Abstract This paper provides a synopsis of the research article, 'Does Social Capital Make you Generous' by Arthur Brooks. The paper includes the definition of the business research and its purpose, the business problem(s) under investigation and identification of the parties involved in conducting the research. The paper also details the method(s) used to conduct the research project. The article examined focuses on the high rate of charitable behavior of Americans.
Outline:
Abstract
Business Research and Purpose
Business Problems under Investigation Parties Involved in the Research
Methods Used to Conduct Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "Social capital is a measure of involvement in charitable and civic organizations, political involvement and racial and social trust in a community. Common forms of social capital include volunteering for political service work such as political campaigns or school board functions. Other forms of social capital include volunteering time to work with children or elderly individuals, and donating time to support causes to advance or support ones community. Social and racial trust is classified as a component of social capital as well. A community where individuals are accepting of cultural diversity and feel secure in their community is considered to have a strong level of social trust. Brooks's research sought to determine the correlation between social capital and generosity of Americans by asking, "Do all social capital types have a uniform impact on charitable behavior?" (Brooks, 2005 p.4)."
Tags: capital, stock, giving, charity, social, community, political
Abstract According to the paper, the procedure includes observation, deduction and research question development, hypothesis formation and experimental testing. The writer illustrates how employing the scientific method consists of seven steps-- observation; idea; logic, major and minor premise; hypothesis, necessary conclusion; hypothesis testing and experimental design; data evaluation; and results interpretation.
From the Paper "Step four, hypothesis with necessary conclusion, involves the development of a testable hypothesis. When the hypothesis is generated, valid selection criteria must be used. This criteria includes the following: multiple working hypotheses, with a minimum of null and principle hypotheses; objectivity; presentation which seeks to gain knowledge rather than to presume outcome; falsifiability, hypotheses must be susceptible to adverse developments; consideration of the most parsimonious hypothesis when multiple equal ones are given; and the hypothesis must be logically valid (Gastaldo, 1999, pp. 1-2)."
A discussion regarding the need for awareness and action in regards to social justice issues, and the effectiveness of art-based methods of social justice education.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the issues surrounding social justice and the need for more awareness. According to the paper, art-based methods of education use creative thought and expression as a means of understanding and incorporating the lessons at hand and, therefore, art-based methods in education can have wonderfully effective results in regards to social justice issues. The paper goes on to say that there is no right or wrong when it comes to the expression of creative ideas. The paper further examines the fundamental roles of education in society as expressed by Aristotle.
From the Paper "When it comes to the development of effective art-based approaches for education on social justice issues, It may be helpful to incorporate three basic, yet powerful, instructional strategies. These strategies are respect for diversity, the power of reciprocal learning, and personal reflection (Smyth, 2005). These strategies are especially important in the context under discussion due to the sensitive nature of social justice issues, and the vulnerability that may possibly be felt by students involved in creative expression. Being respectful of diversity simply means acknowledging and attending to the needs of students in the classroom, and ensuring that the learning environment is safe and promotes appropriate instruction (Smyth, 2005). Practices in the classroom should reflect appropriate methods that foster the creation of a community of individuals and an awareness of differences. One of these methods is open discussion (Smyth, 2005), and this can provide a basis for learning about and absorbing social justice issues. This then sets the stage for the creative expression of the understanding of these issues."
Tags:social, transformation, authoritarianism, system, expression, education, society
Abstract The paper presents an analysis of media concepts and methods in Part III of Dan Berkowitz's book "Social Meanings of News". It discusses news as social narrative or familiar stories, and news as myth.
From the Paper In order to organize the variety of research and concepts in his text-reader Social Meanings of News Dan Berkowitz uses a conceptual scheme that highlights key topics about news and network. Theories and practices of mass communications are the core of the ..."
The evaluation of three assessment methods, including interviews, bio-data, and psychometric tests, with particular reference to their reliability and validity.
Abstract In recruiting and retaining employees for any organization, it is of foremost importance to select the most qualified to enhance productivity and profit. The selection methods chosen by employers to distinguish between employees therefore need to be both valid and reliable. This essay critically evaluates three assessment methods, interviews, psychometric tests, and bio-data, with regards to their validity and reliability, highlighting common operating biases, such as impression management, social desirability, and evaluation apprehension on the part of the applicant, as well as stereotyping on the part of the employer. The three methods chosen are extensively employed by organizations to discern the best applicant; understanding their relative weaknesses and strengths should be of foremost importance for employers.
From the Paper "Personality assessments, alternatively, allow the employer insight into the applicant, enabling the competencies established during job analysis to be directly matched. Personality tests usually relate to trait models of personality. Trait theories assert that behaviour is consistent and determined by individual characteristics as opposed to situational factors. Costa and McCrae (1976, cited in Cooper, 2002) established five separate 'traits'; extraversion; neuroticism; openess to experience; agreeableness; and conscientiousness; and argued that personality comprises of differing poles of each trait. The model is widely accepted, representing seventy-five years of factor analytic research on observers' ratings of personality (Goldberg, 1993, cited in English and Griffith, 2004)."
Abstract The paper discusses a research proposal to investigate whether a lack of social bonding is directly or indirectly related to juvenile delinquency. The paper suggests that activities or lack thereof may contribute to the likelihood that a youth will engage in violent behavior. The paper proposes that a lack of social bonding may be partly to blame. To achieve the goal of uncovering the effects of social bonding on juvenile delinquency, the paper proposes various questions to determine the cause.
Outline:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Theoretical Framework
Methodology
From the Paper "Juvenile delinquency is an increasingly trying and troubling problem within the United States. Studies show children that lack social bonding often join gangs, resulting in juvenile delinquency (Thornberry, Krohn, Lizotte, et al, 2003). The author's note adolescents and young adults stated they joined gangs for many reasons however, not necessarily a lack of social bonding. Rather, from their studies one may assume many individuals joined gangs because their family members or siblings were part of a gang (Thornberry, Krohn, Lizotte, et al, 2003). Even more report gang membership allowed them an opportunity to bond with other people in the gang. However, it is important to note that just as many people report they joined a gang to realize a sense of self, to bond with people because they had not the opportunity before to bond with others "
Abstract Every facet of human investigation, from spirituality to mathematics, suggests the inevitability of inequality. Stasis, in the natural order, does not last eternally; every natural system is always in danger of descending into chaos without intervention. This paper argues that should equality ever be achieved, it, too, would be in danger of disintegrating into inequality. The paper shows that, while a number of social reformers, including Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx, espoused a society without inequality, in fact, it seems that each believed inequality was inevitable. The paper also uses an analogy from the series "Star Trek" to discuss a utopian society.
From the Paper "It is easy to conclude, then, that Marx"and to a lesser extent, Durkheim and Weber"were erroneous in their thinking that inequality could be eradicated. Indeed, from the unworkable premises they set forth"with their inherent quandaries about who is in charge of determining equality, and does that make the decider unequal"?it is apparent that in human society, no less than in the porcine society of George Orwell's Animal Farm, inequality is inevitable."
Abstract Autism refers to a complex brain disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or to form relationships with others. The paper discusses the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and examines methods of treatment for each of the characteristics appearing in the paper. The specific characteristics explored in the paper are learning disabilities, communication disorders, social withdrawal, developmental delay and language disorders.
From the Paper "One of the obvious characteristics of autism spectrum disorder is learning disability. People with this disorder exhibit both verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities. The non-verbal learning disabilities are more marked than the verbal ones. Learning problems make it difficult for the children to benefit fully from the normal school educational programs. A number of intervention techniques can be taken to minimize learning handicaps for the autistic children. First, the parents of autistic children ought to understand their children's learning styles and strengths, and to reinforce them. They need also to teach them simple and practicable learning skills. According to Lovaas (1987), the children should be taught basic learning skills, language skills and skills for participation in Least Restrictive Environment. The schools with these children should set functional learning objectives for them. They must not set targets that are too high for them, since this will discourage them from learning. Another intervention technique is motivating the children to learn. Both parents and teachers should pay attention to motivational factors that give impetus to these children, to learn, and reinforce those factors. They must also recognize factors that interfere with learning, and try to eliminate them. Parents must be equipped with behaviour management techniques and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to promote learning (Bloch, 2005)."
Abstract This paper attempts to examine the issues of social justice, as justice is one of the foundational ties of a society, driving legal systems and human interactions. One of the issues covered in this paper, is that of the media and contemporary images.
From the Paper "Contemporary images have immediate and lasting power. They construct body images, national identities, class associations, sexuality and political understandings. The power of media to formulate entire worldviews is increasingly apparent. What is not so apparent is what we, the powerless victims of media, are to do with such representations. It seems we have only three options: wholeheartedly embrace the "truth" of these constructions, counter with opposing or alternative images or critically engage contemporary media. Although there may be those of us who imagine that "ignorance is bliss," the total creative power of media is radically increasing, leaving us with no alternative but critical force. "
Abstract This paper is a review of the television series "Crime Scene Investigation". It discusses the intricate plot of the show, the episode that aired, the characters, the scenery, the forensics within the episode, and the paths to investigation. It further discusses the interwoven plots of the investigator's lives and the issues that the investigators contend with at work.
From the Paper "The television program Crime Scene Investigation aired on cable television on May 10, 2005 (Bruckheimer, 2005). The episode that was presented depicted several scenarios within the plot. These stories included a man who supposedly shot his brother-n-law in self-defense, a little girl who was raped, a woman whose husband was murdered, and a prostitution ring that was drugging their clients (Bruckheimer, 2005). Interwoven within these stories are the consistent elements of the recurring character's lives, both on the job and in relation to personal issues (Bruckheimer, 2005). For example, the character of Catherine Willows, (portrayed by Marg Helgenberger) arrives at the CSI building and kisses her daughter good-bye late at night."
A review of the article "A practical but theory-based framework for selecting cross-cultural training methods" by J. Stewart Black and Mark Mendenhall.
762 words (approx. 3 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 27.95
Abstract This paper examines the above article which establishes the need to create a bridge between business cultures in order to be successful in the business world. It discusses the necessity for a proper framework that effectively administers cross cultural training (CCT) that must be adequate to specific needs, must be flexible for different people and nationalities and must be complete in all respects so that business executives have the necessary confidence when they deal with other cultural groups in order to avoid misunderstandings that may cause the failure of a potential business feat. It discusses how Social Learning Theory (SLT) complements CCT in an effective training schedule and how this may be implemented to help pinpoint training requirements.
From the Paper "Since business operations cannot be delineated from good relationships, this aspect of doing business is very much important. In international businesses different nationalities have to interact with each other in various degrees. It is imperative to know the cultural backgrounds, customs and practices of a country before one tries to establish a long-term business relationship with the people of that country. In fact a long lasting business relationship will be in place only if people are comfortable with each other and are confident to interact with each other. It is here that the concept of cross-cultural training comes into the picture."
Tags: executives, managers, social, learning, theory, international, business
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the two constructs, social skill and depression, and how social incompetence affects behavioral disturbances, such as depression, in an individual. The paper focuses on the social deficit theory, which claims that deficiencies in social skills lead to the development and maintenance of depression. The paper further examines relevant research and critiques methods of research and the theory itself.
Outline:
Introduction
Research
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept of communication competence, which may also be referred to as "interpersonal skill" or "social competence" due to their overlapping qualities (Segrin, 1990, 1992), plays an important part in the formation of psychological disorders, not to mention its significant effect on the retaining of these behavioral disturbances. One of the major psychopathologic disorders that display deficiencies in social competence is depression. Much study has been done on the differences between depressed and non- depressed groups of subjects and the outcome has been one which exhibits a substantial distinction among these two groups when related to interpersonal competence."
Abstract This paper presents a description of social network analysis, a statistical method of analyzing social networks based on multi-dimensional scaling (MDS). The paper discusses what social network analysis is used for and explains how data are typically collected.
From the Paper "Social network analysis is a statistical method used to discover patterning within an individual's interactions with another. Social structure can be visible revealing a patterned interaction. Network analysis considers the importance of these patterns in the lives of individuals and the overall social network."
Abstract This paper offers a review, analysis, and critique of J. Walsh's article on social phobias. The paper discusses the purpose of the article and the methods used for the experiment that the article reports on. The paper also provides a summary of the results of Walsh's experiment and his recommendations. It concludes with a critical review of Walsh's article.
From the Paper "The problem statement in this article is that social phobias and shyness is being conceptualized in terms of the parameters of mental disorder. This implies a tendency within the DSM to emphasize treatment via medication and thereby underplay the efficacy of interactive and other therapeutic remedies. The purpose of the article is to examine this possible imbalance in understanding social phobia and to review social anxiety and shyness - not necessarily as pathology - but rather in the light of social and interactive causation and treatment models. A central purpose of the article is to remove the stigmatization of personality characteristics that a categorization of mental disorder can have on those who suffer from social phobias. The author also stresses the effectiveness of many non-medical interventions."
This paper discusses how the use of DNA evidence helps with criminal investigations because it can provide a positive link to a suspect in a crime or find them innocent.
Abstract This paper lays out how DNA has become a vital tool is criminal investigations. Areas that are discussed are how even with the smallest drop of blood it can link a suspect to a crime. The paper shows how the use of DNA database evidence also assists in solving old crimes by linking a suspect. As the technology continues to change DNA will be extracted from many other areas such as even fingerprint oils. DNA testing has accomplished a great deal in opening up new sources of forensic evidence, its full potential to identify perpetrators and exonerate people falsely convicted has yet to be realized.
From the Paper "First developed in England in 1985, DNA testing takes advantage of the fact that, with the exception of identical twins, the genetic material of each person is unique. DNA is the chemical deoxyribonucleic acid, which carries the genetic code of each human's body, the genetic blueprint we inherit from our parents. DNA, while not actually a part of saliva, urine, perspiration or tears, is found in one place, the nucleus of cells. Since these cells are found in all bodily fluids, tissue and hair, DNA is an omnipresent residue that trails us wherever we go. These physical properties of DNA have made it an important tool in fighting crime."
