This paper compares the research methodology used by anthropologists Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, who studied Kalahari Desert Bushmen, and Tim O'Meara, who studied Samoan planters.
Abstract This paper related that Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of "The Harmless People" (1989), and Tim O'Meara, author of "Samoan Planters: Tradition and Economic Development in Polynesia" (1990), used simple anthropological research methodology to study the influence of external forces like globalization and development on primitive civilizations, such as the Kalahari Desert Bushmen and the Samoan planters. The author points out that both anthropologists situated themselves in the community being studied. O'Meara mixed with the local Samoan farmers to learn how they behave and interact, whereas, Thomas relied only on her observations of the Bushmen. The paper relates that O'Meara's method, limited by his research question, focused on developmental stages rather than on how people evolved; on the other hand, Thomas concentrated on the outcome of her subjects' ways of living.
From the Paper "Taking each day at a time, he had been able to relate with the locals at a personal level. He encountered their personal life by mixing with the male members of society. For example, he learned why the male considered it illicit to meet with their sisters. The Samoan men were proud of their ability to deflower virgins but it was injurious to their family pride if their females were subjected to such conduct. O'Meara hence depended on mixing with the locals to learn how they behave and how they interact."
Abstract This study attempts to discern whether a qualitative or quantitative approach to research methodology is appropriate for examining PALS. PALS measures young children's knowledge of important literacy fundamentals, including phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, knowledge of letter sounds, spelling concept of word, word recognition in isolation, and oral passage reading.
Outline
Literature Review: Introduction to Research Methodology
History of Qualitative-Quantitative Research
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Education and Literacy
Quantitative Methods
Research in Education
Analysis
Conclusions
From the Paper "In fact, there are many that might argue that a quantitative approach is preferable to a qualitative approach in all situations regardless of the phenomena being studied (Myburgh, Poggenpoel & Van Der Linde, 2001) because it lends itself to less 'subjective analysis.' However further exploration into the matter suggests that qualitative analysis is not subjective in nature and may in fact be the preferred method for research analysis into complex behavioral issues, particularly when the researcher is attempting to determine patterns in behavior and conduct (Myburgh, et. al, 2001).
That there is a great deal of 'opinion' surrounding the issue of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology cannot be argued. Thus research will be examined from both perspectives, qualitative and quantitative, in order to ascertain which methodology is best suited to provide detailed analysis of the PALS program, and in order to determine which methodology should be adopted by the researcher to provide adequate insight into the given phenomena that the researcher is attempting to explore. No conclusions will be made with regard to the legitimacy of either research approach until the final portion of this analysis, where a determination will be made as to whether a qualitative or quantitative approach is more appropriate in this particularly setting."
This paper is a research proposal to study the extent to which native German cultural influences are not only present in society but also felt by the people living in Texas today.
Abstract This examines how Texas' history is deeply infused with German influence because, in the early 1800s, Texas was portrayed in Germany as an available new territory with large plots of fertile land and much wild game, which attracted many Germans to Texas. The author points out that the research is limited to a historical exploratory analysis of German influence in Texas and oral interviews to provide additional information about the modern 'trends' in Texan culture and the extent to which natives believe German influence is still present within the state culture and identity.
Outline
Introduction/Scope of Study
Background
Project Specs
Significance of Study
Methods
From the Paper "The researcher proposes that the questions developed for oral interviews remain brief and 'open ended' in order to insure that as much information as possible is gathered from participants. Questions will focus on the individuals background (cultural decent), perceptions of German influence in Texas, and likes/dislikes about perceived influences in Texas culture. From the information gathered from the oral interviews and literature review, the researcher will propose conclusions regarding the relevance of German influence in Texas culture today."
Tags: exploratory, trends, interviews, identity, language
Abstract This paper explains that the attachment theory demonstrates that attachment is not a race or culturally specific phenomenon because it is an instinctive, biological motivated need, which all humans have and use to adapt to their environment during the earliest stages of development. The author points out that the combination of humanistic and existential psychotherapies offers a wide range of approaches in case conceptualization, therapeutic goals, intervention strategies and research methodologies. The paper relates that play therapy is a psychoanalytic tool, which is based on the assumption that a child's internal issues can be tied to various unconscious conflicts and deficits, which reveal themselves during play sessions.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Content of the Literature Review
Purpose of the Literature Review
Scope of the Literature Review
Parameters and Limitations of the Review
Attachment Theory
Existential Humanistic Theories
Existentialism
Humanistic Psychology
Play Therapy
Existential Therapy for Alice: A Case
Conclusion
Gaps in the Literature
Considerations for Alice
Final Comments and Reflections on the Literature from the Researchers
From the Paper "Attachment theory is one of the key theories associated to the study of developmental psychology and is considered an extension of psychoanalytic theory. It was Sigmund Freud who first understood by his observing children's attachment to their primary care givers which became the foundation for the model of a child's attachment throughout adult life. Later, John Bowlby's theories of attachment added to this original concept. Considered the major theorist on attachment theory, Bowlby (1939) began explaining and developing attachment theory based on his observations and conclusions. Bowlby took a radical departure from Freud's model of the pleasure principle and focused on the social interactive aspects of attachments with specific focus on the infants need for safety and security."
Abstract This paper explains that androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS), synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, can exert strong effects on the human body, which may be beneficial for athletic performance; however, they also have many serious negative effects on the user's health. The author used a multiple choice questionnaire for participants in intramural sports teams questioning the athletes' knowledge and use of steroids and interviewed coaches regarding their knowledge of the prevalence of the use of AAS drugs in their particular population of student athletes. The paper concludes that (1) the level of knowledge of the coaches in this school was relatively low, (2) 36% of the students at this high school reported using AAS either currently or in the past and (3) a significant proportion of the athletes who took these drugs were unable to state correctly the side effects or the expectations for these drugs.
Table of Contents
The Problem
Problem Background
Literature Review
Historical Perspective
Performance Enhancing Drugs - the Real Problem
Problems Associated with AAS Use
Physiological Changes Associated with AAS Use
Purpose of the Study and Research Questions
Limitations
Definitions
Importance of the Study
Methodology
Research Design
Selection of Participants
Instrumentation
Ethical Issues
Dissemination
Restatement of the Purpose
Research Question One
Research Question Two
Research Question Three
Sub Question A
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Implications for Practice/Research
Student Questionnaire
Informed Consent Form
Budget
Educational Course Outline
From the Paper "There are some sections of the sport world who believe that the risk of significant side effect from the use of anabolic steroids has been grossly overstated. It is probably more correct to state that studies in this area are really few and far between, and when studies have been carried out the data retrieval is difficult and there is very little in the way of side effect reporting. It therefore makes it difficult to predict the level of harm which may be related to the use of anabolic steroids, but some can be theorized and therefore monitored for. In females who use the drugs, the masculinizing effects can be damaging to features and fertility. It is also important to understand that many of these drugs are not adequately regulated, and as a result many athletes end up using counterfeit products, which carry no safety data or warning labels."
This paper uses a professional critique style to evaluate the research reported in the Trump, Brady, and Olsen's article from "Military Medicine": "Self-Rated Health and Subsequent Health Care Use among Military Personnel Returning...".
Abstract This paper explains that, although health questionnaires have been used since 1996, little evaluation has been done to determine the usefulness of this information: Trump et al. claim that the United States has endorsed the improvement of health assessments and health surveillance of military members, but there has been some question as to the value of the currently deployment health assessments. The author points out that this study is strengthened by its large sample size and the questionnaire's general assessment of self-rated health, which has been has been widely used as an independent predictor of mortality. The paper states that the limitations of the study include whether or not the items on the questionnaire actually represents information, which leads to increased risk of bad health; the possibility that these questions could be worded to suggest bias and the post-deployment questionnaire has not been widely used.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose
Problem
Consistency of Hypothesis with Purpose and Problem; Clarity of Variables
Literature review
Target Population and Sample
Method of Analysis and Findings
Discussion, Conclusions and Implications
Implications and Recommendations
From the Paper "Trump, Brady & Olsen (2004) stated that the purpose of this study "was to describe the self-rated health of military members who completed postdeployment questionnaires upon return from deployments in 1999 and to examine the associations between self-rated health and subsequent health care use and health outcomes in the six-month period after return from deployment." Although the introduction stated that since the Gulf War veteran health has been receiving more attention because of the increase in health problems, I do not see a real point in determining if self-rated health has a correlation to incidences in hospitalization and doctor's visits. I do not believe that this study answers the "so-what" question."
This paper discusses "The Forest People," by author ColinTurnbull in which he analyzes the BaMbuti, 'people of the forest', located in Congo, Africa, specifically in Ituri Forest.
Abstract This paper explains that "The Forest People" by Colin Turnbull uses a personal narrative and ethnographic analysis to describe an anthropological experience which took place in the mid 1900s. The author points out that the author's ethnographic account differs from other studies of this type because he puts BaMbuti life in the context of the rapid industrialization taking over the region. The paper concludes that modernization has no place in the lives of most Africans because they have learned to survive and live despite the inconveniences forest life.
From the Paper "Indeed, many social scientists like Turnbull had attempted to depict an accurate and objective picture of what life in Eastern and Middle Eastern nations is, determined through scientific methods. By scientific method, this means that the procedures in which anthropological accounts were recounted were through systematic and objective thinking and analysis on the part of the researcher/anthropologist. Thus, during Turnbull's time, qualitative studies have become prevalent because the qualitative paradigm offered more avenues and opportunities for new discoveries to be generated in exploratory studies conducted in nations and societies in the African and Asian regions, among others."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the topic of elderly drivers in America. Specifically, the paper discusses a proposal for change supported by research. The proposal is in support of the implementation of required standardized testing of people reaching the age of 65 that would enable them to retain their driver's license while assuring their continued safety on the America's roads and highways. The proposal also recommends a course of action for regulation of elderly drivers and provides a proposed solution to the problem, while urging Americans to get involved now, before more elderly drivers take to the nation's highways and byways.
From the Paper "Elderly drivers pose a threat to other drivers in several ways. Many studies indicate that "Older drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes associated with intersections and other complex traffic situations, failure to yield, inattention, road signs, left turns, and oncoming traffic and are more often found to be at fault in crashes" (Wood). Other studies have indicated older drivers have slower reaction times, impaired vision, and a higher instance of eye diseases that can create problems with their perception and vision. Scientist Wood continues, "Visual impairment becomes significantly more prevalent with increasing age. The normal process of aging results in yellowing and cloudiness of the crystalline lens, a decrease in pupil size, and alterations in the integrity of the macular pigment and neural pathways" (Wood)."
Provides the definition and examination of qualitative research design, approaches, classifications, methods, strategies, techniques for collecting and analyzing data and criteria for judging the research study.
Abstract Qualitative research often implies multiple methodologies. In qualitative research the emphasis is more on veritable generalization of confidently established causal relationships from an examined group to a wider population. This paper defines and examines qualitative research design and other issues regarding research study.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Definition
Classification of Qualitative Research
Methods of Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research Strategies, Processes and Approaches
Techniques for Collecting and Analyzing Data
Criteria for Judging Qualitative Research
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Historically originating in the field of cultural anthropology (Vidich and Lyman, 1994), ethnographic approaches to social research have been applied in numerous fields: social and cultural anthropology, sociology, human geography, organization studies, educational research, and cultural studies. Ethnography and participant observation can be understood as the description of some group's culture from the group's perspective. One can identify different levels of involvement in participant observation: (1) complete observer; (2) observer as participant; (3) participant as observer; and (4) complete participant (Atkinson and Hammersly, 1994, p. 248)."
A research proposal to determine the impact of a weak U.S. currency on European products within the metal industry and a synopsis of competition in China.
Abstract This paper outlines a research proposal whose intent it is to examine the impact of the U.S. dollar on European products, particularly with regard to the metal industry, and an analysis of the competitiveness of the U.S. with China.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Significance of the Study
Objectives
Methodology
Conclusions/Recommendations
References
From the Paper "The researcher intends to conduct a qualitative study of the literature currently available with regard to the economy and the US dollar vs. the European euro. The intent will be to develop a well thought out and grounded theory that explains the exact relationship between the US dollar and the European market for metals. Specifically the researcher will attempt to determine what if any action is necessary to help boost the US economy and stimulate a more productive metal industry. Studies suggest that the metal industry has been in decline for a number of years. This study will attempt to determine what action need be taken if any to reverse this trend."
Abstract This paper argues that much of the hatred for narcotics stems
from media horror stories and alleged scientific research which paints drug usage as the culprit in issues ranging from crime to poverty to deteriorating mental and physical health. Now, the latest attack stems from government officials who are working to establish a sinister link between drug trafficking and terrorism. The paper presents a research design to assess the similarities between the American government's two declared "wars" and whether the results of both wars have justified the costs.
Paper Outline:
Goals
Objectives
Methods of Assessment
Reference List
From the Paper "For my second objective, I will examine the long-speculated connection between the illegal drug trade and terrorist organizations. I will determine whether the evidence suggesting such a connection is credible. If the evidence is deemed as flimsy, what justifications might the government have for promoting such a connection? Money, fear, and intimidation are suggested factors for endorsing a connection between drugs and terrorism. I will assess these accusations and develop a theory about their justification."
This paper is a complete research project that, based on the integrative model, analyzed merger and acquisition (M&A)s including human resource management (HRM).
Abstract This paper explains that the purpose of this study is (1) to develop and test the integrative model that synthesizes theoretical perspectives on the strategic combination, organizational integration, resource management (HRM) and financial performance components of merger and acquisitions (M&As) and (2) to examine the mechanisms through which several critical characteristics of an acquisition affect its performance. The author describes in detail the reasons for selecting the case methodology instead of a questionnaire and for using the qualitative methods. The paper relates that this research provides new insight on the effects of relative size on acquisition performance by suggesting that bigger acquisitions do better because they offer greater synergy potential, not because managers pay more attention to the integration process when targets are large as suggested in past research. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Scope and Objectives
Summary
Literature Review
Combination Potential
Organizational Integration
Employee Resistance
Interrelationships among Antecedents of M&A Performance
Management Style Similarity
Cross-border Combination
Relative Size
Methodology
Sample
Measures
Reliability and Validity of the Data
Data Analysis
Results
Findings
Discussion
Analysis
Future Implications
Summary
Conclusion
Summary
Recommendations
From the Paper "Organizational and HRM researchers have pointed out that strategic combination potentials are not automatically realized, and that the extent of synergy realization depends on how the new organization is managed after the M&A deal is closed (Datta 1998, Hunt 2004, Schweiger et al. 2001). Organizational integration, defined as the degree of interaction and coordination between the two firms involved in a merger or acquisition, is commonly cited as an important consideration in the M&A process (Buono and Bowditch 2004, Pablo 1998, Shrivastava 2004, Yunker 2003). Indeed, numerous typologies of organizational integration processes have been suggested in the literature, each distinguishing between high and low degrees of integration (e.g., Haspeslagh and Jemison 1998, Hunt 2004, Napier 2004). The degree of integration has also been used as a moderator of the organizational fit/M&A performance relationship by Datta (1998), who found it to be non-significant in his study."
This paper examines the scope of a specific company, the product, place, prime and promotion that is used as part of a marketing strategy intended to generate profits in annual sales.
Abstract This paper analyzes the intricate business practices of McDonald's while focusing on the product, place, price and promotion that is used as part of a marketing strategy to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales. This paper accurately details various marketing techniques and strategies that have given an ordinary product, such as McDonald's burgers and fries an exciting and evolutionary life as well as impressive profits. This paper also cites various research statistics and results relevant to this particular topic.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
A Look at McDonald's
Product Marketing
Place, in Relation to Marketing
Pricing
Promotion
Summary
References
From the Paper "If you build a McDonald's in the right area, the people will come, but good pricing surely plays a role in getting them to come back. One of the main elements of McDonald's marketing strategy is effective pricing of their product. Knowing that their target market consists in large part of families, who often need an affordable way to dine out with the children, their menu over the years has been priced in a way that allows virtually anyone to eat at McDonald's and enjoy a quality meal without spending a large amount of money. What it really comes down to is value- people enjoy McDonald's food which is a big part of repeat business; the best pricing in the world will not sell a product if the consumer does not perceive value in what they are purchasing. In fact, McDonald's states this outright in their "Value Menu" offerings of recent years, which provide selected menu items at a bargain price, most times, $1.00 or less."
Abstract This paper examines the promotional campaign of Watershed Awareness, whose goal is to bring water quality issues to the public's forefront. The writer of this paper defines a promotional campaign as the combination of various advertising, public relations, sales promotion and personal selling activities used by the marketer over a period of time to achieve predetermined goals. This paper explains why a promotional campaign is much more than just the advertisement seen on TV. The larger the campaign is, the more budget it needs and more people are employed to derive the outcomes for which the campaign was initially set up for. This paper details the various steps involved in creating a successful promotional campaign. In the case of Watershed Awareness, the first step is the necessity to clarify the specific purpose for the campaign. The next phase is effective communication which results in serving the functions of reaching the target audience, penetrating the audience's attention through the combination of timeliness, relevance and simplicity.
The third step in carrying out a promotional campaign is developing its theme, perhaps creating a noticeable insignia or logo. This paper also focuses on the importance of the internet in creating a successful campaign.
From the Paper "The proposition is only the beginning, then the effective communication must be used serving the functions of reaching the target audience, penetrating the audience's attention through the combination of timeliness, relevance and simplicity, communicating the intended message and bonding the message to the brand name. Unfortunately, practice shows that the price of the advertisement does not guarantee its' quality. In order to do this, a promotion plan should include a well-articulated distribution plan which will drastically increase the exposure of promotion item. The mass media source choice to transfer the idea to the target group should be based on the preferences of the target group."
Abstract This paper explains that the research will attempt to determine (1) the factors which impact a women's mental status in a domestic violence situation, (2) the degree to which the level of support a woman receives effects her ability to leave a violent situation and (3) the common demographic variables of women who stay in violent situations. The author points out that the literature indicates that there is ample evidence that a woman's social support structure, socio-economic status and perceived sense of self esteem and self worth contribute to a woman's susceptibility for domestic violence. The paper relates that study will consist of a base survey of 100 women, aged 18 and older, who have been victims of domestic violence within the previous two years; the data will come from surveys such as the Severity of Violence against Women Scales ( SVAWS}and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale plus the researcher will design a ten question open-ended interview questionnaire examining these womens' attitudes and beliefs toward domestic violence.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Background to the Problem
Theoretical Framework
Literature Review/Studies Analysis
Domestic Violence Defined
Demographic Variables
Summary of the Literature
Methods
Research Design/Participants
Data Collection Measures
Procedures
Access to Site
Researchers Role
Reflexivity of Approach
Logistics
Conclusion
Limitations
Contributions Research Will Make
Implications of the Research
Interview Questions
From the Paper "The study is limited in a number of ways. It will focus predominately on women living in shelters or women who have sought out help for domestic violence whether from healthcare facilities or social support networks, thus it may not be possible to generalize the material and findings to women in domestic situations that have not reported violence. The largest group of women experiencing domestic violence is believed to be those women who have not reported violence and are living in a violent situation; however, it would be nearly impossible to survey this portion of the population."
