Writing Essays - Molecular Behavior, Everyday Joes, Corn Flakes

Writing Essays - Molecular Behavior, Everyday Joes, Corn Flakes Writing My writing is like a Christmas present from your grandmother: it?s a guaranteed surprise. No matter what I write, no matter what the topic, time or place, I?m never sure how something is going to turn out. Now, just because it?s a surprise doesn?t mean that it isn?t good. And, just because it?s a surprise doesn?t mean it isn?t an accident either. Weren?t Corn Flakes and Penicillin discovered by accident? All I?m trying to say is that every piece of my writing is an adventure: an unusual collection of thoughts and ideas thrown together, forming an interesting, original, yet sometimes unfocused opinion. Writing has not always been an enjoyable activity for me. Through my education, I?ve been taught to write for a specific group, not to a specific group. Recently, however, I?ve been lucky enough to have teachers who let me write for myself, not anyone else. With this newly found freedom, writing has become a way to express what I feel, not how I should or could feel. I use these opportunities to raise an eyebrow, instead of just completing an assignment. Now that we got the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way, we can get started. If you can?t already tell, I like to write with flare. I could write the world?s most detailed and thorough book on the molecular behavior of a Tetrachloride isotope. But, if I don?t catch a reader, don?t inspire a reader, or make a reader beg for more, all I have is a cheap door stop or welcome mat. Life?s too short to do boring things. You have to step out of your comfort zone, take chances, say the things you really want to say, do what you have to do. It makes for a pure, original masterpiece, which anyone can enjoy. Just be yourself. Let?s face it. Who in our society are we most fascinated by? Regular, everyday Joes or Janes? No way. Freaks, weirdoes, individuals, basketball players with colored hairthese are the people that receive all the attention. And why? Because they are truly themselves, not the zombies or clones that so many of us are. Right or wrong, they scream out ?I AM ME!? Think of it this way: if all we had on this planet were followers and conformists and ?normal people,? would there still be the Michael Jordans, Einsteins, Martin Luther Kings and Mother Theresas? Absolutely not. No person becomes successful by being ?normal? or ordinary. Now, I?m not saying if you write for yourself and be different that you will be famous and recognized and go down in the history books as a famous something. But it sure is a nice start. I love the idea of freedom in writing. Not just freedom of topics, but freedom of ideas, expression, and philosophies. Writing shouldn?t be constricted or narrow minded. It needs to be universal. Writing, whether public or personal, is incredibly difficult. No matter who the audience, topic or author, there will always be a critic. It?s a given in this world. Not only in writing or literature, but in every facet of life. You can?t make everybody happy. Know this, accept this, use this to your advantage. Write for yourself, and only yourself. Then, you will be pleased. Because, aren?t you the most important critic of all?

Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails

Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails By Ali Hale When I wrote a post on email etiquette, one reader, Juan, left a comment to ask for some advice (I’ve changed his punctuation a bit for clarity’s sake): I just discovered your page and I love it. Please teach me before we sign off the mail with â€Å"warm regards† etc ,we also always using some phrasal sentences such as â€Å"please look into this matter† or â€Å"thank you in advance†, â€Å"I would be very appreciate on your help in this matter†, etc. Could you please write some more like those in different contents of mails? What Juan’s describing here are stock phrases. If you write a lot of emails, you’ll often find yourself facing the same sorts of situations again and again, and you’ll often see stock phrases used in business emails to convey a professional, helpful and friendly tone. I agree with Juan that it can definitely help to have some ready-crafted sentences on hand for including in your emails – either just keeping them in mind, or creating a document on your computer to hold them ready for copy-and-pasting. The trick is to make them heart-felt rather than copied-and-pasted. There are a few phrases which I see constantly in emails from huge technical support firms, government offices and similar organisations: used carelessly, they can feel distancing or insincere. I’ve listed some options below for different types of email situations, such as: When you’re initiating email contact with someone new When you’ve answered someone’s question When you’re asking the recipient to take some action When you need a response (but not necessarily any action taking) When you’ve heard nothing back and want to chase up a reply Unless your boss is particularly uptight, why not try going with the more informal ones? I work in a small technical support team who have a great reputation for being friendly, helpful and accessible – in part, because we use everyday language and remember that we’re writing to people, not just trying to knock another email out of the queue. Here’s some examples you might want to use, or modify, for your own email messages †¦ feel free to bookmark the page, or print it out for easy reference. When you’re initiating email contact with someone new Very formal â€Å"Might I take a moment of your time† (to begin the email) â€Å"Please may I introduce myself† (to begin the email) â€Å"Many thanks again for your time.† (to end the email) More informal/friendly â€Å"Im just emailing to ask† (to begin the email) â€Å"Im a friend of Bobs† (to begin the email) â€Å"Just let me know if you have any questions.† (to end the email) â€Å"Drop me an email, or give me a ring, if you want any more information.† (to end the email) When youve answered someones question(s) Very formal â€Å"I trust the above resolves your queries. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.† More informal/friendly â€Å"I know thats a lot to take in, so let me know if anything Ive said doesnt make sense.† â€Å"Hope the above helps, but email again if youre still having any difficulties.† When you’re asking the recipient to take some action Very formal â€Å"I would appreciate your help in this matter.† More informal/friendly â€Å"Could you look into this?† â€Å"Would you mind checking it out for me?† â€Å"Thanks in advance.† â€Å"Can you get back to me once youve had a chance to investigate?† â€Å"Id love to hear your advice on this one.† When you need a response (but not necessarily any action taking) Very formal â€Å"I await a response at your earliest convenience.† More informal/friendly â€Å"Can you drop me a quick word so I know youve received this?† â€Å"Look forward to hearing from you.† When you’ve heard nothing back and want to chase up a reply Very formal â€Å"In reference to my email of June 20th †¦Ã¢â‚¬  More informal/friendly â€Å"Just wondered if you got my email (June 20th)?† â€Å"When you get a moment, could you drop me a line about my last email?† Do you have any favourite stock phrases that you use in your work emails? Add yours in the comments! Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Program vs. Programme"Confused With" and "Confused About"Comment, Suggestion, and Feedback

Private Equity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Private Equity - Essay Example This process normally involves substantial borrowings and is therefore described as Leveraged buyouts (LBO). Another term which is normally used is â€Å"taken private† which relates to a buyout of a public company and in the process removing it from the stock exchange listing, and therefore transforming it into a private firm (Fraser-Sampson, 2007). Public companies are normally taken private because they have the potential of providing substantial cash flows to investors as the shares are currently undervalued on the stock market. The managers see the potential of â€Å"significantly boosting the firm’s value under private ownership† (Brigham and Ehrhardt 2005, p. 664). This means that companies taken private have the potential of enriching not only the managers who take part in the buyout but the public shareholders who are often offered prices higher than the going market price to sell their shares. Sometimes these shareholders resist but in the end they have to sell their shares because the buyers have enough of the company’s shares to sufficiently influence the takeover of the public company. A large number of public companies have been taken private over the years. A list of some of these companies is provided in Appendix 1 and 2. This list is by no means exhaustive but gives an indication as to the level of activities taking place as it relates to these types of transactions. Arguments for and against public to private transactions A number of arguments have been levelled against public to private transactions. However, there have also been several arguments in its favour. According to Becky (2002, Private vs. Public †¦) â€Å"†¦ in the 1980s a lot of public companies were taken private through a process called a leveraged buyout. That trend may have benefited the entire economy by making the companies a good deal more efficient.† Arguments against public to private transactions Opponents to public companies being taken over by private equity have levelled a number of criticisms against these types of transactions. They believe that some of these private equity managers actually buy public companies, reduce employees, strip the companies of assets and then sell them in secondary buy-out deals. Some also indicate that they are allowed to set off interest payments against income and in the process paying less tax. According to Wiley (2007, p.79) â€Å"some countries are pursuing tougher and tighter ‘thin equity’ tax rules under which it can be difficult to make loan interest fully deductible.† Adding value by increasing earnings multiple Some of the opponents of these types of transactions have indicated that there are many ways the managers of public companies could add value to the company instead of allowing them to go private. These include taking out loans instead of issuing more shares which would be favourable to shareholders as they would see their earnings per share increase. These companies would also pay less tax because the interest on these loans is tax deductible. Increasing the cash flow of the Company Cash flow can be improved through proper management of public companies. There is normally unpredictability in the levels of cash flow in public companies that have been taken private and which therefore need to make regular interest payments. Debt added to private company These purchases normally take place with the use of large amounts of debt, referred to as leveraged

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market - Essay Example In market monopoly the producer is in a state to bargin with government and the customers. He can set his own arbitrary policies and everyone is bound to follow as there is no other option In market monopoly the producer spends very minimum amount on marketing and advertising In market monopoly the producer makes enough profit which can be further invested for the betterment of the company Disadvantages of Market monopoly Since the producer can set price according to his own wish as there is no competition, this can be harmful for the customers, they tend to pay high prices Exploitation of labor can take place in market monopoly In certain cases absence of competition leads to inefficiency and the company doesn’t progress much. There is not much variety available for the customers No substitutes available Oilygopoly market: Oligopoly is a common market form. In Oilygopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. There is cut throat competition in the market. Characteristics of Oilygopoly market Because there are more than two producers of the same product and there is cut throat competition, each producer keep notice of what other is doing. They are likely to aware of each other’s actions and that’s how they set their policies and market strategies for example, Company A launched a new advertisement campaign to promote their product. Now even Company B and Company C will launch some new market strategy or advertisement campaign to ensure that their sells don’t drop because of company’s a new advertisement campaign. The decision of one producer... Micro economics deal with individuals and how they earn their livelihood whereas macroeconomics deals with aggregate issues or the economy as a whole. Macroeconomics consists of concepts that can be applied to the entire world. according to Economic Glossary â€Å"Macroeconomics is derived from (from "macro(o)-" meaning "large" + "economics") is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behavior, and decision-making of the entire economy. This includes a national or global economy". In economics a financial market is a place which allows buying and selling activities, there are many manufacturers and consumers available in the market. There are many products available for the same type hence that raises competition in the market. There are different types of competition and different types of markets available in an economic sense. Let us discuss the different market structures in detail market monopoly: The word â€Å"monopoly† means one or â€Å"the only†. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product. A market monopoly exists when the single firm/company is the only supplier or producer of a certain product. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product whereas in Oligopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. In market monopoly the producer has the divine power and market share, he can set his own arbitrary policies.

Basketball and football Essay Example for Free

Basketball and football Essay In countries throughout the United States, most people enjoy high scoring sports with a great deal of physical contact. In my opinion, both Basketball and American Football are the two most popular sports here that fall under that category. In which as fans we can all appreciate and participate with our own friends and family members. Furthermore, not only can we watch these games at home, but we can be play them back at as well as a healthy alternative. There are a variety of differences and similarities between these two sports. Basketball and American Football can be broken down into three parts that will enable you to know visualize the major points: players, equipment and game style. First of all, there are noticeable differences between these two sports that hold different qualification for each player. In basketball it is necessary for players to use their lower body quickness in order to run down back and forth the basketball court as quickly as possible. In contrast, football players are required to use their upper body strength so that there able to make and take some hard hits during the game as a method of defense against the other team. Also both of these sports hold different physical qualities that are required in order to play the game efficiently. For example, basketball players who play the center position on average weigh roughly around 265 pounds with the physical stature being strong and a bigger player who can clog up the basket area. While in football, the wide receiver position is held by a player averaging in at 200 pounds. They too are built with a strong physique yet can run down the field rapidly as needed. Secondly, both of these sports have different equipment needs. As we know both basketball and football use different kind of balls. Basketball is played with orange shaped ball, as were in football they use a prolate spheroid shape ball. In addition, they both use completely different shoe gear. Seeing that basketball is played indoor on a wooden floor it requires players to use sneakers that come up a bit higher in order to protect the ankles. The sneakers are also designed differently as they are meant to allow them to have a good bounce in them, since that too is an important factor in basketball. On the other hand, football players use cleats since they play outdoors in the grass. They need have a good and secure grip on the ground beneath them in order for effective and optimum playing. The safety gear that both sports’ wear differ as well, in order to better protect and suit their needs. In both sports, they wear mouth guards. But in American Football, they also use helmets and shoulder pads. Finally, it comes down to the differing style of play. Basketball and football have decidedly different styles of play based on the rules. Basketball is viewed as a non-contact sport, in which by the rules that if any physical contact is made by a player it is a violation, resulting in a personal foul. Conversely, football is well known for its physical contact playing style. Knowingly that every play within the game will consist of some sort of tackling, aggressive play and head on collisions. Also basketball is more of a high scoring game than football. Simply because in basketball teams are given 2 or 3 points (depending where you’re shooting from) each time they make the ball in the basket. In contrast, football teams are only granted 6 points for a touchdown and 3 points for a kicked field goal, much more difficult than basketball because of the physical playing style. In conclusion, although their game styles are completely different, both receive numerous amounts truly dedicated fans. Not only just for the love of the sport, but toward particular teams as well as players in the league and coaches. In addition, their equipment provides protection that benefits each player. This protective gear prevents them from most devastating hits that may otherwise end their career with a nasty injury. Athletic players are seen in the eyes of each fan, whether in the stands or back at home, as role models and encouragement to engage in sports. Let face it, every fan wishes to live the life of an athletic player and be able to play its sport under the spotlight that is viewed by millions.

Writing an Admissions Essay :: College Admissions Essays

Writing an Admissions Essay The process of writing—and writing admissions essays in particular—invites a consciously-constructed performance of the self. What I mean by this is that a text—any text—inevitably conveys some persona; and when that text is known as an autobiography or representation of the self, the persona of the text is under even more scrutiny. Andy Warhol, with whom we could never be sure of where the performance ended and where the self started, once said, â€Å"When I did my self-portrait, I left all the pimples out because you always should. . . . Always omit the blemishes—they’re not part of the good picture you want.† * This statement has relevance for any act of self-representation, including admissions essays. Because the essay is an acknowledged representation of the self, the student tries to omit â€Å"blemishes† or whatever material she thinks will make her unattractive to the school. She consciously tries to frame her essay so that it will project the particular kind of persona she thinks the admissions officers want to see. However much they tell you, â€Å"Just be yourself,† that’s hardly possible when so much rides on how that self is presented. Even more challenging than the decision of how to frame this self-portrait is the anxiety-producing task of choosing a topic. For example, in a recent New York Times article, a student lamented the fact that no one had died in her family thus leaving her without anything moving to write about. Admissions essays are an unusual and peculiar exercise, one in which we know the student performs. But the school is performing, too. The University, in particular, is known for its quirky and surprising essay questions. This quirkiness itself is a performance of a kind that seeks to attract a certain type of student, perhaps the creative or quirky.

Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas’ “Waiting”

Among the most interesting work of modern art on display in the J. Paul Getty Museum is Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas’ â€Å"Waiting,† a pastel painting done around 1882. In this work, Degas captures the picture of a young ballerina and an older woman sitting on a bench, apparently waiting for something to happen or someone to arrive. The painting is a study of the sharp contrast between youth and old age, which is illustrated in the play of colors, light, and shadows that the painter carefully preserved in his work.The young ballerina is painted in soft colors of gold, blue, and cream which reflect the light while the older woman is garbed in black. In the same manner, the younger subject is painted to suggest motion, energy and restlessness; here she is massaging her feet, apparently waiting for a performance to begin. The woman, on the other hand, is immobile, devoid of light movement and comes across to be waiting for the action to end so she can rest.Degas’ â €Å"Waiting† is displayed in a small dark room located on the left side of the museum entrance. Exhibited along with it are German painter Joseph Vivien’s â€Å"Portrait of a Man† and Swiss painter Jean-Étienne Liotard’s â€Å"Maria Frederike van Reede-Athlone at Seven.† The darkness of the room brings out the sharp contrast in colors and the use of light in the pastels. Likewise, its small size is clearly meant to convey a sense of intimacy wherein the viewer feels a sense of privilege at catching a glimpse of so personal a thing as an individual’s portrait.The arrangement of the paintings depicts the various influences of artists according to their respective periods. In particular, the works show the progression of portraiture and the use of pastel as a medium since Vivien’s â€Å"Portrait of a Man† in 1725 to Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† a century and a half later. It is clear that Degas’ work is a huge de parture from the conventional concept of painting people’s portraits. Vivien’s portrait is carefully composed according to the artistic conventions of balance and color; its subject is self-consciously positioned at the center of the canvass, capturing the face, and his figure appears to come out of the shadows.Vivien’s colors are austere and sombre, which reflects the prevailing style at that time. Liotard’s â€Å"Maria Frederike van Reede-Athlone,† on the other hand, reflects a subtle change in the painter’s pallet from Vivien’s dark, muted colors to bold, albeit cold tones. However, the same rule is applied regarding the subject’s position. Hence, Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† stands out in sharp contrast to the two paintings.First, he clearly circumvents the prevailing concept of portraiture by showing two subjects who assume positions that are not usually accepted in portraiture: the young girl is shown massaging her feet, which makes her face unseen by the audience, while the woman’s face is half-covered by her hat. Degas also draws his subjects from a very different angle and perspective; he is obviously not as interested in showing their facial countenances as in showing their characters through body language. He also abandons the dark tones in favor of bold, bright, and warm colors to create dramatic contrasts in his work.â€Å"Waiting† illustrates Degas’ affinity with the impressionist movement, although he apparently abhorred being called one because of major ideological rifts with prominent impressionist painters. He particularly criticized his self-confessed impressionist contemporaries for their practice of painting in â€Å"plein-air† as he believed that it was tantamount to copying which interfered with the artist’s imagination. (Smith 58) Nevertheless, Degas’ work clearly shares the same impressionist characteristics as shown in his style an d choice of events and people of everyday life as subjects.Like the works of most impressionist painters such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Berthe Morisot, Jean Frederic Bazille, and Camille Pissarro, Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† reflected the belief that â€Å"art should relate to the real world and reflect modern life† as opposed to painting religious and mythological figures that was traditionally favored by connosieurs of high art. (Snider) Its choice of subject, a ballerina and her companion in the process of waiting, captures an aspect of modern French life. Its style undoubtedly mirrors the impressionists’ fascination with capturing light in the most realistic manner, and its colors also carry the impressionist preference for warm, vibrant tones that suggest movement and life.Although Degas’ works and his obsession with the figures of women, particularly dancers, in his paintings have often invited varied int erpretation from art critics and academicians, it is clear that his middle-class background and upbringing has tremendous influence in shaping his choice of subjects. (Theodore 145) Reff Theodore infers that Degas’ passion for painting movement arose from his early exposure to the ballet which was â€Å"a familiar part of the contemporary scene† in nineteenth century Paris. (145)The impact of Degas’ background is also seen in his being â€Å"deeply concerned with truth for its own sake, in probing life beneath the crust of good manners† (Nicolson 172) in his depiction of Parisian modern life. In â€Å"Waiting,† Degas honestly portrays the differences between his subjects, in effect making a statement about the sad truth that the young ballerina, with all her vibrancy and beauty, will soon pass into the life of her companion, drained and weary of the world.It is suggested that Degas’ and other impressionists’ ideas were largely influen ced by the rapid technological and social developments of their time. Indeed, impressionism drew much of its ideas from innovations, techniques, and concepts in photography. (Snider) Clearly, Degas and his contemporaries were so impressed by the ability of photographs to capture the exact effect of light on its subjects that they sought to recreate this ability in their paintings. Other painters, like Monet, even tried to copy the photographic effects of varying shutter speeds in his work. (Snider)Degas’ background as an artist produced and molded by extraordinary and tumultous changes in his time that was brought about by the rapid industrialization of France and all of Europe, his pastel work â€Å"Waiting† could be displayed in another gallery together with Claude Monet’s â€Å"Gare Saint-Lazare,† a painting which shows the Saint-Lazare train station. This painting would give a contemporary audience an idea of â€Å"Waiting’s† background as the train is a ubiquitous symbol of the industrial revolution which gripped not only the economic but also cultural life of Europe in Degas’ time. Hence, Monet’s work sets the mood for Degas’ curious study of youth and old age in the age of modernity, where everything passes quickly.Other works that could be exhibited alongside Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† is Auguste Renoir’s painting â€Å"The Dance at the Moulin Delagalette† and Degas’ own work â€Å"The Millinery Shop† which shows the social activities of the French middle class and the activities of working-class women, respectively. The two paintings would also highlight the contrast that Degas sought to portray in his subjects, wherein Renoir’s middle-class subjects, painted as they socialize in a party, is compared with a lone woman while making hats that are ostensibly worn by those who can afford it. Likewise, Andy Warhol’s â€Å"Campbell Soup Cansâ⠂¬  would also be a fitting touch to the gallery as it signifies the advent of mass production. Although Warhol’s work is at odds with the impressionist theme of Degas’ work, it nevertheless echoes the â€Å"ordinariness† and repetitive pattern of modern life that Degas captures in his painting.Works Cited:Nicolson, Benedict. â€Å"Degas’ Monotypes.† The Burlington Magazine 100.662 (May 1958):172-175Reff, Theodore. â€Å"Edgar Degas and the Dance.† Arts Magazine 53.3(November 1978):145-149.Smith, George E. â€Å"James, Degas, and the Modern View.† NOVEL: A Forum on Fiction 21.1 (Autumn 1987): 56-72Snider, Lindsay. â€Å"A Lasting Impression: French Painters Revolutionize the Art World.† The History Teacher, 25.1(November 2001). 5 May 2008. http://historycooperative.org/

Cognitive Approach to Psychology

Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Shane Galvin Class: 061/AT Applied Psychology Teacher: Carol Neenan Title: Psychological Perspective Word count: 3121 The Cognitive Approach to Psychology Contents Page 1 – Contents Page 2 – Introduction Page 3 – History Page 4 – Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science Page 6- Research methods i) iii) v) Reaction time Studies Eye Tracking Studies Psychophysics ii) iv) vi) Priming Studies Lateralisation Studies Single-Cell Studies Page 8 – Memory Storage and Models Page 10 – Therapeutic Applications Page 11 – Evaluation Page 12 – Bibliography Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology The Cognitive Approach to Psychology What is Cognitive Psychology? Literally, ‘Cognition’ means knowing, but in the greater framework of Psychology, Cognition is thinking, perceiving information, understanding, construction and presentation of an answer to a question. Essentially, cognition is a ter m for the use of our mental processes. â€Å"Cognitive Psychology is the study of higher mental processes such as attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, and thinking. † (Gerrig & Zimbardo. 2002) Cognitive Psychology uses scientific methods and scrutiny to develop a deeper understanding of the human mind, rather than the brain, a methodology perhaps adapted from Behaviourism, in which modern Cognitive Psychology holds its roots. Yet, unlike behaviourism, which only focuses on observable behaviour, Cognitive Psychology is also concerned with internal mental states. 2 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology History In 1932, Behaviourist Edward Tolman published his book â€Å"Purposive Behaviour in Animals and Men† In his works Tolman studied rats in a maze, in which food was placed at the end of the maze.In the initial phase of a test, the rat would not be hungry while first entering the maze; this would allow the rat to learn where the food would be and to associate a certain location with the prospect of food. Of course, being armed with such a primal survival instinct would influence the rat to learn and adapt quickly. The rat would move in the general direction of the food as opposed to a specific pathway and Tolman observed that the rats were able to use untrained routes towards the food.This meant that rats had an ability to learn, beyond mere survival instinct and presented a problem for radical behaviourism. Whether Tolman knew it or not, both he and his rats were laying down the groundwork for modern cognitive psychology. Tolman theorized that the animal had developed an image of its environment that it later used as a reference when finding its food. This is called a â€Å"Cognitive Map† i. e. , the rats showed use of their cognitive map by reaching a goal (food) from a number of different starting points.The rats had no instinctive information of the maze and no stimuli that would condition it to have knowledg e of the maze, in other words; the rats learned about their environment and stored the information. This helped to establish some basis for memory storage, learned behaviour and analytical methodology for Cognitive Psychology and would help Psychologists prepare for the â€Å"Cognitive Revolution† of the 1950’s where Cognitive Psychology and its principle areas of research begin to become defined. 3 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied PsychologyThe Term â€Å"Cognitive Psychology† came into use in 1967 in the book Cognitive Psychology by Neisser. â€Å"†¦ the term cognition refers to all processes by which the sensory input is transformed , reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered and used†¦ it is apparent that cognition is involved in everything a human being might possibly do; that every psychological phenomena is a cognitive phenomena† (Neisser, 1967) Perhaps it was the invention of the computer that gave Cognitive Psychology the most credibility.For t he first time in history, mankind had something to which it could compare with the human brain or mind, and gave the cognitive approach its terminology. By being able to study a simpler artificial construct, psychologists now had the opportunity to learn more about cognitive processes. â€Å"Cognitive psychology focuses on the way humans process information, looking at how we treat information that comes in to the person (what behaviorists would call stimuli), and how this treatment leads to responses. In other words, they are interested in the variables that mediate between stimulus/input and response/output. (McLeod, 2007) Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science Part of the effect that the cognitive revolution had on its approach is the amalgamation of techniques and ideology’s from other distinct areas of research and study such as linguistics, computer science, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology. It seems as though it is a reaction to the ‘stimulu s-response’ methodology and mode of interpretation espoused by behavioural scientists. Noam Chomsky theorised that the brain had a centre for language acquisition that went beyond what could be explained by behavioural psychology.Jean Piaget had laid out stages of cognitive development that children go through which again could not be explained within the framework of Behaviourism. Computer scientists provided a new way of comparably examining the brain by using computer processing as a method to conceptualise brain processing. â€Å"These scientists maintained their own distinct methodologies†¦ but they held together and remained united in their interest in cognition and in their goal to bring the scientific study of these processes to light. This scientific collective became known as cognitive science† (Solso, et al. 2008) In modern times cognitive science relies on computer science, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics and anthropology. Cognitive s cience is heavily influenced by computer science; in computer modelling it is possible to construct and test cognitive models, in the form of artificial intelligence (AI) which has leaked into popular use in the form of interactive technology such as video gaming. 4 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology But it is of particular benefit to psychologists because they can test certain, although limited, cognitive models and theories based on computer models.Cognitive Psychology uses a combination of techniques adapted from other areas of research in order to research its own theories, thus we have an intrinsic relationship between cognitive psychology and other methodologies as illustrated in Gardner’s Hexagon. The diverse range of methodologies in the cognitive approach allows researchers and clinical psychologists to approach problems, issues and hypotheses from a multitude of different backgrounds and allow a wider range of scrutiny to verify their findings in keeping with sc ientific inquiry.Ultimately this allows the cognitive scientist/psychologist to create models of predictive capability that are reproducible which, in Psychology, allows for a greater understanding of the human mind and its mechanisms. 5 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Research Method’s The research methods of cognitive psychology observe and record how we take in information from the physical world, the response time of reactions and how we process this information to perceive it. â€Å"The method’s of cognitive psychology stem from those used by early German researchers studying memory, association and processes.These tools became a mainstay of experimental psychology. As cognitive psychology began to form and become interdisciplinary, methods from other research fields were borrowed and modified for use in the study of cognitive processes. Research methods are the tools by which we come to know and understand, as well as test ideas and develop new ones. â₠¬  (Solso, et al. , 2008) i) Reaction Time Studies: Reaction time studies are used to study cognitive processes and seem to be a defining methodology in the cognitive approach.An example is Donder’s complication studies, in which a subject’s response speed to a white light being turned on was recorded and compared to a yellow light being turned on. Researchers believed early on that the time difference between the two responses could have been attributed to additional processing that it took to differentiate the yellow from the white light. â€Å"Reaction time studies fundamentally rely on the assumption that cognitive activity takes time and that one stage is completed before the other starts. † (Solso, et al. , 2008) ii) Priming studies:Priming studies have been used by psychologists for quite some time. With the invention of computer technology, specifically brain imaging technology, priming studies are becoming more popular. â€Å"In priming studies a stim ulus is briefly presented (a prime) and then, after a delay, a second stimulus is presented and a participant is asked to make some judgement regarding the second stimulus, such as, â€Å"Is the second stimulus the ‘same’ as the first? † (Solso, et al. , 2008) There are two types of priming effects. The Semantic priming Effect and the Object priming effect.The Semantic priming effect is that by activating one item, the acceptability of the second item is enhanced. The Object priming effect is typically in two stages. The first stage is the presentation of an object. This is followed by an interval that may be as short as a millisecond or as long as several months. In the second stage an object similar to the first object is presented, it could be changed, degraded or rotated etc. The participants’ accuracy in remembering the first object is then measured and sometimes the reaction time is measured as well. Tulving & Schacter, 1990) 6 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Ap plied Psychology iii) Eye-Tracking studies: A large portion of the brain is used for interpreting and processing visual sensory information. Researchers have developed techniques to track the movement of eyes in order to determine where a person’s eye is fixed which in particular helps to study people reading, what sentence they are looking at and where they look next. Eye-tracking studies have helped researchers to discover that people who have dyslexia have different eye movements to people who do not have dyslexia. v) Lateralisation Studies Lateralisation studies developed from the idea that the two sides of the brain are responsible for different cognitive functions, in an effort to localise functions within the brain, Broca and Wernicke’s area’s ( centres that are responsible for speech and language) are located on one side of the brain, the left side, this implies that the brain has localised area’s for different functions, these studies were partic ularly important in the area of memory study and studies of amnesiac patients, through the methodology used in lateralisation studies, i. e. riming type tests, and brain imaging we know that the hippocampus is responsible for memory, although there are two hippocampi. There are also more invasive techniques used in lateralisation studies using patients with extreme epilepsy undergoing preventative surgery whereby the corpus collosum, the fibre’s which connect the hemispheres of the brain, are cut. v) Psychophysics Psychophysics is the scientific study of the relationship between stimuli and the sensations and perceptions evoked by these stimuli. (Solso, et al. , 2008) Psychophysicists are interested in perceptual thresholds.For example in Weber’s study of perceptual threshold’s he tested a person’s ability to detect weight. If a person was holding a weighted object, how much weight could be added before the person could detect and perceive the difference in weight. vi) Single-cell Studies Single-cell studies are typically conducted in animals as opposed to humans because of their invasive nature. Hubel & Wiesel, who were awarded a Nobel Prize for their 1959 research, mapped the visual cortex of cats. This research involved the opening of the skull of the subject.They had theorised that because single cells communicate with each other via electrical impulses then it would be possible to probe these single cells with a an extremely fine meter to measure the amount of electrical activity in a cell without damaging it, thereby allowing them to evaluate perceptual experience at a cellular level. Hubel & Wiesel basically restrained a cat , opened its skull, probed it’s brain and then showed the cat 7 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology moving images and kept probing until they could record the level of cellular electrical activity.This gave us an insight into how we visual perceive the world and the physical action that takes pl ace in the brain. (Solso, et al. , 2008) Memory, Storage and Models Cognitive Psychology is viewed as a pure science, its accepted theories on memory, for example, are based on laboratory experiments with demonstrable results as well as solid work in case studies. For example the Multi store Model (MSM) by Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968, 1971) cited by (McLeod, 2007) attempted to explain how information is transferred from Short Term Memory to Long Term Memory.This model views sensory memory, STM and LTM as â€Å"permanent structural components† and suggests that memory is made up of a series of stores. MSM likens memory as information flowing through a system. Information is detected by the sense organs and enters the sensory memory. If attended to this information enters the short term memory. Information from the STM is transferred to the long-term memory only if that information is rehearsed. If rehearsal does not occur, then information is forgotten, lost from short term memo ry through the processes of displacement or decay. McLeod, 2007) This model has influenced the study and research of memory and is supported and informed by studies of retrograde and anterograde amnesia. The Working Model of Memory (Baddely & Hitch, 1974), shows that short term memory is more than one store and consists of different components. Similarly, in long term memory different kinds of memory such as addition/subtraction, how to play chess or what we did yesterday are not stored in one ‘hard-drive’ type long term memory store. There are different types of memory, episodic (memory of events), procedural (memory of how to do 8 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology hings) and semantic (general knowledge). This model of memory espouses that rehearsal is the process whereby by we transfer information into Long term memory but that it is not necessary to rehearse in some cases. . We know, now, that the part of the brain that deals with memory is the hippocampus; it i s part of the limbic system and deals with short term memory and long term memory, as well as spatial functions, the hippocampus is shown in this diagram. As we can see, there are hippocampi; there is a hippocampus in both sides of the brain. The hippocampus is part of the cerebral cortex and is located in the medial temporal lobe.Damage to the hippocampus can result in a person being unable to store new memories and is quite devastating to a person’s quality of life. In the case of Clive Wearing, based on Baddely, 1990; Blakemore 1988 as cited in (Gross, 2010), who suffered from anterograde amnesia, we can see the effects of damage to the hippocampus, in this case caused by a rare brain infection caused by the cold sore virus (Herpes Simplex). Mr. Wearing lives almost as if he is frozen in time, constantly believing he has just woken from years of unconscious sleep. He retains developed skills, for example he was the chorus master of the London Sinfonietta.Unfortunately for Mr. Wearing his ability to recall memories from earlier in his life is extremely patchy, at best. Atkinson and Schiffrin regard the kind of memory Deficits displayed by Clive Wearing as ‘perhaps the single most convincing demonstration of a dichotomy in the memory system’ (Gross, 2010) 9 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Therapeutic Applications Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on how our thoughts, feelings and behaviour all interact with each other; our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviour.CBT helps the client to develop alternate ways of thinking and behaving in order to reduce psychological distress. Through reflective processes and tasks such as homework, the client’s maladaptive thought process and behaviour is challenged. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a blanket term for different therapeutic interventions that share similar characteristics. Two therapies which form the basis of CBT are Rational Emot ive Behaviour Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s, and Cognitive Therapy, developed by Aaron T.Beck in the 1960’s. Beck puts forward the argument that our emotional reactions are essentially a function of how we construe the world. â€Å"Depressed people see themselves as victims, and Beck sees them as victims of their own illogical self-judgements. Beck’s central idea is that depressed individuals feel as they do because their thinking is dominated by negative schemas. † (Gross, 2010) Beck essentially implies that we interpret our reality by using our cognitive processes and our perception.If our perceptions are skewed because our cognitive processes are maladaptive or our methods of reasoning are incorrect then our emotions and behaviour become distorted from reality. In order to correct emotional or psychological disturbances then we must seek to examine the root of the problem, viewing this through the lens of cognition means that we must correct our thought process in order to correct the symptomatic behavioural and emotional disorder. Beck uses method’s to treat a disorder depending on the disorder that the client suffers from. He stresses the importance of the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist.Beck also places particular emphasis on the client discovering misconceptions for themselves. (McLeod, 2008) Albert Ellis’ Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy is quite contrasting to Becks method. Ellis Proposes that the therapist should be a teacher and that a warm personal relationship is unnecessary. REBT can also be highly directive, persuasive and confrontational. REBT also uses different methods of approach to a client’s issue depending on the client’s personality. Human cognition can be held responsible for the individual’s successes and accomplishments, according to CBT cognition can also be held responsible for our problems. You are responsible for the outcom e of the situation’ It emphasises control over one’s behaviour and emotions through correcting thought processes. The nature of Cognitive 10 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Psychology/Science allow cognitive theories to be tested in a variety of situations, for example Rimm & Litvak’s 1969 (McLeod, 2008) study shows that When experimental subjects are manipulated into adopting unpleasant assumptions or thought they became more anxious and depressed.Moreover, many people with diagnosed psychological disorders such as anxiety and sexual disorders have been found to display maladaptive thoughts and assumptions, making a case for the effectiveness of CBT. Aaron Beck’s work in researching depression and order disorders in clinical as well as laboratory settings and testing memory and other cognitive functions, and in particular his outcome studies have shown that CBT can be highly effective. CBT is also used in the treatment of drug abuse, bipolar disor der and in patients with cancer, HIV, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia.It has also been theoretically applied in the treatment of psychopathy. Evaluation/Personal Learning Upon examining the field of Cognitive Psychology, I have learned that cognitive Psychology is adaptive. It evolves with the times and incorporates new technologies, but also has a serious grounding in scientific methodology in order to correctly examine and understand the human mind. Cognitive Psychology is informed by the greater umbrella that is cognitive science. For example it uses information from computer science and neuroscience in order to better understand the cognitive processes that exist in the human brain.Given that the ‘mind’ is not a physical entity; this style of scientific inquiry may be the best approach in understanding it. There is a good scientific framework underlying Cognitive psychology which then allows the Psychologist to move forward and deal with issues presented by the mind. As we can see in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the therapist approaches the abstract nature of the mind by focusing on the underlying mental hierarchy. That being, Cognition, Emotion, Behaviour, in order to treat symptomatic issues, the therapist using this approach must deal with the thought processes that create these symptoms.The most important lesson that I have learned is that, while the mind is an abstract construct and is quite difficult to quantify, quantifiable information about physical constructs such as the brain and general human biology and chemistry and its influences informs the understanding of the human mind. 11 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Bibliography Baddely, A. & Hitch, G. , 1974. Working Memory. In: G. Bower, ed. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation: Advances in Research and Theory. New York: Academic Press, pp. 47-89.Gerrig, R. J. & Zimbardo. , &. P. G. , 2002. Glossary. [Online] Available at: http://www. apa. org/research/action/glossary. aspx [Accessed 14 November 2012]. Gross, R. , 2010. Psychology The Science of Mind and Behaviour. 6th ed. London: HodderArnold. McLeod, S. , 2007. Atkinson and Shiffrin | Multi Store Model of Memory.. [Online] Available at: http://www. simplypsychology. org/multi-store. html [Accessed 16 November 2012]. McLeod, S. , 2007. http://www. simplypsychology. org/cognitive. html. [Online] Available at: fromhttp://www. implypsychology. org/cognitive-therapy. html [Accessed 10 November 2012]. McLeod, S. , 2008. Simply Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. [Online] Available at: http://www. simplypsychology. org/cognitive-therapy. html [Accessed 12 November 2012]. Neisser, U. , 1967. Cognitive Psychology. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Solso, R. L. , Maclin, O. H. & Maclin, M. K. , 2008. Cognitive Psychology. 8th ed. Boston: Pearson. Tulving, E. & Schacter, D. L. , 1990. Priming and Human Memory Systems. Science, Volume 247, pp. 301-306. 12

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - Questions

'The Orphan Train' by Christina Baker Kline - Questions The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline moves back and forth between two stories that of a young orphan girl in the early twentieth century and that of a teenager in the modern-day foster care system. As such, book clubs that read this book have the opportunity to discuss American history, foster care issues or the relationships between characters in this particular novel. Choose among these discussion questions as you decide which threads are most interesting for your group to discuss more deeply. Spoiler Warning: Some of these questions reveal details from the end of the novel. Finish the book before reading on. Questions AboutThe Orphan Train The prolog gives away many of the details of Vivians life, such as when her parents died and the fact that her true love would die when she was 23. Did you remember these details as you read the novel? Do you think the prolog adds something important to the story?In many ways, the main story in this book is Vivians; however, the novels opening and closing chapters are in Spring Harbor in 2011 and contain Mollys story. Why do you think the author chose to frame the novel with Mollys experience?Were you more connected to one thread of the story the past or present, Vivians or Mollys? Do you think moving back and forth between time and the two stories added something to the novel that would have been missing if it was one linear story? Or do you think it detracted from the main narrative?Had you heard of the orphan trains before reading this novel? Do you think there were benefits to the system? What were the downsides that the novel highlighted?Compare and contrast Vivians experiences with Mollys. What are some ways that the current foster care system still needs to improve? Do you think any system could deal with the hole provided when a child loses his or her parents (either through death or neglect)? Molly and Vivian each held on to a necklace linking them to their cultural heritage even though their early experiences within those cultures were not entirely positive. Discuss why you think heritage is (or is not) important to personal identity.Does molly complete a portage project for school answering the questions, What did you choose to bring with you to the next place? What did you leave behind? What insights did you gain about whats important? (131). Take some time as a group to share your own experiences moving and how you would answer these questions personally.Did you think Vivian and Mollys relationship was believable?Why do you think Vivian chose to give up her baby? Vivian says of herself, I was a coward. I was selfish and afraid (251). Do you think thats true?Why do you think Vivian eventually takes Molly up on her offer to help her reconnect with her daughter? Do you think that learning the truth about Maisie had an impact on her decision?Why do you think Vivians story helps Molly experience more peace and closure with her own? Rate The Orphan Train on a scale of 1 to 5. The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline was published in April 2013Publisher: William Morrow288 Pages

Using the Different Forms of Pronouns

Using the Different Forms of Pronouns One of the basic parts of speech, a pronoun ​takes the place of a noun, often serving as a subject or an object in a sentence. Personal pronouns are important devices for making our writing both concise and coherent. A pronoun can be effective if we use an appropriate form (or case). Otherwise, it may distract or puzzle the reader. There are three common pronoun forms: subject pronouns, object pronouns, and possessive pronouns. We should try to be careful not to confuse one pronoun form with another. Subject Pronouns (Subjective Case) Subject pronouns are used as subjects of sentences and of subordinate clauses. The subject pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. I live for the summer. You remind me of a gray day in winter. He (or She or It) is heading for a fall. We are ready to spring into action. They never last longer than a season. Object Pronouns (Objective Case) Object pronouns are used as objects of verbs or of prepositions. The object pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. The sun never shines on me.Someday a planet will be named after you.Mona gave him (or her or it) a gold ribbon.She showed us the ring around the moon.The Coast Guard rescued them at dawn. Possessive Pronouns (Possessive Case) Possessive pronouns show who or what owns something. The possessive pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. My old guitar is in the pawn shop, but the drum set is still mine.* Your song was hard to understand, but I still enjoyed yours more than anyone elses. His (or Her or Its) music is too sweet, so we played hers (or his) instead. Our music may be old fashioned, but its still ours.The Simpsons left their children in the garage, but the McGraths took theirs home. Notice that you dont use an apostrophe with a possessive pronoun.  * Some grammarians make a distinction between possessive determiners (such as my in My old guitar) and possessive pronouns (such as mine in the drum set is still mine. Practice in Using Correct Pronoun Forms These exercises will give you practice in using the different forms of pronouns clearly and correctly: Using the Different Forms of Pronouns: Practice Exercise 1Pronoun Exercise: Recasting a Paragraph With Pronouns

Analysis of the Case Filed against Birth Choices, Inc Study

Analysis of the Filed against Birth Choices, Inc - Case Study Example While it is true that the First Amendment provides freedom for everyone to speak up what they feel or what they deem is right, the freedom of speech is not absolute. Freedom of speech will not clothe anyone, or any group, who, in a public place will use language or words that are likely to cause a â€Å"breach of the peace.† These include statements that contain profane, libelous, defamatory, lewd, profane, or insulting word that is most likely to provoke violent reactions at their very utterance.  In this case, the acts of the members of Christian for Life in yelling out â€Å"Murderers!† and of splashing ketchup to the members of the Birth Choices, Inc., are defamatory and tends to invite a violent reaction by the latter group. Thus, the speech and the act were not a healthy exercise of freedom of speech and are not protected under the First Amendment. Being the facts, the motion to dismiss should be denied and the case should be set for trial. The issue is whether or not the corporate logo of the Birth Choices, Inc. hung on the entrance of the city center is obscene and should be taken down. The US Supreme Court defined in numerous decided cases an obscene material as those that deal with sex in a manner appealing to prurient interest. It further defines material appealing to prurient interest as â€Å"material having a tendency to excite lustful thoughts,† and defined prurient interest as a â€Å"shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. It further stressed that only â€Å"hardcore† materials are not protected under the First Amendment. â€Å"Hardcore† materials include those â€Å"patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated.†Ã‚   In this case, since the contested logo is in the form of a silhouette, it cannot be considered as a hardcore material. There is no patent representation of a sexual act between a man and a woman sin ce a silhouette can be interpreted in many ways.

The Muslim and Hebrew Holy Books Show That These Religions Have More Essay

The Muslim and Hebrew Holy Books Show That These Religions Have More in Commom than in Discord - Essay Example But, when we come to study and analyze these two religions from their very roots and basics, we realize that these two religions have more things in common than any other religions. comparing these two religions with each other and then with the other religions of the world, more similarities have been found in between these two religions than in any other religions of world. To start with the most basic and important thing, the followers of both these religions believe in ONE GOD. Both the religions have rejected the existence of more than one God and have advised their followers to worship the one and only true God who is the creator of this whole universe. The Islam and Judaism are supposed to guide their followers towards a life which is full of harmony, peace and divinity. Both these religions share much in common when it comes living everyday life. Islam and Judaism guide their followers towards prosperity. When it comes towards laws, the followers of both the religions tend to live their lives according to the laws handed down by their God and stick to the way of life defined by their religions. Both the Islamic and Hebrew laws (Shria’ and Halakhah) guide their followers in living everyday life, in family matter, in their personal behavior towards others and in their jobs. Both these religions tend to guide their followers more in following what is ordered by the God than following personal attitude and what the world has to say. The followers of both Islam and Judaism live their lives as defined by the God and the messengers sent by the God: Muhammad and Abraham. (Rosen 2003) Islam and Judaism both have stressed on a day of judgment when one will have to answer about all the things he did in his life. He will be rewarded for what he did good and will be punished for his sins. The idea of the life here after and the rewards in it are praised by both the religions. if we look into the Holy books of these religions i.e. The Quran and The Torah, we f ind many similarities, not only in the messages sent down by the God but also in the instances that have been described in these Holy books narrating the history of God’s Messengers and their lives. For example the instance of Abraham and His Wife Sarah about Sarah being too old to have a child are narrated almost similarly in both the books. â€Å"Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah had stopped having her monthly periods. So Sarah laughed to herself. Then the Lord asked Abraham, Why Sarah laughed and said, 'Can I really have a child when I am so old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord?† (The Torah) The same instance is described in The Quran like this: â€Å"And his wife (Sarah) was standing by; she laughed, therefore We gave her the glad tidings of Isaac, and after Isaac, of Jacob. She said, 'Woe is me! Shall I bear, being an old woman? This assuredly is a strange thing.’ They said, 'What, dost thou marvel at God's command? The mercy of God and His ble ssings be upon you, O people of the House! Sure He is All-laudable, All-glorious.’† (The Quran) The description of these two instances proves the similarity even in the Holy books of the two religions. Moreover, the Holy books of these two religions have delivered the message of the God through His messengers. The followers of both the religions have faith in God, His messengers and the Day of Judgment. The followers of both the religions believe that there are much similarities in these religions as they are all the descendants of Abraham and also according to the ritual of Abraham the males of both the societies are circumsized (Rosen 2003).