Definition of Bleeding Kansas

Definition of Bleeding Kansas Bleeding Kansas was a term coined to describe violent conflicts in the US territory of Kansas from 1854 to 1858. The violence was provoked when the residents of Kansas had to decide for themselves whether to become a slave state or a free state.The unrest in Kansas amounted to a civil conflict on a small scale, and was something of a premonition of the full-scale war Civil War that was split the nation less than a decade later. The outbreak of hostilities in Kansas was essentially a proxy war, with pro-slavery and anti-slavery sympathizers in the North and South sending manpower as well as weapons. As events unfolded, elections were decided by outsiders flooding into the territory, and two different territorial legislatures were established. The violence in Kansas became a subject of fascination, with reports often being carred in the newspapers of the day. It was the influential New York City editor, Horace Greeley, who was crediting with coining the term Bleeding Kansas. Some of the violence in Kansas was perpetrated by John Brown, a fanatical abolitionist who traveled, with his sons, to Kansas so they might slaughter pro-slavery settlers. Background of the Violence The atmosphere in the United States in the 1850s was tense, as the crisis over slavery became the most prominent issue of the day. The acquisition of new territories following the Mexican War led to the Compromise of 1850, which seemed to settle the question of which parts of the country would allow slavery. In 1853, when Congress turned its attention to the Kansas-Nebraska territory and how it would be organized into states to come into the Union.  The battle over slavery began again. Nebraska was far enough north that it would clearly be a free state, as required under the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The question was about Kansas: would it come into the Union as a free state or a slave state? An influential Democratic senator from Illinois, Stephen Douglas, proposed a solution he called popular sovereignty. Under his proposal, the residents of a territory would vote to decide if slavery would be legal. The legislation put forth by Douglas, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, would essentially overturn the Missouri Compromise and allow slavery in states where the citizens voted for it. The Kansas-Nebraska Act was immediately controversial. (For instance, in Illinois a lawyer who had given up on politics, Abraham Lincoln, was so offended by it that he resumed his political career.) With the decision in Kansas approaching, anti-slavery activists from northern states began flooding into the territory. Pro-slavery farmers from the South also began to arrive. The new arrivals began to make a difference in voting. In November 1854 an election to choose a territorial delegate to send to the U.S. Congress resulted in many illegal votes. The following spring an election to choose a territorial legislature resulted in Border Ruffians coming across the border from Missouri to ensure a decisive (if disputed) win for pro-slavery candidates. By August 1855 the anti-slavery people who had come into Kansas rejected the new state constitution, created what they called a free-state legislature, and created a free-state constitution known as the Topeka Constitution. In April 1856 the pro-slavery government in Kansas set up in its capital, Lecompton. The federal government, accepting the disputed election, considered the Lecompton legislature as the legitimate government of Kansas. Eruptions of Violence Tensions were high, and then on May 21, 1856, pro-slavery riders entered the free soil town of Lawrence, Kansas, and burned homes and businesses. To retaliate, John Brown and some of his followers dragged five pro-slavery men from their homes at Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas, and murdered them. The violence even reached the halls of Congress. After an abolitionist senator from Massachusetts, Charles Sumner, delivered a blistering speech denouncing slavery and those who supported it in Kansas, he was beaten nearly to death by a South Carolina congressman. A truce was finally worked out by a new territorial governor, though violence continued to flare until finally dying down in 1859. Significance of Bleeding Kansas It was estimated that the skirmishing in Kansas ultimately cost about 200 lives. While it was not a major war, it was important as it showed how the tensions of slavery could lead to violent conflict. And in a sense, Bleeding Kansas was a precursor to the Civil War, which would violently split the nation in 1861.

The Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

The Regents of the University of California v. Bakke The Regents of the University of California v. Allan Bakke (1978), was a landmark case decided by the United States Supreme Court. The decision had historical and legal significance because it upheld affirmative action, declaring that race could be one of several determining factors in college admission policies, but rejected the use of racial quotas. Fast Facts: Regents of the University of California v. Bakke Case Argued: Oct. 12, 1977Decision Issued: June 26, 1978Petitioner: Regents of the University of CaliforniaRespondent: Allan Bakke, a 35-year-old white man who had applied twice for admission to the University of California Medical School at Davis and was rejected both timesKey Question: Did the University of California violate the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, by practicing an affirmative action policy that resulted in the repeated rejection of Bakkes application for admission to its medical school?Majority Decision: Justices Burger, Brennan, Stewart, Marshall, Blackman, Powell, Rehnquist, StevensDissenting: Justice WhiteRuling: The Supreme Court upheld affirmative action, ruling that race could be one of several determining factors in college admission policies, but it rejected the use of racial quotas as unconstitutional. Case History In the early 1970s, many colleges and universities across America were in the beginning stages of making major changes to their admissions programs in an effort to diversify the student body by increasing the number of minority students on campus. This effort was particularly challenging due to the 1970s massive increase of students applying to medical and law schools. It increased the competition and negatively impacted the efforts to create campus environments that promoted equality and diversity. Admission policies that relied predominantly on candidates grades and test scores was an unrealistic approach for the schools that wanted to increase the minority population on campus.   Dual Admission Programs In 1970, the University of California Davis School of Medicine (UCD) was receiving 3,700 applicants for a mere 100 openings. At the same time, UCD administrators were committed to working with an affirmative action plan often referred to as a quota or set-aside program. It was set up with two admissions programs in order to increase the number of disadvantaged students admitted to the school.  There was the regular admissions program and the special admissions program.Each year 16 out of 100 places were reserved for disadvantaged students and minorities including (as stated by the university), blacks, Chicanos, Asians, and American Indians. Regular Admissions Program Candidates who quailed for the regular admissions program had to have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) above 2.5. Some of the qualifying candidates were then interviewed. Those who passed were given a score based on their performance on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), science grades, extracurricular activities, recommendations, awards and other criteria that made up their benchmark scores. An admissions committee would then make a decision on which candidates would be accepted into the school. Special Admissions Program Candidates accepted into the special admissions programs were minorities or those who were economically or educationally disadvantaged. The special admissions candidates did not have to have a grade point average above 2.5 and they did not compete with the benchmark scores of the regular admission applicants.   From the time that the dual admissions program was implemented the 16 reserved spots were filled by minorities, despite the fact that many white applicants applied for the special disadvantaged program. Allan Bakke In 1972, Allan Bakke was a 32-year-old white male working as an engineer at NASA, when he decided to pursue his interest in medicine. Ten years earlier, Bakke had graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in mechanical engineering and a grade-point average of 3.51 out of 4.0 and was asked to join the national mechanical engineering honor society. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps for four years which included a seven-month combat tour of duty in Vietnam. In 1967, he became a captain and was given an honorable discharge. After leaving the Marines he went to work for National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) as a research engineer.   Bakke continued going to school and in June 1970, he earned his masters degree in mechanical engineering, but despite this, his interest in medicine continued to grow. He was missing some of chemistry and biology courses required for admission into medical school so he attended night classes at San Jose State University and Stanford University. He completed all the prerequisites and had an overall GPA of 3.46. During this time he worked part-time as a volunteer in the emergency room at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California. He scored an overall 72 on the MCAT, which was three points higher than the average applicant to UCD and 39 points higher than the average special program applicant. In 1972, Bakke applied to UCD. His biggest concern was being rejected due to his age. He had surveyed 11 medical schools; all who said that he was over their their age limit. Age discrimination was not an issue in the 1970s. In March he was invited to interview with Dr. Theodore West who described Bakke as a very desirable applicant who he recommended.  Two months later, Bakke received his rejection letter. Angered by how the special admissions program was being managed, Bakke contacted his lawyer, Reynold H. Colvin, who prepared a letter for Bakke to give to the medical schools chairman of the admissions committee, Dr. George Lowrey. The letter, which was sent in late May, included a request that Bakke was placed on the wait-list and that he could register during the fall of 1973 and take courses until an opening became available. When Lowrey failed to reply, Covin prepared a second letter in which he asked the chairman if the special admissions program was an illegal racial quota. Bakke was then invited to meet with Lowreys assistant, 34-year-old Peter Storandt so that the two could discuss why he was rejected from the program and to advise him to apply again. He suggested that if he was rejected again he may want to take UCD to court; Storandt had a few names of lawyers that could possibly help him if he decided to go in that direction. Storandt was later disciplined and demoted for displaying unprofessional behavior when meeting with Bakke. In August 1973, Bakke applied for early admission into UCD. During the interview process, Lowery was the second interviewer. He gave Bakke an 86 which was the lowest score Lowery had given out that year. Bakke received his second rejection letter from UCD at the end of September 1973. The following month, Colvin filed a complaint on Bakkes behalf with HEWs Office of Civil Rights, but when HEW failed to send a timely response, Bakke decided to move forward. On June 20, 1974, Colvin brought suit on behalf of Bakke in Yolo County Superior Court. The complaint included a request that UCD admit Bakke into its program because the special admissions program rejected him because of his race. Bakke alleged that the special admissions process violated the U.S. Constitutions Fourteenth Amendment, the California Constitutions article I, section 21, and Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.   UCDs counsel filed a cross-declaration and asked the judge to find that the special program was constitutional and legal. They argued that Bakke would not have been admitted even if there had been no seats set aside for minorities.   On November 20, 1974, Judge Manker found the program unconstitutional and in violation of Title VI, no race or ethnic group should ever be granted privileges or immunities not given to every other race. Manker did not order to admit Bakke to UCD, but rather that the school reconsiders his application under a system that did not make determinations based on race. Both Bakke and the university appealed the judges ruling. Bakke because it was not ordered that he be admitted to UCD and the university because the special admissions program was ruled unconstitutional.   Supreme Court of California Due to the seriousness of the case, the Supreme Court of California ordered that the appeals be transferred to it. Having gained a reputation as being one of the most liberal appellate courts, it was assumed by many that it would rule on the side of the university. Surprisingly, the court upheld the lower-court ruling in a six to one vote. Justice Stanley Mosk wrote, No applicant may be rejected because of his race, in favor of another who is less qualified, as measured by standards applied without regard to race.   The lone dissenter, Justice Matthew O. Tobriner wrote, It is anomalous that the Fourteenth Amendment that served as the basis for the requirement that elementary and secondary schools be compelled to integrate should now be turned around to forbid graduate schools from voluntarily seeking that very objective. The court ruled that the university could no longer use race in the admissions process. It ordered that the university provide proof that Bakkes application would have been rejected under a program that was not based on race. When the university admitted that it would be unable to provide the proof, the ruling was amended to order Bakkes admission into the medical school.   That order, however, was stayed by U.S. Supreme Court in November 1976, pending the outcome of the petition for a writ of certiorari to be filed by the Regents of the University of California to the U.S. Supreme Court. The university filed a petition for writ of certiorari the following month.

Scientific background to Modern philosophy Research Paper

Scientific background to Modern philosophy - Research Paper Example There have been several claims that philosophy grew from science. Some argue that the reverse is the case, while other scholars are for the idea that science and philosophy complement each other. Better than saying, it has been proven beyond doubt that successful philosophical researches, advancements and methodologies have frequently been closely related to science. The history of modern philosophy essentially dates back to the 17th century which was mainly driven and determined by forces such as Renaissance, metaphysics, rationalism, empiricism, idealism and pragmatism. Hence this article is going to give an account and exploration of the relations between science and philosophy by looking at some essential scientific revolutions, especially by looking at persons who advanced these scientific revolutions. In specific, this paper will be examining the contributions and views of Galileo in scientific revolutions that have directly contributed to shaping modern philosophy. In addition , this paper will look at the connection and the degree to which science is connected with life which consequently brings about modern philosophy. Taking Galileo for instance, his scientific mechanics have greatly influenced men’s minds and has also played an important role in coming up with philosophical views and methodologies. Scientific theories and revolutions have to a great extent influenced modern philosophy. Directly or indirectly, scientific theories such as Galileo’s findings on scientific revolutions have influenced philosophy in one way or the other. Galileo is considered as one of the greatest men of age who contributed greatly to philosophy because his findings were very fundamental to laying the foundations of modern philosophy. Galileo was also regarded as one of the initiators in modern philosophy. This is since he was not only a mathematician but also philosopher because the world of today would not be complete without Galileo’s mathematical f indings. Being the mathematician that he was is what makes him to be viewed as the type of philosopher he was at that time. In brief, Galileo in the history of scientific revolutions was an Italian astronomer and mathematician who was the first to use a telescope to study the stars; demonstrated that different weights descend at the same rate; and perfected the refracting telescope that enabled him to make many discoveries, and had his lifetime from 1564 to 1642 (Morgan & Michael, 2011). In precise, Galileo’s contributions were based on a new scientific discovery and methods of mathematical expressions. As much as there were other scientists during the age of his time, Galileo’s contributions were still considered very instrumental in prompting most of the scientific ideas that have shaped philosophy. His finding that has widely shaped and influenced the world of philosophers and astronomers was the discovery of stars in the Milky-Way, and the nebulous stars by the use of the telescope. Apart from that, Galileo formulated three laws of motion based on the force of gravity, which have as well influenced and shaped modern philosophical studies in the field of science and dynamics. He went further to come up with accurate mathematical expressions of time, velocity and distance that could predict and ascertain exact mathematical values. Consequently these mathematical advancements by Galileo have brought about surety in the field of physical phenomenon. The contributions of Galileo and other early scientist have hence promoted and influenced how people think, ways of life and further intellectual revolutions that have helped shape modern philosophy. Darwin’s theory of evolution for instance has had a weighty impact on the conception of man’s niche and place in nature. To a large extent, these successes of scientific theories by Galileo amongst other scientists have influenced what is now new in modern philoso

Argument paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Argument paper - Essay Example With the increased cases of crime in society, people have lived in so much fear as they fear any impending attacks and bombings, which lead to many people dying. Through the increase in the number of criminals, imprisonment is not only enough to deter the criminals and that is the reason why the judiciary enforced the death penalty and enacted it as a way of eliminating permanently the criminals and reducing their numbers. Many of those who get out of prison after long years of imprisonment often commit other bigger crimes and hence, it would be better if they were killed, because they end up killing even more people. Therefore there is need to protect the innocent and wipe away the perpetrators of crimes to humanity. The best way is through the death penalty, as other forms of imprisonment are not deterrent enough. In addition, death penalty will enable people to be more careful and appreciate the right to life for every citizen. Additionally, the sanctity of life will be maintained , as they will strive to preserve their own lives and avoid capital punishment. Therefore, it is a punishment for those who take away the lives of others, since the same measure needs to be taken against them, and i.e. they are to be killed too (Mandery and Mandery, 2011). Furthermore, various huge taxes are used to finance prisons and feed murderers in prisons, which are not fair at all since the money needs to be channelled to improve the lives of the poor who are at the mercy of the criminals. In carrying out life imprisonment, the society has to bear high costs with regard to maintaining prisoners with long imprisonment terms for crimes that prompt capital punishment. There is no doubt that the up-front costs of death sentence are relatively low, however, the alternative fronts significant maintenance costs over time (Guernsey, 2009). The financial and economic costs of maintaining a prisoner serving life are astronomical to the tune of $50000 a year, which is more than

Consequences of Unethical Behavior Essay Example for Free

Consequences of Unethical Behavior Essay I had not heard of this until now, actually. Google paid their way out of CEO prosecution last year. Not only was their behavior unethical, and illegal, it was very socially irresponsible to the American people. Google was taking part in advertising narcotics and other prescription drugs for an illegal Canadian pharmacy on the American internet; making all of these drugs readily available to the American people. David Whitaker, a federal inmate and convicted con-artist became posed as an American government agent who went undercover to prove Google knew exactly what was going on. Google advertisement executives accepted the $200,000 worth of the government’s â€Å"set-up† money to begin advertising. Whitaker collected emails and recorded calls to prove that Google knew what they were doing were illegal. Even though it was obvious through the evidence to see that Google representatives knew that the advertisements were illegal, they extended Whitaker a â€Å"very generous credit line and allowed me to set my target advertising directly to American consumers. On August 24th, 2011, Google paid $500M dollars to pay their fines and avoid prosecution of their C. E. O. Larry Page. Through the emails and recordings, it is made obvious that Page knew exactly what was going on. Google was allowing illegal Canadian pharmacies to platform their ads on Google and target the American population. Google allowing American consumers to be targeted is absolutely outrageous. Google’s $500M fine covers the advertising costs and profits of the companies. The Department of Justice also has a â€Å"non-prosecution† agreement with Google. Now, what exactly is a â€Å"non-prosecution† agreement? To me, this all sounds like something illegal all the way around. How can a company, any company, buy their way out of prosecution? How can a C. E. O. not be classified as a drug peddler who well knows of what is going on within his company? How does this make him any different that Bernie Madoff or the Goldman Sachs C. E. O.? Google was allowing drugs to be sold through their network, period point blank; with the citizens of America being the target. How can a company buy their way out of prosecution? I just do not understand. If I was caught selling drugs, or giving people a platform to sell, I would be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Would I be able to buy my way out of prosecution? I absolutely would not! The American government would lock me away and take their sweet time about taking me to trial and finishing my case. Why was this not made more public? Now, it seems, Google is being looked into from every aspect, in which they should.

The Character of Oedipus in Oedipus and The Infernal Machine Essay

The Character of Oedipus in Oedipus and The Infernal Machine   Ã‚   The stories of Oedipus, as told through Seneca's Oedipus and Cocteau's The Infernal Machine, contain both similarites and differences. Both authors portray the character of Oedipus as being obstinate, ignorant, and inquisitive. Yet Seneca and Cocteau differ on their interpretation of the motives that propelled these characteristics of Oedipus. Seneca portrays Oedipus as a mature man who, in seeing the troubles of the plague that has descended upon Thebes, feels true sorrow for his dying people and wishes to cure his moribund city. On the other hand, Cocteau's Oedipus is a pretentious, immature, and overweening young adult who seeks to indulge himself in the fast and wealthy lifestyle of the royal class. Seneca and Cocteau seem to agree that Oedipus is a very persistent, curious, and yet unwitting character. Furthermore, they believe that it these qualities that ultimately bring about his demise. In Seneca's tale, Tiresias tries to warn Oedipus that only bad will result from his need to know the identity of Laius's killer-"Avid your hung er for such knowledge now , but you will come to rue the things you know." (Sen. Oed. p. 22) Even when his horrible actions are discovered by all the other characters, Oedipus, oblivious to the truth, persists with the search. Creon describes the area in which the King Laius was slain, yet Oedipus seems to realize nothing and instead, continu es to demand the identity of Laius's killer. Oedipus. . . .Whom did I murder? Through a blunder, a pure blunder, an old man on the road- a stranger. Tiresias. Oedipus, your blunder killed the husband of Jocasta, King Laius. Oedipus. The two of you. Now I see the shape of you... ...presence of his mother at his side. In the end, Oedipus, according to Cocteau, doesn't even solve the riddle, but instead is told the answer by the Sphinx herself. Both Seneca and Cocteau regard Oedipus as a stubborn and curious man whose necessity to identify the killer of King Laius, despite warnings from Jocasta, Tiresias, and Creon to leave it be, lead him to his horrible fate. Yet there is a distinct difference between the motives of the authors' characters. Seneca's wise and gracious Oedipus persists in his quest to find the killer in order to free Thebes of its pollution. While Cocteau's puerile and arrogant character must know the identity of the killer, simply for personal knowledge. Works Cited: Cocteau, Jean. The Infernal Machine and other plays. New York:New Directions, 1963 Seneca. The Tragedies Volume II. Baltimore:Johns Hopkins, 1995   

Shangri-La Hotels and Landmarks Berhad (Malaysia)

For the hospitality industry, the average revenue they earn through their continued operations within year 2007 to year 2009 increased in year 2008 and then decline in year 2009. The reason revenue decline in year 2009 is probably is the side effect of the bad economy during end of year 2008. For Landmarks Berhad, their business decline for three years continuously. This shows that their management level is not done their job perfectly. The average revenue for year 2008 should be higher than the previous year; this is happened on the Shangri-La Hotels but not on Landmarks Berhad. They could use the bad situation of our economy as the main reason for the decline in revenue for year 2009 but not for year 2008. Besides that, when we look at the average liquidity of hospitality industry, their average should be around 1. 5 or less since the largest inventories held by a hotel are in the form of guest rooms, and these are included under property, plant and equipment which is a part of fixed assets. Therefore hotels can operate with a liquidity ratio less than 1. 5. Creditors might prefer to see a high ratio of current assets to liabilities since it provides a positive indicator of that particular company’s capability to repay its debt obligations. However for the owner of the company in hospitality industry, a high ratio in liquidity may indicate that more money is being tied up in working capital and is not used nicely. Generally the owner of a hotel company will try to maintain the current ratio which is at the acceptable to ownership and creditors. Furthermore, when we look at the activity ratio, Landmarks berhad’s average collection period and average payment period is much higher than Shangri-La Hotels; and the inventory turnover ratio shows that Landmarks is not being used their total asset effectively. These show that the risk taking by the company operation is higher as well. May be we can’t deny that the earnings of Landmarks Berhad in year 2007 is very higher compare to the average revenue of Shangri-La Hotels, but majority of the earnings of Landmarks Berhad in year 2007 were earned by sold their current asset (total asset held for sale) from discontinued operations. The average revenue of Landmarks Berhad gained from sale was actually much lower than the average compared to the Shangri-La Hotels. This shows that their return is very unstable compared to the Shangri-La Hotels. Thus, we could suggest that Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad is the best company compared to Landmarks Berhad.

Physiological and psychological responses Essay

Attainment tests are an important aspect of measuring knowledge demonstrated or the outcomes that following instructions in a specific program. Intelligence tests determine an individual’s abilities being a reflection of experience gained in other means not necessarily part of school curriculum. However, examinee performance in these tests has been noted to vary from one kind of environmental setting to the other due to a number of both environmental and examinee factors (Pinku & Birenbaum, 1997).. For instance, environmental factors such as climatic stress due to global warming have over time impacted greatly on the conditions under which psychological tests are taken. Test environments vary substantially from place to place and also due to the cognitive demands of an assessment task. Recently, there have been extensive studies conducted to analyze the impact of test environments on mental performance. Much emphasis has especially been laid on the test environments that impact negatively on performance in tests and which are responsible for the misrepresentation of the competence of one’s mind. Test anxiety Test anxiety encompasses the behavioral, physiological and psychological responses that reflect apprehension regarding a possibility of failing during an evaluative test. Studies have indicated that there is a direct correlation between test anxiety and poor test scores (Gregory, 1996). However, there are two categories of test anxiety: (1) those who suffer from interfering thoughts during an exanimation and which compromise performance; and (2) those who suffer from the inability to learn by organizing the necessary information for recall when taking a test. The first category is referred to as the interference model while the second is referred to as the skill deficit model. According to research, test anxiety due to the inability to organize and learn essential information could be enhanced by inadequate study behaviors. This leads to poor scores since the examinee never learns the necessary material and which is the most basic requirement for good performance. Thus, test anxiety in such an occasion is usually exacted by unpreparedness and not performance decline per se (Holahan & Culler 1980). With reference to the condition of interfering thoughts, high anxiety leads to responses and thoughts that are not relevant to the test and these occupy much of the processing space in the mind. Competition for processing space by these responses affects the test related responses that are important for succeeding in an evaluation test. This leads to poor performance as test anxiety causes problems in recalling test-relevant information learned due to the maladaptive responses associate with irrelevant thoughts. Studies have shown that the test examiner can help the examinees in handling test anxiety by encouraging and helping them to relax before administering the test. Preparing adequately before a test can help learners to avoid studying at the last minute which increases anxiety. Being at the examination room quite on time and thinking about what ones knows about the subject being tested rather than what one does not know also helps reduce anxiety. Concentrating on the positive rather than negative and irrational thoughts can help in maintaining the mind at peace and hence reducing anxiety. It is also necessary that stressful tasks or situations are not scheduled just before one takes a test. Climatic Stress The physical conditions in which an examinee takes a test has an immense impact on the test’s score. For instance the environmental conditions such as high temperatures and humidity in the tropical region where close to two-thirds of the whole world population take their tests are unfavorable. It is important to note that systems that can correct such imbalances are not always available to every examinee. In the tropics for instance, examinees take tests in an environment with high and uncomfortable heat and high humidity. Current studies indicate that environmental stressors like high humidity and temperate can by impairing mechanisms such as selective attention and short-term memory affect performance negatively. According to Auliciems (1972), the short-term memory is paramount for the basic processing of information during a test. On the other hand, selective attention is a requisite for performing successfully in a psychological test. These aspects of the mind are essential in enabling the examinee to rule out stimuli that is irrelevant to the test task especially when an examinee ought to think laterally (Gregory, 1996). Given their importance in influencing test scores, these two domains: selective attention and auditory short-term memory have been studied through the Stroop and Digit span tests respectively and found to impact negatively on performance if distorted. Incase of uncomfortable environmental stress, the administration can ensure a conducive environment by installing the appropriate corrective measures such as air conditioning systems. Other factors such as hostility between the examiner and examinee which can significantly distract the two domains or block concentration can be effectively handled by seeking help from a mentor or a counselor. This helps the examinee to relax and take the test positively. It is indeed important that the mind as well as the body work in the most conducive environment for impressive test results to be attained. References Auliciems, A. (1972). Some observed relationships between the atmospheric environment and Mental work. Environmental Research, 5, pp. 217-240. Gregory, R. J. (1996). Psychological testing: History, principles, and applications (2nd Ed. ). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Holahan, C. J. , & Culler, R. E. (1980). Test anxiety and academic performance: The effects of study related behaviors. Journal of Educational Psychology, 72, pp. 16-20. Pinku, P. , & Birenbaum, M. (1997). Effects of test anxiety, Information organization, and testing situation on performance on two test formats. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 22, pp. 23-38.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Postmodern Social Constructivism

Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Postmodern Social Constructivism General Overview of Social Construction Therapies Social construction theories are considered to be based on certain concepts such as special questions to be asked during individual and group counselling sessions and a strategy based on change process vision. In this respect, constructionist approach presupposes case conceptualisation and treatment goals that differ from merely gaining knowledge and counselling sessions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Postmodern Social Constructivism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Case Conceptualisation Similarities As Solution Focused Brief Therapy approach and the Postmodern Social Construction perspective are very similar, it is necessary to mention that one of the similarities concern the case conceptualisation used in both therapies. As reported by Pichot Dolan (2003), â€Å"understanding of solution-focused therapy would be best viewed as a journey rather than a destination† (Pichot Dolan, 2003, p.5); this can be also applied to Postmodern Social Constructivism approach. In other words, both therapies are aimed at structuring of the process on the level of concepts of what is ‘good’ and what should be changed. Differences The main difference between Social Constructivism and Solution Focused Brief Therapy is that the former therapy uses identifies artefacts and their meaning whereas the latter defines a goal to achieve and outline the methods to use in the process of counselling. Actually, the Solution Focused Brief Therapy is almost based on the concepts invented within the Social Constructivism theory. Treatment Goals Similarities The main similarities of the two therapies mentioned above include the analysis of the current situation rather than analysis of some past events. Moreover, both therapies are aimed at consideration of the situation in a certain social context. Thus, both therapies im plement some structuring of the process. Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Postmodern Social Constructivism approach are goal-focused and are not concentrated on what can be referred to as problem analysis, problem statement. These therapies do not find out what is wrong but rather identify what should be in the end of the therapeutic session. Differences Schaffer (2006) suggests the main peculiar feature of Social Constructivism theory as the one that the approach is not based on mere knowledge but is put into certain environment with its consequences, setting, and context as a whole. In this respect, the Social Constructivism theory is focused more on identification of artefacts and their meaning regarding the social context and analysis of what is ‘wrong’ and should be eliminated.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, the Solution Focused Brief Therapy does not analyse the wrong and the right. It is aimed at construction of the final result by means of identifying what to achieve and only then outlines the steps including what to keep and what to change. Cases When Each Therapy Can Be Beneficial Each therapy can be beneficial in cases of alcohol and drug addiction; these therapies are very much alike and can be helpful during counselling sessions when a patient is not analysed as the one who did something wrong and the reasons for that. The sessions should be constructed in accordance with the abovementioned therapies because a patient should reach a goal in the end. Change Process and Rationale I think that Solution Focused Brief Therapy most closely reflects my beliefs about the change process when a counsellor helps a patient to transit from the current situation to a desired condition. I think so because this therapy is mostly aimed at reaching the goal instead of analysing the past and concluding. Reference List Pich ot, T, Dolan, Y. M. (2003). Solution-focused brief therapy: Its effective use in agency settings. London: Routledge Schaffer, H. R. (2006). Key concepts in developmental psychology. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Romanticism and the Supernatural in Edgar Allan Poes Ligeia

Romanticism and the Supernatural in Edgar Allan Poe's Ligeia Although the movement began more than 130 years ago, readers today are still trying to define the highly complex genre known as  American Romanticism. Understanding the meaning of the literary period is challenging. Romanticism in America consisted of several common themes that questioned earlier ideas of  literature,  art, and philosophy. This feature will discuss Edgar Allan Poes Ligeia (1838) to demonstrate how one writer uses  supernatural themes than the more traditional, classical themes of the 18th century. Ligeia's Unusual Beauty Not only does Ligeias unusual beauty represent a reoccurring theme throughout the story, but the text portrays Poes method of rejecting the ordinary, a common theme in past literature, while still promoting the ideas of Romanticism. One example of this is how Poe repeatedly points out how flaws in the classical appearance of Rowena, the fair-haired, the blue-eyed, by comparing her to Ligeia whose features were not of that regular mould which we have been falsely taught to worship in the classical labors of the heathen. Poe explains through the narrator how more exalted and meaningful Ligeias beauty is specifically because she exhibits more natural features instead of the classical features. Poe clearly rejects classical beauty by killing off Rowena and having Ligeia, the heroine and the personification of Romantic beauty, live on through Rowenas body. The narrator describes his beautiful spouse almost like a ghost: She came and departed as a shadow. He also thinks her beauty, more specifically her eyes, as a strange mystery. Her eyes make her seem unreal or superhuman because of her large expressive eyes that the narrator cannot explain except that they are far larger than the ordinary eyes of our own race. The rejection of the classical values and the welcoming of the supernatural through unusual, mysterious beauty indicates Poes bias towards Romantic themes particularly since the narrator describes her eyes and voice further as which at once so delighted and appalled meby the almost magical melody, modulation, distinctness, and placidity of her low voice. In this statement, Ligeia almost frightens the narrator because of her grotesque and supernatural qualities. He cannot explain what he sees, but in Romanticism, many times the writers threw out the rational and replaced it with the irregular and unexplained. When Did We Meet? Another contradiction of the narrators relationship with Ligeia is how he cannot explain how he knows her, or when and where they met. I cannot, for my soul, remember how, when, or even precisely where, I first became acquainted with the lady Ligeia. Why is it that Ligeia has taken away his recollection? Consider how unusual this episode is since most people can remember the smallest details of meeting their true love. It seems that she almost has control over him. Then, her love for him demonstrates more Romantic themes of the supernatural since she returns from the dead through Rowena. Often, Romanticist literature tried to disconnect itself with past literary styles by adding a theme of unusual remoteness concerning time and space. For example, Ligeias identity has no clear beginning or end. This fact clearly demonstrates another example of this excessive, irregular, and unexplained style of writing commonly found in Romanticist literature. We never know how the narrator meets Ligeia, where she was after she dies, or how she is capable of resurrecting herself through another woman. All of this is in strict defiance of Restoration literature and a rejection of 18th-century writers philosophies. By challenging what 18th-century writers labeled as appropriate themes, Poe writes Ligeia to promote his belief in Romanticist theories and ideas. His originality, specifically the use of the supernatural, is a consistent example of the innovation projected throughout Romantic literature.

Reseach Method Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Reseach Method - Essay Example The abstract provides a clear idea about two important factors whether the research addressed the question of interest and whether it studied individuals or situations are relevant. Aside from giving information about the purpose of the study, it also includes who was included in the study as well as an overview of the findings and the implications of the findings to practice. The findings confirm that Eastern and Western cultures emphasize different influence styles. This is a confirmation of a previous research finding. The findings also indicate that life stage is as important as culture, and possibly more important than culture, in explaining the ethical perceptions of upward influence behavior. This involves the new discoveries or concepts from the research. The abstract is found on the first page of the research. It has the findings which provide the summary of the key components of the research. The abstract provides a short summary of the study. It includes the aim of the study, outline of the methodology and the main findings. The purpose of the abstract is to allow the readers to decide if the study is of interest to them The introduction section of the research paper describes the gap in knowledge that is addressed by the research study. In this section of the report, the researcher explains why the research was needed, why the study was carried out in the manner that it was and what the researcher is specifically asking or predicting. As the business world evolves from a nation-state focus to a global focus, managers who are proficient at understanding cultural differences should be more effective in exercising influence in culturally mixed situations. Research on how culture affects individuals' choices of upward influence strategies has been limited. This study provides a first step in the investigation of the interaction of age and culture on the upward influence ethics of managers. The primary goal of this study is to ascertain the interrelationship between life stage (age) and culture on the influence strategies employed by managers in order to identify compatibilities (or incompatibilities) in influence styles among age-culture groups. Review of related Literature (Beasley, 2003) This is a focused summary of what has already been published regarding the question or problem for which there is a gap in knowledge. The literature of the research article gives the readers' a picture of what is already known or has already been studied in relation to the problem and identifies where the gaps in knowledge may be. The literature review does not necessarily only include published research studies. It also may include published reports about issues related to practice or a description of a theory. A theory is a written description of how several factors may relate to and affect one each other. The factors described in a theory are usually abstract: that cannot be readily observed and immediately defined and recognized by everyone. The research report discusses a theory in its introduction section, the study tests and further explains the relationships proposed in that theory. The meta-category perspective is used in the research report. It is expected that the study will be based on this, and that is to examine some aspect of life events and perceptions affect the variables in the research. The