Evaluating Democratic values of graduate students in the both Research Paper

Evaluating Democratic values of graduate students in the both government and private universities of the UAE . an Educational L - Research Paper Example The students are selected in a non-random manner from two private and two government universities in Abu Dhabi. The data is collected using a quantitative questionnaire with Likert Style questions, and the data is analysed using excel spreadsheets. The research findings indicate that overall, the students lack in appreciation of democratic values. Also, students who are older, are female and have a future plan of joining the private sector are more likely to have democratic values and imbibe them in their educational lives. It is also found that the teachers do not encourage classroom democracy and the libraries and the campus are not considered to be democratic. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Research Background 1.2 Research Questions 1.3 Research Objectives 1.4 Research Significance 1.5 Research Methods 1.6 Summary Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Democratic Values 2.3 Research on Classroom Democracy Chapter 3: Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3 .2 Research Approach 3.3 Research Methods 3.4 Research Design 3.4.1 Sample 3.4.2 Data Collection Method 3.4.3 Data Collection Instrument 3.4.4 Data Analysis Method 3.5 Research Validity and Reliability 3.6 Ethical Considerations 3.7 Summary Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Findings 4.3 Summary Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations 5.1 Research Conclusions 5.2 Recommendations 5.3 Research Limitations and Scope for Future Research List of Tables and Figures Table 1: Age Distribution an Democratic Values Table 2: Gender and Democratic Values Figure A: Scores on democratic values Figure 1: Right to Life Figure 2: Right to Liberty Figure 3: Belief in Common Good Figure 4: Right to Justice Figure 5: Right to Equality Figure 6: Belief in Respecting Diversity Figure 7: Belief in Popular Sovereignty Figure 8: Age Distribution of Respondents Figure 9: Democratic Values and Age Figure 10: Gender and Democratic Values Figure 11: Gender Distribution of Students Figure 1 2: Gender and Democratic Values Figure 13: Plans after Graduation Figure 14: Future Plans and Democratic Values Figure 15: Enabling Active Student Participation Figure 16: Avoid using Textbook Only Instructions Figure 17: Encourage Reflective Thinking Figure 18: Encourage Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Figure 19: Discussing Controversial Issues with Openness Figure 20: Encourage Individual Responsibilities Figure 21: Encourage recognition and respect for Human Dignity Appendix A: Research Questionnaire References Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Research Background The UAE has been transitioning from an oil dependent country to a nation that has world class capabilities in almost all sectors of industry and services (Ibrahim, 2007). The transition from the oil-based economy to one that is more diverse requires that the country also develop a pool of indigenous and talented individuals that can take on the jobs and responsibilities to helm the companies in the near future (Godwin, 20 06). While traditionally, all sectors of the country are largely functional with the help of the foreign nationals and expatriate employees, the ultimate aim is to develop UAE nationals to take on these responsibilities at the earliest. Education therefore becomes an essential requirement for the country, and there is an overall focus and investment in this sector. The UAE is now focused on developing educational institutes and educational

Substance abuse trends US Essay Example for Free

Substance abuse trends US Essay Drug trends have changed over many years and new drugs are always evolving. It is difficult for enforcement agencies to keep up with the new drugs and the form they are used. Drugs include methqualonein the 1970’s then in the 1980’s fluniyrazepam and more recently oxycodone hydrochloride. (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) The use of cannabis, methamphetamine and heroin has observed an upward trend. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) One of the new methods of delivery was by filling cigars with cannabis were observed by African American teenagers in the 1990’s and its use has spread. It was usual to have a malt liquor with them and it was called a blunt and is observed in many movies as well. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) Columbian heroin was gaining popularity as it was stronger then that from Asia and could be snorted. Marijuana was the most popular by far and crack cocaine became popular because it doesn’t require to be injected and so less risk of acquiring HIV. (CBS news 2007) However injecting crack cocaine by mixing it with vinegar or lemon juice was observed. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 003) In 2007 Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults declined significantly last year as supplies dried up, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, and the government reports. Overall use of illicit drugs showed little change. (Freking, K. 2008) The higher user of drugs in Hispanics and Poet Ricans. (Valdez, A. 2005) It is also more common amongst males in these groups who see it as macho or manly amongst Hispanics and a part of their identity . Also these groups face a lot of problems and poverty. There is higher unemployment and low emphasis on education. Access to health is limited. Hispanics have a cholo identity which is street based identity with a street based social network. This is often through generations and the most common drug abused is Heroin. (Valdez, A. 2005) Cholo Identity which was an oppositional culture in these communities that developed a distinct language patterns, style of dress, tattoos, car culture, music. Sometimes referred to as a pachuco lifestyle (e. g. oot suit 1940’s) (Valdez, A. 2005) Drug use is a means to act out macho values or risk taking, excess, to demonstrate socially valued toughness and craziness. Hypermasculinity in its exaggerated form includes fighting, daring deeds, seducing women, asserting independence from women, etc. (Valdez, A. 2005) there has been a victimisation of these groups and arrests due to drug laws have targeted Hispanics making a lot of them beyond the reach of organisations willing to help. About one in five adults in the U.  S acknowledge the use of drugs Drug use in the 50-59 age group increased as more baby boomers join the category . (CBS,2007) In Mexican culture, men often feel honour and pride when they are the protectors of their families. These traditional attitudes are influenced by the Catholic faith and the importance of family in the Mexican culture. Yet, embracing these traditional attitudes may lead to a greater risk for problems such as depression, substance abuse, violence and reluctance to seek psychological assistance. (Nauert, R. 2008) The use of drugs in school age children is an increasing problem . here is it leading to serious damage. (Califano, J. 2007) According to the National Institute on Drug Abuses 2002 monitoring the Future Study, 53% of high school seniors reported using an illicit drug at least once in their lives, 41% within the past year, and 25. 4% within the past month (Drug data summary 2003) . A lot of criminals are on drugs and acquiring in 2000, Americans spent an estimated $36 billion on cocaine, $11 billion on marijuana, $10 billion on heroin, $5. billion on methamphetamine, and $2. 4 billion on other illegal substances (Drug data summary 2003) Drug related crime can be due to its use or selling and acquiring drugs. Drugs modify individual behaviour and can generate violence and illegal activity. In 2006 5. 3percent of homicides were drug related. In the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 32% of state prisoners and 26% of federal prisoners said they had committed their current offence while under the influence of drugs. Among state prisoners, drug offenders (44%) and property offenders (39%) reported the highest incidence of drug use at the time of the offence. Among federal prisoners, drug offenders (32%) and violent offenders (24%) were the most likely to report drug use at the time of their crimes. (BJS, 2006) It can be seen that the cost to the society can be immense. From small robberies to the fear of gangs and gun crime to murders. It is hard to say the total impact to a society in the form of lost labour . there is the spread of HIV, HBV and HCV which are hard to cure and can be transferred to families. The costs in terms of health and financing healthcare for these diseases can be extremely expensive and emotionally difficult as often these diseases are terminal. It is a high price to pay for the occasional thrill that some drug abusers seek. Dealing with the problem has always been difficult as new drugs emerge and drugs become cheaper to have wider appeal. Also the culture of night clubs and alcohol has seen a college and university students embrace drugs without much thought as to the consequences. Drinks get spiked in clubs and often result in sexual exploitation of young women . Arrests and drug laws to prevent drugs being freely available may increase the availability on the black market but this results in supplies being unsafe and even further danger to drug users. Education in schools and at risk communities doesn’t often create the impact it should. For example in the Hispanic groups where a lot of arrests on drug laws were targeted often don’t want to trust authorities who are trying to tackle this problem. In conclusion the costs to any society are high and drug use is increasingly a problem of developed countries according to the WHO. Legal and illegal use of drugs was most strongly associated with age, sex, and income. Higher income was associated with a greater likelihood of drug use for all drug types examined, which is perhaps not surprising given that drug use requires disposable income. Relationship status was linked to illegal (but not legal) drug use: both cocaine and cannabis use were more likely among persons who had never been married or previously been married. These associations remained statistically robust after adjustment for age, sex, and the other variables considered here. The US, which has been driving much of the worlds drug research and drug policy agenda, stands out with higher levels of use of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis, despite punitive illegal drug policies, as well as (in many US states), a higher minimum legal alcohol drinking age than many comparable developed countries. The Netherlands, with a less criminally punitive approach to cannabis use than the US, has experienced lower levels of use, particularly among younger adults.

Woodstock Essay -- Woodstock Festival Concerts Music Essays

Woodstock One didn’t simply go to Woodstock: one lived through it. In August 1969, the Woodstock Festival was the largest counterculture event ever staged, attracting some 500,000 people and featuring many of the country’s top acts. Two decades later, Woodstock has come to mean more than just â€Å"three days of fun and music†; it symbolizes a time of community, exuberance, and intensity since lost. Woodstock festival gave power to the youth, united people of all ages, races, and sexes, and defined a generation, making it one of the most important musical events of all time. In order to understand the impact and importance of the Woodstock Festival one must first examine the society that preceded the 1960’s and set the stage so to speak for the events of the Woodstock Festival. The end of World War II brought thousands of young servicemen back to America to pick up their lives and start new families in new home and new jobs. With energy never before experienced, American industry expanded to meet peacetime needs. Americans began buying goods not available during the war, which created corporate expansion and jobs. Growth was everywhere. The baby boom was underway. Part of the what happened in the 1950’s with increased employment and income, families had more money to buy things. People could afford single family dwellings and suburbia was born . In the 1950’s a big change happened in public education. In 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren and other members of the Supreme Court ruled that separate facilities for blacks did not make those facilities equal according to the Constitution . Integration of the public classroom came about across the nation as a result of this action. Perhaps one of the things which most characterize the 1950’s was a strong element of conservatism and anticommunist felling which ran throughout much of society. The phrase â€Å"under God† was added to the pledge of Allegiance. Religion was linked with anti-communism mind-set. Fifties clothing was conservative. Men wore grey flannel suits and women wore dresses. Male and female stereotypes were strongly reinforced, girls played with Barbie Dolls and boys played with guns. When the 1950’s are mentioned, the first type of music to come to most people’s mind is rock ‘n roll. Developed from a... ... of biblical proportions. To many observers, Woodstock seemed to embody the values of the 1960’s youth culture of personal freedom, political pacifism and social optimism in what seemed to be a land of plenty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Richie Havens, the first performer at the Woodstock Festival describes the impact the best when he says, â€Å"Woodstock was in essence a coming together, a gathering, a giant be-in. It was a peoples’ festival where people came together to celebrate their essences, their concerns, and their feelings for the world around them.† In Havens opinion, the Woodstock Festival accomplished what the youth of the early sixties set out to do, which was to show that we as young people were not going to back down from our political feelings, our emotional feelings and our newly discovered citizenry. Havens believes that the spirit of Woodstock has saturated the world and has served the purpose of awakening minds to the fact that they too have the right to celebrate and be free. Thus did the Woodstock festival empower the youth, unite people of many races and ethnicity and become one of the most significant musical events of all time.

A Philippine Hero

†¦ I. for my part, have done everything possible to avoid it, although at the cost of many rights uselessly sacrificed†¦ My government can not remain indifferent in view of [the] violent and aggressive seizure of its territory by a nation which has arrogated to itself the title champion of oppressed nations. Thus†¦ my government is disposed to open hostilities [if America attacks the Visayas]. Upon their heads be all the blood which may be shed. Emilio Aguinaldo Proclamation, Malolos, January 5, 1899 In Larry Henares' program, some of the panelists -staunch admirers of Aguinaldo- expressed the oft-repeated view that the general failed to achieve greatness in the eyes of Filipinos simply because he lived too long. He didn't die young, in the flower of youth, like Jacinto, or in some twilight of the gods manner, like Bonifacio. He wasn't martyred, like Rizal, and he didn't die, penurious and neglected, like Mabini. He simply lived on, and on, until he became something like an antiquated relict fit for gawking at, but not for reverence. Poor, unheralded man. No one ever made it clear if anyone asked Aguinaldo if that's what he felt. I would think that Aguinaldo was exceedingly fortunate to have lived so long. He outlived many of his friends, but he also outlived all of his enemies. He was reviled during his lifetime -in some cases, because he involved himself in politics and thus made himself fair game- but he lived to see independence day moved to June 12. Isn't having lived long enough to be told of that change an exquisite achievement? And throughout his life, he had the loyalty and devotion of the those who belonged to the League of the Veterans of the Revolution. The things held against him, the sordid Tejeros Convention -one professor of history has pointed out that there were more votes cast than there were actually people to cast them- which led to the eventual execution of Bonifacio, and the assassination of Gen. Antonio Luna which was a great blow to the military viability of the forces of the Republic, may forever bar him from reaching the same exalted place in the affections of the Filipino people. They will always haunt him. But they do not, I think, diminish his greatness at all. The power struggle -a naked coup d'‚tat, some have called it- that led to Bonifacio's downfall does make for sickening reading. And his execution was a poor end for a patriot. But is such indignation over this, warranted? Do people get upset over this because, in reality, they are applying quasi-religious morality to a subject that should be divorced from it? Why should standards befitting religious sainthood be applied to secular heroism? Must you be â€Å"good† (in the way people like Fr. Nudas would define it) to be a hero? A hero for a secular country? When Bonifacio's competence to hold the portfolio of the department of the Interior was questioned by Daniel Tirona, the Supremo, indignant, demanded a retraction. He failed to get it. Furious, he declared the proceedings null and void, and left. NCC Chairman Laurel recounted with pride on Henares' program how his grandfather, Sotero, head of the Batangas delegation at Tejeros, and a Bonifacio supporter, reacted to the uproar that followed. He called for lambanog. He drank, pulled out his gun, and put it on the table. He demanded that, as they had all agreed to earlier, the decision of the majority be respected. Otherwise, mag ubusan na tayo. The majority sided with Aguinaldo. Bonifacio (or, depending on how you see it, Aguinaldo) had thrown down the gauntlet. As Sotero Laurel might have put it then, matira ang matibay. Aguinaldo won, obviously. The thing is, in a revolutionary situation, extreme situations call for extreme measures. You can't dilly-dally and sort things out and massage egos while the enemy tries to kill you all . Every revolution everywhere has been marred with competing factions, many of whom act out of less-than-noble motives. In the end, one group must prevail, one destiny achieved. The Revolution, for good or ill, had its destiny tied to Aguinaldo. While the movement (as Mabini saw it) faltered as a result of the Supremo's liquidation, it made it through. It was suspended after biak-na-bato, resumed again, and gave birth to the proclamation made from a window of a house in Kawit on June 12. The proclamation of the Philippines as a free country. The Republic did not prosper. Was it Aguinaldo's fault? The fault of the Ilustrados? Did it fail because of competing views and interests within it, divisions that exist to this day in our country and in other countries with similar histories? Left to ourselves, they had as good a chance of eventually working them out as any other people on earth. But they weren't left alone. They were subdued with krag rifles and American tactics. Laudably, the Centennial Commission has made it clear that it is the proclamation and not the substance of independence that will be commemorated in 1998. A proclamation whose aspirations have endured. As have its symbols: our flag, our anthem. Aspirations we strove to fulfill in 1946, aspirations every generation tries to fulfill up to the present. Aguinaldo was responsible for that declaration, that flag, that anthem. He gave the nation vessels to contain its soul. We should be able to forgive him for being a flawed man and a poor politician. Again and again, our pantheon of heroes has been besieged by angry mobs, intent on pulling down -or raising up high above the others- the statues of great Filipinos. We, who should, as befits a supposedly democratic and liberal state, find nothing wrong or ignoble in having our heroes stand side-by-side, remain obsessed with establishing heroic hierarchies, as though the leaders we revere were petty princelings subject to Byzantine rules of precedence. Are we a people unworthy of heroes in the first place?

First Day in School

It was the first day of the new school term 2012. The moment that I am looking forward for the past 2 months  during  school holiday finally arrived. Feeling ebullient, I said to myself â€Å"Yes!!! I am starting my Primary 3 today†. Waking up earlier than usual without my parents â€Å"wake-up† call, I rush to the toilet to have a quick shower and clean-up and straight proceed to the kitchen to have my breakfast. The bread spread with  a thin layer of butter which I occasionally have during school day is finally back!!! At 6:30am, my mum brought me downstairs to wait for the school bus. As usual the same group of 6 students plus my P2 classmate, Madhu is waiting eagerly for the bus to arrive. It has been our practise to queue up while waiting for the bus. It took us 10 minutes for the school bus to reach our beloved CHIJ Primary Toa Payoh school. Upon reaching the school, i am expecting to see new students who is starting their first day of Primary 1 in our school. I am in the look to see any parents who require any help for directions in our school and I am more happy to show them the way. This is my proud moment as I am representing the school and to my delight  the parents said â€Å"Thank You† to me!!! I proceed to Parade Square where the place for our assembly area. At the assembly area, I saw many type of faces. There were those who looked as nerd; some looked lethargic, seemed to be burning midnight oil, some looked excited to meet with their friends again cby chatting non-stop. We took our morning prayers and waiting anxiously for our beloved principal Ms Margaret Tan for her opening speech. The moment I am waiting for when Mrs Margaret Tan  call out and introduced all  Form Teacher names. I am really looking forward to meet my new teacher today which subsequently being announced as Ms Evelyn Chee. We are then asked to proceed to our class at level 2. Although it was the first day of school after two long months of holidays, the class was still clean. Itt was beyond of my expectation that the tables and chairs were free of dust. Perhaps the workers of the school were industrious and responsible!!! Good Morning everybody, I am your form teacher and you can call me Ms Chee† a slim and tall lady mooching in the class said. She looked kind and her look could allay my anxiety to be in the class. We are being updated with our P3 new timetable and also being reminded of the school rules and regulations. It's really a day full of excitement, meeting new and my former classmates and of course meeting my new teacher. I am definitely ready with the new challenge in Primar y 3 Ixora.

Quantitative Analysis by Spectrophotometric Methods Essay Example

Quantitative Analysis by Spectrophotometric Methods Essay Example Quantitative Analysis by Spectrophotometric Methods Paper Quantitative Analysis by Spectrophotometric Methods Paper Abstract In this experiment, the absorbance of KMnO4 was measured by spectrophotometric method to determine the molar concentration and the molar extinction coefficient of KMnO4. In part 1, in order to determine the maximum absorbance wavelength of KMnO4, we measured the absorbance of the sample solution which contains KMnO4 at the wavelengths between 330nm and 660nm, and plotted the ? and A points; the ? max was 530nm. In part 2, the effect of concentration on the absorbance was examined. We prepared five differently concentrated (but, same path length) solutions, and measured the absorbance of them at the ? ax(530nm) discovered in part 1; According to the results, higher concentrated solution had higher absorbance value. The extinction coefficient(? ) could be calculated from the results determined in part 2 and Beer’s Law; ? = 1. 7 x 103. In part 3, the absorbance of the KMnO4 solution of unknown concentration was measured, and using Beer’s law and dilution equation, the initial concentration of the unknown was determined; The concentration of the solution (unknown # : 15) was calculated to be 3. 3 x 10-3M. Introduction Our eyes are sensitive to light which lies in a very small region of the electromagnetic spectrum labeled visible light. This visible light corresponds to a wavelength range of 400 700 nanometers (nm) and a color range of violet through red. The human eye is not capable of seeing radiation with wavelengths outside the visible spectrum. The visible colors from shortest to longest wavelength are: violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Ultraviolet radiation has a shorter wavelength than the visible violet light. Infrared radiation has a longer wavelength than visible red light. The white light is a mixture of the colors of the visible spectrum. Black is a total absence of light. Figure 5. 1 The electromagnetic spectrum. Although visible light acts as a wave in some respects, it also displays properties characteristic of particles. The particle-like properties of visible light are exhibited through small, energy-bearing entities known as photons. The energy of a photon is: E photon = hc / ? (1) where h = Plancks constant, 6. 626 x 10-34 J/s, c = speed of light, 3. 00 x 108 m/s, and ? = wavelength of light. Light is energy, and when energy is absorbed by a chemical it results in a change in energy levels of the chemical. Molecules normally exist in discrete energy levels. Vibrational energy levels exist because molecular bonds vibrate at specific frequencies. Electronic energy levels exist because electrons in molecules can be excited to discrete, higher energy orbitals. The energy (E) of light depends on its wavelength. Longer wavelengths (infrared) have less energy than shorter wavelengths (ultraviolet). A molecule will absorb energy (light) when the energy (or wavelength) exactly matches the energy difference between the two energy states of the molecule. In absorption, light - sunlight which is white light - strikes an object and part of the light may be absorbed by the object. The light we see coming from that object is the light which was not absorbed by the object. We see the not-absorbed light as the color of the object. If no light is absorbed, the object appears to be colorless. A spectrophotometer is employed to measure the amount of light that a sample absorbs. The instrument operates by passing a beam of light through a sample and measuring the intensity of light reaching a detector. The beam of light consists of a stream of photons. When a photon encounters a molecule, there is a chance the molecule will absorb the photon. This absorption reduces the number of photons in the beam of light, thereby reducing the intensity of the light beam. The ratio of transmitted light intensity(I) to the incident light intensity(I0) is the transmittance, T: T = I / I0 (2) The amount of light a sample absorbs is affected by its concentration. If there are samples of same substances but different concentrations, the amount of the absorbed light will be different. In higher concentrated solution, more absorbing molecules are present in the path of the light, and the chance the light strikes the molecules will increase. So, more light will be absorbed by the sample; less light will be transmitted. In contrast, in lower concentrated solution, less light will be absorbed, and more light will be transmitted. The concentration is represented by the symbol C and is typically measured in mole/L. Another factor that affects the amount of light a sample absorbs is the path length which is the length of sample that the light passes through. The path length is represented by the symbol l and is typically measured in centimeters. When the light travels through longer distance, it will strike more absorbing molecules, so more light will be absorbed, and less light will be transmitted. The relationship of two factors (path length concentration) can be combined to yield a general equation called Beers Law. log10T = A = ? lC (3) The quantity ? is the molar absorptivity; in older literature it is sometimes called the molar extinction coefficient. It is the measure of how strongly a substance absorbs light at a particular wavelength; a larger extinction coefficient means that substance absorbs more light. The units of ? are usually in M-1cm-1 or L mol-1cm-1. A is the absorbance of light by a sample, and in this experiment, it was measured directly by a spectrophotometer. Experimental 1. Maximum Absorbance Wavelength: For the first part of this experiment, we determined the wavelength at which a selected substance (KMnO4) would absorb best. We obtained 10ml of 0. 0040M KMnO4, and using a graduated 1. 0-ml pipette and a pipetting bulb, transferred 1. 00ml of it into a 25. 0-ml volumetric flask. We filled the flask half full with deionized water, and added 1. 0ml of 3. 0M H2SO4. After mixing the contents, we filled the flask completely with deionized water and mixed them again. After the sample solution was prepared, we calibrated a spectrophotometer using a blank solution; in this experiment, deionized water was used for the bla nk solution because H2SO4 is transparent in the visible region. For measuring the absorbance of KMnO4, first we selected a wavelength, and placed a cuvette containing blank solution, then replaced it with the other cuvette containing the prepared KMnO4 solution. The absorbance was measured at the wavelengths between 360nm and 660nm, and each time a new wavelength was selected, the spectrophotometer was recalibrated. After all the absorbance values were measured, we plotted the absorbance data versus the wavelength to determine ? max which was used for the remainder of the experiment. 2. Standard Absorbance Curve: For the second part of this experiment, we examined the effect of varying the concentration on the absorbance. Five differently concentrated KMnO4 solutions were prepared for this part. For each 25. 00ml sample, 1. 00ml, 0. 80ml, 0. 60ml, 0. 40ml, and 0. 0ml of 0. 0040M KMnO4, 1. 0ml of 3. 0M H2SO4, and deionized water were added. The concentration of each solution was calculated using the dilution equation, M1V1 = M2V2. After a sample was prepared, we set the spectrophotometer to the ? max discovered in first part, calibrated using the blank, and then examined the absorbance of the sample. After all the findings were examined, we m ade a plot of the absorbance versus concentration. The molar extinction coefficient could be calculated using the Beer’s Law and the measured results. The inside diameter of the cuvette (path length) was measured with calipers. 3. Concentration of an Unknown: In the last part, we determined the concentration of unknown solution using the results (the path length and the extinction coefficient) determined in the second part. We obtained a solution of KMnO4 of unknown concentration. We followed the same procedure as for the second part to dilute the unknown solution; added KMnO4, H2SO4, and deionized water to make 25. 00ml sample, and calibrated the instrument with the blank solution at the ? max, and then measured the absorbance. The concentration of the unknown before it was diluted could be determined using the dilution equation in a reverse way. Results Discussion 1. Maximum Absorbance Wavelength: In part 1, we determined the sample’s absorbance spectrum to find the wavelength (? max) at which KMnO4 absorbs best. The absorbance data measured in this part is shown in Table 1, and Figure 1 is the absorbance spectrum constructed by plotting A vs ?. Table 1: Data for Maximum Absorbance Wavelength Wavelength360380400420440460480500 Absorbance0. 1450. 0770. 0210. 0080. 0170. 0510. 1320. 253 Wavelength520540560580600620640660 Absorbance0. 3620. 3600. 2460. 1130. 0400. 0300. 0220. 018 Figure 1: Absorbance Spectrum of KMnO4 According to the graph, ? max of KMnO4 is about 530nm, and it means that at the wavelength 530nm, KMnO4 absorbs light best. 2. Standard Absorbance Curve: In part 2, we examined the effect of varying the concentration on the absorbance. We prepared five differently concentrated solutions (the higher concentrated solution appeared darker pink-violet), and using dilution equation, the concentrations were calculated. Figure 2: Color of permanganate in different concentrated solution The calculated concentration and the measured absorbance of each solution are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Data for Standard Absorbance Curve Volume (ml)Concentration (M)Absorbance 1. 001. 6 x 10-40. 320 0. 801. 3 x 10-40. 252 0. 609. 6 x 10-50. 185 0. 406. 4 x 10-50. 122 0. 203. 2 x 10-50. 057 As shown in Table 2, when concentration decreased, the absorbance value also decreased. A plot of the absorbance verses concentration (Figure 4) resulted a straight line, and according to the equation (3), the Beer’s Law, we knew that the slope(2036. 563) of the line equals ? l. The path length(l) of the cuvette was measured to be 1. 18cm, and the extinction coefficient(? ) at 530nm was calculated to be 1. x 103; The molar extinction coefficient varies with the wavelength of light used in the measurement. Figure 3: A plot of Absorbance vs. Concentration 3. Concentration of an Unknown: The concentration of the unknown (#15) solution was calculated using Beer’s Law and dilution equation. Table 3 shows the data gathered. Table 3: Data and Calculation for Unknown KMnO4 Concentrat ion TrialVol. of KMnO4 AbsorbanceCon. after dilution (M)Con. before dilution (M) 11. 0 ml0. 2511. 3 x 10-43. 3 x 10-3 20. 8 ml0. 2121. 1 x 10-43. 4 x 10-3 30. 6 ml0. 1557. 7 x 10-43. 3 x 10-3 The mean concentration before dilution was calculated to 3. x 10-3M. In part 1, the maximum wavelength of KMnO4 was found as 530nm. When MnO4- is dissolved in water, it appears pink-violet, and as shown in color wheel below, it absorbs primarily yellow-green light. (The color a substance appears to be is directly across the wheel from the color of light that substance has absorbed. ) The range of the wavelength of green-yellow light is between 495nm ~ 590nm, so the maximum wavelength measured (530nm) is reasonable. Figure 4: The Color Wheel The absorbance spectrum shows how the absorbance of light depends upon the wavelength of the light. The spectrum itself is a plot of absorbance vs. wavelength and is characterized by the wavelength (? max) at which the absorbance is the greatest. The value of ? max is important for several reasons. This wavelength is characteristic of each compound and provides information on the electronic structure of the analyte. In order to obtain the highest sensitivity and to minimize deviations from Beers Law, analytical measurements are made using light with a wavelength of ? max. In part 2, we observed that the absorbance was lower in less concentrated solution. Before the experiment was done, we expected that in lower concentrated solution, because fewer number of absorbing molecules would exist, so less light would be absorbed; the expectation was correct. As I mentioned above, the solution appears pink-violet because permanganate absorbs primarily green-yellow light. The pink-violet color was darker in higher concentrated solution as in figure 2, and it can be explained that more green-yellow light was absorbed, so the violet color appeared darker. In part 3, we measured the absorbance of diluted unknown KMnO4 solution to determine the concentration of it. I got the sample of unknown number 15. We’d already known the value of the path length and the extinction coefficient, so we could calculate the concentration using the Beer’s Law. The solution was diluted to 25ml, so, in order to determine the initial concentration of the unknown, we used the dilution equation in a reverse way. The absorbance of the unknown was similar to the absorbance of the known sample, so I expected that the concentration would be similar; the known concentration was 0. 0040M, and the unknown concentration determined to be 0. 0033M.

Roger & Me essays

Roger & Me essays Roger is a documentary movie. Its also a comedy. It starts out in documentary style, but then it becomes hilarious. Thats why I enjoyed watching it. It was really serious and funny at the same time. Michael Moore is the one that made that movie. Its about closing of General Motors in Flint, Michigan. The CEO of GM, Roger Smith laid off 33,000 workers. Michael Moore is exposing whats happening to Flint using his camera and microphone. Everything in that movie looks so real to me. There were moments that I felt that Im behind the camera. Roger shows us the effect of a failed economy on its people. Michaels main goal is to get to interview Roger Smith. While he was trying to do that, he was talking to former workers of GM. They were evicted from their homes, sent to prison, reduced to peddling Amway products, and selling rabbits as pets or meat. The scene when the lady was demonstrating how to kill and skin the rabbit was disgusting. That was the only part of the movie that I didnt like. In my opinion, the movie was great. It was really funny. Moore did a great job recording the devastation of Flint and the desperate, often unintentionally hilarious attempts of the citizens and the city officials to deal with the catastrophe. ...

How To Grow From 0 to 1 Million Customers With Noah Kagan

How To Grow From 0 to 1 Million Customers With Noah Kagan Have you ever wondered what the process would be like to start something from scratch and end up with a million users? Today we’re going to be talking about just that with Noah Kagan, the chief sumo at sumo.com and AppSumo. He also hosts Noah Kagan Presents, which is an awesome podcast, and he has a steady stream of stuff on okdork.com. Our conversation today is going to help you set better goals and achieve more than you ever have before. How Noah handles the marketing at Sumo.com and what has the most potential. How Noah ended up at Mint, where he helped grow the company from zero to over a million users. Why Noah doesn’t believe in hope in the business world. The process Noah used to put his plan together, come up with ideas, figure out how much traffic he had, and more. Common mistakes that Noah sees other people making. Why copying methods you see described on other people’s blog posts doesn’t work. The greatest piece of marketing advice Noah has received. Links: Sumo.com AppSumo Noah Kagan Presents Okdork.com If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Noah: â€Å"I believe in hope in fantasy and fairytales in the real world or in the non-business world, but in business, no.† â€Å"If youre not making mistakes, youre probably not experimenting enough.† â€Å"At the end of the day, it really just comes down to you got to do it yourself go and experiment yourself, go and promote something.†

Gustave Gefroys portrait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gustave Gefroys portrait - Essay Example His repressed activity is transferred to the complicated articulation of his books, the instruments of his profession. Indeed the arrangement of the books behind him, projecting and receding, tilted differently from shelf to shelf and ending in the open volumes below, seems more human than the man, reminding us of a long twisted body in classic counterpoise, like Michelangelo's Slave in the Louvre, a work that Czanne admired and drew. The paintings give an impression that the figure in the image is coming out of the image, as though the sunrays are falling on the hats or window, as though there is so much delight in the life of the one portrayed, as though some thing special is hidden in them. The freshness and the openness make us feel divine for a moment and we feel are we in the heaven where there is nothing but joy. One must have an artistic heart to understand the art. The paintings give a fleeting look of spontaneity and freshness in the developing the art. The image relies upon the art of impressionism when observed directly the work confines the ephemeral effects of light and color. The techniques developed by Renoir in the oil painting are highly skilled could only be noticed when the paint surface is closely examined and noticed. He imitated other artists like Renoir, with small parallel strokes of brush. It is also observed that he was fairly capable enough of painting landscapes but failed experimenting with them. His paintings were not only great but also pretty and whose work seems always to have been done in paradisiacal temperatures Reference Joseph Rishel. (n.d.). Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post- Impressionism: The Annenberg Collection. Retrieved 9 April 2007, from,

Questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Questions - Coursework Example In addition to this, Chief Judge Dolores Cortez should be persuaded to take action or at least support the new court administrator in implementing this policy. Shrinkage is the result of inefficiencies in the production process and the supply chain. By establishing control procedures, the organization can effectively limit shrinkage. The control procedures will ensure that the processes being employed in the production and the supply of the products are viable and effective. The periodic inspections will ensure that the controls that have been established are being implemented and are effective for the purpose for which they have been established. Maintaining inventories ensures that any sudden variation or problem does not disrupt the production or supply process. In simpler terms, the maintenance of inventory allows for a seamless operation. The murderer that I found was Yasir Abdel Said. This murderer is still at large and the police are looking for him. The man brutally murdered his own daughters (AMW). His daughters were good students and appeared to be leading a perfect life. However, later interviews with friends’ of the daughters revealed that from what the friends understood, the daughters were sexually abused by their father and their social lives were strictly controlled (AMW). The man murdered his daughters after asking them to go out with him for dinner as part of his apology for his prior behavior (AMW). Considering the sexual abuse and the murder of girls in cold blood by their own father, the man, if charged should be awarded the death penalty to protect other members of the community at

The Pro's of Umbilical Cord Care (Triple Dye & alcohol) Research Paper

The Pro's of Umbilical Cord Care (Triple Dye & alcohol) - Research Paper Example Some of the methods were unsterile ad resulted in serious infections such as neonatal tetanus. Current umbilical care practices vary across different regions but have limited neonatal complications. Triple dye plus alcohol is one of the modern umbilical care treatments with several pros. The Pros of Umbilical Cord Care Using Triple Dye and Alcohol Regimen The kind of neonatal care given to newborn babies has great impact on the baby. Umbilical treatments aim at preventing infections during the cord separation. Umbilical cord is the cord that connects the baby with the placenta. It is mainly made up of blood vessels and acts as the connection between the mother and the foetus. After birth, the cord separates from the placenta, the cord stump dries and eventually falls, and the wound heals eventually. During the cord separation process, substances may collect and accumulate at the point of connection leading to infections. The cord takes about 5-15 days to separate. The umbilical stump provides a possible entry for bacteria. Therefore, there is need for use of appropriate treatment to aid the separation process, drying, and healing of the wound without infections. Antimicrobials are used to treat the umbilicus to fasten the cord separation and prevent bacterial colonization and other related complications of nursery infections as well as omphalitis. However, different antimicrobial work differently and may determine the time taken for cord to separate. Additionally, they may regulate the probability occurrence of any infections. Use of triple dye together with alcohol for treatment of umbilical cord is becoming a popular treatment for umbilical cord. The objective of this paper is to investigate the pros of Umbilical Cord Care using Triple Dye & alcohol. This analysis provides insights on how umbilical care impacts on nursing care. The paper will entail critical analysis of recent and relevant research related to the pros of using triple dye and alcohol in umbili cal cord care and make a conclusion regarding this method of nursing care. Triple dye is considered one of the most effective regimens for treatment of umbilical cord. A single application of the dye has been proved to prevent infections. However, the results are even better when triple dye is used together with alcohol. Studies have demonstrated that 90% alcohol is better in enhancing umbilical cord drying than other regimens such as povidone-iodine and Chinese herbs. Additionally, it has been proved that different regimen work differently in regions with different climatic conditions. However, some studies have shown that separation and healing occurs faster when Triple Dye is used together with alcohol. Discussion: Pro of Using Triple Dye Together with Alcohol for Cord Treatment    Umbilical cord care is one of the most important aspects of neonatal nursing care. This is because it greatly determines the health condition of the infant in the early stages after birth. Additional ly, the effectiveness of the care determines the survival rate of infants. The time taken for cord separation is greatly determined by the regime used for the care. Several studies have been done to establish the effectiveness of different regimes in determining the time taken for the cord to separate and the rate of infections following cord separation. The studies have established that the kind of regime used

Noncoercive paraphillias Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Noncoercive paraphillias - Essay Example When the item is not present it likely leads to erectile dysfunction. This must be causing distress in the individual’s life to be diagnosed. This disorder tends to start in adolescence and is usually chronic (DSM, 2000). This disorder involves cross dressing. Usually it is a male dressing in women’s clothing. While dressed as a woman he usually masturbates imagining himself as both partners in the sex act. This is not to be confused with a gender identity disorder. These individual prefer heterosexual relationships when they are not cross dressing. Generally the desire to cross dress diminishes with age or it may turn into gender dysphoria (2000). Sexual Masochism involved an individual being humiliated, beaten, bound or made to suffer in some while during sexual intercourse or masturbation. This is all done to the paraphiliac either by himself or by having a partner help perform the acts. One very dangerous behavior involved in this is hypoxyphilia which is depriving them self of oxygen with can and has caused death (2000) Sadism is when the paraphiliac derives sexual excitement form the psychological or physical suffering of a victim. Some individual with paraphilia are bothered by their sadistic fantasies which may happen during sexual activities but they do not act upon. These fantasies generally involve having complete control over their victim. At times a masochist and a sadist may join in consenting behaviors. Some can, however, perpetrate these fantasies upon others and when that happens they generally do not stop until caught (Weinstein & Rosen, 2004). It is thought that this behavior is related to childhood experience. It may also be related to a neruopsychosociological need for heightened arousal. It may be an escape from rigidly controlled everyday roles, a punishment for sexual activity or guilt relief. Domination in known to relieve feelings of inadequacy

Being a Stepmother Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Being a Stepmother - Essay Example In the year 2001, my husband was in the process of getting sole custody of his two daughters and thus, since I had gotten married to him recently, I was going to be a part of a ‘package deal’. Today those two children are like a blessing in my life, they have helped me a great deal in learning a lot of things about life and gaining experiences. Sometimes however, I do wish that I was their real mother because it is a tough task to watch these children grow up with a ‘friend’ rather than with a mother or a guiding light in the true sense. Despite these adversities however, being a stepmother is a very difficult thing to do and to accomplish this task over time is an even tougher aspect of life. It was extremely sad to know that their mother abandoned them because no child wants to grow up to question why their mother left them; these children still have a void in their life which I have been trying to fill every single day. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to converse with them knowing that I would have to be their mother for the rest of their life and that it was their choice whether or not to accept me as the same. It is not easy for young girls, especially ones whose dad was in the army and they had thus grown up against the backdrop of a hard life, to be able to accept someone into their hearts so easily. Knowing this, I plunged into the situation trying to become their friend rather than their mother because I knew that the only way I could teach them and help them along their journey of life was by letting them know that I would be there as a friend first and that I was not trying to replace their mother in any way. Even though their mother abandoned them, the children were not furious about the situation; had they been so, they would have been extremely reluctant to accept another mother in their life for fear of losing out on her as well. However, they took me in as a big sister or a friend first and slowly with time ha ve come to terms with the fact that I am to play the role of the mother in their lives. A stepmother has a wicked stereotype in today’s world, and even though it is easy for children to accept stepfathers today, being a stepmother is hard because of the immense number of stories that a child hears these days about bad stepmothers. Since both the daughters were at a young stage in their lives, scared and vulnerable with respect to their emotions and feelings, it was indeed very difficult for me to sort out my feelings with respect to them and adopt them as my own. For me as well, I wanted to give birth to children rather than to have them already blossoming into young girls, however today I have realised the importance of raising a child; it does not matter what the child’s age is but how the child responds to their parents and what kind of a human being the child has been shaped into by the parents, from whichever age onwards it might be. I was extremely scared to be r ejected by my daughters initially as well, however, with love from both sides, we were able to make each other’s understand that this change that was going to be taking place in all our lives would be a significant and successful one with lots of love and affection as well as understanding being delivered on a mutual basis. Today, I am extremely close to the children since my husband is in the military and thus we get to spend

Noncoercive paraphillias Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Noncoercive paraphillias - Essay Example When the item is not present it likely leads to erectile dysfunction. This must be causing distress in the individual’s life to be diagnosed. This disorder tends to start in adolescence and is usually chronic (DSM, 2000). This disorder involves cross dressing. Usually it is a male dressing in women’s clothing. While dressed as a woman he usually masturbates imagining himself as both partners in the sex act. This is not to be confused with a gender identity disorder. These individual prefer heterosexual relationships when they are not cross dressing. Generally the desire to cross dress diminishes with age or it may turn into gender dysphoria (2000). Sexual Masochism involved an individual being humiliated, beaten, bound or made to suffer in some while during sexual intercourse or masturbation. This is all done to the paraphiliac either by himself or by having a partner help perform the acts. One very dangerous behavior involved in this is hypoxyphilia which is depriving them self of oxygen with can and has caused death (2000) Sadism is when the paraphiliac derives sexual excitement form the psychological or physical suffering of a victim. Some individual with paraphilia are bothered by their sadistic fantasies which may happen during sexual activities but they do not act upon. These fantasies generally involve having complete control over their victim. At times a masochist and a sadist may join in consenting behaviors. Some can, however, perpetrate these fantasies upon others and when that happens they generally do not stop until caught (Weinstein & Rosen, 2004). It is thought that this behavior is related to childhood experience. It may also be related to a neruopsychosociological need for heightened arousal. It may be an escape from rigidly controlled everyday roles, a punishment for sexual activity or guilt relief. Domination in known to relieve feelings of inadequacy

Age of the Image Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Age of the Image - Essay Example This paper analyzes the image Omayra Sanchez by Frank Fournier. Omayra Sanchez was a 13-year-old girl was one of the victims of the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano that took place in Columbia. The analysis will show the tremendous impact of the image in defining Omayra Sanchez, the Columbian government, and the photographer (BBC 1). The Nevado del Ruiz volcano is a living stratovolcano that generates deadly volcanic mudflows in Colombia (The Famous Pictures Collection 1). In November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted leading to a blanket of ash that covered the town of Armero and buried villages with mud (The Famous Pictures Collection 1). The image relates to the Age of the Image that defines the transformation of literacy through the ages leading to the interaction between words and images in modern culture (Apkon and Martin 1). Indeed, upon publication, the "Agony of Omayra SÃ ¡nchez" had tremendous impact due to the controversy and information it derived about the Colom bia government, humanitarian organizations, Omayra SÃ ¡nchez, and Frank Fournier (Obviousmag 1). The photographer’s role and the Colombian government’s inaction were aspects that dominated the publication of the "Agony of Omayra SÃ ¡nchez." Buried up to her waist in concrete debris from her own home and submerged up to her neck in freezing water, the 13-year girl manifested profound courage and dignity as she agonized for about 60 hours (BBC 1). The photo depicted her pasty-white shriveled hands and bloodshot eyes.

Cyber Security Research Paper Essay Example for Free

Cyber Security Research Paper Essay 1. Preface This security profile of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is based on two documents of public record. The first is the published VA Handbook 6500 (VAH 6500) which defined policy and procedures for systems within the purview of the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007). The second document is the Federal Information Security Management Act Assessment for FY 20011 commissioned by the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) and performed by Ernst Young in accordance with Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) guidelines (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. i). 2. Identification of Controls This security profile presents one control function from three primary policy and procedure controls. These controls are â€Å"System/New Technology Development Life Cycle† from Management Controls, â€Å"Security Training, Education, and Awareness† from Operational Controls, and â€Å"Remote Access† from Technical Controls. These controls are selected based on the lack of resolution based on information provided fiscal year 2006, 2010 (VA Office of Inspector General, 2011) and 2011 (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012) FISMA audits. 3. Management Controls The protection of systems via risk mitigation techniques are referred to as management controls. Management controls are designed to minimize risk associated with development process and systems implementation. 4.1. VAH6500 Section 6.a.(7) System/New Technology Development Life Cycle VAH6500 requires that any new technology undergo a systems development life cycle (SDLC) specific to the VA. The cycle consists of Initiation, Development / Acquisition, Implementation, Operation / Maintenance and Disposal. Systems must be able to encrypt/decrypt data. Systems not capable of this must receive a waiver from the OIG. 4.2. Implementation Assessment The SDLC program provided does not provide the necessary information for an effective program. No supporting material or references to NIST SP 800-64 Rev2 Security Considerations in the System Development Life Cycle or VAH 6500.5 Incorporating Security and Privacy into the System Development Life Cycle is made. 4.3. Implementation Impact The OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment indicates that â€Å"FISMA Section 3544 requires establishing policies and procedures to ensure information security is addressed throughout the life cycle of each agency information system† (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 9). Based on the lack of consistency in use of SDLC and change control, major security risks may go unnoticed. 4. Operational Controls Operational controls focus on techniques and procedures put in place by Information Technology staff or systems managers. The purpose is to increase security and provide deterrence via system controls. 5.4. VAH6500 Section 6.b.(11) Security Training, Education, and Awareness VAH6500 provides a concise policy which states any individuals that access sensitive information or systems must complete annual security training. Key persons with â€Å"significant† roles must attend additional training. All training is monitored for completeness. Policy indicates before employees can use systems security training must be completed. 5.5. Implementation Assessment Policy indicates that fourteen key pieces of information must be covered before an individual is allowed to begin work. This training must also be refreshed annually. The tracking of this information is the responsibility of the local ISO (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007, p. 57). 5.6. Implementation Impact The distributed manner of training management is not conducive to consistent security training. The OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment findings indicate a centrally managed training database be used to ensure personnel receive the proper training needed for their job function (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 15). 5. Technical Controls The technical control area focuses on minimizing and/or preventing access to a system(s) by unauthorized individuals via technical measures. The measures are designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of a system(s) (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 54). 6.7. VAH6500 Section 6.c.(3) Remote Access Control VAH6500 relies on nineteen policy requirements to enforce technical control. VA policy states that no sensitive information may be transmitted via internet or intranet without proper security mechanisms that meet NIST FIPS 140-2 criteria (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007, p. 61). Each department within the Agency is responsible for monitoring remote access and privilege functions. Access can be revoked by a supervisor or superior at any time. The remaining requirements cover contractor access, PKI certificate distribution and termination of accounts. System protection is the responsibility of the ISO for each area of access. 6.8. Implementation Assessment VAH6500 does not utilize NIST SP 800-46 Guide to Enterprise Telework and Remote Access Security. The OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment also indicates some remote access systems do not provide Network Access Control (NAC) to block systems that do not meet predefined security requirements (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 6). 6.9. Implementation Impact The diversity of ISO management practices coupled with a lack of specific procedures for management, auditing and access creates opportunity for security breaches. 6. Summary The three controls outlined in this document show the disparity between written policy, procedure, and implementation. In order for the VA to be successful in meeting the standards of future FISMA assessments, a fundamental change in operations within the VA is required. 7. Comments The multifaceted nature of operations within the VA requires guidelines that meet the needs of multiple departments within the Agency. All three controls discussed in this document have very broad definitions to accommodate the extensive variety of services the VA provides. This flexibility coupled with a drop in training acceptance, legacy systems (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 7) and the lack of an â€Å"implemented components of its agency-wide information security risk management program† (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 3) will continue to limit future progress. These delay factors provide an understanding of why twelve recommendations from prior FISAM assessments remain open. Of the twelve recommendations listed in the VA FISMA FY 2011 report, only three have been closed, while three other recommendations have been superseded by new recommendations (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 19). The recent announcement of the Continuous, Readiness in Information Security Program (CRISP) seems to indicate a fundamental shift in the way the VA views security issues (United States Department of Veterans Affairs). In order for this program to be successful, this message must be understood and acted upon by all persons under the VA umbrella. 8.References Department of Veterans Affairs. (2007). VA Handbook 6500. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=56 Department of Veterans Affairs. (2010). Strategic Plan FY 2010-2014. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.va.gov/op3/Docs/StrategicPlanning/VA_2010_2014_Strategic_Plan.pdf National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2010). Guide for Assessing the Security Controls in Federal Information System (NIST 800-53a). Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office. http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-53-Rev3/sp800-53-rev3-final_updated-errata_05-01-2010.pdf United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). CRISP. Retrieved February 21, 2013, from United States Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.saltlakecity.va.gov/features/CRISP.asp VA Office of Inspector General. (2011). Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Informati on Security Management Act Assessment for FY 2010 (10-01916-165). Washington, D.C.: US Government Publishing Office. Retrieved from http://www.va.gov/oig/52/reports/2011/VAOIG-10-01916-165.pdf VA Office of Inspector General. (2012). Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Information Security Management Act Assessment for FY 2011 (11-00320-138). Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013,from http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-11-00320-138.pdf

Fear Of Failure Among College Athletes Psychology Essay

Fear Of Failure Among College Athletes Psychology Essay In sport, motivation and fear of failure are among the vital determinants of an athletes performance. The current study aims to study the role of gender on the type of motivation and the level of fear of failure among college athletes. The sample would be athletes between the ages of 18 25 and who are a part of their college sports team. The Sports Motivation Scale and The Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory would be used to assess the type of motivation and the level of fear of failure respectively, among the participants. Results of the present study will aid in widening the scope of sports psychology and add to the field of psychology as a whole. Further, it will aid in giving an understanding into whether gender differences exist among athletes of Indian origin playing at the university level. Both counselors and coaches will have an insight into how better to ensure that sportspersons are reaching their full potential. INTRODUCTION With the growth of sports psychology, there has been an increased interest in the possible gender differences that exist with regard to sport participation and achievement (Branta, Painter Keiger 1987). The statement Participation in sport is primarily a masculine activity in American society (Czisma, Wittig, and Schurr, 1988) was stated owing to the number of males over females participating in sport. With regard to the Olympic Games, it was seen that in the year 1908, male athletes outnumbered females 53 to 1. In 1948, the ratio had decreased to 10 to 1. More recently, in 2012, this male female ratio compared to the past may be considered to have reached parity (Laine 2012). For the first time Saudi Arabia sent in two female athletes to compete at the games and statistics reveal that the number of females in the U.S team outnumbered the males by 269 women to 261 men. Even with regard to the medal count of the American contingent, the women won almost twice as many medals as the me n: 100 total medals as opposed to 59 for the men (Chappell 2012). One cannot ignore that socio cultural disparities exist across the world and in a country like India it is often considered that playing sport is not something that women do. Show of muscular strength is considered unladylike or masculine and this may keep girls from playing sports (Shakti 2005). Thereby, the question arises, to what extent do gender differences still exist with regard to sport? It is known that males comprise greater physical strength than women, this is largely on account of males having larger muscle mass ratio than females (Maughan R J, Watson J S, Weir J 1983). However, do males and females differ on internal factors such as the type of motivation and level of fear of failure? The current study seeks to investigate into this proposed question. Motivation Motivation may be understood as a combination of an internal drive that stems from within us and external factors that seek to influence it. The internal drive stemming from within is better known as intrinsic motivation, and may be defined engaging in an activity purely for the pleasure and satisfaction derived from doing the activity (Deci, 1975). A person who is intrinsically motivated, will engage in an activity irrespective of the presence of external materialistic rewards (Deci Ryan, 1985). Most researchers hold the view that intrinsic motivation may be looked upon as a global construct, Deci, 1975 and White, 1959 however came about with the ideology that intrinsic motivation may be subdivided into three categories 1) intrinsic motivation to know and understand here the primary reason for individuals to participate in an activity is to try something new or to learn a novel technique 2) Intrinsic motivation towards accomplishments here the main intention behind an individuals participation in an activity is for the individual to acquire mastery over a new technique or the accomplishment of goals set by themselves. 3) Intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation the focus here is sensory pleasure and excitement derived during the course of engaging in the activity. Peak experiences or aesthetic stimulating experiences are a part of this form of intrinsic motivation. Contrary to intrinsic motivation Deci, 1975 defined extrinsic motivation as those behaviors that are engaged in as a means to an end and not for their own sake. Originally it was thought that this form of motivation could only be influenced by external sources such as rewards. Deci, Ryan, Connell, Grolnick, in 1990 however felt that extrinsic motivation like intrinsic motivation could also be sub divided into the following forms 1) External regulation this refers to behaviours that are controlled by external rewards. 2) Introjections under this condition, external sources of motivation have been internalized, and internal forces such as guilt or shame serve to act as the drive. 3) Identification Under this condition the individual recognizes his/her behavior as worthy and of considerable value. Thus, the behavior engaged in is for external reasons but controlled internally by the individual. The last form of motivation, also known as Amotivation, is similar to learned helplessness (Abramson, Seligman, Teasdale, 1978). Amotivated individuals do not recognize a link between their actions and the outcomes, instead they undergo feelings of incompetence and lack of control (Deci,and Rayan 1985). In the case of Amotivation, neither intrinsic motivation nor extrinsic motivation is experienced and the end result may be that the individual ceases to participate in the given activity altogether. The link between internal and external forms of motivation may be seen in the cognitive evaluation theory formulated by Deci in 1975. This theory talks about the effects of external consequences on internal motivation. The cognitive evaluation theory talks about individuals motivation differing on account of their own perceptions of their ability to meet the desired goal, and the corresponding drive to do so. High levels of competence and self determination, results in increased intrinsic motivation and identification. On the other hand, it is seen that low levels of competence and self determination, results in a decrease in introjection, external regulation and amotivation (Deci Ryan, 1985, 1991). The cognitive evaluative theory is a sub theory of the self determination theory (SDT), which talks about the factors that drive individuals other than extrinsic rewards or reinforcement. It deals largely with psychological needs and conditions for individual growth which serve to be mo tivating factors. The extent to which a person is self-motivated or self-determined serves as the basis of this theory (Deci, Ryan, 2002). Thus, research has indicated a presence of both internal and external motivating factors that serve to be responsible of the extent to which a person immerses himself or herself in a given task. Further, it is based on these factors that the individual places value on task performance. Fear of failure Fear and anxiety are often misinterpreted for one another. Anxiety is generalized and the source is often hard to pinpoint. Fear on the other hand is a subjective emotion that triggers physiological changes (e.g., increased heart rate, muscle tension) and that has antecedents in the environment, leading to certain causal consequences in behavior (Gray, 1987). Fear results in an individual engaging in avoidance behaviours on account of an understanding that avoiding the situation at hand will prevent the unpleasant outcome that is feared from occurring (Barlow, 2002; Field Lawson, 2003; Gray, 1987). Theorists believe that fear as a construct exists from early childhood to adulthood (Field Lawson, 2003; Lawson, Banerjee, Field, 2007; Morris Kratochwill,1998). Fears serve an adaptive role during childhood towards real or imagined threat. They warn the individual of dangers that are lurking and motivate the individual to engage in escape or avoidance behaviours. However, on becoming excessive, intense, and persistent over time, fears may result in being extremely distressful thus act as a block towards academic and social progression (Field Lawson, 2003; Gullone, 1999). Three main forms of fear have been identified among children and adolescents, included are those of performance anxiety, social anxiety, and school phobia (King et al., 1998). The current study has its roots in performance anxiety and deals primarily with a fear of failure. Failure is known as the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective, and may be viewed as the opposite of success. As human beings, we all have an innate driven to achieve mastery in all spheres of life. Erick Erickson talked about a series of stages, each aimed at achieving mastery over specific domains. Mastery or success at each stage may be attained through repeated trial and error. It is only when failure is experienced and the individual overcomes it that success is arrived at. In todays society where cut throat competition is largely prevalent, individuals seek to go from one win to another. Loss or failure is something that is looked down upon and individuals begin to fear it even at a young age. A mild form of this fear may serve to be motivating but often it gets blown out of proportion resulting in a fear of failure. Athletes too, it is seen may generate a fear of failure when they worry about not getting what they want and have worked hard to obtain. On account of the growing nature of sports psychology, there has been an increased interest in the gender differences that may exist with regard to sport and sport related play. This study seeks to explain the gender differences specifically in relation to the type of motivation and levels of fear of failure that influence athletic performance. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Motivation and gender differences Considerable research has been done in the field of motivation and sport. Research has found that motivation has a direct influence on an individuals performance, persistence and learning (Duda, 1989; Vallerand, Deci, Ryan, 1987). It thereby, seeks to be a crucial factor in determining the extent to which athletes initiate, maintain and seek to grow in the field of sport. Further, focusing on the gender differences in types of motivation (intrinsic or extrinsic motivation), several studies have been done on the effect of scholarship and its relation to performance in sport. Ryan (1980) did a study on a sample of male football players and female athletes on scholarship. Results displayed that scholarship or an extrinsic stimulus, served to have a greater influence on the performance of male athletes than female athletes. Male athletes were thus found to have lower levels of intrinsic motivation on account of the impact of scholarship. In another study it was found that female athletes reported higher levels of intrinsic motivation than male athletes irrespective of the presence of scholarship (Fortier, Vallerand, Guay, 1995). Reed Cox, (2003) in a study titled The Effects of Athletic Scholarships on Motivation in Sport took a sample of 70 non-scholarship and 46 scholarship basketball players and assessed present and future levels of motivation. Results indicated that male scholarship athletes displayed higher levels of introjected regulation than female non-scholarship athletes, and higher levels of external regulation as compared to female scholarship athletes and all non-scholarship athletes. The current study was based solely in the country of Canada and the sample was taken from the sport of Basketball. Thereby this difference in the type of motivation among males and females cannot be generalized to other cultures or to sports that are played on an individual basis where team cohesion does not play a contributory role. Kingston et al., (2006) stated otherwise, and proved thorough a replication of a study conducted by Amorose and Hom, (2000) that regardless of gender, athletes on scholarship displayed higher levels of intrinsic motivation than non scholarship athletes. This indicates that external stimuli such as scholarship have a similar effect on the motivation of both males and females. Further, Kingston (2006) looked into aspects of extrinsic motivation, and found that collegiate male athletes demonstrated significantly higher levels of extrinsic motivation, specifically external regulation as compared to females. In a study aimed at measuring if gender and motivation type were related to athletes perceptions of team cohesion. Halbrook,. Blom, Hurley, Bell, Holden collected a sample of 253 male and female collegiate athletes. On administering the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS; Pelletier et al, 1995) and the Group Environment Questionnaire (EQ; Carrà ³n et al., 1985), results revealed significant positive correlations between perceptions of task and social cohesion with each of the three intrinsic motivation types and two extrinsic motivation types (i.e integrated regulation and identified regulation). Negative relationships were found to exist between amotivation and task and social cohesion. This study indicates that the Sports motivation scale is a good predictor of measuring the type of motivation among sports persons. Fear of failure and gender differences Fear of failure is also another crucial factor in determining an athletes involvement in sport. Unlike motivation that serves to be a driving force, fear of failure serves as a mar towards progression. H. A Murray (1938) was the person behind the conceptualization of dispositional achievement motivation as the combination of an individuals need for achievement which serves to be the approach motive and his/her fear of failure which acts as the avoidance motive. Both the avoidance motive and the achievement motive are characteristic of being stable in nature and are considered to have been socialized early in childhood (Birney et al., 1969; Conroy, 2003; Elliot Reis, 2003; Elliot Thrash, 2004; Hermans, ter Laak, Maes, 1972; McClelland et al., 1953; Teevan McGhee, 1972). This may in turn serve to be a contributory factor of gender differences that exist later in life. As stated above, classical achievement motivation theorists talked about the need for individuals to avoid failure and thus they thereby act or behave in ways that prevent the likelihood of experiencing the failure itself (McClelland, Atkinson, Clark, and Lowell, 1953). These early achievement motivation theories (Atkinson, 1964; McClelland, Atkinson, Clark, Lowell, 1958) defined fear of failure as the motive to avoid failure because one feels shame and humiliation upon failure. Thus, fear of failure is prominent under conditions where individuals feel their ability is being judged and where there is a high chance of failure to occur, resulting in the person to seek escape or avoidance of the situation (Atkinson Feather, 1966; Birney, Burdick, Teevan, 1969). Sports related research on fear of failure has associated it with youth drop out rates and barriers to sport participation (Orlick, 1974). Failure and negative social evaluation are predominant sources of worry among many young athletes. Young elite athletes worries were related to primarily to the fear of failure, fear of negative evaluation, feelings of inadequacy, and external control or guilt (Gould, Horn, Spreemann, 1983). Research done on samples of youth wrestlers (Gould et al., 1983; Scanlan Lewthwaite, 1984) and runners (Feltz Albrecht, 1986) indicated that the major source of their fears revolved around making mistakes, not performing to their ability, not improving on their performance, not participating in championship events, and losing. Winning and losing are a part and parcel of every sport and from a very young age winning is something that individuals strive towards, loosing on the other is something that they learn to dread. A win serves to be a standard of succ ess while a loss becomes a threat and is considered as failure (Scanlan Lewthwaite, 1988). Pressure to be the best and achieve high standards of sporting performances, can bring with it increased levels of fear of failure among athletes (Hosek Man, 1989). A multidimensional and hierarchical model of fear of failure has been developed that incorporates previous findings on fear of failure. This model has been based on the cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion (Lazarus, 1991). This theory talks about fear of failure being a result of the activation of cognitive schemas attached to situations that are fear provoking, on account of possible failure in those situations. Further, this theory states that individuals make evaluations of events and experience an associated anxiety on account of the meaning they attach to those situations. Thereby, an aversive interpretation of the consequences of failure leads individuals to fear failure itself (Birney, Burdick, Teevan, 1969; Conroy et al., 2001; Conroy et al., 2002). Conroy, Poczwardowski, and Henschen, (2001) used inductive content analysis to narrow down into five broad categories the aversive consequences of failure that individuals fear (a) experiencing shame and embarrassment, (b) devaluing ones self-estimate, (c) having an uncertain future, (d) important others losing interest, and (e) upsetting important others (Conroy, 2001; Conroy, Metzler, and Hofer, 2003; Conroy, Willow, and Metzler, 2002). In sum, it is seen that fear of failure is linked to maladaptive results in the undertaking of any given activity. In the year 2009, Sagar; Lavallee and Spray did a study titled Coping With the Effects of Fear of Failure: A Preliminary Investigation of Young Elite Athletes. Interviews were conducted on a one to one basis with nine young elite athletes (5 males, 4 females; ages 14-17 years) and revealed that fear of failure affected the athletes well-being, interpersonal behavior, sport performance, and schoolwork. This qualitative study indicates that there is a need for further research in the field of fear of failure with older athletes and how it may impact other related areas such as motivation. In addition, a quantitative study may serve to enhance the ability to generalize the results. Sagar, Boardley, and Kavussanu, (2011) found that male students reported higher levels of fear of significant others losing interest and a threat to their social standing.   Females on the other hand were more concerned with a fear of devaluing ones self-estimate, which in turn is said to be related to relatively lower competence levels in females as compared to males. In a study done by Elison, and Jeff, (2012) results revealed that females report fear of shame and embarrassment to a greater degree than males and fear of devaluing ones self estimate to a greater degree than males. Females also report need for approval and rumination to a larger extent than males. Thus, females tend to exhibit modestly greater fear of failure and perfectionism. The above studies indicate that there is a considerable need to make a contemporary research with regard to the prevalence of gender differences in the fear of failure of individuals within the sporting domain. Relationship between motivation, fear of failure and the role of gender Motivation it is seen may serve the role of approach or of avoidance. Contemporary goal theorists talk about the presence of two types of approach motivation, namely, mastery and performance goals. Mastery approach goals are found to correspond to high levels of intrinsic motivation while performance approach goals are found to correspond to high levels of extrinsic motivation (Elliot Church, 1997; Smith et al., 2002). Avoidance goals are said to correspond to the presence of Amotivation in individuals. Past research has repeatedly shown that need for achievement involves the taking up of mastery-approach and performance-approach goals, while fear of failure leads to the implementation of avoidance goals (mastery and performance) as well as performance-approach goals (Conroy, 2004; Conroy Elliot, 2004; Elliot Church, 1997; Elliot McGregor, 1999; Elliot McGregor, 2001; Elliot Sheldon, 1997; Schmalt, 2005; Thrash Elliot, 2002; Van Yperen, 2006). Another study done by Conroy and Elliot (2003) on 356 college students, revealed that fear of failure was positively related to mastery-avoidance, performance-approach and performance-avoidance achievement goals. Though this study has been done in the academic setting, it would be of interest to find individuals displayed similar mannerisms in the context of sport. Nien Duda, (2008) did do a study on 450 British male and female athletes. The study was aimed at identify revealing gender differences in the multiple achievement goal measurement model. Questionnaires assessing approach and avoidance achievement goals, perceived sport competence, fear of failure, and motivation regulations, were administered to the athletes. Only partial invariance was supported with respect to the antecedents achievement goals-consequences model. Further, gender differences were not revealed amidst the paths between fear of failure to mastery-avoidance goal, mastery-approach goal to intrinsic motivation, and performance-approach goal to extrinsic motivation. In a country like India, where gender differences are so apparent across several domains, it is important that we research into the extent to which gender may play a role in the field of sport. Further, this study revealed that both the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS; Pelletier et al., 1995) and The Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory by David E. Conroy are can be used to measure the type of motivation and levels of fear of failure among athletes. Indian Studies A study done by Rathee and Singh, (2011) measured the levels of achievement motivation, emotional and social adjustment among international and national players of various team sports. For this purpose, 240 Indian players were selected from the sports of basketball, hockey and handball. The achievement motivation test was administered to the athletes and results indicated that international players had higher levels of achievement motivation, and were better adjusted than national players. Further, gender studies indicated that there were little or no differences among the players at that level. The current study focused primarily on achievement motivation and did not consider gender differences with regard to the type of motivation (intrinsic or extrinsic) and the possible effect it may have on levels of fear of failure. Sporting participation of individuals at lower levels of competition such as inter college competitions has not be studied in the above case and there is need to d o so for national and international players come into the category of elite sportsmen and they thereby may have different factors influencing their participation. METHEDOLOGY Rationale for this study Psychology is a rapidly growing field and sport psychology in particular has found to be crucial in the churning out of ace class athletes around the world. In India, where gender differences are apparent across various domains, it is crucial that it be taken into consideration while dealing with persons in the counseling setting. Motivation and fear of failure serve to act as push and a pull factors for individuals indulging in any given activity. It is thereby essential that we investigate into these two variables and whether gender has a role to play in the field of sport. This will serve to add to the limited research done in the field of motivation and fear of failure, especially so with regard to the Indian context. Scope of this study The present study will aid in creating awareness in relation to the influence of gender in the type of motivation and the level of fear of failure that Indian athletes at the college level may experience. It will further aid in counselors and coaches to be more sensitive to the needs of athletes with regard to aspects of motivation and fear of failure. Operational definitions In the following is an understanding of the operational and constitutive definitions of the various variables under study: Gender: The state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones). (Oxford dictionary) Motivation: Motivation may be understood as a combination of an internal drive that stems from within us and external factors that seek to influence it. (Deci 1975) Intrinsic motivation: intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity purely for the pleasure and Satisfaction derived from doing the activity (Deci, 1975). Extrinsic motivation: extrinsic motivation pertains to a wide variety of behaviors that are engaged in as a means to an end and not for their own sake (Deci, 1975). Amotivation: experiencing feelings of incompetence and lack of control (Deci Ryan, 1985) Fear of failure: An association between a specific stimuli and threat triggers fear response and avoidance behaviour Because such behaviour is believed to prevent the unpleasant outcome that is feared (Barlow, 2002; Field Lawson, 2003; Gray, 1987). Indian: a native or inhabitant of India, or a person of Indian descent (Oxford dictionary) Colligate athletes: a term encompassing college and university level competitive sports personnel. Aim To study the effect of gender on the type of motivation and the level of fear of failure among colligate athletes. Objectives To measure the effect of gender on the type of motivation among athletes. To measure the effect of gender on the level of fear of failure of among athletes. To study the correlation between the type of motivation and the level of fear of failure among athletes. Research design The questionnaire method will be employed for the purpose of research. Here a certain sample of male and female participants will be studied in relation to the variables of motivation and the fear of failure using a single -point questionnaire assessment. Hypothesis In the following are the various hypotheses that were formulated: The motivation subscales of intrinsic motivation to learn and know, to experience stimulation, and toward accomplishments, as well as integrated regulation would have negative relationships with fear of failure. The motivation subscales of identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, and amotivation would have positive relationships with fear of failure. There would be an interaction between gender and motivation type as well as gender and fear of failure. Sample The sample would consist of students aged 18 25. All individuals who are currently on the college team will be contacted from sports played on an individual basis such as tennis, table tennis, badminton and athletics. The participants will be from universities situated in the city of Bangalore. A minimum sample size of 60, including 30 men and 30 women is to be sought. Inclusion Criteria- Aged 18 25 Individuals who are currently of the college team. Individuals who are of Indian nationality or Indian decent. Exclusion Criteria- Individuals who do not have at least one parent who is Indian and is of nationality other than Indian. Individuals who are not of the college team. Tools: A Socio-Demographic Data Sheet was formulated for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the participants gender, age, ethnicity, form of sport, year of joining university, no years of having played sport and level of competition. To assess the participants type of motivation Sport Motivation Scale (SMS 28) by Pelletier et al., (1995) will be employed. It assess individuals on the type of motivation 1) Intrinsic motivation which includes intrinsic motivation to know and understand, intrinsic motivation towards accomplishments and intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation, 2) Extrinsic motivation which includes integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation and external regulation and lastly is that of Amotivation. Pelletier et al (1995) sampled 593 university athletes and found adequate internal consistency among seven of the eight subscales, with Cronbachs alpha ranging from .74 to .80. All subscales were found to have a high positive correlation between one another, with the correlation weakening only between amotivation and intrinsic motivation, which makes theoretical sense. This reliability was also verified in another study by Kingston et al., (2006) with collegiate studen t athletes; the mean Cronbachs alpha score for the subscales was at least .80, except for the identification subscale which was below .70. In addition, the SMS has shown strong logical validity and adequate content validity (Li Harmer, 1996; Pelletier et al., 1995). To assess the level of fear of failure of the participants The Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory by David E. Conroy is to be employed. Normative data of 440 males and females may be obtained. Initial research has found the subscales to exhibit acceptable internal consistency and has provided evidence supporting the factorial and external validity of the measure (Conroy et al., 2003). Previous research has proved that both these scales are appropriate for measuring the type of motivation and fear of failure of athletes playing at the university level. Procedure Pilot phase As part of the pilot phase, the head of the sports department of colleges in Bangalore will be contacted. Further, on obtaining permission to carry out the research, team captains of the various existing individual sports will be contacted and meetings set up with their entire team for the purpose of administration of the questionnaires. Main phase The sample would be collected from sports played on an individual basis. Post setting up meetings with the team, male and female participants are to be briefed in a group regarding the nature of the research. The participants are permitted to withdraw from the research if they wished to. Those who volunteer to be a part of the study would be each given an envelope containing two copies of the consent form, a demographics questionnaire, the sports motivation scale and the fear of failure appraisal inventory. Further, they would be first asked to fill up the consent form and the demographic questionnaire. A copy of the consent form is to be given to the participants for future reference. The instructions for the two scales (SMS and The Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory) were given separately and the respondents were asked to not skip any question or to think too much before giving an answer. On the completion of the questionnaires, the participants were to enclose it in self sea led envelopes and hand it over to the researcher. Analysis of data The data will be coded using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Means and Standard deviations are to be independently calculated or male and female participants on their scores on the SMS and Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory. T-tests will be used to examine gender differences in the variables of motivation and fear of failure. Correlation analysis is to be made use of to analyze the association between the variables studied. Ethical considerations: The setting for administration was done in a comfortable arena that had good ventilation and illumination. A general outline of the study was explained to all the participants contacted for th

The Symbolic Naturalist of The Blue Hotel :: Blue Hotel Essays

The Symbolic Naturalist of The Blue Hotel    This essay considers the perspective of James Trammell Cox as presented in his essay: An Analysis of the Blue Hotel  Ã‚   Cox begins his essay by discussing naturalism and Crane's fictional style. He suggests that Crane's technique "is that of the symbolist rather than the naturalist in that he carefully selects his details not as pieces of evidence in a one-dimensional report on man but as connotatively associated parts of an elaborately contrived symbolic structure." Basically the thrust of Cox's argument is centered around the degree to which Crane displays the characteristics of a naturalist writer. He comments on the intricacy of the story and how well Crane weaves in the details and underlying messages which give the story it's subtle complexity. Much of Crane's hidden meaning is achieved through his manipulation of imagery. Cox focuses on this imagery and picks it apart, thus displaying themes that are fairly central to the ideas behind naturalism. One of these ideas that is carried throughout the story behind the faà §ade of imagery is the idea of "man's inner nature [as] egocentric," as detailed by the contrast of the house to the storm in which the storm represents the "fundamental conflict between man and his environment." Within the house, in the central room is the stove, which is referenced frequently and can be seen as man's inner nature that "burn[s] with elemental aggressions" as the stove is described as "humming with a godlike violence." Cox then addresses the idea of natural symbolism and Crane's use of color to represent feelings and emotions and thus subtly carry them through the story. The two most central colors used are red and white, red as shown through the fire to symbolize anger, and white as shown through the snow to show fear. Cox provides examples of this such as the Swede who throughout the story shows both extremes of emotion and at one point is described, "upon the Swede's deathly pale cheeks were two spots brightly crimson.

“Pet Therapy for Heart and Soul” By Kerrey Pechter Essay

As I read this story, I not only felt warmth but also very passionate and a realization that pets have a much larger effect on us besides be our loving companions. In this story, you will find a great understanding for having a pet. Owning something that will give you unconditional love, and who will help you threw your most stressful hours. Pet Therapy consists of animals working with and helping people in ordinary and extreme cases. You will find the author has pointed out how animals bring communicating to love ones easier and more relaxed. In addition, pets can be considered stress reducers and offer a great relationship. In my opinion, this introduction was long and not to the point. Another observation is the two main body topics are also long and not to the point. I would have broken the two topics to other larger topics to give the reader a chance to focus directly each individual point. In example, breaking reaction with elderly people (paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4) and reaction with kids (paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20) into a larger sub-topic â€Å"Therapy for All Ages†. Placing that paragraph between â€Å"Animal Magnetism At Work† and â€Å"Pets Are Comforting†. This change would emphasis the main topic better and allowed for breaks between the two larger sub-topics. The topic does describe the paper, and how animals bring out the best in us. The examples of animals in hospitals (15, 16) relates easily to me with experience working in those facilities. The way this paper is wrote, very well thought out with the reader in mind. Making simple quotes that gives a background and offering not only reference to the ideas but a description of  each that can relate to all of us. â€Å"Pet Therapy for Heart And Soul† is a well-researched paper with many quotes and references to the main topic. It also gives great real life examples, where the pets are working as therapy. All this brings the story close to you when you read it, making you wonder what your pet is doing for you.

Estonia Essay Essay

Estonia joined the European Union as well as NATO in 2004. Estonia has been the first country to allow for internet voting in elections for parliament members (infoplease, n. d. ). Tampering would be thought to be an issue with allow for electronic voting, but the Estonian government has taken the precautions necessary to prevent that from happening. The current president of Estonia is Toomas Hendrik Ilves. President Ilves was elected by an electoral college in 2006. He had previously served in the Estonia Parliament before being elected. The Prime Minister of Estonia, who serves as the head of the government and has just as much if not more power than the president, is Prime Minister Andrus Ansip who has held his position since 2005. The type of government that Estonia has adopted is a Parliamentary Republic. The people of the Estonia vote for the members to represent that parliament, in this case 101 people. Those 101 members of parliament then vote on who the President and Prime Minister of Estonia are. Parliament also gives forth votes to the people on issues that are concerns for the whole country. Estonia remains a so called melting pot for Eastern Europe. The country is made up of 60 percent Estonia’s, with the other 40 percent being from other parts of the former Soviet Republic and a small population from other various parts of the world (Miller, 2009). With this much diversity within the country it is commendable that Estonia has done so well and can be a model of social and political change in just a short period of time after it had gained its independence from the Soviet Union. The political landscape of Estonia remains steady even with the drastic population from other countries. The huge national population disparity can and has lead to violent conflicts in the country. In 2007, the Russians that are in the country went to the capital to celebrate Victory Day, this day being the end of Fascism at the end of WWII. Estonian’s view Victory Day totally different than the Russians that are apart of Estonia. Victory Day to Estonian’s represents the start of Soviet occupancy in their country up until 1990. The Estonian government then moved the statue that the Russians came to, to celebrate, which led to violent clashes with country police for days (Miller, 2009).