture out
(c)unforgettable—memorable (d)recall—look back on
(e)miserable—depressing
Paraphrases 1. The miserable weather in Alaska confined everyone to the hotel.
2. Despite the fact that most days were unpleasant, he recalls that vacation as a high point in his life.