Examine the Reasons Why Some Sociologists Choose Not to Use Experiments When Conducting Research

Examine the reasons why some sociologists choose not to use experiments when conducting research One of the main reasons why many sociologists choose not to use laboratory experiments for research is one of impracticality; the absolute control of conditions required for a lab experiment is nigh impossible to achieve in fields of sociology, as that level of control over variables would require a completely artificial environment which would require an inordinate amount of money and resources to construct effectively.If an experiment took place in an environment less controlled than this, then even identification of all the relevant variables would be ridiculously difficult, and manipulation of variables to study a behavioural reaction completely impossible. Even assuming that it is possible to create a controlled environment for sociological experiments, there are still many practical issues with experimental methods.Firstly there is no possible way for experiments to research past so cial trends, which immediately reduces the range of data available to a sociologist, for instance it would be impossible to try and find changes in society through experimental methods unless a sociologist replicated exactly a social experiment conducted in the past to compare the data.Secondly, again assuming a laboratory environment has been constructed for sociology, this could only be used to study a limited sample and therefore would not create very reliable data, and so would not be easily generalisable, which then appears to defeat the point of using a laboratory experiment.Finally it is argued that the artificial environment of an experiment would provoke the â€Å"Hawthorne Effect†, in which a person with knowledge of their observation modifies their behaviour, in an attempt to second guess what the observer expects or wants them to do, which would not give very valid data and also, as only some people would succumb to this effect, would also not give very reliable d ata. An apparent solution to this would be observing people without their knowledge, however this causes a lot of ethical issues; a general principle of sociological research is that a person must give their informed consent to be studied.Informed consent can be difficult to obtain with certain groups, for example children, as this would also require their parent or guardian to give consent, making obtaining data even more difficult and time consuming. Misleading people as to the nature of the research is therefore also considered wrong, as it violates the principle of informed consent. Finally, social theory and perspective means that interpretevist sociologists will not regard experiments as valid. A laboratory approach is possibly the most scientific of all sociological research methods, and therefore the one that interpretevists would argue to be the least valid.A key element of interpretevist theory is that human behaviour is not a simple matter of cause and effect, as humans h ave a wide variety of emotions, moral values and choices, and therefore attempting to use a small sample to generalise about society is not possible, as every person is different and will react differently to circumstances. As interpretevists are fundamentally concerned with validity of research, their ideal research methods will take place in the actual areas and situations in which people reside, as opposed to an attempt to reconstruct these with a far more limited range of variables.

Company Representative Paper Essay

This letter is to express my interest in bringing my experience as a Technical Support Analyst to your organization. I possess excellent customer service skills and have the technical skills and abilities in desktop and network support that will be an asset to your organization. As you can gather from my attached resume, I have experience maintaining a help desk ticket system to log all software and hardware related issues. I am a hard worker and committed to personal and professional growth in the IT industry. I have demonstrated my ability to troubleshoot customer problems providing effective resolution to technical issues. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems at Simpson College and seek to contribute my formal education and professional experience to a challenging position with your organization. In addition to the skills noted on my attached resume, I can also offer your organization: †¢ Team Leader with proven ability to increase customer satisfaction by providing excellent technical support. †¢ An ability to work in a fast-paced environment and take on challenging IT tasks. †¢ Goal-oriented professional dedicated to quickly learning new tasks. It is my hope that my education and professional experience will convey to you that I have the qualifications to make a valuable contribution to your company. Should you have any questions, I can be reached at the number listed above.

Critical Lens Paper Essay

Joanna Kathleen Rowling once said, â€Å"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.† Rowling’s words suggest it is our decisions that show who we really are more than our capabilities. It’s not about what we can do or how fast we can get it done, but it’s ultimately about the decisions we make to do something or not. Rowling’s words are in fact valid. The choices you make in a difficult situation can fundamentally show the people around you what you’re made of and what you’re about. Evidence of Rowling’s words exist in Ashley Antoinette’s novel Moth to a Flame through the use of characterization and Sidi’s novel Fatou: An African Girl In Harlem also through the use of characterization. Both Antoinette and Sidi’s work show that the decisions we make ultimately show who we truly are. Sidi uses the characterization of the Fatou in his novel Fatou: An African Girl In Harlem to sh ow that the choices we make basically show who we really are. Fatou is the protagonist in the novel. She was brought from African to America at twelve years old to marry a forty year old man named Lama. Fatou was sold to this man so her family could live wealthy in Africa. She always thought America was the land of greatness and freedom until she got there. Her forty year old husband did nothing but abuse her. Fatou wanted nothing more than to get away from Lama and make a better living for herself. She decided to go to school and get her get her diploma. Moreover, she decided to no longer be someone else’s property. The characterization of Fatou in the novel clearly shows that your decisions show who we truly are. Instead of being someone’s slave, Fatou chose to run away and make a better life for herself. Furthermore, she showed everyone around her that she’s not property and she’s no longer going to be oppressed by her forty year old husband. All things considered, by using Fatou Sidi shows or choices are what sho w what we truly are, not our capabilities. Ashley Antoinette uses the characterization of Raven in her novel Moth to a Flame to show the decisions we make fundamentally show who we are as a person. Raven is the protagonist in the novel. She is the daughter of Benny Atkins. At seventeen, Raven began dating a known stick-up kid named Mizan. Unknown to her, Mizan had different intentions. He wanted to take Raven’s father off his throne. Raven’s Father, Benny Atkins, was the king of the whole drug scene in Flint, MI and Mizan envied him. Her Father sensed there wasn’t something right about Mizan and forbid Raven to see him again. Unfortunately, this only pushed Raven closer to Mizan. From then on, Raven’s life began to spiral downward. Her father died, her mother was sent to jail, and she was left to take care of her six year old sister. Raven and her little sister moved in with Mizan. Shortly after, Mizan started abusing Raven. After losing her child because of the constant beating, Raven finally foun d the courage to leave Mizan. She reached out to Ethic, a man that worked with her father, and he helped her and her little sister get on their feet. Raven and Ethic ended up falling in love and starting their own family. Raven also applied for college classes and eventually got her degree. Antoinette’s portrayal of Raven shows that your choices are what make you who you are. Raven chose to leave Mizan and make a better life for her little sister, instead of being someone’s punching bag. Furthermore, Raven chose her life. She showed many individuals around her that she can stand on her own two feet and even with her struggles, she was going to make it. Thus, by using Raven Antoinette showed that your capabilities are nothing compared to the decisions you make. Joanna Kathleen Rowling’s quote, â€Å" It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities† , illustrates that our abilities are nothing compared to the decisions we make, our decisions are what show those around us who we ultimately are. Rowling’s words were validated by Ashley Antoinette in her novel Moth to a Flame using the characterization of Raven. She showed her readers that abilities mean nothing because the protagonist wasn’t capable of overcoming her boyfriend. Instead, the protagonist chose to leave him and she saved her life doing so. The lens is also proven true by Sidi in his novel Fatou: An African Girl in Harlem in which he uses the characterization of the protagonist Fatou to show that some things you’re not capable of controlling but you can make a choice to remove yourself from the situation. Writers like Antoinette and Sidi show readers that our choices are what show the individuals around us what we’re made of not our capabilities.

Foundations of Behavior Essay

The field of psychology is expanding and credit is due to the numerous research studies being conducted. These research studies utilize different methods and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, five popular research methods will be compared based on their characteristics, objectives, strengths and weaknesses, research techniques, validity, and reliability. These research methods are case study, naturalistic observation, survey research, correlational research, and the experimental method. The case study is a focused study on a person or a specific group or a particular situation. Its research design involves five components, which are the study questions, the propositions, the units of analysis, the logic linking the data to the propositions, and the criteria for interpreting the findings (Tellis, 1997). Case studies have varying purposes. Some case studies are conducted to either confirm or challenge an existing theory, while others are carried out to describe either a special or an extreme case. A case study obtains information from documents (letters and newspapers), archival records (service records, survey data), interviews, direct observation (done when field visits are needed), participant-observation, and physical artifacts (instruments and tools). One of the most established techniques in case studies is called pattern-matching, in which the data is linked to propositions. The reliability of case studies is relatively high, especially when protocols are established. However, validity, especially construct validity, sometimes becomes questionable because the researcher might be subjective in his decisions and interpretations. This can be minimized by utilizing multiple sources, by setting up a chain of evidence, and by asking major informants to review a draft of the case study. The common criticism against case studies is that its results cannot be used to arrive at generalizations. But the greatest strength of case studies is that it can present an in-depth and holistic knowledge about a particular situation, group, or person. The naturalistic observation is unique from all other types of observation in that the researcher does not hinder, interrupt or influence the environment being studied. One of the vital things to consider in conducting naturalistic observation is to record as much detail as possible, which includes smell, sound, taste, time, place, number of participants, and feelings. This is why journals and a variety of writing materials are utilized. But the use of any recording device, such as video cameras, is not allowed because it violates the privacy of the observed individual. The reliability of this research method relies on the accuracy of observation. One technique of increasing reliability is to have several observers (Hesse, 2003). The greatest advantage of naturalistic observation is that it is considerably less expensive than other methods. But, the subjects being studied may act differently because of their awareness of the presence of the observer. This will significantly reduce the validity of the results (Piercy, 2007). The survey research is characterized by its major means of collecting information. The researcher usually goes out and asks questions. The questions can be oral or in written form. And the respondents can be chosen in many ways. Some respondents are chosen at random while others must possess certain characteristics. For example, if a survey research is about elementary teachers, then a high school teacher will not be asked to answer the questionnaire. The techniques involved in survey research lie in the analysis of the collected data. The reliability and validity of survey research are affected by several factors, such as the quality of the sets of questions or the questionnaire, the amount of data collected, and the accuracy in using measures of central tendencies and variability. Ideally, the questionnaire must be standardized. Greater reliability and validity is achieved if the sample represents a greater part of the total population. One advantage of the survey method is that it is relatively cheap and easy. Unfortunately, it is also subject to human error and biases (Government of Saskatchewan, 2002). The correlational research is essentially the discovery of a relationship between two variables. Unlike the previously described methods, correlational research is quantitative in nature. The different techniques used in a correlational research are regression and prediction, multiple regression, factor analysis, and systems analysis (Davis, 2004). The greatest advantage of using this method is that its results can be used to formulate predictions and generalizations. This is due to the nature of the research techniques. But the greatest danger of this method is to over-generalize. It must be remembered that an established relationship between two variables does not mean a cause-effect relationship between them. If a researcher wanted to establish a cause-effect relationship, then the research method to use is the experimental method. Similar to the correlational research, it is concerned with variables, which can be either independent or dependent variables. The independent variables are usually manipulated so that there will be two groups being studied, the experimental group and the control group. These two groups have the same characteristics except for that one variable which is being tested. The difference between these two groups can be found in the dependent variable. The reliability of this method is increased by conducting the same experiment for several times. Its validity lies in the accuracy of the procedures and the careful handling and analysis of results. The greatest advantage of the experimental method is that it can present an explanation to a certain phenomenon. But it takes great skill and experience on the part of the researcher in order to conduct a good research experiment. One problem of experimental method is the issue of ethics in conducting experiments using human subjects. Any of these research methods can be utilized to examine an issue or phenomenon in psychology. The basis of choice usually depends on the goal of the research. The task of the researcher is to maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of the chosen method. Bibliography Davis, J. (2004). Correlational research methods. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://clem. mscd. edu/~davisj/prm2/correl1. html Government of Saskatchewan. (2002). Psychology 20: Social Psychology: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://www. sasked. gov. sk. ca/docs/social/psych20/support_materials/faqnaturalistic_observation. htm Hesse, B. E. (2003). Issues in naturalistic observation. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://psyc. csustan. edu/bhesse/psy2020/Lectures/Fall03/p2020U2L5. pdf Piercy, J. (2007). Research methods. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://courses. cvcc. vccs. edu/Psychology_Piercy/research_methods1. htm Tellis, W. (1997). Introduction to case study. The Qualitative Report. 3(2). Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://www. nova. edu/ssss/QR/QR3-2/tellis1. html

Walt Disney Cartoons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Walt Disney Cartoons - Essay Example Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, and people from the Middle East are portrayed along racial lines. Some characters have hatred towards lesbians and gay men. The homosexuals are secluded and experience violence and hostility from other characters. This has a negative impact on homosexuals in the society watching these cartoons and other children develop negative attitudes towards homosexuals. Sexism is evident in several Disney cartoons, which portrays girls negatively. Girls and women are grossly underrepresented in films and cartoons, which represents a missed opportunity to present them in non-sexualized roles. The cartoons derive their values from the sexual appeal or behavior portrayed by their sexual attractiveness. Majority of the children’s programs contain animations and cartoons. These cartoons contain sexualizing images of girls and women. Disney portrays female characters with more cleavage, fewer clothes and are presented as sexier than those of former years. An example is The Little Mermaid where the female characters expose their cleavage and are scantily dressed. These characters are depicted as sexier than those in Cinderella or Snow White. These animations have great potential to influence girls and young teens paying every detail to the characters. Girls are primarily portrayed as domestic, concerned with their appearance and interested in boys. This overemphasizes their own self as romantic objects (Lacroix, 2004). In The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, Disney has constructed the heroines in extreme idealized forms of white femininity. The heroines are characterized as assertive and intelligent figures who take on adventures. The heroines are empowered in their actions, and idealized beauty is affirmed by their dressing. In this light, the texts form part of the popular discourse of femininity which encourages women to internalize gendered body norms. Women want to expose themselves in order to achieve the feminine character contained in the movies.

Discuss the economic relationship between oil prices, food prices and Research Paper

Discuss the economic relationship between oil prices, food prices and the nascent global economic recovery - Research Paper Example This current inflation has not only limited itself to the real estate sector but it has now been affecting the other basic amenities of a common man’s life, most notably food. So the question arises whether the mankind is headed for a food crisis. Market research shows that developing countries like Yemen, India, Mexico, etc have all witnessed food inflation in recent times. People of Argentina have been seen boycotting tomatoes during the presidential elections as the price of vegetables got dearer to that of meat prices. Another instance shows Italian shop keepers organizing a one-day pasta boycott as an agitation against the rising food prices. So, what is the cause of this food crisis and price rises? Experts identify it as immense rise in oil prices. This project is an effort to gauge the economic relationship of oil price inflation and food price inflation and what is their impact in the nascent global economy (Kingsbury). Inflation and its massive global seriousness In light of the present scenario, the world has been witnessing unlimited rise in oil and food prices which is becoming an increasingly unbearable burden for the consumers and the producers. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 2007, had reported that price of oil at nearly $100 per barrel resulted in huge upshot of the charge of food imports. FAO also predicted rise in the possibility of global hunger with subsequent increase in food prices, and as a result elevation in social unrest. Moreover, FAO reported dip in the worldwide food reserves to be the lowest recorded in the last thirty- five years. This was also another reason for the food prices staying high. FAO estimated rise in global food import bill was $ 745 million in 2007, up by 21% from 2006. In 2008, along with the ongoing inflation the prices of certain other items like that of soybean, corn and meat have also experienced all- time high prices. The oil price experienced a rebound to $ 140 per barr el after a slight slip (Kingsbury; Khor). Countries have been blaming each other for this. In the FAO, 2008 held in Rome several South American countries alleged developed nations for such atrocious results. U.S blamed Indian and Chinese people of increasing their food consumption with rise in income while India lashed back at U.S pointing out that people of West have long been making higher food intake. Most developing nations pointed out that speculation in the commodity markets were raising the food price. The Western countries blamed oil producing nations of not raising their oil supply to meet the rising demand and members of U.S Congress also asking for legislation to mark OPEC (the organization of exporting countries) activities as law defying (Khor). U.S and its massive demand for oil: How are food inflation and oil price rise related? Now amidst such adverse conditions there is an increasing need to assess the participation of United States of America in elevating food and oil inflation. United States is the world’s leading oil user. It contains only 2.9% of the total oil reserves that are proven and a very small percentage of unproven oil reserves. U.S receives about 29% intra-country oil productions and 21% of intra-country natural gas production through offshore drilling, mainly off the Texas and Louisiana coasts in the Gulf of Mexico, an area prone to hurricanes that are rising in intensity. Another 17% of domestic oil is received from the Northern Slope of Alaska by oil

Vulnerability of an organizations information system Research Paper

Vulnerability of an organizations information system - Research Paper Example Vulnerability in regard to organizational information systems can be defined as â€Å"a weakness that allows a threat to be realized or to have an effect on an asset† (Kim & Solomon, 2010, p.6). Thus it can be realized that a threat is not capable of affecting an information system unless the system is weak or vulnerable not to survive an attack (Kim & Solomon, 2010, p.6). Thus the vulnerabilities of an organization’s information systems reflect that the organization’s control over the systems has either become lost or ineffective (Whitman & Mattord, 2011, p.65). In the present times, the cyber world has taken a significant position in both organizational as well as personal lives. The most critical factor that has been obtained as making the information systems vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks is the human element. The information technology (IT) managers of today’s business organizations are thus encountered with severe challenges in regard to suc h vulnerabilities (Platsis, 2012). The present study focuses on the vulnerabilities those organizational information systems presently challenging the IT managers, with over viewing the most important cyber security vulnerability and considering measures that might protect organizations from such vulnerabilities. ... All these media, if vulnerable, can lead to cyber intrusions causing cyber threats or attacks, thus affecting the entire information system of the organization. Hardware and Software: Information systems viruses and other malwares have the capability to destroy the software system of computers, or they might affect the security functions of the system. Thus this makes the software vulnerable allowing outsiders to steal information and use their commands on the organizations’ computers and information devices to manipulate information as per their need. This initiates the need for an organization to consider the use of antivirus tools essentially as well as update the system’s functions on a regular basis to detect any vulnerability, in advance (Kazmeyer, 2013). Considering the vulnerabilities of the hardware, it is of major concern since the unsecured terminals can be taken advantage of by outsiders along with the help of network access points, using which they might ge t access to systems that are otherwise protected. Security functions may be circumvented by an intruder if they get access to server rooms or floors where the computer systems are placed for work. Thus in order to prevent this, organizations need to have strict control over the access of any individual to the hardware such that such vulnerabilities may not be taken advantage of (Kazmeyer, 2013). Transmission Media: The media of transmission in organizations include both cabling as well as wireless communication media. In case of cabling, wires are used for transmission, that in many cases pass through the walls and channels of the organization eventually terminating the plugs of the walls