Abstract This research proposal discusses the specific factors that contribute to the perception of a salesperson's or an organization's credibility. It first discusses the impact that the Internet has on the perception of credibility of organizations' online advertising among the consuming public. The paper then looks at what steps salespeople and companies can take to develop an improved perception of credibility among the consuming public. Finally, the paper discusses in which industries and for what products and services credibility is deemed most important.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Research Questions
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research showed that the essence of credibility is worthy of being believed and trusted. The research also showed that gaining and keeping market share in an increasingly globalized marketplace is a challenging endeavor, but successful companies are able to do so by ensuring that the consuming public perceives them as credible and their products or services will do what they say they will. In fact, even the absolute best product or service on the market will likely not sell as readily as those that are perceived as having more credibility by virtue of a salesperson's or organization's ability to communicate these sometimes-nebulous values to the consuming public. The proposed study will fill in some existing gaps in the body of knowledge concerning credibility among the consuming public, particularly as it applies to the dynamic online marketing environment today."
Abstract This paper examines how far women have advanced in the sporting presentation arena, yet how far they still need to go. The paper shows that despite anti-discrimination laws, women do still not receive full credibility and are sometimes seen as mere attraction points for men to watch the sport being covered. This paper looks at the history of women sportscasters and discusses whether they should be granted more credibility.
From the Paper "Women have come a long way in sportscasting; from just another "Barbie-on-the-air" image to complement the sportscasting done by men, to today's qualified and respected professional hired for her skills and knowledge. In this day of anti-discrimination laws and a greater acceptance of women traditional men's roles, it would be expected that women sportscasters would enjoy the same acceptance as men in their same field. This is not the case however, and women sportscasters often face a credibility issue with their male counterparts."
This paper is a review of the literature on the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) and student achievement when learning English as a second language.
Abstract This paper explains that the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) is used as a means of evaluating language proficiency among students learning English as a second language to identify students who are learning English as a second language. The author points out that the CELDT also is used to monitor the performance of these students at regular intervals and to reclassify students from limited English proficiency to fluent English proficiency. The paper stresses that CELDT is a monitoring system, not a pedagogical approach; therefore, its use will never directly improve or diminish the scores of second language learners. The paper concludes that administrators and educators may have unwittingly created a setting in which the CELDT is given more credibility than it deserves in terms of its significance as a testing apparatus.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
CELDT in Application
Implications
Conclusion
From the Paper "The test was used for the first time in 2001, suggesting that data pertaining to its use is insufficient to judge long-term outcomes based on the use of the test. The CELDT was developed by the professional for-profit test organization, "CTB-McGraw Hill" and is "designed to assess English learners in grades 1 through 12 on reading, writing, comprehension, and oral English along a continuum of five levels, from Beginning (1) to Advanced (5)" The test has been praised in California by educators and administrators who were forced to rely on a variety of different tests but now can evaluate a student's performance even when he or she has moved from one school to another."
Abstract This paper presents a professional manual for employees of a specific administrative agency. It briefly looks at administrative law and the procedures the department should avoid to ensure that no legal problems arise. Specifically, the paper outlines the concepts of discretion, credibility (and how applicant credibility is to be determined), standards with regards to bias (that is to say, what will henceforth be expected of subordinate decision-makers) and the extent of duty that will now be expected from all employees.
From the Paper "Before leaving the issue of credibility, I wish also to point out the manner in which concerns about an applicant's credibility are to be spelled out. Henceforth, if there is a suspicion of deceit, precise instances of deception and contradiction must be noted in the final judgment. As well, particulars and context must be provided whenever a claimant cannot answer a question; in other words, if the client was unable to provide certain information because of extenuating circumstances, that needs to be highlighted. Finally, all decisions rendered by an adjudicator must be carefully examined by that adjudicator to ensure that logical fallacies, inconsistencies and contradictions are not present in the text of the decision - and that there is a complete apprehension of all the facts of the case by the adjudicator. For a good example of precisely the sort of thorough, post-mortem examination of their decisions that I want my adjudicators to undertake (especially with regards to decisions about the credibility of an applicant), please see the court decision in Hilo v. Canada (1991)."
Abstract The paper begins with a comprehensive definition of oral history (archival tapes). It looks at the importance of interview techniques and of a knowledge of the era in question. The establishment of the credibility of the source is dealt with, as is the investigation of personal biases. The verification of the course of events is raised and the place and use of oral history records amongst other historical sources is discussed.
From the Paper "Recording history with accuracy is a task and responsibility that has daunted man forever. Too often, history committed to text is the product of biases, hearsay and cultural mythology. The outcome is a canon of ideals and impressions based on a potentially convoluted version of the past. These discrepancies make it difficult to appreciate history as anything more than folk legend. Using oral histories to convey ideas and information is particularly useful in avoiding many of these snares."
Abstract This essay will examine Desiree McGraw's "The Case For Kyoto: A Question of Competitiveness, Consultations, Credibility, Commitment and Consistency" and will discuss what can be termed Canada's glacial progress toward the Kyoto accord as indicative of the recent performance and functioning of Canada's political system.
Abstract In an attempt to understand the concepts and framework of leadership, the author of this paper investigates the concepts of leadership from a number of sources, including Terry Pearce's book, "Leading Out Loud: The Authentic Speaker, the Credible Leader", and, based on the understanding of these concepts, creates a personal leadership communication platform for the author's position as an assistant principal.
From the Paper "Terry Pearce describes a framework for developing an effective platform for communication in leadership in Leading Out Loud: The Authentic Speaker, the Credible Leader. This platform includes five main components that Pearce feels are essential for success. These components are: 1) establishing competence, 2) building trust, 3) creating shared context, 4) declaring and describing a compelling future, and 5) committing."
Abstract This paper explains that in "The Shawshank Redemption", Morgan Freeman (Red) and Tim Robbins (Andy) give memorable performances that add to the credibility of their on-screen mentor and mentee relationship. The author points out that Freeman almost exudes father-like concern and wisdom simply through his speech, and his acting is exactly right on for the role because he is calm and understated. The paper relates that Red not only provides the hammer that Andy uses to dig his way out of prison, but also Red grants the emotional support that keeps Andy sane and safe from harm through arduous years in prison.
From the Paper "As the mentor, Red, is Red is an old timer in the prison. He says he is the 'Sears and Roebuck' of the yard, meaning that he can get almost anything for a price. He is true to his word, and ultimately provides Andy with the tool (a rock hammer) that gets Andy out of prison. Red is a kind man who admits that he has done a bad deed, and ended up in prison. He realizes his guilt, and has accepted that he must pay for his crime."
This paper is an essay discussing the design and ethical relationships of the media's presentation of the war in Iraq especially information from the internet.
Abstract This paper states that everyday television reporting of the war in the Middle East seems inconsistent with the logic of television's informative-realistic effect because, it seems as if the reports produce fiction and the escalation of horrors transforms fact into fiction. The author believes that the war is not only changing the perception of the media as such but also the perception of society; television is not a mirror of society, but society is a mirror of television. The paper explains that the web seems to offer a global reference resource but it presents many problems of credibility, reliability, bias, timeliness and comprehensiveness.
From the Paper "Turning on the television means establishing a connection with the place of broadcasting and being literally and continually present at the birth of the picture. The television picture materializes because of a short circuit between the place of transmission and the place of reception. But due to the speed of transmission of the electronic signal, the television picture is practically simultaneous and we do not notice a delay in time. As a result, we are able to establish a physical contact with one of the most traumatic events of our time, the situation in Iraq. The individual viewing the television experiences events as though they were happening presently and in close location. This is the case even if the events are thousands of miles away, occurring at a different time and in a different place."
This paper discusses the close 1992 presidential election between challenger Bill Clinton and incumbent President George Bush (I), which was complicated by the third candidate Ross Perot.
Abstract This paper explains that, in light of his post-war approval rating, a win for Bush should have been an easy victory; however, William Clinton, the Democratic challenger, brought to the campaign a straightforward economic campaign, which appealed to the voters because, following the Iraq war, the United States was in a deep recession. The author points out that Bush's campaign of focusing on his experience and trust used by incumbents throughout history; furthermore, Bush brought Clinton's credibility into question, in terms of his lack of military service and other issues. The paper relates that Bush refused to believe that an economic recovery was not occurring, despite higher unemployment and the lowest interest rates since the Kennedy presidency; the result was one of the closest elections: Clinton was elected president.
From the Paper "It is important to first understand the incumbent's reliance on his popularity in the era of a victory in Iraq, and in the post-cold war atmosphere. In 1992, the American population found themselves in a changed world, where the Berlin Wall and intercontinental missiles no longer existed. The Soviet Union was no longer united, Germany had become united, and the threat of nuclear conflict, so long a staple of the American psyche, had disappeared. Bush had recently completed a successful military attack in Iraq, showing the power and force of the American military."
Abstract This paper explains that the actual process of genetic conservation utilizes sophisticated technology and a method of "banking" animal sperm, eggs and embryos by means of keeping them on ice until they can be reintroduced to a species, a process that can be used not only for a species facing extinction but also for a species that has already become extinct. The paper relates that conservationists still struggle with the task of prioritizing and allocating effort; nonetheless, it appears that genetic conservation fulfills the standards of scientific credibility.
From the Paper "Proponents of genetic conservation to save endangered species argue that this method of wildlife breeding is not genetic engineering, because they are not putting in genes that were not there before. The arguments for this are that genetic conservation does not create a new species based on a combination of genes, but merely preserves an existing species. They also argue that encouraging genetic diversity helps a species survive, and that in-breeding, which can weaken a species, does not occur. Supporters of genetic conservation hold the view that technology and committed people is what will ultimately save animals."
Abstract The paper describes the iVillage website as essentially a portal site that presents content on a wide range of women's issues, activities and areas of interest over various age proclivities. The paper analyzes the site including its content, credibility and usability. The paper concludes that the site certainly excels in terms of its content. The site has established itself in terms of its viewership and subject matter as can be seen from the search engine rankings. However, the site is seriously let down by various design issues and by a somewhat "old-fashioned" look. There is the lack of customization which would certainly enhance the usability potential of the entire site.
From the Paper "The site is described by the Hearst Corporation as follows:
iVillage.com - The Women's Network - is the leading women's network online, providing practical solutions and everyday support for women between the ages of 25 and 54. iVillage.com is organized into branded communities across multiple content channels that focus on issues of most importance to women and provides interactive services, peer support and online access to experts and tailored shopping opportunities. In 2001, iVillage acquired Women.com, the company that in 1999 merged with Hearst's HomeArts.com Network (Nasdaq: IVIL).
(The Hearst Corporation: iVillage)"
Abstract This paper takes a look at our health-conscious society, which indulges in the use of sugar-free foods and beverages that have steadily dominated the market. The paper discusses how recent controversies that question product credibility have circulated, thus prompting various analyses on food content. By using the principles behind the Benedict's test, this study employs techniques used to test the presence of chemical compounds in food, particularly in sugar-free samples.
From the Paper "While the Benedict's reagent can analyze the sugar content of most food products, the conducted experiment focused on sugar-free samples alone. Presenting novel results, this smaller scope diverts from previous experiments involving pure sugar concentrates."
"For the experiment, distilled water, small samples of selected sugar-free food, and a small bottle of Benedict's solution were prepared. Along with test tubes equivalent in number to the samples tested, the experiment required laboratory equipments inclusive of a Bunsen burner, a tripod, a dropper, and a beaker."
Abstract This paper reviews research into eyewitness identification credibility. It points out that, with the advent of DNA testing, many innocent people that were convicted primarily on eyewitness testimonies, have been exonerated of their crimes. The paper also adds that the courts are very suspect of expert testimonies by psychologists, and precedent is strongly in favor of limiting this type of testimony. The courts are in favor of letting the jury determine the accuracy of witnesses, not having psychologists testify as to their believability. The paper concludes that though there is research on both sides of the issue, there is clearly a need for additional research.
From the Paper "The research conducted by Ebbensen and Konecni go directly to these most vital aspects of the criminal justice system in the paper entitled "Eyewitness Memory Research: Probative v. Prejudicial Value". The conflict between psychology and the legal system appears at an impasse. The legal system thrives on eyewitness or first hand knowledge of events, it is at its very Constitutional foundation. Psychologists have made numerous scientific inquiries into the fundamental unreliability of memory and how memories can be tainted by prior events and by subsequent events. Memories fade, but nobody is sure how fast this occurs, and if there is a practical way to measure it. The legal system depends on facts presented to juries to arrive at justice, psychologists have generated numerous studies to present the facts of human memory, yet the courts rarely allow this testimony into the courtroom. In the Libby case, the core of the case was the reliability of Libby's memory when recounting events to federal investigators. Libby was accused of lying to the federal investigators, and was prepared to offer scientific evidence of his poor memory. The judge in the case excluded the testimony, again citing the Daubert rule, not wanting a psychologist to tell the jury how to rule on the guilt or innocence of Libby (Erickson, 2007, n.p.)."
Abstract This paper examines the subject of judicial discretion, specifically as it was applied by the United States Supreme Court in "Tome v. United States, 513 U.S. 150 (1995)". In that case, a majority of the court ruled that reports of prior consistent statements made by the victim of sexual assault were inadmissible unless they occurred prior to any incident drawing the victim's credibility into question. The paper contends that the dissent in Tome presented a more reasonable position, giving the trial judge more discretion in admitting evidence of this sort. To conclude, the paper notes that the states have not invariably followed Tome.
From the Paper "In Tome v. United States, 513 U.S. 150 (1995), the Supreme Court considered a case which turned on an issue of judicial discretion. Matthew Tome was charged and convicted of felony sexual abuse of a child, his daughter who was four years old when the abuse occurred. Tome had primary custody of the child, A.T., during the 1989-90 school year; Tome's wife had custody during the summer of 1990. In August, the mother contacted police, alleging that A.T. had been sexually abused. The prosecution alleged that A.T. had been abused during the school year; the defense contended that the story was concocted to prevent Tome from retaining custody. (The matter was tried in federal rather than state court because the abuse allegedly occurred on a Navajo reservation.) (513 U.S. at 152)."
