Abstract The paper explains Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, which holds that individuals must be offered an opportunity to experience learning in a unique way, to fulfill their need of self-actualization. The paper then goes on to discuss how to achieve this goal of creativity in the mathematics classroom.
From the Paper "Abraham Maslow is most well known for what has become known by most as, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow theorized that people must achieve certain needs before being able to fully experience needs of a higher order. So, in other words those who are barred from higher thought by an inability to achieve shelter and obtain enough food to eat, or basic perceived security are likely to become stunted in their ability to perform abstract thought processes and achieve more abstract personal goals. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy Maslow placed self-actualization, an ability to place one's self in an abstract position and understand lofty concepts such as justice, equality and truth. (Roeckelein, 1998, p. 318) In the context of education it is fair to say that the development of Maslow's hierarchy as well as many other contributing concepts and the real lag that is seen by those who for many reasons lack the abilty to achieve basic needs, have done much to explain why some people develop and learn, accessing higher order thoughts and concepts and others do not."
An analysis of a study entitled "The Effect of Movie Portrayals on Audience Attitudes About Non-traditional Families and Sexual Orientation" conducted by M.A. Mazur and T.M Emmers-Sommer.
Abstract This paper discusses the usefulness of statistical significance testing in psychology through a critical examination of a study entitled "The Effect of Movie Portrayals on Audience Attitudes About Non-traditional Families and Sexual Orientation", conducted by Mazur and Emmers-Sommer. The paper explains that the critical analysis of the article demonstrates a number of the criticisms regarding the use of statistics in the field of psychology and that it makes clear that a great deal of improvement is necessary in the field's use of statistics. The paper concludes that if psychology is ever to become a recognized natural science, researchers within the field must become more cognizant of the proper and practical application of statistical methods.
From the Paper "The study "employed an experimental pre-test / post-test control group design" which randomly assigned participants to one of two groups (Mazur & Emmers-Sommer, 2002, 164). Individuals placed in the treatment group watched Object of My Affection, which featured a non-traditional family and a gay male couple within the storyline. The control group watched Father of the Bride II, which displayed no forms of non-traditional families and no inter-racial, gay or lesbian relationships. Immediately prior, to and following the viewing of the movies, each group completed Lye and Biblarz's Attitudes Toward Gender Roles and Family Life Scale, Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men (ATLG) scale and a demographics questionnaire. Lye and Biblarz's scale consisted of eleven items rated on a 7 point Likert-type scale while the ATLG was abridged from its original version on both gay men and lesbians to include only the 10 items on gay men, and was rated on a 9 point Likert-type scale. "
Abstract This paper explains that Florence Nightingale was born of wealthy parents and could have lived an idle, sheltered existence, typical of women during the Victorian era who did not attend universities or pursue professional careers. Although she is best known for her role in the nursing profession, the paper relates that she also left her mark on the fields of mathematics and computer science. The paper describes her illustrious career, which overcame the social obstacles for women during the Victorian era and led to her being the founder of modern nursing and the first woman to be elected a member of the Royal Statistical Society.
From the Paper "As a young adult, Florence became interested in hospitals and nursing, but her parents refused to allow her to become a nurse as in the mid-nineteenth century it was not considered a suitable profession for a woman of Nightingale's social stature. While traveling with friends, she visited Pastor Theodor Fliedner's hospital and school for deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, near Dusseldorf, Germany and would later return to the school for nursing training. Her first job after training was Superintendent of the Establishment for Gentlewomen during illness at No. 1 Harley Street, London in 1853."
Tags: crimea, descriptive statistics, polar-area diagram, sanitary reform, data visualization
Abstract This paper examines how grounded theory is utilized in performing a qualitative research and how it recognizes and allows the subjectivity of its participants, but attempts to still be objective and avoids researcher and participant biases. The paper also looks at how there are three basic elements of grounded theory: concepts, categories, and propositions. In addition, the paper looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the theory as well as its relevance to nursing research.
Outline:
Description of Grounded Theory
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Grounded Theory
Relevance of Grounded Theory to Nursing Research
From the Paper "There are three basic elements of grounded theory: concepts, categories, and propositions (Pandit, 1996). A theoretical concept is not the data itself, but it unifies these small data into one phenomenon. Small data are recognized as codes. A concept determines if a certain data is encountered is relevant to the subject being studied. A concept is a little bit more abstract than data collected. Concrete ideas such as "taking pain relievers" or "sleeping" may be considered as activities to "removing pain". The second element of grounded theory is the use of categories. Grounded theory makes use of more abstract labels, or categories, to organize data. As more seemingly random concepts arise, a relationship among them can be found. "
Abstract This paper talks about dividend growth models, in particular the Gordon Growth model and the assumptions that one needs to take in the calculations. The paper includes the characteristics and limitations of dividend growth models and talks about CAPM, or the capital asset pricing model, which is based on three main parameters: the risk - free rate, the stock's beta coefficient and the expected rate of return for the market as a whole, used to calculate the market risk premium. The author compares the two models and explains why the modern portfolio theory is base on CAPM notions.
From the Paper "On the other hand, the CAPM is an easy to use and implement model, based on three main parameters: the risk - free rate, the stock's beta coefficient and the expected rate of return for the market as a whole, used to calculate the market risk premium. The model has a large applicability, mainly because it does not use dividend estimates for the future and thus works for organizations that do not pay regular dividends, but also because information on the three variables mentioned are usually public and thus one does not need to make additional estimates on the variables used. "
Tags: dividend growth models. growth rates, Modern Portfolio Theory
A research paper that examines educators' perceptions of changes in reform-related practices in mathematics instruction since the implementation of state wide testing.
Abstract The paper examines the effects of mathematics reform on teacher practices and determines the perceptions of educators regarding it's effects on student achievement since the implementation of high stakes testing. The paper identifies reform-related practices in mathematics instruction that have increased, decreased, or not changed since the implementation of high stakes testing, based on educators' perceptions and determines educators' perceptions of the effects of reform-related practices on improving student achievement since the implementation of high stakes testing. The paper also addresses a significant number of research questions regarding the perceptions of educators, both generally and demographically, regarding the changes that have occurred within the classroom for students since the implementation of outcomes based testing.
Outline:
Abstract
Acknowledgements
List of Tables
Chapter 1
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Significance of the Study
Proposed Methods and Procedures
Definitions of Terms
Literature Review
Introduction
Components of MERA
Perspectives of Educators Regarding Standardized Education Reforms Standards and Assessments
Changes in Curriculum and Modes of Instruction
The Effects of Accountability Systems on Individual Teachers
The Effects of Accountability Systems on a School's Capacity
The Effects of Accountability Systems on Student Learning
Alignment of Curricula and Instruction
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
Methodology
Research Design
Sample Description
Survey Permission and Procedures for Human Subject
Protection Survey
Distribution
Survey Returns
Instruments, Measures, and Validity
Data Analysis
Specific Data Analysis Plan for Each Research
Question
Limitations
Results
Research Question One
Research Question Two
Research Question Three
Research Question Four
Research Question Five
Research Question Six
Research Question Seven
Summary and Discussion
Connecting the Theoretical Framework
Discussion
Implications of the Outcome of the Data Conclusion
Implications for Future Research
From the Paper "Another informative aspect of reform and a clear guide for future research will be real test scores, beyond marginal improvements. To accept reform as positive teachers and other educators must be shown more than marginal improvements on test scores, and they must also see real improvement for remedial as well as advanced and "normal" students. Student participation in creative solutions can and likely will play a part in these improvements, regardless of early concerns regarding issues of teachers "teaching to the test." Real world mathematics applications, performance based assessment for daily, weekly and quarterly personal improvement needs as well as many other teacher based creative reforms will likely continue to play a significant role in change."
An argument against the views of Harold Bloom regarding William Shakespeare's influence in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," as expressed in his work, "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human."
Abstract This paper examines mathematics and logic versus the influence of William Shakespeare in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland." The paper specifically analyzes Harold Bloom's work, "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human" and his views on Shakespeare's influence in Carroll's book. The paper argues against Bloom's view and aims to find not only references to Shakespeare, but also much grander references to Carroll's own discipline of mathematics and logic.
Table of Contents:
Epigraph
Preface
Introduction
Bloom's Argument of Shakespearean Influence
Testing Bloom's Premise: Shakespeare's Influence
Mathematical Influence
Conclusion
From the Paper "By discovering that Wonderland is indeed grounded by the same logical, predictable, mathematical basis as the real world, Alice is saved from the fate of losing faith in her knowledge and reasoning abilities, and hence from the madness which afflicts Wonderland. Similarly, she encounters this logic as she comes into contact with a variety of creatures that she does not understand or whom seem strange to her. The creatures' use of logic allows her to understand how the logic that might make sense to her seems completely illogical to them. Thus, Carroll not only manages to use logic in order to prove both the logic and the illogical, but also, he uses this logic and mathematics to emphasizes his two mains themes, that Alice is saved from the world of the illogical by logical concepts like mathematics and that what one person thinks is logical may be illogical to another and vice versa, the dichotomy of the strangers."
Abstract This paper provides an overview and a background concerning the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio, followed by an examination of how it is manifested throughout nature. In addition, a discussion of how the Fibonacci series is found in various human endeavors is followed by a series of representative mathematics problems based on the Fibonacci series that can be used in a wide range of classroom settings to help introduce these concepts to young learners. Finally, a summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the conclusion. Several tables and diagrams are included with the paper.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Fibonacci Series in Nature
Fibonacci Series in Human Endeavors
Math Problems Using the Fibonacci Series
Conclusion
From the Paper "The continuing emphasis on the Fibonacci series is based on the fact that this series generates the most famous proportion in the history of art and architecture: the Euclidean golden section or golden ratio (shorthand phi). The ratio between any two values in the series results in the so-called "golden number" to increasing levels of accuracy the higher the numbers in the series. Therefore, for instance, 3:5 = 1:1.666, 21:34 = 1:1.61904, 55:89 produces 1.61818, which is an approximate of the actual golden section number of 1.618034 ... . In this regard, Batten (2000) reports that, "One thing to note is that the Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties in itself. For example, the sum of any two numbers in the sequence equals the next number in the sequence. 1 plus 1 equals 2, 1 plus 2 equals 3, 2 plus 3 equals 5, 3 plus 5 equals 8, and so on to infinity". Likewise, and more importantly, the ratio of any two numbers in the sequence approaches 1.618, or its inverse, 0.618, after the first few pairs of numbers; the ratio of any number taken to the next higher number, known as "phi," is approximately 0.618 to 1 and to the next lower number is about 1.618. The higher the numbers in the sequence, the more close to 0.618 and 1.618 are the ratios between the numbers. As Cromer points out, "Phi = (1 + 5)/2 = 1.618 . . . is one of the two solutions of the quadratic equation x2 - x - 1 = 0. Starting with any two numbers, say 3 and 7, a Fibonacci sequence is obtained by making each new term equal to the sum of the last two terms. "
Abstract The paper reveals that the result of inquiries into the efficacy of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act are virtually unanimous in their characterization of the NCLB concept as a failure and as a tremendous waste of valuable resources. The paper examines the four essential elements of the Act and outlines the many conceptual problems with this approach to education. The writer relates that he is opposed to the NCLB approach because it contradicts so much of the various philosophies underlying modern educational theory. The writer goes on to relates his personal philosophy of education.
Outline:
Background and History of the No Child Left Behind Act
Educational Reform Under the No Child Left Behind Act
Conceptual Problems with the No Child Left Behind Approach to Education
Specific Issue Analysis -- Contemporary Learning Theory and the NCLB Approach
Conclusion
From the Paper "Education reform in the United States is not a new idea. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson enacted the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and during the administration of George H. Bush, the first President Bush promised, among other things, that by the turn of the century, all American school-aged children would have the benefit of comprehensive quality educational programming and improved nutritional and healthcare access to facilitate their learning in school. President G.H. Bush went so far as to promise that improved focus on American education would go so far by then as to also provide the training necessary for the parents of preschoolers to fulfill their role at home as their children's "first teacher"."
This paper looks at the controversy over who discovered calculus and provides an explanation of why the honor should go to Isaac Newton over the claim of Gottfried Leibniz.
Abstract In considering the great controversy as to who discovered the calculus, either Newton or Leibniz, this essay argues that the accolade should go to Newton. The decision is made on the ground as to who conducted himself most honorably in the affair. There is no doubt that both scientists come to independent discovery and formulation of the calculus. The essay is at pains to point out the greatness of Leibniz, as philosopher, scientist and mathematician. It even acknowledges that Leibniz's formulation of the calculus is superior, and that this superiority derives from his related philosophy of monadology. But Leibniz certainly acts suspiciously during the controversy. The writer maintains that in contrast, Newton at all times displays magnanimity and selflessness. The writer concludes that Newton does not need accolades for his contributions to shine, and yet they shine on their own merits.
From the Paper "Calculus to Newton was merely a tool that he required to come to his universal theory of gravitation and motion, and not something that should be flouted separately. He was even reluctant to publish the revolutionary Principia, and did so only after the prodding of Edmund Halley.
"Leibniz, on the other hand, was eager to publish and propagate his findings. While we admit to his originality to a large extent, the conduct of Leibniz is highly suspicious in the proceedings. He makes no defense of his integrity, as Newton does, but instead seem entirely intent on pushing the evidence alone, as if defending himself in a court of law, and this makes us feel that he is hiding something. Subsequent scholarship does indeed reveal that he manipulated documents before being released."
Abstract This paper provides a brief description of the history of statistics and business and a description of the problems in USA World Bank's statistical data. The paper then determines solutions that will allow USA World Bank to use statistics in order to launch the product that will most effectively bring the company new customers and satisfy its current customers without alienating current customers in a different demographic, either small business owners or consumers.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Brief History of Statistics and Business
A Description of the Problem at USA World Bank
Solution
Conclusion
From the Paper "After giving these new, more accurate survey questions to the truly random sample population, USA World Bank will have more representative data regarding the implementation of the two programs. Data should be studied carefully by more than one expert and analyzed for error. Before the implementation of either program, researchers and executives at USA World Bank must determine whether or not the probability of errors is great enough to result in the retraction of one or both of the programs. Furthermore, this new data may suggest that both Mary and Jim were right: there is a demand for both products in two very different business sectors."
Abstract This paper describes how Isaac Newton revolutionized modern science with his laws and theories. The paper maintains that Newton was a maverick in his way of thinking and discusses how revolutionized science with his laws of motion and gravity as well as his invention of calculus. The paper believes that Newton represents modern science as we know it.
Outline:
Newton Revolutionized Science at Cambridge
Newton's Background and Predecessors Empowered Him
Newton's Laws of Motion Rock the Science World
Newton's Influence Extends Beyond Laws of Motion
Newton Represents Modern Science As We Know It.
From the Paper "Isaac Newton is considered one of the most ingenious minds of the twentieth century. He is most remembered for his contributions to the mathematic and scientific arenas, where his work was most influential. Newton was primarily a physicist but he was also a mathematician, an astronomer, a philosopher, and a theologian. His greatest achievement is his laws of motion, a theory that changed physics forever. While looking at Newton's achievements, it is easy to fall into the trap of reading the words on the paper. What we should never forget is how he revolutionized modern science with his laws and theories. He was a real maverick. His studious background paved the way to a greater understanding of nature and her mysteries."
Abstract The paper overviews the functions of the human brain and its many parts. The paper first describes what our brain looks like and compares it to the brains of animals and fish. The paper then explores whether the mathematical and scientific abilities of geniuses have something to do with their brain development. Furthermore, the paper discusses the main function of the human brain that is its ability to store, retain and subsequently retrieve information. The brain activity that causes dreams is also discussed.
From the Paper "The human brain is a unique creation - it is wonderfully made to enable us to think, plan, move, see, speak, hear, taste, smell and imagine. It is the central organ of sensation, thought and the true seat of intelligence. The brain is responsible for the major functions of the body in order to survive. It is the one in charge of controlling the body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. The human brain accepts and processes information through our senses - seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and tasting. Even our capacity to handle physical motion when we do our daily activities is controlled by our brain. It dictates the parameter the way we talk, walk, sit, run, and perform other locomotors. It also has coordinating and regulating functions that allow us to use our logic, provide reasoning, experience emotions, and even to dream."
Abstract The paper relates that Blaise Pascal is the rare case of a mathematician equally famous for his religious devotion and contributions to theology as he is for his work with numbers. The paper looks at Pascal's notable discoveries in geometry, his work in probability that formed the foundation of today's economic study of game theory, his prototype of the modern digital, scientific calculator and his law of pressure.
Outline:
The Life of Pascal
Major Discovery
How Pascal's Discoveries are Used Today
From the Paper "Despite the modernity, even humor, inherent in such moral calculations, Pascal was largely a man of his time, and a devout Christian. Blaise Pascal was born during the 17th century at Clermont on June 19, 1623, and died in Paris on August 19, 1662. Although the Frenchman's early education was confined to modern languages, when his father noted that the boy had unusual mathematical aptitude in geometry (Pascal intuited as a child why the sum of the angles of a triangle is equal to two right angles), his father gave his son a copy of Euclid's Elements. It would not be an understatement to call the young Pascal a prodigy. At the age of fourteen Pascal was admitted to the weekly meetings of French geometricians, at sixteen he wrote an essay on conic sections and at the age of eighteen, he constructed the first arithmetical machine, a kind of prototypical adding machine or calculator (Ball 1908)."
An overview of poisson regression analysis and its application to an exploration of the relationship between adequacies of sleep and injuries sustained by children between 18 months and 4 years of age.
Abstract This paper provides a brief description on regression models and how they share the same elements, the dependent variable, the independent variables and the error term. In particular, the paper focuses on what to do when the variable to be predicted is a count data and how the appropriate modeling technique to be used is poisson regression. Poisson regression assumes that the dependent variable Y comes from a poisson distribution. To demonstrate an application of the poisson regression the paper "Inadequate Sleep and Unintentional Injuries in Young Children" by Koulouglioti, C., Cole, R., and Kitzman is presented and analysed.
Outline:
Introduction
Basic Concepts
Generalized Linear Models
Poisson Regression
Model Fitting
Assessing Model Adequacy
Sample Article
Background
Objective
Dependent Variable
Independent Variables
Analysis and Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are cases when the dependent variable Y can take only several discreet values. When a model's objective is to predict a new business venture's success based on several factors, the dependent variable Y can only be any of the values 'Successful' or 'Not Successful'. In a similar fashion, if the model's objective is to predict the number of appliances that will be broken down while being shipped to a warehouse, it is not logical to have predicted values that are not count data. A value of 3.5, 1.03 or 4.2 will not make any sense. In this case the predicted values of the dependent variable to be given by the models should be constrained to non-negative integers."
Tags: Dependent, Variable, Independent, distribution
