Analysis Of Ketchum s The Fall And Winter Of 1776

Ketchum begins in the fall and winter of 1776 in describing the events of the campaign. At the time, the future of the Revolution was in serious doubt---men were freezing, starving, and the Continental Army was dissolving around General Washington. More than anything else, he needed a victory. Ketchum displays to the reader how exactly the colonials got into such a distressing situation in the first place. Traveling back to 1774 and 1775 Ketchum explores the reason behind why and how the entire situation occurred in the first place. The motivations of both the English crown and the colonials are explored throughout the book. For example, the motivations of King George III are explored in the section â€Å"Everyone Who Does Not Agree With Me Is A Traitor†. Ketchum describes the early life of George III which would motivate his latest moves against the colonies. George III felt he had to almost be â€Å"more English than the English themselves†, to paraphrase---the honor of England and the crown were his preeminent concerns. Ketchum also described the wide variety of ailments, mostly hereditary ones, which plagued the king. Put these together and it’s no surprise he was less than willing to listen to the pleas of his colonial subjects. Ketchum also went into a good deal of detail as to the workings and motivations of the British government at the time. Finally, he lists the events leading up to the actual winter of 1776, the conditions on the ground and then goes over the actual

Investigating Education through Research (IETR) Free Essays

string(128) " of in a focus group situation are the processing of confidential material and sensitivity to the feelings of each contributor\." Introduction This report reviews the article Every Child Matters written by Straker and Foster (2009) and explores the need for multi agency collaboration in the ‘children’s workforce’ within an English multi disciplinary child based setting. to ensure that the ECM outcomes are met consistently through efficient in service direction of staff at multi tiered levels. This paper argues that if the outcomes of ECM are to be met, that staff working within these areas must work collaboratively. We will write a custom essay sample on Investigating Education through Research (IETR) or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is anticipated that only by receiving appropriate and effective multi-agency training that consistency and continuity of the broad ECM aims can be achievedSome elements of this article are applicable to my UMP in that the function of ECM broad aims relate to inclusive/inclusion and inclusivity for all children and young people. Some authors represented in this article will be appropriate and significant to my research and may be used as underpinning and reinforcement to my main policy Special Educational Needs Disability Act (SENDA). The assessment criteria used to evaluate this journal article are: Context/significance of the research report Has the significance of the article been explained and justified? Methods/methodology used Have different research methods/methodologies been used effectively? Ethics Has good ethical practice been facilitated prior or during the research? Veracity /process of the research How reliable are the findings? Influenced by ever changing political issues, Government structures, cultural values and economic factors the authors translated policy guidelines into practical solutions using qualitative methods of research and underpinning citations from multiple theorists to evaluate the level of understanding, participation and clarity of the five Every Child Matters (ECM)(DfEs,2003) broad aims. Every Child Matters: Change for Children (ECM) (DfES, 2003) is a legislatedinitiative set up by the Government with the intention of ensuring that every young person regardless of circumstance or environment is to be given the underpinning they require to: be healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution; and achieve economic wellbeing. (ibid) Every Child Matters went on to propose a framework of desirable outcomes for children which might form the basis of common assessment systems, shared working practices, and, above all, shared goals for childhood professionals (DfES, 2003: 9). A year later, the Government legislated, in the Children Act, 2004, to: create integrated children’s services departments by combining education and child and family social care functions; Bring these new services together with health and other childhood services by establishing children’s Trusts locally; Develop a set of shared working practices across these services and increase the mutual understanding and common skills base of childhood professionals. Submitted to Manchester University(no date) Dyson et al. This paper argues that there are flawsidentified byresearchers and theorists. Sloan (2006,12) states (t)o date there continues to be tensions and rivalries between agencies about their professional knowledge, roles and specialisms. The loss of agency specialism and the responsibilities that go with this are potentially traumatic for professionals going through the transition from single agency to multi agency work (Anning et al. 2005,72). Straker and Foster (2009) argue that as well as training and the ECM agenda, there are issues surrounding professional identity and differentiation. This is substantiated by Macdonald, (1995,35) It challenges, to invoke Bourdieu’s notion, the various folklores which are attached to different professional arenas and hence seeks to force open social closures which different groups of workers try to uphold as they defend their professional and personal identity (cf Macdonald,1995,35 cited in Straker and Foster 2009) The content, research methods and findings of this article will be evaluated within this document.. Content The evaluation criterions for this review are: Has the significance of the article been explained and justified? Have different research methods/methodologies been used effectivelyHas good ethical practice been facilitated prior or during the researchHow reliable are the findings? The significance of the article is to establish the level of clarity of the ECM broad aims and multi agency collaboration within children’s services departments. Every Child Matters: Change for Children (2004) identified flaws in the effective protection of children from some departments. These concerns are further backed up by the Bercow Report [2008] which also pinpoint five major ideas – problemsthat require rectifying to enable adjustments and enhancement to develop. The recommendationsfrom this report are gathered under these five themes: Communication is crucial Early identification and intervention are essential; A continuum of services designed around the family is needed; Joint working is critical; and The current system is characterised by high variability and a lack of equity. (ibid) Straker and Foster’s review clearly identifies the focus of the research and the points the paper seeks to address. The methods of research were identified as being via focus group and semi structured interviews. The mixed personnel samples were discussed and their purpose was explained. Ethical considerations were identified and appropriate protocol was evident in text. The study findings and results were clarified with recommendations for future action. The researcher concurs with the findings of ECM(2004) and the Bercow Report (2008) from reading associated literature Victoria Climbie’ Report by Lord Laming (2003)and from media coverage regarding failings of services responsible for the care for children.e.g. The case of baby P . Reform is essential to ensure no repetition of these failings. Ethical considerations for focus groups are the same as for most other methods of social research (Homan 1991). When selecting and involving participants the researchers must ensure that full information about the purpose of contributions is given. Implications of appropriate ethics consideration was contained in the written body of this text. It should be stated that none of the participants were known to the researchers prior to these interviews and focus groups, and that, in order to maintain anonymity, participants are identified by letters (Cohort 1) and numbers (Cohort 2) throughout the below discussion. Straker Foster (2009. P.124) Honesty and keeping the contributor enlightened about the expectedoutcomes of the exercise is apparent within the paper. Good practice prohibits candidates to be pressured into communicating information, there was no implication of this in the article. Ethical considerations to be aware of in a focus group situation are the processing of confidential material and sensitivity to the feelings of each contributor. You read "Investigating Education through Research (IETR)" in category "Essay examples" Clarification of how contributions will be used and shared by personnel involved in the exercise must be established prior to the activity. Confidentiality must be a focus to be communicated to the group as a priority this avoids any sensitive material being leaked. Analysts have a duty to conceal data from the participants This paper indicates that pseudonyms were used. This complies with the principles of British Educational Research [BERA]. According to Hammersley and Traianou,(2007)c ommonly recognized ethical principles include harm, autonomy, privacy, reciprocity and equity. If social research is to remain of benefit to society and the groups and individuals within it, then social researchers must conduct their work responsibly and in light of the moral and legal order of the society in which they practice. They have a responsibility to maintain high scientific standards in the methods employed in the collection and analysis of data and the impartial assessment and dissemination of findings.[SRA 2003, 13]. Literature Review A literature review outlines the scope of the subject area, trends, themes and prior research that demonstrate awareness of work carried out on the issue/topic covered. The article sets out to explore the need for multi agency collaboration within the ‘children’s workforce’. The aim to pilot and assess the overall understanding of policy interpretation in this area. The effectiveness of training to inform and guide these agencies to a joint, collaborative service with less overlap. The literature review was initially wide including general texts such as ECM,(2003), Children’s Workforce Development Council (2007), Victoria Climbie’ Report by Lord Laming (2003) and Reid, (2005,13). The focus then narrowed drawing on the comments of Allnock et al.(2006,35-7), Atkinson et al.(2007) and Moran et al, (2006) then finally focussing on the topic aims. Issues surrounding multi agency collusion are not new. The potential benefits have been discussed repeatedly by Government reports e.g. DfEE (1999) and Atkinson et al.( 2002), Atkins, Jones and Lamont (2007) Bloxham (1996) and Payne(1998) all agree that there are possible advantages of shared Practice. The review of literature by the authors suggested anticipated problems with strategy implementation resulting in inconsistencies and overlapping of roles across childcare teams to meet the broad aims of the ECM –Change for Children policy,(2204). Allnock et al. (2006,35-7) in summing up the research within this document identifies the need for more clarification of role where there is full coverage for all areas without overlap. The focus therefore was for the implementation of strategies that addressed Government policy consistently. The literature review within this article is appropriate; references display deepness and wideness which is clear and concise. Several appropriate references were used in the introduction which gives a broad understanding of policy, statute and the need to work in collaboration to meet the desired outcomes of the ECM: Change for Children (2004). This literature review is good as it gives a wide overview of the subject, informed analysis of findings, identified variables and offered recommendationsfrom the findings. The spotlight on content and relevance is evident. Critique and collaboration of other policy is also discussed within the paper. The authors state clearly that other theorists and participants concur that it is a ‘two way street’ where united collaboration will only take place when all Government partners and child care professionals share the same ethos, receive appropriate guidance and training and communication is effective . Straker and Foster’s, (2009) could have used the recommendations from the Bercow Report to evaluate and substantiate their own findings. The literature review concludes by identifying that whilst training has been identified as being a potential asset it is still sporadic this may be due to resisting the opportunities, lack of vision to move with changes or basically that it is not available to certain sectors or personnel. Different sectors within this subject are identified as requiring further investigation these are those that require professional identity (clarification of role) and differentiation (what the role involves for the individual).It is also identified that through ECM professional development and training that these obstacles could be overcome. Methods and findings Research is defined by two categories qualitative and quantitative Qualitative research is drawn from many sources. This is primarilydue, as Lancy (1993) points out, to the fact that â€Å"†¦ topic, theory, and methodology are usually closely interrelated in qualitative research[p.3].† Both research methods usedin this journal article were qualitative. Qualitative methods are helpful not only in giving rich explanations of complex phenomena, but in creating or evolving theories or conceptual bases, and in proposing hypotheses to clarify the phenomena. (Shwartz, 2000). Quantitative research examines the variables of statistical information. This type of research uses controlled systems in order to prove or disprove a theory. Basic research is primary this type of research is information or data from a chosen subject that requires further explanation or clarification with the intention of gaining more clarification and understanding. The results are not immediate or short term. On one hand there is research which is qualitative with no scientific element in the experiential perception, it is the questioning why in the humanistic sense and the other which is more analytical and questions the relationship amid irregulars being qualitative and /or quantitative research to prove or disprove a hypothesis. However debate between researchers remains as to what is valid research. Applied research Applied research communicates outcomes on multiple layers. This type of research scrutinizes issues in genuine context the aim being the provision of a realistic resolution which usually comes from fundamentalstudy in this case Every Child Matters: Change for Children[ECM] [2004]. Applied research can capture why policy accomplishment is delayed or suspended. The example being the variables of policy interpretation, policy understanding and what trainees want their learning experience to be and how to implement changes in the workplace. This is clearly identified within the reviewed journal article. Primary research consists of interviews and eye witness accounts etc. Which are taken from observational methods. Whereas secondary research could use books, Government documents etc. This method uses the findings of others for the advancement of knowledge. Secondary and primary research is effective when used together as it shows variety and veracity of information and data. The article reviewed used both methods to give weight and impact to the research thus providing depth and breadth. The researchers aim was to build an accredited, tiered pathway of training. The nature of the research and the distinctive challenges of shared vision and leadership for the Children’s Service workforce is very diverse in its makeup. There were observed identified differences in this pilot research. Straker and Foster (2009) research set out to answer the questions on the effectiveness of ECM aims within children’s services, the implementation within different tiers and multi agency training. The chosen research methodology was focus group ; strength of this method is the ability to inform many people in a limited time a weakness of this method is cost and time constraints. Semi structured interview encourages two way dialogue but the interviewer must be articulate and confident; this can a weakness if not. The framework of the questions from both research methodologies cited above was to establish how far the rhetoric of ECM and the effect of translation over the mult i faceted children and family service. The sampling strategy was opportunistic 3 cohorts of participants from various fields working within children’s services. Opportunistic sampling allows new strands of information to be pursued allowing the length and width of research to be explored.(Journal of Mixed Method Research January 2007 1:77- 100). The piloting of research is to establish reliability and validity in this case by asking the same questions to different cohorts. It is the tool to measure the level of knowledge or participation in an subject in this instance ECM and multi agency collaboration and training. Researchers will sometimes see if the measure yields different scores for two groups who are expected to differ in the construct. Harter and Pike (1994). Social enquiry when correctly executed can result in effective results for all, this type of research is grounded foundation to build on for the benefit an enhancement of the subject/s being studied. Social enquiry is predicated on the belief that greater access to well grounded information will serve rather than threaten the interests of society. Nonetheless, in planning all phases of an inquiry, from design to presentation of findings, social researchers should consider the likely consequences for society at large, groups and categories of persons within it, respondents or other subjects, and possible future research. [SRA 2003, 17] Focus groups allow the collating of data from personnel at various levels within educational settings the diversity of their backgrounds and their original outlooks allow the researchers opportunity to obtain information from varying perspectives and backgrounds. With an individual survey or interview, a respondent’s input will be limited to the ideas and issues that he/she thinks of at the time of the session. The only prompts to trigger these ideas are the specific questions on the survey and/or the comments from the interviewer. In a focus group participants benefit from the ability to build on each other’s ideas and comments, typically providing more extensive input than would otherwise be possible. In contrast to written or online surveys and phone interviews, focus groups present the possibility of observing nonverbal behavior. Wiesenfelder,(no date) Focus groups are particularly useful when there are power differences between the participants and decision makers or professionals, when the everyday use of language and culture of particular groups is of interest, and when one wants to explore the degree of consensus on a given topic (Morgan Kreuger, 1993). Kitzinger (1994) argues that interaction is the crucial feature of focus groups because the interaction between participants highlights their view of the world, the language they use about an issue and their values and beliefs about a situation. Interaction also enables participants to ask questions of each other, as well as to re-evaluate and reconsider their own understandings of their specific experiences. Stavrou, (2002) states that it is useful in qualitative research as unreconstructed logicor the inflexible science of reasoning and is used to understand what is real: the quality , meaning, context or image of reality in what people actually do, not what they say they do [as in the collection of quantitative data] Stavrou, [2002]. Although having many benefits alongside other investigation methods limitations are evident. The researcher, or moderator, for example, has less control over the data produced (Morgan 1988) than in either quantitative studies or one-to-one interviewing. This gives little control leaving a predominantly open ended outcome with an unpredictable predetermined conclusion. A predicted outcome is not the aim of a focus group the diversity of the subjects within the group prohibits this. More positively, focus groups may pose some difficulty in assembly. Obtaining a representative sample may be a challenge as focus groups may not be an option for certain members of personnel. Such as people who have confidence issues, the less eloquent, those with speech delays or learning difficulties. The authors of the journal article did not indicate that the above was an issue for the participants taking part but if this were the case the reviewer would have expected the choice of research method to accommodate the diversities within the sample. To address some of the weaknesses of a focus group supporting research strategies were implemented. Semi structured interviews are focused two way conversations that are used to give and receive information. This method is conducted with an open framework which differs from a questionnaire where questions are formulated prior to the interview starting. The research methodology of semi- structured interview commences with generalized questions or topics Key themes explored include roles and responsibilities, their perceptions of the ECM agenda, and its impact on their practice as well as their relationships with other agencies. Straker Foster(2009. P.124) This then forms the basis of a more specific line of questioning which does not require forward planning. In effect this gives the researcher ‘’carte blanche’’ to create most of the questions during the process giving the interviewer the opportunity to probe so allowing depth of detail or the opportunity to discuss delicate/conflicting issues 1-1’’ Wengraf (2001.P.194-5) Semi structured consultations may be recorded by prior agreement in compliance with theethic code. This affords more accuracy if supported with notation as back up. The latter ensures that all questions are addressed and ifthere are mechanical glitches there is supporting evidence. The disadvantages of this research method are concluding the interview through visual clues e.g. closing books tidying up papers which may hamper the flow of the process thus turning the interviewee off . Wengraf, [2001. 11] as above states that ending an interview appropriately can lead to the emergence of a whole new area of information. A further pitfall of this method is that the transcribing and analysis of data can prove time consuming and the opportunity to get side tracked with anecdotes and generally inappropriate information is a possibility. In any research thefirst questions that you should ask are: Has this been done beforeDoes these data already existIf so, is there value-added in doing this againRand, [2009, 16] Whilst these methods offer breadth and depth my opinion is that it would be easy to keep to the structure as other information may come up that could side track the research event. The principle of the research was the exploration of need for multi agency collaboration within children’s services. The research focused on three sets of personnel working within different branches of the children’s care framework, ethical considerations were followed and informed consent was documented as being obtained. The sample used was diverse in its make up ranging from junior tosenior management levels. The desirable model of practice was taken from the ECM, (2004) shared goals. The article included semi structured interviews and focus groups to establish the levels of understanding and participation within their specialism. The methods chosen proved to be limited and the sample size although diverse in makeup was small which may hamper the overall picture of awareness in this field of enquiry. Data interpretation and analysis The authors of this journal article identified that whilst there was marked amountof similarities in opinionwithin the groups any disparity in opinions was thought to be as a result of the lack of clarity of ECM outcomes and involvement therein, this is underpinned by relevant references from Annig et al ; Sloan( 2006) .The researchers in this study identified that participant’s roles and responsibilities varied considerably and this determined the responses of the individual groups. The article therefore implies that other tiers would benefit from the knowledge and understanding of their peers roles within the sector. Multi-channel collusion: Happens at dissimilar tiers: information transmitted to personnel from different disciplines; co-operation and joint working on a case-by-case basis; co-ordination and formalised joint working; coalition at the level of joint structures; and integration of organisations merging to create a new identity Horwath and Morrison, [2007]. The findings of the research agrees with Horwath and Morrison, [2007]. The diversity of the groups and the differing tiers gave depth and breadth of insight into the levels of participation and understanding of the ECM framework. The study ranged from a wholly positive attitude from cohort one to cohort two, who whilst still positive did feel confident in highlighting negative and problem areas. Cohort three displayed a an eclectic mix of groups one and two. It was interesting to viewthe responses of the individual groups even though each sample group was mixed in level academically and professionally the responses in group 1 and 2 were on the whole identified as being positive. Disparities were identified in group 2 due to gaps [they felt] in understanding of the ECM framework for some employees this was proving problematic. The dynamics in group 3 was a mixture of positive and negative responses/comments in line with the other two groups sampled. The same comments from individuals during the tasks was encouraging, the mention of shared values, the understanding of other professional roles and a feeling of belonging as a result of this training exercise was a positive step . Conclusion The research concluded that key issues that emerged were communication, leadership and consistency in practice. Communication is considered to be of paramount importance in promoting the awareness of knowledge and the clarification of the work that other agencies do. Leadership was defined as being a multi tiered facet which has the ability to empower, promote a shared vision and purpose. This was acknowledged as a being a strength in shared collaboration only when colleagues were willing to change and adapt practiceto new agendas. Whilst the participants in the focus group acknowledge the needs of effective communication, good leadership in order to work collaboratively interpretation of the outcomes of ECM and overlap of role still appears to be problematic areas. Problem areas were also identified, these included lack of consistency in practice, the inability for some employees to move forward with new ideas and policy directives, lack of clarity in job description and poor perc eption. These findings are reasonably founded as other researchers early in the article indicate similar findings and are broadly reiterated by others participating in this research. These findings are presented in the form of statements that identify the participant by pseudonym but highlight the accurate job title. Many sources of appropriate documentation were used to support this journal article. Theory is used to embed and underpin throughout the article. The literature used created a chronological picture of policy and the multi strand approach to addressing the issue of lack of clarity and cooperation within children’s services. The description of research participants and levels was appropriate to enable the reader to establish the reasoning behind the research that was to be identified. Ethics guidelines were documented as being followed appropriately. Some reinforcement of ethical paperwork in the appendices would have been useful. Policy and practice mis- match is identified as an ongoing concern across the children’s services sector. This exercise has identified the focal characteristics of focus group and semi structured interviews research methodology, with emphasis being on the interaction and oscillation of participants which only qualitative methods of research can facilitate. Participants who do engage in focus groups often obtain value from the experience but realistic deliberation of time consuming focus group situations from the researchers point of view could be daunting. Lack of chance to complete the required elements involved within the allotted constraints can be a deterrent. The process of these types of research can be more collaborative than other forms of study and can be an empowering process for participants and an exciting challenge for social researchers wanting to gain a different perspective on their field of interest. (Harrell and Bradley 2009 cited in Rand, 2009) The initial questions identified earlier in this article have been answered and reasoning behind the findings has been discussed. The theory was used to substantiate the outcomes from the article. References Article Pros Advantages and Disadvantages of Qualitative Research Methods http://www.Article Pros.com./php?Andrew Schwartz Accessed 5/3/11 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Advantages-And-Disadvantages-Of-The-Qualitative-Research-Methods/208266 accessed 14/11/10 http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/bercowreview/docs/7771-DCSF-BERCOW.PDF accessed 29/10/10 http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/about/guidance/dutytocooperate/accessed 24/10/10 DfEs,(2003) Every Child Matters. Cm. 5860 (London: The Stationery Office). DfES (2003a) Every Child Matters. Cm. 5860 (London: The Stationery Office) Every Child Matters-Change for Children. (2004) Homepage . http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/accessed 5/3/11 Gibbs, A. (1997) Social Research Update University of Surrey Issue 19. http://www.sru soc.surrey.ac.uk/SRU 19 html accessed 5/3/11 Hammersley, M. and Traianou, A. (2007) Ethics and Educational Research. London: TLRP. http://www.tirp.org/capacity/rm/wt/traianou/ accessed 5/3/11 Harrell,M. AND Bradley,M. (2009) Data Collection Mehtods: Semi Structured Interviews and Focus Groups.http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/2009/RAND_TR718.pdf accessed 14/11/10 Harter and Pike, (1994) cited in Lodico, G. Spaulding, D.T., Voegtle, H. (2010) Methods of Educational Research from Theory to Practice. San-Francisco: Jossey-Bass Homan R (1991) Ethics in Social Research. Harlow: Longman Horwath, J. and Morrison, T. (2007) Collaboration, integration and change in children’s services: Critical issues and key ingredients, Child Abuse and Neglect, 31, 55-69. http://www.evidencnet.pbworks.com/Developing-the-workforce-for-practice-in-integrated-children%E2%/80%99s-services accessed 5/3/11 Kitzinger J. (1994,1995) ‘The methodology of focus groups: the importance of interaction between research participants’, Sociology of Health 16 (1): 103-21. http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRUU19.html accessed 5/3/11 Lancy,D.F. [1993]. Qualitative research in education: An introduction to the major traditions. New York: Longman. Manchester University(no date) Dyson et al. http://www.education.manchester.ac.uk/research/centres/cee/publications/Fileuploadmax10Mb.136260.en.doc Mixed Methods Sampling: A Typology with Examples, Journal of Mixed Method Research January 2007 1:77-100 Morgan D.L. (1988) Focus groups as qualitative research. London: Sage Morgan and Kruger, (1993) Social Research Update. ( no date)Issue 19 University of Surrey. http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRUU19.html Morgan D.L. and Kreuger R.A. (1993) ‘When to use focus groups and why’ in Morgan D.L. (Ed.) Successful Focus Groups. London: Sage. Kitzinger, (1994) Social Research Update.( no date) Issue 19 University of Surrey. http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRUU19.html Qualitative Report, (1995) Vol. 2: 3. http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR2-3/shank.html accessed on various dates Social Research Association ethical guidelines http://www.thesra.org.uk/documents/pdfs/ethics03.pdf accessed 7/11/10 Social Research Update issue 19 University of Surrey http://www. Soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRUU19html accessed 5/3/11 SRA,(2003,17) http://www.research.shu.uk/ethicsethinicity/docs/newdoc/LearnedSocietiesReviewdraft.pdf Stavrou, S. (2002) Youth Delinquent Surveys: A Methodology Paper http://www.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/1845_23210_Aki_methodology_paper.pdf accessed 27.11.10 Straker, Katherine Foster, Rob [2009] ‘Every Child Matters: Every challenge met?’ Journal of Vocational Education Training, 61:2, 119-132 Wengraf, Tom (2001). Qualitative research interviewing. London: Sage. Wiesenfelder, H. (no date) What are the Benefits of Focus Groups. http://www.ehow.com/about_5042427_benefits-focus-groups.html How to cite Investigating Education through Research (IETR), Essays

What is the meaning of life Essay Essay Example

What is the meaning of life? Essay Paper What is the significance of life? Many agree that the reply depends on the individual inquiring the inquiry. When Albert Camus and Richard Taylor make up ones mind to reply this inquiry. they must take an in-depth expression into the existent and fabulous universes to get at a concise reply to this inquiry that has baffled so many. Both have similar positions with elusive differences – nevertheless Taylor’s position is the more accurate of the two. When looking into the biological universe. Taylor clearly describes how much of it can be identified with the Grecian narrative of Sisyphus. His first of two illustrations take an in-depth expression into glowworms. They go through this rhythm like Sisyphus did with his stone and finally they have nil more to demo for it than reproducing. They are condemned to this destiny and like the stone that Sisyphus rolls up the hill. once they fall down. the load is passed onto the following coevals of worms. doing their being finally unpointed. The narrative is the same with migrating birds. as they seasonally migrate across the planet merely to make the exact same thing the following twelvemonth ( Klemke. 2008 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on What is the meaning of life? Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What is the meaning of life? Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What is the meaning of life? Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The attempt put into this. like the attempt Sisyphus puts into turn overing the stone up the hill. finally accomplishes nil and in the terminal is ineffectual. The birds are condemned to a meaningless undertaking that has no significance. but gives them aim. Taylor states â€Å"The point of any life thing’s life is. obviously. nil but life itself† ( Klemke. 2008 ) . something that Sisyphus himself endures as he rolls the stone throughout infinity. with the lone difference between him and the biological existences being that alternatively of each being making the same insistent undertaking for infinity. they pass on their mundane undertakings to the following coevals. Taylor’s solution to the significance of life is a complicated one since he genuinely sees perfectly no significance to it. Everything in this universe is contingent and as a whole is apparently nonmeaningful. This is what he calls ‘objective meaning’ . He went on to state that life has no terminal end and that what you do can neer be more than you. something similar to what Sisyphus went through. At the same clip. he went on to state how life besides has subjective significance. significance that life affairs to the individual life in that universe in that period of clip. As Sisyphus was turn overing the stone up hill hill for infinity. Taylor asks what if the Gods had made it his ageless desire to turn over that stone up that hill. and what if he enjoyed nil else more than turn overing that stone for the remainder of his life ( Klemke. 2008 ) . The same can be said about those that do what they love. and even though that has no nonsubjective significance as a whole. it could hold subjective significance to the single executing the undertaking since there is nil else they would instead make. He went on to state that as clip passes â€Å"A funny oculus can in imaginativeness reconstruct from what is left a one time warm and booming life. filled with intent. † ( Klemke. 2008 ) . This was in mention to looking back at an old waste barren. where although now it has no significance. it one time had subjective significance to others – and even though something has no terminal end. that does non intend that it is nonmeaningful. since in that minute in clip it had significance. He sees the significance of life as nil but life itself. and that the lone manner to populate a full and meaningful life is to make something that has significance to you. The terminal end does non count every bit long as what you are making has significance to you. and one thing does non hold greater significance over another. His solution involved projecting intending onto our ain lives by encompassing our battles. even if they accomplish nil lasting and worthwhile ( Cengage. 2013 ) . Camus had a somewhat different solution to the significance of life. He genuinely saw no significance to life and questioned why anyone would of all time desire to populate in it ( Klemke. 2008 ) . He questioned people’s motivations and why all persons would neer perpetrate self-destruction when they know that they saw the universe they lived in. He sees the universe as absurd and the fact that we can accept that as surprising. Rational existences live in an irrational universe. where people who are obsessed with ground can non happen it. He sees that the there is perfectly no significance to the universe. When he relates human lives to Sisyphus. he considers our mundane lives as forcing a stone up a hill and forcing it back down in a ceaseless rhythm until decease. The calamity of it is that we are neer genuinely witting of the absurd. and in those minutes when we are witting of the absurd. we experience the greatest moral ruin conceivable. The lone manner to populate in this universe is to populate in contradiction. Once we can accept that the universe we live in is absurd. we no longer necessitate to populate for hope or hold this deceasing demand for intent ( Tomo. 2013 ) . It means non merely accepting it but besides being to the full witting and cognizant of it. because that is the lone manner we can bask the freedoms of life every bit long as we abide by a few common regulations ( Lane. 2013 ) . He sees this as being the ultimate manner to encompass everything the unreasonable universe has to offer us. This is known as absurd freedom. when you are witting of the universe you live in and are freed from the absurdness. You can so make a point of credence where you can experience genuinely content with your ain life ( Lane. 2013 ) . He considers Sisyphus as being the absurd hero. since he performs a meaningless undertaking because he hates decease. and so he does this meaningless undertaking to populate to the fullest. He embraces his fate and one could truly believe that he is happy with it. The significance of life besides does non count about what are the best minutes of life. or making what is meaningful to the person. but who did the most living. This can be farther explained with Camus’s mention to Sisyphus. where the lone thing distinguishing our lives from his is that his is ageless. As worlds. we will finally deteriorate and decease off. and in a universe where nil has significance and everything is insistent. the 1 who has lived for the longest period of clip has genu inely made the most of it. Out of the two solutions. it is clear why both Camus and Taylor thought the manner they did. One solution was based on making things in general while the other focused on life every bit long as physically possible. In my sentiment. although both have strong termss. I must state that although Camus place is somewhat stronger logically. Taylor’s place has much better emotional grip. When Camus states that the universe is wholly absurd and that none of it has any significance. his statement makes sense. We live in a universe where even though we are animals that demand concluding and intending for everything. there is none in the universe we are presently in. Taylor agrees to a certain extent. but so introduces his thought of different sorts of significance: subjective. He tries to give significance to undertakings that give us fulfillment – true subjective significance. but these same undertakings have no nonsubjective significance since they have no terminal end. Logically. such undertakings can hold no significance because they have no permanent value. something that Camus himself tried to explicate. finally doing Camus’s place stronger logically. Emotionally. the instance is rather the antonym. Camus tells us we should accept our destiny and merely seek to populate on this planet for every bit long as we can. something merely an atheist would volitionally accept with grace. He goes on to state every bit long as there is no terminal end in life ; there is no significance in life. However. many that live their every twenty-four hours lives do non believe on such an passionless degree. Taylor on the other manus gives the place of there being two different sorts of significances. and although nonsubjective significance doesn’t exist. subjective significance can give each one of us our ain definition of what significance is. which in this instance is something to make. Even though the apogee of these events will finally take to nil. it doesn’t mean that they were a complete waste of clip since they gave us something to make ( . The same can be said about the birds and the glowworms. Their lives have no terminal end as their lives were nil but a ceaseless rhythm. but it gave them something to make in life – no affair how meaningless it may look to person looking from the exterior in. The most of import point Taylor makes is that the undertakings we do can hold significance to us. but another single looking in could see the exact same undertaking as being meaningless. and that is to be expected. Subjective significance depends on the exact minute in clip. which relates to such looks as â€Å"live in the moment† or â€Å"Carpe Diem† . because after that minute has passed. all the significance that is associated with it disappears. Peoples like to believe that what they’re making will ever hold significance in one signifier or another. and every bit long as they believe in that. they are in a better province of head than believing that everything in life is nonmeaningful and that we should merely endeavor to populate every bit long as we can. This can be seen as life in denial. but emotions are something worlds unlike many animate beings live with on a minutely footing and must be accounted for. Furthermore. although Camus place makes logical sense. it makes small to cognize emotional sense since it does non account for the human facet of life. Citation Barnett. Richard. â€Å"An absurd religion: Camus and The Myth of Sisyphus. † Internet Archive: Wayback Machine. hypertext transfer protocol: //web. archive. org/web/20071012140207/http: //www. geocities. com/a_and_e_uk/Sisyphus. htm ( accessed March 19. 2013 ) . ( Merely for research intents ) Lane. Bob. â€Å"The Absurd Hero. † Vancouver Island University. Degree Programs Canada – Master A ; Bachelor Education Degrees Canada | VIU. hypertext transfer protocol: //records. viu. ca/www/ipp/absurd. htm ( accessed March 19. 2013 ) . Klemke. E. D. . and Steven M. Cahn. â€Å"Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus. † In _The significance of life: a reader_ . 3rd erectile dysfunction. New York: Oxford University Press. 2008. 72-82. Klemke. E. D. . and Steven M. Cahn. â€Å"Richard Taylor: The Meaning of Life. † In _The significance of life: a reader_ . 3rd erectile dysfunction. New York: Oxford University Press. 2008. 134-143. â€Å"The Meaning of life: Richard Taylor. † Cengage. World Wide Web. cengage. com/philosophy/book_content/1439046948_feinberg/introductions/part_5/ch19/Life_Taylor. hypertext markup language ( accessed March 19. 2013 ) . Tomo. Ramirez. â€Å"Camus. â€Å"Sisyphus† Taylor. â€Å"The Meaning of Life† . † Deanza. edu. World Wide Web. deanza. edu/faculty/ramireztono/phil01/camustaylornotes. pdf ( accessed March 19. 2013 ) .

Stereotypes of Latinos in Television and Film

Stereotypes of Latinos in Television and Film Latinos may now be the largest racial minority in the United States, but their rise in numbers hasn’t necessarily made it easier for them to challenge stereotypes. Racial stereotypes about Latinos abound in television and film. This overview of the most common Hispanic stereotypes portrayed in the media- from maids to gangbangers- reveals why sweeping generalizations about Latinos are harmful.​ All Maids All the Time In the earlier days of television and film, African Americans were the racial group most likely to portray domestic workers. Black housekeepers played key roles in television sitcoms such as 1950’s â€Å"Beulah† and films such as 1939’s â€Å"Gone With The Wind.† By the 1980s, however, Latinos increasingly replaced blacks as Hollywood’s domestics. The 1987 TV show â€Å"I Married Dora† was even about a man who married his Latina housekeeper to prevent her from being deported. Even megastar Jennifer Lopez played a housekeeper in 2002’s â€Å"Maid in Manhattan,† a romantic comedy reminiscent of the Cinderella fairytale. The late actress Lupe Ontiveros estimated that she played a maid as many as 150 times on screen. In 2009, Ontoveros  told National Public Radio, â€Å"I long to play a judge. I long to play a lesbian woman. I long to play a councilman, someone with some chutzpah.† Latin Lovers Hollywood has a long history of portraying Hispanics and Spaniards as Latin Lovers. Men such as Antonio Banderas, Fernando Lamas, and Ricardo Montalban all starred in a number of roles that perpetuated the idea that Hispanic men are incredibly suave, sexy and skilled in the sheets. The stereotype became so popular that a film called â€Å"Latin Lovers† debuted in 1958. Ricardo Montalban and Lana Turner starred. Tired of being typecast as a Latin Lover, Fernando Lamas, father of actor Lorenzo Lamas, told the Free Lance-Star in 1958 that he wanted to redefine the term. â€Å"A Latin lover shouldn’t be a greasy character,† he said. â€Å"He doesn’t even have to be Latin. But he must be a guy who loves life, and since life includes women, his loves include women. Sometimes he gets a girl and sometimes he gets his face slapped. The most important thing is that he be a real man with problems to solve.† Sexpots While Hispanic men are often reduced to Latin Lovers in television and film, Hispanic women are commonly typecast as sexpots. Rita Hayworth, Raquel Welch, and Carmen Miranda are some of the Latinas in early Hollywood who capitalized on their sexy image. More recently, Eva Longoria played a conniving Latina homemaker who used her looks to advance her agenda in â€Å"Desperate Housewives,† and Sofia Vergara continues to play the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on â€Å"Modern Family,† which many prominent Latinas argue not only fuels the stereotype that Hispanic women are sexy but also loud, crazy and spicy. â€Å"The problem here is that this idea of the curvy, sexy and sultry Latina denies many Latinas their cultural identification based on their physical appearances and sexual attractiveness, alone,† explained Tanisha Ramirez in the Huffington Post. â€Å"In essence, this sort of thinking traps our culture within our bodies, ignoring the values, ethics, and tr aditions that contribute to our sense of culture and community.† Thug Life There has been no shortage of Latinos playing thugs, drug dealers and gangbangers in U.S. films and television shows, especially police dramas. Popular films such as 1992’s â€Å"American Me† and 1993’s â€Å"Mi Vida Loca† chronicled the lives of fictional Hispanic drug kingpins and gangsters. Even the 1961 classic â€Å"West Side Story† centered on the rivalry between a Caucasian gang and a Puerto Rican one. The gangster stereotype aimed at Latinos is particularly harmful, as it gives the public the idea that Hispanics aren’t law-abiding citizens but cholos. Accordingly, they should be feared, shunned and certainly not treated as equals. While some Latinos, just as some whites, find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system, the majority of Hispanics aren’t criminals. They work as lawyers, teachers, pastors, police officers and in a host of other areas. Immigrants Television programs such as â€Å"The George Lopez Show,† â€Å"Desperate Housewives† and â€Å"Ugly Betty† were unique in that they portrayed Latinos as Americans rather than as recent immigrants to the United States. Not only have many Hispanics lived in the United States for several generations but some Hispanics also descend from families that predate the establishment of the present day U.S.-Mexico border. For far too long Hollywood has featured Hispanics speaking heavily accented English in television and in cinema. Lupe Ontiveros told NPR that during auditions casting directors made it clear that they prefer her to play immigrant types. Before auditioning, she’d ask them, â€Å"‘You want an accent?’ And they’d say, ‘Yes, we prefer for you to have an accent.’ And the thicker and more waddly it is, the more they like it. This is what I’m against, really, truly.†

Mesosaurus Facts and Figures

Mesosaurus Facts and Figures Name: Mesosaurus (Greek for middle lizard); pronounced MAY-so-SORE-usHabitat: Swamps of Africa and South AmericaHistorical Period: Early Permian (300 million years ago)Size and Weight: About three feet long and 10-20 poundsDiet: Plankton and small marine organismsDistinguishing Characteristics: Slender, crocodile-like body; long tail About Mesosaurus Mesosaurus was the odd duck (if youll excuse the mixed species metaphor) among its fellow prehistoric reptiles of the early Permian period. For one thing, this slender creature was an anapsid reptile, meaning it did not have any characteristic openings on the sides of its skull, rather than a more common synapsid (a category that embraced the pelycosaurs, archosaurs and therapsids that preceded the dinosaurs; today, the only living anapsids are turtles and tortoises). And for another, Mesosaurus was one of the first reptiles to return to a partially aquatic lifestyle from its fully terrestrial forebears, like the prehistoric amphibians that preceded it by tens of millions of years. Anatomically, though, Mesosaurus was pretty much plain vanilla, looking a bit like a small, prehistoric crocodile... that is, if youre willing the overlook the thin teeth in its jaws that seem to have been used to filter plankton. Now that all thats been said, however, the most important thing about Mesosaurus is where it lived. The fossils of this prehistoric reptile have been discovered in eastern South America and southern Africa, and since Mesosaurus lived in freshwater lakes and rivers, it clearly couldnt have swum across the expanse of the southern Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, the existence of Mesosaurus helps support the theory of continental drift; that is, the now-well-attested fact that South America and Africa were joined together into the giant continent Gondwana 300 million years ago before the continental plates supporting them broke apart and drifted into their current positions. Mesosaurus is important for yet another reason: this is the earliest identified animal to have left amniote embryos in the fossil record. Its widely believed that amniote animals existed a few million years before Mesosaurus, only recently evolved from the first tetrapods to climb up onto dry land, but we have yet to discern any conclusive fossil evidence for these very early amniote embryos.

Global Issues- Global Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Issues- Global Revolution - Essay Example Most employees these days prefer to hire children to adults. I hope u know I got married. My dear Sarah works at the nearby postal office. However, at the moment, she is not at work since the postal workers are on strike demanding for increased wages. The working conditions in the factory where I work are not very human. There is a lot of smoke and we are not provided with any protective gear from the heavy machines. I must confess to you that I rarely have any spare time I can call leisure. I work in the factory for over twelve hours a day and cycles for one hour to reach my abode. The government seems to have totally forgotten about us and its focus is on annexing foreign territories across the oceans. Surely Maxwell, I find no reason why I should be staying in pathetic living conditions just because the government has no clear policies on settlement. The lighting is very poor and I am not even assured of my security. Let me not talk about many ills here lest you accuse me of a misconceived mindset. I nevertheless believe that England is a great country. At least we can boast about the good roads that are coming up and the railway industry that seems to boom. Most people can also find work despite the low

Reliance Industries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reliance Industries - Essay Example Poza notes that as per the regulations outlined in Hindu succession laws, the eldest son of the household is entitled to become the successor after the death of the family’s head (341). Consequently, this notion is also reflected in Hindu traditions and customs which favor the first-born of the family. Mukesh’s arrival in the business, in many ways, echoed this custom as he embarked upon his responsibilities in a fashion that was similar to that of his father (Grant and Nicholson 44). Assessing the relationship that the sons shared with their parents it is understood that Dhirubhai was particularly fond of Mukesh and therefore, chose to discuss the affairs of the business with him before seeking Anil’s point of view (Poza 348) which could have irked Mukesh’s sibling. Another important role that the parents played for the sake of Reliance Industries’ and for their family was that of mediators. Whenever conflicts between the brothers arose, it was Dhi rubhai who took to a stand to resolve the issues by warning his sons and taking an action in order to ensure that family disputes did not act as hurdles in the achievement of business objectives (Poza 349). By March 2005, tensions between the brothers over the control and management of Reliance Industries had escalated which caused media scrutiny on the matter to rise. Thus, it was Kokilaben who realized that the gravity of the situation begged for her intervention. Grant and Nicholson state that despite of her unwillingness to do so, Kokilaben initiated a process of arbitration that ultimately resulted in the distribution of the company’s assets (49). Therefore, this component of the analysis certainly indicates the instrumental role of Dhirubhai and Kokilaben in Reliance Industries which could have not succeeded without their participation in its affairs. The succession of Reliance Industries to the next generation cannot be termed as a monumental success. In order to asses s this statement, the paper explores the ramifications of the succession from the point of view of the Ambani family and from a business perspective. Dhirubhai was always a firm believer in the concept of unity and trusted this notion as an â€Å"article of faith†, this observation first surfaced when he refused to divide Reliance upon the suggestion of his brothers (Grant and Nicholson 43). Similarly, Dhirubhai’s disapproval of family disputes and rifts especially between his sons is clearly observable from the fact that he would personally intervene to resolve any conflicts between Mukesh and Anil (Poza 348). Therefore, it can be stated Dhirubhai Ambani never wanted Reliance Industries to be partitioned. Grant and Nicholson claim that Kokilaben’s reluctance in dividing Reliance Industries was unequivocally clear when she intervened to resolve the issue in 2005 with the assistance of K V Kamath and Nimesh Kampani (49). The authors note that the continuation of Reliance Industries as a single entity was to be a representation of Dhirubhai’s legacy which could not survive due to the dispute between Mukesh and Anil (Grant and Nicholson 49). Henceforth, the succession of the great Indian company cannot be termed as successful from the perspective of the Ambani fam