Critical Thinking Assignment On Islam - 1488 Words

Critical Thinking Assignment on Islam Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by Muhammed during the seventh century. Islam means â€Å" surrender.† (The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetic) To follow the teachings of Islam, one is called a Muslim. The book that was recited to Muhammed from the angel Gabriel is referred to as the Quran. Allah to a Muslim means God. As a Christian I must understand the worldview of Islam. In the understanding I hope to communicate the Christian faith by showing Christ s love through understanding and maintaining an open dialogue. Islam explains the creation of man as â€Å"We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape ( Sura 15:26) However, if you read further,you discover in another verse â€Å"It is he who has created man from water.† (Sura 25:54). Another verse says†that he created you from dust† (Sura 30:20). The essential need of mankind is to worship God. The almighty God has no need for worship. If mankind never worshiped God he w ould still be perfect. Islam is a religion that is rooted on very strict guidelines that must be followed precisely and without exception. Muslims lives are guided by the teaching of Muhammed. According to Muhammed’s teaching the angel Gabriel came to him in a vision. From this vision came the five Pillars of Islam. New converts to Islam must surrender themselves to the rites, rituals and practices of the religion (Hindson 279). The fives pillars gives specific guidance to how toShow MoreRelatedEssay about Hebrew Wisdom on Diligence and Laziness934 Words   |  4 PagesCritical Thinking Assignment Part I 1) I chose the Islam worldview i)The Question of Origin-- Islams believe that man came into being through a long process of evolution. They believe the evolutionary process which produced man in its form today took millions of years, and man evolved from lower forms of animal life. In their belief,it was only small types of animals in the beginning, and in the course of time animals got larger and eventually one of these animals developed into manRead MoreThe Education System And Public Education945 Words   |  4 Pagesreligion in the classroom can increase critical thinking, reflection, and a greater understanding for history and culture. A student who learns about Judaism, Taoism, Islam, or Catholicism can be unbiased when interacting with individuals from different cultures. Students have been subjected to individual projects in school since the beginning of education; however, in society a person in more likely to work in a group rather than by themselves. Individual assignments are prevalent in the education systemRead MoreElements of Religious Traditions1308 Words   |  6 Pageshave a sacred book, and follow certain commandments. The first religion, Judaism, they believe in one god (God) and have the Torah as their sacred book. Next is Christianity, they believe in one god and live by the Hebrew Bible. The third religion is Islam, they also believe in one god (Allah) and follow their sacred book called the Koran. There are eight elements that religions are manifested in some degree. First is the belief system, in which â€Å"several beliefs fit together into a fairly complete andRead MoreMy Experience At The Baker University Maed Program972 Words   |  4 Pageslearning style, or background. To help students find what works best for them, I implement a variety of strategies. A strategy may be an accommodation or a modification to a task such as text to speech, extra time to complete assignments or tests, skip or reduce assignments, or complete independent projects. I started to compile a binder of formal and summative strategies to use next year. One of the components that stuck with me was the impact positive and specific feedback, both verbal and writtenRead MoreAgents of Socialization Essay 51720 Words   |  7 Pagessuch as punctuality, prioritization, participation, initiative, independence, leadership, responsibility, preparedness, and organization. All of these characteristics have influenced me in the way that I have been able to complete homework and assignments to the best of my ability at home and during school, and this has ultimately causing my academic success. Also, school has influenced me in the way of the attitude of which I approach people such as teachers and peers. When it comes to teachersRead MoreGlobal Leaders Should Understand Globalization Has Differing. Effects On Countries And People.organizations Need Specific Leadership2089 Words   |  9 Pagesanticipate future challenges. From a global standpoint to evaluate and predict future challenges, leaders need to look beyond the current situation and think outside of the box by continuous learning and self-development to overcome traditional thinking. Interviewing Kara Ross Jewelry To better assist with having a global understanding of how to lead a diverse group, and to properly manage factors that may arise in the globalRead MoreEssay about palace walk2820 Words   |  12 PagesPatriarchy in simple terms can be defined as a system or government in which men hold the power and status, in comparison to women who are largely excluded. Throughout this assignment, particular attention will be placed upon issues surrounding patriarchal culture and the effects of the British colonial rule. Furthermore, the manners in which patriarchy manifests itself in regards to human relationships and behaviour will also be discussed, as well as the effect of power relations on the abilityRead MoreThe Armenian Genocide And The Decline Of The Ottoman Empire1671 Words   |  7 Pagesin. Constant deportations over history eventually led them to many different parts of the world, forming what is the Armenian diaspora. Ever since the 4th Century CE, the Armenian state claimed Christianity as their official religion. Even after Islam was founded in the 7th century CE and became the state religion in all of the countries surrounding Armenia, the Armenians still held onto the Christian faith. Since Christianity was a religious minority at the time, Armenians were viewed as â€Å"infidels†Read MoreThe Culture Of Thai Culture1901 Words   |  8 Pagesactivities of the Thai people. Some of the major values and practice of Thai people include the self-control, the non-confrontational attitude, and respect, etc. A second religion that has considered for this assignment is the Omani culture that has based on various subsect believes or groups of Islam that can know as the Ibadhism,Suni and the Shia, etc. thus, the Islamic festivals and traditions and values are very much important to the Omani culture. At last, the role of gender has evaluated into theRead MoreEmerging Challenges in Global HRM2901 Words   |  12 Pageslaw (Paik Vance, 2006; Brown, 2008; Mutsuddi, 2012). In the meanwhile of the ‘globalizing’ process for HRM, there is an increasing anxiety among these HR leaders whether they are ready to respond to the complexity of IHRM. While HR leaders are thinking to build effective and efficient IHRM policies, they should also consider of the importance of maintaining global and local balance to initiate its HR practices due to cultural diversity (Losey, Meisinger Ulrich, 2005) Keeping the above perspectives

A Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen - 2768 Words

Introduction Today, the accepted roles of both women and men judged by society’s expectations is an extremely controversial topic. Feminism is a battle that many women are fighting, because even though today’s women can be and accomplish almost anything, men often play the more superior role in many relationships. The role of women has been viewed differently throughout different points in history and in different areas. However, many people don t realize that the slight lack of power women seem to have nowadays has lessened with time, in all areas. Even though many may argue that men have an abuse of power in modern times, women have far more rights in government and society’s standings than they once had . A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen sheds light on the typical role of women in 1870’s Norway, showing how women were treated then: almost as objects with no real important place in society. This gives modern readers a clear view of how many more opp ortunities that women have nowadays. This essay will combat the derogatory view of women that many people may still have yet how it has lessened and changed . It will examine the role of men in the time period of the play as well. This essay will look into Ibsen’s life and motives for writing, because not only did he choose to give light to feminism, but he alluded to looking down on the role of men. It will explore what themes in the play that relate to Ibsen’s personal life. This essay will also explore the minds of theShow MoreRelatedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll House1563 Words   |  7 Pages In the play, A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, the title itself symbolizes the dependent and degraded role of the wife within traditional marriages. Ibsen portrayed the generous nature root into women by society, as well as the significant action of this nature, and lastly the need for them to find their own voice in a world ruled by men. Ibsen wrote this play in 1879, this is the era where women were obedient to men, tend the children until their husband came home, and stood by the Cult of DomesticityRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1717 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"A Doll, a Partner, and a Change† Social movement of women liberation toward equal rights and independence has been a big subject in human history. It happens not only in Europe but also all over the world. Though making progress, this movement has been advancing slowly and encountered backslashes from time to time. Maybe there is something deeply hidden which the society has not figured out yet, even women themselves. What do women want, freedom or good life? Most of the time, they are notRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1291 Words   |  6 Pages A Doll s House by Henrik Ibsen, is a play that has been written to withstand all time. In this play Ibsen highlights the importance of women’s rights. During the time period of the play these rights were neglected. Ibsen depicts the role of the woman was to stay at home, raise the children and attend to her husband during the 19th century. Nora is the woman in A Doll House who plays is portrayed as a victim. Michael Meyers said of Henrik Ibsen s plays: The common denominator in many of IbsenRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1288 Words   |  6 Pages Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is based in the Victorian society of the 19th century. It assesses the many struggles and hardships that women faced because of marriage â€Å"laws† that were crucial during that time period. The society was male- dominated with no equality. Nora is the protagonist in A Doll’s House and the wife of a man named Torvald. This play is about Nora’s voyage to recognizing her self- determination and independence. She transforms from a traditional, reserved woman to a new, independentRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1298 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"There is beauty in truth, even if it s painful. Those who lie, twist life so that it looks tasty to the lazy, brilliant to the ignorant, and powerful to the weak. But lies only strengthen our defects. They don t teach anything, help anything, fix anything or cure anything. Nor do they develop one s character, one s mind, one s heart or one s soul.† (Josà © N. Harris). Nora Helmer’s choice to lie and deceive is inappropriate and wrong for women to do to her husband during this time period; itRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1037 Words   |  5 PagesHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House is a work of literature genius. This three-act play involves many literary technics that are undermined by the average reader such as the fact that the plot shows the main characters Torvald and his wife Nora live the perfect life. An ironic paradox based around the fact that Nora and Torvald’s relationship is the complete opposite of perfect. Also, bringing upon a conflict as well, appearance versus reality. These little hidden meanings within stories are what areRead MoreHenrik Ibsen s A Doll House Essay1501 Words   |  7 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s play â€Å"A Doll House† was set in the Victorian era, a time where women were highly respected. Women in this time period did not work, they had nannies to take care of their children and maids to take care of their homes. Many women had no real responsibilities, they spent their time having tea parties and socializing with their friends. Henrik Ibsen dared to show the realism of the Victorian era while everyone else would only focus on the romantic aspect. In the play, â€Å"A Doll House†Read MoreA Doll s House : Henrik Ibsen962 Words   |  4 PagesDrama Analysis A Doll’s House (Henrik Ibsen) And Trifles (Susan Glaspell) In comparing both dramas, the overwhelming aspect of convergence between both is the open discussion of gender identity. Both dramas make similar points about what it means to be a woman. Modern society in both dramas is constructed with men holding power over women. This is seen in Trifles in how men like George Henderson and Mr. Hale are myopic. The premise of the drama is how women worry over trifles, and the dismissiveRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1421 Words   |  6 PagesIn A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen examines conventional roles of men and women in the nineteenth century. In the play, Nora exemplifies the conventional feminine standard during that period. She seems to be powerless and confines herself through high standard expectations, demonstrating what the role of a women would be as a wife and mother. The protagonist of A Doll’s House is a woman named Nora Helmer. Ibsen shows how Nora’s design of perfect life gradually transforms when her sec ret unravels. InRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen876 Words   |  4 PagesA Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen A Doll’s House takes place in the home of Torvald and Nora Helmer. Through conversation with Nora’s good friend Kristine Linde it is revealed that Mr. Helmer was ill around the same time Nora’s father died. Luckily Nora’s father left her enough money that Torvald and Nora could go on a life saving trip to Italy. But the truth comes out when we find out Nora’s father did not leave her a penny. We find out that Nora got a hold of the money through a loan but she signed

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good free essay sample

Night Essay, Research Paper This is a verse form about the joy and unhappiness that comes with the flash of firing life shortly blown out with nil more so a suspiration. It focuses on the unhappiness as those we care for go far excessively gently into that good dark. Of those who left before their clip. As this verse form was written specifically for Thomas? s deceasing father it is even more affecting in the emotional weight the words convey. This verse form radiates with strength, in peculiar, the poetry beginning: ? wild work forces who caught and sang the Sun in flight? is merely beautiful poesy. Addressed to the poet # 8217 ; s father as he approaches sightlessness and decease. The relevant facet of the relationship was Thomas # 8217 ; s profound regard for his male parent, tall and strong in Thomas? s passionate head but now tamed by unwellness and the passing of clip. We will write a custom essay sample on Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The credence of decease and a peaceable remainder afterwards are pushed aside in favour of an ignoble fury so blind it about mirrors the energy of childhood defeat at the nature of things we are powerless to alter. Further more, the verse form speaks every bit much of the loss of love and the feelings of one left behind as of decease itself. The significance of the verse form stays shrouded in metaphors like the mentions to dark as good . He acknowledged his male parent stood someplace he had non, and possibly saw what he could non. Thomas was non ready to allow travel of such an of import portion of his life even though his male parent was confronting an irreversible class, and Thomas? s heartache was possibly all the greater. His statement of this love and heartache remain touching. Possibly the feelings of his melting male parent should hold been more of import than his ain fury. These emotion seem to run undisputed throughout the verse form even though the manner beckons construction and subject within the subject of dark and light . In the three? s Thomas gives illustrations of work forces who meet decease otherwise yet likewise. The first are wise work forces, possibly philosophers. They know dark is right because they know what to look for at the terminal of life. In malice of their wisdom, nevertheless, they do non travel soft because their words had forked no lightning. This phrase has the force of a symbol proposing that wise work forces had lacked the ultimate power of nature. Thomas hence seems to be stating that the wise work forces were non wise plenty, Thursdaies at their words created no ultimate lingual world but obscure guess of decease as a good thing. Subsequently, the good work forces of the 3rd three permitted life to go through them by. The gay imagination of bright /Their frail workss might hold danced in a green bay, evokes a admiration universe of joyful activities in contrast with the frail workss. Why, we wonder, do the good work forces regret the past merely as the last moving ridge goes by? As for the manner it is most decidedly an elevated manner of poetic enunciation within a villanelle format. The term originated in Italy ( Italian villanella from villano: provincial ) ; and later used in France to denominate a short verse form of popular character favored by poets in the late sixteenth century. Five threes are followed by a quatrain, with the first and last line of the stanza repeated alternately as the last line of the subsequent stanzas and gathered into a pair at the terminal of the quatrain. The stanza is repeated for dramatic consequence and tone: ? Fury, fury against the death of the visible radiation? . In this instance this peculiar stanza, deriving much of its impact from repeat and fluctuation, paints a clear a definite image of the writer? s strong emotions. And all this on merely two rimes. Thomas farther compounds his trouble by holding each line contain about the same sum of syllables. The villanelle seems like a really regimented and hard signifier ; the effortless easiness with which Thomas makes it appear adds lucidity to the complex emotions describes in the verse form. The rhetoric is neer jumbled or ruff, and ever deeply traveling ; the images are far making, yet awfully true ; the complicated rime strategy merely adds to the many dimensions of the verse form. In decision, the events environing Thomas at the clip do non do up all the character of this verse form. As it is frequently the instance, this work stands on it? s ain. It either speak to one, or non. But no affair what personal grounds inspired Thomas, the verse form speaks to our demand to do our lives count against our inevitable deceases. Though the subject is self-contradictory, it declares to all: Populate your life while you are really deceasing. Make non accept decease passively. Live intensely and defy decease passionately. All the attractively contrasting metaphors where Thomas? s manner of gracefully inquiring his male parent non to go forth him entirely, in the dark.

My Challenge free essay sample

â€Å"Okay honey, you can open your eyes now.† The drawling voice of the gum-chewing hairdresser jerked me back to reality. However, I found myself screwing my eyes tightly shut, for I was afraid that opening them would reveal the diamond-like tears I had worked so hard to hold back. This was no ordinary haircut. The reason why tufts of my silky jet-black hair were scattered all over the polished tiles was much deeper than that. It all started on a fine wintry day in the heart of Cambridge, England. My mother had come home from work one day with the flu. What had started out as a trivial sickness suddenly morphed into something much more formidable. Since we had detected no sign of the illness improving after several long days, we rushed her to the hospital and anxiously waited for a sign. After what seemed like an eternity, a doctor came out with a mixed expression that read somewhere between I am so sorry and Oh, why do I have to be the one who delivers the bad news, and informed us that my mother had been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome. We will write a custom essay sample on My Challenge or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This discovery meant that my mother was going to have to stay bedridden from now on, since even the slightest of physical exertion would leave her dizzy and fatigued. We rode home in silence, and all the while I was thinking, Why us? What did we ever do to deserve this? But no answer came. I had always believed my life was perfect, that nothing bad could ever happen to my family. But now, I realized that anything can happen, and that could be turned upside down at any time. I could no longer rely on my mother for the mundane tasks that I had previously taken for granted. But I tried my best to adapt to my family’s new lifestyle. I woke up in the morning, a small five year old, and heated the kettle to make tea for Mom. As the bubbles frothed and foamed to the surface, I tidied up the rooms, straightening sheets and fluffing pillows. As I trudged up the stairs with the scalding cup of tea wobbling in my unsteady hands, my mother’s mouth cracked in a smile for the first time in days. At that moment, I knew that, together, we could overcome this hardship. I decided to take action. Brushing and braiding my hair, a raven wave of liquid silk cascading down my back, was a task too arduous for my mom to perform. So I decided to make a critical decision; I would chop off my ebony tresses to ease her burden a little more. As I was reminded of the reason behind my haircut, I slowly gained the strength to peer through my cemented eyelids. What I saw in the mirror surprised me: a young girl with beautiful shoulder-length locks staring defiantly back at me with eyes that flashed with courage.

How Does AP Credit Work at Colleges

How Does AP Credit Work at Colleges SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Whether you already have five AP classes under your belt, or if you’re just considering whether to take AP classes at all, you may be wondering how exactly getting AP college credit works. This article will go over how different colleges grant credit for AP, and what you can do to maximize the amount of AP credit you earn. We will explore some different ways colleges grant AP credit, using specific universities as case studies. Possibility 1: AP Courses Grant Credit for Real College Classes The first way your AP credits could be used is to directly substitute for actual college classes. In this case, instead of taking, say, Chemistry 101, your 4 on AP Chemistry will count for that beginning course. So you’ll get the credit hours for taking the class – even though you took it back in high school! Plus you will be able to enroll in a more difficult course right off the bat. To see what this can look at, let’s look at my local state school, the University of Utah. They accept AP credit for many courses. Case Study: University of Utah AP exams – often with a score of 3 or higher – are enough to grant you credit hours for general education classes at the U of U and also place you into higher level courses. General Education at the University of Utah means any courses that fall in the following categories: Fine Arts, Quantitative Reasoning, Science, Social Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, or American Institutions. If you managed to have an AP class for each one of these general ed requirements, you could skip each one. Since the General Education requirements are designed to fill up the first year, skipping them would make it possible to graduate the University of Utah in just two or three years, depending on what you major in. (A degree in engineering will probably take longer than one in history, for example.) You couldn’t apply, say, both AP English Literature and AP English Language, since they waive the same requirement, but if you submit AP English Literature and AP Calculus AB you would fulfill two different requirements. While these Gen Ed requirements aren’t the same at every university, most universities have some variation of them – at the very least they'll require a course each in humanities, social science, science, and math. This is why taking a variety of AP classes can be helpful if you’re aiming to complete your generals in high school. Also, notice that at the U of U, you can often get more credit hours for 5’s than 3’s and 4s. So even at universities that accept 3s, there are still perks to earning 5s. Possibility 2: AP Courses Don't Get Credit, but Allow You to Skip Intro Courses There are some schools – particularly competitive ones – that don’t give you credit for AP classes. While they will use high scores to place you into higher-level classes freshman year, they won’t give you credit towards graduation. We'll take a look at Dartmouth College to see what this can look like. Case Study: Dartmouth One such school is Dartmouth. You can actually read a statement about their policy on AP credit here. To summarize, Dartmouth will use AP classes to place students in higher-level classes, but not for credit towards graduation. They revised their AP policy because they want students to take full advantage of Dartmouth courses and they’re worried AP courses aren’t true replacements for college level classes. So how does the credit work? To take an example, if you get a 5 on AP Micro Economics, you will be placed in an intermediate or advanced economics course right off the bat, but you won’t receive any credit for AP Micro itself. This can still be helpful if you’re excited to jump into higher classes or want to fit in a minor or double major. You can also be exempted from the foreign language requirement if you score high on an AP language test. So while AP courses won't get you credit at Dartmouth, they are still worthwhile since they will allow you to skip introductory courses. Possibility 3: A Mix of Both Some schools have a mix of both policies. In particular, some departments (say the history department or math department) might accept AP credit to place students in classes. But the school as a whole might have a policy on AP you can choose to take advantage of – for example Harvard’s advanced standing program. Case Study: Harvard So what is advanced standing?Think of it as skipping straight to sophomore year when you start college at Harvard. You can apply for it using your AP credits, and graduate in six or seven semesters instead of eight. You could also just use your AP credits to get into higher-level classes in particular departments or get out of the foreign language requirement, but not apply for advanced standing if you want to stay all four years. So should you apply for advanced standing? Harvard’s website has a lengthy discussion of why or why not a student may apply for it. Some students may prefer to take four years at Harvard undergrad so they don't have to decide their course of study too soon. Taking the full four years gives you more chances to try out classes in various departments. Others may take advantage of advanced standing to earn a masters within four years. In short, if you're lucky enough to go to Harvard, you can decide whether you want to use your AP credits to graduate faster, or if you would rather take four years of undergraduate classes to explore different interests. In either case, you can also use your AP credits to skip introductory courses in various departments. Sending Your Scores Before you can get any AP credit, after you graduate but before you start at your college, you have to send an official AP score report from College Board. While you self-report your AP scores on your college applications, you can only cash in on your AP credits by sending an official score report. This gives the official record of your scores to the registrar’s office. (Think of the registrar as the guidance counseling office of college.) Once the registrar has those scores, they can apply them to pre-requisite, general education, or other departmental requirements as the case may be at your college. Look out for our post on how to send AP scores to colleges if you want a more complete guide. Next Steps If you’re still in high school and wondering how AP credit will work for you, look up the policies at some of your top choices as well as your safeties. Start with College Board’s AP credit database, but also double check college websites to see what they say about AP credit. The database should provide a link to each college’s individual policy, but if not, search â€Å"[Name of College/University] Advanced Placement†. By looking up policies, you can get a sense of how the AP credits you have already earned will translate into college credit. This can also help you choose AP classes for future years. Take notice of AP exams that seem to be recognized at most of the schools you’re interested in. In many cases, AP math courses, particularly Calculus BC, can waive a math requirement or get you into higher level math classes. AP language courses are also often accepted as a way to waive a foreign language requirement. Also notice how high your passing score needs to be (for example, at the U of U, a 3 was fine for many classes, but Harvard only accepts 5s). If most of your schools require 5s to get credit, you have to study very hard! Also look and see if any AP classes you’re thinking about aren’t recognized in any way. Sometimes it can be harder to get credit for courses like Human Geography or Art History. This doesn’t mean to not take them. It does mean that you should only take them if you are really interested in the subject and would get a lot out of the class. What’s Next? How many AP classes should you take, anyway? Get an answer to that question here. AP classes aren’t the only thing that will get you into college – far from it. Your ACT/SAT score is a huge part of your application. Read about the ACT/SAT scores you need to be competitive at your top schools. Not sure when you should take the ACT/SAT for the first time? Find out here. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

When to Hyphenate - Proofeds Academic Writing Tips Blog

When to Hyphenate - Proofeds Academic Writing Tips Blog When to Hyphenate Hyphenation is a term for linking two words with a hyphen to make a compound word. In this context, compound simply means two separate words have been joined together. Compound Adjectives Compound adjectives are formed by joining two words (e.g., good-looking, power-hungry or accident-prone). Further examples include: Free-range Part-time Long-term Well-known Compound adjectives can be composed of more than two words, making them more like phrases: Tongue-in-cheek Happy-go-lucky Devil-may-care Compound adjectives like these should only be hyphenated if they appear before what they are describing in a sentence. For example, the compound adjective in The well-known artist Whistler†¦ could also be used without a hyphen later in the sentence: e.g., The artist Whistler was well known†¦ Compound Nouns and Verbs It is more difficult to know when to hyphenate nouns and verbs. In many cases, it is simply a matter of convention (e.g., mother-in-law). The best thing to do with these terms is check a dictionary. If you find a term where the hyphen is optional, your main guideline should be consistency. Many words that begin with the prefixes non-, pre-, de- or re- are hyphenated, but this is only necessary when it prevents a letter clash. For example, we hyphenate re-evaluate because evaluate starts with the same letter that precedes it. But we do not hyphenate retry because there is no letter clash. This isnt always true, but it is a good rule of thumb (and you can always check a dictionary if youre not sure about a word). Hyphenating for Clarity In some cases, we also use a hyphen to ensure clarity. Omitting a hyphen can even change the meaning of some sentences. For example: I once saw a man-eating crocodile. I once saw a man eating crocodile. The first sentence here describes a crocodile as man-eating (i.e., a crocodile that eats humans). The second, non-hyphenated sentence describes a man eating crocodile meat. Rules about which words should be hyphenated can very between institutions, though, so be sure to double check your style guide. If you would like to have your paper checked for style, grammar and formatting errors, make use of Proofed’s specialist academic proofreading service.

Financial Statement Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Financial Statement Analysis - Assignment Example The financial position and performance of a company can be analyzed with the help of different tools available. However, for the relative performance analysis, common size analysis as well as the traditional ratio analysis is the most effective tools such that they provide a same yardstick to compare the performance of two or more companies over several periods. This particular report emphasizes the performance of Kellogg Co. and Kraft Foods on the basis of common sized analysis and the traditional ratio analysis. Kraft Food Company is one of the world’s largest food companies. In 2011, the estimated revenue of the company is approximated as $54.4 billion whereas the earnings of the company before taxes are amounted as $4.8 billion. Kraft Food incorporated in Virginia in 2000. They have around 126,000 employees all over the world. The company manufactures and markets products related to food which includes confectionery, biscuits, cheese, beverages, packaged grocery, convenient meals etc. The company sells its products to its customers in over 170 different countries. At the end of 2011, the company reported gross assets of $93.8 billion and net assets of $35.5 billion. Kraft Food Company is a member of Standards and Poor 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ethibel Sustainability Index and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2011, the company’s portfolio included 12 brands. All these 12 brands reported revenues of $1 billion each. The most renowned brands of the company included Oreo, Mila and Cadbury Chocolates, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Nabisco, Maxwell House Coffees, Trident gum, Kraft cheese, dressings and dinners, Tang powdered beverage, LU biscuits and Oscar Mayor Meats. The brand portfolio of the company included around 80 brands which generate revenues exceeding $100 million each year. Kellogg Company was founded in 1906. Its subsidiary companies are engaged in marketing and manufacturing convenience and ready to eat food. The major

Why standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Why standards - Essay Example Although this paper will focus most on standards in reference to technical scientific requirements and standards, they are of course important in general too, and have extremely widespread importance and relevance. Introduction A standard in its definitive sense is ‘a required or agreed level of quality or attainment’ (Merriam-Webster). In other words, it is a published set of guidelines that defines a certain criteria that an object, measurement, procedure or otherwise should fit into. It set out rules that act as definitions or references for anything in particular and are expected to be enacted exactly as they are without change or adjustment. Standards are generally enforced not as rigid rules to make things more complicated but rather to simplify things when viewing from a bigger picture. Standards allow all involved in something, whether it is a researcher looking to publish a bit of information, or a student wishing to learn something, or a manufacturer aiming to sell a product, or a consumer wishing to buy one, to effectively and exactly explain what they are offering or understanding, without ambiguity or confusion (Brownell, 1917). Where these standards are used and how they are used is what this paper will now begin to examine. Consider the standards employed by a manufacturing industry. To a certain measurable level as a standard reference point is very important for them for a great number of reasons. Without manufacturing norms, products would have little to no mobility. Each country and manufacturer would be working on their own terms of reference, thereby making it difficult for a consumer. A typical consumer will buy products from different manufacturers or will use services from different companies, and will ultimately have them all at use in one place. It would therefore be redundant and a hassle to have one particular product in one specific room only and be unable to use anything else with it, as they would not be standardized to work with each other. Furthermore, if you consider using the product or service in another country, unless the plugs, sockets, voltage supply required, power consumed etc were not standardized, it would be impossible to import or export a product for any widespread use. In terms of science though, standards have an importance so immense that without them science would not only be unable to progress, rather they would face setbacks so severe in the form of chaos and confusion that it would ultimately do more damage than good. One main reason for this is that science is not localized. It is universally applicable, universally required, universally used and therefore, universally researched upon and worked with. When there is a subsidized standard in place, a scientist in Muscat can pick up the thesis of a scientist in Russia, build upon it, research it further and produce a paper with terms and references of a specific format so that tomorrow, when someone in yet another country wi shes to learn from it, they will do so without confusion and conflict. Communicating on a standardized subject is far easier than having to communicate on a relative subject where first you would have to explain your terms of perspective and then get your point across. Luckily, some standards have been in use for so long and so widespread that they have become second nature to use and alternates are not even considered. For example, when illustrating the size of an object, without a standard form of measurement, we would have to employ words like small and big, which are relative terms. To say something is very small could mean a very large number of things,

Nutrition - Food Essay Example for Free

Nutrition Food Essay In our today’s society, especially western countries, the issue of fast food seems to be at the top of every health related debate. As these debates become more controversial, the question of who bears the responsibility remains unanswered. In his essay, Don’t Blame the Eater, David Zinczenko attempts to answer this key question by placing the greater responsibility of America’s obesity and other fast food related health issues on the fast food industries. Contrary to Zinczenko’s argument, Raldy Balko, in his essay, What You Eat Is Your Business, states that, people should take ownership of their health and well-being, and are therefore responsible for what and how they eat. Although both Zinczenko and Balko address the issue of responsibility, though with contrast, but valid arguments, Zinczenko seems to present a more convincing argument due to the way in which he explains the politics of food, the way in which our lifestyles are altered by what we eat, and things we can do to change the way we see food and its role in our lives. Although Zinczenko hold consumers responsible to an extent, he blames the fast food industries for the rising rate of obesity and other health issues related to fast food due to their failure to provide labels for their products. Zinczenko convincingly supports his claim by noting statistical data that shows the rise in money spent to treat diabetes. â€Å"Before 1994, diabetes in children was generally caused by a genetic disorder only 5 percent of childhood cases were obesity related, or Type 2 diabetes. Today, according to the National Institutes of Health, Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 30 percent of all new childhood cases of diabetes in this country†(Zinczenko 392). He argues that, if the fast food companies are regulated so that they are responsible for their food contents, by providing proper labels, than consumers will make informed food choices. Contrary to Zinczenko, Balko argues that what one eats should be a matter of personal responsibility. To Balko’s credit, I believe that people should take personal responsibility for their health by adding a sensible diet and exercise to their routines. Where I differ from Balko is when he says that government restrictions on food are a result of people making poor food choices. According to Balko, â€Å"a society where everyone is responsible for everyone else’s well-being is a society more apt to accept government restrictions† (397). I think Balko’s argument in this regard, is a selfish one, and is an attempt to exempt the rich from paying their fair share of taxes that would otherwise benefit the poor or some middle families who cannot afford the high cost of health insurance. Both Zinczenko and Balko seem to agree on the rising health costs that are somehow a result of fast food, these two authors seem to differ on reasons. Zinczenko argues that health care cost is on the rise because of diseases caused by fast food due to the failure of fast food companies to provide labels and that consumers should not be blame for it. However, Balko argues that it is so that, we allow the â€Å"government to come between us and our waistline† (396). Balko states that, the more the government continues to fund health issues that are direct attribute of poor food/health choices, the more people will continue to dine on fast food and engage not in an effective diet and exercise regimen. (398) The growth of the fast food industry and the rate at which fast food is consumed is so fast, and its accompanying risks of obesity and related cardiovascular diseases have become a societal epidemic. Zinczenko blames the fast food industries for the spring in the rate to which obesity have grown in the United States. Even though Zinczenko is right about the rising rate of obesity, and that the consumption of fast food forms part of its etiology, the thesis of his argument cannot be proven and therefore cannot form the basis for his claims against the fast food companies since there are other contributing factors regarding the cause, onset, and progression of obesity. Obesity is also biologically linked. These biological attributors include: genetics, hormones, enzymes, and vitamins and minerals. Some people have fat in their genes that, no matter what they do, they are just fat. Others have issues with hormonal imbalances and or inadequate enzymatic actions that would aid in the adequate digestion and absorption of certain foods. Fast food is just one of the many environmental attributes associated with obesity. So Zinczenko can accurately make his case against the fast food industries for providing labels so as to enable consumers make informed food choices and not a case of obesity. Sometimes, people are too fast to pass judgment on others, especially people that are obese. I am equally guilty of the accusation myself. I work as a nurse at a nursing home facility and, in most cases, when staff member comes to me complaining of headache, first thing I say to them is; let’s check your blood pressure and, God forbid, the blood pressure is elevated, or if that person just look fat to me, my next comment is, it is because of all the junk you eat. My judgment, though may be incorrect, is based on the fact that most of these staff members are single parents, live in inner cities, and have a total commute time of two hours to and from work. Not to mention, some of them have more than one job. However, these people are being made to feel guilty about something that is totally out their control. In most instances, their wages aren’t even enough to meet up with their rents and utilities bills. Fast food comes handy in such instance where one can spend ten dollars and get ten cheeseburgers to feed a family of three to five versus going to the grocery store where each healthy ingredient is almost equivalent to the price of the entire dinner comprising of fast food. People fall back on fast food because it is cheap. Zinczenko explains that his parents were split up and that he had to live with his mother who worked long hours just to make the monthly bills. â€Å"Lunch and dinner, for me, was a daily choice between McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Pizza Hut. † (Zinczenko 391). In Zinczenko’s case, his lifestyle is altered because fast food is his only option since his family is dysfunctional. His single mother has to work very hard to pay bills and provide him a meal. It doesn’t matter the kind of meal. A meal is a meal, especially for someone who doesn’t have the time to prepare a home cooked meal. The people afflicted with fast food related obesity are not to blame for what they eat because they have very little or no options regarding what they eat due to all of the above reasons. However, to Balko’s point, while people may not have the option about what they eat, they have the option to control how they eat. Zinczenko states in his essay that fast food is â€Å"the only available options for an American kid to get an affordable meal†, and so, he urges his readers not to â€Å"blame the Eater† (392). But as with Zinczenko, we are well aware of the role fast food play in our lives. We understand that, though fast may be one, or the only available meal choice that we have, the way we eat can help us determine the role these foods play in our lives. Zinczenko supports his argument about the role food play in his life by giving information about his pre-college weight. â€Å"By age 15, I had packed 212 pounds of torpid tallow on my once lanky 5-foot-10 frame† (392). Even Zinczenko believes that, consumers are as equally responsible for the way they eat. However, he maintains his argument that the fast food companies bare the greater responsibility. In conclusion, both the eater and the producer are responsible for fast food related obesity, but I believe that the fast industries should bare the greater responsibility. Fast food companies must provide their consumers with proper food labels that enable them to make inform decision about what they eat. Label should not be falsified or misleading, like in the example giving by Zinczenko about the misleading label on the â€Å"chicken salad† (393). He refers to the salad as not healthy and that it is a caloric death- trap aimed at eaters who will not suspect it. Although Balko makes some really good points, his objectives seem to me as a means to an end. Zinczenko cautions that there are few or no alternatives to what we eat and that things have to change. Balko cautions that allowing food regulations for labels means letting the government between you and your waistline. In either case, we as a people have a responsibility to consider what and how we eat.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay -- Diseases/Disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that displays as distracted, hyperactive, and unable to focus on tasks and activities. Also known as Hyperkinetic Impulse Disorder, Hyperkinesis, Hyperactive Syndrome, Minimal Brain Damage, Minimal Brain Dysfunction, and Undifferentiated Deficit Disorder, ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in children. Although many children with ADHD are quite intelligent, their lack of focus can frequently lead to poor grades and a low self esteem. The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, but it is considered highly inheritable. Results from numerous international studies on twins have found that ADHD may have a genetic link. The occurrence of ADHD in one twin is more often mirrored an identical twin who has the same genetic makeup, then in a fraternal twin whose genetics are similar but not identical. It is also believed that if a parent, uncle, or grandparent had ADHD, it is more likely their famil y may develop it as well. No gene has been discovered that directly relates to the disorder. MRI studies comparing the brains of children with and without the condition have shown that children with ADHD have weaker brain activity in the frontal area of the brain when responding to tasks that require inhibition. Because of this, it is thought that ADHD affects certain sections of the frontal cortex, parietal lobe, and possibly parts of the cerebellum. ADHD presents itself in three major categories; predominately hyperactive, predominately inattentive, or a combined hyperactivity and inattention. Predominately hyperactive presents as excessive physical activity and impulsive behaviors. This can include constant fidgeting, an inability to stay in ... ...nd drugs, and exercising can all lessen symptoms. The prognosis for ADHD is promising. Approximately 70-80% of patients treated with stimulant therapy experience significant relief from symptoms. About half of all children outgrow the symptoms as they mature into adulthood, the other half retain symptoms throughout their adult life. Works Cited Hoyle, Brian. â€Å"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.† Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 17 May. 2012 http://www.encyclopedia.com Zieman, Gayle and Dewan, Naakeesh A. â€Å"Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults.† RelayClinical Education. Feb. 2012 v2012 i1 pNA â€Å"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).† Tish Davidson, AM., Teresa G. Odle., and Laura Jean Cataldo, RN, Ed.D. The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. 3rd Edition. 2010.

Human ecology Essay

As it is evident that the earth is in the verge of being overwhelmed by pollution and destruction and the only way to alleviate this is for humanity to â€Å"go green† or be more earth friendly. If I were given the money to do so, I would practice â€Å"go green† living. For starters, the car I would purchase would be a Honda Civic Hybrid. Hybrid cars are the alternative to cars that consume fossil fuels – main contributors to global warming and pollution. With the Honda Civic Hybrid, one does not have to give up style and luxury in order to give way to be more earth-friendly as the fuel it uses is hybrid or a combination of natural gas, gasoline electric hybrid and natural gasoline. On the other hand, I want to build a house in a dune as this does not need cooling, hence, there would be no need for air conditioning. It should also be facing south, towards the sun in order to utilize the sun and its heat. The house must also have a cistern that will capture rainwater which will be used for flushing toilets and watering the lawns. Furthermore, it must be built with pine or from wood coming from sustainable forests – trees that grow quick. Since the house is facing south and utilizing the sun’s heat, it is good to add solar panels on a recycled rubber roof to provide heating through coils in the floor. The sun’s solar power can also be used to power the appliances inside. It is still possible to splurge on appliances; although in order to save electricity, the appliances inside the house must be energy efficient especially the air conditioner, water heater, furnace and refrigerator. For entertainment, cable television will do and a CD player for some music.

American Renaissance

The American Renaissance period is widely acknowledged as the country's richest time in literature. It was during this years that legendary writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne lived and made their contributions. According to Woodlief (2001), calling the time between 1840-1865 a renaissance or rebirth is a misnomer because there was no rebirth of greatness in American literature or culture. This period was, in fact, the first era of maturity for American literature. For the first time, literary figures sought and established their marks in the world. Literary works of great value were published and influenced society.Writers of this time were struggling to establish the American identity as opposed to the British and other Europeans. They were looking for ways to realize their potentials in order to satisfy individual egos and rise above what they perceived as social concerns. The search for identity was deeper for it delves into the individual's place and role in society. Co nsidering the short period that American literature blossomed and flourished, one would wonder what brought on the sudden burst of literary enthusiasm. There are no distinct and clear-cut explanations for this, only speculations.Some believe that literature became popular because at this point, America was well established as an independent nation. The society was ready to indulge its senses as practical matters were settled. Publishers became available to print and distribute materials for a public that was ready to embrace new thoughts and expand its experience and knowledge. The societal structure, perhaps, also contributed to this golden age in literature. There were many clashing ideas and realities that gave rise to many American Renaissance 2 inspirations for writers.The society was also rich enough to afford patronizing writers, and a  new class emerged who sought cultural enrichment. American writers during the Renaissance struggled to be original and different from Europ e's acclaimed literary figures. Because of this desire to establish identity, the writers questioned and found wanting established norms. The questions and wonderings turned into a distinct style of writing that was exclusive to America. Literary writers of this time sought new roots that would require personal involvement in a meaningful level. They wanted to escape the cloying tendencies of tradition and the increasingly materialistic drive of their time.In a way, the renaissance writers could be considered rebels. They rebelled against restraints imposed by classic dogmas and traditions. Society and literary cultures were full of clashing moralities and ambiguousness that literary responses became expected and natural. In literature, the classic school advocated form more than the emotion or the senses, a practice that the Renaissance writers changed. In short, individualism was embodied in this period. American Renaissance writers' style of writing exhibited less restraint and f ewer adherences to traditional styles and forms. They wrote according to how they think they should.In their works, the writers were more focused on inspiration and emotion rather than following conventional styles. The American way of writing was centered on human nature and the person as an individual. From Emerson to Dickens, the individual was always encouraged to be the best he can be. Emotions and the reactions against realities in the society were also favorite subjects among writers. Writers also often talked of nature and how it was lost to industrialism and modernism. American Renaissance 3 The writers used literature to explore and discover the wonder of what had been lost to progress.They turned to nature for inspiration and ideas. Writers also wrote reactions and opinions about slavery and its abolishment. The writers even declared their independence from Britain. By doing so, the American writers showed that their writings were distinct and have their own brand. The wr iters during this time knew and influence each others' thoughts and works. They wrote and respond to each others' writings, but they would insist that each was an individualist. Literary forms included tales of slavery; novels whose themes were moralistic or political; poetry; and the transcendentalism began by Ralph Waldo Emerson.These writings affected society in great measures. Some dictated proper behavior for women and men. Some were intended to affect political issues and help fuel the movement for the abolition of slavery, Despite the public opinion opposing emancipation, writers supported and advocated for abolitionism. Many writings were also published to allow Americans to think back on their past in order to establish their individualism. To thoroughly understand the American Renaissance's style of writing and its characteristics, it is necessary to discuss some of the great ones who graced the era.Abolitionism Ralph Waldo Emerson was considered by many literary scholars as the proverbial match who sparked the literary creativity of his time. Many of his contemporary writers followed his doctrines and his influence remained long after he died. As an essayist, poet, and philosopher, he made the famous â€Å"The American Scholar† speech, which is deemed to be the formal declaration American Renaissance 4 of America's intellectual independence, presumably, this means the establishment of American literary writers as serious writers comparable to their peers in Europe.In his time, Emerson was the leader of the American Transcendentalist movement, which was a group of people who protested against the prevalence of materialism in the society. The members of this group embraced new literary, cultural, religious and philosophical ideas in rejection to societal norms and concerns. Among his many accomplishments, Emerson was notably known for his 1844 speech that described his thoughts and position regarding slavery in the country. This speech was the first time that Emerson admitted openly to the public that he was for abolition.The abolitionist movement in the United States was in full swing by the time of the American Renaissance. As such, it was often used as subject for literary discourse and debates. Emerson, one of the literary giants of the period, was one of its biggest supporters. In his speech, the writer spoke against slavery even if public opinion was against abolition. Before Emerson made his famous speech, Henry David Thoreau helped convinced people to attend and listen to the speech. Lockard (2004) said that Thoreau went door-to-door to ensure attendance.Emerson's public rhetoric traced the history of slavery and the horrors associated with it. In keeping with his advocacy for individualism and the sense of self, Emerson informed the public that he welcomed the participation of the African-Americans in political discourse and self-determination. His overall speech was centered on the emancipation of the slaves and welcoming them as equals in society. Emerson was criticized as a result of speech declaring his true position on slavery. But despite this setback, he did not lose his place as the foremost literary master of the time. American Renaissance 5 IndividualismIndividualism was the central theme of the American Renaissance. It embodied the concept that a person must and always question the conventions of society. The individual should challenge accepted intellectual, as well as religious, ideals. Individualism requires a person to govern his thoughts and actions based on his personal standards rather than the dictates of society. It encouraged freedom of expression and the rejection of conventional ideas in order to foster growth. As an ardent follower of Emerson, Henry David Thoreau followed his philosophies and applied them to his own writings and in his personal life.In relation to Emerson's doctrine on self-reliance, Thoreau expanded this thought and considered individual freedom as society's highest ideal. He explored individualism as a writer, a man, and as an intellectual. To do this, Thoreau left the society he knew and lived where he was in closer contact with the natural world. As an individual, Thoreau wanted to explore new aspects of his being and personality. By living along, he sought to discover a new self that was unencumbered by traditions and conventions. As an intellectual, he wanted to know how he would rebuild his life away from the established norms of a complex societal structure.As a writer, Thoreau experimented with different styles that reflected his individuality. His writings were the product of careful study. His essays were his experiences; his poetry and prose reflected a thorough attention to languages nuances. Thoreau got his inspiration from nature. Studying nature and getting inspired by it later became a traditional mark of individualism. Thoreau's focus on nature was his way of moving away from the traditions of a materialistic society. By moving away and living in a place far from the so-called civilized American Renaissance 6 society, Thoreau escaped and transcended the lures of the world.His voluntary exile and return to nature was also a form of sacrifice and self-renewal. By successfully turning to nature as his expression of individualism, Thoreau made his greatest legacy to the literary world. Human Nature and Morality Another person who was a part of Emerson's Transcendentalist movement was Nathaniel Hawthorne, who authored The Scarlet Letter. In his stories, he repeatedly expressed his views on human nature and morality. He explored the side of humanity that is normally hidden from society. Hawthorne used human psychology to explain morality issues and ambiguities.Hawthorne did not believe that man is all good. His themes involved the wickedness of the human nature and how this weakness resulted to conflicts in society. His Puritan upbringing was also evident in the way he portrayed sinners in a s trictly moral community. Hawthorne was a descendant of a Puritan New England family. In his exploration of human nature, Hawthorne questioned moral issues. Despite his background, he didn't believe in things like heaven or hell. Hawthorne's individualism could be seen through his use of modern ideas in his themes that opposed the conservatism of the nineteenth century literature.Hawthorne used symbolism to express topics that were considered too radical in his time, like adultery and sexual conduct. Despite his being secretive and shy, he successfully wrote about sexual and moral guilt with depth. He also challenged, through his writings, the scientist and reformers of the time who dared experiment with nature. Reactions to Hawthorne's brand of writing differ. Many thought his work to be sensitive, sentimental and pure. Still, there are those who think his works as too gloomy and moralistic.

The Last Day of My Life †Creative Writing Informal Essay

The Last Day of My Life – Creative Writing Informal Essay Free Online Research Papers The Last Day of My Life Creative Writing Informal Essay Everyday people come and go. There are people born into this world and there must be some leaving in the meantime. Sometimes, such coming and leaving make me think about the life. What’s the meaning of life? People always want to live a meaningful life, but how do we define a â€Å"meaningful† life? I think that everybody would have his own definition of â€Å"meaningful.† Most people work very hard day and night in search of fame and fortune. When they become millionaires eventually, they may think it is enough for their life. But if they had only one day to live, what would they do? Suddenly, their fame and fortune end up nothing at all, for they cannot take their possessions with them when they die. Therefore, they may worry about their possessions and be annoyed even on their last day. It’s not my type of life. I won’t pursue fame and fortune so that when my very last day comes, I will have nothing to worry about and can be relieved in the long run. But I cannot be sure when I will leave this world. If the answer is tomorrow, what will I do on the last day of my life? First, I will clean up my room. Some people may think, â€Å"Since I am going to die, what good will it do me?† None, actually, but it means something to me. After living my life, I may find that all my life was chaotic, and I don’t want to leave the chaos in the world. Therefore, I will clean up my room so that I can make my life neat and tidy. I want it to be perfect. Second, I want to thank people who give a lot to me, such as those who have helped me, who have loved me and who I loved, for it was they who gave me the meanings in my life. Then, I will visit many places where I was born, I grew, I studied, I worked, and I lived. Those places can evoke my precious memory. I cannot bring anything with me but my reminiscences. At last, I will find a place where nobody can find me. I will be contented if anyone can weep for my death, but it will be too sorrowful for an emotional person like me to see those once happy faces become sad. Therefore, a serene place like seasho re will be good. I can lie on the yellow sand, listening to the relaxing sound made by waves. I can see the last sunset in my life. It will be a little sentimental, though. At night, crescent moon will shine on me and the sky will glitter with the myriad stars. With the unremitting waves, sea breeze will blow lightly, brushing through my hair, as if beautiful melody resounds harmoniously. In a state of comfort, I will lose my consciousness gradually and finally lapse into deep sleep. And it will be the finale of my life. In our daily life, we take everything for granted that parents should take care of us and friends help us without return. All seems to be natural, but actually it isn’t. They devote themselves selflessly to us because we are their beloveds. However, people always treasure what they have lost. Don’t be people of that kind. Sometimes, return our favor to them and then we won’t have remorse when the last day of our life comes. Research Papers on The Last Day of My Life - Creative Writing Informal EssayThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayMind TravelBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XTrailblazing by Eric AndersonNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThe Spring and AutumnThe Effects of Illegal Immigration

Vygotsky Scaffolding What It Is and How to Use It

Vygotsky Scaffolding What It Is and How to Use It SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you’re an educator or have a student in school, you may have heard of the concept Vygotsky scaffolding. It may sound like a construction term, but Vygotsky scaffolding and the related concept of the zone of proximal development are teaching methods that can help students learn much more information much more quickly than they would with traditional instruction. However, Vygotsky scaffolding is only effective if you know how to properly implement it; otherwise it can actually hinder a student’s learning.Read this guide to learn what scaffolding and the zone of proximal development are, what the scaffolding psychology is, if studies have found these teaching methods to be effective, and how you can use these methods in the classroom to promote learning. What Is Instructional Scaffolding? Instructional scaffolding, also known as â€Å"Vygotsky scaffolding† or just â€Å"scaffolding,† is a teaching method that helps students learn more by working with a teacher or a more advanced student to achieve their learning goals. The theory behind instructional scaffolding is that, compared to learning independently, students learn more when collaborating with others who have a wider range of skills and knowledge than the student currently does.These instructors or peers are the â€Å"scaffolding† who help the student expand her learning boundaries and learn more than she would be able to on her own. Vygotsky scaffolding is part of the education concept â€Å"zone of proximal development† or ZPD.The ZPD is the set of skills or knowledge a student can’t do on her own but can do with the help or guidance of someone else. It’s the skill level just above where the student currently is. ZPD is often depicted as a series of concentric circles. The smallest circle is the set of skills a student can learn on her own, without any help. Next is the ZPD, or skills a student wouldn’t be able to do on her own, but can do with a teacher or peer helping her. Beyond that are skills the student can’t do yet, even with help. For example, say there is a kindergartner who is learning how to read and write. He knows all the letters of the alphabet, but he can’t yet read or write words. No matter how much guidance he was given, he could never read a novel on his own at this point, but with a teacher’s help, he can learn how to read and write short words like â€Å"at,† â€Å"boy† and â€Å"dog† because this skill is within is ZPD. It would have taken him much longer to learn this skill on his own, but it’s still simple enough that he can understand it if he has someone to explain it to him.The student’s ZPD is reading and writing short words, and the teacher who helps him learn them is the scaffolding. Proponents of ZPD and instructional scaffolding believe they are highly effective ways to maximize a student’s learning. Scaffolding can be used to help a person of any age learn something new, but in the classroom it is most often used with younger students (preschool and elementary school) since they are learning new skills and concepts they haven't been exposed to before most frequently. What’s the History Behind Vygotsky Scaffolding? Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) was a Soviet psychologist who coined the term â€Å"zone of proximal development† and conducted many studies that led to instructional scaffolding. This is why the concept is often referred to as â€Å"Vygotsky scaffolding.† Vygotsky focused his work on developmental psychology, and it was in the 1920s and early 1930s, towards the end of his career, that he developed the concept of ZPD. Vygotsky believed that educators should help students learn within their ZPD so that they can increase their skills and knowledge without becoming frustrated by things that are currently too difficult for them to accomplish. Vygotsky came up with the idea of ZPD after extensive studying of how young children learn and the effectiveness of different teaching methods. He found that individual knowledge-based tests are often an inaccurate way to measure a young student’s intelligence since children need to interact with others who are more intelligent than they currently are in order to learn. He cited many examples of cultures where young children are taught new skills and knowledge passed down by older generations. For example, when infants are learning how to walk, they often start by holding onto the clothes or hands of an adult or older child, who guides them. The infant will continue to do this until they have enough skills and strength to walk on their own. This way they’re able to learn to walk much faster than if they were expected to learn without being able to hold onto anything. Vygotsky instead believed that the proper way to test young students was to test their ability to solve problems both independently and with the help of an adult.Dr. Maria Montessori, who established the Montessori education philosophy, also published similar research several decades before Vygotsky.Vygotsky died in 1934, less than a decade after he introduced the idea of ZPD, and after his death research on his ideas greatly decreased. In the 1960s, Vygotsky’s work was revived by a new group of psychologists studying developmental psychology. Dr. Jerome Bruner coined the term â€Å"scaffolding† and connected it to Vygotsky’s work. Dr. Bruner and other psychologists began studying the use of ZPD in different educational contexts, and they found that encouraging students to tackle the most difficult tasks within their ZPD leads to the most learning. Today scaffolding continues to be studied and used in schools, and much recent research has focused on how to use scaffolding to make classes (including online classes) more effective. Does Vygotsky Scaffolding Work? Over the past several decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the effectiveness of using ZPD and scaffolding as teaching methods. Overall, research has shown that these methods can often help students learn more than they would compared to traditional teaching methods, but they require the instructor to have a good grasp of the student’s ZPD so they can adapt the teaching method to them. An early study from 1975 found that four-year-olds whose mother’s interacted with them and gave them advice were able to build significantly more complicated block towers than those who worked alone. The children who were most successful were those whose mothers adapted their strategy based on how well their child was completing the task. They made different comments based on whether the child was doing well or was struggling. A 1990 study found similar results when children were asked to put dollhouse furniture into the correct room. Children whose mothers gave them guidance were significantly more successful than those who completed the task on their own. A study published in 2000 that focused on a teacher using ZPD and scaffolding to teach a Farsi speaker English found that these methods can be an effective way to teach someone a new language. As the student improved his English skills, his teacher went from teaching individual words and phrases, to asking yes/no questions, to asking questions that required more in-depth responses. This gradual increase in difficulty helped the student improve his English skills while reducing feelings of frustration from attempting language skills beyond his current level. A similar scaffolding psychology study published in 2014 found that, in a group of 30 Australian language students, those who had tutors that used scaffolding techniques made significantly more progress in their writing quality and strategy application. Two studies, one from 2003 and one from 2010, found that ZPD and scaffolding can be effective, but if the instructor doesn’t know how to implement them correctly, she is at risk of helping students too much which turns them into passive learners and hinders their growth. Tips for Using Vygotsky Scaffolding in the Classroom From the studies discussed above, we know that instructional scaffolding can be an effective teaching tool, but only if the instructor understands how to use it. Below are four tips for using scaffolding in the classroom. Know Each Student’s ZPD In order to use ZPD and scaffolding techniques successfully, it’s critical to know your students’ current level of knowledge. Without this information, you won’t be able to teach them in their ZPD or provide effective scaffolding support. Before you begin a lesson with ZPD or Vygotsky scaffolding, find their baseline knowledge by giving a short quiz or having an introductory discussion on the topic where you ask students questions to figure out what they already know. Also remember that each student will have a different ZPD for each topic you teach. If a class has widely varying ZPDs for a specific topic, it can be more effective to have them work in groups or individually while you walk around the classroom and provide guidance so that you can tailor your techniques to each student’s ZPD. Encourage Group Work Group work can be a very effective way of using scaffolding principles in the classroom because students can learn from each other while working together on a project. More advanced students can help others learn while improving their own skills by explaining their thought process.Try to create groups that contain students with different skill sets and learning levels to maximize the amount students learn from each other. Make sure each student in the group is actively participating. If you see one student doing most of the work, have her ask the other students for their opinions, and emphasize the importance of everyone contributing. Don’t Offer Too Much Help A potential drawback of Vygotsky scaffolding is the possibility of providing too much help. This causes the student to be a passive, instead of active, learner and actually reduces the amount the student learns. If you’re using scaffolding techniques, don’t jump in right away and start offering advice. Let each student work on their own first.When they begin to struggle, first start by asking them questions about what they’ve done and what they think they should do next. As much as possible, ask open-ended questions that encourage them to find a solution on their own, as opposed to just telling them the next step. For example, if a student is trying to build a block tower, it’s much more helpful to say things like â€Å"How do you think you can make this tower stronger?† or â€Å"Why do you think the tower fell down?† than â€Å"You need to make the base bigger.† If after you’ve had the student think through the problem, then you can begin offering concrete advice for what to do next, but be sure to continue to ask questions to help increase the student’s understanding. For example, after giving advice on how to improve the block tower, you can ask â€Å"Why do you think making the base bigger helps the tower stay up?† Have Students Think Aloud Having students discuss their thought process is one of the best ways to figure out where their current skills are (and thus determine their ZPD) and make sure they’re actively learning.As a student is working on a project, have her talk about why she’s making certain decisions, what she thinks she should do next, and what she’s unsure about.When you give advice, make sure you also explain your own thought process so students can understand why you’re making the decisions you did. Summary:Vygotsky Scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development Vygotsky scaffolding is a teaching method that uses instructors and more advanced peers to help students learn. The Vygotsky theory of cognitive development states that students will learn more when they receive guidance from someone with more skills in the subject they’re learning than they would if they were tackling the subject on their own. Vygotsky scaffolding is part of the education theory the zone of proximal development. The zone of proximal development states that each student, for each subject, has three levels of learning: things the student can accomplish on her own, things she can accomplish with help from someone else (the zone of proximal development) and things she can’t accomplish no matter how much help she has. The ZPD and Vygotsky scaffolding theory is that students learn the most when they’re in their ZPD. Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky developed the ZPD and the Vygotsky theory of cognitive development, while Jerome Bruner developed scaffolding psychology several decades later.Studies have shown that scaffolding can be a very effective teaching method, as long as the teacher understands the concepts behind it and doesn’t provide too much guidance. If using scaffolding and the zone of proximal development in the classroom, remember to know each student’s ZPD, encourage group work, don’t offer too much help, and have students explain their thought process out loud. What's Next? Are you a teacher writing recommendations for your students? Read all about how to write an outstanding recommendation letter for your students, along with what not to include. When do colleges start looking at a student's grades? Do colleges look at middle school grades? Read our guide to learn how middle school grades are important for college admissions. Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about?Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Uninsured patients in relation to nursing practice in America Essay

Uninsured patients in relation to nursing practice in America - Essay Example The health insurance practice is one in which an insurance company (signs an undertaking with an individual to provide heath care services if and when necessary with a commitment by the issues to make regular payments in this regards).The uninsured patient is therefore a person who for one reason or the other is unable to have this kind of commitment to his or her health. A study of the nursing practice as it obtains in America presently would reveal the fact that attention is concentrated on the insured patients in hospitals to the detriment of the uninsured patients. As not all uninsured patient may query for Medicaid. This therefore poses a question "Is the health policy one for a review" Particularly as it concerns the uninsured and the nursing practice. It is reported that the rate of increase in the uninsured population is at an average of 1 Million people per year from 1987, which culminated into over 32 million adults without health insurance in the United States as at 1998. (permanenete journal 2003). For most of these uninsured people it is by no wish of their own that they found themselves in their present state. Most neither quality for Medicaid nor the insurance care packages. Despite the fact that many of these insurance patients desire no much for health care packages it is beyond their reach by reason of the uninsurance labels they wear. This inability has without doubt complicated seemingly easy - to - handle medical cases, when you consider illness like Cancer where routine checks could reveal a tomour at an early stated of development and for which subsequent application of chemotherapy man prevent the tumor from further development or get it This is the standard practice in nursing, however this routine check man be unavailable to the insured. A possible question at this junction is: should health uninsurance loom larger than the Medical needs of a patients. While we may agree that there is no strength forward and easy answer to this question, an attempt will be made to justify it as much as possible. The major pre-occupation in the minds of the leaders in any nation is the welfare of its citizens. This therefore suggests that irrespective of the background and circumstances surrounding any one of its citizens they all should be entitled to the same level of care and treatment. So many factors combine to contribute to the inability of some patients to meet with their private health insurance needs, factors like infrastructure job conditions - (low paying and part-time jobs) not covered by the health care packages. The unwillingly uninsured patients in this scenario look up to the government of the day to come to their aid and resume. A government's sensitivity and rapid response in this direction will go along way as much as flaming the embers of patriotism among its citizenry. While this may be largely true, it is not also a hidden fact that there are many things that compete for the attention of the government and policy makers. The health sector is only an aspect of an entire spectrum that is exerting pressure in the government for attention. State security, education, unemployment, state of the economy etc. are pact of this spectrum. The resultant of this that a lid is placed over what can be spent on any given sector considering the limited resources available. Budgetary constraints as this make it very difficult to engage in very robust healthcare programs that will adequately provide for the needs of the uninsured patients. Although it is arguable that if the priorities of the government of the day are well spelt out, a drastic reduction in foreign aid and grant could be made thereby making funds available for the uninsured patients. Existing health policy needs not be static in a dynamic world environment. The citizens of a country are the target of any nations health policy an the effects if not having a proper health insurance for individuals is really

Geol bb week 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Geol bb week 7 - Essay Example of hunting which characterized by their numerous sharp teeth, and some species like the great white, they have serrated teeth for tearing into flesh (Sexton 6). These teeth are their ultimate weapons which enable them to kill or incapacitate their prey with one bite. Sharks have an extremely well streamline body that enables then to swim very fast when hunting for food. Sharks do not have a swim bladder unlike other fish to them afloat, but they use their fins to accomplish relative buoyancy. Sharks have fins on their body that enable them to maneuver effortlessly at speeds that enable them to hunt for their food effectively. Sharks are solitary animals, and they only encounter one another for mating purposes. Sharks either lay their eggs in protected regions on the seabed or in other species the young ones develop in their mother’s womb until birth when they are born as pups. Shark can live for as long as 100 years, but their average lifespan is 25 to 30 years (Sexton 12). Sharks rarely face any danger in their aquatic environment, but they face danger from human activities. Overfishing poses the greatest danger to the existence of sharks’ in the world’s waters. Regulated harvesting of sharks is the only feasible way to ensure that their future in the world’s oceans is

Relationship(s) between leadership and management 311 Essay

Relationship(s) between leadership and management 311 - Essay Example On the other hand, with the rapid growth of the business sector and constant changes in the nature of markets, the theories, concepts and practices of leadership and management have also evolved (Baker and Desjardins, 2013). Relating to these changes, this essay focuses on analyzing the contribution and use of leadership and managerial concepts in ensuring sustainable business practices and growth. As stated by Brown, Trevià ±o and Harrison (2008), selection of the managerial process in a business is dependent upon the style of leadership being applied. On the other hand, Bogardus (2009) mentioned that the management practices of a firm define the leadership styles that can be implemented. Both of these notions can be analyzed in an in-depth manner by reflecting their characteristics and objectives of utilization. As highlighted by Morgan (2009), the key objective of management is to enhance that the aims of the organization can be fulfilled while leadership establishes the mission and vision that provides direction to a company. Supporting this notion, Kim and Brymer (2011) further added that as an organization is structured and the work culture is established, the style of leadership among the various operational variables of the business differ. In the business sector, this sort of alignment between leadership and management can be often observed. As an evidence for the above stated concept of alignment of leadership and management, the managerial process of Google Plc can be taken into consideration. The mission of Google is to help in spreading knowledge by innovating new platforms for sharing information all over the world (Day, Harrison and Halpin, 2012). Based on this mission, the managerial and leadership aspects of the company are developed. Lunenburg (2011) highlighted that Google being a technology firm depends on innovation and thus have created a participative managerial and leadership culture

An Introduction To Rational Choice Theory Philosophy Essay

An Introduction To Rational Choice Theory Philosophy Essay Public administrative agencies have very distinctive styles of decision making often depending upon the type of leadership or organizational structure. The literature suggests the decision making process in the public administrative sphere involves more complexity, dynamism, intervention, and interruption than those in their private counterparts (Rainey, p. 160). Public administrators are primarily held accountable by the people they serve in their communities; therefore, utilizing the most logical, efficient style of decision making is sought out by public agencies. Decision-making issues are closely related to power issues, because power determines who gets to decide (Rainey, p.160). Bureaucracies have commonly used the Rational Choice Theory in their decision making processes. For the purposes of this assignment, the Rational Choice Theory has been chosen for examination. Through examining the four components of the Rational-Choice Theory Model, theorists have concluded that this style of decision making is not rational. This model has proved to be problematic because it is not realistic, too time consuming, too costly, and too strict. Theorists such as Herbert Simon opposed this style of decision making claiming that it leads to bounded rationality which ultimately leads to satisficing. Bounded Rationality and Satisfying are two public administrative terms that will be explained later on. Conducting an analysis of Rational-Choice Theory, one mainly encounters criticisms of the model in literature. In this article Stephan clarifies rationality by providing an explanation of the embedded assumptions in Rational-Choice Theory. The embedded assumptions of rationality are the central theme of this article. Quackenbushs central argument is that much of the criticism of rational choice theory is based on a basic misunderstanding of the assumption of instrumental rationality-which is, after all, the rationality of rational choice theory (Quackenbush, p. 2). In this article, the author has discusses the role of assumption in theory as well as the assumption of rationality in rational choice theory. The author utilizes empirical research from several theorists to explain how the debate and the criticisms have evolved with Rational-Choice Theory. Quackenbush strengthens his argument with a discussion regarding three applications of rational choice theory in international relations and demonstrates ways that rational choice theorists themselves have potentially added to confusion about the assumption of rationality (Quackenbush, p.2). Quackenbush presents research from political science theorists such as Donald Green and Ian Shapiro, and Walt Friedman regarding rational choice theory but makes it abundantly clear that this model has been debated in other areas of social sciences. Green and Shapiros research of rational choice was conducted in the realm of American politics. Green and Shapiro concluded their research with evidence illustrating the rational choice model had not advanced the empirical study of politics as it had initially promised. Walt conducted a review of several formal rational choice works in an attempt to demonstrate that they have yielded trivial results, have not been empirically tested, and that empirical tests, when used, have been constructed poorly (Quackenbush, p. 2). Quackenbush attempted to clarify the role of assumptions in rational choice theory. The empirical works of Green and Shapiro assisted Walt in proving that rational choice is not simply one theory but an approach to theory. An assessment of Quackenbushs article, generally stated, may be the fact that rational choice theory theorizes that individuals use rationality to make choices and that individual theories are more of a concern than the rational choice model itself. In exploratory rational choices record, Green and Shapiro paying attention entirely upon the extent to which theorists present empirical evidence about the outside of an event: that is evidence. Evidence, on this view, consists in a fit between the presumptions of rational choice theory and observed institutional or behavioral outcomes in any particular case. In what follows we will refer to empirical evidence of this sort as mortal external. However, we argue that rational choice is also conciliation by its failure to provide kind of empirical evidence, namely internal or interpretive evidence about the beliefs of the agents whose actions comprise the phenomena to be explained. Our distinction between external and internal evidence maps on to the well-known distinction between a behavioral and ultimately positivist conception of political science and a hermeneutic or interpretive one. Internals explanations do not claim access to private psychological states; they are internal only in the sense of being internal to the world of meanings inhabited by the actor. Monk-Hampsher and Hindmoors research does, however, assume the devils advocate role towards the end of the article demonstrating how the rational choice theory is valuable in circumstances in which interpretive evidence cannot be relied. Scholarly Themes The idea of this article is based on the concept that the rational choice theory misses the interpretive evidence and the research to find out the reality that the empirical research does play any role in the credibility of the rational choice theory. Green and Shapiro demonstrate that the largely achievements of rational choice theory are in fact profoundly suspect and that fundamental rethinking is needed if rational choice theorists are to supply to the indulgent of politics. Green and Shapiro show that empirical tests of rational choice theories are disfigured by a series of mechanical defects. These defects flow from the characteristic rational choice impulse to defend universal theories of politics. An individual assessment of Hindmoors book review may lead to the belief that Hindmoor seems to disagree with Green and Shapiros thoughts that rational choice theory has been heavily criticized because it is misunderstood. Hindmoor explains that Green and Shapiro theorize that the problem lies with rational choice theorists and rational choice models, not with actual rational choice theory. Hindmoor may find Green and Shapiros research to be contradictory but acknowledges the importance of their work which it has been powerfully stated in the literature generating significant controversy. The theme of this book is based on the factors of reliability, validity and empirical evidence of the Rational Choice Theory. In this article the major concerns are the study of the collective action, the behavior and attitude of political parties politicians and phenomenon of voting cycles and the Prisoners problems. It has also been evaluated in this article that if rational choice theories are to contribute to the understanding of the politics then deep suspect and the fundamental rethinking is required. This article is a scholarly work dedicated to examining the primary features of rational choice theory with respect to Lakatos research program and Laudans research tradition. The analysis in this article expose that the thin rationality assumption, the axiomatic method and the diminution to the micro level are the only features shared by all rational choice models. On these grounds, it is argued that rational choice theory cannot be exemplified as a research program. This is due to the fact that the thin rationality proposition cannot be understood as a hard core in Lakatos terms. It is argued that Laudans conception of a research tradition better differentiate rational choice theory. Rational choice theory or rational actor theory (RCT) is a common draw near in different fields of social logical research. Broadly speaking, RCT can be differentiating as the maturity of models based on the hypothesis of rational actors. In this article, the nature of RCT is evaluated in more detail. Green and Shapiro suggest that they believe RCT should become a more coherent research program with a hard core if Lakatos terms are used. An assessment of Herne and Setelas article reveals their motivation for conducting this research lies within the context of the actual role of rational choice theory in the political arena. Herne and Setela disagree with Green and Shapiros strategies and convey that the development of rational actor theory would only be hindered if it were based upon a particular definition of rationality. Scholarly Themes The article theme is based on Post hoc theory development and domain restrictions.post hoc theory development is not necessarily harmful, if conceptual clarity and testability are preserved. But on contrary, post hoc theory development can lead to innovative model building. Beside this the domain restriction is also not a goof strategy because it kills the innovative theory building by restricting the domain of application. Librarians at the Bounds of Rationality: How Bounded Rationality Can Help Us Help Others, by Samantha Schmehl Hines Hines, S. S. (2009). Librarians at the Bounds of Rationality: How Bounded Rationality Can Help Us Help Others.  Behavioral and Social Sciences Librarian,  28(3), 80-86. doi:10.1080/01639260903088927 Social Science theorist, Hebert Simon, claimed that Rational Choice Decision Making resulted in bounded rationality, a theory that explains how the rationality of decision making is limited based on the amount of information one may have. Simons theory is the topic in Samantha Schmehl Hiness article, Librarians at the Bounds of Rationality: How Bounded Rationality Can Help Us Help Others. Central Argument In this article, Hiness is clearly an advocate of bounded rationality describing it as a helpful concept used to identify and predict behavior with decision making. Hiness central argument focuses on how and why bounded rationality is beneficial in predicting human behavior. Summary of Work Hines uses the criticisms of Rational Choice Theory to build her argument that bounded rationality is a better mode of decision making. Bounded rationality is a perception used in the social sciences to help classify and predict how individuals make decisions. An offshoot of rational choice theory, bounded prudence accounts for the fact that completely rational decisions are not feasible in practice and states that individuals use heuristics, or rules based on past experiences and information, to make decisions. Bounded rationality can explain how our users create heuristic shortcuts to simplify the decision-making practice and deal with the multitude of choices and information available. This concept article will describe bounded rationality, apply bounded rationality to aspects of library service, and discuss the possible use of the concept as an assessment tool for our services. Hines uses librarians and their daily operations in an attempt to prove that Simons theory is helpful in two different realms of study: Social Sciences and Human Behavior. Hines explains that daily practices such as collection development and reference review are implicated in the decision making processes of our daily lives. Collection development and reviews of reference books, articles, journals etc are two elements of bounded rationality that draw attention to the resources individuals have at their clearance for making rational decisions. Hines argues that becoming aware of this progression will benefit the decision making process. Scholarly Themes The theme of this article is based on the idea that the individuals rationality is limited because of the available information, cognitive limitation of their minds and the limited time for decision making. So they use the techniques based on their experiences in past. Rational Decision Making in Business Organizations, by Herbert A. Simon Simon, H. A. (1979). Rational Decision Making in Business Organizations.  The American Economic Review,  69(4), 493-513. Retrieved April 8, 2010 Herbert Simon, a theorist who has analyzed Rational Choice Theory in multiple areas of study, seeks to examine the theory from an economical perspective in the article, Rational Decision Making in Business Organizations. Central Argument The central theme of this article is focused on the concern of the important colonial territory known as decision theory. Simon discusses the normative and descriptive aspects and its applications to business organizations linking his theories back to the core of the political economy. Summary of Work Simon states economics has focused on one aspect of mans decision making and that one focus had traditionally been his reason. Furthermore, Simon explains mans reason had typically been studied while making decisions in times of scarcity. Simon steps out of the traditional realm in his research viewing decision theory as not being limited to the domains of political science, psychology, and sociology. He explains that the classical model of rational choice calls for all the knowledge of alternatives that are open to choice. Simon explains, in compliance with most of his research on Rational Choice theory, the possession of complete knowledge is not rational or feasible. Simon uses the works of theorists such as Henry Schultz to provide examples in explaining the more refined aspects of studies conducted within the physical sciences. From a government policy making perspective, Simon reveals the eloquence of the body of descriptive theory (i.e. descriptive statistics) and how quantitative research has been beneficial to normative economics. Although Simon is clearly an advocate of his many of his colleagues equilibrium theories, he offers an explanation that some of the more refined parts of this study may not be completely beneficial in the real world. Simon says in his article that when we find the discrepancies between theory and data, we try to patch rather then to rebuild from the foundations. He argues that we have large quantity of descriptive data from field as well as laboratory. A number of theories have been formed to account for this data. But these theories are not coherent. In one way or other, these incorporate the notions of the bounded rationality. Bounded rationality means the need to search for decisions alternatives, the replacement of optimization by targets and satisficing goals and the mechanism of learning and adaptation. Scholarly Themes The theme of this article is one with something can not be defeated with nothing. You cannot neat a measure or a candidate by pointing his/her defects or inefficiencies. An alternative must has to be offered. Do Sunk Costs Matter, by R. Preston Mcafee and Hugo M. Mialon, and Sue H. Mialon Mcafee, R. P., Mialon, H. M., Mialon, S. H. (2007). Do Sunk Costs Matter?  Economic Inquiry,  48(2), 323-336. Retrieved April 8, 2010 Central Argument Authors R. Preston Mcafee, Hugo M. Mialon, and Sue H. Mialon present research examining how people make decisions specifically in the realm of sunk costs in the article Do Sunk Costs Matter; therefore, their research focuses on economics. Summary of Work In the summary to of this article the authors identify sunk costs as costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered. That sunk costs are not related to rational decision-making is often accessible as one of the basic principles of economics. When people are influenced by sunk costs in their decision-making, they are said to be commend the sunk cost fallacy. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we argue that, in a broad range of situations, it is rational for people to condition behavior on sunk costs, because of informational content, reputational concerns, or financial and time constriction. Once all the elements of the decision-making environment are taken into account, reacting to sunk costs can often be unstated as rational behavior. Another argument presented in this article is the idea that decisions based on future prospects, past decisions, scarce resources and infinite time, and reaction to past decisions and the sunk costs they have entailed, is often rational behavior. Scholarly Themes The theme of the article is when people engage in this type of behavior it is not rational and they commit a sunk cost fallacy. Sunk cost is the basic theme of this article in which the authors have discussed that the people might rationally invest more if they have invested more in the past, because it might convince that high past investments would lead towards the closer success. The reaction of people has been discusses for investments in regard to the sunk cost. Simons Revenge: or Incommensurability and Satisficing, by Michael Byron Byron, M. (2005). Simons revenge: or, incommensurability and satisficing.  Analysis,  65(4), 311-315. Retrieved April 9, 2010 Central Argument Michael Byrons article, Simons Revenge: or Incommensurability and Satisficing, is another analysis of the Rational Choice Theory based on Herbert Simons criticisms of the theory. Byron provides a discussion focused on Simons solution to the Rational Choice Model of Decision Making. The central theme of Byrons article is about Simons coined term, Satisficing, and its potential in serving as an alternative model to Rational Choice Theory. Summary of Work Byron explains that Simon thought for large-scale decisions, the deluge of relevant information and uncertainties overload the cognitive capacity of managers to process it. Managers strive for rationality; therefore, they tend to be rational. However, Byron uses Simons argument to strengthen his research by explaining cognitive limits, uncertainties, and time limits cause decisions to be made under conditions of bounded rationality. They do not maximize in accordance with rationality assumptions instead they satisfice. To paraphrase Bryons argument, satisficing is a term meaning what we do when we make the best of what we can. This is the reality of decision making. Satisfice is the combination of two words: satisfy and suffice. Byron explains Simons alternative model of satisficing does not require maximization such as Rational Choice Model. Simon saw maximizing had failed; therefore, his revenge, or model of satisficing, was designed to garner success outcomes descriptively. Byron argues Simon designed this alternative model by making it cognitive demands nominal, simplified its value function, and completely eliminated the probabilities of the model. Scholarly Themes The idea of this article is Satisficing. Managers try to be rational but due to limitations they have to be bound rational in their decision making to provide satisficing decision and alternatives. A Behavioral Approach to the Rational Choice Theory of Collective Action, by Elinor Ostrom Elinor Ostrom.   (1998). A behavioral approach to the rational choice theory of collective action presidential address, American Political Science Association, 1997.  The American Political Science Review,  92(1),  1-22.   Retrieved April 9, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID:  26931044). Elinor Ostroms article, A Behavioral Approach to the Rational Choice Theory of Collective Action, is presented in Chapter 16 of Michael Dean McGinniss book entitled Polycentric Games and Institutions: Readings from the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis. Central Argument Ostroms research regarding the Rational Choice Theory and decision making is based on her argument that the theory is effective if expanded into a behavioral model of collective action when making decisions in times of social dilemma. This is the central argument of her research. Summary of Work Ostrom explains that Rational Choice Theory assumes that humans are self-interested, maximizers. Her research argues that Rational Choice has been successful in predicting marginal behavior in competitive decision making but when it comes to using this theory to predict decisions that are made during social dilemmas it has proved to be ineffective. Extensive empirical evidence and theoretical events causing change in multiple disciplines motivate a need to develop the range of rational choice models to be used as an establishment for the study of social dilemmas and cooperative action. After an introduction to the problem of triumph over social dilemmas through collective action, the leftovers of this article is divided into six sections which include theoretical predictions of currently accepted rational choice theory related to social dilemmas, challenges to the sole reliance, empirical findings that begin to show how individuals achieve results that are better than rational, the possibility of developing second-generation models of rationality, an initial theoretical scenario, implications of placing reciprocity, reputation, and trust at the core of an empirically tested, behavioral theory of collective action. The implications of developing second-generation models of empirically grounded, bloodedly rational, and moral decision making are substantial. New research questions will open up. We need to expand the type of research methods regularly used in political science. We need to increase the level of understanding among those engaged in formal theory, experimental research, and field research across the social and biological sciences. Scholarly Theme The main themes of the article are rational choice models, empirical evidences and theoretical development. The mentioned themes can be used to expand the variety of the rational choice models so that the study of the social dilemma and collective action can be carried out. To vote or not to vote: the merits and limits of rational choice theory, by Andre Blais Blais, Andre. To vote or not to vote: the merits and limits of rational choice theory. 2000. USA: University of Pittsburg Press. Central Argument Voter turnout and our reasons for voting have been exhaustively examined in the literature; however, Blais expresses his dissatisfaction of what has been presented in the literature about voting. The central theme of Blaiss research is whether or not the decision to vote or abstain from voting evolves from a rational choice perspective. Summary of Work Blais strengthens his argument by pointing out that rational choice authors have admitted a problem with exist voting and rational choice perspective because voting is a paradox of irrational response. Blais concludes his argument, after two solid years dedicated to this topic, with the view that the Rational Choice Theory does make a real contribution to understanding of why people vote but the contribution is quite limited. Blais uses Green and Shapiros infamous critique of the Rational Choice Theory to compare his verdict of the actual role Rational Choice plays in ones decision to vote. Green and Shapiros research blatantly stated the Rational Choice Model had failed to contribute any advancement of the empirical study of politics. Blaiss verdict is not as harsh and contrary to his colleagues findings. Blais uses a strong example to prove his point stating that motivations that make people vote, such as civic duty, are far from Rational Choice that claims people are self-interested. In Blais comparative analysis of his verdict to Green and Sahapiros, he stresses that political science offers many reasons to not vote. The fact that people still make the decision to vote is irrational. After Blaiss research, he candidly reveals that he cannot make sense of why people vote without taking the Rational Choice Model into consideration. Since most citizens vote despite even when it is not in their best perso nal interests to do so is a fascination that only Rational Choice Theory can explain. Scholarly Themes In the book, the author is focusing on the reasons for the choice for casting the vote. Voting and rational choice theory are interlinked and only this theory can explain it. CONCLUSION The 10 articles examined for the purposes of conducting a miniature literature review of Rational Choice Theory clearly indicates that this theory is of the most powerful in the field of social sciences, especially political science. An immovable effort was made to garner research that presented different perspectives about the effectiveness and feasibility of Rational Choice Theory. Rational Choice Theory has been criticized for being unrealistic. In decision making, Rational Choice is thought to be too time consuming, too costly, and too strict. The literature has criticized the theory for not taking human intuitive behavior into consideration. Furthermore, many theorists and researchers are not satisfied with Rational Choice Theory because it neglects empirical research. On the other hand, many theorists believe in Rational Choice Theory to explain things such as voting phenomenon. People vote inspire of the fact it may not be in their personal best interests. Some theorists believe only Rational Choice Theory can explain and predict this type of behavior. Other theorists believe the theory can be strengthened through incorporation of behavioral models. Overall, Rational Choice Theory has been approached with skepticism by theorists. The theorys validity and reliability has been questioned because of its lackadaisical approach to include empirical research. This argument seems to be the central theme of a vast majority of the research on Rational Choice Models. Theorists wonder what Rational Choice should do when empirical anomalies arise. Although there are many critiques for Rational Choice Theory, but still it is helpful in many fields such as to understand the rational of voting, in business organization etc.