Emerging Issues interaction between people of different backgrounds and culture

Seperate Views of Architectural Design essays

Seperate Views of Architectural Design essays Separate Views of Architectural Design What should we do to solve the problem posed by the use and availability of the virtual reality design concept? This question was answered by two very similar yet different magazine articles. The first article was Intelligent Architectural Modeling from the AEC Magazine, which is a specialized magazine for professionals in the field of design and architecture. The second is Diving Deeper into Designs from the magazine Java World, which is used by many people in the information technology field. Both magazines cover the topic very well. There are however many differences in the two separate articles. The first of the two articles Intelligent Architectural Modeling was written with the audience suppose to be a more technical or professional person. It was written to cover the problems with the virtual reality design and how people who use it with their profession approach the problems, such as companies like Graphisoft, Nemetschek, and Revit. In contrast the article Diving Deeper into Designs has more of a feel like it was written for college students or people learning to use the virtual reality system. Penn State University is referred to as one of the first schools in the country to use the system for training students. It also describes how it is so hard for this system to be implemented in more schools because of price and availability. In the audience analysis, to see how each was written to appeal to different types of readers, it is easy to see who the writers are trying to reach. Why the writers have chosen differently is a very interesting question. In the first of the two articles I believe the author Martyn Day is trying to reach colleagues to help solve and to help diagnose problems with the system. He is talking to software developers for help in designing new software. He knows software is always changing and ...

MGT501 - Management and Organizational Behavior Mod 3 SLP Essay

MGT501 - Management and Organizational Behavior Mod 3 SLP - Essay Example It was interesting to take the summary. Everyone wants to know more about their own personality and under the circumstances, it is definitely good to know that best way to learn. The questions always seem a little strange at first but once the assessment is completed it seems to make sense why those questions were ask. It seems from the results that they were pretty close but it seems that someone else would be able to tell you that better than yourself. It is awfully hard to judge ones own personality and learning style. That is why an assessment like this is so helpful. The things about me that are strongest and I believe will be most helpful in the workplace and as a manager are social skills, listening and verbal skills, and logical skills. Actually it seems those are the skills that a manager should have. The manager in a department or organization should be able to stay logical, hear their employees, be able to verbalize and communicate and do it in a way that feels social. The only problem is that the social skills were my highest learning skills and that could be a problem. Being too social can be a bigger issue that it is a help. It is not seen favorably by bosses that give you a boost up the ladder. It seems that the best thing of these issues that I can do for my management style is to cultivate the aural and verbal as well as logical skills but find a way to learn to be a better manager by using the social skills in another way. Although there are times when it is important. I know that seldom does my boss join us for social occasions such as birthdays out etc but once in a while would be a good thing. It would make us feel more like he knew something about us so I might try to temper some of that with the personality traits that I try to learn for a better management style. Individual learning and organizational learning are really interconnected. We have discussed the organization as

Dick Hebdige argues that subcultural style should be regarded as a Essay

Dick Hebdige argues that subcultural style should be regarded as a semiotic form of resistance against authority - Essay Example Culture is an indispensable part of social life. From this point of view, culture is also necessarily related to politics even if the particular relationship is not standardized, in terms of its forms. Hebdige has thoroughly explored the potential relationship between culture and politics. In his book ‘Subculture: the Meaning of Style’, first published in 1979, Hebdige uses examples from cultural trends developed in Britain during 1970s (Blake 1998, p.97). Emphasis is given to the cultural trends, especially in terms of music and dress, of youths in different subcultures (Blake 1998, p.97). The research on this subject has led Hebdige to the assumption that social relations can be influenced by the cultural background of the parties; for politics, a similar view could be developed (Blake 1998, p.97). The view of Hebdige that subcultural style should be regarded as a semiotic form of resistance against authority is evaluated in this paper. Reference is primarily made, pri marily, to the concept of subculture, as described in the study of Hebdige. Then, two examples are employed for showing the value of the views of Hebdige if they are used in practice. It is proved that, indeed, subcultural style can be used as a form of resistance against authority. Still, the implications of such use are rather difficult to be identified. Neither can it be said that a particular subcultural style has been found to be effective in supporting a strong resistance against authority. 2. Hebdige and subcultural style as a semiotic form of resistance against authority 2.1 Key points of Hebdige’s view in regard to subcultural style For Hebdige, subcultures are related to two key terms: ‘conjuncture and specificity’ (During 1999, p.441). More specifically, Hebdige promotes the idea that subcultures are not limited to a particular aspect of life or to a particular area (During 1999, p.441). Rather, subcultures can be identified ‘almost everywhereâ⠂¬â„¢ (During 1999, p.441) being influenced though by specific conjunctures (During 1999, p.441). The term ‘conjunctures’ (During 1999, p.441) in the above use reflects not just the cultural and social trends developed in a particular region but also the political and economic conditions of the region (During 1999, p.441). It is in this framework that subcultures are created and developed (During 1999, p.441). At the next level, these subcultures change as they are adopted by people in different social classes and of different age (During 1999, p.441). Through the above transformation process a high range of styles appears (During 1999, p.441). It should be noted that the notion of subculture as developed by Hebdige is based on the continuous opposition with the system, leading to a phenomenon described as ‘resistance through style’ (Muggleton and Weinzierl 2004, p.86). The particular type of subculture has been characterized as heroic, indicating a strong willingness for fighting the system, including politics (Muggleton and Weinzierl 2004, p.86). However, today subculture has been slightly transformed; a transmission to ‘a post-heroic phase’ (Muggleton and Weinzierl 2004, p.86) has been unavoidable since the willingness of people to fight the system has been gradually reduced. On the other hand, the value of subculture for evaluating the social trends for opposing the system remains significant (Muggleton and Weinzierl 2004, p.86). When efforts are made for evaluating the power of subculture within a particular society the following fact should be taken into consideration: subculture, as described by Hebdige, needs to ‘represent noise, disturbance and blockage of the system of representation’ (Muggleton and Weinzierl 2004, p.86). If the above requirement is not met, then the social

Term paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Term paper - Essay Example ein and Victor, for Victor knowledge was the surge beyond the acceptance of human limits and the access to the secret of life while for Frankenstein knowledge was viewed in a manner that would make humans accept him as he was. The monster due to his grotesque appearance is rejected by society and therefore becomes an integral part of the action. Why grotesque? Victor creates this monster from his unnatural manner of his creation which entails the mystifying animation which is a combination of embezzled parts of a body with bizarre chemicals. Therefore one can state that the monster is a combination of scientific work which enfolds the dark and the supernatural. Does not this description fit Victor too? Victor the creator also exhibits monster qualities. His aspiration, mystery and egocentricity kind of estrange him from society and his family. His creation of the monster also creates a monster within himself for eventually Victor is consumed by hatred for his creation. Abortion an ever prevalent occurrence wherein the innocent is mercilessly killed is still found in today’s world. This abortion can also be witnessed in Victor as well as the monster who express the monster’s gruesomeness. Victor looks at his creation he states â€Å"When I thought of him, I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly made†. The monster who hates himself cries out â€Å"I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.† This idea of abortion can also be traced to Victor’s destruction of the female monster wherein Victor aborts the act of creating the female counterpart of the monster. An explanation can be found in Victor’s description of philosophy â€Å"I at once gave up my former occupations; set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation; and entertained the greates t disdain for a would-be science, which could never even

Causes and Effects of Consumerism

Causes and Effects of Consumerism Sarah Mutaher Introduction Consumerism is the term used to describe the effects of equating personal happiness with purchasing material possessions and consumption. Today we live in a consumer culture obsessed world. Consumption encompasses our everyday lives and structures our everyday agendas. The values, meanings and costs of what we consume have become an increasing important part of our social and personal experiences. The main factor enforcing our actions in this way is the news media. The news media is filled with information about consumption- not only in the form of advertising but also as news about businesses, lifestyles and economic indicators. However none of this tells us how we came about as a culture that associates freedom with the freedom of consuming anything of our choice and as a means of self-fulfillment. Analysis Consumerism is not just an issue that has come about in this new age and modern time it has been around for decades. For the most part, we only become aware of consumption when it is a problem, when there is environmental degradation caused by the production of goods in excess and more than we can consume. To understand this social phenomenon we must first understand the social and historical context of a consumer society. All cultures have found meaning in material goods. Objects resemble a social status or go further than that and have an emotional attachment with ones self. Goods are not only consumed for there material characteristics, but even more for what they symbolize- there meanings, associations and there involvement in our self image. Consumption is not simply the acquiring of products predestined meanings. Instead, it should be seen as a form of social consumer culture. While consumption is an act, consumer culture is a way of life. It is quite likely that never before in history has consumption become one of the central values of a culture. In modern society one learns merely to consume, and tasteful or appropriate consumption is only one of the numerous choices. It is this focus on consumption as a central worth that makes us a consumer culture. Consumption no longer seems to reflect our cultural values; it has itself become a cultural value. It has entered into the warp and turmoil of this fabric we call modern life. Every public space, every occasion for public gathering, every creative expression is seen as an opportunity to encourage more consumption. To understand how we have become this consumer crazy culture it is important to understand the humble beginnings of this crazy fixation. Before the industrial revolution of the eighteenth century, what people consumed was, either goods mad by family members or a person the consumer has a personal relation with. In early Europe the form consumerism took place in the weekly markets and seasonal fairs. The historical pattern in America was somewhat different. Unlike in Europe, where markets and fairs preceded the development of shops, in America shops emerged as the customary way of buying and selling in its early colonial period. It was not until the eighteenth century that markets and fairs became popular in the United States. Fashion is one of the key elements that fuel consumerism. Fashion not only includes clothing, but also any object where there is a concern for what is different, new and improved and which allows us to express our individuality. Fashion is so central to modern day consumption that it is difficult to imagine a culture in which it is not a major force. People throughout time have always been interested in the beautiful or in signs of status and in the pursuit of anything that brings them pleasure or happiness. It was during the last quarter of the sixteenth century in England that consumption first took off amongst the European nobility. This powered to two important developments. First, Queen Elizabeth the first used the dramatic spectacle of fashion as a display of government power. Second, she forced social competition among the nobility by removing them from their locality where they were clearly superior and forcing them to attend the London court where they had to compete with equals. Previously consumption had always been a family matter and what benefited the family the most. But now Elizabethan noblemen began to spend less on their families and more on themselves to further show there class and status. Josiah Wedgewood was one of the pioneers in the consumption phase. He had this new understanding of fashion and the market place.ÂÂ   Wedgewood was a manufacturer and retailer of pottery in the eighteenth century. He was the first to recognize that if the rich and elite could be induced to adopt fashions, the other classes would follow soon. There are only certain societies where it is possible for a fashion to spread to the higher class to the lower class. Fashion has to be affordable for those in the lower class and the classes must be close enough with some fluidity between them that those in the lower class could imagine themselves owing what those in the upper class have. In England during this period the lower class was eager to possess whatever the upper class deemed fashionable. Wedgewood understood the immense financial potential of such a social situation and learnt how he could control it. His fashion tool was pottery. Wedgewood learned to closely observe what the upper class was buying in order to predict what direction the lower class consumption habits would follow through. Another factor adding to the consumer culture is the portrayal of this culture. In the United States consumption spurred as a symbol for rebellion rather than a symbol a homogeneous conformity. Schutte and Ciarlante describe Coca cola, Levis and Marlboro as symbols of individualism and freedom. Three phrases from Stuart and Elizabeth Ewens Channels of Desire (1982) which they see as indicative of the recent tendencies within consumer culture describe it best. Today there is no fashion: there are only fashions. No rules, only choices. Everyone can be anyone. This suggests there is a war against uniformity, a surplus of difference which results in a loss of meaning. The repercussion is that we are moving towards a society without fixed status groups in which the adoption of styles of life which are fixed to specific groups have been surpassed. We have been encouraged to buy in order to establish our individuality in a mass-produced culture. To express our disgust with consumption by more consumption, to purchase the latest improved traditions. Now people are encouraged to buy to convey their rejection of homogenized lifestyles. This anti-consumption attitude only fuels more consumption. Years ago, many people imagined that life would be idyllic in the 21st century. Technology would have cured most human short-comings, and there would be abundance of resources available for all. Population growth and over consumption underlie many of the invasive environmental and social concerns that humans face today. Over consumption of our natural resource base is jeopardizing ecosystems throughout the world. Wealthy nations like the US amount to 20 percent of the worlds population, yet they use more than 70 percent of the earths resources and generate an even higher volume of wastes. Some of these wastes are released into the atmosphere, rivers and oceans, others are land filled or incinerated, a small part is recycled. The standard notion of economic development envisions the rest of the worlds population moving progressively up the ladder of mass consumption. Clearly, the environmental implications of the global spread of mass consumption for resource use and environmental was te is staggering. In present times design culture also has greatly been influenced consumerism. Cities such as Las Vegas have dedicated there entire landscape to advertising to feed the need of consumerism. For the Utopian design at hand I have targeted the hospitality sector of the economy which attracts consumers owed to the hectic and fast-paced life we live today. I have chosen the Singapore Cricket Club for my bar and restaurant. The design is held together by the concept of network. Taking into consideration that the bar is the main attraction of a bar and highest revenue earning point in an FB. Using the concept of network my design directs all consumers towards the bar. The bar acts as the main attraction of my design which can be viewed from all levels and spaces. The unconventional feature of the bar is that it suspends 3000mm from the ground. As people walk through narrow corridors directing them towards the bar they are suddenly engulfed by the large open suspending bar and LED lighting panels from the ceiling going past 3 floors lighting up the entire design and focusing mainly onto the bar. The cuckoo club in London is a great example of how the bar acts as a key attraction in the premises. The entire space communicates glamour, drama and luxury. It represents a grand, dramatic film set with huge doors sweeping stairs, silk and voile drapes. The bar acts as a key feature covered entirely in gold sequins, set beneath a ceiling of diamond pattern panels of LED lighting (acrylic domes set into panels and then colour-washed across the whole ceiling), fringed with diamante beading. The lighting is flexible, varying from simulated daylight to pinks and purple in the night. The second case study chosen is Wine tower bar in UK. A 13 meter high wine tower forms the alluring centre point of the Radisson SAS Hotel lounge and bar at Stansted airport. The temperature controlled structure, constructed out of 6.5 tons of laminated glass, a steel core and a pyramid shaped roof, is fitted with an acrylic rack filled with 4,000 bottles of red and white wine. The enchantingly lit column not only serves as a large open wine rack but also functions as a theatre in which 4 graceful wine angels suspended on cables collect the bottles ordered by the guests. With the help of remote control and computer controlled winches, these women glide effortlessly up and down, whilst also slipping in a few acrobatics in the between. Conclusion In conclusion, Consumer culture has been incredibly successful. Not only has it been successful in satisfying our needs and desires, but it also has been successful in redefining what are needs are and expanding our desires. If we accept these desires as natural or inevitable, then consumer society seems natural and inevitable as well. Consumerism on the other hand does not only feed our desires but has left this earth with beyond reconcilable damages. Today are demand for goods is increasing beyond the capability of what our earth can come up with it. If our greed for consumption keeps increasing we will have to very soon give up our basic needs because our demands cannot be kept up with.

“Yi-Yi, a One and a Two” Film Assignment

â€Å"Yi Yi, A One and A Two† is a ?lm that has been talking about three families and their family members’ lives. Interestingly enough, it seems like that family members have been focusing on their own life most of the time through out the movie. Instead of showing closely connected families, the characters in the movie are living their own lives while living under the same roof. One of the examples is that when Min Min decided to move out, she didn’t even talk to NJ about this, and when NJ saw her getting on the bus to the mountains, he didn’t have the attempt to stop her or ask her why.Which is quite unusual to closely connected families. Below are the characters' relationship ?gure and theories applied to explain the events and the relationships I observed in the movie. 1. Bowen’s Family Systems a. Marital Con?ict Xiao-Yian and Adi’s marital con?ict was caused by the presence of Yun-Yun at Xiao-Yian’s party. Yun-Yun’s Adiâ⠂¬â„¢s ex-girlfriend. But it seemed like Xiao-Yian was not playing fair when the three of them were in a love triangle relationship, which worsened the relationship between the girls. Xiao-Yian got pregnant ?rst and kicked Yun-Yun out of the relationship.Since then, both of them had been hostile towards each other. Thus, Yun-Yun’s presence at XiaoYian’s party was de?nitely not something Xiao-Yian would want to see. Which caused Xiao-Yian and Adi’s marital con?ict. Min Min and NJ’s marital con?ict, on the other hand, was caused by grandma’s sudden illness. Min Min felt that all the burdens were on her, and she could not ?nd a way out of the routine work, which made her felt lost and hopeless in her life, eventually she could not take it anymore. But NJ was not doing anything before Min Min shouted all these out.However, it was all too late, Min Min decided to leave instead of staying and face all the complicated troubles. NTU B00610017 Joanne Lin-Ju ng Chiu b. Triangles /Emotional Distance / Emotional Cutoff There exists an emotional distance between Lily and her mother. Lily’s mother had been busy doing her job and spending lots and lots of time with her new boyfriend. And apparently, Lily’s not happy with her mother’s new boyfriend. Upon feeling neglected and feeling like an outsider, Lily acted like an outsider. Thus caused an emotional distance between Lily and her mother.As the distance kept growing and growing, Lily started to form an emotional cutoff between she and her mother. Instead of repairing the relationship with her mother, she started to rely on her new-formed relationships with Fatty and the other new boyfriend. 2. Brofenbrenner’s Family in Human Development a. Mesosystem Models To both Yang Yang and Ting Ting, they have their school and peer groups as the mesosystems. Take Yang Yang for example, his experience at school (bullied by the girls and humiliated by the teacher) did actual ly affect his behavior at home (i. . sad expression).However, Ting Ting’s mesosystem didn’t seem as much affecting to her life and behavior as Yang Yang’s in the movie. b. Exosystem Models Min Min and NJ both have their world of work and the neighbors as their exosystems. Min Min’s colleagues told her to go to the mountains so that she can escape from the dull life she had. Her colleagues was some sort of emotional support at the time. Also, the neighbors discussed with Min Min about the new neighbor’s private life.The neighbors were another emotional support and practical support when grandma fell ill. NJ met Ota at work, who led him to think deeply into life and human’s fear. This also gave him some support when NJ was facing his ex-lover and his current family. c. Chronosystem Models There are several transitions that can be found in the ?lm: Normative: Xiao-Yian and Adi’s marriage was obviously a normative transition. They got mar ried, shared their lives together. Ting Ting’s got a new boyfriend (though it only last for a very short time) indeed was a normative transition.But it seemed more like a normative transition to her own instead of to the whole family in the movie, the others weren’t aware of Ting Ting’s romantic relationship. NTU B00610017 Joanne Lin-Jung Chiu Non-normative: Grandma’s coma was a non-normative transition, which made Ting Ting felt worried and guilty, made Min Min stressed and helpless and made the family fell out of balance and soon fell apart. Min Min’s moving into the mountains was another non-normative transition. Min Min has always been the one whose been making a lot of effort to keep the family functioning.However, when grandma fell ill, the stress, fear and anxiety that fell upon her was far beyond the amount that she could handle. And thus she listened to her colleague’s advice and moved into the mountains. After she moved into the mo untains, the family looked unaffected because most of them were focusing on their own life. But, that was just how it seemed, the family was actually falling apart (not physically, emotionally instead). 3. Mating Preferences Women exhibit a stronger preference to the men with more ambition, social status, ?nancial wealth and desire for children and a commitment to family.That’s why Adi kept boasting how much money he has or earned, broadcasting what his ambition in work was and saying what he’s been doing at work made him a socially dominant man through out the entire ?lm, he wanted to be popular among women. On the other hand, men exhibit a stronger preference to the women with more features of youthfulness, health, physical attractiveness and attributes that indicates reproductive potential. This explains why Lily and Ting Ting both wore shorter skirts and shorts when dating with a guy —– that showed more youthfulness and are probably physically more at tractive to men.And this also explains why Adi chose Xiao-Yian over Yun Yun, Xiao-Yian was apparently more youthful and physically attractive than Yun Yun. 4. 9 Constraining Beliefs about Mate Selection (Larson, 1992) a. Try Harder Ting Ting fell into this constraining belief when she was trying to convince Fatty to have sex with her in order to show his love to her. Love isn’t something that can be improved only through hard work. b. FInding a New Love Should Be Easy Lily kept dating new boys and dumping the old ones.I think it could be that she did not think ?nding a love is something difficult or serious. However, love isn’t something that can be turned on and off like a switch of the light bulb. NTU B00610017 Joanne Lin-Jung Chiu 5. Marital Processes in Context a. Microcontext: Life stressors & Transitions Adi tried to commit a suicide at home but failed, this traumatic event strengthened marital ties for Xiao-Yian and him. Xiao-Yian and Adi were ?ghting all the ti me for many reasons such as Yun Yun’s presence, Adi’s living habits and money. But after Adi’s attempt to suicide, Xiao-Yian tarted to realize how much she needed him, and thus strengthened their marital ties. Grandma’s death also strengthened Min Min and NJ’s marital ties eventually. Soon after grandma’s gone, Min Min went back home from the mountains and realized how much she needed her family and that life was not as difficult as it seemed like. NJ went back from Japan and learned a lot from Ota. They started to face the events coming to them together. Their marriage ties strengthened, the family was united again emotionally. b. Microcontext: Children Adi and NJ’s children both stabilized their marriage.NJ was struggling between Min Min and his ?rst love Sherry after he met her again at Adi’s wedding banquet after 30 years. Sherry was trying so hard to convince NJ to start a new life with her. But after a second thought, he decided to stay with his family instead of going off with Sherry. I think apart from what he said in the movie (â€Å"I would make the same decision if I have the chance to live twice†), Yang Yang and Ting Ting should be one of the main reasons why NJ chose to stay. Adi was not over with Yun Yun like what he had said to NJ and Xiao-Yian at all.They still have sexual relationship and ?nancial partnership after they broke up. The main reason why Adi married Xiao-Yian instead of Yun Yun should be XiaoYian’s pregnancy, which is quite obvious. And the newborn baby became a strong bond that ties Adi to Xiao-Yian somehow. Adi took video tapes for the baby and they took the baby with them when they visited NJ, all these showed that because of the baby, Adi began to make more effort in the family and the baby became something that Adi and Xiao-Yian shared. The baby surely stabilized their marriage in some ways. . Parenting Styles The parenting style in Lily’s family coul d be Uninvolved Style. Thus Lily showed moody, impulsive and alienated characteristics. In the movie, Lily’s mother spend most of her time with her boyfriend. Lily’s mother chose to give Lily money and ask her to watch a movie with Ting Ting and spend time with her boyfriend at home instead of going to the movie with her daughter. The parenting style in Ting Ting’s family, however, is more like Authoritative Style. We could see that Yang Yang is a friendly and explorative child, while TingNTU B00610017 Joanne Lin-Jung Chiu Ting is independent and optimistic. NJ always shows an positive attitude towards Yang Yang’s questions and problems. For example, when Yang Yang was asking NJ questions like â€Å"what people see and what people cannot see? †, NJ didn’t show any negative expressions, instead, he answered each questions Yang Yang asked patiently. NJ also taught Yang Yang rules. When Yang Yang was being impolite by staring at the neighbor in sunglasses, NJ told him not to do so and explained why it’s wrong to do that after they got to the parking lot.

Marketing Exploratory Research Essay

Researchers employ exploratory research when little is known about the topic and previous theories or ideas do not apply. For example, if you wanted to study how to get students to use the computer lab in a college environment, you might first have to do exploratory research to figure out which students might need the lab and what appeals to this demographic. Exploratory research clarifies problems, gathers data and creates initial hypothesis and theories about subjects. The primary point of exploratory research is to give researchers pertinent information and help them to form initial hypotheses about the subject. Exploratory research is challenging in the sense that it tackles vaguely defined hypothesis and tries to find answers to questions. This kind of research is social in nature and requires some preliminary work in the direction of the research. In fact, sociologist Earl Babbie treats exploratory as the purpose of the research saying this kind of research proves to be useful when the hypothesis has yet not been formed or developed. There are certain basic premises that need to be tested at the start of an exploratory research. With the help of these hypotheses, the researcher hopes to arrive at more generalizations. Exploratory research is a form of research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined. Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data collection method and selection of subjects. It should draw definitive conclusions only with extreme caution. Given its fundamental nature, exploratory research often concludes that a perceived problem does not actually exist. Exploratory research often relies on secondary research such as reviewing available literature and/or data, or qualitative approaches such as informal discussions with consumers, employees, management or competitors, and more formal approaches through in-depth interviews, focus groups, projective methods, case studies or pilot studies. The Internet allows for research methods that are more interactive in nature. For example, RSS feeds efficiently supply researchers with up-to-date information; major search engine search results may be sent by email to researchers by services such as Google Alerts; comprehensive search results are tracked over lengthy periods of time by services such as Google Trends; and websites may be created to attract worldwide feedback on any subject. When the purpose of research is to gain familiarity with a phenomenon or acquire new insight into it in order to formulate a more precise problem or develop hypothesis, the exploratory studies ( also known as formulative research ) come in handy. If the theory happens to be too general or too specific, a hypothesis cannot to be formulated. Therefore a need for an exploratory research is felt to gain experience that will be helpful in formulative relevant hypothesis for more definite investigation Descriptive Research Descriptive research is done with a specific research question in mind. It gives a set view of the subject, population, market segment or problem. An example of descriptive research would be a report that provides an age and gender breakdown of the users of a particular online service. Descriptive research provides research questions, populations or methods of analysis before the research is started. In marketing, it often consists of longitudinal studies, which study the behavior of individuals over time, and cross-sectional studies, which examine many populations at one specific time. As the name implies, a descriptive research is descriptive in nature and gathers statistics, which is later carefully studied to arrive at conclusions. In fact, descriptive research often leads to formulation of hypothesis as collation and analysis of data produces conclusions that form the basis of another research. So, if there is a research about the use of alcohol among teenagers, it typically begins with collection of data that is descriptive in nature and lets people know the age and drinking habits of students. Descriptive research is helpful for calculations and to arrive at statistical tools such as median, averages, and frequencies. Descriptive research, also known as statistical research, describes data and characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied. However, it does not answer questions about e.g.: how/when/why the characteristics occurred, which is done under analytic research. Although the data description is factual, accurate and systematic, the research cannot describe what caused a situation. Thus, Descriptive research cannot be used to create a causal relationship, where one variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be said to have a low requirement for internal validity. The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the best approach, prior to writing descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation. There are three main types of descriptive methods: observational methods, case-study methods and survey methods. Observational Method With the observational method (sometimes referred to as field observation) animal and human behavior is closely observed. There are two main categories of the observational method — naturalistic observation and laboratory observation. The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research is that researchers view participants in their natural environments. This leads to greater ecological validity than laboratory observation, proponents say. Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research can be used in real-life situations. Proponents of laboratory observation often suggest that due to more control in the laboratory, the results found when using laboratory observation are more meaningful than those obtained with naturalistic observation. Laboratory observations are usually less time-consuming and cheaper than naturalistic observations. Of course, both naturalistic and laboratory observation are important in regard to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Case Study Method Case study research involves an in-depth study of an individual or group of indviduals. Case studies often lead to testable hypotheses and allow us to study rare phenomena. Case studies should not be used to determine cause and effect, and they have limited use for making accurate predictions. There are two serious problems with case studies — expectancy effects and atypical individuals. Expectancy effects include the experimenter’s underlying biases that might affect the actions taken while conducting research. These biases can lead to misrepresenting participants’ descriptions. Describing atypical individuals may lead to poor generalizations and detract from external validity. Survey Method Survey method research, participants answer questions administered through interviews or questionnaires. After participants answer the questions, researchers describe the responses given. In order for the survey to be both reliable and valid it is important that the questions are constructed properly. Questions should be written so they are clear and easy to comprehend. What is the difference between Descriptive and Exploratory Research? †¢ Descriptive research, being quantitative in nature, is restrictive in terms of open ended questions, which can be better answered using exploratory research. †¢ Flexibility of design is offered by exploratory research more than by descriptive research. †¢ Descriptive research is used more to arrive at statistical tools such as mean, average, median and frequency. On the other hand, exploratory research allows the researcher to develop designs that are more qualitative in nature. †¢ The amount of information known to the researcher at the start of the research plays an important role in deciding upon the type of research. With only vague ideas in the minds of the researcher, it is better to go for exploratory design. On the other hand, more information such as quantitative data allows a researcher to go for descriptive research that leads to unearthing causal relationships. †¢ Exploratory research needs to be conducted first to have a platform that allows for collation of data required in descriptive research.

Create Activity Night Opportunities for Families

Create Activity Night Opportunities for Families While students in grades 7-12 may be testing their independence, parents and caregivers may feel as though they are becoming less necessary. Research shows, however, that even at middle school and high school grade levels, keeping parents in the loop is critical to each students academic success. In the 2002 research review  A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement,  Anne T. Henderson and Karen L. Mapp conclude that when parents are involved in their children’s learning both at home and at school, regardless of race/ethnicity, class, or parents’ level of education,  their children do better in school. Several of the recommendations from this report include specific types of involvement including learning-focused involvement activities including the following: Family nights focused on content areas (arts, math, or literacy)Parent-teacher conferences that involve students;Family workshops on planning for college; Family activity nights are organized on a central theme and are offered at school during hours that are favored by (working) parents. At the middle and high school levels, students can fully participate as well in these activity nights by acting as hosts/ hostesses. Depending on the theme for the activity nights, students can demonstrate or teach skills sets. Finally, students can serve as babysitters at the event for parents who need that support in order to attend. In offering these activity nights for middle and high school, consideration should be given to the age and maturity of the students in mind. Involving the middle school and high school students when planning events and activities will give them ownership of an event. Family Content Area Nights Literacy and math nights are features in elementary schools, but at the middle and high school schools, educators can look to feature specific content areas such as social studies, science, the arts or technical subject areas. The nights could feature student work products (EX: art shows, woodcraft demonstrations, culinary tastings, science fair, etc.) or student performance (EX: music, poetry reading, drama). These family nights could be organized and offered school wide as large events or in smaller venues by individual teachers in classrooms. Showcase Curriculum and Planning Nights While much attention has been been on the curriculum revisions taking place nationwide  to align with the Common Core State Standards, individual school district curriculum changes are what parents need to understand in planning academic decisions for their children. Hosting curriculum nights in middle and high school lets parents preview the sequence of study for each academic track offered in the school. A overview of a schools course offerings also  keeps parents in the loop  on  what students will learn (objectives) and how measurements for understanding will be done in both  formative assessments  and in summative assessments. Athletic Program Many parents are interested in a school districts athletic program. A family activity night is an ideal venue to share this information for designing a students academic course load and sports schedule. Coaches and educators at each school can discuss how parents should be aware of the time commitments required of participating in a sport, even at the intra-mural level. Preparation of coursework and attention on GPAs, weighted grades, and class rank given in advance to parents of students who wish to participate in college athletic scholarship programs is important, and this information from athletic directors and guidance counselors can begin as early as 7th grade. Conclusion Parent involvement can be encouraged through family activity nights that offer  information on a variety of relevant topics such as those listed above. Surveys to all stakeholders (educators, students, and parents) can help design these family activity nights in advance as well as provide feedback after participation.  Popular family activity nights can be repeated from year to year.   Regardless of the topic, all stakeholders, share responsibility in preparing preparing students for college and career readiness in the 21st Century. Family activity nights are the ideal venue to share critical information tied to this shared responsibility.

Lord Of The Flies Play Essays - English-language Films, Films

Lord Of The Flies Play Essays - English-language Films, Films Lord Of The Flies Play 29/1/00 M3 Lord of the Files( Review) The theatre version of Lord of the Flies based on the novel by William Golding and adapted by Nigel Williams are now being presented in the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, London. Tickets cost about 7.00. This review is comparing the book and how Nigel Williams adapted it. The theatre version of Lord of the Flies is very good. Interesting and always in the climax. The actors are not little kids and there are not lots of them. There are only 8 actors. Some of the actors take 2 or 3 roles. The adult actors acted like a bunch of kids, which was very effective. The way the stage is set out was terrific, the moves around and about on the stage were really planned out well. The stage is a wrecked plane broken in to 2 parts. Actors used up all the stage. See diagram. For example when it is the mountain scene the fire on top of the shelter is lit up and the movable part is facing towards us with the highest point towards the audience. When simon is running down the mountain the movable parts were facing with the lowest point towards us so that it creates a downhill effect. Piggy was a very good actor. The person who took the role of piggy really sounded like piggy.(cockney accent). Some of Piggys lines were cut out and the way the Piggy died was totally different. Ralph was played by a good actor. The actor was really active, hyper, and was very childlike. He was serious and sometimes fun like in the book. Jack was not what I expected. The entrance of the choir was very good but Jacks voice was just to high pitched and annoying. If Jack were a bit more serious and manly he would have been the perfect actor. Jack sounded too childish. Simon was a very good actor. He was interesting. I taught that the actor had the potential to be like Ralph but because he plays Simon he doesnt talk that much. The way he did was very good and interesting. The others chased him so that he is going up the mountain but then he gets killed. They move the movable parts and the body slides down for jack to take off stage. Overall the play was very good just as the book. Bu if youre lazy and dont like reading this is highly recommended. But still it is recommended to every one ages 13 - as old as the oldest person in the world. Bibliography the Play Production in the lyric theater in london

Relapse Prevention the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors Term Paper

Relapse Prevention the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors - Term Paper Example In most cases, such individuals attempt to quit completely or try to modify such addictive behaviors such as by reducing their alcohol intake or smoking (Fisher and Harrison 2). A majority of individuals who make attempts in most cases become successful in changing such behaviors. However, among those who make attempts by seeking medical attention to change addictive behaviors, about 60 to 80% is seen to return to the same behavior after some time (Jonson 765). This is what is termed as relapse. Despite all the challenges that an individual faces in an attempt to move away from addictive behavior, it is necessary that such individuals be helped to cope with the challenge. Johnson (766) argues that the ultimate goal of relapse prevention and recycling success entails helping such individuals stop drug abuse or help them become more successful as they learn from experience. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on relapse prevention and substance abuse. Johnson (769) notes that interventions designed for relapse prevention have been made under the clinical application of Marlatt and Gordon’s model. The model came about after the advent of a focus on maintenance and relapse prevention. Under this model, interventions are designed so as to enhance the maintenance of behavior change and to ensure that there are self-management and skills for withstanding the challenges posed by relapses (Fisher and Harrison 12). Johnson notes that relapse prevention goals are twofold: preventing initial relapse and management of relapse to abate a complete relapse in case it fails to occur. Nevertheless, treatment goals based on the reduction of harm and reduction of substance use have also been tried. The effectiveness of relapse prevention models have been reviewed with regard to different substances and then matched with numerous intervention alternatives.

Comparison of Healthcare, Nursing Care, and Nursing education in the Research Paper

Comparison of Healthcare, Nursing Care, and Nursing education in the US and Ireland - Research Paper Example Barring a few exceptions such as Veterans Healthcare Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program and TRICARE, the health insurance in the United States is predominantly provided by the private firms (Sultz & Young, 2008). Many of the Americans and their families are extended health insurance by their employers. Yet, a great many Americans are left uninsured. The US spends more money per capita on healthcare than any other nation in the world (Herzlinger, 2007). In fact a large chunk of the national income is spent on healthcare every year. Considering the very high cost of healthcare in the United States, the country has the third highest healthcare budget in the world (Herzlinger, 2007). Irrespective of the gargantuan healthcare expenditure, when it comes to parameters like infant mortality and life expectancy, the US tends to fall behind other developed nations (Herzlinger, 2007). Though there are many government funded healthcare programs, yet they are mostly limited to the veterans, the elderly, the poor, children, and disabled (Armstrong & Armstrong, 1999). Luckily, as per the federal laws, the citizens are allowed a free access to the emergency services, irrespective of their ability to pay (Armstrong & Armstrong, 1999). The hospitals, doctors and the medical personnel in the United States are primarily funded by the insurance pla ns and the payments received from the patients (Roth, 2010). Also, there are also many inequities in the US healthcare system in the context of ethnicity and financial status (Roth, 2010). Besides, United States is one of the only two countries in the world that allows the pharmaceutical companies to engage in direct to consumer advertising of prescription drugs, thereby further adding to the cost of healthcare (Roth, 2010). The current Obama administration has given way to many healthcare reforms like Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Healthcare and