Non-participant observation Essay Example

Non-participant observation Essay Observational research must respect the privacy and psychological well being of the people being studied. In this study informed consent was not obtained, therefore the study was conducted in an acceptable circumstance where people could expect to be to be watched by strangers. All information was confidential and participants could not be identified by any of the results. There are two main types of observational studies, participant observation, and non-participant observation. Non-participant observation is used in this investigation. Non-participant observation is when the observer only observes and records the behaviour of the group but doesnt interact with them. The participants used were selected by Opportunity sampling, as the researcher chose anyone who was in the target population and was available for a sufficient amount of time to be observed. The participants were observed until a sufficient amount of details were collected then the researcher would move on and observe the next person. A pilot study was firstly conducted so that the researcher could construct a behavioural category system. This way the observation could be recorded onto a tally chart when the participant displayed a particular behaviour. Point sampling was the method used to collect the data. Point sampling is when participants are observed until enough data is gathered about his or her behaviour. The observer then moves onto the next person. Independent Variable (IV) The IV is the variable that the researcher manipulates and controls. In this investigation it was gender. Dependant Variable (DV) The DV is the variable that is measured when any change is made due to the IV. We will write a custom essay sample on Non-participant observation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Non-participant observation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Non-participant observation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In this investigation the DV is the type of reinforcement males and females use to reinforce each other. These were smiling, tutting, verbal encouragement, nudging soft/aggressively and hugging. Extraneous Variables The study was performed in the same place so the confounding variable, situational variable, wouldnt occur and affect the results. Participants A large group of people whom we are interested in measuring are called a target population. The target population in this investigation were college students aged 16 18 attending a sixth form college in west London. The small group that were selected as representatives of the target population were selected by using the sampling method Opportunity Sampling, as the researcher chose anyone who was in the target population and was available for a sufficient amount of time to be observed. Twenty people were observed, ten of each gender. Apparatus and Materials Tally chart listing different types in reinforcement used by the target population. The chart was designed by firstly conducting a short preliminary observation to gather the different types of reinforcement used by the target population. (See Appendix A) Procedure In this investigation the observer firstly selected a public place where she could carry out her observation. She was observing the way in which members of the same gender praised/criticised each other, either verbally, physically or both. She then selected an appropriate person who would be available for a long enough period of time, so enough information could be gathered on them. She then sat in a seat at an appropriate distance from the person being observed. She used the apparatus (tally chart listing the different category systems) to define each type of reinforcement. The behaviours were recorded by using the method of point sampling. Point Sampling is when enough information is gathered on a person the researcher moves onto the next until all 20 participants are observed (10 male, 10 female). The mean in the results for females was higher with the verbal types of reinforcement than for males. The mean in the results for males were higher with the physical types of reinforcement than for females. This means that the females used all three of the verbal types of reinforcement more frequently than the males. The males used two out of three of the physical types of reinforcement more than the females. The exception was hugging which females used 2. 5% more than the males. This was an anomalous result. The reason for this is believed to be because hugging is stereotyped as a female behaviour towards members of their own gender. Smiling has a difference of 0. 4 between the two genders, males being the highest. The modal result for both genders was smiling. The hypothesis Females will reinforce other females verbally whilst males will reinforce other males physically was accepted and the null hypothesis There is no relationship between gender and types of reinforcement was therefore refuted. Discussion From the results obtained it can be seen that the hypothesis was supported Females will reinforce other females verbally whilst males will reinforce other males physically which means that on average the males used more physical types of reinforcement than the females. This study is quite independent as it has more differences to the Fagot study than similarities. The similarities are major parts of the two studies in that they both contain reinforcement and the hypotheses are based on gender appropriate behaviour. The conclusions made in this study are similar to that of the results in the Fagot study, in that the way in which participants reinforced each other was dependant on their gender. The participants in this study may have been acting the way they believed to be appropriate for them to in an environment of same gender peers. Also some of the participants in the area where the study was conducted may have the stereotypical view that males who act feminine are not following the group norm. The observation was carried out at different times of the day and so some participants who were observed in the afternoon may have been less tolerant with a lot less energy. If this observation were carried out again then it would be more reliable if the target population had a wider variety of people so it could be easily generalised. Also the sample size could increase more accurate sampling methods used. For example, quota sampling, when a sample selected contains specified groups in numbers, which is proportional to their size in the target population. A further study of reinforcement could move onto looking at the behaviour of genders when reinforcing members of the opposite sex and the response to being reinforced to a member of the opposite sex. The results could be compared to this study to see if there are differences in the ways males/females reinforce members of their own sex when compared to when they reinforce members of the opposite sex. This observation could be carried out the same way as the original study but there would be a larger sample size for more reliability, and the observer would be looking for participants reinforcing members of the opposite gender. In this study the main ethical issue was that observational research must, at all times, respect the privacy and psychological well being of the participants so the researcher would have to make sure that the participant was always unaware of the observation and that all information about the participant would remain confidential. Conclusion The difference in the type of reinforcement used by the males and females may be because of how they developed and were taught how to act. The results clearly show the males had higher means for physical reinforcement, when the anomaly is exempt, than the females, and the females had higher means for verbal reinforcement than the males. So to conclude

The Issue with Scapegoating Social Problems Essays

The Issue with Scapegoating Social Problems Essays The Issue with Scapegoating Social Problems Paper The Issue with Scapegoating Social Problems Paper Essay Topic: Social Issues Social inequalities and the so-called War on Drugs have put drug abuse under a lens by where victims of larger social problems, such as unemployment, poverty, lack of mobility due to race and place are not only viewed as the cause of the problems they face, but an enemy in this War on Drugs. As well, the concern by policy makers at large on the erosion of traditional family values is blamed on drug abuse and not vice versa. The inability to accept shifting family paradigms and coupling the changing myriad of family structures with an erosion of values is troubling. Equally troubling is the problem of power with those in power refusing to yield and instead fighting to keep their own power and status by scapegoating those that have none. Instead of looking at institutional problems that promote anomie and a sense of alienation from others due to the status quo, these concerned policy-makers make this a personal issue and thus drug abuse is only a personal problem from their standpoint. In such a Capitalist society as the United States, all problems are made into individual problems. If a person is in poverty, it is viewed as a lack of initiative on their part, if their are abusing drugs it is because they are deviant, and so on. This leads to institutionalized alienation of those in need and contempt by those who can help. By a society taking a collective approach to all its citizens and understanding that stunting the growth of individuals when they need it, may only lead that person to a state where drug abuse, crime, and poverty seem the only place that they play any role in their world. Changing attitudes and providing systemic solutions to many social problems, such as drug use, is the only way to provide respite and resolution from this scenario that continues to play out in our society. References Heiner, Robert. Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism. (2006). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp 105-146.

Media Affect on Violence in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media Affect on Violence in America - Essay Example Third, violence in the media helps us to understand the nature of violence and why we should avoid it. Violence is part of our lives. For hundreds of years, it has always been part of human entertainment. Even before television, movies, the internet and the entire media system has been created, people from all over the world have been entertaining themselves with plays and sports that involve bloodshed. Early recorded history of the Egyptians show that these people has been re-enacting the killing of their god Orisis (Shaw, Ian (2003). Ancient Romans also have their share of violent entertainment. Gladiator games which involve bloodshed were very popular around 380 B.C (Adkins, Lesley; Roy Adkins (1998). This sport drew the people to the coliseum and spur economic activities. Yes, the whole idea of people screaming with ecstasy as one gladiator raises his blooded sword while the other fall bleeding on the ground seems barbaric but we cannot deny the fact that fascination of the people on the bloody gladiator sports did help shape the Roman culture and economy at that time. Since the ancient times, our fascination on violence and bloodshed has changed much. People are still fascinated with bloodshed and violence and this made violent films very profitable nowadays. According to boxofficemoj.com and filmsite.org, 8 out of top 10 box office hits of all seasons have explicitly violent scenes in them. At number one of the list is Titanic, which grossed $600.8 million to dat,e featured the violent struggle between the two leading men in the film (www.boxofficemojo.com). In number two of the list is Dark Knight which grossed $528.6 million featured even more violent scenes with lots of explosives and fire power (www.boxofficemojo.com). Even the supposedly innocent movie "Shek" which is designed for young viewers and is at number four on the list of all time box office hits has some violent

How is technology shaping the future of tertiary institutions and what Thesis Proposal

How is technology shaping the future of tertiary institutions and what must the do to survive - Thesis Proposal Example Technology is the skeleton, muscles and blood of higher education for the students in meeting the standards of excellence in scholastic merits, viable and sustainable productive skills for future, and adaptability to changing trends in real world. In order to keep pace with the changes around the globe, it is indispensable for the institutions to connect the teaching to technology so that the beliefs about future can be transformed to realities in their practical outcome. This paper is aimed at making an exploration of the various management challenges for rendering a tertiary education strategy in connection with the increasing demand for technology in the application level learning. The project will investigate, experiment and evaluate the information, factual data and chronological details related to the advancement of technology as a relationship with its viability and scope in the field of tertiary education by pursuing the following question - The paper will be an evaluation of the current system of education at higher levels with apt suggestions for improvement by highlighting the relevance of technology at learning process so as to enable the students find their place in the competitive world. It does not take strain to understand the inevitable role of technology in the present day world in connecting lives as a vicious cycle comprising various dynamic activities for growth and sustainability. Although the focus of technological advancement is mainly on the business sector, the fact that educational institutions are the suppliers of creative human resources is indisputable. This proposal will focus on underlining the importance of a discussion of management challenges before universities and institutions in framing a balanced course inclusive of technology at its core. Experimental approach to management challenge is important in tertiary institutions for various reasons. Most basically, it is

Major Policy Stakeholders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Major Policy Stakeholders - Essay Example A program which would smooth the way to integrate nutritional education and its transmission to the population. There is a national health agenda as a part of the government policies that promote a healthy lifestyle through preventive and educative approaches practices by the healthcare professionals.National Weight Control registry maintains a database which led to tools and tactics to maintain long-term weight loss. It has been shown that diet and exercise are the main steps for the success of preventive measures. Healthcare providers have important roles in motivating their patients to change lifestyle and modify dietary behaviors. Research has shown that brief interventions by physicians and healthcare providers on a regular and consistent basis may strongly reinforce positive behaviors in the patients. The environmental factors that promote obesity are taken with great seriousness by academia, government, industry, and healthcare. There is a consensus that portion sizes must be reduced with more attention to appropriate macronutrient intakes, such as low fat, high protein, low-energy foods. Obesity is alarmingly rising with implications of a public health problem of epidemic potentials. In the community, there are many stakeholders which can have a collaborative approach to prevent this problem through dealing with respective parts based on evidence. As indicated in the discussion above, various stakeholders are coming up with different propositions that may control the epidemic of obesity very successfully.

Comparison of Flow Patterns of Rivers

Comparison of Flow Patterns of Rivers Introduction Comparing the flow patterns of rivers in different regions can be most revealing to the contemporary geographer. As Veissman and Lewis have emphasised, all waterways are influenced by the six components of the hydrological cycle.[1] These are: precipitation levels, infiltration, evaporation, transpiration, surface run-off and ground water flow. Such factors, along with topography, often vary considerably within relatively small geographical boundaries. For the purposes of this investigation the flow duration curves (FDCs) of the rivers Owenmore, Funshion, Rye Water and Fane, which are located in the Republic of Ireland, shall be subjected to inspection and comparison. The Flow Duration Curve As Singh has noted ‘the flow duration curve (FDC) is one of the simplest but most informative tools in hydrology’ and ‘shows the percentage of time during which specified flows were equalled or exceeded during the period of record.’[2] In essence, the FDC is a model which can be utilised by hydroelectric companies and other agencies in order to determine the energy capacity of a river, normally on an annual basis. The vertical, or Y, axis represents the flow rate (Q) measured in cubic metres per second (mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s) and the horizontal, or X, axis represents the percentage of time over a specific period in which flow exceeds the value on the Y axis. Thus, the area below the curve shows the potential energy capacity of the river. The shape of the FDC is influenced by the six components of the hydrological cycle and also the topography and shape of the river’s catchment area. As Ward and Robinson have highlighted, a steeply sloping FDC is typical of ‘highly variable flows with a large quick flow component.’[3] Such a trend is associated with waterways in the Mediterranean region due to extremes in precipitation levels, high surface run-off and a low storage capacity of the soil. On the contrary, a gently sloping curve indicates a ‘large delayed flow component.’[4] This is typical of many rivers in temperate climates which continue to receive through-flow during periods of low precipitation from water stored in the surrounding soil and bedrock. The lower end of the FDC is indicative of ‘perennial storage in the basin.’[5] Thus, if the FDC ‘flattens out,’ the catchment area has a considerable degree of water stored which will flow into the river during d ry periods. A Comparison of Rivers The Flow Duration Curves of both the rivers Owenmore and Funshion are similar in shape and exhibit a much steeper trend in comparison to the FDCs of rivers Rye Water and Fane. However, the curve of the Funshion flattens out more than that of the Owenmore. Flow rate never decreases below 1.8mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Funshion whereas on the Owenmore it can be as low as 0.8mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. This shows that the Funshion benefits from a greater level of through flow and storage capacity within its drainage basin. Indeed, this is understandable when one considers that the total area of the Funshion’s catchment exceeds that of the Owenmore by 64 Km . Specific run-off is also 0.9 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s higher in the area of the Owenmore which accounts for the river having a higher maximum flow rate of 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. In only 5% of the time, 17.3% of the total annual flow rate passes through its water channel. Mean flow rate of the River Funshion is 8.14 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s, the highest of all the rivers. Flow rate exceeded for 95% of the year (Q95) is 0.495 and emphasises that the Funshion has the greatest minimum river flow of all the waterways. The rivers Rye Water and Fane have a flow range which is less than that of the Owenmore and Funshion. Maximum flow rate is 11.8 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Rye Water and 8.0 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Fane. This is due in part to the lower drainage area of both basins. The Fane’s is only 234 km and the Rye Water’s is the smallest of the four at 215 km . The flow rate exceeded for 95% of the year (Q95) of the Fane is 0.085 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s to the Rye Water’s 0.046 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The Fane’s catchment exhibit’s a greater degree of storage capacity than that of the Rye Water as flow rate never drops below 0.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. However, the Rye Water’s flow rate drops considerably and levels off at only 0.10 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³ /s for 15% of the year, contributing to the lowest mean flow rate of all the waterways at just 2.16 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The specific run-off rate of the Rye Water is 0.4 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s higher than that of the Fane. Of all the rivers, the Funshion exhibits the highest base flow rate whilst the Rye Water’s is the lowest. The Owenmore has the widest range of flow rate from 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³ /s to only 0.80 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The Fane has the gentlest FDC and ranges from 8.00 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s at high flow to 0.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s at low flow. Geographical Locations and Factors of Influence The River Owenmore is located in the north of the Republic of Ireland and flows from north central Mayo to Sligo Bay. Precipitation levels are high in this oceanic coastal area and average 1163 mm per year. As Mitchell and Ryan have noted, this zone is also dominated by poorly drained peat and gley soils.[6] Thus, during periods of heavy rainfall, a large amount of surface run-off flows directly to the river channel. High upland plateaus, which dominate the region to heights of up to 2113 feet, contribute to this phenomena. This explains why the flow rate of the River Owenmore can reach 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s during periods of high rainfall. The course of the river traverses terrain utilised for grazing and dairying purposes. Such an expanse of grassland further exacerbates surface run-off during the winter months. The River Funshion is a tributary to the Blackwater River in south west Ireland. This region is also overlooked by uplands which can rise to heights of 2000 feet at the source of the Blackwater. The steepness of the surrounding topography is a potent factor in generating a top flow rate of 20.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. Heavily forested slopes also ensure that a higher degree of subsurface water is retained within the basin than in the sparsely wooded catchment area of the River Owenmore in the north. The Funshion thus receives a higher level of through-flow at times of low precipitation due to this vegetation factor and flow rate never drops below 1.80 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. Rainfall averages 1190mm per year in this catchment area, which is the most of all the four drainage basins. The rivers Rye Water and Fane experience lower levels of precipitation due to their location further east. The Fane is situated in the drumlin belt close to the town of Monaghan in South Armagh and the Rye Water is a tributary of the Liffey River which traverses the city of Dublin. The terrain influencing both drainage basins is not as dynamic as that of the west and altitudes rarely reach 655 feet. The highest flow rate of the Rye Water is just 11.80mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s which is testimony to the lower eastern topography. However, urbanisation around the river channel has contributed to increased surface run-off; the river passes through the settlements of Kilcock and Leixlip before entering the Liffey. Orme has noted that the drumlin soils of catchments such as the River Fane are often poorly drained and prone to water logging.[7] This factor explains why the lower end of the river’s FDC does not drop as abruptly as that of the Rye Water. Clearly the Fane has a higher degree of surface storage in its catchment area. Bibliography HAUGHTON, J. P. GILMOUR, D. A. Geography of Ireland, The Department of Foreign Affairs, 1979 MITCHELL, F. RYAN, M. Reading the Irish Landscape, Town House Dublin, 1997 ORME, A. R. Ireland, Longman, 1970 SINGH, V. P. Environmental Hydrology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995 VEISSMAN, W. LEWIS, G. L. Introduction to Hydrology, Pearson Education Inc, Fifth Edition, 2003 WARD, R. C. ROBINSON, M. Principles of Hydrology, McGraw-Hill, 2000 WHITTOW, J. B. Geology and Scenery in Ireland, Penguin Books, 1974 Footnotes [1] W Viessman, G L Lewis, Introduction to Hydrology, Pearson, 2003) 2 [2] V P Singh, Environmental Hydrology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995) 113 [3] R C Ward, M Robinson, Principles of Hydrology, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 2000) 258 [4] R C Ward, M Robinson) 258 [5] R C Ward, M Robinson) 258 [6] F Mitchell, F Ryan, Reading the Irish Landscape, Town house Dublin, 1997) 308 [7] A R Orme, Ireland, Longman, 1970) 61

Good Country People by Flannery OConnor Essay -- essays research pape

Good Country People by Flannery O'Connor Good Country People'; by Flannery O’Connor is an excellent example of irony in literature. From beginning to end it has a steady procession of irony, much of it based on the title of the story: â€Å"Good Country People.'; In the beginning of the story we meet Mrs. Freeman, wife of the hired hand. She and her husband have been working for Mrs. Hopewell for four years. â€Å"The reason for her keeping them so long was that they were not trash. They were ‘Good Country People,’'; according to Mrs. Hopewell. Ironically one of the first things we learn about Mrs. Freeman is that her previous employer has called her â€Å"the nosiest woman ever to walk the earth.'; Then, as the story progresses, we learn she has â€Å"a special fondness for the details of secret infections, hidden deformities, assaults upon children';. It seems that for a â€Å"good country person'; she has a perverse curiosity in the macabre. She particularly enjoys hearing all the details of how Joy/Hulga had her leg literally blasted off in a hunting accident. As the story moves on we can see the conflict between Mrs. Hopewell and her daughter Joy/Hulga. Joy/Hulga treats her mother with disdain, and does everything she can to emphasize her own individuality. She professes to believe in nothing. She is a proud intellectual and has little doubt of her belief in â€Å"nothingness.'; However, ironically in the end she is proven to be very muc...