A look at the reasons that people make certain assumptions in certain situations and a proposed solution on how to check and validate these assumptions.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper is a critical thinking essay on an assumptions scenario proposed by the instructor. The scenario details the problems that Jeffrey is having at work and his consideration to find new employment. The paper outlines some of the major assumptions that Jeffrey makes in this scenario, proposes how to validate those assumptions, discusses some other alternatives and finally discusses how to check the assumptions that are being made.
From the Paper "In the scenario in question, Jeffrey is a 40-something manager for a business based out of Chicago. He has become increasingly frustrated with his job, however, primarily because he feels under appreciated. For a number of reasons, Jeffrey believes that his boss gives him no respect at work. As a direct result, Jeffrey has begun to shop around for other employment. He is particularly enamored with a job in California. The interviewer he talked to was especially flattering, a fact that Jeffrey feels will translate to greater regard and recognition. However, what Jeffrey fails to recognize at this point is that his conclusions are based on a number of assumptions that may or may not be true. There are five major assumptions that Jeffrey makes in this scenario that drive his decision-making process and yet which may not be entirely accurate."
A comparison of cognitive theories and a discussion of assumptions, propositions and applications of human development and learning, particularly affecting childhood educators.
Abstract This paper analyzes cognitive theories, assumptions, propositions and applications of human development and learning. It looks at some of the many ways in which cognitive development can be learned. It then focuses on three assumptions about children and human nature which might be problematic for educators, specifically early childhood educators.
Table of Contents:
Major Assumptions and Propositions
Comparison of Cognitive Theories: Bruner and Vygotsky
Constructivism and the Classroom
From the Paper "In the 80s and 90s, a form of information processing theory called connectionism was formulated to describe and predict non-linear thinking. Otherwise known as parallel distributed processing, this theory describes the mind as a large, multiple networks of associations. Each network responds to new experience by becoming either stronger or weaker, and each operating independently of and in parallel with the others (Siefert, 2002). After each experience, relevant networks adapt to better a child's future performance.Balancing a cup of juice, for example, stimulates various sensory associations within a child's hand, arm, and body. Some of these become stronger and others weaker as experience with cups of juice accumulate, but the eventual result an ability to balance a cup (Siefert, 2002). The assumptions supporting connectionism are more compatible with the realities of classroom life. It is noted that learning by children takes place because synchronized learning of separate networks that integrate."
Abstract This paper examines how since the implementation of the modern British welfare state in 1945, the various regimes have been organised around an ideological triangle of family, work and nation. It looks at how this concept draws attention to the way in which welfare policies and practices are the product of a society characterised by normative representations of class, race and gender, which in turn determine the constitution of welfare citizenship. It shows how since 1945, ideological assumptions underpinning the social settlement have altered along with the changing political, economic and social landscape of Britain. It maps these changes, demonstrating the consequences for the development of successive welfare regimes. It also gives a chronological account of the way in which assumptions about class, race and gender influence welfare policy and practice.
From the Paper "During the immediate post-war years there was a significant labour shortage and so the British government began a deliberate policy of encouraging immigration from Commonwealth countries. The British Nationality Act 1948 enshrined in law the right of Commonwealth citizens and their families to work and settle in Britain. However, many migrants found that despite Commonwealth citizenship, their immediate welfare needs were not being met (Clarke et al, 2001). For example, the eligibility criteria for provision of public housing, with regards to length of residence, served to exclude the newly arrived migrants."
Abstract This paper explains that Lipset and Rokkan based their freezing hypothesis on the assumption that if men were given equal right to vote, then a level of social freezing would take place, limiting the emergence of oppositional parties. The author believes that, although much interpretation of mass politics in Western Europe is derived from Rokkan's and Lipset's freezing hypothesis, this approach suffers from two problems: it pays little attention to the underlying values, as opposed to issues, which inform class and religious, and treats the relationship between social divisions and party politics as too deterministic, leaving little room for the human element in political movements, political leadership. The paper stresses the proof the freeze hypothesis needs to be reconsidered can be found in the success of alternative parties in Western Europe and England, such as the Green party.
From the Paper "For the radical right party , or of Germany, this means appropriating the dominant concept that they are the true measure of the nation and nationhood. The parties which develop a "radical right" position market themselves as nationalist, those who stand for the true values and priorities of the nation. The alternative parties, such as the Green party in England, tend to cast themselves as the respresenters of interests which are being ignored by the tradidional parties. By the efforts of these radical interest parties, minority interests have been able to move from the being perceived as a radical poitical fringe group to a party which is accepted in the mainstream. Because of the radical right's claim to represent ordinary people against an allegedly corrupt political class, their nationalistic counter-discourse cannot be too far from traditional concepts of nationhood that are available as cultural symbols to large segments of the public. As a result, the radical right dramatizes the vulnerability of the nation in times of a real or presumed crisis. During a time when traditional nationalism is at a low ebb, the alternative parties are able to make large in roads into the public consciousness."
Tags:assumption, mass, values, leadership, alternative
Abstract The discussion of Spinoza's monism and its impact upon our understanding of the autonomous self necessitates - prior to addressing the issue itself - a choice as to whether or not to accept the assumptions upon which is based the "truth of Spinoza's monism". In this context, this paper will take a dualistic approach to this question. First, Spinoza's assumptions and his monistic theory will be examined to demonstrate some of their flaws, and therefore their irrelevance to the issue of the autonomous self. The second approach requires the provisional acceptance of Spinoza's assumptions and his propositions as to the monism of God. It will be argued that, although Spinoza's argument allows a degree of limited autonomy for the self as a causal agent, this freedom is based upon our finite ignorance of the causal relationship between ourselves as finite beings and God as an infinite entity.
Abstract In 1950, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, and Levinson and Sanford delved into the concept of the authoritarian personality (TAP). Some of their prime assumptions include that those with TAP are submissive to authority and look to them for the definitions of right and wrong; that they are prejudiced towards an out-group, which they consider weak and inferior. The present study is based on these assumptions. An opportune sample of 100 male students of "hard sciences" were given a questionnaire assessing their susceptibility to an authoritarian source of information over that of a non-authoritarian source, along with Rokeach's Dogmatism scale (measuring authoritarianism). No significant correlation was found between the two factors. Although the findings do not support Adorno, et. al.'s assumptions, they provide evidence for forthcoming theories.
From the Paper "Hitler, Mussolini and many other political and national leaders of the 1930-1950 period adopted and pushed authoritarianism as a strong challenge to democracy. Followers flocked to their banners" (Whitten, 1976, p.622). In an attempt to explain this phenomenon, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, Levinson and Sanford (1950, which will be referred to in the text as AFLS) carried out a search for possible roots and causes of the Authoritarian Personality (TAP) type. Starting at the roots of anti-Semitism, it became a psychological study of ethnocentrism based on Freudian Psychodynamic theory. A person with TAP was defined as "a potentially fascistic individual, one whose structure is such as to render him particularly susceptible to anti-democratic propaganda" and these individuals "exhibit numerous characteristics that go together to form a syndrome", Adorno et al (1950, p.1). These were conventionalism, authoritarian submission, authoritarian aggression, superstition and stereotypy, power and toughness, destructiveness and cynicism, projectivity, concern with sexual goings-on and dogmatism. Some argued that this definition was too limited and too concerned with political opinion, thus defining it as "the desire to impose one's will on others" Ray (1976 cited in Louw-Potgieter (2001), p.78)."
Abstract In this paper the author looks at the concept of critical thinking. He examines the world of academia, which he suggests is saturated with ideas, assumptions and statistics. He suggests that many educators strive to teach the skills to utilize these ideas, assumptions and statistics in both a scholarly context and in real life situations. He then contends that to assume that critical thinking skills are so easily transferable is far more complex. With this in mind he moves on to look at Stephen Jay Gould's essay, "The Median Isn"t the Message,? in which he suggests that Gould describes the difficulties of taking statistics and academic studies out of context. Gould does this by referring to a time when he was diagnosed with a disease and how easily he could have been misled by the statistics had he chosen not to use his own critical thinking.
From the paper:
?Gould points out these personal experiences to send a message to his readers. Generally one does not relate such personal details of one's life to simply prove some academic concept. Gould wants his readers to take his experience and apply it. He tells the reader through his own account, to question everything, especially statistics. Humans have a tendency to hear statistics and interpret them without questioning what is really being said.?
Abstract This paper explains that an inquiry system, which is a systematic investigation for producing knowledge by processing input through an operator for an output, acts as a guarantor for the operator to verify the conclusion of an issue. The author points out that deductive thinking is a scientific method in applying laws to come up with assumptions that can be tested. Observations are collected to deal with those assumptions, and then the laws will be confirmed by deductive thinking. The paper demonstrates the inductive approach by presenting the case of the relationship between the brightness of lighting while sleeping and myopia; however, it is hardly a cause-and-effect relationship, as many other factors are ignored. For example, the reading habits of children, genetic factors affecting their visual system, and the social status and the educational level of the family.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Inductive Approach
Deductive Approach
Multiple Realities
Dialectics
Case Study 1: Inductive Approach
The Relationship between the Brightness of Lighting While Sleeping and Myopia
Case Study 2: Deductive Approach
The Age of the Earth
Case Study 3: Multiple Realities
Searching for a Way to Save a Corporation
Case Study 4: Dialectic Approach
Complete Ban on Smoking in Indoor Area
Conclusion
From the Paper "For the strength of this approach, it can be used effectively in gaining the belief of people on propositions of past or present fact or value and it will often be a superior method in persuading others with presenting the facts and data the observer gathered. In this case, the physician concluded that the causality between the degree of the brightness in sleeping and the children's tendency to myopia, the findings of his research was clearly presented and his observation is seems to be scientific and believable, thus, after reading the article, many parents bought eyeshades for their children."
This paper is a methodological study using critical discourse analysis to interrogate the assumptions underlying critical race theory in educational research.
Abstract This paper discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA) as used to analyze a Critical Race Theory (CRT) case study, which investigated reflective discourses of three co-directors of a Canadian summer institute on multi-culturalism and diversity. The author points out that CDA analysis of the discourses was undertaken using Clegg's six criteria of language-power discourse within groups and organizations as variables for the analysis: (1) Values, (2) rules, (3) power, (4) discretion, (5) organization and (6) paradox. The paper concludes that CDA, when used in its pure form for CRT analysis, represented a very slow and painstaking task; however, using Cleggs criteria was efficient and yielded flaws in the methodology of the case study approach.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Assumptions Limitations
Delimitations
Literature Review
Introduction
Literature on Educational and Qualitative Research
Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Definition, Types, and Uses of Qualitative Research
Overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT): Its Purposes, Assumptions, and Limitations
Descriptive CRT Literature
Origins of Critical Race Theory (CRT)
The Power of Storytelling
Descriptive Literature on Race and Multiculturalism
Enter "CRT-Light": Public Education Trends of the 1970's and 1980's
The 1990's and Beyond
Review of Critical Race Theory (CRT) Case Studies
Case Study 1: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Patti's Reflections: 'Walking on Quicksand'
Shahrzad's Reflections: 'Marginality of the 'Subject'; 'Subjectivity' of the Margin
Andre's Reflections: 'The Personal is Pedagogical'
Case Study 2: 'A Critical Race Analysis of Latino(a) and African American Advanced Placement Enrollment in Public High Schools'
Case Study 2's Methodology
Case Study 2 Results
Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusions
Case Study 3: 'Understanding Cheating in Nepal'
Case Study 4: 'The Acceptance of a Multicultural Education among Appalachian College Students'
Survey Instrument Content and Methods
Survey Distribution Methods
Case Study Survey Results
Other CRT Case Studies, Briefly Described
Conclusion
Research Methods
Introduction
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a Method
Origins of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
Conclusions
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Used to Interrogate Two Critical Race Theory Case Studies
The Case Study: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Values
Power
Rules
Discretion
Organization
Conclusion
From the Paper "The researcher for the present study also believed that ethnographic research elements were strongly present within secondary data for the study. This was because various pieces of both descriptive and case study literature, used as data for the present study, consisted of analysis and interpretation of other researchers' observations of day-to-day activities, over time, of particular groups that were observed first-hand (e.g., graduate students attending a summer institute on diversity; middle school students in Nepal; students in university basic writing and college composition courses). In addition, results of previously-conducted (by other researchers) ethnographic research, e.g., participant observation accomplished by the researcher over time were used, within the present study, as secondary data."
Abstract The paper evaluates Drosselmeier Corporation, a German manufacturing firm producing Christmas nutcrackers. The paper analyzes Drosselmeier's cost structures relative to its pricing strategy and the resulting net income. The paper examines several scenarios in depth based on constant assumptions relative to accounting rules, demand and investments.
Outline:
Abstract
Overview
Assumptions & Initial Cost Structure
First Scenario
Scenario for a Targeted 45k DM
Increased Capacity Scenario
From the Paper "There are several key assumptions to be made regarding Drosselmeier's costs and expenses in determining the optimum cost structure in order for the company to meet its revenue expectations. Determining the type of expenses associated with its product sales is important and understanding how they relate to its overall cost structure is important (Hawkins, 2006). There are essentially three types of expenses that Drosslemeier needs to account for: 1) those with a direct cause and effect, such as the costs of goods sold, 2) no future economic benefit which are periodic expenses such as office supplies, often classified as overhead, and 3) expenses classified as systematic an rational such as depreciation (West, 2003, pp.81-5). Based on understanding its cost structure and how expenses should be allocated, Drosselmeier can compute all of its various pricing strategies with a high degree of accuracy based on the same assumptions."
Abstract The paper looks at the work and beliefs of John Rawls, Alasdair MacIntyre and John Locke. The paper shows how all the schools of thought place high importance on the concept of institutional design, but they differ on how principles of morality and justice should be applied. The paper also discusses how both ideal and non ideal assumptions come to impact on this concept and therefore concludes that the use of such assumptions is necessary to offer a viable account of institutional design.
From the Paper "Institutions form an essential part of the administration of political power. As such, although the traditional study of history focused on great and powerful individuals, it nonetheless did so on the basis of assessing the institutional makeup through which they utilised and exercised their power base (Heywood, 1999). Therefore, even before the onset of the twentieth century the design of institutions was an important area of academic endeavour. However, the onset of social history or as E.P.Thompson termed it "history from below", brought about enormous changes in the way social science conceptualised institutional frameworks and designs (Thompson, 1968). It was clear that institutional design was hugely responsible for a variety of different issues and developments. Thus, since the early twentieth century social scientists have attempted to utilise institutional development in order to explain these issues (Heywood, 1999)."
Tags: ideal, non, ideal, assumptions, morality, equality, society
Abstract This paper compares two books written about the extermination of Jewish people: ?Ordinary Men,? (Christopher Browning) and "Resisting the Holocaust" (ed. Ruby Rohrlich) and tries to show how every human has the ability to become a murderer if he/she were placed under the correct circumstances.
From the Paper "The men who carried out the anti-Semitic operations were "too old to be of use to the German army" (Browning 1). Instead they were drafted into the Order Police where they would carry out behind-the-scenes procedures not important enough to require trained officers of the military. Instead of selecting the men most suited for the task of executing the Jews, it is most likely that they were not fit enough to make any other contribution to the war effort. Most of them had no previous military training and many of them went back to their previous occupations after the war had ended, having completed their required service (Browning 144). "
Tags: browning, cohen, extermination, final, gas, genocide, german, holocaust, ii, jewish, jews, mass, murder, reich, resistance, rohrlich, solution, third, war, world
Abstract The author challenges the thesis presented by Judith Harris, in her book "The Nurture Assumption," that divorce does not have a long-term affect on children. The author first reviews Ms. Harris' book, and then, using research by other people in the field, such as Judith Wallerstein, refutes her theories on children and divorce. Some of the topics discussed include the parent-child relationship, family structure, economic affects of divorce and single-parent families.
From the Paper "Harris holds the view that living in a nice neighborhood the children of single parents do as much better as other kids. Children of single parents are no more likely to drop out of school or get pregnant than the children of two-parent households, she writes, as long as they stay in the same middle-class neighborhoods. Wallerstein and her co-authors do not agree. The authors write: "Although many people no longer believe the myth that children always benefit from a divorce that makes parents happier, it continues to exert subtle, unconscious influences on how we think about divorce and our reactions to it. It has encouraged parents to expect that their children will approve their decision." According to the authors this attitude makes it easy for divorced parents to concentrate of their search for new lovers and jobs devoting less time to their children and not properly preparing them for the effects of divorce. The children pay the price."
Abstract The paper uses an example of a work-related complaint to show how Kegan and Lahey would reword the complaint using a four-step process in order to expose the assumptions and underlying beliefs of the person lodging the complaint and, thereby, finding a solution to the problem. The paper then describes the process of critical thinking and relates it to Kegan and Lahey's exercize. The writer then uses Kegan and Lahey's approach to prepare a lesson plan for a Lamaze class.
From the Paper "The first step in Kegan and Lahey's (1994) process of language awakening resides in considering a complaint and transforming it to a language of commitment. For instance, a staff member of an institution might consider his work environment creatively stifling. In this theory, the authors suggest using a sentence stem such as ?I am committed to the value and importance of____? to rearrange this complaint into a language of commitment, such as ?I am committed to the value and importance of a professional environment that fosters the capacity for creativity.? This necessary first step brings to the participant a conscious recognition of possible problems by establishing a sought-after ideal."
Abstract Conflict theory in criminal justice is based on the assumption that society is grounded in inherent conflict that cannot be resolved. This paper discusses how conflict theorists argue that those who hold power and wealth in a capitalist economy force the less-powerful to abide by their established rules with the purpose of protecting their own property and physical safety. It explains that the theory relies on a Marxist interpretation of the function of a capitalist society. It also shows how the theory argues for a broader definition of crime to include offenses and actions intended to maintain the ruling structure. This paper addresses how the theory and models of punishment based on the theory require an understanding of criminal justice that takes into consideration the social and political causes of crime, particularly models of treatment based on a concept of restorative justice.
Table of Contents
History and Definition of Conflict Theory
Human Nature
Social Order
Causal Logic of Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Policy
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Practice
Evaluation
Bibliography
From the Paper "Before the 1960s, most criminology research and theory was conducted under the rubric of structural-functionalism, which assumed the primacy of the social system and the inter-relationship of social institutions without much focus or consideration for the individuals or groups who made up the institutions. However, critics of these theories argued that by minimizing the social conflict and tension inherent within society, these theories supported a politically conservative agenda within sociology and criminology."
