Saturday, August 31, 2019

Cognitive and psychodynamic approach to psychology

The Difference Between The Cognitive Approach And The Psychodynamic Approach To PsychologyPsychologists introduced a figure of diverse attacks in order to understand human nature and behavior. There are different ways of explicating phenomena, which is why there are different attacks. These different attacks include Cognitive and Psychodynamic. The Cognitive attack began to revolutionize psychological science in the late fiftiess and early 1960s.Piaget is the best known cognitive development research worker who suggested that, believing progressed through qualitative alterations due to the increasing adulthood of encephalon. He is remembered for his surveies of cognitive development in kids ( 1896-1980 ) . The cyberspace site, quotes.net quotation marks Jean Piaget as stating â€Å"The chief end of instruction is to make work forces who are capable of making new things, non merely of reiterating what other coevalss have done† Cognitive psychologists are interested in how people understand, diagnose and work out jobs. Cognitive research chiefly focuses on how our encephalons procedure information and the research tends to take topographic point in the research lab than in real-life scenes. The cognitive attack provinces that cognitive upsets have been learned, and so can be unlearned. Harmonizing to Albert Ellis, when we think positively and do determinations based on grounds, we behave rationally, and as a consequence we are happy, competent and effectual. On the other manus, prolonged irrational thought can take to psychological jobs and unnatural behavior. Attribution theory suggests that when we are disguised with person ‘s behavior, we try to work out in our heads why the individual is moving Wyrd. Harmonizing to Kelley ( 1967, 1973 ) , when we are doing these ascriptions, we work out in phases, First, we try to make up one's mind whether the person is to be blamed for his actions, secondly, whether person else is responsible and thirdly, whether the state of affairs itself has influenced the individual to act in such a manner. Unlike cognitive attack, the psychodynamic attack focuses on the three parts of head which are witting, unconscious and preconscious and the three constituents of personality which are id, self-importance and superego. Conscious are ideas and perceptual experiences while unconscious are wants and desires formed in childhood. It was chiefly initiated by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese physician who specialised in neurology. All psychodynamic theories stem from depth psychology. Freud foremost developed the basic thought that understanding behavior requires insight into the ideas and feelings which influence our actions. Hill ( 2001 p.72 ) quotes Sigmund Freud as stating â€Å"I set myself the undertaking of conveying to illume what human existences maintain hidden within them† . Freud ‘s apprehension of the head was mostly based on interpretative methods. Freud argued that, childhood experiences play a important portion in grownup development including the development of grownup personality. Every kid must go through through the alleged psycho-sexual phases ; how a kid experiences these phases plays a important function in the development of his/her personality.Methods Of ProbeCognitive developmental psychologists have used methods such as observation eg Piaget day-to-day observation of kids playing and experimentation eg experiments comparing the ability of two different age groups to go through preservation trials. Piaget was looking at the sort of errors that kids of different age group make. Piaget ‘s theory provides elaborate description of development but does non truly explicate decently. By concentrating on the kid ‘s errors, he might hold overlooked more of import abilities that kids do possess. Psychodynamic psychologists nevertheless used clinical instance surveies, dream analysis and free association to research their theory. Freud used to look into his patients in item and deeply analyse and interpreted all they said and did. Carl Gustav Jung ( 1875-1961 ) was the first favorite adherent of Freud. Jung disagreed with Freud that dreams are ever disguised wish fulfillment ensuing from the past fortunes alternatively Jung suggested that dreams reflect current pre-occupations.Strengths And Failings Of Psychodynamic ApproachStrengths:Psychodynamic attack reminds us that, early childhood experience can hold an impact on people throughout their live without them being cognizant that it is go oning. Therefore, the attack accepts that everyone can endure mental unwellness through no mistake of their ain. It besides offers a ‘cure ‘ for abnormalcy through depth psychology by explicating the implicit in causes in the unconscious, doing them witting, and let go ofing the patient from the emotional hurting caused by the childhood injury. Many people would hold that, unconscious procedures do hold an consequence on human behavior, and Freud ‘s work on how defense mechanism mechanisms protect the self-importance is particularly utile. Freud instance surveies like `Little Hans` and `Anna O` detailed aggregation of informations provided scientific support for his theory and depth psychology has tremendous explanatory power and has something to state on a immense assortment of of import subjects. The failings of psychodynamic attack are that, it can non be scientifically observed or tested. In fact, it has ne'er been disproved by any trial. There is no manner of showing if the unconscious really exists and verify if a pent-up memory is a existent or false memory unless independent grounds is available, in that context, most of psychodynamic theories are taken on religion. Freud over emphatic sexual causes and harmonizing to Breuer, Freud was prone to â€Å"excessive generalisation† . A healer must analyze and construe any grounds recovered by a psychoanalyst from a patient, this leaves open the possibility of serious misunderstanding or prejudice because two healers may construe the same grounds in wholly different ways. Finally, the psychodynamic attack ignores possible account of unnatural behavior by other psychological attacks. As for the cognitive attack, it concentrates on current information-processing by the encephalon, it does non depend on the past history of the client, and for illustration, retrieving pent-up memories from the unconscious. It besides had practical applications and deductions for the society. Cognitive research workers normally conduct scientific and nonsubjective research to back up their theories, nevertheless, it has been accused that the cognitive psychologists ignored the immense complexness of human operation by comparing to computing machine working. It besides ignores the emotional life of worlds.ComparisonThe psychodynamic attack provinces that, behaviour is non learned but caused by forces in the unconscious unlike the cognitive attack which states that behavior is learned as we process information and mental alterations in of import ways over clip. Psychodynamic attack considers behaviour as predetermined. They point out that different parts of the head are in changeless d ynamic battle with each other, so persons have no control over their behaviors but the cognitive attack see behavior as non predetermined. It states that we ever have power to alter knowledge. Psychodynamic attack is regarded as unscientific because it can non be measured or manipulated, whereas cognitive attack is regarded as scientific since it considers the encephalon is similar to a computing machine where information can be manipulated. Unlike cognitive attack, psychodynamic attack chiefly focuses on early childhood behaviors. The chief differences are the attack in which each theory takes in finding the cause of mental unwellness or mal adjusted behaviour eg psychodynamic position focuses more so on unconscious procedure while cognitive position focuses more so on mental procedures.SimilaritiesEach theory is used to specify the outlook of work forces, explain mental unwellness and find a manner to command if necessary. Each theory on its ain manner focuses on the human head and its reaction to its environment. They both have trouble in corroborating their research.Mentions · Hill G. 2001 As Level Psychology through Diagrams Oxford University imperativeness. hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology hypertext transfer protocol: //www.associatedcontent.com/article/21688/psychodynamic_humanistic_and_cognitive.html? cat=58 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/psychology/psy_1.doc â€Å" Jean Piaget. † Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2009. 14 November. 2009. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.quotes.net/quote/16376

Friday, August 30, 2019

Literacy in America Essay

America, the most technologically advanced and affluent of all nations on the earth, seems to have an increasingly larger illiteracy rate every year. This has become and continues to be a critical problem throughout our society as we know it. According to the National Adult Literacy survey, 42 million adult Americans can’t read; 50 million are limited to a 4th or 5th grade reading level; one in every four teenagers drops out of high school, and of the students who graduate, one in every four has around an 8th grade education. Why? You ask. This problem will never fix itself and will take quite a bit of time to overcome. We need to make sure that everyone is aware of the social problems, poverty and lack of family interaction that occurs everyday in many, if not all, communities throughout America. â€Å"Nearly a billion people, two-thirds of them women, will enter this world unable to read a book or write their names,† warns UNICEF in a new report, â€Å"The State of the World’s Children 1999. † UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, points out that the illiterate â€Å"live in more desperate poverty and poorer health† than those who can read and write. (Boaz). The most important factor that contributes to the outrageous statistics of illiteracy is that of poverty. Poverty is an issue that more and more of our nation’s children are coming face to face with and the price they must pay is unbelievably high. Poverty is considered a major at-risk factor (Leroy 2001). The term at-risk refers to children who are likely to fail whether it 2 be at school or life in general because of their life’s social circumstances. Some of the factors that may place these children at-risk are: dangerous neighborhoods; young, uneducated parents; unemployment; and inadequate educational experiences. Teachers need to be aware of the circumstances that their students face and be able and ready to help these children find a balance between the cultural values that they may have and values emphasized in school. By providing emotional support, modeling, and other forms of scaffolding, teachers can help students use their strengths, skills, and knowledge to develop and learn ( Marlowe and Page,9). The United States prides itself on being a free, democratic state. Jonathan Kozol’s essay â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society† states that the United States is not the democracy it claims to be. For democracy to work at its best, a true representation of the common interests and how the majority feels about those interests must be in place. According to Kozol, about â€Å"60 million people in the United States are illiterate. † For the United States to be the self-functioning democratic state it proclaims to be, it has to be a literate society. The people of the United States are not part of a democracy without the full capacity to make informed choices, and furthermore cannot reap the benefits that a democratic society has to offer if the best interests of the majority are not represented. Direct quote #2 (Madison)with signal phrase. Hypo-thetical example James Madison wrote that a â€Å"people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both† (Surowiecki, page 4). Voting is by far the most important aspect of a democratic society, and the percentage of people who do vote is a topic of much discussion here in the United States. If the number of people not voting is such a significant concern then the reasons they are not voting is 3 as well. An uneducated vote is not any better than a vote not cast at all. Imagine going to a voting booth and voting for a person or a ballot measure based on the ads you see on the TV only. In this circumstance, decisions are often made based on the negative ideas offered by both major political parties. If 60 million people in the United States cannot read, then they cannot cast a vote truly representative of their opinions. As Kozol claims, the United States has in fact become a government â€Å"of those two thirds whose wealth, skin color, or parental privilege allows them opportunity to profit from the provocation and instruction of the written word† (Kozol). The percentage of the population that is illiterate cannot choose which candidates make it onto the ballots, they cannot sign petitions, and they cannot choose which measures will pass or those that will fail. Direct quote #3 (Kozal), with signal phrase e. Of equal importance to a democratic society are the benefits that literacy provides to the public. When one is illiterate they are not able to reap the benefits of a free society. The freedom to choose enhances one’s chances of experiencing the best of anything. Illiteracy makes for a life of settling. An illiterate person has to settle for another’s interpretations of the world. According to the article ‘Democracy 101,† the ability to read opens a world that many people do not consider. The choice of where to live, what to eat, and where to work may all seem commonplace to the average literate person. Kozol uses the warning on a can of Drano in the opening of this essay to educate. It may take a moment for it to sink in but the reader will soon realize how much power reading and writing holds. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are supposed to be guaranteed to all citizens of this country. Those that cannot read or write do not have the capability to choose who are the best people suited for ensuring those rights. Perhaps more importantly the 60 million illiterate people in this country cannot make the choices necessary to make use of those rights (Kozol). References Boaz, David. â€Å"Illiteracy — The Bad News and the Good. † Cato Institute. 20 Jan. 1999. Kim, J. K. â€Å"NRRF – Illiteracy: An Incurable Disease or Education Malpractice? † Kozol, Jonathan, Illiteracy: The Enduring Problem. â€Å". Leroy. â€Å"The Effects of Poverty on Teaching and Learning. † 2001 Surowiecki, James. â€Å"The Dangers of Financial Illiteracy in America. † The New Yorker.

Impact of ICT on Education Sectors in America

The capableness for information and communications engineering has been grow up over the last 10 to 15 old ages. Nowadays the computing machine have become more powerful, besides have satellite, fibre ocular and the radio engineering has increased. Other than that, package developments such as multimedia authoring systems have made it easier to make digital stuffs such as educational stuffs etc. In recent old ages, the US economic system has grow up really fast. Furthermore, enlargement has been marked by record emplotment but besides by low rising prices. In this long period of enlargement correspond with representative investing in and the diffusion of information and communicating engineering. In this on the job paper distribution with the part of Information and Communication Technology to economic system turn. Information and Communication Technology as capital inputs in all parts of the economic system. Another differentiation is between the effects of Information and Communication Technology on labor and on multi-factor productiveness. hypertext transfer protocol: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t-1nczH55Rlq7R7NZuBOK6karTVv5xmpXMiWailzoA46zd9ZxdXGGtZe5U417xyGbjJBqYoxMex9qxbVpkykyIMFGbVB-wsayRdF9eh0wo6WU2mdTUPBLwwPI-RKdPmtqqcKvgNj1FY/s400/Networked+School+Community2.JPG hypertext transfer protocol: //edutechdebate.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/training-impact.jpg Knowledge, invention and Information and Communication Technology have had strong on many economic sectors, e.g. the information sciences and communicating, finance, and transit sectors. The knowledge-based economic system sets a new scene for instruction and new challenges and promises for the instruction sector. Education is a demand of the knowledge-based economic system, the production and usage of new cognition both require a more educated population and work force. Besides that, Information and Communication Technology is a really powerful tool for distributed cognition and information, a cardinal facet of the instruction procedure. The instruction sector has so far been characteristic by instead slow advancement in footings of invention development which impact on learning activities. Educational research and development does non play a strong function as a factor of enabling the direct production of systematic cognition. The fact, instruction is non a field that lends itself easy to experimentation, partially because experimental attacks in instruction are frequently impossible to depict in exactly adequate to be certain that they are truly being replicated. There is small classify cognition in the section of instruction and merely weak developed mechanisms whereby communities of module jointly can capture and profit from the finds made by their co-workers. Information and communicating engineering potentially offer increased possible for codification of cognition about instruction and for invention in learning activities through being able to present acquisition and cognitive activities. There are some existent facts in the modern instruction. First, the Information and communicating engineering has been developing really quickly presents. Therefore, in order to equilibrate it, the whole educational system should be reformed and Information and communicating engineering should be integrated into educational activities. Other than that, the influence of Information and communicating, particularly the cyberspace can non be ignored in our studentaa‚ ¬a„?s lives. So, the acquisition activities should be to explicate once more, from the manual beginning centered to the unfastened beginning 1s. In this instance the widely usage of cyberspace entree has been an ineluctable policy that should be anticipated by schools governments. Besides that, the company of games by cyberspace have another serious job that should be sagely handled by the educational establishments. The pupils can non truly extinguish from games. They can hold and make with it wherever and whenever they want. In some state of affairs, instruction constitution play an really of import function to snuff out these jobs. One of which is by easing the pupils to make edutainment or educational games. Schools can allow their pupils be familiar with educational games adjusted by their instructors. Besides, they can besides back up and ease their pupils to hold their ain web logs in the cyberspace. A batch of WebBlog suppliers are free to the users, such as WordPress. In their web logs, the pupils can make and compose something, like an article, verse form, intelligence, short narratives, characteristics, or they can besides show their sentiment by an on-line forum provided in the cyberspace. They are able to portion experiences throughout their web logs to others from all over the universe. I think it will be an interesting activity for them, and it will decrease their clip to see the negative or porn sites existed. I think our immature coevals will acquire more and more information and cognition by shoping in the cyberspace. So that, they can besides make more new things in web design that it may be out of the formal course of study content, but it will be utile for their hereafter. Advantages of ICT on instruction sectors The first advantage is up to day of the month and existent universe engineering, to fix the kids for the modern universe. Second, can allow us more comfy and dependability to the ICT when we are analyzing or working every bit good. Disadvantages of ICT on instruction sectors The disadvantage is ne'er adequate resources like computing machine for each schoolroom and you ca n't anticipate parents to purchase their kids a laptop to take to school and some instructors are from the old school and garbage to encompass it in their schoolrooms. Skills Needed in the Workplace of the Future Digital Age Literacy Functional literacy-Ability to decode significance and express thoughts in a scope of media ; this includes the usage of images, artworks, picture, charts and graphs or ocular literacy Scientific literacy-Understanding of both the theoretical and applied facets of scientific discipline and mathematics Technological literacy-Competence in the usage of information and communicating engineerings Information literacy-Ability to happen, measure and do appropriate usage of information, including via the usage of ICTs Cultural literacy-Appreciation of the diverseness of civilizations Global awareness-Understanding of how states, corporations, and communities all over the universe are interrelated Imaginative Thinking Adaptability-Ability to accommodate and pull off in a complex, mutualist universe Curiosity-Desire to cognize Creativity-Ability to utilize imaginativeness to make new things Risk-taking-Ability to take hazards Higher-Order Thinking-Creative problem-solving and logical thought that consequence in soundjudgments Effective Communication Teaming-Ability to work in a squad Collaboration and interpersonal skills-Ability to interact swimmingly and work efficaciously with others Personal and societal duty -Be accountable for the manner they use ICTs and to larn to utilize ICTs for the public good Synergistic communication-Competence in conveyance, conveying, accessing and understanding information High Productivity-Ability to prioritise, program, and manage plans and undertakings to accomplish the coveted consequences. Ability to use what they learn in the schoolroom to real-life contexts to make relevant, high-quality merchandises The utilizations ICTs help better the quality of instruction Information and communicating can better the quality of instruction and preparation is a critical issue, peculiarly at a clip of educational enlargement. Information and communicating besides can heighten the quality of instruction in several ways, foremost, by the increasing scholar motive and battle, by easing the acquisition of basic accomplishments, and by heightening teacher training.14 Information and communicating are besides transformational tools which, when used suitably.Advancing cognition and the ( cognition ) economic system: the promises of e-learningThe outgrowth of information and communicating is represents high promises for the third instruction sector. information and communicating Iowas could so play a function on three cardinal facets of instruction policy, is really entree, quality and cost. information and communicating is could perchance progress cognition by spread outing and widening entree to instruction, by bettering the quality of instruction and cut down ing its cost. All this would construct more capacity for the promotion of cognition economic systems. This subdivision summarises the chief statements endorsing the promises. E-learning is a promising tool for the spread outing entree to third instruction. Because they relax infinite and clip restraints, ICTs can let new people to take part in third instruction by increasing the flexibleness of engagement compared to the traditional face-to-face theoretical account: on the job pupils and grownups, people populating in distant countries ( e.g. rural ) , non-mobile pupils and even foreign pupils could now more easy take part in instruction. Thankss to ICT, scholars can so analyze where and/or when they have clip to make soaa‚ ¬ † instead than where and/or when categories are planned. While traditional correspondence-based distance acquisition has long played this function, ICT have enhanced traditional distance instruction enabled the rise of a continuum of patterns between to the full campus-based instruction and to the full distance instruction. More specifically, to the full on-line acquisition can let big Numberss of pupils to entree instruction. The restraints of the face-to-face acquisition experience, that is, the size of the suites and edifices and the students/teacher ratio, represents another signifier of relaxation of infinite restraints. ICTs so allow a really inexpensive cost of reproduction and communicating of a lesson, via different agencies like the digital recording and its ( subterranean or coincident ) diffusion on Television, wireless or the Internet. The learning procedure or content can besides be codified, and at least some parts be standardised in larning objects, for illustration a multimedia package, that can in rule be used by 1000000s of scholars, either in a synchronal or asynchronous manner. Although both signifiers might bring on some loss in footings of teachers-learners interactivity compared to confront to confront learning, they can make a graduated table of engagement that would be impracti cable via face-to-face acquisition. When the demands are immense, to the full on-line acquisition can be important and perchance the lone realistic agencies to increase and widen quickly entree to third instruction. Some developing states have immense cohorts of immature people and excessively little an academic work force to run into their big unmet demand: given developing new instructors would take excessively much clip, notwithstanding resources, e-learning might stand for for many possible pupils and learners the lone opportunity to analyze ( instead than an alternate to full face-to-face acquisition ) ( World Bank, 2003 ) . E-learning can besides be seen as a promising manner for bettering the quality of third instruction and the effectivity of larning. These promises can be derived from different features of ICTs: the increased flexibleness of the acquisition experience it can give to pupils ; the enhanced entree to information resources for more pupils ; the possible to drive advanced and effectual ways of larning and/or instruction, including acquisition tools, easier usage of multimedia or simulation tools ; eventually, the possibility to spread these inventions at really low fringy cost among the instructors and scholars. Distance E-learning has non merely the virtuousness to be inclusive for pupils that can non take part in third instruction because of clip, infinite or capacity restraints, as it was shown supra. It can besides in rule offer to pupils more individualized ways of larning than corporate face-to-face acquisition, even in little groups. Although acquisition is frequently personalised to some extent in higher instruction through the modularity of waies, ICTs allow establishments to give pupils to take a wider assortment of larning waies than in non-ICT supplemented establishments aa‚ ¬ † non the least because of the administrative load this would stand for in big establishments. This means that pupils can experiment larning waies that best suit them. Furthermore, e-learning can potentially let pupils to take classs from several establishments, e.g. some campus-based and others to the full online. This possible flexibleness of single course of study can be seen as an betterme nt of the overall pupil experience, irrespective of pedagogical alterations. In one word, e-learning could render instruction more learner-centred compared to the traditional theoretical account. Decision It is clear that ICT capacity will go on to spread out at a rapid rate throughout the universe. This enlargement will be driven chiefly for commercial intents, but it will besides supply the chance for economically of import educational chances. Probably no state can afford to disregard this development. However, practical instruction requires a really rigorous set of conditions for it to work successfully. For these conditions to be met, there is a high cost in footings of investing and preparation. Most significantly of all, the technological substructure must be in topographic point. While the engineering underpinning practical instruction is developing quickly, the most valuable developments for poorer states are non yet commercially available or developed. Virtual instruction is non the reply to many of the most urgent educational problemsfaced peculiarly by poorer developing states. Other schemes, such as unfastened universities, can supply greater entree and more cost-efficient bringing of instruction. Governments can make much to promote the right environment for practical education.Indeed, authoritiess can non afford non to expose at least a minimal figure of its subjects to the benefits of practical instruction. The poorer the state, the more focussed itsefforts to back up practical instruction will necessitate to be. Partnership with more developed states, coaction between states with similar civilizations and phases of economic development and well-targeted, small-scale undertakings will all assist develop capacity and accomplishments in practical instruction.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Sensory Memory, Retrieval Failure and Aphasia Essay

Sensory Memory, Retrieval Failure and Aphasia - Essay Example This memory usually comes off in a short while. For visual sensory memory, or iconic memory, the length of the memory is usually less than half a second (Lynch). Iconic memory usually includes instances where one sees something ordinary like a woman walking down the street. Even after the woman passes by and is not anymore in sight, the memory of this woman remains in the mind. If not attended to, iconic memory, just like any other sensory memory, is gone, but if attention is given, it becomes a working memory and thus stays relatively longer than a sensory memory (â€Å"Human Memory†). This happens if that woman is beautiful and the man who sees her wishes to remember her. On the other hand, for echoic memory, which is auditory sensory memory, the memory of the sound usually lasts a few seconds (Lynch). This usually happens when someone hears something like some particular news on TV while the listener is doing something else, then right after the TV is turned off, the memory stays in the mind for a few seconds. If the news was about an approaching typhoon, the listener may suddenly tell his mom, â€Å"Hey mom, it said on TV that the typhoon is coming at 6 p.m. and it’s gonna bring with it some hail and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  So far, the echoic memory is gone the moment you do not remember anymore. Still, another type of sensory memory is haptic memory, or tactile sensory memory (â€Å"Memory Class†). ... Echoic memory is what I often experience whenever I listen to the radio and turn it off before I turn in for the night. I have noticed that even as I am beginning to close my eyes I can still hear myself singing the chorus part of the last song I heard playing on the radio, but ask me about it when I wake up and I can seldom if ever recall what it is. Haptic memory is also one thing I experience at times. At the office, sometimes I shake hands with a client and I could feel either the wetness of his hand or the tightness of his grip. Nevertheless, after a short while, when we have got down to business, I honestly do not have any more memory of such a grip nor do I even remember shaking hands with that person. As to sensory memories, my experiences are just the same as everyone else’s. Retrieval Failure In psychology, retrieval failure refers to one of the theories of forgetting. In retrieval failure, â€Å"information is not lost, but that the right cues are not being usedâ⠂¬  (â€Å"Memory,† BBC). According to the retrieval failure theory of forgetting, a person may have stored a particular information in his brain but has obviously perhaps not gone back to it for quite some time. Therefore, when the moment arises for him to retrieve it, he cannot because the cues are just not right. Usually a person knows that he knows the information but just simply cannot bring himself to say it. At this particular point, he searches not exactly for the information but for the right cues that will make him remember it. In my case, I usually experience retrieval failure when the cues just cannot bring out a particular piece of information. I usually experience something like what I am about

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

International Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Finance - Case Study Example The new equipment will have a useful life of 10 years. The equipment being replaced had a book value of Pts. 1,605,000 and a market value of Pts. 950,000 meaning a Pts. 655,000 loss on disposal. The net present value rule states that an investment should be accepted if its net present value is greater than zero and rejected otherwise. The new equipment produced by Brevetti Cea, s.p.a ,an Italian firm has a number of benefits including larger production volumes, inspection and rejection thresholds are easily adjustable and the machine does not require specially trained operators. The fact that the new machine does not need trained personnel means that new employees can within no time learn how to handle the new equipment as compared to the 2 or 3 months needed to earlier train them. The semi-automated, old model inspection equipment has operational costs of Pts. 88,496 in 1988, which are expected to gradually rise to Pts. 124,872 in 1997. The new photoelectric equipment has relatively lower operational costs of Pts. 69,676 in 1988 which are expected to rise to Pts. 98,318 in 1997. Use of the new photoelectric equipment is expected to result in savings in operational expenses . After this 10 year period, the new photoelectric equipment would have exhausted its useful life. Cash flows relevant to the new photoelectric equipment include; the initial Pts. 61.525 million or $500,000. The savings in the materials and labor cost, that is the difference in the operational costs of the old model equipment versus the new efficient equipment consists cash inflows or savings. The revenues or cash sales anticipated from assimilation of the photoelectric equipment are however unstipulated. There is also a loss of Pts. 655,000 on disposal of the old equipment, as its net book value is Pts. 1,605,000 and its market value is Pts. 950,000. Merck considers the savings

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Language diversity and global media Research Proposal

Language diversity and global media - Research Proposal Example However, a major concern facing advertisers now is the possibility that historical criticisms directed at limited or stereotypical advertising content involving minorities (Westerman, 1989; Wilson and Guitierrez, 1995) may have created a negative atmosphere for these consumers to receive current multicultural marketing communication efforts. Similarly, as in-language media continues to grow, some have come to question the usefulness of general market English language media channels to reach consumers from ethnic minority groups (NCM.com, 2005). Although extensive research since the 1960s has generally acknowledged improvements in the portrayals of minorities in advertising, scholars and practitioners alike still suggest a need for more frequent and more positive portrayals, along with a broader range of roles and a greater degree of accuracy in the portrayals (Taylor and Bang, 1997). Some have suggested that ethnic media--that is, culturally relevant and/or in-language media--may be a better means for successfully reaching and representing ethnic minority consumers than general market English language media (Kalita, 2005; NCM.com, 2005; Yin, 2002) With increasing improvements of minority portrayals in general media and the development of ethnic media, one area that has been largely overlooked in the literature has been how ethnic minorities actually feel about portrayals of themselves in advertising (Green, 1999; Grier and Brumbaugh, 1999; Holland and Gentry, 1999). Attitudes such as these help form the media environment that in turn determines advertising message effectiveness. A meaningful research agenda relevant to today's media landscape should therefore be to find out (1) if ethnic minorities desire more representation and/or more accurate representation in the media and (2) if the historical criticisms have created a generally negative attitude among ethnic minority consumers and thus a difficult media environment within which a rejection of "mainstream" English language media outlets may exist. To address these issues, African and Latin Americans were selected as the focus of a study as they represent the largest ethn ic minority populations in the United States, and these groups have been receiving a significant amount of attention from marketers (Minority Markets Alert IX, 1997). Size, Growth Rates, And Purchasing Power Today, there are just over 281 million Americans in the United States and nearly one in four claims to have non-European ethnicities (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). In some of the nation's largest cities (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta) more than half of the residents are nonwhites, and in some cases up to 70 percent of a large city's population consists of minorities. This demographic shift is predicted to continue with non-European ethnicities expected to exceed 50 percent of the U.S. population by the middle of this century (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). Therefore, to ensure effective marketing communication, it is necessary that marketers understand all aspects of the various ethnic minority groups, ranging from their size and spending power to media use patterns and beliefs regarding marketing efforts. According to the

Monday, August 26, 2019

Reading Lesson 275 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading Lesson 275 - Essay Example If the student was unable to finish their book in the allotted time period, the teacher will direct the student to depict as much of the story as they were able to get to. This activity should last for the remainder of period which will be approximately 12 minutes. If the students finish earlier, they can present their book to the class by showcasing the pictures or word on their posters. Materials Needed: One book with ten pages or less for each student Poster board or construction paper Markers and crayons Stickers, stamps, other decorative items Task Dimensions Lesson Plan: Task Dimension Task History I would assume that the students will have experienced previous lessons regarding reading and were familiar enough readers to be able to handle a book with 10 pages, but not yet masters of this particular subject. Task Response Form Students are required to read the book on their own and then will respond to this task by creating a poster depicting the story’s main ideas. Task Modality Written and motor will be modes of learning during this lesson plan.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Import HID head light bulb from china to USA Essay

Import HID head light bulb from china to USA - Essay Example It would have been difficult to source such parts from China in the past, as Germany, France and the US were the primary sources for higher-tech lighting such as HID, but this image has changed in the past few years. The US is a major market for automobile aftermarket parts. With over 200 million autos on the road, (Economist) and about 16 million autos sold per year, nearly 190 million autos need spare parts and upgrades. The SEMA, or Special Equipment Manufacturers Associate, has become a major force in automobile after-market parts, for those who would like to improve the technical characteristics and the look of their cars. HID bulbs represent a relatively inexpensive and easy way to both improve the look of the car and improve its headlight performance. With many newer and more expensive cars using either HID bulbs or Xenon-arc bulbs, one recognizes a car on the road at night by the cool, intense white light that is emitted from either of these sources. There are a number of considerations that are important to sourcing HID bulbs in China. Because there are several suppliers, it may make sense to have at least two of comparable quality. Our company should insist on using its own brand, and not co-branding with the Chinese company; this preserves the importer’s flexibility in moving to another manufacturer if need be. The transactions should be based on Letters of Credit, which are less expensive than advancing capital before the goods are received. Because HID bulbs are high-value and low weight, low cubes (space requirements), it makes sense to send the products by air, which can shave 4 weeks off a normal 4-6 week shipping alternative. In order to import HID bulbs, one must first obtain approval from NHTSA, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They need to establish that the bulbs meet US requirements for maximum power and fit within certain size and aiming guidelines. These requirements are somewhat

Saturday, August 24, 2019

You will research and prepare a persuasive speech that is organized Essay

You will research and prepare a persuasive speech that is organized according to Monroes Motivated Sequence - Essay Example Do you think it is worth it to add more financial stress and strain to students in terms of public parking fees? This is the question I pose to you today. In my opinion, I think that it is not worth it and that is why I am proposing and appealing to the relevant authorities to reconsider and enact legislation that would protect our students from this unnecessary financial obligation of paying for public parking. It is true that our learning institutions cannot provide enough parking spaces for staff, visitors and students thus forcing students to seek for alternative parking of which they have to pay for. It is also a fact that most of our students, be it high school students, college students, or research students have very many other essential financial obligations just as I had earlier mentioned. These are genuine reasons that warrant the state and responsible authorities to act expeditiously into enacting a law that would see to it that students do not pay for parking in public spaces. Obviously, there are different schools of thought that would argue that business will be affected, or all public places would be taken up by students for free parking, and/or there are people who may pretend to be students just to benefit from this initiative. Other would argue that the free parking for student would result in high costs for authorities responsible for those parking spaces in terms of congestion (Shoup 12). I want to state categorically that my proposal puts such fears into consideration and that the legislation I am proposing will ensure that strictly students benefit from it. In addition, the number of students who have cars is not that big and thus will not take up all available public parking spaces. Therefore, offer your support for this noble goal that is aimed at benefitting our students, the leaders of tomorrow through reducing the stress they encounter as a result of unnecessary financial obligations such as paying for parking

Friday, August 23, 2019

Market for Ajax Foods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Market for Ajax Foods - Assignment Example During this test market for Ajax Foods, all the variables in the marketing plan will be tested for the introduction of chicken pies in the grocery stores. We will carry out the test market in â€Å"hot deli† section where there are other variables such as competition with the existing products, the varying prices; package and promotion will be introduced on each section used in order to ascertain customer reaction about the new product. The new product will be left to compete with the existing products. The number of stores we will use will be adequate enough to represent the entire market so that we get actual results on the ground without bias. The customers will be left to make their own decision on purchasing the product (Klan 26).For convenience and efficiency, we will also include internet online tests through the use of surveys in addition to the test branches and sections, when testing the new product. In case customers respond positively to the introduced product, and this will be ascertained by the quantity and quality of sales data that the president requires making an accept or reject decision, then the president can go ahead and introduce other items such as shepherd’s pie and quiche.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

International Market Expansion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Market Expansion - Essay Example Consider if the return in Vietnam pillories is 10% of the total investment but on the other hand if currency that is Vietnam’s dong depreciates also by 10% then the gain to corporation will be nothing, with the same token if currency depreciates by more than 10% the Pfizer pharmaceutical will face loss and if their currency appreciates by 10% or more the Pfizer pharmaceutical can also yield abnormal profit. So, there exists a risk of foreign currency in case of business exposure to Vietnam. Though currency risk prevails in business exposure but companies can overcome this currency risk and can protect their profit even in crisis too. Following are some of the possible risk aversion strategies for business expansion. The first and foremost solution is to actually measure the volume of risk through analysing the company’s exchange flows. In the exchange process when currency transaction takes place it is advised to negotiate payment of currency in your own local currency in this case that is US dollar. Trading in your local currency will reduce the risk of conversion rates in the form of exchange rate shocks besides the expected fluctuations will be bore by the other party while your returns will not be affected by this risk. When companies are experiencing foreign exposure they should keep an eye on the changing currency rates and whenever possible they should take optimum advantage of the current rate. In reducing currency exchange rates, companies should keep dates for payments close to the signing of the contract date, this will reduce risk of fluctuations. Keeping certain amount of deposits as security with a defined ratio of contract size can also help minimizing risks. With the help of brokers and foreign exchange solutions companies can lock in future exchange rates and buy contracts with future perceptions but there is no exact solution to the failure of this future exchange rate so, instead of open period, short period for bid and contract s will limit the risk of currency exposure. Companies should double check foreign exchange rates when they are setting up prices because selling product in a foreign country mean payments will be collected in foreign currency, but if the exchange rate is low with lower prices the company will end up in loss. So, setting up prices is also a key factor in reducing loss.(Prinzel, 2012) The solution can also be to diversify the exchange rate which will also reduce risks. Since Pfizer pharmaceuticals has its business exposures in almost 42 countries, this diversification can help reducing currency exchange risks as if Vietnami dong depreciates, exchange rate in other country may appreciate so, Pfizer pharmaceutical already entails this solution which will further help reducing risks. Pfizer can also neutralize its risks through managing its dealings as currency in Vietnam depreciates, it will help if Pfizer purchase its raw material from foreign supplier who are dealing in Vietnami dong that will make product cheaper as payment is made in dollars. On the other hand it will neutralize the risk of foreign currency exposure too.(Alan C. Shapiro, 1982) 2. Evaluate the basic functions of the international banking system and

Strategy and Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Strategy and Human Resource Management Essay 1. What is the difference between Corporate Strategy (or strategy formulation) and Business Unit Strategy (Strategy Implementation)? The strategy formulation is about making choices, decisions and plans for the organization. Strategy Implementation is about the ways and means to achieve those plans, decisions and choices. How to execute the strategy decisions or plans. Strategy formulation comes before strategy implementation. Strategy formulation talks about business strategy which determine how should the organization compete with others, and corporate strategy which determines where should the organization compete with others. Global strategy which determines where and how should the organization compete with others around the world. Strategy implementation talks about organizational design which determines how should the organization organized and put the formulated strategy into practice, and corporate governance, business ethics, and strategic leadership which determines what type of strategic leadership and corporate governance does the organization need and how to anchor the decision in business ethics. 2.Why is that distinction important for a firm that operates in different product markets? These distinctions can help the firm gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. In every competitive situation the winners are always those firms with better strategy. â€Å"A firm that formulates and implements a strategy that leads to superior performance relative to other competitors in the same industry or the industry average has a competitive advantage.†(Chapter 1 Strategic management) and these advantage could lead firm to success in their business. 3. What role does (or should) HR play in Strategy Formulation? HR people play in a role that clarify future management performance expectations and figure out the methods to achieve the expectations. Furthermore, HR people should help the organization to make right decisions and determine business  missions, plans and resources. Finally, ensure the objectives and action plans fit the business strategy. 4. What role does (or should) HR play in Business Unit Strategy? HR people should play in a role that help the organization to develop the means and methods to achieve the organizational change, developing employment relations, cultural learning, and ensure the execution of strategy. Ultimately, HR helps the organization to increase their ability in business action and changing and finally achieve the goal of gaining and sustaining competitive advantages.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Impact of Community Engagement on Urban Planning: Case Study

Impact of Community Engagement on Urban Planning: Case Study Case Study: Johor Bahru (Iskandar, Malaysia) Essay Topic:  How do the social, environmental, economic and political processes observed within your chosen case-study city interplay with each other, producing distinct spatial outcomes and giving rise to specific planning policy issues and responses? INTRODUCTION Johor Bahru (Iskandar Malaysia), is the main development corridor in the State of Johor, Malaysia which has been established on 30 July 2006 and administered by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). The location of Iskandar Malaysia is perfect as South Johor has always been a strategic and important area in the history and development of Malaysia and its surroundings. Today, this well diversified economy, built around Johor’s capital, Johor Bahru, and its surrounding areas, has made South Johor Malaysia’s the second most important metropolitan. Johor Bahru is well connected with its outlaying urban centres and residential townships, in particular Pasir Gudang, Tebrau, Tampoi, Skudai and Kempas, as it is surrounded by Jalan Lingkaran Tengah (Inner-Ring Road). It is also a major employment and financial service centre serving its hinterland. This essay will first look into the definition of community engagement in urban planning and subsequently it will examines the effectiveness of community engagement regarding the approaches in urban planning and development process, specially looking at the development of Johor Bahru (Iskandar Malaysia) Transformation Programs, as the case study. Southern Johor has been able to leverage on its proximity to an international hub and the large markets of Singapore and Indonesia, as well as China and India. It has developed successful clusters around electronics, logistics, food and agriculture, tourism, as well as oil and petrochemicals industries. Moreover, Johor has a rich supply of natural resources and human capital, which will continue to underscore its future prospects. THE INTERACTION The purpose of this integrated synthesis essay is to demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between the four types of processes you studied in the Pillars of Planning module within the same city. Which processes seem to have been dominant in shaping the development trajectory of the city over the past decades and at present? What linkages, tensions and contradictions exist between the four different types of dynamics? The state of Johor is our country’s second most important conurbation thanks to its strategic location that is close to the thriving markets of Singapore and Indonesia, and in the centre of some of the world’s busiest routes. On top of that, it is rich with natural and human resources. In recent years, however, Johor has been facing increasing competition for capital, human resources and ideas, proliferated by globalisation and advancement of technology. In 2005, the Federal Government and the Johor State Government decided to adopt a more focused and developmental approach to the South Johor region. The aim was to leverage on the region’s strengths, including competitively priced land, strategic geographic location, industrial base and connectivity as well as its cost structure, while ensuring that Johoreans continue to enjoy its social cohesion. Based on the key objectives set up for the region, Iskandar Malaysia will: à ¢-  Be international – the centre of transportation, information, quality living, culture, shopping and tourism; à ¢-  Have sustainability environmental objectives are, and will be, given equal consideration to economic and social objectives; à ¢-  Focus on promoting development within the identified growth boundary, development corridors and the existing urban footprint; à ¢-  Have economic growth driven by identified key economic clusters concentrated at identified growth nodes. Based on these principles, the Comprehensive Development Plan for South Johor Economic Region 2006-2025 (CDP) will have the following features: à ¢-  Ensure the rights of the Federal and State Governments under the Federal Constitution are preserved, specifically Johor’s constitutional rights on land matters. à ¢-  Emphasise on sustainable development, conservation of the environment and equitable distribution of the benefits of growth among the local population. à ¢-  The creation of a â€Å"one-stop fast track mechanism agency† where Federal and State Government agencies will work seamlessly to provide a facilitative environment for investors and consumers. à ¢-  The creation of an investor-friendly environment by facilitation of matters related to immigration, education, tax and land as well as close liaison with local authorities. The masterplan will also address some of the key risks that have hampered regional development in the past, including uncoordinated and duplicative development, excessive speculation of value of private assets and potential marginalisation of the local population. ISKANDAR MALAYSIA: COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Secondly, the synthesis essay should briefly consider how this interplay between these processes produces distinct spatial outcomes or policy issues, which are dealt by particular policy responses (planning or otherwise). A spatial ‘outcome’ can be a specific spatial issue or problem: housing shortage, transport congestion, socio-spatial segregation, environmental degradation, urban violence etc†¦ Examples of policy responses should focus on spatial planning, urban and territorial development policies. How do planning interventions and policies try to address those spatial problems, or mediate between the tensions which arise from the four types of dynamics? Try to stand back from your previous work, and look at the bigger picture: think of the four ‘pillars’ as a whole and what they have taught you about your case-study city. A good way to get started about the essay is to imagine you have a guest who comes to visit your city and who knows a bit about planning and spatial development, but knows absolutely nothing about the city in question. How would you summarize to him/her in 5 minutes what are the key factors, processes and actors which have shaped the urban development of that city? What are the most important problems and issues which planners have to deal with at present? How has government responded to that? In the past, Johor has often times played second fiddle to its more prominent neighbour, Singapore but this is expected to change with Iskandar Malaysia and the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC) to play an important role and has been identified as one of the five catalyst development areas in the Regional Land Use Framework Plan. Under the Iskandar Malaysia development plans, the administrative centre for Johor state has been moved to Kota Iskandar from Johor Bahru, allowing the capital city to focus on its role as a transportation hub and the major gateway into Johor from Singapore. CONCLUSION In conclusion, even though the community engagement has an overwhelming response in the western countries such as the United Kingdom, but the response in Malaysia, especially in Johor Bahru is very low. Simultaneously, the government should create more awareness to the local community to raise their interest to participate in urban planning and development processes. Apart from that, the government also needs to explore a much easier approach facilitate the local community to indirectly involve in the planning process in Malaysia. The community engagement approach should be seen in a wider context, and must not only involve the existing approach that has been set in the planning guidelines, but the government also needs to explore new approaches to spread the awareness among the local community. References Aykroyd, V.R. 2012. Exploring Social Media (Facebook and Twitter) as a Public Participation Tool for Design and Planning. Thesis (MLA) The University of Guelph. Baker, S. 2006. Sustainable Development. Oxon: Routledge Bryer, T.A. 2012. Identifying a Model for Effective Public Participation Using Social Media in Urban Infrastructure Projects. [online]. Available from: http://drbryer.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/identifying-a-model-for-effective-public-participation-using-social-media_remarks-for-amsterdam1.pdf [Accessed 31 March 2014]. Chief Minister of Johor. 2013. Chief Minister of Johor Facebook Page: Transformasi Bandaraya Johor Bahru. [online]. Available from: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151556097393173.1073741833.48750023172type=3 [Accessed 31 March 2014]. Government of Malaysia. 2007. Town and Country Planning Act 2007 (Act 1312). Kuala Lumpur: JPBD (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning). Hashim, H. Abdullah, R. G. 2009. Penglibatan Komuniti Dalam Program Pembangunan Luar Bandar: Kajian Kes di Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa Gedong, Sarawak. Akademika, 77(12), pp.41-67. Ho, C.S., et al. 2013. Year 2012/2013 Annual Report the Project for Development of Low Carbon Society Scenarios for Asian Regions. Johor Bahru: UTM Low Carbon Asia Research Center. IRDA (Iskandar Regional Development Authority). 2014. Iskandar Malaysia. Johor Bahru: IRDA. JPBD (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia). 2010. National Physical Plan-2. Kuala Lumpur: JPBD. Malaysia Law. 2002. Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). Kuala Lumpur: International Law Book Services. Mansbridge, J. 1999. On the idea that participation makes better citizens. In: Elkin, S. L. Soltan, K. E., eds. Citizen Competence and Democratic Institutions. Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University Press, pp. 291-325. Masram, H. 1996. Pencapaian fungsi rancangan tempatan Kes kajian: Rancangan Tempatan Tampoi, Kempas dan Larkin. Skudai: UTM. Mohamad, J. 2004. Meningkatkan keberkesanan penyertaan awam dalam rancangan tempatan. Kawasan kajian: Batu Pahat, Johor. Skudai: UTM. Omar, D. Oliver Ling H.L. 2009. Malaysian Development Planning System: Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan and Public Participation. Asian Social Science, 5(3), pp.30-36. Othman, M. S. 2000. Penyediaan Garis Panduan Perlaksanaan Kerajaan Elektronik (E-Goverment) dari Perpektif Meningkatkan Penglibatan Orang Awam (Public Participation) di dalam Proses Rancangan Tempatan. Kawasan Kajian: Daerah Sentral, Johor Bahru. Skudai: UTM. Rydin, Y. 2011. The Purpose of Planning: Creating sustainable towns and cities. Bristol: The Policy Press. Shirky, C. 2011. The Political Power of Social Media: Technology, The Public Sphere, And Political Change. . [online]. Available from: http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~beki/cs4001/Shirky.pdf [Accessed 31 March 2014]. Strange, T. Bayley, A. 2008. Sustainable Development: Linking economy, society, environment. France: OECD Publishing. Tweet. Results for #JBtransformation. [online]. Available from: https://twitter.com/search?q=#JBtransformationsrc=typdmode=photos [Accessed 31 March 2014]. WCED (UN World Commission on Environment and Development). 1987. Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Switzerland: WCED.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Inherited and Environmental Influences on Development

Inherited and Environmental Influences on Development The environmental and inherited influences on development, also known as, nature and nurture both play key roles in the shaping of developmental processes. Nature refers to inherited or biological traits such as, abilities and capacities that are genetically passed down by ones parents. On the other hand, nurture refers to environmental influences that play a role in shaping our behaviors, such as methods of childrearing and other products of society. Differences in lateralization of the brain between males and females may be ascribed to both genetic differences in the corpus callosum, which is larger in women, and environmental factors; girls usually receive more extensive verbal encouragement than boys do. Both nature and nurture are theorized to be attributing factors that influence and shape development. Developmental Psychologists place strong emphasis on the belief that both nature and nurture are leading causes that influence and shape human behavior and development by either biological factors: nature, or environmental factors: nurture. 1. What are some inherited influences on development? 2. What are some environmental influences on development? 3. What role does socialization play as an environmental influence on development? Psychologists and developmental experts have been able to attribute the behaviors of an individual to particular influences on development that can be separated into two categories: inherited and environmental influences on development. What are some inherited influences on development? It is widely speculated that factors of inherited influence are more important than the environmental factors that affect a childs growth and development. Obviously we know that inherited biological factors do play a great role in shaping human development, this is a widely acknowledged fact. While this is true, one must still not disregard the significance of environmental influences in the early stages of growth and development. Many studies emphasizing the significance of inherited influences are, however, impossible to disregard or ignore. For example, it is almost universally accepted that a child faces biological risks in their mental and physical development when the mother smokes cigarettes during pregnancy. However, many would argue that you cannot directly attribute negative social behaviors to the mother smoking tobacco during pregnancy. According to research presented at the Behavior Genetics Association, there is uncertainty about why there are links between maternal smo king during pregnancy and offspring antisocial behavior. This uncertainty creates room for the argument that environmental influences can be attributed as the factor responsible for these negative behavioral developments. However, many scholars still argue that recent research and data indicates that findings differ for offspring antisocial behavior where the association with prenatal smoking appears to be entirely explained by inherited pathways that are not attributable to maternal antisocial behavior. This argument is strengthened by data presented at the Behavior Genetics Association in 2007, below is a graph of the findings. The research showed an increased rate of antisocial behaviors amongst the offspring of parents who smoked during pregnancy. (Rice, 2007) (PNAS, 2007) What are some environmental influences on development? The environmental impacts on ones behavior can often determine factors that will shape future behaviors. During critical and sensitive periods development can be greatly affected. Critical periods occur when the existence of certain types of environmental stimuli become necessary for development to continue conventionally. It is theorized that development during the critical period is easily influenced, specifically in the area of personality and social development. On the other hand, during sensitive periods the organism becomes particularly vulnerable to certain types of stimuli in their environment. Unlike critical periods, the absence of stimuli in a sensitive period does not always result in immutable consequences. What role does socialization play as an environmental influence on development? Societal influences are believed to play a large role on the environmental impacts of development. The way we have been socialized or conditioned is a response to environmental stimuli. For instance, gender is something socially constructed and society places expectations on individuals according to their gender, which will determine the roles they will later fulfill in society. A publication from U.C. Santa Cruz states the following of gender acquisition and the societal influences that are perpetuated around them. Gender stereotypes in infants are perpetuated by societys expectations and perceptions. Societal influences, preconceived notions and expectations enforce already existing gender stereotypesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In the study of forty-eight children, their mothers, and 16 college students, gender based stereotypes influenced interaction with infants which in turn socialized the infants to conform to their respective gender role. Ratings of the female infants centered on their small size and beauty. Male infants are judged usually according to their ability and intelligence. While evidence of gender stereotyping in infant ratings are becoming less dominant after adolescence, sex stereotyping in adults behavior towards infants has changed little. Obviously, society shapes the gender stereotypes that both children and adults hold. (Rivera, 1996) Research by psychologists over the last several decades has increasingly pointed to hereditary factors being more important, especially for basic personality traits such as emotional tone.   However, the acquisition of values, beliefs, and expectations seem to be due more to socialization and unique experiences, especially during childhood. (Oneil, 2006) Most psychologists and developmental specialists agree upon the fact that influences from both inherited and environmental elements are equally important to the construction of growth and development. However, certain behaviors and growth patterns are believed to result from greater attributes of environmental and inherited influences. Theoretical Perspectives Examining the Development of Children With (ADHD) Trends have shown that the amount of children in the United States diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, additionally known as (ADHD) over time has steadily increased among young children and adolescent youth. The exponential surge in diagnosis of ADHD has increased the amount of prescription drugs used to treat individuals. Issues surrounding these developments pose a multitude of questions that include: 1. How are applications of the theoretical perspectives of development examined to help understand disorders such as ADHD? 2. What are the associated risk factors of medications used to treat ADHD in children? The increasingly steady number of children being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the U.S has resulted in an array of developmental obstacles; the actual number of children diagnosed with ADHD remains unknown, as does the amount of those children that are being treated with prescription medications. How are Applications of the theoretical perspectives of development examined to help understand disorders such as ADHD? Theoretical perspectives that lifespan Developmentalists examine as they identify the different patterns of growth, change, and behavioral stability that take place in the duration of the entire lifespan help bring further understanding to behaviors and the possibly of treating undesired behaviors. Among these theoretical perspectives include, learning, language, cognitive, social, moral, and personality development. All of these perspectives can be applied to assist the understanding of behaviors including the behaviors of children with ADHD. A commonly used behavioral method for the treatment of ADHD is the approach of cognitive behavioral therapy. A definition for cognitive behavioral therapy has been provided by, the Mayo Clinic. With cognitive behavioral therapy, you work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. By helping you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking, cognitive behavioral therapy allows you to view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way (Mayo Clinic Staff). What are the associated risk factors of medications used to treat ADHD in children? An in depth analysis addressing the associated risks of prescription medications used to treat ADHD in children must be taken into strong consideration before any decisions are made to place that child on such medications. The most commonly prescribed drugs to both children and adults for the treatment of ADHD are stimulants. A publication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded the following of children undergoing treatment for ADHD: NSCH does not assess use of ADHD treatments other than medicationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦thus, the number of children with reported ADHD diagnoses who received other types of treatments is not known. Studies indicate that the use of stimulants, prescribed to treat ADHD can lead to harmful side-affects. Not to mention the risk of becoming reliant upon, or even addicted to prescription stimulants. (Kennedy, 2005) Distinctions Separating Self-Concept and Self-Esteem The image that an individual perceives him or herself as is believed to greatly influence the social and cognitive development of that individual. The establishment of self-concept and self-esteem are two greatly influential aspects of a childs development. Environmental and inherited influences are theorized to have affect on the development of self-concept. Promotion of social development by parents or caregivers may substantially increase the likelihood of a child developing a positive self-esteem depending on variables such as nature and nurture of the situation. 1. What differences separate self-concept from self-esteem? 2. What are the theoretical perspectives on self-concept and self-esteem? 3. How can caregivers facilitate childrens development in these areas? The development of the self in early and middle childhood encompasses the growth of independent ideas and goals, which veer from expectations of the primary role models, the process where developments of social comparisons are made reflects ones self-concept, however, self-esteem refers to the way an individual perceives themselves through self evaluation; both are vital to social development and can be positively or negatively influenced by caregivers. What differences separate self-concept from self-esteem? The term self-concept refers to the perception regarding what one is like as an individual, and that individuals identity. The self-concept allows individuals to identify with specific characteristics of the self that allow them to differ from other individuals. For instance, a response to a question exemplifying ones individual strengths reflects ones self-concept, or identity. The development of self-concept is primarily used to reflect strengths perceived by an individual about his or her self that are used to provide meaning to their actions and purpose in life. In children, self-concepts may not be accurate; an individuals self-concept changes throughout life, this is dependant upon changes in a cultures views regarding others outside of their own, changes involving state institutions, and products of other societal and environmental influences. According to research found by William W. Purkry, author of: An Overview of Self-Concept Theory for Counselors. Highlights: An ERIC/CAP S Digest: Self-concept is learned. As far as we know, no one is born with a self-concept. It gradually emerges in the early months of life and is shaped and reshaped through repeated perceived experiences, particularly with significant others. (Purkey, 1988) The term self-esteem refers to an individuals overall and distinct positive and negative self-evaluation. Many important developments on an individuals self-esteem transpire during middle childhood. Throughout this phase, children experience the maturation of Internal standards. Which is often times the reason that children progressively compare themselves to others. For the majority of children, self-esteem increases as the transition from early childhood to middle childhood takes place. Feelings of inadequacy that relate to an individuals capacity to do most things takes place when that individuals self-esteem is negative. What are the theoretical perspectives on self-concept and self-esteem? There are a multitude of theoretical perspectives that give possible explanation to functions of self-concept and self-esteem. The Educational Resources Information center (ERIC) provides a publication of An Overview of Self-Concept Theory for Counselors, which identifies some of the influential theorists that have contributed to theories of self-concept. By far the most influential and eloquent voice in self-concept theory was that of Carl Rogers (1947) who introduced an entire system of helping built around the importance of the self. In Rogers view, the self is the central ingredient in human personality and personal adjustment. Rogers described the self as a social product, developing out of interpersonal relationships and striving for consistency. He maintained that there is a basic human need for positive regard both from others and from oneself. He also believed that in every person there is a tendency towards self-actualization and development so long as this is permitted and encouraged by an inviting environment. (p. 2) Some of the other theoretical perspectives of self-concept and self-esteem in development include: Piagets stages of cognitive development, Erik Eriksons psychosocial development, Carl Rogers conception of self, Vygotskys approach to cognitive development, Lawrence Kohlbergs development of social learning and moral reasoning, and Abraham Maslows theories on personality. Humanistic psychologist, Carl Rogers theorized that the self was divided into two parts, the real self and the ideal self. An article written by Herb Stevenson for Natural Passages, states the flowing of the ideal self vs. the real self. The ideal self is some fantasy that we carry around as a measure of what we might be if the fairy god mother ever shows up. Often, this is a picture of life, our life, that we have changed very little since childhood. By taking the time to really examine the depth of the ideal self, we see indirectly how we have judged or dismissed whom we are. The real self is a comparison to that ideal self. It is a description of who am I, really, right now. By comparing the ideal with the real, we begin to see the gaps in perception we have created, the judgments we have made about ourselves, and the gaps that could be preventing us from fully living our lives in the moment as the person that we truly are. (para. 3) The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill defines the concept of representational mapping as the following: Representational mapping can be described as the self-descriptions that are logical connections among components that can be made primarily concrete, overly positive, and all or nothing. They contain concrete and abstract components, more realistic (but still always positive: above average effect) shades of grey (Steps in self development). How can caregivers facilitate childrens development in these areas? The importance of promoting the development of a healthy self-esteem in children is an environmental influence on behavior that is greatly affected by parenting techniques. Parents and caregivers can facilitate childrens development in the areas of self-concept and self-esteem through childrearing styles. The most effective way to do so is through the implementation of authoritative childrearing techniques. Authoritative parents have the perfect balance of emotional support, warm and loving qualities; yet, they set clear boundaries for behavior. Certain techniques of parenting have proven to result in negative effects on a childs self-esteem. For instance, Authoritarian parents are extremely controlling and there word is the law, there is no toleration for expression of disagreement. Authoritarian parents enforce strict methods of discipline and punishment that negatively reinforce behaviors of that child, which is likely to result in an increase of the unwanted behaviors occurring a gain under the same circumstances. The use of positive and negative reinforcers when applied properly has been a proven method of modifying behaviors. The U.K. site Kids Behaviour provides useful information on how to properly apply positive and negative reinforcement to promote desired behavioral responses (Morrisey, 2008). Applying the childrearing approaches of reinforcement to daily activities can facilitate the development of both a positive self-esteem and self-concept. In the 2009 publication, Anderson, Hughes, and Fuemmeler addressed some of the specific issues that surround parental attitudes and child activity. The objective of this study examined the parental attitudes on children based on the particular types and levels of intensity in physical activity that children engaged in, which could give explanation to the gender differences associated with these activities, in addition to the evaluation of physical engagement serving as a mechanism to shorten time spent engaged in sedentary behaviors. A design of a community sample with participants, which included, 681 parents and 433 children of the mean age of 9.9 years conveyed the importance of activities such as moderate to vigorous intensity levels in the areas of team an individual activities including, sports, physical activity and household chores. (p. 428) As Anderson et al. (2009) conducted their evaluations separate structural models were used to determine factors that differed between boys and girls in relation to parental attitudes and physical activity. Separate structural models (LISREL 8.7) for girls and boys tested whether parental attitudes were related to child TV and computer via child attitudes, sport team participation, and physical activity, controlling for demographic factors. Main Outcome Measures: Child 7-day physical activity, sport teams, weekly TV, computer. Results: Parent- child attitude congruence was more prevalent among boys, and attitudes varied by ethnicity, parent education, and number of children. Positive parent- child attitudes for vigorous team sports were related to increased team participation and physical activity, as well as reduced TV and computer in boys and girls. Value of moderate intensity household chores, such as cleaning house and doing laundry, was related to decreased team participation and increased TV in boys. Only organized team sports, not general physical activity, was related to reduced TV and computer. Conclusion: Results support parents role in socializing childrens achievement task v alues, affecting child activity by transferring specific attitudes. Value of vigorous intensity sports provided the most benefits to activity and reduction of sedentary behavior, while valuing household chores had unexpected negative effects. (p. 428) Sexual Behaviors of Adolescents and the Associated Risks The adolescent years are characterized by the development of ones personal sense of identity. During this phase a transition from middle childhood to early adulthood takes place. In these years, young adults entering puberty explore an array of sexual behaviors that will play a role in shaping their sexual identities. With the exploration of such sexual behaviors follows the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy. 1. What associated risks are involved with sexual behaviors in adolescents? 2. What are the statistics of sexually transmitted diseases among teens? 3. What are the statistics of pregnancies among teens? As middle-childhood transitions into the adolescent years an array of physical, cognitive and social changes take place, these are main contributors to the sexual behaviors explored individuals in their adolescent years, however, there are associated risks with connected with these sexual behaviors that include, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. What associated risks are involved with sexual behaviors in adolescents? The exploration of newly discovered sexual desires among adolescents come with repercussions. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among teens. Another primary concern that surrounds the engagement of sexual activity in teens is the possibility of becoming pregnant. Precautionary measures to ensure safety when acting upon sexual urges and needs must be taken into consideration before any sexual contact is to occur. The enforcement of sex-ed in many public schools throughout the U.S decreases the chances of individuals acting upon sexual desires without first examining the risks, and increases likeliness of the use of condoms and other contraceptives. What are the statistics of sexually transmitted diseases among U.S. teens? One of the largest concerns surrounding the sexual voyages of adolescents is the threat of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Prepared by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, The Executive Summary, part of the Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention states that: Recently, a number of Federal agencies sponsored a workshop to answer the following question: What is the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of latex male condom-use to prevent STD transmission during vaginal intercourse? This workshop was attended by 180 persons, and the data from numerous peer-reviewed published studies were discussed. Following the workshop, a panel of 28 experts worked to develop this report. (p. 1) In the United States, more than 65 million individuals are living with an STD, the majority of which are incurable viral infections. Approximately 15 million new sexually transmitted infections occur annually in the U.S. In the United States, approximately 493,000 individuals have died from AIDS, and 800,000-900,000 peopleare living with HIV disease. (p. 1) AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) is one of the primary causes of death among youth. AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease that is induced by the HIV virus. There is no known cure for the disease. A basic list of facts regarding the contraction of the HIV virus was provided by, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. HIV can be passed from person to person if someone with HIV infection has sex with or shares drug injection needles with another person. It also can be passed from a mother to her baby when she is pregnant, when she delivers the baby, or if she breast-feeds her baby. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. HIV is spread most often by having sex without using a condom, or by sharing needles. People can be infected with HIV without knowing it. An HIV test is the only way to know for sure. There are treatments that help people with HIV stay healthier, but there is still no cure. Choosing not to have sex and never sharing needles are good ways to protect yourself. Practicing safer sex means always using a new condom with a water-based lubricant. You cannot get HIV from shaking hands, water fountains, bathrooms or eating utensils. (Alto, 2010) In 2009, 46% of high school students had ever had sexual intercourse, and 14% of high school students had had four or more sex partners during their life.1 In 2009, 34% of currently sexually active high school students did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse.1 In 2002, 11% of males and females aged 15-19 had engaged in anal sex with someone of the opposite sex; 3% of males aged 15-19 had had anal sex with a male.2 In 2002, 55% of males and 54% of females aged 15-19 had engaged in oral sex with someone of the opposite sex.2 In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year.3 Each year, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24.4 In 2002, 12% of all pregnancies, or 757,000, occurred among adolescents aged 15-19.5 (Rowe, 2010) What are the pregnancies statistics among U.S. teens? An epidemic surrounding teenage pregnancy has emerged in America; every day in the U.S. a high volume of adolescents give birth. The statistics of teen pregnancy seem to appear much lower in other industrialized nations. Teens in the U.S. are likely to use birth control. The narrow-mindedness that surrounds the practice of premarital sex in the U.S. can be rooted to a lack of sex education. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teen pregnancy among girls between the ages of 15-19 have shown trends that have decreased by 37 percent between 1988 and 2005. However, the teen pregnancy rate between 2005 and 2006 increased 3 percent. Proper sex education has proven to be one of the most effective measures of reducing the risks among youth of contracting STDs and teenage pregnancy. Promoting proper awareness through sex education provides individuals with the information needed to practice the measures of safe sex (Henshaw, 2010). Life Expectancy Calculations According to the calculations provided by MSNs life expectancy calculator, my approximate life expectancy is 86 years of age. The positive and negative factors of my lifestyle were examined. (Msn, 2011) 1. What lifestyle modifications can be made to increase my longevity? 2. Who are the youngest and oldest people you have known, and what lifestyle choices attributed to their longevity? A variety of important developmental components of physical and mental health are main attributers to the longevity of ones lifespan, some of these factors depend on levels of stress, personality type, engagement in physical activity, in addition to, a variety of behavioral and genetic predispositions that are theorized to influence the human lifespan. What lifestyle modifications can be made to increase my longevity? Stress has a large impact on health factors that include, personality type. Type A personalities are believed to be more prone to the disposition of heart disease. Listed below are some of the personality traits of type A and type B personalities, provided by the website changingminds.org, which provides further information in regard to these associated health issues. The Type A personality generally lives at a higher stress level. This is driven by They enjoy achievement of goals, with greater enjoyment in achieving of more difficult goals. They are thus constantly working hard to achieve these. They find it difficult to stop, even when they have achieved goals. They feel the pressure of time, constantly working flat out. They are highly competitive and will, if necessary create competition. They hate failure and will work hard to avoid it. They are generally pretty fit and often well-educated (a result of their anxiety). The Type B personality generally lives at a lower stress level and are typically: They work steadily, enjoying achievements but not becoming stressed when they are not achieved. When faced with competition, they do not mind losing and either enjoy the game or back down. They may be creative and enjoy exploring ideas and concepts. They are often reflective, thinking about the outer and inner worlds (Type A and type B). Unfortunately I carry more characteristics of the type A personality, which predisposes me to such health complications later in life that are associated with type A personalities. Although, I cannot change my entire personality, there are, however, certain behavioral modification techniques I can apply to everyday life to reduce specific stressors. I carry certain tendencies that border obsessive-compulsive behaviors, which is a common characteristic of type A personalities. These obsessive behaviors are stressors that can be controlled through behavior modification techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Who are the youngest and oldest people you have known, and what lifestyle choices attributed to their longevity? The longest living individual I have known personally would have to be my great-grandmother on my fathers side who lived to the age of 87, which is close to the approximation of my life according to the lifespan calculator. She was always a physically active individual that enjoyed the simplicities in life. Her laidback attitude leads me to say that she had a type B personality. The youngest person in my life that has died was caused by something that could have been prevented. I was a small child at the time, but twenty-eight year old Mark, my fathers closest friend suffered from an addiction to heroin that engulfed his entire existence. His addiction caused him to contract the HIV virus, which soon after turned into full-blown AIDS that facilitated the slow deterioration leading to his death less than two years after contracting the virus. It is unknown whether he contracted the virus through sharing of needles, or having unprotected sex. Thee use of hard narcotics such as heroin would have eventually lead to death if measures were not taken to control the addiction. However, the lifestyles often associated with drug addicts follow a set of lifestyle influences put forth by peers. Addicts often associated with addicts and share things like needles and engage in unprotected sex, which is an unfortunate cause of death affecting many individuals that suffer f rom such disorders as drug addiction.

Monday, August 19, 2019

In a Grove :: essays research papers

Louis Andrei Zabala Litera2 10335625 07/11/05 In A Grove It is a story that provides the ultimate explanation of how two different people who are witnesses to a crime give completely different psychological recollections of the same event. The author reminds us that truth depends on the telling. Someone must step forward and tell that truth. I believe that no matter how many times you read "In A Grove," there's not enough information in the story to figure out the truth about what took place on the day of the samurai's death, but it's still fun to sort out what you think you know for sure, what seems highly probable, what seems highly improbable, and what doesn't fit into any of these three categories. But for me, "In A Grove" isn't about searching for some kind of absolute truth — it's about how differently people perceive the same external event. The best example in the story of what I mean by this is perhaps the sword fight between the bandit and the samurai. The bandit perceived it as a heroic duel between a pair of honorable, expert swordsmen while the woodsman saw two scared, clumsy men stumbling around with swords in their hands as each tried desperately to prevail over the other any way he could. When it's all said and done, you won't know who is telling the truth, who is lying and, mos t importantly, why. Yet the parable is more important, today, perhaps, as a lesson in how we construct the narratives upon which justice depends: What facts must we know to decide the truth? That question makes the author’s inquiry the concern of those who now seek justice in the GMA presidency, as well. And it doesn't matter one bit. The writer isn't interested in truth, lies or anything of the sort. He's interested in reality, and the reality of human truth is that no one will ever really know it.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Roots of Bilingual Education Essay -- American History Educating E

The Roots of Bilingual Education A historical perspective on bilingual education is written in the article "Bilingual Education Traces its U.S. Roots to the Colonial Era" in the magazine Education Week. The author begins by writing, "Bilingual education has been part of the immigrant experience in America since the Colonial periods, when native-language schooling was the rule rather than the exception" (21). When immigrant groups settled in the United States they taught their children in their own languages, despite some attempts to impose English instruction. Many do not believe it but bilingual education was started before 1800 when German, French, Scandanavian, Polish, Dutch and Italian schools were established. From 1839 to 1880 French was the medium of instruction in Louisiana and from 1848 Spanish was the medium of instruction in New Mexico. In 1880-1917 German-English schools were established in Cincinnati, Baltimore and Indianapolis. The article mentions, "A resurgence of nativism in the late 19th ce ntury- a backlash against the foreign born, led by such organizations as the Know-Nothing Party- marked the beginning of a decline for bilingual education" (22). Bilingual education decreased significantly following World War I through the 1950’s. This decrease was due in large part to the intense nationalistic mood of the country during this period. President Roosevelt told immigrants, "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism.. Any man who comes here†¦ must adopt the institutions of the United States, and , therefore, he must adopt the language which is now the native tongue of our people, no matter what the several strains in our blood may be. It would not be merely a misfortune, but a crime to p... ...eton: Princeton U Press, 1986), 98-134 Fernandez, Ronald, "The Disenchanted Island", (Praeger, Westport, Connecticut London) 1996 Figueroa-Martà ­nez, Luis. ed. Hist. 247 Reader. (January 1998). Pagan, Armando. "Puerto Ricans in Hartford and the legacy of the Underclass." Undergraduate Senior Thesis submitted to the Department of History, Trinity College, May 1999 Interviews from Park Street residents (5/5/99): Francisco Acevedo, Liz Perez-Balesky, Epifanio Garcia Interviews with Bilingual Education faculty at Hartford Public Highschool (5/6/99): Mrs. Aida Ramos (Vice-Principal), Ms. Clara Velez (Bilingual Math Teacher), Mrs. Irene Killian (TESOL), Ms. Zoraida Ortiz (Bilingual Science Teacher), and Ms. Nancy Harrison (TESOL/Bilingual Computer Lab Teacher).

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Interpersonal Relationships Essay

Interpersonal relationships can either be defensive or supportive. I find myself being both very many times because I can see things in all different aspects. I try to put myself in the persons shoes in order to determine what would be best in my eyes, A supportive relationship is one where you back up the persons ideas and actions. I believe a manager must always have a supportive relationship with their boss in order to enforce rules in the workplace. If the manager does not enforce their supervisor’s rules then things would go very wrong. A defensive relationship is something we see very often because we all have different opinions. In the workplace especially when working in the healthcare field being defensive can be mistaken for aggression. Having a defensive relationship means that although you work together you have different views and they are expressed. I had a meeting last week where I actually had to speak defensively towards the CEO of the company. Our quota was being held against us in a manner that I did not agree with and I advised the manager. Since she did not acknowledge my suggestion I brought it up in our meeting and not only was I acknowledged our quotas are being reviewed. Part of being a successful communicator whether it is defensive or supportive is being assertive. Being assertive is essential in our daily lives especially in the workplace. There are plenty of times when we are trying to submit claims to the insurance company but they require more information. Many times we try to request more information such as letter of medical necessities from the doctors and they refuse because they feel they documented enough. Because we work for them we are not allowed to tell them what to do but this is when being assertive comes in. You advise the doctor that the insurance company is requesting more information than what is in the medical records and that if the letter is not done by a certain time the insurance company will not pay for the services that were rendered. Being assertive means being straight forward and strong with your style of communication without being aggressive or demeaning. Being assertive is like demanding something without the umpgh. I believe I effectively communicate within my interpersonal relationships. I always am assertive when speaking. I stand my ground and make my point clear and aggression is rarely ever used. I do defend my ideas and my points fully with everyone I speak to. Even at home I do not yell at my son unless he has done something truly incorrect. I always talk to him and show him right from wrong and explain why things should be done a certain way. Interpersonal relationships are essential in life. We all need to work together in our everyday lives in order to accommodate one another and not to offend anyone. In the healthcare field we all have the same goals and that is to make sure that the patient gets the care they need while the insurance companies pay the claims for our doctors. The healthcare field is filled with interpersonal relationships. We all depend on one another in order to do our job correctly. The doctor needs the nurse the nurse needs the front desk and everyone needs the billers. In the healthcare field we must use our confidence in order to be assertive. Being confident means knowing and standing for what you believe is right and expressing that. Being assertive means standing your ground without proof and without being aggressive. Although I believe being assertive works much better when there is proof because it shows that you researched what you are discussing. Assertiveness is a need in any field because you must speak your mind in order to communicate effectively and if you work in the healthcare field than being assertive will make you a very successful healthcare professional.