Abstract It has become problematic to discuss differences between race groups, due to sensitivity to the possibility of being deemed racist. This is particularly true when it comes to the sensitive area of educational attainment. This paper argues that simply commenting on differences does not necessarily mean that one is racist, nor that one is implying that any differences are necessarily caused by biology. It is possible to comment on observed differences, just as one can empirically observe and comment on any phenomena. This paper argues that empirical observations show us that there are clearly differences in educational attainment among racial groups.
Abstract The paper looks at studies that demonstrate how family size has an adverse effect upon the educational attainment of children. The paper then discusses a study that showed that Muslim nuclear families blessed with strong extended family ties can be large ones without their size negatively impacting the educational attainment of young people. The paper concludes that while there does seem to be a correlation between family size and educational attainment, other factors clearly come into play.
From the Paper "To begin with, it must be noted that the correlation between family size and educational attainment is a phenomenon that can be explained by some (but not all) sociological theories. Structuralism, for one, is a sociological theory (as most students of sociology well know) that holds that people are shaped by the larger society of which they are part. In short, the values, the institutions, and the culture of a society shape the roles and actions individuals will play in life (incidentally, for an interesting comparison of structuralism to individualism within sociological theory, please see Gannon & Freidheim, 877-882)."
Abstract This paper presents a literature review to evaluate how managers can increase the likelihood of individual development plans (IDP) attainment on the part of subordinates, in conjunction with looking at how to maximize the odds of high performance subordinates attaining IDP-based objectives. The paper explains that the accumulated research that is included in this review led to the development of a proposed IDP Attainment Model which seeks to create a high level of consistency and trust between managers and subordinates to ensure IDPs can be attained over time. This model is illustrated in this paper and demonstrates how how critical it is for any manager responsible for assisting their subordinates to be developmental in focus. The paper includes color graphs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Correlating Manager's Emotional Intelligence (EI) to IDP Attainment Transformational Leadership and its impact on IDP Attainment in Teams
Introducing the IDP Attainment Model
Conclusions
From the Paper "Transformational leadership theory does not isolate or otherwise place on specific leadership style in a vacuum or in some type of isolation. Rather, this leadership approach focuses on the implications of transformational strategies across the full gamut of leadership styles. Continuing on, this theory consolidates all leadership behaviors into one of three types, with the first being transformational. The second, more traditional type of leadership is transactional. Transactional leadership involves rewarding workers for good performance (and conversely punishing workers for poor performance) and includes the fundamental tenants of McGregor's theories of motivation and management."
Abstract The paper focuses on the themes of struggle through adversity and triumph over hardship, which are evident in Keats? poem. The writer of the paper puts himself in Porphyro's shoes and identifies with the protagonist of the poem in terms of the obstacles he has to overcome in his own life. The paper moves through the poem, comparing parts of it to his/her own experiences of goal attainment.
From the Paper "John Keats' "The Eve of St. Agnes" invokes feelings of struggle through adversity and triumph over hardship. The entire poem reads almost like one of Hercules' challenges, and although the ending seems quite inevitable at times, the language Keats employs en route to that
ending keeps the reader on edge throughout. As a reader, I put myself in Porphyro's shoes through Keats' strong imagery and I find myself striving to overcome obstacles in my own life as Porphyro does in the poem."
This paper examines the effect of female and male educational attainment on fertility: Fertility rates in U.S. and world, theory, economic, developmental and ethnic issues and population growth. Tables.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 17 sources, 1995, $ 135.95
From the Paper "This research examines the effect of educational attainment on fertility. Following this introduction, literature is reviewed and data are presented to illustrate what is known about this relationship. The gaps in the knowledge of the relationship between educational attainment and fertility are then identified. Lastly, the feasibility of conducting additional research to develop the information necessary information to close the knowledge gaps is discussed.
Current Knowledge of the Educational Attainment/Fertility Relationship
Conventional wisdom in both sociology and economics holds that the fertility rate declines as female educational attain ... "
Abstract This paper describes the film "Rudy", the story of a small, working class boy who overcame his primary (father) and secondary (teacher) socialization factors to fulfill his dream of becoming a Notre Dame football player. The paper discusses that upon making this decision, Rudy surrounded himself with individuals who helped him attain his goals. The author believes that "Rudy" is a testament to the power of individual will over the powerful and myriad forces of socialization.
From the Paper "Unremarkably, Rudy decided to take a job in the local steel mill after college. At the mill, his close friend died from a horrible accident, and Rudy was reminded of the frailty of human life. He reexamined his life, and somehow, managed to set aside the limits that others had place on him. He tried to become a football player for the famous Notre Dame, his childhood idol."
Abstract A paper focusing on the book "Ain't No Makin' It: Aspirations and Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood" by Jay MacLeod and how it pertains to the ideology of the American Dream. The paper shows how MacLeod's book questions the validity of the American Dream and discusses how this theory is seen by social thinkers such as political scientist and author Jennifer L. Hochschild.
From the Paper "Ain't No Makin' It: Aspirations and Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood is an ethnological study focusing on two sets of teenage boys living in housing projects in Clarendon Heights. Through observation and interviews, author and sociologist Jay MacLeod attempted to determine why the socioeconomic status of these young men remained stagnant, despite the mobility inherent to the ideology known as the "American Dream." Struck by the seemingly low level of aspirations expressed by the young adolescent boys, MacLeod researched the hopes and dreams of these young men, focusing on two groups: the "Hallway Hangers" and the ?Brothers.?"
Abstract This paper examines how Descartes used the method of putting everything into doubt in order to attain certain knowledge. The first truth he discovered from this method was that perception and experience could not confirm knowledge, but that the significance of an innate idea could. In this exercise, Descartes was able to eliminate the argument that the senses and experiences were humans' sources of knowledge.
This essay discusses Jay MacLeod's "Ain't No Makin' It. Aspirations & Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood" which examines the author's contention of how different factors affect aspirations and occupational outcomes.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper identifies three major factors shaping the aspirations of the Hallway Hangers and Brothers. The author points out three major factors affecting their occupational outcomes.
Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role that emotional intelligence plays in a person's academic, professional and personal success. This paper thus examines the role that emotional intelligence plays in the attainment of personal and professional goals. The first part of this paper gives an overview of the concept of "emotional intelligence." It looks at the history of the concept and discusses the various components that make up emotional intelligence. This part also looks at how the concept has evolved in the past 15 years.The next part of this paper then looks at the correlations between emotional intelligence and academic success. It looks at studies showing how emotional intelligence is an intrinsic component of success in schools. In the final part, this paper assesses the growing importance of emotional intelligence in professional success, with emphasis on the corporate world. This paper further argues that all professionals who eventually hope to occupy positions in authority should make a point to develop their social and emotional intelligence skills, in addition to the competencies that are expressly required by the job.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
What is Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence and Academic Success
Emotional Intelligence on the Job
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "For those who are already working in organizations, Lynn (2004) suggests that companies build training programs that are geared towards specific emotional intelligence competencies. Techniques like role-playing, simulations and other interactive methods can help employees enhance their interpersonal skills, such as managing emotion and the effective ways of motivation and establishing rapport. While such training will represent initial investment of resources, many psychologists agree that these programs will pay off in terms of higher productivity, higher levels of employee satisfaction and higher retention."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the concept of freedom underlies and motivates all ideologies, doctrines and dogmas of human progress and the objective of social organization and political institutions. In the quest for freedom, the writer maintains that man must not only attain economic sufficiency and personal security but also live or survive in a social and psychological milieu of external cultural regimentation. Further, the writer argues that any pattern of social organization or political institution should be suited to the condition, which provides man with the greatest measure of freedom or liberty. The writer concludes that whatever the binds, man will always, by nature, direct his conscious creative power towards that ideal and only until then will true democracy be established.
From the Paper "The existence of a limited government, which will serve as a legal environment can provide the fertile ground, in which individual liberty or freedom can flourish. This legal environment is based on the concepts of private property and voluntary exchange. But because of the basic economic problem of scarcity, individuals must interact with one another and their interaction must be guided by rules. These rules impose restrictions on human activities and delineate between liberty and license. They are necessary in enforcing order, without which those with superior and unrestrained brute strength could force their will on the weak or inferior. Freedom from rules cannot guarantee prosperity and genuine freedom. When rules are applied generally, they can expand the liberty of all individuals by limiting the actions of each individual. The only guarantee believed to carry this concept through was to concentrate authority in the hands of a select ruler who would require the implementation of these ideals. It was the consensus that such an authority would establish general rules of conduct, which would create an environment wherein desirable results could emerge from the exercise of individual liberty."
Abstract This paper discusses the influence of parents' educational attainment on pre-adolescent academic performance and development. It analyzes how a parent can be the primary factor that determines whether their child develops certain behaviors which are often a mix of both expected and desirable, and unexpected and undesirable. The paper also discusses the effects of parental demographic factors, occupation and financial status on a child's academic performance.
Table of Contents:
Review of Literature
Conclusion
From the Paper "Pre-adolescents are at a crossroads of biological and psychosocial change. One of the specific "barometers" of this change is academic performance as determined by parental educational attainment. Parental educational attainment, as a component of socioeconomic status, although independently demonstrated to have profound effects on a child's cognitive development and academic performance can be difficult to isolate from the effects of other components such as parental demographic factors, occupation and financial status. In spite of this, not only does a higher educational attainment of parents influence academic performance both directly and indirectly regardless of income, but is also directly influenced by learning opportunities available to the child from birth."
Abstract The paper proposes a study to explores whether reunified foster youth will have higher rates of educational attainment versus non-reunified foster youth. The paper outlines the design and research methods of the study and presents the hypothesis that reunified foster youth will have completed higher levels of education than those who spent at least one year in the foster care system. The paper maintains that federal, state, and local authorities must recognize the critical importance of permanent family connections for youth in foster care if substantial progress is to be made in improving outcomes for these disconnected youth.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Methods
Data Analysis
Implications
From the Paper "Each year, approximately 20,000 youth age 16 and older, transition from foster care to legal emancipation and find themselves on their own (Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, 2007). Children in foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations within our educational system as they are at great risk for school failure (Zietlin, 2004). With an estimated 542,000 children in the United States foster care system, researchers have begun to look at factors which may impede a child's educational attainment (Zeitlin, 2004). Several studies have started to focus on the lack of support for foster youth, significance of academic, emotional, and behavioral problems youth experience as well as lack of innovative interventions which may improve school outcomes (Zeitlin, 2004)"
Abstract This paper discusses Imogene King's well-known theory, which relates the actual role that nurses should play in a health/medical environments, such as hospitals, clinics and specialized health care facilities. Specifically, the paper describes the three major themes of her theory: an open systems framework as the foundation for goal attainment, the practice of nursing as a major entity within the health care system and an emphasis on the interpersonal processes of professional nursing. The paper stresses that each of these three systems identifies human beings as the foundational element in any nursing system.
From the Paper "In 1981, Imogene King, writing in A Theory for Nursing: Systems, Concepts, Process, created her middle range Theory of Goal Attainment based upon the above interacting framework system. This theory, founded the principle of the nature of nursing, contains three specific criteria--philosophical assumptions, a clear definition and identification of the concepts, and the relationship between propositional statements and models. Basically speaking, this Theory of Goal Attainment revolves around the following observation made by King in 1995."
Tags: interacting research environment, goal attainment, nurse/patient interactions
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that postpartum depression is a serious and invasive social problem affecting millions of women and their families every year. The writer notes that it is clear from the research on the subject that postpartum depression is both a biological and an environmental problem that can be successfully treated, if the individual seeks such treatment. The consequences of untreated postnatal depression are broad, as it can affect not only the individual woman but her infant, any children she previously bore and her partner, where one is present as well as extended relations and other social support structure members. This work addresses the issue of postpartum depression and the maternal role attainment, to develop a now suspected link between social and personal stagnation and postpartum depression.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Review of Literature
Methodology
Sample
Sample Selection
Variable Identification
Data Collection/Data Analysis
Instrumentation
Protection of Subjects
Limitations of Research Design
Expected Results
Summary/Conclusion
From the Paper "Research is conclusive of one fact, and that is that postpartum depression has long term effects, as individuals need but a few weeks to develop a habit, and many habits of child rearing, social inaction and role inaction or negative action can compound to result in long term social and personal stagnation relating to the interruption that this supposedly glorious developmental even creates. The difficulty regarding research is that most research regarding postpartum depression revolves around theses that are interested only in the infant well being, and not so much in the long term or even short term coping of the mother. In fact is often only in extreme high-risk population, such as rape victims, extremely young mothers, or known drug using mothers where the welfare of the mother is not considered the secondary factor to the disorder research. It is also clear form the existing literature that research is often compounded based on the idea that depression, in all its forms is environmental as well as biological and that it needs to be treated with multidimensional treatment plans. Yet, a true long term study regarding post partum depression and long term role attainment by mothers has not been done. It would therefore be prudent to develop a research base that responded to this gap as a way to understand the give and take of role attainment with regard to postpartum depression."
