Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity Essay Example

Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity Paper What makes you, you? Is who we are the result of our genes (nature) or is it the result of our upbringing (nurture)? Nature: the result of our genes Nurture: everything else other than genes, the culture you were brought up in, the country and family you were brought up In, the school you went to There Is an interaction between nature and nurture II. The Nature Component A. Genes: Our biological blueprint Our body is made up of millions of cells, in every cell, except egg and sperm, we have 46 chromosomes, 23 pairs We have thousands of genes, which are considered to be he basic unit of heredity Genes are segments of DNA that carry the Instruction that give an organism its traits or characteristics Different size of animals and people depends on a single gene (chromosome 1 5) Sometimes multiple genes (gene complexes) are responsible for something such as obesity Genes are made up of nucleotides There are four nucleotides: Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, Cytosine They always come in pairs, A with T and G with C The sequence determine what a gene will do and what It will not do Changing Just one letter In a sequence changes what the gene does We will write a custom essay sample on Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Common analogy: chromosomes are like books, genes are the words in a book, and nucleotides are the letters in a book Human genome: we have roughly 30 thousand genes in our DNA They discovered based on the mapping of the human genome that every human on earth Is 99. 99% genetically similar to every other human being on earth Repartition of thee. 01% difference: 5% deference among races, 95% differences within a race Nature genetics, 2004: race does NOT exist biologically; there Is no white, black, Arab, Asian race, and it is just a social concept We share: 95-98% of our DNA with chimps, 0% of our DNA with mice, 50% of our DNA with bananas, 44% of our DNA with fruit flies B. Evolutionary Psychology Bal . What is Evolutionary Psychology (PEP)? Newest perspective in psychology, heavily influenced by Darnings principals of the Theory of Evolution According to Darwin, the mall goal Is to survive and to transmit (natural selection); many organisms die out due to survival of the fittest Survival of the Fittest: when there is a match between characteristics of organism and demands of the environment Evolutionary psychologists took the theories of Darwin to explain unman behavior; they study behaviors that are universal and common to all human beings; they study adaptive behaviors (adaptation is essential for survival) Any behaviors, traits, or emotions that our ancestors had are what we see in humans today We are in the post-antibiotic era, bacteria are smart 82. Application of PEP to Sexuality Surveys: men think more about sex, masturbate more, want sex more than women, are more likely to interpret friendliness as a come-on, and are more likely to make sacrifices for sex Clark and Hatfield (1978): recruited average-looking men and women o go around campus saying: Hey, Ive noticed you around campus, want to go to bed tonight? Different attitudes about sex: majority of women were offended, majority of men would say yes or why wait till tonight? According to PEP: both men and women have the same goal, but have different strategies to achieve the goal due to physiological differences It takes women 9 months to produce a baby, so relational sex enhances survival; it doesnt take men long to plant their seeds, so recreational sex is best strategy 83. Retinue of PEP Professors Critique: this is offensive because most men, like most women, want to be n healthy relationships There are at least 18 societies today that encourage women to have multiple partners because they believe that a child can have multiple fathers (women in these societies are less likely to have a miscarriage, women with multiple partners were more likely to have children that made it to age of 15 years) How evolutionary psychologists explain gender differences in sexuality: Peps theorize that women have inherited their ancestors tendencies to be more sexually cautious because of the challenges associated with incubating and nurturing offspring, whereas men inherited an inclination to be more casual about sex because their act of fathering requires a smaller investment Three main criticisms of the evolutionary explanation of human sexuality: (1) it starts with an effect and works backward to propose an explanation, (2) unethical and immoral men could use such explanations to rationalize their behavior toward women (3) this explanation may overlook the effects of cultural expectations and colonization C. Behavior Genetics CLC . Introduction Behavior genetics: a field of study where the main goal and purpose is to determine he extent to which differences between individuals are due to genetics; Bags are interested in INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Why we differ and how genes affected this: see below Q. -ret studies Minimization (Identical) Twins: one sperm fertilizes one egg and then the egg splits, always the same gender, and 100% genetically similar Dogmatic (Fraternal) Twins: two different eggs fertilized by two different sperms, can be same or opposite sex, 50% identical twins should be more similar on this trait than fraternal twins 1 identical twin has Alchemists, other twin has 60% chance fraternal twin has Alchemists, other twin has 30% chance 1 identical twin divorces, other has 5. 5% chance 1 fraternal twin divorces, other has 1. % chance studies find that identical twins are more similar than fraternal twins in extroversion (outgoingness) and neurotics (emotional instability) MAKE LIST OF GENETIC COMPONEN TS AND OTHER COMPONENTS Genetic components: extroversion, neurotics, agreeableness, personality traits, temperament (emotional excitability) Other components: attitudes, values, manners, faith, politics Criticism: these twins have similar environments, they come into this oral at the same time, are exposed to the same things, same home, same school, maybe this is why they are similar Solution: started studying twins who were separated and reared apart; identical twins who are reared apart are more similar than fraternal twins who are reared apart Boucher et Al. : studied over 100 twins, results indicate that for certain traits there is a genetic component Conclusion: identical twins reared together are more similar to each other than identical twins reared apart; identical twins are more similar to each other (reared together or apart) than fraternal twins (reared together or apart) CO. Adoption Studies Rationale: we have one adopted child with two sets of parents biological and ad optive parents Clear evidence to indicate that adopted children, when it comes to personality, are more similar to their biological parents, even if they have never met them, than they are to their adoptive parents (personality has a strong biological component) CREATE TWO COLUMNS: BIOLOGICAL PARENTS VS ADOPTIVE PARENTS faith, politics CO. Family Studies Rationale: family members are more genetically similar to each other than strangers, if a trait has a genetic component to it then family members should be more similar n that trait than strangers are Within a family we have different degrees of genetics, therefore if a trait has a genetic component to it, then family members who are ore similar to each other genetically should be more like each other then family members who are less genetically similar to each other Regular siblings: 50% Parents and children: 50% Grandparents and grandchildren: 25% 1st cousins: 12. 5% CO. Temperament Studies Definition: a temperament is your typical emotional reactivity (the way you respond to life) and the typical intensity of that response. Do you respond with fear and anxiety? Or are you excited and bold? Or are you shy? Temperament is a component of personality, has a genetic component Babies come to this world equipped with a temper; four different types of temperaments: Easy babies (40%): positive emotions, Slow-to-warm babies (1 5%): shy, guarded in their expression, takes the awhile to adapt to new environments and strangers Difficult babies (10%): strong emotional reactions, fussy, cry a lot, patterns are unpredictable and irregular, not easy to soothe Physiological studies show that difficult babies have a more erred up/aroused nervous system Combination babies (35%): sometimes easy, sometimes difficult, moieties shy, sometimes bold Twin studies indicate that identical twins are more similar in their temperament than fraternal twins Temperament seems to endure, and stay stable throughout time Through nurture we can modify and reshape temperament; parenting does make a difference CO. Heritability Definition: the percentage of variation within a given population that is due to heredity (the degree to which differences between/amongst individuals are due to genetics) h2o = heritability coefficient (heritability can be quantified by a heritability coefficient) h2o = Variances / (Variances + Overcompensation) 2 varies between O and 1 If h2o = 0. 0 no genetic influence If h2o = 1. 0 all variance is due to genetic influence If h2o = 0. 4 40% genes (60% environment) if h2o = 0. 6 60% genes (40% environment) Points to know and remember about heritability: Sometimes for the same trait, different studies come up with a different h2o (due to environment) When environment is similar, h2o will be higher When environment is different, h2o will be lower Just because individual differences are heritable, it does NOT necessarily mean that differences between races, gender, generations are heritable CO. Nature and Nurture Interaction Just because you have inherited a gene does not mean that this gene is going to affect you, this gene may remain dormant for the rest of your life, genes MAY need the environment to turn them on, this is not always the case Self-regulating: the same gene will act differently in a different environment Both male and female rats have a gene that makes them very nurturing and loving towards baby rats, however this does not turn on till they can hear, see, and smell the baby rat We dont Just transmit genes to our offspring, we transmit the pattern of activation as well The environment is one of the most important factors influencing gene Genome Pigment: tells a genome to activate/turn on/turn off Methyl groups: chemicals that, when present, inactivate/silence a gene Acetate groups: tell the gene to turn on, express itself Epigenetic (simplified definition): study the factors that influence/affect gene expression with affecting DNA Epigenetic studies the mol ecular mechanisms by which environments trigger genetic expression; study of environmental factors that affect how our genes are expressed (life experiences beginning in the womb lay own epigenetic marks, organic methyl molecules, that can block the expression of any gene in the associated DNA segment) D. Behavior Genetics Definition: a field of research where scientists are trying to identify the genes to heart disease and everyone has heart disease except for a few people, study one person who has it and one person who doesnt; find the gene that varies and youll know which gene is responsible for high cholesterol and heart disease. Relevance to psychology: we study both mental illness and mental health and part of helping people become healthy is knowing which genes we need to fix; intervention, revelation, therapy. Promises and dangers: dangers if employers can tell that you have heart disease or something they may fire you, if parents can tell their baby is going to have a problem they may abort it; promises they can go into the chromosome and snip the gene that is problematic. Midterm Question Use one of the principles of evolutionary psychology to answer the following question: Each one of us has 4 grandparents. Using the principles of evolutionary psychology which one of those grandparents is going to spend the most time, money, energy and resources on you. Ill. The Nature Component A. Prenatal Development The baby in the womb is very well protected, however this protection is not 100%, the baby remains vulnerable in the womb because lots of germs and infections can pass through the placenta; this baby can be harmed due to mothers environment (living near a nuclear plant) or mothers diet (the food she is eating). Even though twins, identical and fraternal, share the same womb, they may not be sharing the same environment. Example: one twin may be getting the better nutrition, better protection from viruses, better blood and oxygen supply. Fraternal twins have different lactates, identical twins can have the same or different placentas; identical twins with different placentas are less similar to each other than identical twins who share the same placenta. Marked for life (? ): what happens in the womb can influence and effect our life later on; cancer, blood pressure and heart diseases all could have been rooted in nutrition of the mother when she was pregnant. Two twins in the womb touch each other and are aware of each others presence, this brings up the question of when does awareness begin? B. Experience and Brain Development Bal . Experience Facilitates Brain Development Nurture is essential and vital for proper brain development They need stimulation, proper nurture, to hear sounds and feel touch for proper brain development 82. Experience Changes the Brain For the longest time researchers believed that when the brain reaches maturity it will stay the same until it gets hit by diseases and begins to deteriorate However, we learned that even after the brain reaches maturity it continues to change through experience; learning new skills could cause your brain to change for the better: if you start taking new drugs and are always stressed that will change the brain for the ores They took a bunch of rats and treated them the same until they were 70, then they divided them into two groups: poor rats and rich rats; the poor rats were stuck in a cage and Just given food and water, the rich rats were given food, water, big cages, freedom to interact with each other, new toys to explore all the time; at 90 they killed the rats and studied the brains, realizing the rich rats brains developed more. C. How Much Credit or Blame do Parents Deserve? Abusive, neglected children who become neglectful, etc. In personality mea sures, shared environmental influences from the womb onward typically account for less Han 10% of childrens differences; two children are (apart from their shared genes) as different as two random children. Parents should be given less credit for kids who turn out great and blamed less for kids who dont; children are not easily sculpted by parental nurture. D. Peer Influence Definition: individuals who are the same age or have the same level of maturity as us It is clear to researchers that peers are important to ones life (peers go all the way back to infancy) If one does not have peers, they create imaginary ones because peers are needed Children who are bullied or rejected by their peers end up being pressed and may kill themselves in the future As we age we interact with peers more and more; growing interaction with friends leads to growing influence by peers such as music taste, the way you dress Peers and risk-taking behavior: children and young teenagers are more likely to have risk-taking behavior when their peers also take risks or if they think their peers are taking risks; is it selection of friends? Parents also influence us Lifestyle choices: your parents choose what neighborhood you live in, what school they put you in The quality of parent-child interaction influences and effects the laity of peer-child interaction; for example, boys who bully others are more likely to have parents who are aggressive and dominate them, boys who get bullied are more likely to have parents who are overbearing and protective of them Advice: you are affected by the advice parents give you about relationships, life, or anything else Bottom line: parents and peers both influence you by distinct and complementary MAKE A CHART: PARENTS INFLUENCE VS PEER INFLUENCE E. Culture Definition: the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next Norm: an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior; norms prescribe proper behavior When we dont understand whats accepted or expected, we may experience culture shock; two great culture shocks are the differing pace of life and peoples differing senses of punctuality Cultures vary and compete for resources, and thus evolve over time; many changes have occurred since 1960 There have been positive changes (middle-class people travel more, eat out more, women have economic independence) and negative changes (increase in divorce, depression, and work hours); we cannot explain these rapid culture changes by changes in the unman gene pool; cultures vary, change, and shape our lives Individualism: giving priority to ones own goals over group goals and defining ones identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications; behavior reflects ones personality and attitudes, confrontation acceptable Collectivism: giving priority to the goals of ones group (often ones extended family or work group) and defining ones identity accordingly; behavior reflects social norms and roles, harmony valued V. The Nature and Nurture of Gender (Not on first midterm, but definitely on final exam) Men Women Tend to feel better about their appearance Four times more likely to commit suicide or suffer alcohol dependence More often diagnosed with color-blindness, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (as children), and antisocial personality disorder (as adults) In surveys, men admit to more (direct, physical) aggression than do women Male-to-female arrest ratio for murder is 9 to 1 in the United States and 8 to 1 in Canada Express more support for war (hunting, fighting, and warring are primarily mens activities) Perceived as being more dominant, forceful, and independent (place more importance on power and achievement) Tend to be more direct, even autocratic Talk assertively, interrupt, initiate touches, stare more, smile less, apologize less Boys typically play in large groups with an activity focus and little intimate discussion Male answer syndrome: men are more likely than women to hazard answers rather than admit they dont know Part of the parietal cortex (key area for space perception) is thicker in men Tend to f eel better about their behavior and ethics The average woman enters puberty two years earlier, lives five years longer, carries 70 percent more fat, has 40 percent less muscle, and is 5 inches shorter Can become sexually re-aroused immediately after orgasm Smell fainter odors Express emotions more freely Offered help more often Doubly vulnerable to depression and anxiety, risk of developing eating disorders is 10 times greater Women are perceived as being more deferential, nurture, and affiliated Tend to be more democratic, more welcoming of subordinates input in decision making Girls usually play in smaller groups, often with one friend (play is less competitive than boys and more imitative of social relationships) Females are more open and responsive to feedback than are males Females are more interdependent than males Women are more likely to tend and befriend (are more open with each other, desire intimacy) Parts of the frontal lobe (involved in verbal fluency) are reportedly thicker in women Gender similarities and differences 2 of the 46 chromosomes are sex chromosomes; these sex chromosomes determine whether a baby is genetically male or female The major sex chromosomes are X and Y; mother always contributes an X, father can contribute an X or Y (i f he contributes a Y the baby is male, X the baby is female) If the baby only ends up with one chromosome and it is an X the baby can survive but will have trouble later in life; if the baby only ends up with a Y it cannot survive and is terminated immediately in the mob There is a gene on chromosome Y called UDF that kicks in at 7 months in the womb, forming testes and testosterone (for female babies the absence of testosterone leads to the development of female body parts) Hormones influence and Female rats or monkeys: if injected with testosterone when they are pregnant the female babies behave like the males of the species, going after women and being more aggressive Human cases: the girls are more tomboyish, they dont like Jewelry and dolls, they like guns and like to play war; the bodies of men who are genetically male produce testosterone but their cells dont respond to testosterone, so their dies dont develop male genitalia and they become more like girls Normal hormone leve ls = average women Higher levels of progesterone = more feminine Higher levels of testosterone = more masculine The role of culture and society Parents describe their baby girl as being delicate, little, sweet; they describe baby boys as being firm, strong, and well-coordinated Medically, there are not differences in strength, alertness, and coordination between baby boys and girls Study: a baby boy was dressed in pink (parents held the baby for a long time, walked and rocked the baby, gave the baby teddy bears and bunnies to play with, cooed the baby) then he baby was dressed in blue (parents gave the baby a truck and hammer to play with, held the baby for a bit, then put him on the floor and encouraged him to start to crawl). Gender identity: a strong sense of being male or female Gender roles: expectations from society linked and associated with being a male or female; these gender roles vary from one culture to the next Gender typed: adopting a traditional masculine role or a traditional feminine roll There are many theories in psychology attempting to explain gender Social learning theory: we learn about a gender through observation, we learn through modeling, we have a role model and e imitate that role model, we learn through observation, modeling, rewarding and punishing Gender schema theory: they do accept what social learning theory is, saying yes there is observation, modeling, rewarding and punishing, but they take it several steps further; children are not learning passively, rather they are actively taking this information, drawing conclusions about this information, and they organize it into boys, girls, men, and women; those schemes become a rule in their life.

Endothermic and Exothermic Chemical Reactions

Endothermic and Exothermic Chemical Reactions Many chemical reactions release energy in the form of heat, light, or sound. These are exothermic reactions. Exothermic reactions may occur spontaneously and result in higher randomness or entropy (ΔS 0ï » ¿) of the system. They are denoted by a negative heat flow (heat is lost to the surroundings) and decrease in enthalpy (ΔH 0). In the lab, exothermic reactions produce heat or may even be explosive. There are other chemical reactions that must absorb energy in order to proceed. These are endothermic reactions. Endothermic reactions cannot occur spontaneously. Work must be done in order to get these reactions to occur. When endothermic reactions absorb energy, a temperature drop is measured during the reaction. Endothermic reactions are characterized by positive heat flow (into the reaction) and an increase in enthalpy (ΔH). Examples of Endothermic and Exothermic Processes Photosynthesis is an example of an endothermic chemical reaction. In this process, plants use the energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This reaction requires 15MJ of energy (sunlight) for every kilogram of glucose that is produced: sunlight 6CO2(g) H2O(l) C6H12O6(aq) 6O2(g) Other examples of endothermic processes include: Dissolving ammonium chloride in waterCracking alkanesNucleosynthesis of elements heavier than nickel in starsEvaporating liquid waterMelting ice An example of an exothermic reaction is the mixture of sodium and chlorine to yield table salt. This reaction produces 411 kJ of energy for each mole of salt that is produced: Na(s) 0.5Cl2(s) NaCl(s) Other examples of exothermic processes include: The thermite reactionA neutralization reaction (e.g., mixing an acid and a base to form a salt and water)Most polymerization reactionsCombustion of a fuelRespirationNuclear fissionCorrosion of metal (an oxidation reaction)Dissolving an acid in water Demonstrations You Can Perform Many exothermic and endothermic reactions involve toxic chemicals, extreme heat or cold, or messy disposal methods. An example of a quick exothermic reaction is dissolving powdered laundry detergent in your hand with a bit of water. An example of an easy endothermic reaction is dissolving potassium chloride (sold as a salt substitute) in your hand with water. These endothermic and exothermic demonstrations are safe and easy: Exciting Exothermic Reactions to Try: Heat things up with one of these simple exothermic reaction demonstrations.Create an Endothermic Reaction: Some endothermic reactions get cold enough to cause frostbite. Heres an example of a reaction safe enough for kids to touch.How to Create an Exothermic Chemical Reaction: Some exothermic reactions produce flames and get extremely hot (like the thermite reaction). Here is a safe exothermic reaction that produces heat but wont start fires or cause a burn.Make Hot Ice From Vinegar and Baking Soda: Sodium acetate or hot ice can be used as either an endothermic or exothermic reaction, depending on whether you are crystallizing or melting the solid. Endothermic vs Exothermic Comparison Heres a quick summary of the differences between endothermic and exothermic reactions: Endothermic Exothermic heat is absorbed (feels cold) heat is released (feels warm) energy must be added for reaction to occur reaction occurs spontaneously disorder decreases (ΔS 0) entropy increases (ΔS 0) increase in enthalpy (+ΔH) decrease in enthalpy (-ΔH) Endergonic and Exergonic Reactions Endothermic and exothermic reactions refer to the absorption or release of heat. There are other types of energy which may be produced or absorbed by a chemical reaction. Examples include light and sound. In general, reactions involving energy may be classified as endergonic or exergonic, An endothermic reaction is an example of an endergonic reaction. An exothermic reaction is an example of an exergonic reaction. Key Facts Endothermic and exothermic reactions are chemical reactions that absorb and release heat, respectively.A good example of an endothermic reaction is photosynthesis. Combustion is an example of an exothermic reaction.The categorization of a reaction as endo- or exothermic depends on the net heat transfer. In any given reaction, heat is both absorbed and released. For example, energy must be input into a combustion reaction to start it (lighting a fire with a match), but then more heat is released than was required. Resources and Further Reading Qian, Y.†Z., et al. â€Å"Diverse Supernova Sources for the r†Process.† The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 494, no. 1, 10 Feb. 1998, pp. 285-296, doi:10.1086/305198.Yin, Xi, et al. â€Å"Self-Heating Approach to the Fast Production of Uniform Metal Nanostructures.† Chemistry of Nanomaterials for Energy, Biology and More, vol. 2, no. 1, 26 Aug. 2015, pp. 37-41, doi:10.1002/cnma.201500123.

An Explanation of How Play and Activitie

An explanation of how play and stateless are used to support speech, language and communication Play situation can be set up to teach particular vocabulary or language concepts. Play can be structured to reinforce or over learn this language, and then later the children will, hopefully, incorporate the same language in their own play. Play can give the opportunity to relate language to something concrete; something that can be directly experienced. This ensures that language is used meaningfully, which is especially important for children.Play can lead to the exploration and development of reticular manipulative skills, organizational skills, imagination and reading and writing skills. For instance, dressing and undressing dolls helps the children develop their own dressing skills, while role-play can develop a depth of understanding In topic work and allows for reading and writing with a purpose. Play dough with circular cutters- the children will have the opportunity to manipulate the play dough, press the shapes and have the satisfaction of seeing the result of their action. This activity relates to the circle theme and encourages the use of language-e. : round,circular and so on. Nursery rhymes, songs and using musical instrument can help children to listen and take turns, but also to sing and communicate. Some nursery rhymes can help children to practice particular speech sounds. Books can help to increase vocabulary and help children to learn the meanings of words. Some books can help children to participate, for example a book that makes musical sounds when a picture Is pressed. Books can also be made specifically to meet a childs Interests and so encourage the child to point or vocalizes.When children interact with puppets and make them talk and Interact with one another, they are also Involved In dramatic play. This type of play Is excellent for developing language and for expressing feelings. Fantasy play strengthens memory for both narrative information and lists of objects. Language is embedded in play of all kinds and especially in codification play. Children have opportunities to hear others use speech correctly and to increase their vocabulary. In negotiating roles and disputes, children develop linguistic and conversational skills. Children continue to form and modify concepts through play.

Influence of National Culture in the Marketing Strategy of Western Dissertation

Influence of National Culture in the Marketing Strategy of Western Supermarkets Entering China - Dissertation Example It was important to understand this relationship, so as to analyze the effect of the same on their grocery buying habits. The research questions for the research were also selected based on the objective of the study. The questions were mainly related to the Chinese and UK culture and their major similarities and differences, the influence of cross-cultural differences on the buying habits of the people and the behavioral pattern of the Chinese consumers. The literature review was designed keeping in mind the different cultural models. With the help of these cultural models such as Hofstede’s 5 D model, Kluckhohn and Fred Strodtbeck Model, and Trompenaars’ Seven Dimensions Model has been utilized to describe the nature of Chinese consumers and the Chinese culture. An equal comparison has also been drawn with the culture of UK, to show the difference. For conducting the research on the decided problem areas, a qualitative method has been utilized. Qualitative research me thod has been used because the research study focuses on culture and its effect and a qualitative analyze would be best in this case. The research is conducted in two phases. In the first phase an interview session is done with the marketing managers of the three chosen supermarkets and in the second phase a questionnaire survey was conducted by choosing a sample size of 500. These respondents are the customers in China and UK. After conducting the survey and conducting an interview with the managers, it was found that the Chinese culture is tradition and UK’s culture is much modern. In China relationships, family, group shopping and friend matter a lot even in case of shopping, while in UK these things does not play any significant role. Table of Contents CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION 7 1.1Aims and Objectives of the Study 11 1.2Problem Statement 12 1.3 Research Questions 12 CHAPTER II – LITERATURE REVIEW 13 2.1 Definitions of Culture 14 2.2 Chinese Culture using Klu ckhohn and Fred Strodtbeck Model 14 2.2.1 Relationship with Nature 15 2.2.2 Relationship with People 15 2.2.3 Human Activities 16 2.2.4 Relationship with Time 16 2.2.5 Human Nature 16 2.3 Chinese Culture using Hofstede’s 5-D Model 17 2.3.1 Power Distance 18 2.3.2 Individualism 19 2.3.3 Masculinity / Femininity 19 2.3.4 Uncertainty Avoidance 20 2.3.5 Long term Orientation 21 2.4 Chinese Culture using Trompenaars’ Seven Dimensions Model 22 2.4.1 Universalistic vs. Particularistic Culture 23 2.4.2 Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Culture 23 2.4.3 Neutral vs. Emotional Culture 24 2.4.4 Specific vs. Diffuse 25 2.4.5 Achievement vs. Ascription 25 2.4.6 Sequential vs. Synchronous Time 26 2.4.7 Internal vs. External Control 27 2.5 Hall’s Cultural Dimensions and Chinese Culture 27 2.5.1 Context 28 2.5.2 Space 28 2.5.3 Time 28 2.6 Schwartz’s Cultural Dimensions 29 2.6.1 Conservatism-Autonomy 29 2.6.2 Hierarchy-Egalitarianism 30 2.6.3 Mastery-Harmony 30 2.7 Cross Cultural Differences Influencing Consumer Behavior Patterns 30 2.8 Summary 34 CHAPTER III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 35 3.1 Introduction 35 3.2 Justification for Methodology 35 3.2.1 Qualitative Methodology 36 3.2.2 Case Study Research 38 3.2.3 Semi-Structured Interviews 38 3.3 Data Collection Instruments 39 3.3.1 Construct Validity 39 3.3.2 Internal Validity 40 3.3.3 External Validity 41 3.3.4 Reliability 41 3.4 Sources of Data 43 3.5 Administration of Procedures 44 3.6 Ethical Considerations 44 3.7 Summary 44 CHAPTER IV- DATA ANALYSIS and FINDINGS 45 4.1 Findings 45 4.2 Data Analysis 48 4.2.1 Interview 48 4.2.2 Questionnaire Survey 56 4.3 Summary 57 CHAPTER V –

Trends in Contemporary Trade Union Membership Essay

Trends in Contemporary Trade Union Membership - Essay Example They are major organizations that understand the needs and requirements of the working people and help provide them with safe working environment and help negotiate better pay and compensation. Trade unions play major role in the labor market in UK. The statistics of union membership is clear indication of its success as independent bodies that can negotiate successfully for the rights of the working population. BIS, a leading government department, regularly analyses government policies and publishes range of information and data of various public and private organizations to promote transparency. The major aim is to reveal as to how taxpayers’ money is spent and whether resources are better used to deliver value for money. BIS’ statistics on trade union membership is an important aspect that demonstrates its proactive participation in the welfare of the workers (BIS, 2011). But the recent fall in membership has emerged as major concern (Table 1; BIS, 2011) for TUC and government. The membership to unions has fallen from 2008 till 2011 showing its inability in negotiating welfare policies for workers in economic slowdown. The trend also highlights the fact that women have shown greater trust on the unions but membership has declined for workers for 60 years and above for the above period. The Table 2 (BIS, 2011) is hugely significant and shows that public sector has nearly double the union members (60.9%) as against the private sector employees (39.1%). Nearly 78.6% of members are full time workers, whereas only 21.4% of part time workers are union members. Most distressing is the fact that disabled membership of union is only about 17.5%. Moreover, the table gives credence to the fact that workforce with higher qualifications has more awareness and trust in union whereas non-qualified constitute only 3.7% of union members. The recent trend in union membership is distressing for the working population

Gender And Emotion Essay Example for Free

Gender And Emotion Essay Since time immemorial, emotions have always been a fundamental constituent of human beings. However, not all humans attach or detach the same emotions towards things; different people feel differently about varied things and that is why we are all termed as being unique. It is based on this difference in emotions that a lot of debates and researches have been going around in trying to establish whether the emotions we have affect the brain or conversely, whether the brain affects the emotions. Other researchers have-on the other hand- been looking at the subject of emotions differently by opinionating that it varies from one culture to another, one gender to another or even differing based on varied contexts. It is therefore important to circumspectly look at all the angles that have been propagated by different people if an inclusive and satisfactory answer is to be found for the above questions. Many of the studies that have been conducted by researchers highly suggest that the brain largely determines what we feel about different things. Researches by Norman (2003) support this argument by saying that human attributions for different things result from the brain which in effect dictates human behavior. He further says that humans have large brains than other animals and that is why they are able to act more maturely when expressing their emotions. Elder (1996) gives an example by saying that if we feel fear (which is an emotion), then it is based on the fact that we believe (a signal from the brain) something is threatening to us. According to her, Critical thinking precedes and emotional reaction. However, both of these are equally important and signals them should be treated with equal importance. Waxler (2004) also sentiments that â€Å"Our thoughts have profound effect on our emotions, and by learning how to think in our own best interest, we improve our emotional condition. † He proceeds and says that since it is easy to review our thoughts and even control them, then it becomes even easier for us to control our emotions and feel things that are appropriate for us. However, this capacity of the brain to control things has been subject to misuse by some people. Elder (1996) says that â€Å"As we mature, we learn multiple ways to manipulate others, to influence or control others to get what we want. We even learn how to deceive ourselves as to the egocentrism of our behavior. † this is sometimes even taken to the extent of faking feelings like, empathy, generosity, kindness when in real sense, we mean the exact opposite. So the next time you see someone acting â€Å"all good,† be careful because you may just and read between the lines; you may be happy when all that is being done for you is getting fed on lies. On the other hand, other researches purport that emotions affect how we think. An example is the finals of the 2008 FIFA world cup of where Zinedine Zidane, a renowned footballer of France, head-butted Matterazi (an Italian player) after the Italian allegedly made some abusive remarks to him. Speaking after the Interview, Zidane said that he was overwhelmed by emotions and all he could think of at that particular time was t o harm Matterazi. Matsumoto (n. d. ) furthers this argument by saying that â€Å"It is by controlling their emotions that athletes are capable of maintaining high levels of critical thinking and focus, regardless of what sport they are in. † He goes ahead and opinionates that whenever we are emotional, the capacity to think critically is reduced. As a result, athletes who are normally emotional have the tendency of easily losing focus. Tarleton (n. d. ) similarly support this idea by saying that â€Å"Emotions influence how we perceive and react to life, which in turn, determines how content and/or successful we are. The conceptualization or perception of something-according to them-results from feelings that are harbored in our emotions. So if we are able to control our emotions, then it becomes very easy for someone not to think-and consequently-act irrationally. Elder (1996) reports Goleman’s assertion that sometimes feelings come before thought. According to Goleman, â€Å"the emotional mind is far quicker that the rational mind, springing into action without pausing even a moment to consider what it is doing. † This is relatively dangerous as one may act in a way that is not appropriate and consequently end in problems. On the other hand, it may come in handy more so in situations where a person is in a dilemma and is lost for choice yet needs to act aptly. In addition, there is also a group of researchers who hang in the middle of this debatable subject by saying that both the brain and emotions mutually affect one another. In explaining this symbiotic relationship, Tarleton. edu (n. d) say that â€Å"Our thoughts influence how we feel. How we feel influences how we think. These connections are bi-directional and complex. † They go ahead and explicate this by saying that thinking about something good improves our mood while thinking negatively destroys it. Recent studies by some scholars have fundamentally brought an interestingly fresh dimension to this debate of the brain versus emotions. These scholars argue that gender orientation plays a vital role in how one thinks or feels. In spite of being given much emphasis in the recent times, the issue of gender influencing how a person thinks or feels is not a new concept. Even in the pre-modern times, men and women were expected to think and feel in a specific way based on the stereotypes of that time (Sungur and Tekkaya, 2005). Currently, men are debatably depicted in most areas as being strong and dominant while the women being second. Brescoll and Uhlmann (2007) in their work cite Heilman (2001) and Rudman (1998) articulate that women are should be kinder than men, and they induce negative responses from others when they fail to act according to the premeditated ways expected of them. They expound on this concept by writing that men are believed to be strong and should not show weakly emotions like crying just in the same way, women should not show anger. This has however not augured well with most women-especially the elitists and feminists- who see themselves as being able to â€Å"do better what men can do. † To them, both men and women are equal and none should be given a higher status than the other. When using the gender aspect in depicting intelligence or the capacity to think, the same argument used in emotions is used. Men are disputably depicted as having an upper hand than women. In their defense, they state the numerous organizations that are chaired by them and the many critical positions they hold in the annals of history. Of course this has faced much criticism from the women who consider themselves brighter. However, Pin-pointing who is above the other is not our main concern, what stands out to be counted is the fact that both men and women have made invaluable contributions in various aspects. In addition, their differences and unique qualities make them blend even better in their various roles and thus being to the overall good for both of them. References Tarleton. (n. d. ). Emotions and learning (Mini-mester). Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://webcache. googleusercontent. com/custom? q=cache:m7MMnYFicw8J:www. tarleton. edu/~sanderson/Emotions%2520and%2520Learning(mini-mester). Matsumoto, S. (n. d). Do emotions affect critical thinking? Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://www. humintell. com/2009/08/do-emotions-affect-critical-thinking/ Waxler, J. (2004) Self-talk: How thoughts affect feelings. Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://www. mental-health-survival-guide. com/cognitive-therapy. htm Lmez. A. Y. Sungur, S. Tekkaya, C. (2005). Investigating students’ logical thinking abilities: the effects of gender and grade level.

Asian Champion on Ice: Michelle Kwan :: Biography Biographies Skating Essays

Asian Champion on Ice: Michelle Kwan I was flipping through the channel one day, searching for something interesting to watch. Then I came across to a figure skating competition on TV, and I saw an Asian girl doing a triple loop. Her moves were mind-blowingly beautiful and she looked confident. It turned it was Michelle Kwan. After watching that competition, I couldn’t help doing some research on this amazing figure skater. Michelle Kwan was born on July 7, 1980 in Torrance, California. She was the third child born to Danny and Estella Kwan. She has an older brother named Ron and an older sister named Karen. Michelle’s parents immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s from Hong Kong. Michelle and her older sister Karen wanted to learn how to figure skate after watching their brother Ron practice hockey. So they started taking skating lessons at the local rink. They loved the ice. As time went by, they became skilled and learned moves. Later, they took private lessons with coach Derek James to learn more advanced moves. Michelle fell many times on the cold and hard ice. But she didn’t give up; she’d get up and tried again. Once her skills improved, Michelle, along with her sister, entered the local competitions. There, Michelle won her first gold medal at the age of 7. That’s when she decided skating was going to be her career. She wanted to go to the Olympics . At the age of 11, Michelle won a gold medal at the Southwest Pacific Regionals and a bronze at the Pacific Coast Sectionals. She qualified for the Junior Nationals. Her talents caught the attention of Frank Carroll, so he asked her to be his pupil. Michelle’s persistence continued; she wanted to move up. So without her coach’s permission, she asked her parents to take her to take the â€Å"gold test,† which she passed, bringing her to the senior level. Two years later, her determination brought her to third rank in the United States just behind Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. In January 1994, during the U.S. Nationals, Kerrigan was attacked which caused her to unable to perform in the competition. So Michelle became an alternate and travel with the Olympic team. While she was watching the skaters from the sidelines, she was telling herself that she will be just like them and better.