Abstract This paper presents a critical overview of American consumerism and how images are "sold" to American teenagers.
From the Paper "The media puts a tremendous amount of pressure on teens, telling them they are not cool enough without a certain look. The only way to get the look is to get the product. It's a world made of marketing and many factors show that marketers have gone too far in their attempts to reach the hearts- and wallets of America's youth."
Abstract This paper talks about how the media portrays violence in children. The author argues that the media claims violence is caused by movies or television and provides evidence why this is not accurate, suggesting other reasons why violence in children has developed over the past century.
From the Paper "One morning a high school student named Kip Kinkle woke up, and chose to shoot his parents in his own home. He then proceeded to school and shot his way through Thurston High School cafeteria. No one believed that such a tragic event could happen more than once. The media portrayed the event in great detail. They outlined the actions of Kinkle, telling his story in almost a heroic fashion and detailing his killing spree. Just one year later, the mass attacks by two students at Columbine High School in Colorado has resulted in attempts to understand the influence the media has on shaping personal views of violence and the implications of copycat crimes."
Abstract This paper explores television violence and its effects on children. It addresses how TV manipulates the minds of children, causing them to act in more aggressive and violent manners. The author argues that TV violence distorts children's minds into believing that violence is a healthy and acceptable way of dealing with problems.
From the Paper "How many parents give a sigh of relief when their child's favorite program comes onto television (TV)? Probably, a vast majority of today's parents do because TV allows them to obtain some moments of personal freedom. Marie Winn, author of The Plug-In Drug, proclaims ?Television keeps children quiet and passive, cuts down on loud and boisterous play, prevents outbursts between brothers and sisters, and eliminates a number of potentially destructive household "experiments" that children might be indulging in??(66). So how could something that is so addictive, to the degree that it settles down even the most robust five-year-old, is dangerous to society? To answer this question there are many statistics, theories and concepts to explore."
Abstract This paper analyses how corporations may maintain employee job satisfaction in an ever-increasing environment of economic, sociological, global and organizational change.
From the Paper ?While the profitability of corporations is typically measured in dollars, overall success can be measured in terms of profitability plus the attainment of organizational goals. This success derives from a synergy of inputs, including the work of employees who are dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable, and a management team that understands how to inspire competent and motivated performance through sensitive and responsive management of a continually changing workplace. The cost of socially-responsible management is an investment: the workplace environment directly impacts the motivation and productivity of the workforce. Simply put: happy, secure workers are productive workers. Companies are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive and supportive workplace environment through ethically responsible policies, fair compensation and proactive management. While not quantifiable as a line item, an attitude of responsibility to workers and to the workplace environment has a noticeable effect on the corporate bottom line. According to Alan Reder in his book In Pursuit of Principle and Profit (1994), responsible policies ensure that every quality of a company will emerge over time and greatly increase a company's chances of long-term success.?
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the prevalence and adverse effects of child exposure to domestic violence. The author looks at the potential risks that expose children to domestic violence such as poverty and single parents. In addition, the author looks at the various effects of domestic violence on children's lives, such as the development of certain phobias. The above is done with the aid of four articles concerning the adverse effects of physical and verbal abuse on children and subsequent developmental problems.
From the Paper "Each year, approximately 3 million children are victims of domestic violence (Osofsky, 1999). Black, Heyman, & Smith Slep (2000) identified potential risks, such as poverty and single parent households, for child physical abuse and parent to child verbal aggression. Verbal and physical aggression were also found to cause the development of specific phobias in children (Magee, 1999). Fantuzzo and Mohr (1999) looked at the prevalence of domestic violence and the adverse effects it produces on children, and Osofsy (1999) examined the effects of violence on children and their development. Each article approaches the issue of domestic violence and children from a different perspective, but they all identify negative effects on the children. More research needs to be done to determine effective ways to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place, because once a child has witnessed or been a victim of domestic violence, the damage is already done. In collecting and studying all of these articles, it was apparent that there is a direct correlation between domestic violence and negative repercussions on children. By gathering this evidence, it became evident that there needs to be a much greater emphasis on prevention of verbal and physical aggression in the home and that more research must be done in this area in order to establish any effective prevention methods."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze conflict in the team environment. Topics covered include: Why conflict occurs, how to manage and resolve it and strategies to avoid it when developing and working with teams.
From the Paper ?Teams are defined by Jon Katzenbach in "The Wisdom of Teams" as "small groups of people with complementary skills committed to a common purpose, approach, and performance goals for which they hold themselves mutually accountable." Team building is extremely popular in business today. According to the Industry Week "1999 Census of Manufacturers," nearly 68% of small-company plants use teams to varying degrees. Teams can add to the productivity and profits of a business, but they can also be extremely stressful for the members involved if they aren't managed correctly.?
Tags: resolution, arbitration, mediation, fight, argue, business, work, together
Abstract This paper defines and clarifies the debate over different types of aging. Starting with the revolutionary work of Havighurst in the late 1960's and incorporating research from the present day, this paper defines the three central components of aging: physiological, psychological (cognitive), and social. Numerous examples of both successful and unsuccessful aging across all three components are described, and backed by empirical research. No clear "recipe" for successful aging can be given, but this paper is a thorough and modern overview of this facet of psychology as it stands today.
From the Paper "In the late 16th century the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon set out on a quest to discover the fountain of youth. Intruding into uncharted and hostile Indian Territory, de Leon was struck dead by an arrow to his heart, at the age of 47. Today millions of Americans and billions worldwide are experiencing the golden years that evaded De Leon. But does older age necessarily equate to 'golden years'? Since at least the 1960s gerontologists have been developing conceptual frameworks, called schema, to describe ideal outcomes of the aging process. One of the most commonly used terms to describe good old age is "successful aging", often attributed to R.J. Havighurst (1961). This concept lies at the core of the practice of gerontology; the Havighurst article appeared as the first conceptual piece in the first issue of the discipline's prime publication, The Gerontologist. Defining 'successful' aging has been an issue of debate ever since. However, a complete definition must include at least three components: physiological, psychological (or cognitive), and social. It also must be able to be clearly distinguished from the opposite end of the spectrum, namely, 'unsuccessful' aging."
Abstract Alfred Adler developed a theory of personality that describes how social interaction, birth order, life style, and family influences combine to form the personality of a person. Besides these things he also used the terms ?finalism,? which describes a goal or ambition that drives a person, and ?superiority,? which is a persons drive to be perfect. Different studies will are used to verify and expand his original work.
From the Paper "Alfred Adler, born in 1870, was the second of six children. He had a self-described "bad" childhood. He dealt with illnesses and accidents and he witnessed one of his bothers die (Engler, 1995). His father thought that Adler would amount to a lot. He later went to school where he was only a mediocre student. After coming close to quitting school, he turned his academic career around and became an outstanding student. He then went to medical school and became a neurologist (Engler, 1995)."
Abstract It is estimated that between one and nine million American children have at least one parent who is gay. While most of these children were produced in a heterosexual relationship before the gay parent ?came out,? an increasing number of same-sex partners are becoming parents through adoption or foster parenting. This paper explores research and opinions in favor and against adoption of children by same-sex couples.
From the Paper "However, it must be addressed that, to a large extent, this is an unknown area because the baby boom is still very young. There aren"t enough same-sex adoptions to be a representative sample. While my guess is that having parents who are of the same sex won"t be the major focus in an adolescent's life, it will still subject that individual to teasing and homophobic reactions from his/her peers.(Martin) In addition, while state laws are changing, many states are still being influenced by homophobia. Therefore, legally, same-sex couples can adopt, but many will be denied the opportunity anyway. Only recently has it become more normal for same-sex couples to adopt children and it is impossible to draw accurate conclusions on the long-term effects same-sex adoption will have on children."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about how divorce affects children and teenagers. The writer takes a sociological path in exploring the long-term affects on the individuals and examines how this impacts on their future relationships in society.
From the Paper "During the last four decades the divorce rate began to climb not only in America but also across the globe. As families began to live in separate houses researchers took on the task of studying the affects of the divorce on children and teenagers (Dunn, 1999). Now, four decades later the results are in and the experts agree divorce has an undeniable negative impact on children and teenagers. This is not to say the negative impact cannot be counterbalanced but it must be recognized as a given for groups of people affected by divorce if the world wants to correct the affects from a sociological point of view(Dunn, 1999)."
Abstract This paper explores the development stages of an adolescent against the backdrop of teen depression. Erickson's and Piaget's theory of child development is used to explain the causes of depressive and suicidal feelings in adolescents.
From the Paper "Approximately five percent of children and adolescents experience depression at some point in their lives (AACAP 1998). Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson studied the development of the adolescents. Their theories will give clearer understanding to why teenagers become depressed and what can be done about the problem. Depression comes from a variety of problems in the adolescent's life. Recognizing depression is important. "Out of 100,000 adolescents, two to three thousand will have mood disorders out of which 8-10 will commit suicide" (Brown 1996). The causes of depression in a teenager can stem from family problems, peer pressure and bullying, and changes in the teen's life."
Defines personality, examines major differences in personality tests, validity and reliability, as well as advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 8 sources, 1999, $ 39.95
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of personality assessment. To this end, the paper discusses the definition of personality: some of the major differences in the tests use to assess personality; validity and reliability concerns associated with different categories of assessment; and the advantages and disadvantages associated with assessment differences.
From the Paper "PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of personality assessment. To this end, the paper discusses the definition of personality: some of the major differences in the tests use to assess personality; validity and reliability concerns associated with different categories of assessment; and the advantages and disadvantages associated with assessment differences.
Definitions
Although, generally, personality refers to certain stable patterns of behavioral and psychoemotional traits (Samuel, 1992), there is a lack of consensus in terms of establishing a precise definition of the construct. This is because theorists ..."
Abstract This paper provides an insight into the psychology of team work and management and how they can be applied in the business environment. It discusses how team accomplishments and goals are the result of synergy or the achievement of an effect which is larger or greater than the output of one person individually. It examines the three known or discussed types of teams: work teams, naturally formed work units doing common operational duties within the organization, task teams, brought together to work on a specific task or project and management teams, drawn from people who direct operational business units . It looks at undesirable outcomes such as social loafing and conflicts and discusses the criteria for team member selections.
From the Paper "Group processes directly impact the choice of team member selection and required result. The desired team outcome is synergy when planning group structure and goals. Unfortunately, social loafing can occur so planning team leadership strategies before the team conducts their first meeting is imperative. Team member strengths and abilities are assessed prior to selection allowing for the correct member selection. Many teams have failed because of lack of support or the inability of the team to carry out their mission."
Abstract Discusses how the emotional bond between children and their primary caregivers impact a child's developing personality. Attachment figure as a model for future relationships. Various attachment styles (secure & insecure) & their psychological consequences. Adult Attachment Classification System. Differences in adult relationships formed by insecure and secure attachment styles. Long-lasting effects of early attachment.
From the Paper "Attachment theory is a well-formulated psychological theory acknowledging the importance and the long-term consequences of the type of emotional bond that develops between children and their primary caregivers (Genuis, 1995). In attachment theory, early attachment relationships in a child=s life are predicted to impact the child=s developing personality because they become models for future relationships (Bowlby, 1969; sdstate, 2001). The knowledge that an attachment figure is available and responsive provides a strong feeling of security and encourages the person to value the relationship. All human infants without significant biological abnormalities, however treated, form an attachment to the persons who care for them (Bowlby, 1982). The quality of the attachment relationship varies depending on the quality of care experienced, and if these experiences are..."
Abstract Examines whether pay/wages is a useful method of improving employee motivation. Links the concept of money to motivation theory & link with job satisfaction. Discusses causal models; hierarchy of needs model; Expectancy theory; goal setting; Management-By-Objectives (MBO). Assessment of money as the prime motivator. Performance-based compensation system. Concludes that compensation is not the only motivator.
From the Paper "MONEY AS A MOTIVATOR: A REVIEW
Introduction
This review focuses on the following question: How useful is pay as a method of improving employee motivation? In the review, the concept of money as a motivator is linked to motivation theory.
Defining Motivation and Motivation Theory
Motivation is the process of persuading individuals to act in a desired way. Within most organizational environments, motivation is the process of persuading members of the organization to perform in a productive manner. The need to motivate members of an organization to perform in a productive manner is a well-accepted premise. Disagreement exists, however, in relation to the best means of motivating individuals within organization ..."
