Apple Stock Analysis - 1080 Words

Introduction: The stock that I have analyzed is Apple (AAPPL), which it falls under the technology sector and trades under the NASDAQ. This sector holds the biggest companies around the world. A lot of these companies are well known such as: Amazon, Google, LinkedIn, and etc. The technology sector is an undeniably investment opportunity for every investor around the world. Lets face it technology keeps improving and we have only seen the beginning of it. These companies, such as Apple, are associated with constant innovation and invention. Our modern economy relies upon the technology sector to improve quality, productivity, and profitability. Apple’s first computer was developed around the 1970’s. Since then they have surpass one of†¦show more content†¦Second once Apple stabilized after year 2019, the prediction of growth is 3%, and Beta was projected to be .96. Again, by using the boundaries stated above: the (Ke), weight of equity/debt, and WACC were as follow 6.34%, 80%, 20%, and 5.63%. These numbers were somewhat similar to its high growth stage; therefore, signifying Apple is still a strong company once it stabilizes. Yet, another reason why Apple can provide such attractive returns. Conversely, finding the Terminal Value (Pt) of the company, which is the value of the company at a future year, projected the PV for stable growth, in this case it was 2020. The (Pt) was over $1 billion, yet again another reason why Apple creates a great investment opportunity. Moreover, by adding all of the PV, including the stable growth year, the intrinsic value of the firm is over $966 million and minus the cu rrent value of debt, Apple is still worth (value of equity) over $926 million. This equity divided the current number of shares outstanding; Apple’s intrinsic value of stock is $988.80 per share. By comparison the current stock price, which is $649.79 per share, the stock value is undervalued. Likewise, making (AAPL) a rewarding opportunity that must not be taken for granted. Conclusion With outstanding projections by Apple my recommended strategy is simple and involves options. Reason being is that orthodox investments do not provide great returns in a volatile market. Therefore, by evaluating appleShow MoreRelatedApple, Inc. Stock Analysis789 Words   |  4 Pages Apple, Inc. Stock Analysis Course Project: Apple, Inc. Stock Analysis 1. Apple Background with a lifetime analysis Apple is a California corporation that was established in 1977. Apple is a company that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communications and media devices, personal computers and portable digital music players. It is also a company that sells a variety of related software, services, accessories, networking solutions and third party digital content and applicationsRead MoreApple: Stock Research Analysis950 Words   |  4 PagesApple: Stock Research Analysis Apple (AAPL) is one of the most high profile stocks in the world. Regarding its valuation, people are often confused by its high price. Even though the price is high, Apples valuation is significantly lower than its historical earnings growth rate and, more importantly, its forecast growth. Consequently, we believe that this high-profile growth stock that has recently began paying a dividend is undervalued at these levels. About Apple, taken directly from itsRead MoreCase Study of Apple1444 Words   |  6 PagesApple Inc. Case Study By: Executive Summary: Apple Inc. is a great computer technology company with a wide range of products that serve to every persons needs.    Not only are their products great but so is their customer service as well.    They are very loyal to their customers needs and are very good about honoring their warranties which are incredible deals.    They are also steadily doing very well with their stocks and their net income over the past years.    With their income up 364%Read MoreIs The Ideal Investment Over Apple Inc.1157 Words   |  5 Pagesinvestment on the stock market, Google’s new parent Alphabet and the ever-innovating Apple Inc. maintain their spots as two of the most popular. The two titanic companies have previously had a sizeable gap between the values of their stocks, with Apple Inc. leading Alphabet thanks largely to its massive deposits of cash. USA Today analyst John Shinal asserts that because of this more rapid growth, Alphabet is the ideal investment over Apple Inc. for in vestors who favor growth stocks while Apple Inc. is preferredRead MoreApple s Finance And Operations1448 Words   |  6 PagesApple s Finance and Operations Cynthia Cretara September 25, 2016 Post University BUS411 Dr. Mike Powers For this week assignment we are to select a business we find interesting and analyze their current financial ratios. There are several businesses I find interesting, but I chose to use Apple for this assignment because is a business that I have been following for many years. Apple was founded in April of 1976. Apple started with the sales of computers and laptops; however, since itsRead MoreManaging Interest Rate Risk Management1035 Words   |  5 PagesIn the aspect of interest rate risk management, the department establishes a systematic financial risk quantitative analysis model by analyzing the assets and liabilities structure. On the basis of scenario analysis and stress testing, it follows the movement of interest rate and determine the timing of market operation. It analyzes Apple’s import and export trade currency and business volume. Various measures will be taken to lock exchange rate. Buying forward exchange rate options is one of theRead MoreApple Annual Report A nalysis996 Words   |  4 PagesApple Annual Report Analysis Introduction As of May 15, 2012 Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has a market capitalization rate of $522B and an impressive trailing Price/Earnings Ratio of 13.62. These figures combined show that private and institutional investors both see value in this stock and are positive about its future prospects. For its latest fiscal year, Apple recorded $142.3B and a Net Income of $38.6B (Apple Investor Relations, 2012). The latest Apple Annual Report, which the majority of whichRead MoreEssay on Stock Trak Investment Report1335 Words   |  6 PagesStock Trak Investment Report [Portfolio Investment Analysis] Portfolio management is an important factor that determines the performance of the portfolio. To perform well in the portfolio, it is not only essential to develop personal investment strategies, but analyzing current financial trend is also vital. Stock Trak is an online portfolio simulation that allows students to try out different investment strategies, and also get a hand on experience in what the real market trading conditions areRead MoreIndustry Analysis : Apple Inc1577 Words   |  7 PagesIndustry Analysis Apple Inc. is a multinational corporation that designs, develops, and sells electronics, computer software, online services, and computers. Apple designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices. Apple has created computers, laptops, phones, music devices, tablets, media players. These products are known as; iPhone, iPad, iPod, iTunes, MacBook, iHome, etc. Their software applications are iOS and OS X operating systems. They also have online services thatRead MoreMarketing Strategies For Apple Inc.916 Words   |  4 Pages Apple Inc. is an American company and is best known to design and manufacture computer hardware, software and other consumer electronics. (Bright Hub, 2016) The corporation is best known for its series of personal computers, the iPod and its innovative marketing strategies for its products. (WhatIs.com, 2016). Infamous Steve Jobs was both the CEO and co-founder for Apple, and the company headquarters resides in Cupertino California. In November 25, 2014 Apple rose to groundbreaking heights when

Children Are Convicted Of Greater Punishment - 988 Words

Across the US, juveniles are tried as adults when they perpetrate felonies such as violent offense or rape. Juveniles mainly serve a couple of decades in prison or even have received death penalties. Kids are convicted of greater punishment because the greater the crime, the more likely they are called adults. Although youths get charged as adults â€Å"a fifteen-year-old youth was mimicking a TV program about little girls who rob a bank and was given a 26-years-to-life prison term. Thomas Preciado was fourteen when he stabbed to death a mini-mart clerk† (Lundstrom). These guidelines must not be applied to kids because they may be pressured or threatened by a character. The punishment should be reduced to a couple of years, after all, it is†¦show more content†¦Politicians soon responded to those fears, and to concerns about the perceived inadequacies of state juvenile justice systems, by lowering the age at which children could be transferred to adult courts.† The media has created a stereotype regarding juveniles that have negatively affected them in curts. Due to this stereotype, many youths have been victims of injustice treatment. Due to not having a fully developed brain, many teenagers are at risk of acting on impulse rather than fully understanding their action; therefore, the courts should keep this into consideration when dealing with juveniles. There is various numbers of interpretations for juvenile problems that are being tried as adults. Juveniles must not be tried as adults because teens are not mature enough to be charged as adults which means the courthouses should not give severe punishments such as: life sentence in prison or even death sentence also, guidelines of the court system do not apply to the kids. One way we can fix the complications is by giving teens consistent punishment for felonies. Another solution for the youths that have undeveloped minds is to understand their psyche. Although all juveniles should get an equal amount of time in prison â€Å"few believe that criminal genes are inherited from parental abuse and negative home lives† (Garinger). If crime is in the genes then kids are more likely to commit an offense. AlsoShow MoreRelatedJuvenile Crime And The Criminal Law Under The Age Of Eighteen1540 Words   |  7 Pageswho were convicted of crimes other than homicide violated the Constituti on s prohibition against harsh and uncommon punishment, a ruling that extended the court s logic in its 2005 decision to eliminate the juvenile death penalty. In both of these cases, the court held that because adolescents are not as responsible for their actions as adults, they should not be punished as harshly, even for the same crimes (Steinberg, 2012) There has been an dispute that a juvenile who was convicted of murderRead MoreJuvenile Crimes And Juvenile Crime1620 Words   |  7 Pagesjuveniles convicted of crimes other than homicide violated the Constitution s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, a ruling that extended the court s logic in its 2005 decision to abolish the juvenile death penalty. In both of these cases, the court held that because adolescents are not as responsible for their actions as adults, they should not be punished as harshly, even for the same crimes (Steinberg, 2012). There has been an argument that a juvenile who was convicted of murderR ead More Megans Law - Protection More Important than Privacy Essay742 Words   |  3 Pagesthan Privacy In 1994, twice-convicted sex offender Jesse Timmendequas raped and murdered Megan Kanka, a seven-year old girl who lived across the street. In reaction to this emotionally-charged crime, Megans home state of New Jersey ratified a community notification bill - dubbed Megans Law - just three months later. This fall, a national version of the law went into effect, mandating that all fifty states notify citizens in writing of the presence of convicted sex offenders within their communitiesRead MoreProper Sentencing For Juvenile Murderers908 Words   |  4 Pagesage of 25. Furthermore, sentencing a juvenile as an adult while they are at an impulsive age and subject to peer pressure is resulting to cruel and unusual punishment as defined in the eighth amendment of the United States Bill of Rights. Eventually, imposing an adult verdict over a juvenile would inhibit a proper rehabilitation for the convicted juvenile. Hence, it is recommended that states that currently have life without paro le or the death penalty laws, ratify a new law for juvenile convicts forRead MoreSynthesis Essay- Juvenile Incarceration Into Adult Prisons1414 Words   |  6 Pagesfunctioning adults. Even though juvenile incarceration is an effective method of punishment for those who have committed heinous crimes, the justice system should not convict children and adolescents as adults because of the child s circumstances that lead to the crime as well as the disastrous effects it causes on the mental and emotional state of the child. It is common knowledge that t he degree in which a person is convicted, more often than not, depends on the severity of the crime. In the lateRead MoreThe Death Penalty Discussion Essay948 Words   |  4 Pagesdeserve one fate; death. Death penalty is the maximum sentence used in punishing people who kill another human being and is a very controversial method of punishment. Capital punishment is a legal infliction of death penalty and since ancient times it has bee used to punish a large variety of offences. Criminals convicted of murder or rape need to be executed because they are danger to society and the human race. Other people still argue that one method of execution is justRead MoreThe Juvenile Justice System For Juveniles1397 Words   |  6 PagesEarly in U.S. history, children who broke the law were treated the same as adult criminals. If you are a young person under the age of 18 and you commit a crime, you will have your case heard in the juvenile justice system. The thing is that, it hasn’t always gone that way. The idea of a separate justice system for juveniles is just over one hundred years old (American Bar). Where did juvenile justice come from? The law was in the image of the common law of England. William Blackstone, Blackstone’sRead MoreThe Death Penalty Has a Positive Effect on Society1562 Words   |  7 Pagesthe other eleven. The man then brutally murders the two helpless children; letting one watch as the other one was killed. He then leaves the bloody and beaten bodies, of the innocent sisters, in the neighborhood playground. Does this man deserve to die? The death penalty is a necessary evil that has a positive effect on society today. The death penalty should be sought in cases that carry the death penalty as a form of punishment because retribution should be taken for the heinous crimes thatRead MoreThe West Memphis Three Trials1227 Words   |  5 Pagesseries of famous cases, often collected referred to as the West Memphis Three trials, highlighted the shortcomings of the death penalty. The West Memphis Three refers to three teenage boys who were convicted of brutally murdering three children in West Memphis, Arkansas. Since the oldest teen that was convicted was 18 years old at the time of the murders and Arkansas has the death penalty, he was sentenced to death. He was then put on death row for 18 years until DNA evidence allowed his exoneration beforeRead MoreThe Death Penalty Should Be Abolished1403 Words   |  6 Pagescontroversial debate. The legal system is there to defend the cries of the innocent, yet it cannot seem to determine who the innocents are. Until the voice of its people can be defended, the death penalty should be abolished. It is administering its punishments hoping they have the right perpetrator. It’s basically a guessing game and that should not be the case when it comes to who will end up getting deprived of their life. The death penalty is a racially biased system that is sometimes unfairly administered

Natsume Soseki has written Kokoro Free Essays

Natsume Soseki has written Kokoro in such a way that the reader be acquainted with Boku and Sensei.   Through them, Soseki believed that a person’s actions should be coming from their true emotions and not by what others perceive of it.   A person should always do things in accordance to what he thinks is right and not by merely considering what the people dictates to him. We will write a custom essay sample on Natsume Soseki has written Kokoro or any similar topic only for you Order Now    Sometimes people tend to live up to what the people tell them because their reputation is at stake.   Just like the planned graduation party of Boku[1].   Even though Boku did not want to have a party, his parents insisted because his father has a reputation to maintain in their community. Kokoro was also written in such a way that there is a special connection between Sensei and Boku in being able to see their imperfections by means of their shallowness.   Despite the two characters having different worldly views, they still found company in each other’s presence.   Boku is somewhat a person who wants to know who Sensei really is and Sensei was not the type of person who would reveal the real him. The style of the first part of Kokoro resembles that of a detective novel, and helps first to establish the reader’s curiosity towards Sensei. Narrator Boku provides no self-introduction and no adequate explanation for his interest in Sensei. Instead, he continuously feeds the reader small ‘clues’ – pieces to the puzzle of Sensei – to gain the reader’s curiosity. ‘â€Å"I cannot tell you why,† Sensei said to me, â€Å"but for a very good reason I wish to go to that grave alone. Even my wife, you see, has never come with me.† [End of passage]’[2] Sudden breaks in narrative are often used to leave these clues hanging, helping to compound the suspense felt by the reader. Additionally, despite having already experienced all the events he describes, Boku chooses to present them in the original chronological order and to narrate his original thoughts regarding each event.    â€Å"I wondered also why Sensei felt the way he did towards mankind.†[3] Revealing his thoughts and experiences in this manner assists Boku in linking with the reader, as it constructs between them a shared interest towards Sensei. Soseki seeks to direct this interest, as evident in the sentence: â€Å"Had I been curious in an impersonal and analytical way, the bond between us would surely not have lasted.†[4] This explanation of the nature of Boku’s curiosity can be interpreted as a suggestion to the reader; in order to complete the puzzle of Sensei, the reader needs to explore Sensei on a more personal level – not simply to analyse from a third person perspective, but rather to attempt to interpret Boku’s regard for Sensei by examining the similar attitudes and values that the two espouse. In the third part of Kokoro, Soseki switches to a new narrative frame, and we read Sensei’s letter through the eyes of Boku. Sensei directly addresses Boku in the letter – driving us as readers even closer to Boku, as we to try to interpret Sensei’s words through the mindset of Boku. Contrastingly, despite the title ‘My Parents and I’, part two of the novel serves to distance the reader from Boku’s family. As readers, our interest draws to a peak when Sensei agrees to tell Boku about his past. However, Sensei does not, and instead Boku’s father’s illness forces Boku to leave for home. This is frustrating for Boku, and for the reader, as is revealed in the passage: ‘†¦ there was much that I did not know about Sensei. He had not told me about his past, as he had promised. I could not be content until he was fully revealed to me.’[5]  Even as Boku’s father lies on his deathbed, Boku’s thoughts wander towards Sensei – physically represented by his moving back and forth between his bedroom and his father’s bedroom. In the process of affiliation with Sensei and Boku, the reader is exposed to the two characters’ disdain towards external appearances and opinions.  Both Sensei and Boku show their disregard for academia. Boku shows little regard for his diploma – he ‘pretends his diploma is a telescope’ surveys the world outside his window in it, and then throws it down on his desk. Similarly, Sensei does not know where he put his diploma.  In contrast, Boku’s parents hold Boku’s diploma in the highest regard. They scold Boku for not having taken better care of the diploma, and display it in the house. Boku’s narration shows that he also is not interested in the appearance of things.   He tends to observe, conclude and investigate on it.   Just like what happened when he saw Sensei at the beach centre.   He overlooked at Sensei’s appearance and focused his attention more on his behaviour thus speculating Sensei’s state of mind.  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"He was always aloof and [†¦] seemed totally indifferent to his surroundings†.[6] Sensei bears a similar disregard towards appearances to others and describes it:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I used to consider it a disgrace to be found ignorant by other people. But now, I find that I am not ashamed of knowing less than others †¦Ã¢â‚¬ [7]  Sometimes people tend to pull themselves down because they think they know less about things.   But come to think of it, even though a person does not graduate high school or college, it means that he is more ignorant than those who have graduated.   People know different things and not all individuals can learn everything. With these, it forms a sharp contrast with Boku’s parents.   The parents of Boku have a high regard for the physicality of things while Sensei and Boku do not.   Boku’s parents seem to relate the physical aspect of a thing with its value just like the diploma.   For them, being able to have a diploma is something that should be cherished, treasured and be well cared of.   While for Sensei and Boku, a diploma is somewhat like a representation of the knowledge acquired while in the university.   A diploma is just a paper, nothing more, nothing less.   What is important are the learning obtained during the years studying in the university. In conclusion, Kokoro is a classic example of presenting two characters that may turn out to be indifferent from one another at first but later on saw their similarities.   Even though these two characters obviously come from different generations, they still were able to find a common ground.   These two started out as complete strangers and tended to avoid the fact that they needed each other’s company but in the end, it just proves that no matter the distance of two persons, they still are close when always remembered. Bibliography Soseki, Natsume. Kokoro (Part 2) Chicago: Regnery Gateway, 1957. 21 Jan. 2000. http://www.eldritchpress.org/ns/k2.html [1] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Online Version, 2001. part 2                                                                                                                               [2] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p11 [3] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p22 [4] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p11 [5] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p65 [6] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p5 [7] Natsume, Soseki. Kokoro. Quiet Vision Publishing, 2001. p37 How to cite Natsume Soseki has written Kokoro, Essay examples

Challenges and Pitfalls of Traffic Light-Free-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss the Challenges and Pitfalls of Traffic Light Reports. Answer: I researched through the change management that is a necessary part of the project management course in module 1. I started my learning acquiring a project team, develop and manage the team throughout the course. Effective communication, procurements and managing the stakeholder engagement was the necessary learning that taught me the detailed process of human resource management plans and their implementation in organizing them. Different team components and their characteristics had to be taken into consideration along with learning of effective decisions making in order to develop, manage the team including the conflict management in mind. I also learned how to conduct a quality assurance check to implement the approved changes to change the project objectives. For conducting the procurement, I learned the process of obtaining the seller responses, selecting a seller and awarding the contract that was quite challenging. The key skills that I developed for the course in interperson al level are, trust building skills, conflict management, active listening and many more. I also learned some of the management skills, like, influence people to support the project, negotiate agreements to satisfy the project needs, modification in organizational behavior to accept the project outcomes and many more. I went through several challenges in the course as the quality resources required for learning is hard to come by. But the learning I received from the course is no doubt valuable in future life in both professional and personal life. It will become easier for me to handle issues in professional grounds, whereas, I am now more efficient in relationship building and managing things in personal life. Module four Reflection In module four, I learned how to identify operational, political, environmental, social cultural factors related to risk management. I went through several case studies of different companies that faced catastrophic loss and gained insight from the cases. Later I conducted literature study to gain an understanding of qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, identification on the basis of the analysis report and planning to come out from the risk. The qualitative risk analysis involves the industrial studies of similar projects and the risk databases. Whereas, the quantitative analysis included, the project cost estimation, cost distribution, cost risk stimulation and other involved in the factor. I learned to form strategic risk map. I categorized the risked in this part based on their intensity. In the final part of the assignment, I learned about the effective tools that are required in controlling the foreseeable risk in the project. I faced challenges in the identification of the risk factors where that I overcome with the cases studies as mentioned. Importance of Leadership and Communication The most effective key of leadership in project management is the communication skill which affects the rest of the elements involved in the leadership (Men 2014). A leader with good communication skill can supplement the other key factors of leadership like, controlling, staffing, organizing, planning and leading that will help in achieving the desired outcomes in the project (Qubaisi et al.2015; Burke 2013). Communication is a broader concept in this field which involves the relationship between the leader and the followers. It helps in clarifying the problems that are faced by the followers in completing the project and the lacks in the project plan. This will in turn, contribute in the formation of idea by the leader about the work situation and help him or her to bring the necessary changes in the project (Brandts, Cooper and Weber 2014). A good relationship always facilitates the bonding among the team members which in turn develop the understanding between the two. Other aspec ts of communication involve motivation, trust buildup, keeping the fellow members updated with the situation and transparency of the benefits that will come out of the completion of the project (Hackman and Johnson 2013). The leadership theories state the leadership as the cumulative thought of the group and the leader is the representative of the vision of the group (Mikkelson, York and Arritola 2015). The vision of the leader about the project is also an important responsibility for the leader to communicate with the team members. It will clarify the work situation for the team members and help them to have a proper mindset and understanding of the project that will have positive impact in the project (Larson and Gray 2013). References Men, L.R., 2014. Strategic internal communication: Transformational leadership, communication channels, and employee satisfaction. Management Communication Quarterly,28(2), pp.264-284. Brandts, J., Cooper, D.J. and Weber, R.A., 2014. Legitimacy, communication, and leadership in the turnaround game.Management Science,61(11), pp.2627-2645. Hackman, M.Z. and Johnson, C.E., 2013.Leadership: A communication perspective. Waveland Press. Mikkelson, A.C., York, J.A. and Arritola, J., 2015. Communication competence, leadership behaviors, and employee outcomes in supervisor-employee relationships.Business and Professional Communication Quarterly,78(3), pp.336-354. Qubaisi, J.M.M.L.F.A., Elanain, H.M.A., Badri, M.A. and Ajmal, M.M., 2015. Leadership, culture and team communication: analysis of project success causality-a UAE case.International Journal of Applied Management Science,7(3), pp.223-243. Larson, E.W. and Gray, C., 2013.Project Management: The Managerial Process with MS Project. McGraw-Hill. Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques.New Jersey, USA.

During The 1930s American Citizens Witnessed A Essays -

During the 1930's American citizens witnessed a breakdown of the Democratic and free enterprise way of life. The government saw that the free enterprise system was failing. The New Deal increased the government's regulation and intervention and the economic system, thus temporarily abandoning the capitalism system and turning toward socialism to find the answer. The answer... the New Deal. Socialism is usually thought of as a form of government that advocates public ownership and public control of wealth (Britannica Jr. Encyclopedia 1980, p.231). In other words, a socialistic government wants the wealth of the nation spread out in such a way that the money is equally distributed among the country's citizens. Socialism is in favor of tearing down the class structure and forming a classless society. In this way, it was born out of Marxism, whose founder was Karl Marx. Leaders of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union said that their country used socialism as a major step towards "building communism". However most socialist political parties in democratic countries of the West rejected the Communist idea of socialism. Socialists prefer the government ownership of industries that are vital to a country's welfare. These include the coal, oil, iron, and steel industries. The basic idea favored by all Socialists is the public ownership and use of property in order to extend the benefits of wealth more equally. Many economic, political, and social factor lead up to the New Deal. When staggering statistics such as 25% unemployment, and the fact that 20% of NYC school children were underwieght and malnourished (World Book, p.200) hit the White House, the government knew something had to be done. With the economy at on all time low people wanted change, Roosevelt's legislative program represented a new way of government for capitalism in America. Roosevelt first used the term "new deal" when he accepted the Democratic presidental nomination in 1932. He said "I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people." When Roosevelt became President on March 4, 1933, business was at a standstill and a feeling of panic hit the nation (World Book, Vol.14, p.200). Roosevelt responded with a controversial policy that rocked the nation and what our nation stood for. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed at three R's- relief, recovery, and reform. The government established short range goals that included relief and immediate recovery, especially in the first two years. They then set up long-range goals which included permanent recovery and reform of current abuses particuarly those that produced the boom-or-bust catastrophe (World Book, Vol.14, p.748). The Congress authorized the National Recovery Administration (NRA) in a daring attempt to simulate a nationwide comeback. This scheme was to perform immediate relief with long range recovery and reform. It was designed to assist industry, labor, and the unemployed by setting standards for prices, wages, and hours. It also guaranteed the labor's right to organize unions and to bargain collectively with employers through agents of their own choosing (America The Glorious Republic). The NRA gave the President power to regulate interstate commerce. This power was originally given to Congress. While the NRA was effective it was bringing America closer to socialism by giving the President unconstitutional powers. The NRA was later ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme court. The Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA) was the first major effort of the new Congress to cope with the millions of adult unemployed. The main importance was immediate relief of economic disaster rather than long range recovery. This agency was founded in 1933 to cooperate with the states in relieving hardships caused by unemployment and drought.(Economic History of the U.S., vol. 9). By letting the unemployed draw unemployment payments, it moved American society towards what has been called"the Welfare State." The goal of this program was to bring the unemployed to a higher financial level so that the working class could survive in order to become self-sufficient. This is an example of socialist thinking because socialist policy strives to insure the financial well-being of all citizens. The Depression was a major devastating factor in America. Something different was needed to pull Ameica out of this economic disaster. Was FDR's New Deal the thing to do it? The New Deal brought America one step closer towards socialism. This step was temporilary needed to pull the vast members of poor people out of the Depression and back on their feet. World Book Encyclopedia, Vol.14, Britanica Jr Encyclopedia, Vol. 13, Economic History of U.S Vol.9

Long-term memory loss and treatments essays

Short/Long-term memory loss and treatments essays For my article summary paper, I have chosen to use chapter 7 The Human Memory. I have picked several articles to summarize. The majority of my information will becoming from Human Memory and Researchers Find Protein that Makes Long-term Memory possible. According to our text book, short-term memory is defined as a limited-capacity store that can maintain unrehearsed information, and long-term memory is defined as unlimited capacity store that can hold information over lengthy periods of time. The first article discusses the functions of short-term memory loss, and gives an example via experiment with mice. The second article focuses on the role protein plays in long-term memory. This article also features an experiment using mice. In the first article, they explains how STM works. When the brain forms new short-term memories, it creates new neurons in a region of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus. This process also cleans out the outdated memories, in order to fit new ones. The article then talks about popular, but potentially disruptive treatments for Alzheimers disease. Patients with the disease loose cells in the hippocampus. One popular treatment is to transplant stem cells into the region to replace the dead cells. Contrary to that treatment, new work suggest that the addition of new cells might disrupt memory retention. Memory retention is disrupted by altering connections between neurons in the hippocampus and by boosting the memory clearance process. (Human Memory) Richard Harvey, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society, says he is not surprised that stem cell transplants might damage memory. "Our view is that stem cells offer hope in disorders like Parkinson's, but in Alz heimer's the problem is more to do with the network connections of neurons, transplanting new neurons could disrupt these networks, he says. ...

The Moral Instinct by Pinker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Moral Instinct by Pinker - Essay Example Moral judgments of certain actions and things have created conflict of views from different people across the world (Pinker 1-2). When it comes to decision-making, some people make judgments by rationalizing but they have no concrete explanation about the decision made. Other people use reasoning to explain why they have come up come up with certain decisions. According to Pinker (3-5), a group of neuroscientists has explained how different parts of a human brain assist them in reasoning and rationalization when making some decisions. By analogy, people possess universal moral senses that guide them to differentiate between right and wrong things. People show morality through the universal moral grammar they display when analyzing human actions even if the structure is different. However, the research conducted globally showed that moral judgments cannot be universal and the language used to express the opinions is not universal. People usually demonstrate varieties of molar experiences, these experiences revolve around five themes, and it depends on the environment they live. Additionally, the five spheres of morality can make the moral sense to be a global factor but it can be different at the same in different communities depending on their culture. Reassignment of activities to different spheres can attract different opinions from different people depending on their cultural backgrounds. Pinker states (5-7) that when the research considers fairness in the moral sense, it emerges that most people do good things to other in return for a repayment but few people are naturally generous. Several people are selfish and that why the go to extents of amoralizing so things for their selfish gains and if such a norm continues it will demote morality to a figment. To avoid degrading morality, people should be able to differentiate right things from the

Management Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management Strategy - Essay Example The big industries with WCM status have thus become pace-setters for the smaller enterprises. Introduction WCM came into prominence following the 1986 publication of  World Class Manufacturing: The Lessons of Simplicity Applied  by Richard J. Schonberger, which was his follow-up to  Japanese Management Techniques: Nine Hidden Lessons in Simplicity. World marketplace events during the 1970s and 1980s caused competition to grow to such an intense level that many firms were forced to re-examine their concept of manufacturing strategy, especially in terms of the tradeoffs among the four competitive priorities: cost, quality, delivery/service, and flexibility. Managers began to realize that they no longer had to make these tradeoffs but could instead compete on several competencies (E-notes World Class Manufacturer Journal, 2013). What is World Class Manufacturing? WCM refers to a standard of excellence, the kind of manufacturing considered the best in the world. World class manufac turing is a collection of concepts, which set standard for production and manufacturing for another organization to follow. Japanese manufacturing is credited with pioneer in concept of world-class manufacturing. World class manufacturing was introduced in the automobile, electronic and steel industry (Management Study Guide Journals-World Class Manufacturing, 2013). In another description, WCM is often used to describe a company that has achieved a perceived, but largely undefined, level of performance. In today’s highly competitive, global marketplace, being truly excellent is not only a desirable trait but increasingly a requirement to survive and prosper, even for a small to mid-sized manufacturer. WCM is an on-going journey towards total operational excellence. In defining WCM, the following four building blocks encompass attributes that are practical and workable interpretations of WCM: Compete with competitors on the basis of time Having very high levels of product and process quality Involving all stakeholders in the conduct of business Practicing continuous improvements in all aspects of business In order to adopt these WCM building blocks, the manufacturer needs have understanding, awareness, acceptance an implementation (Shearer, 2004). World Class Manufacturers are those that demonstrate industry best practice. To achieve this, companies should attempt to be the best in the field at each of the competitive priorities (quality, price, delivery speed, delivery reliability, flexibility and innovation). Organizations should therefore aim to maximize performance in these areas in order to maximize competitiveness. However, as resources are unlikely to allow improvement in all areas, organizations should concentrate on maintaining performance in qualifying factors and improving competitive edge factors (SM Thacker and Associates). The fundamental principle governing WCM is that cost added is equivalent to waste whereas value added is equivalent to loss. Typical manufacturers relies a 70 per cent to 30 per cent cost added to value added ratio as illustrated below: Source: World Class Manufacturing Performance Journal. Management Education and Consulting. Buker, Inc. The value added is eq

Traditional Practice of Buddism in Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Traditional Practice of Buddism in Asia - Essay Example Thesis statement: The contrast study proves that Buddhism practiced by contemporary Americans and traditional practices of Buddhism in Asia are different due to the difference in the role of women in religious matters, difference between text-based and meditation-centered practice, difference between traditional and reinterpreted Buddhism, and cultural differences (special references to American and Asian Buddhist practices). Buddhism practiced by contemporary Americans Buddhism practiced by contemporary Americans is a hybrid variety of Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, Cambodian, Thai and Burmese Buddhist traditions. Seager made clear that â€Å"There are many forms of American Buddhism and many different Buddhist rituals, most of which have their origins in Asia but are being transplanted and adapted to the United States† (4). Besides, trade and commerce played an important role in the spread of Buddhist practice in America. To be specific, the American merchant ship, namely †˜The Empress of China’ aiming to expand trade and commerce with China, reached Canton in the year 1784 and introduced Buddhism in America. In addition, the immigrants from China who happened to reach the mainland of America in 1820s spread Buddhist practices in America. The World parliament of Religions (Chicago, 1893) deeply influenced the spread of Japanese Buddhism in America. Later, the influx of Tibetan immigrants to America due to Chinese holocaust in Tibet introduced Tibetan Buddhist practice in America. The instability in the Asian nations like Laos and Thailand resulted in the large scale immigration of Asians to America. Besides, this resulted in the introduction of Theravada tradition of Buddhism in America. So, Buddhism practiced by contemporary Americans is not rigid but flexible. To be specific, the amalgamation of different Buddhist traditions deeply rooted in the Indian Buddhism is the foundation of the Buddhist practices in contemporary America. This helped the American Buddhism to accept the core elements of American culture. Traditional practice of Buddhism in Asia The traditional practice of Buddhism in Asia is based upon Gautama Buddha’s preaching. Within this context, Buddhism does not believe in the existence of the God. Instead, Buddhism proclaims that one can attain salvation or ‘moksha’ through mediation. The Buddhist philosophy or the teachings of Gautama Buddha is the core aspect of the traditional practice of Buddhism in Asia. Besides, the traditional practice of Buddhism in Asia is able to incorporate different cultural aspects. To be specific, the Indian Buddhism can be considered as an extension of Hinduism. For instance, most of the practices of Indian Buddhism are deeply rooted in the practices of Hinduism. The only difference is that Hinduism believes in the existence of God but Buddhism discards the same. Within this context, Buddhism accepted some elements of Hinduism and became popular beyond In dian context. This characteristic of assimilation was helpful for Buddhism to spread to the different parts of Asia. Swearer made clear that â€Å"Buddhist monks in Southeast Asia have taken leadership roles in causes that have led to both direct and indirect political consequences† (132). In China, Japan, Tibet and other Asian nations, Buddhism accepted

Characterizing Positivism Interpretivism And Realism Approaches Psychology Essay

Characterizing Positivism Interpretivism And Realism Approaches Psychology Essay However, despite these ongoing arguments between the methodological traditions of qualitative and quantitative research (Gage, 1989); combined methods represent a fast developing field of social science methodology. As all methods have specific margins and particular strengths, many discussants propose that qualitative and quantitative methods should be combined in order to compensate for their mutual weaknesses (Tashakkori Teddlie, 2003). Moreover, it is claimed that this movement scripts the beginning of a new era in social research indicated by a tendency to combine quantitative and qualitative methods pragmatically unencumbered by old debates (Johnson Turner, 2003). Therefore it is emphasized that the uses of a mixed-method design provides an important tool in overcoming the limitations of both qualitative and quantitative mono-method research. This essay deals with social theories that influence qualitative and qualitative research methods employed in social sciences as either in principle separable or even as irreconcilable methods of social sciences. It starts with a characterization of positivism, Interpretivism and realism; and links these theories to the foundation of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Then, it shows how they deal with the various aspects of the qualitative-quantitative divide. Finally, it is the intention to show how the combined methodological approach may be integrated in a coherent way to add value and assist in the design of a single research project. With an emphasis on the differences and similarities between quantitative and qualitative approaches providing the basis for exploring the methods of combining both approaches to overcome their weaknesses by providing a commentary of the complementary strengths of each tradition. Characterizing Positivism, Interpretivism and Realism approaches Few sociologists would describe themselves as a positivist, interpretivist or realist. These are terms used primarily by methodologists and social theorists to describe and evaluate the theoretical assumptions underlying different approaches to research (Bickhard, 1992; Johnson, 2006; Hibberd, 2010). There are many different views in sociology about what societies are and the best ways of obtaining knowledge of them. This part of the essay simplifies matters to some extent by characterizing three of the most influential theories of knowledge in sociology: positivism, interpretivism and realism (Bryman, 1998 and 2001; Hibberd 2010). Positivism Positivism is frequently used to stand for the epistemological assumption that empirical knowledge based on principles of objectivity, verificationism, and reproducibility is the foundation of all authentic knowledge (Bryman, 2001; Hanzel, 2010). The term positivist has been critical for some time in the human sciences because positivist tends to subscribe to a number of ideas that have no place in present-day science and philosophy (Hanzel, 2010). Positivism views that sociology can and should use the methods of the natural sciences, that do not usually mean using experiments because there are all sorts of ethical problems with doing that, but positivists do believe that sociologists should use quantitative methods and aim to identify and measure social structures. As a philosophical approach, positivism encompasses a group of notions. Table 1 below, provides main characters for positivist key ideas. It shows that positivists sum up all the items by being against metaphysics (Hackin g, 1983). Character Description emphasis upon verification Significant propositions are those whose truth or falsehood can be settled in some way. Pro-observation What we can see, feel, touch, and the like provide the best content or foundation for all the rest of our non mathematical knowledge. Discoverability Scientific knowledge is something discovered (rather than produced or constructed). Anti-cause There is no causality in nature, over and above the constancy with which events of one kind are followed by events of another kind. Downplaying explanation Explanation may help organize phenomena, but do not provide any deeper answer to Why questions except to say that the phenomena regularly occur in such and such a way. Anti-theoretical entities Positivists tend to be non-realists, not only because they restrict reality to the observable but also because they are against causes and are dubious about explanations. Table 1: Positivism characters Source: Hacking, 1983 Positivist theory argues that the methods of the natural sciences are applicable to the study of societies. In the positivist view, sociology involves the search for causal relationships between observable phenomena and theories are tested against observations (Hibberd, 2009). Researchers adopting a positivist point of view may still be interested in finding out about peoples subjective views. For example, they explore things such as attitudes and opinions through survey research (Michell, 2003). However, they see the task of sociology as explaining why people behave in the way they do, and how people really feel about things cannot be explained scientifically. Interpretivist Interpretivists do not necessarily reject the positivist account of knowledge, but they question the idea that the logic and methods of natural science can be imported into the study of societies. Max Weber was one of the main influences on the interpretivist tradition in sociology. For him, natural science and social science are two very different enterprises requiring a different logic and different methods (Bryman, 1982). At the heart of interpretivist critique of positivism is a humanist viewpoint. Some of those favouring an interpretivist view of sociology have long argued that in their search for a scientific explanation of social life, positivist have sometimes forgotten that they are studying people, and to study people you need to get out and explore how they really think and act in everyday situations. Interpretivists argue that unlike objects in nature, human beings can change their behaviour if they know they are being observed (Collins, 1984; Guba, 1987). So, interpretivists argue that if we want to understand social action, we need to look into the reasons and meanings which that action has for people (Marsh, 2002). Take the example of crime, a positivist would argue that researchers can simply measure crime using quantitative methods and identify patterns and correlations.   While, an interpretivist would argue that we need to understand what people mean by crime, how they come to catego rize certain actions as criminal and then investigate who comes to be seen as criminal in a particular society . The aim of interpretivist approaches in sociology is to understand the subjective experiences of those being studied, how they think and feel and how they act in their natural contexts (Marsh, 2002; Johnson, 2006). Therefore, although interpretivists still try to be objective and systematic in their research, the key criterion in interpretivist epistemology is validity. The favoured research design is ethnography and the main methods are ones that help researchers understand social life from the point of view of those being studied, such as unstructured observation, unstructured interviews and personal documents. Interpretivism has provided a powerful critique of many of the taken-for-granted ideas of positivism that are widely used in sociology and in other social sciences (Marsh, 2002). It has also influenced a whole field of research illuminating peoples everyday life experiences. However, interpretivists accounts are criticised by some sociologists for not providing testable hypotheses that can be evaluated. This can lead to relativism where one theory, or study, is seen as just as good as any other. Realism Realist theory, like positivism, holds that sociology can, and should, follow the logic and methods of the natural sciences, meanwhile, it differs from positivism in its interpretation of science (Hartwig, 2007; Hibberd, 2010). In positivist research, theories are tested against observations and found to be true or false or somewhere in between. In simple terms, the facts are the judge of the theory (Hibberd, 2010). Realists do not make this clear-cut separation because they do not believe that observations can be separated from theories (Parker, 2003; Hartwig, 2007). They argue that no form of science relies exclusively on observable empirical evidence. There are always aspects of any form of reality that remain hidden beneath the surface of what can be observed (Duran, 2005; Hibberd, 2010). According to realists, the aim of scientific work is to uncover the underlying causal mechanisms that bring about observable regularities. Realists see research being guided primarily by scientific criteria, such as the systematic collection of evidence, reliability and transparency. However, because they recognise the importance of the subjective dimension of human action, they also include methods that document the validity of peoples experiences (Bhaskar, 1999). Research designs are more likely to be experimental or comparative in realist research, but there is no particular commitment to either quantitative or qualitative methods (Parker, 2003; Hartwig 2007).The focus of realist methodology, however, is on theory. Realists argue that as there is no such thing as theory-free data: sociological methods should be specifically focused on the evaluation and comparison of theoretical concepts, explanations and policies. The development of a clear, realist epistemology is comparatively recent in sociology and owes much to new realist writers like Bhaskar (1986, 1999) and Pawson (1989). They have provided a different interpretation of science and its relationship to social sciences, and a developing alternative to the dominant theories of positivism and Interpretivism that laid the foundations for a non-empiricist epistemology in social science (Hibberd, 2009 and 2010). However, they would say that this doesnt mean that either set of methods, positivist or interpretive, have to be ditched. The realists argument is that sociologists can be pragmatic and use whatever methods are appropriate for particular circumstances. Social reality is complex and to study it, sociologists can draw on both positivist and interpretivist methods. For purists, the assumptions associated with quantitative and qualitative paradigms regarding how the world is viewed and what it is important to know are irreconcilable. They envisage that both methods stem from different metaphysical and epistemological assumptions about the nature of research (Bryman, 1984; Collins, 1984; Tashakkori Teddlie, 1998). Purists advocate that the methods and tenets from positivism and post-positivism cannot and should not be mixed (Smith, 1983). They believe that the axioms of post-positivism and positivism have mutually exclusive assumptions about society; therefore, the research methods derived under each are considered to be mutually exclusive as well In agreement with purists and acceptance of both positivist and post positivist paradigms, situationalists maintain that qualitative and quantitative methods are complementary but should not be integrated in a single study. However, they believe that definite research questions relate more to quantitative approaches, whereas other research questions are more suitable for qualitative methods (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005). Thus, although representing very different directions, the two approaches are treated as being complementary. By contrast, pragmatists, unlike purists and situationalists, contend that a false separation exists between quantitative and qualitative approaches (Newman Benz, 1998). They advocate the integration of methods within a single study. Sieber (1973) articulated that because both approaches have intrinsic strengths and weaknesses, researchers should utilize the strengths of both techniques in order to understand better social phenomena. Indeed, pragmatists assign to the philosophy that the research question should drive the methods used (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005). In any case, researchers who ascribe to epistemological purity disregard the fact that research methodologies are merely tools that are designed to aid our understanding of the world. It is possible to argue that there are overwhelmingly more similarities between quantitative and qualitative approaches than there are differences (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005). Bothe and Andreatta (2004), add that both approaches involve the use of observations to address research questions, describe their data, construct descriptive arguments from their data, and speculate about why the results they observed happened as they did. Both sets of researchers select and use analytical techniques that are designed to obtain the maximal meaning from their data, and so that findings have utility in relation to their respective views of reality (Kelle, 2006). Both methods investigators utilize techniques to verify their data. Such techniques include persistent observation with continuous and prolonged investigation of the research study with consideration to rival explanations. Replication of the chosen study method to other cases (of which may include extreme scenarios) provides the opportunity to gain validity of findings and the methodological approach used, by means of a representative study group to allow for reliable generalisations to be made. Triangulation, verification of researcher effects and weighting of the evidence identifies and resolves researcher bias and thick description (Creswell, 1998, cited Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005) which may impact on the findings. Debriefing of study participants may obtain valuable feedback from participants also. Moreover, quantitative and qualitative researches represent an interactive range and the role of theory is central for both paradigms. Specifically, in qualitative research the most common purposes are those of theory initiation and theory building, whereas in quantitative research the most typical objectives are those of theory testing and theory modification (Newman Benz, 1998). Clearly, neither tradition is independent of the other, nor can either school encompass the whole research process. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative research techniques are needed to gain a more complete understanding of phenomena (Newman Benz, 1998). Hence, there are many parallels exist between quantitative and qualitative research. Indeed, the purity of a research paradigm is a function of the extent to which the researcher is prepared to conform to its underlying assumptions (Luttrell, Wendy, 2005).This suggests that methodological pluralism (Larsson, 2009) should be promoted, the best way for this to occur is for as many investigators as possible to become pragmatic researchers (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005). Combined research methods and function in the research process A combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches can assist in practical solutions to overcome limitations of mono-method research discussed for the last 50 years (Kelle, 2006). However, it is rarely addressed in current debates whether it is possible to develop solid methodological strategies for structuring research methods based on that insight of combining qualitative and quantitative methods (Creswell et al., 2003; Tashakkori Teddlie, 2003; Onwuegbuzie Leech, 2005), though there is a broad agreement that a use of multiple methods with complementary strengths and different weaknesses can add value to a single research. Despite this, the discussion provides only sparse information about which designs could overcome which weaknesses of mono-method research. Furthermore, there is still a lack of agreement about the exact classification and terminology of different mixed methods, combined method or multi-method designs which are used in research practice (Tashakkor i Teddlie, 2003, cited Onwuegbuzie Leech, 2005, p:307 ). By starting the research process with a qualitative study, researchers may obtain access to knowledge that helps them to develop the appropriate theoretical concepts and to construct consistent research instruments later on that cover relevant phenomena by consequential and relevant items. Such a design helps to overcome the limited transferability of findings from qualitative research as well as the initially mentioned hazards of the heuristics of commonsense knowledge (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005, p: 307). This approach can help to construct consistent research instruments that cover relevant phenomena by consequential and relevant substances. Meanwhile, combining qualitative and quantitative methods the opposite way could be useful in many cases; that means starting with a quantitative study, followed by qualitative questions (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005; Lund 2005). In this quantitative-qualitative approach, problem areas and research questions are identified by carrying out a quantitative study which will have to be further investigated with the help of qualitative data and methods. The problem of quantitative research addressed by this design is often the difficulty to understand statistical findings without additional socio cultural knowledge. Furthermore, the quantitative part of a sequential quantitative-qualitative design can guide systematic case comparison in the following qualitative inquiry by helping to identify criteria for the selection of cases and by providing a sampling frame (Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005; Kelle, 2006). Thus, this design can help to overcome an important threat of validity existing in qualitative research that researchers focus on distant and marginal cases. Another problem of qualitative research can be addressed by this design: it helps to avoid a qualitative study with an outsized scope that covers a domain too wide to be captured with the help of a small qualitative sample. Onwuegbuzie and Leech (2005) give a simple example to understand the above problem: a qualitative study of family life in a contemporary city would have to take into account many more different forms of families than a similar study in a traditional rural community in the first decades of the twentieth century. By drawin g on statistical material about the distribution of different family forms, the minimum requirements for qualitative sampling could be easily captured, and may be well advised to downsize the research question and research domain (Bryman, 2001; Onwuegbuzie and Leech, 2005). On the other hand, a parallel qualitative-quantitative design can fulfil similar functions to a sequential design: the qualitative part of the study can provide information that helps to understand statistical relations, to develop explanations and to identify additional variables that increase variance already explained in the quantitative data. A great benefit of a parallel qualitative-quantitative design is that it helps to identify measurement problems and methodological artefact of both qualitative and quantitative data, as the same persons are interviewed with different techniques (Bryman, 1992 and 2001). However, this parallel design approach encloses an important disadvantage, it is that qualitative sampling and data collection cannot be systematically developed from research questions derived from quantitative data; therefore it can easily be the case that the available qualitative data provide no answers for questions coming from the quantitative study, as they were not col lected for that purpose. Conclusion It is shown throughout this essay that the theoretical approach influences the methodological approach and vice versa. Many studies in sociology use a combination of positivist, interpretivist and, realist ideas. The essay demonstrates that the influence of positivism has inspired much of social research most prevalent research methods. Some of these include surveys, questionnaires and statistical models. Researchers applying a positivist methodology for their study consider large-scale sample surveys and controlled laboratory experiments as suitable research methods. These methods can be justified as they allow positivist researchers to employ empirical and logical quantitative data. While, interpretivism employs qualitative methods to understand people, not to measure them, it attempts to capture reality in interaction, however, does not necessarily exclude quantitative methods. Whereas, quantitative results from a positivist method like a survey are unlikely to provide understandi ng of this deeper reality and therefore should not be a major part of any realism research project, basically, because realism research data are almost always qualitative data about meanings. The essay provides several benefits of performing mixed method research. Researchers of social science use a wide variety of research methods to gain and enhance knowledge and theory. The different types of research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative, are associated with the epistemological and theoretical perspectives the researcher wishes to adopt. The essay demonstrated that quantitative and qualitative methods can fulfil different, yet, complementary purposes within mixed-method designs. Quantitative methods can give an overview about the domain under study and can describe its heterogeneity on a macro-level, whereas qualitative methods can be used to gain access to local knowledge of the field in order to develop theoretical concepts and explanations that cover phenomena relevant for the research domain. Thus, quantitative and qualitative methods cannot substitute each other, but help to illuminate different aspects of sociological phenomena: in a sociological investiga tion quantitative methods can describe the actions of large numbers of different actors, whereas qualitative methods provide information about possible reasons for these actions. In such cases qualitative and quantitative methods help to answer different questions such as the kinds of actions social actors typically perform. Finally, the essay demonstrated that results from qualitative interviews can help to identify unobserved heterogeneity in quantitative data as well as the previously unknown explaining variables and unspecified models (Kelle, 2006). It is also clear that results from the qualitative part of mixed-methods design can help to understand what once incomprehensible statistical findings were; the qualitative part of the research can help to discover a lack of validity of quantitative measurement operations and instruments. Moreover, in a sequential quantitative-qualitative design quantitative research can help to guide the selection of cases in qualitative small studies. In this case the quantitative part of the study can help to confirm findings from a qualitative study and to transfer these findings to other domains.

The Use of Laughter in Poetry by Langston Hughes Essay -- Biography Bi

The Use of Laughter in Poetry by Langston Hughes Jessie Fauset explains in her essay The Gift of Laughter that black comedy developed not as a method for blacks to make people laugh, but as a necessary emotional outlet for black people to express their struggles and hardships. The "funny man" took on a much more serious emotion than appeared on the surface level. Comedy was one of the few means black people had available to them to express themselves. The paradoxical definition of laughter is applicable to all human beings; the limited means of expression is unique to those in an inferior place in society, such as the black Americans of the Harlem Renaissance. In a sense, what makes the struggles represented by the black comedian comic is the white audience member's ability "to retain mastery over himself and the situation" (Swabey 184). The white audience can laugh at the struggles and hardships on stage because of their refusal to accept the role they have played in the oppressions that caused them. Marie Collins Swabe y also writes in her book Comic Laughter that "By uncovering neglected hypocrisies, illusions, vanities, and deceptions in the behavior of persons and societies...while making us laugh, also removes in part our blindness with regard to certain factual and moral weaknesses in mankind" (11). Generally speaking, comedy makes us aware of certain character flaws. Fauset entertains this idea in her essay by wondering, "...if this picture of the black American as a living comic supplement has not been painted in order to camouflage the real feeling and knowledge of his white compatriot" (161). Whether or not the black comedy of the Harlem Renaissance caused an epiphany for the white audience is not cl... ...nd His Continuing Influence. Ed. C. James Trotman. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995. 119-129. Phelps, Thomas C. "An Introduction to Arnold Rampersad." Langston Hughes: The Man, His Art, and His Continuing Influence. Ed. C. James Trotman. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995. 19-34. Rampersad, Arnold, ed., and David Roessell, assoc. ed. The Collected Poems ofLangston Hughes. New York: Vintage Books, 1994. Simpson, J.A., and E.S.C. Weiner, eds. The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd Edition. Vol. VIII. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989. Swabey, Marie Collins. Comic Laughter. Archon Books, 1970. Tracy, Stephen C. "Langston Hughes: Poetry, Blues, and Gospel--Somewhere to Stand." Trotman, C. James, ed. Langston Hughes: TheMan, His Art, and His Continuing Influence. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995: 51-61.