Abstract This study discusses the question of whether caffeine actually does stimulate the nervous system in such as way that it improves short-term memory. More specifically, the study supports the hypothesis that a group of male students who drank caffeinated coffee prior to taking a short-term memory test will perform better in terms of accuracy and speed than a group of male students that drank decaffeinated coffee before the test. The focus of the study is on a single research question: "Does caffeine improve the short term memory in male college students?" The paper concludes with an evaluation of the efficacy of the study, noting that, from the results obtained in the study, one cannot determine that caffeine improves short-term memory.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Memory
Significance of Study
Hypothesis and Research Questions
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "Memory refers to the way in which humans store information for retrieval at a later time. Memory is the key to learning. Memory begins with a stimulus that is received through the five senses. The brain receives the message and sorts the data according to similarities and differences to other information that it already has in storage. It categorizes the information and places it in a location so that the information can be retrieved at a later date.
"We have several types of memory, one is short-term memory and the other is long-term memory. Short-term memory might only last for a few minutes. A piece of information must enter short-term memory before it can enter long-term memory (Singleton, 2006). Working memory acts as the central processing hub for short-term memory. A stimulus might involve several types of information coming in. Working memory collects them and integrates them so that they can be forwarded to the proper locations in the brain. One example of working memory might be when a person smells smoke, feels heat, and hears a crackling noise. These pieces of information all come from different sensory organs. The working memory integrates them and sends them to the area of the brain where they will be interpreted (Singleton, 2006). These pieces of information might not mean danger when taken individually, but taken together; they will most likely be interpreted as danger."
Abstract Discusses the ambivalent findings of studies and the theory that caffeine helps athletic performance in endurance sports. Describes how caffeine works in the body, the use of coffee by Americans, in general, and problems of too much caffeine.
From the Paper "Many people enjoy caffeine because it makes them feel more alert, enhances their energy, improves their mood, and makes them more productive. Athletes often use caffeine to facilitate performance improvement, both in their routine workouts ..."
Abstract The paper discusses a study which posited that reduced intentional control of persons under the influence of alcohol could be counteracted by caffeine or an environmental incentive such as money. The paper discusses the variables and methodology used and summarizes the conclusions drawn from the experiment. The paper provides an analysis of this experiment and shows how the dual nature of the experiment is problematic to some degree. The paper discusses what the experiment should have tested instead.
Outline:
Hypothesis Tested in the Experiment
The Variables
The Methodology and Procedures Used
Conclusions Drawn from the Experiment
Analysis
From the Paper "The researchers wondered if the increased chemical stimulation and arousal produced by the pharmacological effect of caffeine or some other environmental reward (such as money) could function to counteract the depressant action of alcohol upon the central nervous system. The researchers believed that caffeine or an external reward could help restore some intentional control of behavior; much in the way some drinkers insist that a cup of coffee has a sobering effect upon their performance behind the wheel of a moving vehicle."
Abstract This paper discuss marijuana, crack/cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, nicotine. and caffeine to provide a framework for the author's argument that the legalization of drugs can in no way be deemed ethical or moral. The author points out that caffeine is an amphetamine, but it doesn't stand out because it is legal; although the effects of overuse don't seem to be as serious as those of other "harder" drugs, caffeine can be a dangerous drug. The paper concludes that the only argument that can be used to justify the legalization of drugs is ethical formalism; therefore, with only one available argumentative system to justify drug legalization as a moral act, the author believes that the conclusion to reject the legalization is correct.
From the Paper "What is a drug? A drug, as defined by "Webster's Dictionary" is: (1) a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of a medication, (2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, (3) a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body, (4) a substance that causes addiction or habituation. The fact that the definition of drugs has so many components may be the cause of why society cannot come up with an agreement about whether or not drugs should be legalized. The definition contains the medical use of drugs which in the majority of cases are pharmacological drugs that have been recognized by doctors and pharmacists and it also contains the negative side of drugs which is the fact that drugs can cause addiction or habituation and can affect the body and mind. All drugs affect the body and mind. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and the drugs that we sometimes fail to recognize as drugs because they are so common."
Abstract This paper discusses the subject of nicotine dependence and looks at whether it would be better if the tobacco industry in the USA was destroyed. The author also looks at the use of caffeine, including a personal account of his intake.
Outline:
Discussion on Whether American Society be better off if the Tobacco Industry was Completely Destroyed
Major Concerns Regarding Caffeinism and the Potential Toxicity of Caffeine Imposing Restrictions on Children from Caffeine Use - is this a Matter for Government Involvement?
Personal Intake of Caffeine and Resulting Affects
From the Paper "In the United States, dependence on nicotine is characterized by a recurrent pattern of the use of nicotine in such a manner that it may lead to social, occupational or medical problems. In addition, an individual is felt to be physiologically dependent on nicotine if the subject requires ever increasing levels of nicotine to achieve the same level of comfort, of if the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms within hours to days after t he last episode of use. (Typical withdrawal symptoms include tachycardia, tremor, agitation, and anxiety although in those with heavy or prolonged use there are cases of nausea, vomiting and transient visual, tactile or auditory hallucinations). In most cases, the subject will often use nicotine for a longer period than was originally intended and will attempt to discontinue or decrease use, often times unsuccessfully. Probably one of the greatest indicators of nicotine dependence is the continued use despite medical or personal consequences, i.e. a diagnosis of a nicotine related cancer, the loss of a job, etc (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) . One school of thought relates nicotine dependence to the effect of nicotine exposure on the brain. It is easy to understand that early exposure activates nicotinic receptors. The theory that tolerance to levels of nicotine increases the number of binding sites in the brain is not necessarily true. Increased sensitivity to nicotine is not always associated with greater degree of use and resultant biochemical tolerance. In fact, in rodent models in which nicotine was provided at stable dosing, there was still evidence of increases in the number of nicotinic binding sites in the brain. This in turn gives pause to the theory that fluctuating levels of nicotine in the smoker contribute to new nicotinic receptor activation."
Abstract This essay discusses how caffeine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant whose effects diminish with increased usage. Larger doses, therefore, become necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The exact mechanisms of caffeine's effects are not well known but are due, in general, to altered levels of certain neurotransmitters and the metabolism of circulating free fatty acids.
This paper discusses psychological theories for methods of changing behavior and then chronicles the author's attempt to change her own behavior by using a process of positive reinforcement and adhering to a Pavlovian model of conditioning.
Abstract The paper states that behavior modification is simply learning. The author discusses and compares Pavlovian and Operant conditioning and Positive and Negative Reinforcement. The paper refers to various reinforcement strategies: Systematic desensitization, aversion therapy (reciprocal inhibition) and biofeedback. The author details her experiment using positive reinforcement (buying a CD) to learn new behaviors in regards to caffeine consumption. She noticed problems of physical addiction.
From the Paper "Pavlovian conditioning is in fact a type of learning. Indeed, it is perhaps the most famously documented type of learning that there is. It is difficult indeed to imagine that there exists a college student anywhere in the Western Hemisphere who has not heard the story of how Ivan Pavlov came up with the idea of teaching his dog to associate the sound of a ringing bell with the introduction of food. (We all know the ending of this story: Pavlov was able to make his dog salivate in anticipation of being fed whenever he heard the meal-time bell ? and even after Pavlov no longer followed up the bell with food the dog continued to salivate for a number of repetitions of the experiment.)
This is the way in which Pavlovian learning always works: An individual (a dog, a human, a chimp ? and even some non-mammalian species) is given a certain stimulus to which it responds consistently."
From the Paper "The drug, caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), is consumed worldwide. It is found in tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Caffeine is also a common ingredient in headache medications and appetite suppressants. The drug's primary physiologic effects involve the central nervous system: Caffeine is a stimulant. In addition, over the past several decades, the compound's influence on sports-related performance has also been investigated. Various studies indicate that caffeine may improve endurance performance during long-term, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise. It is thought that this effect may result from an increase in metabolic efficiency. Some investigators believe that caffeine enhances the utilization of blood borne free fatty acids. Unfortunately though, such factors as a lack of..."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the creation of an advertisement. The writer creates an ad for Pepsi Cola and answers several important marketing questions during the design. Looking at factors such as competition, the consumer, media and layout.
From the Paper "The focus of this advertisement development is the brand name of the soda Pepsi Cola. Pepsi Cola is a dark colored soda that combines the sweetness of sugar with the addition of caffeine. Pepsi cola is a popular brand of soda whose chief competition is the brand name of soda Cocoa Cola. Cocoa Cola and Pepsi have many similarities in taste, look, and target consumer groups that it is important to design an advertisement that will allow Pepsi customers to identify with the product and feel a part of a special and elite group of peers."
Abstract For years, chocolate has been looked down upon as unhealthy, deemed a candy, slapped with myths and fallacies and prohibited from small children. This paper attempts to prove otherwise by showing how chocolate has been shown to lift depression, help your heart and aid alertness among other benefits and if used properly, chocolate can be a delicacy and a medicine. It examines all aspects of chocolate possible from its production from the cocoa bean, to physiological effects on the brain and body to side effects such as obesity and dental problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Brief Review of Cocoa
The Cacao Tree (Theobrom Cacao)
What is in the Cocoa Bean?
Making and Eating Chocolate
State of the Art of Cocoa
Is Cocoa Good for You?
Burden of Proof
Chocolate as a Fat
Effects on Blood Lipids
What is OK?
Chocolate, Health and Disease
Chocolate Craving
Migraine
Toxicity
Immune Function
Allergy
Other Disorders
Behavior
Antioxidants
Caffeine Dental Caries
Migraines
Obesity
Serum Cholesterol
Heart Health
Conclusions
From the Paper "Cocoa takes it a step further though. Not only does it provide energy for our actions. It supplies chemicals for our personalities and moods. Modern psychology leads us to believe that every thought, every idea that pops into our head is simultaneously a biological reaction. This biological reaction takes the form of chemical processes within our brains. Our mind then interprets these chemical compounds as thoughts, ideas, smells, tastes, touch, etc. Our thoughts, or chemicals compounds within our brain can determine how we feel, our motivation, our goals, our entire lives hinge upon our thoughts, for what are we but what we do. And before we do anything, we must think it. We must have considered it at some point or been subconsciously predisposed to an action or idea."
Abstract Coca-Cola reigns as the most popular soft drink in the world. This paper analyzes how it acquired this status and why, throughout the world, some cultures embrace this beverage, while others boycott it. It examines how Coca-Cola has strong symbolic meanings that influence cultures' consumptive habits but it is still regarded as the all-American drink. Thus it has been viewed by the the French as a cultural threat, seen by the communists as the quintessential symbol for capitalism, and boycotted by the Arabs as a protest of American support for Israel. Mix one part politics, one part culture, a little bit of sweet brown syrup and pour it in a glass of carbonated water and you?re left with the world's most influential, prolific brand name beverage in history.
From the Paper "Sweet, with a little bite, a mysterious blend of spices and a hint of citrus in the after taste, it goes down smooth, especially when it's ice cold. You"ll find in around the globe, in cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, and super-sized, giant-gulp cups"whether you"re at a gas station, at the movies, or going for a walk in the park, rest assured you"ll be able to buy a Coke. By far the world's most popular soft drink, the familiar brown concoction with the bright red label, Coca-Cola, carries with it a tremendous amount of meaning. Why has this beverage seemingly taken over the planet? With all the other soft drinks out there, what is the magic behind Coca-Cola that makes it so powerful?"
Abstract This paper explores some of the economic statistics regarding the coffee industry, the major and not so major players in the industry, their success rate, the reasons for their success, and the likelihood of their continued success.
From the Paper "The coffee industry seems to be one industry that is recession proof. The demand for coffee has continued to rise in recent years despite struggles by other producers of similar goods. It seems that consumers are willing to pay for small luxuries, such as a caramel macchiato, even during tough times. The coffee business has grown exponentially not only in the United States, but also abroad. Many larger names in the coffee industry, such as Starbucks and Seattle's Best coffee (numbers 1 and 2 according to statistics) have already opened shop in dozens of foreign countries. It is likely that as demand continues to grow, so too will expansion. Large coffee businesses are not the only one's profiting however, from the boom in demand for coffee. Smaller players such as Peet's coffee and Dunn's have also realized growth during the last several years."
Abstract This paper discusses in detail the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain and how those effects play a role in the overall psychological constitution of the user/addict. The topics included in this paper include a brief yet detailed overview of substance dependence in conjunction with the evidence for psychological dependence as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV and other pertinent scientific sources. In addition, a number of recommendations for future research on the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol are discussed at the conclusion of this paper.
From the Paper "The study of the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain, as compared to other medical conditions, is relatively new in the field of medical research. Only within the last fifty years or so has the medical community focused on how drugs and alcohol affect the human brain and the conditions that arise from prolonged abuse of the various associated substances. As Dent J. Yerbury points out, "literally hundreds of substances cross the brain barrier to influence human behavior and psychology" (June,1986), especially those connected to substance abuse. Reflecting those substances that are most widely abused and that cause the most significant problems to the abuser, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM--IV) has divided the universe of substances into eleven specific drug classes--alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, cannabis (marijuana), hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, and sedatives. Most recently, one other category has been included for less commonly abused substances, being over-the-counter medications."
Abstract This paper explains that Starbucks' primary industry is gourmet or specialty coffee; however, in recent years, Starbucks has expanded its offerings to include a line of ice cream for supermarkets, a joint venture with Pepsi Cola to market is highly popular Frappuccino, items such as t-shirts and coffee mugs, and has continued to expand its sales to alternative outlets, such as food service and nontraditional retail sites, including Barnes & Noble, Holland America cruise lines, Seattle Kingdome, and United Airlines. The author points out that Starbucks has relied primarily on word of mouth as its best and most utilized form of advertising. The paper stresses that Starbucks has managed to create and implement a marketing strategy that appeals to nearly every segment of the population, from college students looking for caffeine while studying for midterms to senior citizens looking for a place to congregate and talk.
Table of Contents
Situational Analysis
Environment
Industry
Firm
Marketing Strategy
Problems
Strategic Alternatives; Selection of Strategic Alternative and Implementation
From the Paper "Current or pending federal, local, or state legislation may change or impact an industry, firm, or marketing strategy. In recent years, Starbucks and other gourmet and specialty coffee retailers have faced increasing pressure to begin and continue purchasing Fair Trade Certified coffee and marketing it in their retail outlets and on their internet sites. Under an agreement reached with a fair trade organization, Starbucks and other proprietors of gourmet and specialty coffees will buy Fair Trade coffee from certified importers who ensure that they have paid coffee farmers a fair and reasonable price for their coffee beans. In addition to ensuring that a greater portion of the money goes into the pocket of the individual coffee farmers, such an agreement will enable Starbucks and other gourmet and specialty coffee retailers to improve the quality of coffee and the quality of life for individuals residing in developing countries."
Abstract This paper explains that the term 'drug' is extremely broad and can be used to describe nearly any substance, which has a discernible effect on the person using the drug. The author points out that the legalization status of drugs in general is widely varied: Some drugs are entirely legal, others are legal but require a prescription and still others are completely illegal. The paper states that if drug use is legalized, drug abuse would become a public health problem; therefore, the benefit to society is that the treatment of drug abusers would become health-focused rather than criminally-focused as it is now.
Table of Contents
Stimulants
Caffeine Amphetamine
Other Stimulants including Ecstasy and Cocaine
Depressants
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepiness.
Drug Legalization
Definition of Drug Legalization
Arguments For and Against Legalization
Potential Effects of Drug Legalization
Drug Abuse after Legalization
From the Paper "Caffeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States. It is a stimulant found in coffee, black tea, many soft drinks, and some other consumables. There are two primary steps in the way caffeine works. First, the drug interrupts a process in the nervous system that generally stems the body's release of adrenaline, causing more adrenaline than usual to be released into the body. Additionally, caffeine inhibits the reuptake of adrenaline by the nervous system, causing the heightened amounts of adrenaline to have a prolonged effect. ("Caffeine"). The purchase and consumption of caffeine is legal for all ages in the United States."
