Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the perceptual biases in the cases of 'Affirmative Action at the University of Selkirk' and 'Portrait of a Canadian Advisor' are different in that the contexts are radically distinct. Further, the writer points out that they are similar in that the perceptual biases in both cases are based heavily upon stereotypes. The writer concludes that in this analysis, one can see how and why the Selkirk and Canadian advisors' cases differ significantly. The writer notes the implications of this for programs to address biases in both contexts.

From the Paper
"A similar perceptual bias based upon stereotypes can be seen in the case of the Canadian advisors. The difference between the biases in this case and the Selkirk case is largely one of context, with the biases being racially/culturally-based with respect to the Canadian advisors while they are gender-based in the case of Affirmative Action at Selkirk."
"This being said, the interesting thing about the Canadian advisor case is how it is similar to the Selkirk case in being not an obvious or overt stereotyping but a more complex and subtle form of bias. The Canadian advisor case consists of two distinct models of the Canadian advisor: one based upon surveys of the advisors themselves and the other based upon field surveys of advisors from their spouses and colleagues. A key difference between these two models illustrates the perceptual biases that these advisors show towards the host countries in which they work."

Tags:stereotypes, affirmative, action, bias

Abstract
This paper outlines and explains the use of perceptual maps in marketing motorcycles, with a focus on the Thorr Company's main product - the Cruiser Thorr. The paper clarifies that the perceptual map presented within the simulation is a visual representation of a customer base's potential opinion of this brand. The paper also explores recommended solutions and various marketing components. The paper concludes that the overall image or differentiation of a product is highly responsible for its success as well as the success of the brand.

Outline:
Using Perceptual Maps in Marketing
Recommended Solutions or Remedies
Marketing Components

From the Paper
"The most logical solution or remedy for this situation is reformulating or revamping the areas of price control, product service, and design and engineering concepts. Since this product is a Cruiser style bike design and engineering are important to the overall image as well as the performance of the product itself. Since the listed nature of this products appeal is style it is important that this fact is emphasized during the entire process of redevelopment. Other important details that control the perceptions of the product are the capacity and design and size of the engine, and any other unique qualities and elements of the manufacturing process that make this product stand out from those developed by its competition. Since the motorcycles are high end products emphasizing the quality would be a firm sales point and appeal to those looking for something different in this flooded market. Producing these types of quality products will help to improve the image of Thorr motorcycles and increase customer loyalty."

Tags:thorr cruisers, sport bikes, touring dirt bikes

Abstract
This paper provides a summary of a simulation for using perceptual maps in marketing. For each major phase of the simulation, the paper details the situation and recommends a solution. It also provides justification for the recommendation and its results. The paper presents the relationship between differentiation and positioning of products and service in relation to the expected results. It discusses the impact of the life cycle of the product on marketing initiatives along with what impact the product life cycle had on the product in the simulation.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Using Perceptual Maps in Marketing
Phase One
Phase Two
Phase Three
Differentiation and Positioning
Product Life Cycle
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A consumer's perception to a product, service or company is detrimental to the success of an organization. Because of this, organizations use perceptual maps to gauge consumer perception and develop strategic marketing initiatives. "Perceptual maps are visual representations of what the customer thinks of the brand, service or product" (UOP, 2006 1). This paper provides a summary of simulation for using perceptual maps in marketing. For each major phase of the simulation, the situation is detailed along with the recommended solution, justification for the recommendation and the results for the recommendation. Presented is the relationship between differentiation and positioning of products and service in relation to the expected results. The impact of the life cycle of the product on marketing initiatives along with what impact the product life cycle had on the product in the simulation is also detailed."

Tags:simulation, differentiation, positioning

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in today's competitive markets, companies struggle to maintain their products' brand, pricing, image, quality and demand. The writer points out that a product's life cycle either may end quickly or be maintained successfully through consistent innovative marketing plans. The paper then presents a simulation, in which the writer was chosen as the new marketing manager and challenged to assess the position of Thorr Motorcycle's existing product, Cruiser Thorr, in the market and reverse the downward trend. The assessment focuses on three main objectives. The first objective is to choose the proper parameters and construct a perceptual map. The second objective iss to create a marketing plan with a budget of $13 million determining whether to reposition the company or to launch a new product. The last objective is to determine the parameter values for the future of the company. The writer concludes that although the company is currently facing a difficult challenge with the decreasing demand for its Cruiser Thorr motorcycle, this assessment and proposed marketing plan will assure the company a successful new beginning for its prized product.

From the Paper
"So price will remain the same, but there will be more promotions added. Some of the added promotions include free test rides, increased giveaways, and better insurance and protection plans. Distribution was increased by choosing to have the motorcycles available at dealers, exclusive showrooms, and for purchase on the internet, with options for upgrades. The new service additions are training to dealers, club memberships, customization options, financial services, and services to owner groups. The marketing plan that was put in place was determined by the competitor product comparison and market research ratings. In determining the proper choice for the company, a thorough SWOTT analysis was conducted.
"The final objective in the simulation was to assess whether or not this author's marketing plan was successful after having been implemented and running for a year by interpreting data from customer surveys and plotting the data on a perceptual map."

Tags:brand, image, quality, customer

Abstract
Due to the astounding body of evidence suggesting that marriage failure generally results from a breakdown of communication and from unrealistic marriage expectations and/or on spousal perceptual biases, it seems that marriage counseling and premarital counseling could in fact be highly useful tools for assuring the survival of a marriage. By performing a literature review on several sources on the subject of divorce statistics and the history of marital counseling, the paper suggests that couples who received marriage counseling during marriage or pre-marital counseling before marriage report a lower rate of divorce than those who never had the benefit of counseling. The paper then describes the methodology and findings of a research project performed to prove this hypothesis.

From the Paper
"If divorce is usually caused by some force for which counseling cannot really provide an answer, such as social or economic pressure, then there is less support for a hypothesis regarding the power of marital and premarital counseling to prevent divorce. However, if divorce is based on preventable or treatable flaws within the relationship, than the hypothesis may stand. Secondly, one must address the issue as to whether or not couples inside a therapeutical setting show any signs of being better adjusted than couples outside a therapeutical setting, and if past evidence has shown premarital counseling to be effective. If it has not, then the hypothesis as currently stated may still be correct, but it will have to be far more conclusive to prove its point. Finally, one must address the issue of whether or not counseling may in some cases be seen as evidence of impending marriage dissolution rather than marital health, and as such be seen as a negative relational sign. (For example, it is possible that most people approach counseling as a last-ditch effort to save their relationship, or that most of the people enrolled in premarital counseling are in very high risk groups and already undergoing problems. If so, it is further possible that the situation is not so much one of the efficacy or inefficacy of counseling programs themselves, but rather concerns itself with the way in which counseling programs segregate failed from non-failed relationships)."

Tags:dissolution, therapy, relationship

Abstract
In many facets of life particularly in the justice system people are called upon to assess the likelihood of events and their complements. Probability theory assumes that belief ordering over events and their complements should mirror each other. This paper examines how, in court cases, it often doesn't happen exactly this way, particularly when people are asked to retrieve information about familiar and unfamiliar events. This is known as the familiarity bias, a common component of eyewitness recall. This paper examines familiarity bias and what it means for eyewitness recall.

Tags:psychology, experiment, memory

Abstract
The paper addresses how the commitment to equity means a commitment to social justice and this includes a commitment to removing established barriers and biases in school policies, programs, and practices so that the intended learning outcomes may be achieved by students of all societal groups, including those that have been traditionally disadvantaged. The paper evaluates strategies for the eradication of such biases within the education system.

From the Paper
"Commitment to equity means a commitment to social justice. This includes a commitment to removing established barriers and biases in school policies, programs, and practices so that the intended learning outcomes may be achieved by students of all societal groups, including those that have been traditionally disadvantaged. (Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum Document 1993, cited in Varpalotai, 1995, p. 242) Discuss the above statement in relation to traditionally disadvantaged groups within the education system and the "established barriers and biases" that exist for these groups. Critically evaluate strategies for the eradication of such biases, and for establishing recognition of..."

Tags:equity, education, strategies

Abstract
The paper examines the problem of racial bias, gender bias, juveniles and capital punishment and the link between poverty and the death penalty. The paper contends that overall, the death penalty may be a necessary evil in our society, however, until we can be one hundred percent sure it is meted out fairly, a moratorium on the act may be in order.

Outline:
Introduction
Racial Bias and Capital Punishment
Gender as a Factor in Death Penalty Sentencing
Capital Punishment and Juveniles
Poverty and the Death Penalty
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Capital punishment has been administered and accepted in this country for over 200 years, however, some states have now abolished the practice, while others continue with sanctioned executions. In 2000, Governor George Ryan of Illinois suspended executions in that state and "commuted the death sentences of all Illinois death row inmates in 2003" (Wolfers 791). Following Ryan's lead, in 2004, New York's highest court ruled that the state's death penalty statute was unconstitutional. Although prisoners still sit on California's death row, executions in that state are virtually nonexistent, however, executions in Texas continue at an even pace (791). "

Tags:race, gender, juveniles, poverty

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to look at the extent and impact of various social, cultural and ethnic differences on the perceived cognitive abilities of the school-aged child. The paper looks at the beliefs that teachers and student teachers hold before they enter the classroom. It looks at the power that these beliefs have on the teacher's ability to teach children of diverse cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds. It also considers the options that are available for teaching students of varying backgrounds and how to implement them.

In 1987, the number of teachers of color decreased as the number of students of color increased (Perkins, as cited in Kailin, 1994, p. 170). This trend is expected to continue until the percentage of African American teachers drops to as low as 5 percent by the year 2000 (Perkins, as cited in Kailin, 1994, p..."

Abstract
The writer of this paper examines his own feelings about the way that history was taught in school after reading this book by Loewen. The paper is written in first person and makes reference to common misconceptions in American history which were made known to the writer by reading "Lies My Teacher Told Me".

From the Paper
"How could my teacher lie to me? What could this author possible mean? One could truly be unpleasantly surprised while reading Lies My Teacher Told Me. Normally, history books have not held my attention, but this book has kept me reading with eyes wide open. I probably learned more from this book than I have from any other history classes or textbooks. As Loewen discusses heroification, Christopher Columbus, and the American Indians, a theme becomes evident with history. The "good" side of history has always been presented to students while the "bad" side of history seems to have been pushed aside. "

Tags:history, history, school, education, american, truth