The economist Keynes

The author should address the use of labor laws to increase productivity and rebuild family bonds as our previous economy. The labor laws must reflect the new changes in our New Economy in order for traditional workers and corporations to flourish. Increased productivity can reduce the workloads of all workers once our economy reaches a successful standpoint in comparison to our forefathers. Economists call this movement a revolution, but many workers are still experiencing a mind numbing career due to the long hours placed on their positions within corporations.The total mindsets of corporations replacing the â€Å"family† aspect are visible in today’s new society as well; for instance, new technologies are replacing workers and outsourcing has reduced costs. These affiliations with other corporations have become a society within their own rights – IT firms and real estate industries. The economist Keynes understands that the work being put into the economy now will reduce the problems and fix the way our society functions today.Families have been disrupted due to the increased work weeks, single-family homes, and outsourcing in which some employees have relocated into foreign countries. Our economy may reach full potential if the government enforces vacation days as a requirement for all companies. This will give workers time to recuperate from the hard work they have placed into their jobs during the week. In a way, this is a very clever argument because there is a possibility that worker will increase their productivity after a slight rest.Civil activities can be attended to as they were before, more money will flow through the economy, and the technologies can alter or require workers to return to school for higher education. Our New Economy demands a high-performance individual with working knowledge of the latest technologies; higher education requirements are signaling an improved economy too. National awareness of the advanced tech nology may make labor laws suitable for high-performance workers as well as traditional workers.

Nathaniel Hawthorns use of symbolism in The Hollow of Three Hills Essay

Nathaniel Hawthorne turns the perhaps often ignored topic of adultery into a compelling story that keeps the reader enthralled by using various literary techniques. He focuses on using colour and sound as a way to activate the audience’s imagination and create a somewhat magical picture that only the mind could produce. He describes certain things and places in a precise manner, using symbolism that can foreshadow the themes of the story. In the introductory paragraph, he describes the Hollow as being â€Å"†¦almost mathematically circular,† this allows the reader to deduce that an aura of the supernatural can be seen in the story. Hawthorne uses colour not only to create an image in the readers mind about what they are reading, but also to create a mood and tone to the story. For instance, he describes the hollow as a place full of dark greens and browns, setting a rather dark and gloomy mood. He describes the scene at the bottom of the hollow, â€Å"One of these masses of decaying wood, formerly a majestic Oak, rested close beside a pool of green and sluggish water at the bottom of the basin.† The greens and browns described in this sentence, along with the description of the rotting wood and stagnant water creates a picture of mould, death and decay, an overall miserable colour scheme, creating a miserable mood. This miserable mood is then expanded on when it is mentioned that the old woman has grey hair, a rather drab colour. The first vision is also set in darkness with the only colour being mentioned being the grey ashes and orange embers, however, these oranges seem to create a feeling of fright rather than warmth. The second vision also brings on a notion of fear and resentment, the grey colour of the chains lingers on the readers mind. The third vision seems to be the darkest of all, the theme of a funeral immediately focusing the readers mind to the colour black. The darkness throughout the story seems to flow into this third vision, encompassing the readers mind, creating a black space for the reader to focus solely on the sounds being created in the story, yet another technique used to grab the emotions of the reader. Hawthorne carries the feelings of the adulteress; sorrow, grief, despair and suffering throughout the story by using various sound devices and excessive descriptive techniques. A feeling of fear is brought into the readers mind as they imagine the intimidating voice of the aged crone as the story is introduced. The sound of a prayer being uttered under her breath and the voices of the vision begin to take over the readers mind as well, and one is brought inside the head of the woman. One hears the crackling of dying embers and the voices of the woman’s parents, as well as the old crone’s prayers, almost as if there is a merging of two dimensions. We then break away and are brought back to the deathly calm of the Hollow. As one reads on, the mind is forced to enter the second dimension again. Here Hawthorne uses strong onomatopoeic words to elaborate on the intensity of the sounds being created. â€Å"Shrieks pierce through the obscurity of sound†. Through this sentence, Hawthorne is able to derive a bloodcurdlingly pitched scream inside one’s mind. The voice of insanity is encroaching upon her. Calm is one again brought on by the sound of singing, often associated with calm due to the fact that an infant is calmed by lullaby. The voice of her husband becomes the dominant voice, indicating his feelings of absolute betrayal. The third vision contains perhaps the least noise, but in turn, speaks the loudest. The funeral bells tolls the sound of death, and the tread of the coffin bearers create an ominous miser, however it is the deathly sound of silence that follows, that echoes loudest in the readers mind. Nathaniel Hawthorn also uses symbols throughout the story to accentuate the miserable tone, and the severity of the adulteress’s crimes. He uses three hills, and three visions to show reference to the Holy Trinity, which was sinned against when the woman committed adultery. A funeral sermon was given by a priest, extending the Christian connotations. A large religious role is also given to the use of the power of the super natural, and black magic. The ‘‘almost mathematically circular’’ hollow bears reference to the use of the circle in witchcraft. The woman also places her head upon the crone’s knees, a power that was not god, an evil deed that would have sold her soul to Satan. They stood around â€Å"†¦ a mantling pool, disturbing its putrid waters in the performance of an impious baptismal rite.† This sentence creates an uneasy feeling that they were standing in the areas of hell, or belonging to the devil. The use of the sound and colour in the story create a vivid layout and deeply emotionally stirring images in one’s mind that remain in the sub conscious for further thought, this impact could not have been achieved without such extensive use of these devices. The symbolism added understanding to this emotionally stirring story, and created an undertone of resentment for the adulteress, as one was able to realise the crimes that she had committed in relation to religion. Overall, the use of black magic, and the miserable light, as well as the impeding sound of death in the story, allowed Hawthorn to create a work of literature that excellently portrays the critical consequences of this woman’s tragic mistake and her deep feeling of regret are echoed in the sound of her silence at the end of the story.

Case Study Of John Wayne Gacy English Literature Essay

Case Study Of John Wayne Gacy English Literature Essay John Wayne Gacy, a serial killer who was born in Chicago, Illinois, was the only son in John Samuel Gacy’s family of three children. He grew up in a family where they had an affectionate mother but a cruel father, an alcoholic, who used to discipline Johnny, as his mother called him, using a belt. The father used to be both physically and verbally abusive to the entire family; he would call Gary a â€Å"mama’s boy† and a sissy. Gary faced some extra hard childhood problems, including being molested by a family friend at only nine and being struck by a swing right on his forehead when he was eleven. The result was a head trauma that became root to a blood clot that was first noticed five years later; that is when he started suffering from black outs (Sullivan he attended four different high schools, dropped out of every single one of them and, at the end, never graduated. After a quarrel with his father when he was twenty years old, john decided to move to Las V egas, Nevada, where he got a job as a mortuary attendant for about three months. He then returned to Chicago, where, without having to go back to high school to seek graduation, he registered at the Northwestern Business College and graduated there. After his graduation, he managed to secure a management trainee position at a shoe company and made some major leaps in life after that, including getting promoted as a salesman in Springfield, Illinois, in 1964 and getting married to Marlynn Myers the same year (Kozenczak he constructed a basement at one of the restaurants where he opened a bar. Here, he used to take teenage male employees and forced them to perform oral sex on him. He also claimed to perform scientific research when he paid the teenagers fifty dollars each to have sex with each other; he called them homosexual experiments. Things got a little thick for Gacy in 1968 when two teenage boys claimed having being sexually assaulted by him; he got away with it when there was no evidence found. The same year, a youth confessed against Gacy; he had hired him to molest one of the two boys, trying to intimidate them. This time, he got ten years in jail after getting convicted of sodomy and on the same day, his wife filed for divorce – he never saw his children again and his father died while he was in prison, after which he had a pretty hard time trying to secure a compassionate leave to go and bury his father; he never succeeded. In 1971, Gacy was accused again by a young boy who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by him but the case got dismissed since the young boy never showed up in court. In 1972, another accusation for Gacy came up when he was arrested and accused of battering a young man. The man was claimed to have been battered when Gacy flashed a Sherriff’s badge, impersonating a police officer and luring him into his car. He allegedly forced him to fellate him but the case was dismissed after claims of the man trying to blackm ail Gacy for money were raised. Gacy continued to commit more crimes after 1972 including murdering many people, most of them young boys and men, committing rapes on teenage boys and other major crimes. Between 1972 and 1978, Gacy had raped and killed thirty three teenage boys.

Marketing (South East Asian Region) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing (South East Asian Region) - Essay Example The business venture can prove to be successful if the company takes couple of distinct steps in the planning process for the foreign market. Such key steps for success in any foreign market are (John R. Darling et.al, 2004): In order to assess and analyze the market potential market research proves to be handy tool. The phenomenal growth in the number of marketing research departments suggests that this technique is being rapidly accepted by the business community. Marketing research itself comprises of studying the; Most of the theories of internationalization have their roots in industrial organisation and economics (from Coase in 1930s through Bain in 1950s to Williamson in the 1970s) and most of these theories were developed as a direct consequence of US MNCs desire to explore the markets of Europe and elsewhere. Since then the world has changed a lot with Asian nations like India taking a big lead in IT sector and China in manufacturing sector. The dominant change in the world economy is of course is the globalisation of markets. This phenomenon is a result of the convergence of the advances in technology, transport processes and production techniques. Globalization of markets and international competition are requiring firms to operate in a multicultural environment. People from different cultures may vary in convenience orientation not only because of time pressures but also because of the value placed on physical or mental comfort. For example, the oil rich consumers or Arabian Gulf coun tries place less value on time and more on high levels of comfort, as their oil wealth fuels convenience-driven demand. But in Southeast Asian nations money and time are more valued than the comfort. Southeast Asia comprises of huge developed markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, besides other significant markets like Vietnam and Myanmar. Southeast Asian markets have made tremendous efforts in restructuring recovering, and strengthening their economies since the 1997 crisis. This recovery is very much visible in the stock market indices of these nations. For example, Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI), Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) Thailand Index (SET) and Indonesia's Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index (JCI) have been on an upswing throughout the year 2006. These nations led by China and India are being termed as Asian tigers as a tribute to the consistent performances in their economies. Though there are country specific issues affecting the entry modes and the extent of entry by any MNC, still the overall environment appears to be investment

Assignment 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Assignment 3 - Essay Example There is a season where the cyclones form, mostly at the end of the summer when the temperature of the water rises, and the temperature difference is at its greatest. Before a storm reaches the level of a hurricane, it first becomes a tropical depression, then a tropical storm (Ackerman and Knox, 2013). Even when it is classified as a hurricane, there are still several categories depending on their strengths as will be pointed later in this literature. Formation and Movement A hurricane forms when there is a major temperature difference between air temperature and that of the water body. This happens during a range of particular times each year creating what is known as a hurricane season. During this time, many develop, some strong some negligible (Huang, 2012). A hurricane forms when the warm ocean water evaporates making the air humid and forming low lying clouds. This creates a low pressure forcing wind to rush inwards towards the area that the warm water is evaporating. This win d forces air upward and flow with the air up then outwards. In a strong hurricane, this forms the eye of the storm which may be as large as an area of 18 km radius. The humid air forms the cloud of the storm which will later fall as heavy rainfall. Lastly, the light winds steer the storm because of its low-pressure centre propelling it and acting as its source of energy. A hurricane gathers momentum when travelling across warm waters but drastically loses its energy when travelling across land or cold waters (Edwards, 2013). This is because the warm waters are the primary source of energy fuelling the hurricane, which is not available on land. A hurricane thus forms above a large warm water body and is propelled by winds and may travel across land where they cause massive destruction. Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Katrina and Sandy are the two costliest hurricanes in the history of the US. They occurred 7 years apart, Hurricane Katrina formed in 2005 while Sandy fo rmed in 2012. Hurricane Katrina remains the deadliest and the most destructive hurricane that ever formed off the coast of Atlantic Ocean with property damage estimated to be $81 billion. Hurricane Sandy is the second most destructive to date, and the property damage is estimated to be at $68 billion. The following is a contrast and comparison of the two deadliest hurricanes to hit the US. Path Both of these storms originated from the Pacific, around the Caribbean countries; however, their exact places of origin differ. Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas on August 25th 2005. It crossed Southern Florida area causing massive destruction. It then moved across the Gulf of Mexico before making its second landfall in South East Louisiana before moving to Mississippi where it lost its energy and died out (Barnes, 2007). Hurricane Sandy may have been less destructive as compared to Katrina, but it covered a wider area. In fact, Hurricane Sandy affected 7 countries and 24 states in th e US alone. Hurricane Sandy developed deep in the Caribbean Sea on October 22nd 2012 as tropical depression. It quickly upgraded to a tropical storm in less than 6 hours. In 48 hours, it had been graded ass a hurricane and made its first landfall near Jamaica’s capital, Kingston as a category one hurricane. On October 25th, it had hit Cuba, then Bahamas on October 26th reaching the US on October 29th where it made its landfall at Brigantine, New Jersey. It later spread

Public Governance in the Modern Day Era Assignment

Public Governance in the Modern Day Era - Assignment Example Most of the writers are of America origin, however, research work has also been done in other parts of the world also. This column indicates that most of the scholarship on the subject took place in the domain of sociology. Most of the authors were sociologists who attempted to discuss as to how technology can actually help to achieve more benefits for the people and citizens. The overall emphasis of the sociologists has been on determining how actually people’s problems can be overcome with the help of technology. Authors on the subject of business have mainly focused upon the connection between how private sector organizations can actually take benefit from the implementation of technology at public management institutions. The overall focus is on mimicking the strategic innovation achieved by public management institutions which have been achieved through technology. Most of the articles under review have considered public sector organizations as their unit of analysis. More focus has been on the interaction of technology with the public sector organizations. Most importantly, the units under analysis were public sector universities and educational institutions involved in departing education facilities. Research has also focused upon Police Departments wherein authors have focused upon how by integrating modern technology can improve the modern policing methods. Research has also focused on schools wherein the effective integration of technology with the learning aids can actually help children to learn quickly and under better learning environment. Most of the research conducted has been done through survey methodology wherein researchers attempted to review and survey the existing literature and practices in order to outline how the integration of technology is taking place with that of the public organizations.  

Online Assingment Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Online Assingment - Article Example The New York Presbyterian hospital is the first hospital to test surgery that is designed only for type 2 diabetes. This study is designed to test if diabetes is better handled by surgery as opposed to the other medical treatment options that there are today. This is the first study available to those who are overweight or mildly obese and may open doors to new studies. Under guidelines that currently exist, bariatric surgery is used for the treatment of severe obesity or morbid obesity for people who have a body mass index of 35 or greater. Treatment is now available for patients with a body mass index as low as 26. The body mass index of a healthy person is 19 to 25 while those who are overweight have a body mass index of 26 to 29. Those who are obese have a body mass index that is above 30. Patients with a body mass index below 26 and above 35 are not permitted in the study because the health risks are too dangerous. Previous research has shown that gastric bypass surgery for thos e people with a body mass index of 35 or greater will benefit from the results to treat their type 2 diabetes.

NITI Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

NITI - Essay Example This trend does not however continue as it is soaked further. At 14 minutes, it is noted that the ultimate strength begins to rise again at a decline is again recorded as 21 minutes of soaking. In essence, soaking can be said to generally result into reduced ultimate strength. Niki titanium like other metals forms one of the periodic table elements. The metal, atomic number 22 has a silvery color, low density, and high yield strength (Donachie 11). Additionally, it experiences considerably high corrosion resistance. It can be alloyed by various metals including iron, aluminum and molybdenum, among others. The resulting alloy elements are often lightweight and strong enough for use in important equipment such as aerospace parts, military equipment, dental, implants, and mobile phones, among others. It is important to emphasize that the two most important engineering properties associated with niki titanium are corrosive resistance and highest strength to weight ratio than any other known metal. Some titanium match steel in strength but have more than half the weight of equivalent size of steel. Additionally, it is ductile and its high melting point allows both hot working and cold

The Split Capital Investment Trust Crisis Essay

The Split Capital Investment Trust Crisis - Essay Example The objective in this differentiation in the financial products is to make available risk, income and tax preference options based on the required of potential investors. These offerings are designed such that they can be wound up at a future date normally extending to seven or ten years (Adams, 2004). The norm in split investment trust companies was traditional splits consisting of income shares and capital shares and quasi splits that had an added zero-dividend preference shares. Income shares had a low risk and high income and were a suitable investment for elderly people, while capital shares offered high income with an element of risk involved. The zero-dividend shares received no income and so attracted no income tax and had the added benefit of being paid off first at the time of liquidation of the trust. The high risk for the capital shares came from their being the last in terms of settlement at the time of the liquidation of trust (Adams, 2004). Spurred by the buoyant financial markets in the 1990s and the pursuit of fees by the fund management firms and their broker/advisors, who were invested with the day-to-day management of the investment trust products led to a the aggressive combination of the traditional splits and quasi-splits wherein all income shares, capital shares and zero-dividend preference were combined in what came to be known as the barbell trusts (Adams, 2004). Barbell trusts as their name suggests consist of a growth portfolio at one end and an income portfolio at the other and nothing in between. The problem in this was that the growth portfolio invariably was invested in an area of growth that was popularly attractive at that period of time and carried a high risk potential. The barbells were however high yielding securities and found an easy market with investors, who had gone used to high returns

Port Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Port Management - Case Study Example Santos is considered to be a good harbor for ships, fishing and trade purposes. (The ports of Brazil, 1942) The Santos port approaches to increase the rate of exports by cheap means of transport. It enhances the trade by providing a track to the countries linked with the Atlantic Ocean. It has its origins associated to the coffee trade. It also facilitated to advance the sanitary situation of the region. It also played an essential role in the industrial growth of the State of So Paulo and of the entire Brazil. The Port of Santos is situated in the town that has the same name in the coast of southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. It is the port that transported most of the goods to the Arab countries in the year 2005. Goods worth at US$ 2.1 billion moved across the terminal heading towards the Arab countries in North Africa and the Middle East. In conditions of quantity, shipments reached 5.3 million tons. There are 64 private terminals at the Port of Santos and total area is 7.7 million square kilometers. It gave refuge to 44.7% of the Brazil's exports to the Arab states, which made a sum of US$ 4.7 billion up to November, 2005. (Edgar Rodrigues; Clifford Harper, 2005) The chief commodity to export i... It is also a chief transshipment port for good and commodities created in all the Southern cone countries (Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay). For instance, in the past, Santos went beyond Buenos Aires as Latin America's second-largest manager of containers. Land access and division within the ports are two important issues. The port is provided by quickly to be finished toll road that supplies high powered, quick access to So Paulo. Just about 90 % of the export and import cargo is conceded or from the port by trucks. There are Five railway companies, under allowance since 2000, serve the port. The port had an aim of covering 10 million tons of load carried by rail at the end of 2002, an ambition that was met. Investments of rail facilities in the port possessions and use of concessions have radically improved the efficiency of rail car use. 20% of container traffic from the port is controlled by rail, around twenty thousand TEUs per month. Rail investment in infrastructure on port possessions is a significant factor of increased access to the port. With no corresponding investment in rail infrastructure In further elements of the state, however, the use of rail for shifting goods also from the port will be limited. Projects are being generated that will permit leasing of rail infrastructure for private workers, created investment dollars. Rail services, in amalgamation with inland water barge, symbolize a significant access mode for agricultural commodities, particularly soy. Other policies have been used to develop the port's efficiency. The port is maneuvered twenty four hours a day with a twenty four hours reservation method for trucks due to overcrowding on the local road system, and port organizers are

Some wonderfull events in my life Essay Example for Free

Some wonderfull events in my life Essay Everybody in the world is pass from different and various events during his/her lives. I also observed and pass through the many events from my childhood up to present now. As I grow up I perceives knowledge form the education, nature, etc. He enjoys events or occasion, makes friends, etc. Friends are very important in ones life because friends are responsible to give shapes of ones life. I got a chance to live in a good life in a big city when my dad transferred to a city. I did my kinder garden in a small village of just 2000 population of people. Mostly villages are not as developed as large cities. I was like a poor village boy at that time, but as my dad got job in city it also proved helpful to me because I got a chance to live like a modern boy. Therefore this event of getting job led me to live in a good life. When I was in Middle school, I had a lot of friends in my school and near by my area too, as I was very successful in making a bad friends rather than good friends. In other words I learned those activities, which parents want to keep away from their kids. I learned to smoke, started drinking alcohol, harassing girls and started all those activities that were illegal at that time of my age. I did not study for my school and was failing in my subjects. However, I got rid of those bad friends as soon as I could, otherwise I do not think that I can be a good educated person in the society with the company of those friends. Actually after entering in to a new community, I made very good contacts with very bad people. Therefore, this event of making friends proved to be unsuccessful or bad for me. My last event is love event, which I encountered when I was in High school that proves to be very important and helpful in my life until now. I liked one girl in my school. She was my girlfriend for two long years. Those two years are considered among the best years of life. She is two years younger than me, but she was an A student and I was a B student. She is intelligent and always helped me in my study matter. She encouraged me to get good grades in exam. She became very happy if I get good grades and we always had a party after each exam in any subjects. Only because of her help I reached up to college otherwise if she did not meet me in High school, IÂ  could not even graduate from my High school. Everybody says that to have a girlfriend during college education is not a good thing, because if we have a girlfriend, we also need to spend time on them that cause an adverse effect on education especially if anybody is in professional school. However, according to me, it is depends on a how a girlfriend is. If she understands the importance of education and life, she helps a boy in achieving success. I am doing BS in Biochemistry and will going to transfer in Spring 2005. I can say that she was behind me to push me up to college, and even in future I need her to get my degree because she is the one who always encouraged me to do well. Therefore, this love event in my life proves to be very successful, and helpful in my life.

The Historical Changes Within The Family

The Historical Changes Within The Family Family can be defined as a group of people related by heredity, such as parents, children and siblings. It is sometimes broadened to include persons related by marriage or those living in the same household who are emotionally attached, interact regularly, and share concerns for the growth and development of the group and its individual members. There is legal definition of the family, but it varies depending on the jurisdiction and purpose for which it is defined. The family can have two basic types: nuclear and extended family. A nuclear family consist of adult husband, the wife, and their dependent children who are not of age, and the extended family is composed of the nuclear family and other relatives. Apart from the above mentioned types of family, there are other types such as the lone-parent families, which is one parent and his or her dependent children, the reconstituted family- when a new family is created after divorce through a second marriage and the empty nest family w here the children of nuclear family has grown and left home. Functionalism is a theory that sees society as a social system designed to meet the basic needs and to promote the survival of its members. According to them, the social system comprises of economic, political, kinship and culture and each of these has an established institution that plays a role in the running of society. Functionalists talk about society being like a human body. The organic analogy incorporates the ideas of a system to emphasise the inter-relatedness and mutual dependency of the major institutions of society. To them, the family is at the heart of society. They therefore, see the family as changing and responding to the needs of society. The systems approach has been used by functionalists to explain how social change occurs in society. Talcott Parsons is one of the most important functionalist sociologists who studied family life in the 1950s. He referred to families as personality factories which meant that, families produce children who share the basic norms and values of their society and were moulded in the image of the society. He saw the family as the basic and most vital institution in society whose irreducible function is the stabilisation of adult personalities, where the family gives the emotional support necessary to cope with the stress of everyday life, especially at younger age in order to develop a strong emotional bond and to grow and function well in the society. Once the personality is produced, adults need emotional security and a source of release from the stresses and strains of modern life. The emotional support of partners helps to provide this security and prevent stress from overwhelming the individual and threatening the stability of society. This is the warm bath theory: the husband arriv es home from a stressful day at work and sinks into the warm bath that his family (wife) provides. Peter Murdock, (1949) is another functionalist who studied 250 societies and identified the functions of the family as sexual, where the family provides environment for regulating sexual desires. Families make sure that, such activities happens or takes place at the right location. The next function is reproduction, essential for survival of human society. Families ensure the survival of babies becoming adults. Babies are born vulnerable and incapable of taking care of themselves. It is therefore the duty of the family to train and equip them until such time that, they become adult and matured enough to face the world on their own. Another function of the family, according to Murdock, is to instil the norms, cultures and values of society into children and to make sure they are satisfactorily socialised. The family also provide economic support for other family members. This can happen in all sorts of forms like provision of child care and financial support in difficult times. Murdocks ideas were that, the nuclear family is so useful to society, inevitable and universal because it fulfils the essential functions. This is because he had found evidence of nuclear families in the 250 different societies he studied. He saw the nuclear family as the most efficient arrangement for performing all of the above vital functions and defined it as a universal human social grouping, either as the sole prevailing form of the family or as the basic unit from which more complex forms compounded. It exists as a distinct and strong functional group in every society. However, they have been criticised by the way they see the family. Parsons picture is of a typical middle class USA family which may not be representative for most families. They have also been accused of idealising the family. Functionalist fails to consider the validity of other family structures and do not consider the diversity of family types. They ignore conflict, abuse, gender inequalities, and rising divorce rates within the family. Interpretative sociologists tend to argue that, functionalists concentrate too much on the importance of the family to society and ignore the importance and meanings of family that individuals perceive. Feminists argue that the functionalist view of the expressive and instrumental roles as natural are in fact socially constructed. They also disagree with Murdochs idea that the nuclear family is natural, believing that there is no preferable family structure and encourage family diversity. They are of the opinion that, the functionalist view of the family encourages oppression of women. Marxists argue that the functionalist view of the family views those family structures which support and benefit capitalism, and that, the nuclear family is part of the superstructure with the sole purpose of perpetuating a capitalist system. They also believe that, the family socialises its members to accept the false consciousness that capitalism is good for all and that the government helps the people through healthcare. Marxism also rejects the functionalist idea that society is based on consensus; they would say that current society is based upon a conflict between the small powerful ruling class and the working majority. Both Marxists and feminists disagree with the functionalist idea that each organ of society exists for the benefit of society itself and for its individual members, they believe that they exist for the benefit of the ruling class of either capitalists or men. The next theoretical approach is the feminist. It is worth mentioning that, there are several types of feminism, included are, liberal, radical, socialist, and humanist but they all share in common the following about the family according to Barrie Thorne (1982). They see the society as male dominated, the family as an institution involving power relationships, men having different ideas of being in the family from women, the family being a source for the control of women, that there is no biological need for the family which is just a product of culture rather of nature, the ideologies of socialisation is based on gender, men gaining more from family life than women, and has also challenged the view of the family as being based on cooperation, shared interests and love. Feminist see society as being patriarchal where things are made up of unequal structures of power between men and women. It practically means rule of the father which is more to do with culture and makes us believe and think the family is one of the biological things we need naturally. Beechey (1986) is of the view that, people has taken the family for granted and the family requiring different things from men and women, and are also made to believe that, it is ideal to bring up children in a family setting where most of the work is done by women. Feminist think that, all this has contributed and continue to the male dominance in the family and society as a whole. Benton regards the structure of the family life as the main cause of womens oppression (housewife role), where the wife provides a relaxing environment for the male worker. Things have changed in recent years in the family. Decision making in the home as pointed by Stephen Edgell (2000) shows that, in middle class homes, women have sole responsibility for financial decisions in areas as home decorating. Some things still need to be changed when we look at the following which has been pointed by the feminist as the dark side of the modern day family. The family contains a large amount of psychological harm for women, and still perform the majority of the housework. Evidence suggests that many women today have a dual burden of labour-home responsibilities as well as work. Majority of emotional work still remains a job for women and there are lots of instances of sexual and domestic abuse of women in the family. The Marxist theory of the family was developed by the work of Karl Marx (1818-1883) and believed that, society was made up of two important parts, the economic base and the superstructure which includes the family. He describes the economic base as the most important because it influences the superstructure. The family will therefore reflect the values and concerns of the economic base. The Marxist idea of the family was that, society was the family and believed early society was based on a primitive form of communism where there was no such thing as private property, no rules limiting sexual behaviour and promiscuity was normal. Their idea supports capitalism where the family forms part of the superstructure and passes on ideologies that justify inequality and enables the bourgeoisie to maintain control of the economic base. The family evolved in order to establish paternity to protect private property and its oppressive inhibited creativity. The family is therefore an ideological conditioning device. In short, the family was seen as an institution when wives play their traditional roles as takers of shit, and often absorb their husbands legitimate anger and frustration in a way which poses no challenge to the system (Ashley). Also, the child is in fact primarily taught how to submit to the society but not how to survive (Cooper). This theory has got the strength of exploring the role of oppressive ideologies and offers explanation for the development of the family. It also acknowledges the dark side of the family, links it to inequality in capitalist society, and offers critical approach. It has however been criticised of ignoring family diversity, seeing the nuclear family as simply determined by the economy. It ignores how changes may come about due to legal and attitudinal changes and also ignores the patriarchal nature of society. Considering the above discussion, it is true that men, the state, society and its institution have exercised enormous power over women by deciding how parenting and household responsibilities should be distributed? Who should have a right to household earnings and property? Who has the right to form a family? What defines a parent? How many parents can a child have? How many children can a parent have? Answering these already complex questions is additionally complicated by the existence of new technologies that make possible multiple ways of becoming a parent. Below, is the examination of two main values that feminists have argued should guide the families we make, individual choice and equality. The traditional family has seen many changes in the last fifty years. In the decades following WW II increasing numbers of women entered the labour force. Divorce rates increased dramatically: the divorce rate in the 1980s was almost two and a half times what it had been in 1940. The development of the birth control pill has made it easier for women to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to plan when to have children. There are a growing number of single parent families, gay families, and extended families. By 1989, 25% of children were living in single parent households. Economic, technological and social factors have together made the full time-stay at home housewife and mother with a working husband a statistical minority. Laws governing families have also changed. Modern laws are more likely to view men and women as equals, who can be subjected to the authority of each other only with their own consent. How far should the idea of womens right in marriage, the institutions and society be taken? Some feminists have proposed contract model of marriage to allow any and all consenting adults to marry and to freely choose the terms of their association. These feminists would abolish state-defined marriage altogether and replace it with individual contracts drawn up by each couple wanting to marry (Fine man 1995, Weitzman 1985). Indeed, contracts would allow not only gay couples to marry but would also allow multiple marriages, as in the case of polygamy and determine the domestic division of labour. They argue that by moving marriage from an implicit status based, patriarchal arrangement to an explicit contract, womens freedom and equality would be enhanced (Weitzman 1985). Divorce has become more commonplace due to the fact that, feminism has altered the perception of what a wife might expect from a marriage, women have become more financially independent of their husbands, religious values have become less important and the process of getting a divorce has been made easier. The question therefore to ask, is this right and freedom we are fighting for good for the society? I will say too much of everything is bad and we need to be aware of the consequences of such changes upon family members and the structure of families. One example would be the growing number of reconstituted family. Another issue to consider is the decline of the nuclear family due to a greater acceptance within society of other types of family. For example cohabitation is no longer described as living in sin. Women are now more wiling to consider alternatives to raising children within the nuclear family, which is partly due to the impact of feminism; divorce is more socially accept able than in previous generations and there is a greater willingness amongst many people to accept alternatives to the family.

Evaluation Of Hrm Policies In Nestle Management Essay

Evaluation Of Hrm Policies In Nestle Management Essay Bob Kane, John Crawford and David Grant (1999) research discussed the effectiveness of HRM policies in Australian and New Zealand organizations. The authors had highlighted that HRM effectiveness could be achieved through soft and hard approaches. They had also identified the barriers to effective implementation of HRM policies. The first barriers as identified in the research paper were the low priority of top management towards HRM issues as they focused towards power and control. Second barrier as explained was the competencies of HR personnel to implement a credible HRM programs within the organization. Third barrier concerned the lack of knowledge about the long term impact of effective HRM programs. This study specifically focused on problems or barriers which had a negative impact on HRM effectiveness. For that purpose, researchers gathered responses from managers, employees and HR staff. They measured respondents perception of both hard and soft approaches which had been practiced in various organization. Researchers floated questioners that targeted managers, employees and HR personnel of organization of Australia , New Zealand, USA, UK and Canada. The questionnaire consisted of 42 questions. A total 702 respondents completed the questionnaires. The result indicated that employees and managers were not satisfied with HR personnel as their policies were not effective in order to improve the employee motivation, satisfaction and commitment. The research concludes that HRM polices can be achieved through soft and hard HRM approaches however companies have failed to successfully implement HRM policies due to lack of the support of companys top level management and inadequate and incompetent HRM staff. The researchers defined soft HRM approach as employee motivation, commitment and development. This approach plays a significant role in a business to create a work environment where employees work efficiently for the company. Employees can enhance their skills through trainings and commitment which creates a competent workforce. This workforce allows the companies to enjoy competitive advantage over its rivals. Another approach as identified in the paper is HARD HRM approach also known as strategic HRM. This approach of the view that HRM effectiveness can be achieved through implementation of cost reducing measures in human resources. Tanuja Agarwala (2002) in his research paper the author had studied the factors which had changed the trends in Human Resource Practices. Rapid change in technology had brought innovation in the human resource activities (r recruitment, selection, training, appraisals etc). The study also highlighted organizational effects and employees outcomes which were directly inclined to creative HR practices. This study focused on the growing trends of Human Resource Management. It also focused on outcomes by appling innovative HR policies within the organization. Tanuja Agarwala (2002) conducted in-depth interviews to understand the emerging trends of innovation in human resource management. A total of 21 in-depth interviews were conducted with private sector organization and public sector organizations. The entire experts believed that innovation in HRM had brought positive changes in organizations as it increased the skills and commitment of the employees. He also stated that people were organizations precious assets and innovative human resource policies would increase the skills of the employees. The variables and their relationships deduced were most significant for my research. Innovative HR practices (recruitment, selection, testing, training, appraisals) directly influences the overall organizational climate. It also has an impact on employees performance, attitude and his knowledge and skills. These practices also had an impact on the organizational productivity, employee turnover and financial performance. R.S. Dwivedi (2001) study highlighted the key competencies required for selection and training and development of key managers. The three competencies as indentified by the author were interpersonal communication skills, leadership skills and motivational skills. The research was conducted on 106 successful managers of Indian organization. This study focused to identify the interpersonal communication styles of successful managers, transformational or transactional leadership among managers and the factors which motivate people at work. It also intended to identify the key competencies required to make HRM decision in Indian organizations. The author deduced that consultative communication style was considered more feasible then despotic style. Moreover mostly managers in the sample were equipped with transformational leadership which enables the strengthening of the organization. The author also identifies that employees could be motivated by satisfying their needs and wants. Thus these competencies as identified in the paper were significant for my research and they can be sued as a key to make critical HR decisions. Marcel Van Marrewijk and Jonna Timmers(2003) in addition to human resource management introduced a new approach called Human capital management. Human capital management stressed on alignment between individual and organization as it is the key to successful management. The authors highlight that human resource management only deals with recruitment, retention and rousing the workforce. However it doesnt play an important role in order to bring motivation and commitment among the employees. On the other hand, the new approach ( HCM) embodied the features of human resource management and provides undiminished values. Human capital management aligned with employees in three domains: Human operations, corporate identity and values and human development with the goals of dedication, commitment and motivation respectively. Therefore human capital management outshines human resource management in every possible way. Mark A. Youndt, Scott A. Snell, James W. Dean, Jr. and David P. Lepak (Aug.1996) research examined two alternative views-universal and contingency- of the human resources (HR) in manufacturing industry. This study was conducted to study determine the degree to which Human resource management policies have an impact on firms overall performance. It also focused to analyze the relationship between human resource management and operational performance of the firm. It also studied the linkages between manufacturing strategies and HR policies and its impact on the overall performance of the firm. It was revealed from the research that contingency approach (human resource management on the basis of cost, quality and flexibility) was better than universal approach. Shaping HR practices according to the organizational strategies was the key for competitive advantage. The results suggested that HR practices intended to foster employees and create an egalitarian work environment positively influence operational performance when matched with quality manufacturing strategies. Thus the notion of HR practices on the basis of cost, quality and flexibility holds significant value for my research. Marianne J. Koch and Rita Gunther McGrath. (1996) deduced that positive and significant effects of labor productivity are found for organizations that utilize more sophisticated human resource planning, recruitment, and selection strategies. The hypothesis of this study were overall human resource sophistication and investment in hiring, human resource planning and employee development will have a positive effect on labor productivity. In this study, labor productivity being the dependent variable was being influenced by independent variables such as investments in human resource planning, hiring and training. Results had shown that investment in human resource management do pay off as workforce becomes more productive and works efficiently to attain the goals of the organization. Research indicated that firms that systematically train and develop their workers are more likely to enjoy the rewards of a more productive workforce than those that do not. Robert Roepke, Ritu Agarwal, Thomas W. Ferratt (2000) case study illustrated how 3M had been able to foster the competencies of IT professionals which in turn turned out to be a competitive advantage for the firm. 3M capitalized its sources and introduced innovative human resource management policies within the organization. The finding of this case study also indicated that investment in improving the leadership capabilities of the employees was essential for success of the firm. Those capabilities can be fostered through trainings and development of the employees, assistance, flexibility and interpersonal understandings. W. Hatch and Jeffrey H. Dyer (2004) also emphasized on investment in human capital in order to have a competitive advantage. It would increase the overall productivity and performance of the firms. The authors also stressed the importance of learning as it was necessary to foster the skills of employees. The hypothesis of this research were: screening tests improve learning through performance, higher human resource education increase learning, and greater investment in human resource field also increases performance. The data was collected through questionnaires and follow-up interviews in different semi-conductors industries of USA, Asia and Europe. Regression analysis was conducted on the data for findings. Results suggested that firms which had practiced proper selection, development and deployment of the employees enjoyed greater productivity and higher returns. Tests like screening tests in the selection process would enable the organization to have a skilled pool of employees as compared to the competitors. Development of the individual skills is essential in manufacturing industry as it enables the firms to achieve the excellence in operations of the firm. Michael Haid (2008) stated that proper implementation of HR practices would increase the commitment and retention of key individuals of organization. Certain HR practices such as manager support, social responsibility and performance appraisal practices would have a positive impact on employees morale as his satisfaction and overall motivation level increased. Michael Haid laid heavy emphasis on managers skills as it was necessary to increase the motivation and commitment level of the employees working under them. Trainings from mentors and coaches would enable employees to foster their competencies and allow the organization to enjoy competitive advantage. The author also stated that organization should be socially responsible as it was necessary for employees determination and commitment towards organization goals. By practicing these policies, employees would be satisfied, committed and found pride in their organization. The employers on the other hand would be able to retain their key employees. Geetanjali Pandit Gupta (2009) in his article discussed his point of view on the importance of HR practices as they played an important role in any industry particularly services. In his article, writer gave suggestion and advisees to Cineplex in order to improve its services in India. He believed that effective HR policies are critical in service sector as there was a direct interaction between customers and employees on multiple touch points. Satisfying the customers were necessary for the company. Choosing the right personnel for the job was a main duty of HR personnel in any organization. Careful recruitment and selection process were required to recruit a skilled workforce. Geetanjali Pandit Gupta (2009) also believed that training of the employees was necessary to improve the skills of the employees working in any service organization. Objectives The basic purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the HR programs of Nestle. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of HR programs in Nestle. To study the effectivenss of motivational techniques being used by managers. To recommend innovative HR practices in order to increase the competencies, skills and motivational level of employees. To study the impact of employees competencies on firms performance. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Hypothesis Testing Employee motivation H0: there is no significant impact of employee motivation on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of employee motivation on HRM programs Employees commitment H0: there is no significant impact of employees commitment on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of employees commitment on HRM programs Employee development H0: there is no significant impact of employee development on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of employee development on HRM programs Technology H0: there is no significant impact of technology on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of technology on HRM programs organizational productivity H0: there is no significant impact of organizational productivity on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of organizational productivity on HRM programs employee turnover H0: there is no significant impact of employee turnover on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of employee turnover on HRM programs financial performance H0: there is no significant impact of financial performance on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of financial performance on HRM programs leadership skills H0: there is no significant impact of leadership skills on HRM programs H1: there is significant impact of leadership skills on HRM programs

Stalinization: Justifying the Terror :: Russian Russia History

Stalinization: Justifying the Terror No other nation has developed at a more fast and alarming rate than Russia under the control of Comrade Joseph Stalin. The 'Stalinization' of Communist Russia may have seemed brutal and unjust, however, many historians agree that many of Stalin's actions were completely necessary for Russia's industrialization. Some of the actions taken included the Five Year Plan for Industry, Five Year Plan for Agriculture, and rapid urbanization. These are the three most important aspects of transforming The Soviet Union into a world economic power. It was soon realized that Lenin's NEP (New Economic Policy) could not continue for much longer. It was granting Russian farmers to own they're own land and to sell they're produce for a profit. The NEP may have been effective for a short while to pull Russia out of her economic slump, but Marxist beliefs dictate that farms must be collectivized. This was the only way that the farms might be able to meet they're target for grain production (which had fallen short by nearly 7 million tons under the NEP). In light of this, Stalin introduced the new Five Year Plan of Agriculture. There was about 25 million plots of privately owned land that were too small to be effective for Grain production. So under the Agriculture Plan, the walls between these small holdings were knocked down and the farms were collectivized. This meant that land could be cultivated much more efficiently with the use of fertilizers, tractors, and other such machinery that otherwise could not be used in a small, privat e holding. Thousands fled the countryside in fear of collectivization to join newly built cities. This led to a rapid urbanization of cities such as Novosibirsk and Moscow, that were expecting to house little more than three million, instead found themselves having to support over six-and-a-half million people that were finding jobs in the industrial work force. This was, however, very hard on the living conditions of the Russian people in these cities. Many people found it hard to get work. Others, with the highest paying jobs, still, were forced to have they're families share one bedroom accommodations with one or two other families! With so many people in urban areas of Russia there were twice the amount of people working in the coal mines and drilling more oil wells. This in turn helped with Stalin's Five Year Plan for Industry.

Story of Saint Hilarion Castle and Queen Regaena :: Byzantine Cyprus

Story of St. Hilarion Castle and Queen Regaena â€Å"Welcome to St. Hilarion, step forward into Queen Regaena’s chamber to receive your pay for your hard work and dedication!† As I step through the doorway, there is the alluring Queen Regaena just inside the open window of her chamber. I cross the room, and I unexpectedly feel the guards’ presence close in behind me. Suddenly, they grab me and force me through the open window. As the guards push me from the precipice outside the window, â€Å"Thank you again,† are the last words I hear, as I fall to my death in the valley below. The fairy tale-looking castle of St. Hilarion was built by the Byzantine queen, Regaena, the end of the 11th century. Queen Regaena was the most beautiful lady in the land of Cyprus, alas; she was also the most heartless and cruel. She was a greedy woman and desired to have the most beautiful and elaborate castle in all of Cyprus. Queen Regaena insisted on overseeing the construction of the castle herself. No detail was to be overlooked. In planning such a large and magnificent castle, Queen Regaena knew that she would need a large workforce. She gathered a large number of sturdy men from near and far and forced them to build her castle. She required the men to form lines, standing side by side, and pass the materials from man to man until they reached their assigned destination. This was difficult work since most of the materials had to be transported from the valley to the summit of the mountain. But goal was to complete the castle in Regaena’s lifetime so she could enjoy it. Finally, the glorious castle was completed and she named it St. Hilarion Castle. Its unsurpassed grandeur impressed all who beheld it. Queen Regaena should have been joyful at the completion of St. Hilarion, however, she was worried. Over the years, Queen Regaena had amassed a large fortune of gold and wealth in her family treasury. Her greatest fear was that the workers who constructed the castle would remember the hidden location of the royal treasure room. She sat in a chamber in the western wing of the castle and thought of a plan to prevent possible robbery. This particular chamber had a window which opened onto an enormous precipice and had a breathtaking view of the valley far below. Sitting at this window, she devised an evil plan to protect her treasure.

Black Holes Essay -- Papers

Black Holes The term black hole was first used in 1969 by the American scientist John Wheeler to describe an object that had such a huge gravitational pull that not even light could escape it, thereby rendering it invisible or black. John Michell extended upon this idea in a paper called the "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London" in which he pointed out that a star that was sufficiently massive and compact would have such a strong gravitational pull that not even light could escape it as any light emitted by the star would be pulled back in by gravity - this was the first theory of a black hole. It is known today that black holes are in fact the fate of huge stars. When these huge stars collapse they eventually collapse to a point where they are infinitely dense yet infinitely small - a black hole. Inside a star, hydrogen atoms are constantly being fused to make helium atoms. This process is known as nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion produces energy in the forms of light and heat, the outward pressure that is created by this outpouring of energy is normally enough to counteract the gravity that is constantly trying to squeeze the star ever smaller. Soon the star runs out of hydrogen to burn and so begins to burn heavier elements (such as oxygen and lithium), when this happens the star will grow up to 100 times its original size. But eventually the stars supply of fuel will run out and the star will no... ...s a black hole. First, as you neared the even horizon, time would appear to take longer and longer and as you entered the even horizon your image would remain there for an eternity. This is because at that very moment, the light that you are emitting would be caught in the event horizon. It would appear to an observer that you were frozen in time, staying in the same position forever. But in fact it is just the light, not you that is stuck. As you entered the black hole time would go faster and faster, and if you looked up you would be able to see the entire universe evolving in front of you. But this amazing sight comes at a great cost, as you begin to near the singularity you would feel your body begin to stretch. Eventually your body would be stretched so far by the colossal gravity that you would be ripped apart!

A Study of the Badu Mangrove Community Essay

Abstract A investigation took place at a large mangrove community called the ‘Badu Mangroves’. The interactions of organisms and the Badu Mangrove ecosystem were observed. While experiments were carried out to determine the abiotic ( e.g. temperature, humidity, soil pH ) and biotic ( e.g. number of seedlings distributed throughout a certain area, adaptations of animals ) features in the Badu Mangrove community. Aim The aim of this report was to explore the abiotic and biotic features concerning the growth and placement of grey mangroves (Avicennia Marina ) in the Badu Mangrove community at Sydney Olympic Park. The surface area of the Badu Mangroves is approximately 38 hectares, its location is Latitude: 33Ëš51’48.7†³S Longitude: 151Ëš04’32.07†³E Factors that influence the mangroves’ lifestyle were also investigated. Method Abiotic factors The air and water temperature of the Mangrove site was measured by using a thermometer. A thermometer was obtained and it was held in the air for a few minutes until the reading became stable. The temperature was then recorded. When measuring humidity, a psychrometer was used, along with a information chart. The psychrometer contained a wet bulb which measured the wet temperature while the normal thermometer on the psychrometer measured the air temperature. The dry temperature was subtracted from the wet temperature. The result of this subtraction was then interpreted by using a table and this determined the humidity. The light was measured in a spot where there were vegetation which had leaves and long trunks. This was done to observe how much light could penetrate through the vegetation. A light meter was obtained and it was turned face down in a spot were there was moderate light to ensure a fair result. The light meter then showed the light intensity in units of flux. The results were recorded. Wind velocity was recorded by using a wind meter. The meter was placed high up in the air to prevent and sources that could generate or block wind movement. The reading produced on the meter was recorded. A sample of water was taken from a creek. A thermometer was then obtained and placed immediately into the water to prevent any heat loss or transfer of heat from the water. The thermometer was left there until a reading was steady and the temperature was recorded. Turbidity was measured by using a turbidity tube. This tube measures the cloudiness of the water. The sample of creek water was obtained and it was placed into the tube until the lines at the bottom of the tube was no longer visible. The reading of the water level was then recorded, it was interpreted by using a table which determines the turbidity of the water, the units were recorded in NTU ( Nephelometric Turbidity Unit ) The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water was measured by using an Aqua dissolved energy meter. The wire which connected the measuring tube was placed into the water until there was an even reading, the results were recorded. The units of dissolved oxygen were measured in ppM ( parts per million ) . The salinity of the water was measured by using a WP-83 conductivity salinity meter. The wire which connected the measuring tube was placed into the water until there was an even reading, the results were recorded. The units of the salinity was measured in ppK ( parts per thousand). The pH of the soil was measured through the use of a universal indicator. A  small sample of soil was taken and it was placed in a small petri dish, barium sulfate was then added to the soil and then the universal indicator was then added. The colour observed was then interpreted by using a colour pH chart, where the colour observed is matched with the colours on the pH. The pH was then recorded. A soil thermometer was obtained to measure the soil temperature. The apparatus had a metal needle which was placed 5cms into the ground. The apparatus was allowed to stay there for a few minutes until a stable reading was seen on the thermometer. The temperature was then recorded. Soil moisture was measured by using a moisture meter. The meter had a metal needle which was placed 5cms into the ground. The meter was allowed to stay there for a few minutes until a stable reading was seen on the meter. The scaled used were on a scale of 1-10. 1 being the driest and 10 being the wettest. Biotic Factors At the boardwalk. Ten quadrats were randomly placed along the side of the boardwalk. The number of mangroves seedlings and crabholes were counted and recorded. Along the boardwalk, some mangroves and pneumatophores were observed. The underneath of a mangrove leaf was licked. The taste was recorded. Then a pneumatophore was obtained, it as plugged into a pipette. The pipette was then placed into a plastic cup filled with water. The air in the pipette was squeezed and the observations were recorded. A ruler was used to measure the height of pneumatophores at intervals of one metre, when the distance reached ten metres measuring was stopped. The pneumatophores were measured first from the creek and it was then measure on outwards till the distance reached ten metres. This was done to prove if  pneumatophores are longer near creeks and they start to get short as they grow further from the creek. Transect At the FSC Bund there were ten metre intervals which were marked out by poles. At each of these intervals, the height of the mangroves were estimated and sketched out as a transect. This was done until eighty-metres of mangrove forests were covered. Observations of flora and fauna were also noted down. Results Abiotic factors (Air, water and soil factors) Factor Mangrove Forest (10:00am) Dry Forest (1:00pm) Air temperature 26.5ËšC 34ËšC Humidity 64.5% 42% Light Intensity 3300 lux 2710 lux Wind Velocity 0.0m/s 0.5m/s Water Temperature 23.4ËšC n/a Turbidity 40 NTU n/a Dissolved oxygen 33.8 ppm n/a pH (Water) 7 n/a Salinity 23.7 ppk n/a pH (Soil) 6 5.5 Soil Temperature 20ËšC 22ËšC Soil Moisture Wet – 10 Dry – 1 Biotic Factors (Abundance) Quadrats of Mangrove Seedlings and Crab Holes (11:00am) Quadrat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Distance from Creek (m) 25 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Number of seedlings 52 72 38 58 29 36 19 38 1 0 Number of crab holes 0 0 0 0 4 7 13 13 3 25 Biotic Factors (Adaptation) Mangrove Leaf: When the mangrove was licked, it tasted salty. Pneumatophores: When the pipette was squeezed little, tiny air bubbles started to come out from the little lenticals on the surface of the pneumatophore.. Do pneumatophores grow longer as they reach the creek? Distance from Creek (m) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Pneumatophore 1 (cm) 31 24 21 21 13 10 13 7 10 7 5 Pneumatophore 2 (cm) 28 16 12 19 10 8 11 7 7 5 7 Transect Discussion Abiotic Factors The places which contained more light had more flora growing there, because the light allows photosynthesis, while the spots where light couldn’t penetrate to the forest floor due to the overhead leaves blocking the sunlight out there were little vegetation growing. This shows that vegetation grow more efficiently in spots that allow photosynthesis to occur. Spots that were more humid made no difference to the placement of mangroves. The spots that have more leaves and less sunlight seems to effect the humidity levels. The mangroves and its leaves acts as a cover to stop all the water vapour from evaporating, while in spots that had less leaves and cover they were less humid. Wind speed could be affected the mangroves act as a barrier and they block all the wind from travelling efficiently throughout the forest, while in places were there were less trees there was a big difference in wind speed. Soil Temperature and Soil Moisture is affected by how close the site is to a water source. In the mangrove forest, the soil temperature is lower because the sunlight is blocked from heating up the soil, and the forest is very close to a creek which could cool down the soil. While in the Dry Forest the soil temperature is higher because it has a direct contact with the sunlight and is no where near a water source. This call also affect the distribution of flora because some vegetations need to have water to grow. This could be affected by the temperature the day before, so this could alter the results into the wrong direction. To improve this we have to find a day  which as a moderate temperature so we can try our best to find the closest possible results. pH of the Soil and Water can effect how the distribution of vegetation occurs. Some plants need a specific pH to live and thrive, if it is to acidic or alkalic the plant will die off. So the pH of Soil and Water is a very important thing concerning the growth of vegetation. Some errors of this experiment is that the soil seemed to be alkalic but with the past tests the soil was neutral so this must have been an error. To improve this it is a good idea to use a good quality indicator that allows us to have an accurate result everytime. Biotic Factors The results of the Mangrove Seedlings shows that in quadrat ten there is no mangrove seedlings while in quadrat two there are seventy-two mangrove seedlings. The tenth quadrat is the closest to the river while the second quadrat is 72 metres away from the quadrat. This relation shows the mangrove seedlings only thrive when they are far away fro the river. This means that mangrove seedlings grow away from the river because the tide is too strong and they don’t have time to root themselves down and be stable. The nutrients found on the soil could be washed away by the current and leaving the seedlings close to the creek without a source of food and they will soon die off, while when they grow farther away from the creek there is no current to wash away the nutrients. In quadrats one to four there are zero Crab Holes while in quadrat ten there are twenty-five crab holes, and once again quadrat ten is the closest to the river. This suggests that the crabs like to be closer to the creek because their food source is there, they eat decaying matter called detritus which is decaying mangrove leaves, they are deposited on the mud flats as the tide pushes it out. Also a possibility is that the crab like the water and it helps them cool down. Quadrat nine is underwater so we are forced to make an estimate the could alter the results. The transect drawn shows that the mangrove grew higher and bigger when the were close to a source of water. Then they started to grow shorter. This information shows that mangroves will live better and grow bigger and taller near the water. This could be used to explain that mangroves need water to thrive, and as the mangroves distant themselves from a water source they will not be able to grow. The water source observed seemed to be the end of the a river, so when the tide comes in they bring in lots of nutrients and many seedlings that have been washed away before. At this point the mangroves closest to the water can use this to their advantage because the can take up all the nutrients and not share it with the other trees, and the nutrients cannot be transported to the other trees because there is no water current. Also the washed away seedlings have a second chance to root themselves down and grow. The Mangrove Leaf which had a salty taste under its leaf is an adaption used by the mangroves. The mangroves live in a salty environment so they have to find ways to exert this unneeded salt. The salt can be removed from the mangrove by the tree sweating out the unneeded salt through under it leaves. Pneumatophores are little sticks that stick out of the ground, these are the roots of the tree. The pneumatophores sucks in oxygen through its tiny lenticals and transfers it throughout the plant. This was proven through the pipette experiment, as tiny air bubbles show that air can be transferred. This is useful because when there is a flood and oxygen is not allowed to the roots of the mangrove the pneumatophores can come in handy as they stick out of the water and take in all the oxygen. Pneumatophores can also act as a filter, they can filter out unneeded salts. Do pneumatophores grow longer as they reach the creek? As the pneumatophores travel further away from the creek there size decreases in height. This happens because the pneumatophores has to be higher than the depth of the water because it needs to suck in the oxygen available and if its under the  water it is useless. As the height of the water decreases as it moves out from the creek the height of the pneumatophores also decreases. There are some examples of commensalism in the Badu Mangrove community. A dew drop spider and a golden orbweavers are an example of commensalism. A dew drop spider lives in the golden orbweavers nest without the orbweaver realising it, because the dew drop spider is very tiny and looks like a normal dew drop hence the name. The dewdrop is the commensal because it uses the host’s ( golden orbweaver) nest and eats the food collected by the orbweaver and doesn’t harm the orbweaver in any way. An example of mutualism in the Badu Mangrove community is lichen which consists of algae and fungi. The algae produces photosynthesis while the fungi provides a place to live. An example of allelopathy is the casuarina (she-oak). It produces chemicals in the soil which are poisonous to other plants and this prevents anything from growing near it, also it has stem and leaves which give off these aromas that detract plants from growing near it. This allows the casuarina to nutrients to itself. Conclusion It can be concluded that the biotic and abiotic features of an ecosystem can effect distribution and population of organisms such as mangroves because they determine where they live and where they cannot live. The biotic and abiotic features of an ecosystem is very important to the many species that depend on it, if it is removed it can cause a chain of detrimental effects.

Political Inquiry Terms and Definitions

Research Design * Good research, bad research * Involves connecting theory and data. * Maximising leverage by using very few variables to explain many effects. * Reports on the degree of certainty of results. * Shows true causal relationship, not just correlation. * Provides accurate data and accounts for other variables. * Determines if the relationship is unidirectional. * Purpose of research * To establish a relationship between two or more variables * To demonstrate that the results are generally true in the real world and not in just a particular context. To reveal whether one phenomenon precedes another in time, establish time order * To eliminate as many alternative explanations for the observed finding as possible * Choice of design * What affects * Is research exploratory, descriptive or explanatory * What are the practical limitations in investigating hypothesis. * Experimental design: * Classical experimental design, 2 groups, pre and post test, randomisation, * Simple pos t test: only post test * Repeated measure design, measure how long effect takes to start. Multiple pre and post tests. Multigroup design, more than 2 groups, can compare different levels of experimental variable. * Randomised Field experiments, applies logic of randomisation and variable manipulation * Non-randomised quasi-experiments. Purposeful selection, target a certain group. * Non-experimental design: single group, no control over assignment and application of IV, inability to measure DV. * Case study: small N designs. Provide detailed explanation * Comparative analysis: compare two or several units in relative detail * Focus group: gather information about reaction to certain IV. Surveys: large number of people measured to find causal relationships. * Aggregate data analysis: variables are averages or percentages of geographical areas, find causal relationships. * Longitudinal designs, time span. * Trend analysis: measurement on same variables at different time periods to exa mine changes. * Panel analysis: follows a group of participants. * Intervention analysis: measurement of change in the DV is observed and taken before and after. No interaction, mere observation. * Ethnographies: form of data collection through participant observation, interviews and questionnaires.Field studies * Content analysis: textual analysis, study of recordings, written. * What they have in common * They all share the basic objectives of research design despite having different levels of internal and external validity. Using several designs together will cover each other’s shortfall. * They all attempt to draw sound conclusions supported by observable evidence * Terms * Causal vs spurious * Both show correlation between IV and DV, but in spurious the change in DV because 3rd factor caused changed in both. Causal is a direct relationship. 5 different relationships. Multiple causes without chain.Multiple causes with chain. Multiple causes that affect DV, but are changed with the introduction of another variable. Spurious causality with antecedent variable. Chain causality with intervening variable. * Covariation * Demonstrates that the IV does in fact covary with DV. Not causal relationship yet. * Time order * Show that the IV precedes DV. Effect cannot appear before cause. * Alternative causes * Confounding factors. Factors that possible cause a change in DV as well. * Randomised controlled experiments * Experiments that allow the researcher to control the exposure to the IV through assignments to groups.Selection and grouping all randomised. * Experimental design * The way in which the researcher controls exposure to test IV. 5 different designs. * Control group * The group of subjects that does not receive experimental treatment or test stimulus. * Pre-test * Measurement of the DV prior to administration of IV or experimental treatment. * Post test * Measurement of the DV after administration. * Internal vs external validity * Internal validity is the ability to show that manipulation or variation of the IV actually causes change in DV. * External validity is the ability to generalise from one set of research findings to other situations. History * A threat to internal validity. Events other than the experimental stimulus that occur between pretest and posttest measurements. * Along with maturation * Testing * When measuring the DV prior to the stimulus alerts the subjects of the research objectives. * Selection bias * Bias due to the assignment of subjects to experimental and control groups according to some criterion and not randomly. A threat to internal validity. * Experimental mortality * A differential loss of subjects from experimental and control groups that affects the equivalency of groups; threat to internal validity * Instrument decay A change in the instrument used to measure the DV, like different researcher conducting pretest and posttest. * Demand characteristics * Aspects of the research situation that ca use participants to guess at the investigators goals and adjust their behaviour or opinions accordingly. Trying to â€Å"help†. * Simple post test * Similar to classical. Experimental group exposed but control not, only post test is conducted. * Repeated measure design * Contains several pre and post test measurements to know exactly how quickly the effect of the independent variable should be observed or how reliable pretest measurement of DV should be taken. Multi-group design * There are more than one experimental r control group created so different levels of the IV can be compared. Can involve both pre and post test or just one. * Field experiments * They are experimental designs that are applied in a natural setting. Adopts logic of randomisation and variable manipulation. * Non-experimental design * They are designs that do not follow the experimental model of two groups and have controlled exposure to IV. They are more practical to do but are not as strong in terms of establishing causal relationships. * Case study * Comprehensive and in depth study of a single case or several cases.Provide detailed explanations * Comparative analysis * Comparing between two or several units in relative detail * Focus group * Often use to observe reactions to the introduction of the IV. Has a group of people who meet at a single location * Surveys * Measurement of DV and IV at the same time. Respondents report their exposure to various factors. No assignment to groups, examines groups basd on values of IV, measurement of DV to see differences between groups. * Aggregate data analysis * Variables that are displayed as averages or percentages, to find causality. Trend analysis and longitudinal design * Measurements on same variables at different time periods to see the changes caused by the IV on the DV. No manipulation of variables. Multiple measurements. * Panel study * A study that follows a group of participants where the same units are measured at different t imes. * Panel mortality * Refers to the participants in the panel study who drop out. Rate? * Intervention analysis. * Looks at the occurrence of the IV as an observation. Looking at the DV before and after IV. Works best when IV happens in a brief period in time and brief in nature.Measure only before and after event. Literature Review * Purpose of Literature review, 7 * To see what has and has not been investigated * To develop general explanations for observed variations in a behaviour or a phenomenon * To identify potential relationships between concepts and to identify researchable hypothesis * To learn how others have defined and measured key concepts * To identify data sources that other researches have used * To develop alternative research designs * To discover how a research project is related to the work of others. * What constitutes a literature review It is made of different relevant articles that provide more insight into topic * It should help arrive at a good researc h topic * It should show what has and has not been researched * It provides a general explanation for variations in behaviour or phenomenon * It identifies researchable topics * It should help develop alternative research designs * Best methods for collecting literature * Using electronic databases like JSTOR, Web of Science and Google Scholar. * Searching by topic and key words, slowly limiting results, read the articles and find new words to narrow down the search. Searching by starting with a single article. Use data base to find more relevant articles or other articles written by the same author. Use the citations in that first article. Find articles that have cited the first article. * Best ways to write a literature review * It should rely on scholarly sources * It must relate directly to topic * Have to become familiar with as much of the research before selecting the final sources. * Summarising of relevant literature that focuses on over-arching topics rather than single ar ticles. * Compiling all articles into something that makes sense. * Organising the topics ased upon the research question. * Identifying common themes or methodologies across the articles. * Discussion of conventional wisdom, illustrating how current politics has changed and identifying the flaws in past research. Sampling * Terms * Population * all case or observations covered by a hypothesis, all the units of analysis to which a hypothesis applies. * Sample * A subset of observations or cases drawn from a specified population. * Sample statistics * The estimator of a population characteristics or attribute that is calculated from sample data * Advantages and disadvantages of samples Advantages * It is cheaper and less time consuming as compared to using population * More convenient. * Disadvantages * They can be less accurate or more prone to error * Some studies do not use sampling, like case studies. * Population parameter * A characteristic or attribute of a population that can be quantified. * Estimator * A statistic based on sample observations that is used to estimate the numerical value of an unknown population parameter. * Element * A particular case or entity about which information is collected, the unit of analysis. When to use a sample * Practicality. When data from an extremely large population is required, it is impossible to interview or approach each and every subject. Thus sampling is require because although the sample statistics will not exactly equal the corresponding values, they will be reasonably close if sampling is done correctly. * Sampling frame * The particular population in which the sample is actually drawn from. * Random digit dial: purpose of and how and why it works * It is a procedure used to improve the representativeness of telephone amples by giving both listed and unlisted numbers a chance of selection. * It is used to overcome the problem of cell phone numbers which are unlisted * It works by randomly dialling numbers. * It works because it gives all numbers, whether listed or not a chance to get dialled. * Sampling unit * The entity listed in a sampling frame. Maybe same as an element or group. * Sample bias * The bias that occurs whenever some elements of a population are systematically excluded from a sample. It is usually due to an incomplete sampling frame or a non-probability method of selecting elements. Probability sample: types, pros and cons * Sample for which each element has a known probability of being included in the sample * Types: * Simple random samples: each element has an equal chance of being selected. * Pros: each element has an equal chance of being selected. * Cons * It is not truly random, small patterns of selection might appear. * Obtaining a list of the entire population is not possible, reducing the probability. * Systemic samples: elements are selected from a list at predetermined intervals * Pros It is easier to apply than simple random. * Useful when dealing with a v ery large population size. * Cons * May result in biased sampling: if elements on the list have been ranked according to a characteristic. The list contains a pattern that corresponds to the sampling interval. * Stratified samples: elements sharing one or more characteristics are grouped and elements are selected from each group in proportion to the group’s representation in the total population * Pros * Homogeneous populations, smaller sample seize is needed to achieve accuracy. * Cons Heterogeneous populations need a much larger sample to be accurate. * Proportionate samples: stratified samples where each stratum is represented in proportion to its size in the population. * Pros * Very representative of the population * Cons * Not good with heterogeneous populations * Disproportionate samples: stratified samples in which elements sharing a characteristic are under-represented or over-represented. * Pros * When the sample size is too small, can be used to increase it easily. * Cons * May not be representative of the population if weight factor is not used. Cluster samples: the sampling frame initially consists of clusters of elements * Pros * Used when no list of elements exists and to create one would be too expensive. * Reduces field work costs * Cons * There is greater imprecision. Samples are not representative of population. * Non-probability samples: types, pros and cons * Each element has an unknown probability of being included in the sample * Types * Purposive samples: when a researcher exercises considerable discretion over what observations to study. * Pros * Can learn more from carefully selected unusual cases. Cons * Not accurately representative of population. * Convenience sample: elements are included because they are convenient and easy for the research to select * Pros * Convenience * Large numbers easy to get * Cons * Unknown accuracy * Quota sample: elements are sampled in proportioned to their representation in the population. * Pr os * Similar to proportionate sampling, but subjects chosen purposefully. * Cons * Selection bias * Snowball sample: respondents are used to identify other persons who might qualify for inclusion into the sample * Pros Good for relatively selective and rare populations * Relationship between samples and statistical inferences * Statistical inferences is the mathematical theory and techniques for making conjunctures about the unknown characteristics of the population based on samples. Making inferences about a population. * Trying to define more clearly what supportable means * Samples provide an estimate of population attributes and may be off from the true population parameter. The difference is the level of precision lost. * 3 types of errors in inference Expected values or sampling error * Expected value is the average value of a sample statistic based on repeated samples of the population. * Sampling error is the difference between a sample estimate and a corresponding populatio n parameter that arises because only a portion of the population is observed * Standard errors * The standard deviation or measure of a variability or dispersion of a sampling distribution * Provides a numerical indication of the variation in sample estimates * Sampling distributions. A theoretical non-observed distribution of sample statistics calculated on samples on size N that, if known, permits the calculation of confidence intervals and the test of statistical hypothesis * Describes the mean, variation and shape of the distribution that is based on an independently and randomly drawn population. * It allows researchers to calculate the probability that sample statistics fall within certain distances of the population parameter. * Sampling error * the difference between a sample estimate and a corresponding population parameter that arises because only a portion of the population is observed * Standard error The standard deviation or measure of a variability or dispersion of a sampling distribution * Provides a numerical indication of the variation in sample estimates * Confidence * How much error this is in a sample. The degree of belief or probability that an estimate range of values includes or covers population parameter. * Sample distribution * Describes the mean, variation and shape of the distribution that is based on an independently and randomly drawn population. * Sample size. * 100 (11% +/-) * 600 (5% +/-) * 1000 (4% +/-) * 1500 (3% +/-) 4000 (2% +/-) Observations * Terms * Quantitative vs qualitative data * Quantitative data involves a large amount of data and its involves numeric manipulation * Qualitative data involves small number of cases, more in depth and it relies on quotations, comments, anecdotes and other written evidence to support arguments * Both seek to explain trends or patterns through systematically collected data. * Data collection, how do we choose the best way, characteristics of * How to choose the best way * Depends on th e question * Depends on the sample Depends on which constitutes the best measures, validity of the measurements that a particular method will allow. * Depends on cost and availability, some are more observable than others, some less expensive. * Depends on the reactivity to the collection by the population. * Consider ethical implications. * Characteristics * Primary and secondary data * IRB, what role it plays and the significance of it * Institutional review board, a must for any test involving human subjects. * It is guided by 3 principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. The role it plays s to ensure that all research conducted will not harm any individuals, recognise that they are autonomous and there is distribution of benefits to participants. To ensure that no ethical boundaries are crossed. * Its significance is that it has removed all unethical research to be done, but this limits the way data is collected. Thus researchers must consider the benefits vs the b urden of the research. * Observation, types and pros and cons: basic distinction is direct and indirect. * Direct * Allows researchers to view things in natural setting more often than laboratory. Field study or ethnography. Observation in lab gives more control over environment ‘ * Pros * Natural settings allow people to act normally, increases validity * Researchers can observe for longer periods of time * Lab can give more control. * Cons * Lab can also mean that subjects know they are being observed and thus alter behaviour, low validity * Natural setting cannot control external effects and variables. * Indirect * Observation of physical traces of behaviour, essentially detective work. Inferences are made based on physical traces * Two types of measures * Erosion Created by selective wear on some material. Looking at what has been eroded or removed, looking at what is left. * Accretion * Measures a phenomenon a manifested through the deposition and accumulation of material s. Seeing what has built up. * Pros * It raises less ethical issues than direct * Some materials or traces of them are more/less durable than other, making them more/less easy to measure, depending on the method. * Less obtrusive, much cheaper than alternatives * Cons * There are many threats to validity, prone to measurement problems * Can be difficult to make strong inferences * Participant Most field studies involve this, proverbial fly on the wall. Observing people for long periods of time. Assume a role or identity within the group. * Pros * Gain deep access into the group through informants * Natural setting * Observe for long periods so changes in behaviour can be studied * Has a degree of accuracy and completeness that other methods cannot provide. * Cons * It is not viable for every question, some things are just unobservable, like voting * Lack of control over the environment, inability to isolate factors * May be invalid or biased, going native.Becoming part of the enviro nment, perceived biased. * Difficulties with replication of study * Non participant * Same as direct. * Overt * Participants are aware of the investigators presence and intentions * Covert * Investigators presence is hidden or undisclosed. * Structured * Investigator looks for and systematically records the incidence of specific behaviours * Unstructured * All behaviour is considered relevant, at least at first, and recorded. * Ethical issues and how to avoid * Negative repercussions from associating with researcher because of the researcher’s sponsors, nationality or outsider status. Invasion of privacy * Stress during research interaction * Disclosure of behaviour or information to the researcher resulting in harm to the observed during or after the study. * How to avoid: ethical proofreading * Assume everything and all identities will be discovered * Look at actual words in manuscript * When describing potentially unflattering things go from general to specific * Be genera l about community at hand * Realise that data and research will be used again * Know what perspective and attitude is towards subject * Caution subjects multiple times Know study limitations and agreement are in advance * Have other people edit sensitive portions. Document analysis * Types of records, pros and cons of utilization * Two types of records * Running: produced by organisations rather than private citizens, carefully stored and easily accessed and is available for long periods of time. * Pros * Low cost in terms of money and time. * Accessibility * Covers more extensive period in time. * Extensive amounts of records * Many records are digitalised * Cons * At the mercy of those who keep the records, may or may not be biased. Questions on recording keeping practices, may not be kept properly. * Episodic: records that are produced and preserved in a more casual, personal and accidental manner. Diaries and memoirs. Important to political historians. * Pros * Used to illuminat e phenomena rather than generate large sample * Provides different perspectives on certain phenomena. * Use qualitatively. * Cons * Gaining access to episodic records can be difficult, locating suitable materials is the most time consuming aspect of data collection * Many are not digitalised. Content analysis, procedures, pros and cons, intercoder reliability * Refers to the use of excerpts, quotes, and examples from recorded documents to support and observation. * Can be both qualitative and quantitative in nature. * Procedures * Decide on appropriate sample, what materials to include in the analysis. * Define the recording or coding units, decide what is actually going to be measured. * Choose categories of content that are going to be measured, deciding the recording unit. How to measure what you want. Code words? Devise a system of enumeration for the content being coded, a numeric system based on what is being coded. Code for number of times X appears. * Pros * Gives researcher s access to subjects that would otherwise be difficult to attain. * Raw data are usually nonreactive, no undesired influences on behaviour. * Written records like newspapers have existed over long periods in time * They can be easily attained * It often enables us to increase sample size above what would be possible though either interviews or direct observation . * The cost of keeping records are borne by the keepers, it is low cost for those using them. Cons * Selective survival, record keepers may not preserve all pertinent materials, only selectively. Gaps may exist * Incompleteness. Gaps may exist due to fires losses of other types * Content may be biased. May be incomplete, selectively preserved, inaccurate or falsified * Unavailable to researchers because they are classified. * They lack a standard format because it is kept by different people. * Intercoder reliability * Refers to when two or more coders, using the same procedures, agree on how the content is analysed.The mor e times the coders make the same conclusions the same way, the more claims can be made. * Written records, pros and cons * Pros * Can be used when other means like direct observation or interviews are not possible. * Able to use for large scale collective behaviour, cannot possibly interview all. * Raises fewer ethical issues than observation or interviewing. * No risk to individuals as long as they are not identified in records. * Cheaper than other forms. * Not affected by time or history, what is recorded cannot be changed. * Cons * Gaining access may be difficult, classified Records not kept properly, or purposefully changed Survey research and interviews * definition and difference * surveys are a method of data collection that acts as an alternative to experiments or simulations. * Instead of manipulating an independent variable to view its effects, survey design examines the relationship between variables, better at establishing correlation rather than causation. * Types of s urveys, pros and cons, * Personal, face to face * High cost * High to medium completion rate * Potentially high sample congruence * Long to medium length * High data processing cost * Telephone Medium cost * Medium completion rate * Medium sample congruence * Medium to short length * High to low data processing cost * Mail * Low cost * Low completion rate * Medium sample congruence * Medium to short length * Medium data processing costs * Email * Low cost * Depends but low completion rate * Low sample congruence * Medium to short length * High to low data processing costs * Internet * Low costs * Depends but low completion rate * Low sample congruence * Medium to short length * High to low data processing costs * Group administration * Very low costs * High once group is convened completion rate Depends on group selection process, sample congruence * Variable length * High to low data processing costs * Drop off/pick up. * Very low costs * Low completion rate * Low sample congruence * Short length * Low data processing costs. * Completion and response rates, significance of * Refers to the proportion of persons initially contacted who actually participate. * When the proportion of the persons contacted who actually participate is too low, the ability to make statistical inferences about the population is limited * Too little responses, cannot make inferences. * Cost * Time and money. Have to balance between costs and completion rate. * Data processing * Answers of the surveys still have to be tabulated. All data need to be coded in a way that a computer can process them. * Problem with open ended questions. Have to be transcribed and coded. * A major reason for adopting internet and telephone surveys. * Sample-population congruence * Refers to how well the sample subjects represent the population from which they are drawn * Biases can enter through the initial selection of respondents or through incomplete responses. * The closer the congruence, the more repre sentative the sample, higher validity. Length * Too long and respondents lose interest or start answering without care, get distracted. * Too short and not enough data is collected. * Well motivated participants can help with the problem. * Response quality * Cannot take the responses at face value. * Participants may not have the same interests or familiarity with certain topics. * People may be reluctant to express their opinions to strangers. * Busy people won’t answer truthfully. * Interview bias * Occurs when the interviewer influences the respondent’s answers, may have a larger effect on telephone surveys than in person surveys. Question types and wording, what to be careful for and why, pros and cons * Close-ended questions * Pros * Easier for people to answer and takes little time * Easier to sort and tabulate data * Sensitive issues are better paired with close ended questions * Cons * Force respondents to choose from a list they may not agree with * Single si ded and double sided questions that can affect responses * Single side, agree or disagree with a statement * Two sided, gives two alternative statements to choose. Problems of recall versus recognition, can prompt answers that would have otherwise been blank. People don’t know the answer but recall when seeing the choice. * Oversimplified and distorted picture of public opinion * Open-ended questions * Pros * Allows respondents to state what they know and think. * Good for situations where likely answers are not known. * Cons * Respondents may respond too much or too little. * Problem with recording answers, tedious and difficult to code, interpretations vary as well. * Processing data is time consuming. * Wording Wording is important, question clarity is vital to get valid responses. Objectivity and clarity * Avoid * Double barrelled questions * Two questions in one. Sometimes participants might not agree with first question but is made to in order to answer the second. * Am biguous questions * One that contains a concept that is not defined clearly. * Participants may interpret the question wrongly. * Leading questions * Reactive question. Encourages respondents to choose a particular response because the question indicates that the researcher expects it. * Giving what the researcher wants, validity is off. Push polls. * Question order and effects * The order in which questions are presented may influence the reliability and validity of answers. Participants any answer differently or stop when they see certain questions. Can solve response set. * Branching questions * A question what sorts respondents into subgroups and directs them into different parts of the questionnaire * Filter questions * A question that screens respondents from inappropriate questions. * Response set * Straight line responding. * May occur when a series of questions have the same answer choices.Check the first few, then blindly check the rest. * Archives surveys, pros and cons * Existing surveys that have been designed in the past and are readily available to use. * Pros * Very cheap, for those with no access to funding. * Less time is spent designing the surveys. * More reliable and higher quality, widely used thus more reliable. * Well written questions. * Cons * The questions are not what you want. * Interviews, definition, pros and cons. * Interviewing is the act of asking individuals a series of questions and recording their responses.May be face to face or over the phone. * Pros * Sometimes asking questions is the only way * Elites can provide valuable information, but only through interviews. Focused interviews. * Can provide more comprehensive and detailed information, rich variety of perspectives. * Excellent form of data collection in exploratory studies. * Cons * Can be difficult to administer * Have to take into account non-verbal cues and be willing to go off topic * Detailed note taking * face to face, strong necessity for interpersonal skill s.