An Introduction To A Level Biology Revision

An Introduction To A Level Biology Revision All You Need To Know About Studying Biology A Level ChaptersBiology A Level Curriculum And TipsA Level Biology Past Papers Exam BoardsGuides And Resources For A Level Biology RevisionExam Timetables And GradingLooking Ahead To The A Level Biology CourseNow that you have finished or are soon to complete your two-year GCSE Biology course, you will already have grasped some of the fundamental details and knowledge required by the subject.During your GCSE, you will have had the opportunity to learn about a variety of biological functions including the human body, organisms, evolution and the environment, all taught with everyday relevance so that that you were able to draw much more from the content. Hopefully, by now, you will have some idea of just how much Biology affects our everyday lives and will be eager to learn more.At A Level, you will get a chance to look at evolution again. Photo on VisualHunt.comThe A Level course that you are about to embark on is no different to the GCSE one in that it too offers an array of fascinating an d useful information about our bodies and the world around us. Also similar is the duration of the course, which takes two academic years to complete in full. The main difference, however, is the level of detail at which you will explore these biological concepts.As a result, by opting to study Biology at A Level (even if you only complete your AS Level and then have to drop the subject for one reason or another), you will be up-skilling your existing knowledge and becoming much more aware of the ins and outs of our bodies as well as how we fit in to the work around us.What’s more, with all of the additional Biology learning under your belt, you will be on track to apply for and be accepted on a further education course related to the science as well as a career in Biology further down the line.More Reasons To Stick With Biology A LevelBecause it is known as the Science of Life, Biology is relevant to all students and is a key transferrable subject. Unlike studying English or Hist ory, for example, which are taught in the context of the country in which they are being taught, a biology  tutor teaches about all human beings and explores the basics of our environment.So, no matter which country you end up living in or in which climate, you will still have a reasonable understanding of how the nature around you works with a qualification in Biology, and how you as a human being interact with it and can nurture it.No matter where you are in the world, Biology is still the same study of life. Photo by astro_matt on Visual huntWith many fascinating experiments waiting for them, Biology students can benefit from acquiring a wide range of practical skills through hands on work, with tests being more sophisticated than in previous years of schooling. They will be encouraged to not only study how Biology works, but how elements of the Science can be used to solve problems. As such, a number of other skills play a big part in the process of studying Biology, like Mathem atics, Physics and Technology.Biology is a great subject to have under your belt if you dream of a career in Medicine, but is not limited to this field of expertise. Many Biology students go on to professions in areas like Marine Biology, Zoology, Teaching, and much, much more.Search for an A Level biology tutor now.Biology at A Level is offered by AQA, WJEC, Eduqas and OCR, among others. Below are two of the most popular exam boards for Biology A Level.AQA A Level Biology Past Papers (7401, 7402)At a glance, this linear specification offered by AQA covers a range of core topics such as Biological Molecules, Cells, Genetic Information, Energy Transfers and Gene Expression, the last two being taught at A Level only.The AS Level course is split into two exams, each worth 50% of the final grade and lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The second year, however, is assessed over three written exams, each taking 2 hours to complete and making up 35%, 35% and 30% of the final mark respectively.Look up for biology online tutoring now.OCR A Level Biology Past Papers (H020, H420)This specification leans on the practicality of Biology for students and integrates problem-solving to help pupils understand biological concepts and scientific methods. Like the above, the course is split between the two years of study.The overall course is said to refresh the popular themes from GCSE Level specifications and embed new modules centred around answering the all important question in more detail: How does Science work?Using The Exam Boards' Biology Past PapersDoing past papers is probably the best form of revision you can do in the run up to your Biology A Level exam, as it gets you used to formulating exam-style responses that meet the required level of sophistication for this advanced course.By using past papers properly, you can work on improving your technique, thus growing in confidence. However, it is no good simply reading past paper questions or just jotting down answers haphazardly . Here are some tips on how best to use these resources.How To Use Past Papers For Successful RevisionIn the run up to your end of year exam, your teacher may organise a mock exam for you, or set a classroom task which simulates an exam. This will help you familiarise yourself with the exam setting once again.Note: You may find that your A Level exams are even more strict when it comes to taking materials in with you.It is even more important to revise thoroughly for A Level exams as you will be expected to offer more knowledge than ever before. Photo on VisualHunt.comExam-taking is not all about what you know and how well you cope under pressure though. A very important aspect of being assessed is how effectively you communicate your responses. Consulting past papers can enhance your ability to respond well and can guide you to gaining extra marks by teaching you what it is the examiner is looking for.So, familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are commonly set and as k yourself what it is they are trying to get out of you.Approaching the exam with some level of confidence is encouraged but pupils need to be realistic and educate themselves on the mark scheme. Not enough emphasis is placed on this document, but the fact that it essentially tells you in so many words  how to pass your exam speaks for itself!Guides And Resources For A Level Biology RevisionThe BoardsHelpful Biology revision resources can be found on each of the exam boards’ websites. For example, AQA’s website has a page linking to teaching resources (equally useful as documents aimed at students if used correctly) as well as documents for students to download.OCR, meanwhile, proposes high-quality resources which can be searched by qualification type and resource type, to help you find the right documents for you. You can also download a skills guide from their site to match your personal skills to particular qualifications. This could be a worthwhile activity for those unsure where they are heading after the A Level course.Reminder: Do not miss the past papers, which as you now know can be a great help when it comes to preparing for exams.Revision WebsitesIf you have not yet come across it, be sure to visit BBC Bitesize for your learning needs throughout the course.This website, dedicated to UK students of all ages and taking a variety of exams, will help to break down the topics in an easy way and will additionally make learning that little bit more fun.As well as BBC Bitesize, Revision World is a fantastic place for students to go during times of need. This easy to use website offers students study help, coursework assistance, essay writing tips, past papers and many more valuable resources to make revising easy and enjoyable.Getting hold of revision materials online is brilliant as most resources are easily accessible at the click of a button, plus they are usually straightforward and free (except from having to occasionally sign up), which is an adde d bonus.Exam Timetables And GradingTimetables for compulsory exams like A Levels are released up to two years in advance but are subject to amendments until the final timetables are confirmed, usually in the 12 months prior to the assessment period.Why not use this to your advantage by planning revision sessions to fit around your exam schedule, so that you can visualise how the weeks leading to the exam period will pan out? Be sure to plan and do everything you want to do before reaching the date of the exam.For instance, if you want to visit a particular Science museum, then make sure you do not waste any time and get this booked into your diary now. And, speaking of diaries, it is a good idea to highlight key dates in your diary, planner or on a calendar in your room to maintain your focus during those last weeks gearing up to exams. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

Factors and Multiples - Math Online Tutoring

Factors and Multiples - Math Online Tutoring What are factors? Numbers that can be multiplied to make another number is called factor. Example: Factors for number 6 are 6, 1 and 2, 3 What are multiples? Number that can be made by multiplying by a certain number is called multiples. Example: Multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24. GCF: Greatest Common Factor How to find GCF? a) List the prime factors of each number b) Multiply the common factors of both the numbers. Example: GCF of 18 and 24 Prime factors of 18 = 2x 3x3 Prime factors of 24 = 2x2 x2 x 3 There is one 2 and one 3 in common The GCF is 2 x 3 = 6 1) Find LCM of 2 and 5 Answer: Multiplies of 2 are 2,4,6,8,10,12,142 Multiples of 5 are 5,10,15,20,25,30 Least common multiple is 10. NOTE:When LCM and product of numbers is given to find the GCF then the formulaused is LCM x GCF = product of two numbers If x y then LCM (x, y) is x. If x y then GCF (x, y) is y.

How to Buy a Guitar All Your Questions Answered

How to Buy a Guitar All Your Questions Answered Megan L. Getting your first guitar is a super exciting milestone in your musical life! If youve never made such a big purchase before, you might have a lot of questions about how to buy a guitar. In this guide, well go over the basics so you know where to go, what to look for, and the extras youll need to start jamming out. What Kind of Guitar Should I Get? There are two main types of guitars, acoustic and electric. So, whats the difference between the two and what kind of guitar should you buy? Most beginners are perfectly happy learning how to play guitar on an acoustic guitar. The acoustic guitar is made of wood and has a hollow body, with a hole cut out underneath the strings. The hollow body of the acoustic guitar is what amplifies its sound. Youll commonly see folk singers, country musicians, and classical guitarists playing acoustic guitars. Electric guitars are the cornerstone of rock and roll. Youll need to buy an amplifier as well if you decide you want to play electric guitar, as these babies dont make much noise when theyre not plugged in. It is generally a little bit harder to play an acoustic guitar than an electric as youll need to press a little harder on the strings. Many teachers actually recommend starting on acoustic for all guitarists to build finger strength and master technique. The idea being that once youre able to play an acoustic guitar with ease, picking up an electric will be a breeze. How Much Does a Guitar Cost? Depending on what kind of guitar you want and where you go, you can find a guitar at any price point. However, as with all things, the cheapest options are not always the best. Just because you can buy a $5 guitar at a garage sale doesnt mean that you should. If youre just getting started on the guitar, you probably dont want to buy the most expensive instrument. Luckily, there are many affordable options out there for reliable beginner guitars. Yamaha makes some pretty good acoustic guitars starting around $150, and Fenders Squire model is a great inexpensive option if youre looking for your first electric guitar. Where Should I Buy a Guitar? Although you can easily buy guitars online, for your first guitar we recommend visiting a local music shop. Take some time to play or hold several different guitars and get a sense of which instrument is the right fit for you. Guitars can have wider or narrower frets, different sized bodies, and many other variables that might make one guitar more comfortable for you to play than another guitar. Try several guitars both sitting and standing until you find one that feels like it fits your body. If you have a trusted friend or family member who plays guitar, you might ask them to come with you to help you pick out the right guitar for you. Ask them if there is a brand or local store that they would recommend for you. Your  guitar teacher, they can also be a great resource to help you find the right instrument. Guitar teachers are very familiar with the special needs beginning guitarists have and can give you a good idea of what to look for in a guitar. Should I Buy a Used Guitar? For many students, a used guitar can be a great, inexpensive option, as long as the guitar is in good condition. Get familiar with the different parts of the guitar so you can quickly learn how to spot a good used instrument. If you choose to buy a used guitar, here are some things to look for: Is the neck straight? Hold the guitar out along the length of your arm and look down the neck. If the neck bows or curves, do not buy the guitar! Youll want a guitar with a nice straight neck so it stays well-tuned. Are the frets worn? If the frets are worn down so that some are higher and some are lower, youll have a much harder time getting the right notes and sound out of your instrument. Do not buy a guitar with worn frets. Is the body warped? Look at the guitars body and notice any bulges, dents or dings. Its okay if there are some scratches in the pick guard or a chip in the finish here and there. Small marks wont affect the sound quality of your instrument. However, if you see a bulge near or under the bridge, do not buy that guitar. What Kinds of Guitar Accessories Do I Need? Once youve found your perfect guitar, youll still need to get a few extras so you can get the most out of your instrument. Heres a quick list of things youll need to get started: Guitar Picks. Picks come in different shapes, thicknesses, and weights. Beginners usually like lighter, softer picks. If youre playing for speed, try a heavier pick. Guitar Strap. Your local guitar store should have lots of strap options for you to choose from. You can express yourself with a fuzzy leopard strap or go basic with plain leather. The important thing is that your strap allows you to play guitar in a standing position, which is important to practice if you plan to perform standing up. Guitar Tuner. Your guitar wont sound too hot unless youre able to keep it in tune. There are several different kinds of tuners, so you can pick the tuner thats best for what you need. Most beginners playing an acoustic guitar are very happy with a chromatic tuner. This type of tuner has a microphone built in and will show you what note you are playing. Guitar Case. Depending on what type of guitar you get and where you shop, a case might be included with your purchase. Hard plastic cases and soft fabric cases are both quite common. If you have the option, we recommend a hard case. Hard cases protect your guitar when you are traveling with it and also allow you to store your guitar in a safe place when youre not playing it. Amplifier and Cables. If youre buying an electric guitar, youll need something to plug it into! You can get a small practice amp for around $100 to $200, or spend more on a big monster stack. Just keep your goals and budget in mind and ask questions at the guitar store. Dont forget to get cables to plug your guitar in to the amp! Once youve got a guitar to call your own, starting private lessons with a great guitar teacher is the next step to success in your musical journey! TakeLessons teachers are available to teach one-on-one lessons in your home, in music studios, and online, so its easy for you to find the right teacher for you. Visit TakeLessons today and find your perfect teacher! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher You might also like Roadmap of the Notes on a Guitar How to Read Guitar Chords Play Thousands of Songs Using these Guitar Chord Progressions

How to Help a Poor Speller

How to Help a Poor Speller How to Help a Poor Speller For some children, learning to spell is incredibly frustratingand something that never seems to get easier or less confusing. The bad news is that spelling troubles are unlikely to go away on their own. The good news is that there are many things parents can do to help their children become better spellers, and as a result, better students. Here are several tips to help your child improve his or her spelling ability: Encourage mastery of the sight words. You probably recall the words sent home by your childs kindergarten and first grade teachers that you were instructed to have your child memorize by sight. Sight wordsalso known as Dolch wordsare the most frequently used words in the English language. Many sight words have irregular spellings and it is critical that students memorize them and know how to spell them. Make sure your student understands the different sounds that letter combinations make. Reading fluency is achieved through a series of building block skills, including understanding that words are composed of letters and word units and that letters (and letter combinations) make individual sounds. Your child should be able to sound out: Individual letters (consonants and vowels) Blends (such as pl or sm) Digraphs (two letters that make one sound, such as sh or ng) Diphthongs (two vowels that form as one syllable, such as au or ai) Help your child recognize word families. Once your child masters train, give him or her a list of other words that share the same ain ending, such as chain and brain. Guide your child as he or she plays with letter combinations to understand word patterns. Help your child memorize common spelling rules. Scholastic offers a helpful printable chart that summarizes spelling rules for ei vs. ie words, compound words, plurals, possessives, prefixes and suffixes. Once your child memorizes these basics, he or she will be able to apply them consistently and catch his or her spelling mistakes more easily. Practice, practice, practice. Provided a student has a basic understanding of word structure, letter sounds, common spelling rules and relationships between words, repetition is critical to master spelling. As your child studies his or her new weekly spelling words, try the look, visualize, write, check approach. If your child gets tripped up with the same words over and over, practice them in the same way you would if they were brand new spelling words. Spelling takes continued practiceand even adults can struggle with it throughout their lives. Frequent reading and repeated exposure to the spoken and written word are the best ways for students to acquire strong spelling skills. And when problems arise, early intervention is critical (as with all literacy skills). The sooner you can spot and correct spelling difficulties, the easier it will be for your child to become a good speller.

Four Things Students and Tutors Should do AFTER an Initial Tutoring Session

Four Things Students and Tutors Should do AFTER an Initial Tutoring Session Improving Academic Performance As we’ve mentioned, there are many things you can do before the initial tutoring session to get the most out of tutoring. After you have attended your initial tutoring session, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you retain all the information you reviewed. In this blog article, we will discuss four things you should do after the initial tutoring session. Write Summary Notes It can be hard to absorb the lesson content or test-taking strategies your tutor is reviewing while also taking copious notes on the session material during a tutoring session. Because multi-tasking during a tutoring session may take away from you absorbing important material or test-taking strategies, I would recommend focusing on the lesson content during the tutoring session. After you’ve completed your initial tutoring session, be sure to take time to write down notes about test-taking strategies, content knowledge, and tips that your tutor reviewed during the session when everything is still fresh in your head. In fact, as Dr. Barbara Oakley teaches in her popular MOOC “Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects,” summarizing in your own words is a powerful strategy for learning new things in general. You are more likely to retain information by summarizing lesson content or test-taking strategies in your own words, than if you copy thin gs down word for word. Practice, Practice, Practice! The age-old adage that there is no better way to absorb, retain, and excel at something than to practice at it as much as possible still holds true today. It may be the case that you quickly understood new content that your tutor reviewed with you. Or perhaps, you were able to quickly absorb and apply a new concept or strategy in your session. Even so, you should still take time to continue practicing using the new strategies or content that you just gained in order to commit it to your memory. Some ways that you can practice using a new test-taking strategy is to complete practice problems on a practice exam. To commit new content knowledge to your memory, try writing out or summarizing the content knowledge, drawing diagrams, or teaching it to someone else. Make sure that you are engaging in “deliberate practice” when completing practice problems. Taking time to focus deeply on what you are doing, why each step matters, and when and how you are making mistakes, is far more powe rful than rote repetition, as noted by the American Psychological Association. Practice new strategies/content knowledge regularly, preferably on a weekly basis until you are completely comfortable with it. Review In order to retain new and old test-taking strategies and content, it is important to review them regularly. Set aside a few minutes a day, or 30 minutes each week to review test-taking strategies and content. Additionally, prior to each tutoring session, take time to review strategies and content so that it’s fresh in your mind during each tutoring session. This will make tutoring sessions flow smoothly, as you can dedicate more time to building on concepts and strategies, rather than spending a chunk of time reviewing strategies and content that you covered in previous tutoring sessions. Complete Homework for the Week It is important to come prepared to each tutoring session, ready to learn new content and strategies. In order to do so, make time to complete any homework assignments or practice problems that your tutor assigned you. If you are having difficulty with the assignment, make sure to jot down your questions and ask your tutor about them during your next tutoring session. Taking the time to complete these four simple tasks after each tutoring session will help to improve your retention of new strategies and content, as well as improve your test scores and academic performance.

Career Advice to Know Before You Graduate

Career Advice to Know Before You Graduate Image via Pexels 1. Nurture Your Resume: One of the most important elements of the job process is your resumè. In order to stand out the best you possibly can to potential employers, be sure to constantly and consistently construct your resume. Advisors at your campus career center can definitely help you refine, polish and boost your resume to make it attractive to employers. Don’t worry about the formatting being awful, not having a good amount of experience on paper, or the whole thing just being certified ‘trashable’, it is OK if your resume is a work in progress. 2. Dig Deep to Find Your Strengths: Many college students have a hard time figuring out their strengths. According to Raymond Tang of Careermetis.com, “Plenty of graduates, job entrants, and job changers only know what they are functionally good at i.e. being good at coding, filling out balance sheets, writing content, etc. but lack the identification of soft skills that are often overlooked.” Before you graduate, dig deep to find your softer strengths, identify the skills that you naturally possess- skills that will be attractive to potential employers. Advisors can help you identify these skills, and help you convey them to employers. Unfortunately, it is not enough just to know you have these strengths, you have to show them. 3. Learn How to Network Effectively: As technology has advanced, so has the increased presence of job opportunities on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Before you graduate, clean up your accounts by looking at pictures, posts, and comments that may not be appropriate and make you look better in the eyes of an employer. Second, search for your ideal job by using keywords on search engines, job sites, and social media. You can even look for people with similar interests as you in regards to finding a job! Doing these two things can definitely help you get on track to networking, but it also doesn’t hurt to reach out to your professors, join club organizations, and talk to classmates! Image via Pexels 4. Schedule a Meeting with Professors or Administrators:  For some students, it’s easy to build connections with professors and faculty in college, while for others it’s a difficult process. Regardless of it being ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ for you, one of the best things to do before you graduate is to meet up with your professors, whether they be from your freshman year or this current semester. Connecting with university faculty is important for because they can help guide your career search and they can also be apart of your growing network of people! Robert Hellman of Forbes  writes, “Even if you already have a job lined up, set up these meetings. You want their advice, and you want them in your network for subsequent career transitions.  Start building these relationships  now. You will be so glad you did in a year or two when you want to make your next move (or when your company starts letting people go in the next recession).” 5. Meet at Your Career Center:  Many students are under the false impression that going to a career center is an automatic guarantee of a job. While reaching out to a career center  can  help you find a job, it is not a lottery of job offerings with you having the lucky scratch-off ticket. With that being said, during your appointment with an advisor, expect them to help you narrow down career choices, pull out inner strengths, discover your passions and compliment those with your skills. This personal evaluation will help you figure out what kind of job you want and in a specific field! Post-graduation life is sometimes scary and overwhelming, especially when it comes to the working world. Sometimes things don’t always line up like they’re supposed to, however, if you do the work to create a steady path while you’re in college, navigating your career path after college will be a breeze. Don’t shy away from resources that can be utilized on campus and go outside your comfort zone. As always, good luck!

7 Internship Interview Mistakes to Avoid

7 Internship Interview Mistakes to Avoid via Pixabay Show Up Late Punctuality is key when it comes to landing an internship. If you show up late for your interview, you have already put a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth. They may write you off then and there because they may worry it is a consistent problem they will have to deal with if they hire you. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time when traveling to your interview. If you have to take public transportation, account for delays. If you are driving, account for traffic. It’s always better to arrive early to show them that you are eager to be interviewed for the position than rushing through the door late. Don’t Bring Resume or References Along with preparing for an interview, you should print out copies of your resume and a list of professional references to bring with you. Make sure to bring a few copies with you because you never know how many people will be interviewing you. When you offer your resume, it shows that you come prepared and are always one step ahead of the game. At the end of the interview, pull out your list of professional references for your interview whether or not they ask for it. This shows confidence that you are qualified for the job as well as being prepared. via Pixabay Dress Inappropriately Dressing professionally is difficult, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what constitutes as professional or not. Take a few minutes and look online at some guides on what you should wear to an interview. If you aren’t sure whether you should dress business casual or business professional, it is always safer to dress business professional. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed at an interview. It may sound shallow, but the way you present yourself and how you look can be a huge factor when a company decides to hire an intern. They want someone who is clean, well-kept, and knows how to dress professionally because they will be representing their brand. You Ramble and Tell Stories It’s okay, if not encouraged, to tell stories about experiences during an interview; however, there is a fine line between talking about your experience and rambling on. Don’t worry, rambling and going off on tangents happens to the best of us, especially when we are nervous. However, it is important to be aware of it when it is happening. Keep your answers short and on topic. It’s okay to take a long pause to think about how you will answer a question. It also never hurts to prepare some standard answers beforehand and practice saying them out loud. via Pixabay You Dont Ask Questions At the end of an interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. The answer is always yes. If you do not have any questions about the position, it shows them that you really are not all that interested in working for them. This is an essential part of the interview process. Some sample question topics are about the typical day, skills needed to succeed, and where the company sees itself in the next ten years. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you spoke about in the interview too. You Ask the Wrong Questions You may ask questions about the position, but they are the wrong questions. Questions about getting a job offer at the end of the internship are inappropriate. This shows that you don’t care about the experience of having an internship and are only focused on the job offer at the end. Putting an emphasis on getting paid is also inappropriate. Some internships are paid and others are not. It’s okay to ask if it is paid or not, but don’t put an emphasis on this. You Aren’t Humble It’s always important to never brag about yourself during a job interview. Learn the difference between talking about your accomplishments and bragging about your skills and achievements. It’s important to stay humble about your experiences, but stay confident that they are important factors that make you a qualified candidate. Nobody wants to work alongside someone who thinks the world of themselves. Especially when interviewing for an internship position, you must show them that you are willing to learn and own up to your mistakes because you are learning the industry.

Collaboration Versus Solitude Which One Drives Innovation

Collaboration Versus Solitude Which One Drives Innovation Photo by Keith Mulcahy via Flickr. Cain also highlights that while some interaction is good and fuels productivity, most office platforms that involve being corralled into endless meetings or conference calls conducted in offices that afford no respite from the noise and gaze of co-workers, is limiting, since studies show the employees with open-plan offices are more susceptible to sickness, have a higher incidence of stress, and are more hostile than their closed-office counterparts. We can even get a taste for the disdain of constant contact through a simple headline from an article in the  Guardian,  titled, Open-plan offices were devised by Satan in the deepest caverns of Hell. So what is going on in groups that is in some cases spurring innovation, yet oftentimes limiting it? The differences may lie in the way humans socialize; as social beings, most humans desire to be liked and accepted by their peers and certain groups (think cliques in high school). Keeping this in mind, it is only natural that in a group environment, individuals opinions are easily swayed and influenced by that of the group namely, the more charismatic leaders. This isnt to say that introverted individuals are pushovers, but that almost everyone in a group setting is (at least subconsciously) trying to fit in with the group and/or monitoring the reactions of others, which is a  huge  distraction factor. The reasons brainstorming fails are instructive for other forms of group work, too, Cain wrote. People in groups tend to sit back and let others do the work; they instinctively mimic others’ opinions and lose sight of their own and, often succumb to peer pressure. These distractions disappear when an individual is alone. Cain goes on to mention a study involving Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns, which found that when we voice an opinion that is different from the majority, we activate the amygdala, the organ in our brain associated with fear of rejection. Berns termed this phenomenon the pain of independence, and highlights how it can be difficult to open up with ideas in a group setting. Any time people come together in a meeting, we’re not necessarily getting the best ideas; we’re just getting the ideas of the best talkers, Cain said in an interview with Fast Company. While it is safe to say that solidarity versus collaboration and creativity depends highly on the individual personality, it is also worth noting that there may be different stages in the creative process that require both solitude and collaboration. If someone is really trying to nail down an idea and bring it into creation, solitude is by far the best option for getting the work done, and this is something companies that employ individuals doing this type of work should consider in order to generate higher quality work. On the other hand, one-on-one collaborations in a casual environment may lead to unexplored avenues of thought around an established idea. Collaborations are also great for executing ideas into the public and mainstream, as ideas often rely on a bit of extraversion to bring to light. It is interesting to note, however, that many successful leaders and innovators of history and today, such as Ghandi, JK Rowling and Eleanor Roosevelt, are introverts. Also, religious teachings around the world center around prophets such as Moses and Buddha venturing off alone in order to come back with revelations. Even Albert Einstein was a reported introvert, writing, The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind. It seems, in a society that values the Group and charismatic, extroverted leaders, that it is time to reevaluate the roots of innovation, and awaken again the respect that once existed for the quieter individual. Only then can we begin to strike a balance between group efforts and working alone. And maybe, after years of enacting the New Groupthink, we can again discover that it is only after we have left the herd that we can return with revelations.