The Foolproof Argumentative Essay Topics about Poets Strategy

The Foolproof Argumentative Essay Topics about Poets Strategy Argumentative Essay Topics about Poets Help! You will use each part in your Technology essay in line with the form of content you need to produce. The content ought to be double-spaced. Based on whatever level you're at, you are going to be able to pick an Essay help site in order to benefit you. Anyway, direct and indirect quotes are essential to support your understanding of academic writing style. You might be interested in a topic but not have the background or capacity to handle it into a paper. You should create techniques to underline the subject of your paper and concentrate on your key arguments. Argumentative Essay Topics about Poets Can Be Fun for Everyone The conclusion portion of the essay is easily the most essential. Have it proofread Not getting your essay proofread has become the most terrible mistake you'll be able to make while applying for the scholarship. You can also find summary essay writing much simpler. A well written essay ought to have a suitable introduction, appropriate division into paragraphs, a suitable evolution of the ideas discussed and an ideal conclusion. An argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic and have a position on it. By now you should have thought a lot many topics to aid you with your essay writing, but if you get the true form, everything appears to receive wiped away from your mind and everything you could do is to stare blankly at it. If you're allowed to select from several topics for your essay, consider choosing the one that you know. When you select the essay topics, think if you're able to say something interesting through it. Even though you should try and stick with logical arguments, attempt to pinpoint any emotional reactions that individuals may have to the issue you're writing about. Furthermore, argumentative writinginvolves your own reasoning to find out whether the suggestions and opinions raised are reasonable enough. To be fair, however, you will find that one of the very first things you have to do is become a specialist on the matter. When you're picking your topic, bear in mind that it's much simpler to write about something which you presently have interest ineven in case you don't know a good deal about it. There are invariably a broad range of opinions on the topic of technology, and here are our favourite things to consider on the subject. You don't need to acquire super technical with legal argumentative essays, but remember to do your homework on what the present laws about your favorite topic actually say. When you choose a topic, ensure you select a well-defined, controversial matter. You're a true topic enthusiast! The topic may be specific enough and focus on two characters, or it may be broad enough and provide you with the option to concentrate on any 2 things. Remember you need to have some understanding of the topic you're writing about. If you're writing an argumentative essay it's important that you write on a topic that you have knowledge about and you believe it is possible to win over the audience with your arguments. Writing argumentative essays requires plenty of time to finish, especially when you don't have an assigned topic. To compose a History essay out of imagination isn't possible. Romantic authors are a few of the most famous names in the area of literature. A writer should learn to compose an essay professionally. An essay writer might be a student who's writing the essay for a portion of academic curricula or an expert essay writer writing on a topic for publishing. Technology essay writing is no different to many different essays as soon as it regards the general rules which you want to follow. The essay you decide to write is totally dependent upon how much work you will willingly do to receive your grade. Your even compact experience of writing will be also very beneficial. Apart from that, it's best for you to have some minimal skills for writing.

Essay on Vark Learning Styles - 963 Words

Students Learning StylesLearning is a complex process of acquiring knowledge or skills involving a learners biological characteristics/senses (physiological dimension); personality characteristics such as attention, emotion, motivation, and curiosity (affective dimension); information processing styles such as logical analysis or gut feelings (cognitive dimension); and psychological/individual differences (psychological dimension) (Dunn, Beaudry, amp; Klavas, 1989). Due to the multiples dimensions of differences in each learner, there have been continuing research interests in learning styles. Some 21 models of learning styles are cited in the literature (Curry, 1983) including the Kolb learning preference model (Kolb, 1984), Gardners†¦show more content†¦They do well with hands-on projects or tasks. 4) Kinesthetic: kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. Their preference is for hands-on experiences. They are often high energy and like to make use of touching, moving, and interacting with their environment. They prefer not to watch or listen and generally do not do well in the classroom. One can speculate that a different set of learning styles is served in an online course than in a face-to-face course. We assume that online learning systems may include less sound or oral components than traditional face-to-face course delivery systems and that online learning systems have more proportion of read/write assignment components, Students with visual learning styles and read/write learning styles may do better in online courses than their counterparts in face-to-face courses. Hence, we hypothesized: H2a: Students with visual and read/write learning styles will experience a higher level of user satisfaction. H2b: Students with visual and read/write learning styles will report higher levels of agreement that the learning outcomes of online courses are equal to or better than in face-to-face courses. Instructor Knowledge and FacilitationThe Determinants of Students Perceived Learning Outcomes and Satisfaction in University Online Education: An Empirical Investigation†  Sean B. Eom1,*, H. Joseph Wen1, Nicholas Ashill2 Article first published online: 12 JUL 2006 DOI:Show MoreRelatedVark Learning Styles899 Words   |  4 PagesVARK Analysis Every one has a mix of learning styles; some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of other styles in different circumstances. There is neither right or wrong style nor your style is fixed, you can develop your less dominant style and make improvement in your dominant ones. Your learning styles have more influence on your learning than you know it, they guide the way you learn. They also change the way you retain information and perceive experiencesRead MoreEssay Vark Learning Styles1105 Words   |  5 PagesVARK Analysis Learning Style Scott T. Holman Grand Canyon University: NRS-429 June 17, 2014 VARK Analysis Learning Style Learning style is defined as an individual’s natural or habitual pattern of acquiring and processing information in learning situations (James, 1995). Most educational researchers and theorists generally agree that students learn in different ways (Tzu-Chien, 2009). There are many models that address learning styles including Davis A. Kolbs model based on ExperientialRead MoreVark Learning Styles: Read/Write Learning Style1031 Words   |  5 Pages VARK Learning styles: Read/write learning style Name: Institution: VARK Learning styles: Read/write learning style Overview of the read/write learning style The read/write learning style mainly makes the use of printed words to receive and convey learning information. Using the style enables one skill to become the input of another through the transfer of the ability to read to that of writing. The skills transfer is integral in raising the awareness of how the structural components involved inRead MoreVark Learning Styles: Read/Write Learning Style1002 Words   |  5 Pages VARK Learning styles: Read/write learning style Name: Institution: VARK Learning styles: Read/write learning style Overview of the read/write learning style The read/write learning style mainly makes the use of printed words to receive and convey learning information. Using the style enables one skill to become the input of another through the transfer of the ability to read to that of writing. The skills transfer is integral in raising the awareness of how the structural components involved inRead MoreEssay about Vark Learning Style Analysis1006 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: VARK LEARNING STYLE ANALYSIS VARK Learning Style Analysis Kathleen Nash Grand Canyon University NRS-429V, Family Centered Health Promotion July 22, 2012 VARK Learning Style Analysis The VARK learning preference tool provides individuals with information that they can utilize to enhance their learning process by helping them to study more effectively and efficiently. The VARK tool consists of a questionnaire that the learner takes to identify which senses the individualRead MoreEssay about Vark Learning Style Analysis806 Words   |  4 PagesRunning head: V.A.R.K. LEARNING STYLE ANALYSIS V.A.R.K. Learning Style Analysis Grand Canyon University Family-Centered Health Promotion: NRS 429v Melanie Escobar, RN MSN March 11, 2012 V.A.R.K. Learning Style Analysis Introduction From the time of birth, individuals are constantly learning. Individual learning styles vary from person to person. It is essential to the education of the individual to learn the particular style of learning that best serves them. One particular analysisRead MoreVark Learning Styles807 Words   |  4 PagesLearning strategies and VARK analysis Dictionary.com defines a student as â€Å"a person formally engaged in learning† (Student, 2012). Students of any age know that comprehending and retaining information is essential to educational success. Just as every student had unique physical attributes, they also have unique learning styles in which they best retain new and important information. The VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic) is a questionnaire that is given to help individual findRead MoreVark Questionnaire Paper860 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"VARK† is a questionnaire of about 16 questions that provides people with their preference of learning style. The learning styles that VARK offers can help people develop additional and effective strategies for learning and for making your communication skills better. The styles that this questionnaire determines are Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic, or you can be multimodal which means you have a multiple learning preference. In this paper I will summarize the results received after takingRead MoreVark Analysis Essay1033 Words   |  5 PagesVARK Analysis VARK Analysis Family Health Promotion August 12, 2010 VARK Analysis There are several methods used to determine learning styles. â€Å"A learning style is, rather, a description of a process, or of preferences. Any inventory that encourages a learner to think about the way that he or she learns is a useful step towards understanding, and hence improving, learning† (Fleming, N., Baume, D., 2006, p.4). . One of the most commonly used learning styles is the Fleming VARK modelRead MoreAnalysis Paper : Learning Styles786 Words   |  4 PagesVARK Analysis Paper VARK Learning Styles refer to a learning theory that differentiates individuals into learning groups. This theory became well known in the 1970s. It is used in identifying individual students learning capabilities. Each learning styles depends on cognitive, emotional, environmental factors and previous experience. Educators use the different learning style in classroom activities, curriculum, and assessments. The acronym for VARK stands for the following learning style: visual

Analysis of Whodunit- the Media free essay sample

Movies can pressure children to become more hostile as a person. Maggie Cutler analyzes in her essay, â€Å"Whodunit- The Media? †, how media affects children, demonstrating that children who are involved in violent media are more susceptible to practice it. The Senate Judiciary Committee led by Orrin Hatch explains in Cutler’s essay how television’s accountability is highly important: â€Å"‘Television alone is responsible for 10 percent of youth violence. † According to statistics, there were 250 murders and 12,100 violent crimes, which entailed by mentioning if Batman Beyond never played, these crimes would never have been completed (684). Parents need to discuss the media with their child and explain to them that most of the stories and plots they watch on television are mostly fiction and they are exaggerated for show. Once parents have a talk with their child, the child will be able to understand what they are watching (Cutler 688). Cutler continues, â€Å"The APA adds that parental guidance along with reducing kids’ exposure to graphic violence can help keep them out of the correctional system (687). We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Whodunit- the Media or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The reason kids tend to become aggressive while they are exposed to influential media is because they mix up the difference between reality and fantasy. In time, children will find out the difference between both. Cutler states, â€Å"Kids understand early that cartoon violence is a joke, not a model. Even wrestling, once kids figure out that it’s staged, gets processed differently from, say, a schoolyard beating† (689). It is vital to not allow children to become violent because the more they are exposed to negatively powerful content, the more likely they are to keep practicing those actions. Cutler explained, â€Å"Several studies have shown that violent boys tend to watch more TV, choose more violent content, and get more enjoyment out of it† (686). There was a study done by Stanford headed by Thomas Robinson and the objective of the study was to lower the use of media for third and fourth graders and study the results. The study lasted for six months and the children had in-class instruction. Cutler clarifies, â€Å"†¦kids used media about 30 percent less than usual. And, they found, verbal and physical aggression levels subsequently dropped 25 percent on average† (688). This all supports the fact that if aggressive kids who minimized the amount of exposure to media, their manners and conduct would progress. According to Garbarino in Maggie Cutler’s essay, he explains how he would like the topic of media violence to be studied publicly as a health problem (686). Media violence is such an important topic in childrens’ lives that it cannot be ignored. The American Psychological Association’s Commission on Violence and Youth (APA) calculated that kids who are pressured into violence due to the media, can be assisted with what they explain to be early intervention. Once interventionists are aware of the problem, they can instruct children how to come up with a solution to any disagreement calmly and maturely (687). The author, Maggie Cutler, expressed how much of a complex issue and topic media violence was. Cutler asked many questions regarding childrens’ personal life and family issues which make a good point of why she doubts some of the reasons behind the results of studies. Cutler asks: â€Å"Do temperamentally violent kids seek out shows that express feelings they already have, or are they in it for the adrenaline boost? Do the sort of parents who let kids pig out on gore tend to do more than their share of other hurtful things that encourage violent behavior? † (686). But, referring back to the study of the third and fourth graders, this study gave individuals the reason to not doubt studies and persist the attention on kids who are affected by media violence in order to further answer any questions or doubts. Cutler explains how much children are influenced by aggressive media and they become more vulnerable to expressing their anger. The media contains so much content that children occasionally confuse it with reality and fantasy. That is why it is very critical that parents sit down with their kids and explain the meaning of some shows so that later the child would not act out what he/she had seen on the television. There have been plenty of studies that have proven to help children with aggressiveness in their life due to media violence. Studies have also proven that children can get salvaged from their anger and are taught how to resolve conflicts in a calmer manner. Media violence is a very crucial topic and it cannot be ignored like many citizens have done already. Now is the time to help children and families who are struggling with the after effects of media violence.

Weight loss systems

Introduction Obesity is one of the major health problems in the world. This problem occurs due to a variety of reasons, one of them being the diet of the affected person. Although a balance of a check on the causes of obesity is required for a person to lose weight, this paper focuses on the dietary approaches to weight loss.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Weight loss systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Weight loss system Most obese people struggle the whole of their lives trying to lose weight due to application of ineffective weight loss systems. These systems are mostly ineffective due to the little emphasis they put on dietary weight loss methods. This is because, most obese people have a consumption problem and thus for a weight loss programme to be effective, dietary methods should be highly considered and the client must ensure that he/she abides to them. In order to effectively shed off wei ght, it is necessary to watch what one eats. This is as opposed to the common belief that some diets like weight watchers and the Atkins are able to make a person lose weight effortlessly. Watching one’s diet is necessary in order to ensure a long term effect on the weight and health of the client. Highly fatty foods as well as sweets and soft drinks should be avoided as much as possible (Kalat, 2009, p. 314). The client should also ensure that he/she only eats when driven by hunger. This is as opposed to some consumption habits in some people which are driven by cravings, the good taste of food, depression etc. Such people are highly likely to have unhealthy weight and they are also likely to have a problem obeying weight loss programmes. If the client is such a person, he/she she will be in dire need of a therapeutic intervention to help in changing his/her motivation to eat and the system will easily help him/her. In addition to the diet, there is need for the client to ma intain a positive attitude towards the weight loss system. The client should have faith that after applying the suggestions of the system, he/she will definitely lose weight. This mental state is very important since it controls the secretion of hormones which could be very substantial in helping the client to lose weight. Furthermore, eating, drinking and their satiation effects are depended on a person’s psychology. If a person believes that he has to take three pizzas before he is satisfied, he will most likely not be satisfied after taking one pizza (Kalat, 2009, p. 544). It is therefore apparent that psychological control is essential in a weight loss system. In summary, a weight loss system should be aimed at helping the client control his/her bad eating habits, suggesting healthy diets that he/she likes and helping him/her control his/her psychology in relation to eating habits.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help yo u! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Evaluation of the weight loss system The weight loss system discussed above is bound to achieve effective results due to the following reasons: the programme addresses a number of eating habits that are responsible for weight gain in most obese people and thus if an obese person or a person wishing to lose weight follows the guidelines of the programme obediently, the programme is bound to achieve its objectives. Secondly, the programme addresses a number of factors which may make a client fail to observe its guidelines well (Glenville, 2010, p. 1). This enables people to be aware of the possible factors that may hinder them from achieving their desirable weight and thus they are prepared to observe the guidelines of the programme even in hardships. The system is bound to have a permanent effect on the person who applies it because it teaches skills to help the person wishing to shed off weight skills to maintain weight after applying the system. It is also realistic since it highly considers the taste of the person wishing to lose weight and thus its success can be guaranteed since the person will be, arguably, comfortable with the diet suggested by the programme (Iannelli, 2003, p. 1). I would highly recommend this programme due to its near assurance of weight loss and its characteristic sustainability. It is a good system which is likely to have no adverse effects on the life of the client and thus the client will comfortably lose weight. The programme can also be improved by incorporating the idea of exercise to its activities in order to help the client to incorporate a variety of weight loss efforts in the same system (Glenville, 2010, p. 1). Conclusion From the discussion above, it is apparent that a weight loss programme has to have three key components for it to be effective. These are diet control, psychological control and exercise. Although much emphasis is put on the control of a person†™s diet, exercises are equally important and a diet-based weight control programme is likely to have short term effects only if it does not incorporate exercises. In a nutshell, obese people wishing to lose weight should ensure that they cultivate a great deal of self control. Reference List Glenville, M. (2010). How to lose weight naturally. Retrieved from https://www.marilynglenville.com/ Iannelli, V. (2003). Weight Management Guide. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/weight-management-guide-2632244Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Weight loss systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Kalat, J. (2009). Biological Psychology. United States. Barnes Noble. This research paper on Weight loss systems was written and submitted by user Matteo Gallegos to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Marx and Durkheim agreed about the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist society but disagreed about their cause and solution Essay Example

Marx and Durkheim agreed about the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist society but disagreed about their cause and solution Essay Example Marx and Durkheim agreed about the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist society but disagreed about their cause and solution Paper Marx and Durkheim agreed about the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist society but disagreed about their cause and solution Paper Essay Topic: Sociology Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was a French, arguably quintessential, sociologist with his assertions that society sui generis is the subject matter of sociology. Treat social facts as things is a famous dictum of Durkheim by which he means social phenomena is an objective realm, external to individuals. Social facts are ways of acting, thinking or feeling that are external to individuals, having their own reality outside the perceptions and lives of individuals (Giddens, 2001, p9). These social facts exercise a coercive power over individuals. Durkheim considered sociology as a new science. By examining traditional philosophical questions empirically, sociology could be used to elucidate these questions. Durkheim was intensely concerned about the social pathology of contemporary industrial society (Anderson et al, 1987, p47). Durkheim was also particularly interested in social and moral solidarity and so studied what holds society together and what keeps society from descending into chaos. Durkheim approached modernity and the industrial revolution through the study of the division of labour (LaCapra, 1972, p82). In 1893 Durkheim wrote his first major works, The Division of Labour in Society in which he contrasted mechanical and organic solidarity and related them to the growth of distinctions between different occupations the division of labour. Durkheim argued that primitive societies were characterised by a mechanical solidarity with a limited division of labour. Social solidarity was based on shared values, all individuals performed similar tasks and were bound together by a common collective conscience. After a gradual move towards an organic society with an advanced division of labour, individuals had different occupational roles and social solidarity was based on moral individualism and cultural pluralism. Social integration was based upon the division of labour. Although Durkheim rejected ideas of both Comte and Saint-Simon, Durkheim did believe that the organic division of labour could provide the basis for individual freedom and social co-operation if the pathological features of contemporary society were eliminated (Anderson et al, 1987, p47). Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie to sociology, which literally means without norms. Anomie exists when society fails to provide a limiting framework of social norms, resulting in unhappiness and social disorders. Durkheim aimed to establish sociology as a science and to establish the requirements to maintain social order in modern societies. After witnessing the growth of industrial production and the inequalities that resulted from this growth, Karl Marx (1818-1883) sought to explain the changes that were occurring in society during the Industrial Revolution era. Marx saw the new and old societies, capitalism and feudalism, in stark contrast. Feudalism was based on the agricultural, rural society, the opposite of industrial capitalist society. Industrial capitalism is dominated by the market. In the production of goods for the market their intrinsic worth plays little part; the worth of any commodity is its exchange value. Everything in society is dominated by the cash nexus, including labour which becomes another commodity to be bought and sold (Anderson et al, 1987, p5). Marx argued that the capitalist property-owners form a ruling class, whom Marx called the bourgeoisie, employers of wage-labour, the property-less working class, whom Marx labelled the proletariat. As industrialisation developed, large numbers of peasants moved to expanding cities and so aided the formation of an urban-based industrial working class. The middle class of merchants and manufacturers (or capitalists) were bourgeois, as distinguished from the remnant of the feudal class, from the proletariat of industrial labourers, and from the peasantry (Smelser et al, 1976, p54). Marx argued that Capitalism is inherently a class system in which class relations are characterised by conflict (Giddens, 2001, p12). In Marxs view, the bourgeoisie were able to generate profit by exploiting the proletariat through oppressive devaluation of skilled labour and its experience. Ultimately, for Marx, this led to alienation the degradation of the workers to become a most miserable sort of commodity whose misery is in inverse proportion to the power and size of his production (Marx, 1848, p77). This commodity would become the social class, called the proletariat by Marx. Labour was organised solely with regard to efficiency and the pursuit of profit. These factors led to inequalities of the working class which increased dramatically the gap between the capitalists and the working class, as well as the wealth and lifestyles of property-owners. Shopkeepers, independent craftsmen and so on were undermined as capitalist production developed a competitive appetite. Marx claimed that it is not acquisitive and competitive individuals who produce capitalist society. It is capitalist society that produces competitive and acquisitive individuals (Hughes et al, 1995). Marx and Durkheim often had conflicting ideas. However, they did share similar views about some sociological ideas. Both believed that scientifically based knowledge of society could be used to improve the conditions of humanity. Both believed their task was to discover the laws that governed the organisation of the social order and draw parallels with the ways in which the natural sciences had revealed the laws of nature. When looking at the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist society, Marx and Durkheim share the argument that the individual and collective were in opposition to one another. They both believed that the individual is a naturally self-interested being which flourished only when exempt from any kind of control by society was a manifestation of modern society and, indeed, of the most pathological features of that society (Anderson et al, 1987, p132). Marx and Durkheim both viewed the individual as a being with a need for society. However, Marx suggested that Man has a nature that will eventually assert and fulfil itself and will do so at the expense of a decadent social order (Smelser et al, 1976, p123). Durkheim claimed that Mans need for society is met less by substantive principles of justice and more by social ties and normative limits (Smelser et al, 1976, p123). Marx and Durkheim argued that we live in societies, called organic by Durkheim and capitalist by Marx, in which people are increasingly, individually, able to do what they want to do but less and less part of social groups. The idea that people should be free from external constraint was opposed by neither Durkheim nor Marx but both believe that in modern societies, extreme freedom can be a bad thing for the individual. Marx and Durkheim tried to disclose the concept of freedom of the individual in western societies of the nineteenth century as an illusion. The freedom of the individual was, Marx argued, only apparent, a superficial kind of freedom (Anderson et al, 1987, p132). Although Marx and Durkheim showed agreement about the problems of industrial capitalist society they disagreed about the causes, as we have seen, and solutions, of this society. Durkheim displayed a particular avoidance of much of Marxs work. Durkheim did relatively little to build upon the integration with the work of Marx. The Marx whom Durkheim particularly abhorred was the Marx who advocated class conflict and violent revolution in modern society (LaCapra, 1972, p23). Durkheim believed that the conception of modern society proceeded through a pathological state of rapid transition, developing into normality. Durkheim was optimistic that modern society possessed the ability to resolve the severe problems produced by industrial capitalist society. Like the political and social theorist Rousseau, Marx desired a means to vanquish the inequalities and divisions of the society of his time and to constitute a true community. In place of the old bourgeois society, with its classes and class antagonisms, we shall have an association, in which the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all (Marx, 1848, p31). Marx, also like Rousseau, pinpointed the obstacle to attainment in the circumstantially developed divisions among people, particularly the division of labour. Marx argued that social change is primarily prompted by economic influences. Class conflicts provide the drive for historical development and change. Marx called this idea the materialist conception of history. The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles (Marx, 1848, p222). In accordance with his view of history, Marx argued that just like the bourgeois had united to abolish the feudal society, so too would the bourgeois be ousted and a new society installed. Marx believed that the proletariat would develop the capacity and the will overtime to revolt, resulting in the downfall of the capitalist system. This would enable a new society to evolve in which there would be no classes and so no vast divisions between rich and poor. Marx believed that inequalities would no longer contain the split of the mass of the population that were exploited by the ruling class who, in their small minority, monopolised the economical and political power. The revolution that would overthrow capitalism would lead to communism. This political ideology, derived from socialism, aimed to create a society in which private productive property, social classes and the state are absent. With the revolutionary defeat of capitalism, Marx envisaged the emergence of socialist societies in which the state would still play a role but only with the transformation of all property relations. Whereas Marx saw the solution to social problems in terms of direct political actions, Durkheim took a more Clinician-cum-managerialist view by emphasising the effective treatment of the pathological conditions which can afflict society through the deliberate reorganisation of its institutions (Hughes et al, 1995). Durkheim believed modern society would naturally evolve in the direction of normality, certainly without violent revolution (LaCapra, 1973, p22). Durkheim argues that individuals need to integrate forms of behaviour. Individuals now pursue varied lines of work, are not self-sufficient and must engage in multiple exchanges with others. The mechanical society, where individuals performed similar tasks and experienced shared values, is not enough for the individual, who wants to pursue different roles and experience freedom to do what the individual wants to do. The view of human nature held by Durkheim was that there is no natural limit to the desires, ambitions or needs of the individual. This view stands in the tradition of the English philosopher and political theorist, Thomas Hobbes. Durkheim argued that the required limits must be socially produced. Durkheims concept of anomie is a condition of society.. in which there exists little consensus, a lack of certainty on values or goals, and a loss of effectiveness in the normative and moral framework which regulates collective and individual life (Jary, 2000). Durkheim sees anomie as an abnormal social form, resulting from the failure of modern societies to move fully from a mechanical society to an organic society. What Durkheim called an anomic division of labour existed because occupations were not allocated according to skills or experience and so were obliterated. Economic activity in these societies remained unregulated by a coherent value system. Not only did Durkheim criticise the anomic character of the division of labour but also its forced and excessive character. It was forced because the inheritance of private property meant that individuals were not free to find the work most suited to their skills and talents; it was excessive because workers often had insufficient work to keep them occupied in a way that produced job satisfaction (Anderson et al, 1987, p48). Durkheim argued that these factors of the modern divisions of labour led to class conflict. Durkheims solution to the problems of industrial capitalist society was to properly regulate the division of labour. This would end class struggles, achieved through economic co-operation among modern guild associations and through the overall political and moral guidance of a liberal republican state whose power could be checked as necessary through these same guilds(Anderson et al, 1987, p48). Durkheim proposed that the organisation of intermediate groups, such as professional and occupational groups, would enable the individual to bind into the community. Both conflicting and confirming each other at various stages of their writings, Marx and Durkheim, when analysed, attract similar conclusions as to the nature of the problems of industrial capitalist societies. The theorists seem to recognise that capitalism is inevitable and both agree that inequality is the foreseeable outcome. Both Marxs and Durkheims work have attracted criticism and opposition. Marxs class analysis has been opposed for not sufficiently considering the rise of new middle class groups, or affluence. This suggests that Marxs theory of social change and revolution is wrong, although Marx never set a time scale for revolution. Durkheims work has attracted criticism for overstating general normative and social structural influences at the expense of individual agency, although it was always Durkheims intention to leave scope for the latter within his sociology (Jary, 2000). Marx developed a theory that generated specific predictions about the future of capitalism (Smelser et al, 1976, p259). Marx argued that society is a human product, that mens thinking and acting shape the social world, although he also claims that man is a social product. Marxs theory helped to shape sociology even as it was changing the world; Durkheims influence on sociology is unparalleled (Smelser et al, 1976, p70). Despite criticisms and opposing theories, Marx and Durkheim have left a major impression on the sociological world that has shaped and influenced modern sociology and its theorists.

Common Seal - Phoca vitulina - The Animal Encyclopedia

Common Seal - Phoca vitulina - The Animal Encyclopedia The common seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the harbor seal, is an agile carnivore with a streamlined body and flipper-like limbs that enable them to swim with great skill. Common seals have a thick coat of short hair. Their fur color varies from off white, to gray, to tan or brown. Common seals have a unique pattern of spots across their body and in some individuals this pattern is more distinct than in others. Their nostrils are V-shaped and can be closed tightly to prevent water from entering their nose when they swim. Common seals do not have an outer ear structure, which helps with streamlining in the water. Common seals occupy the widest range of all the seal species. They inhabit the coastal areas of the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean. They can be found throughout the arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions. Their habitat preference includes coastal islands, beaches, and sand bars. There are between 300,000 and 500,000 common seals living in the wild. Seal hunting once threatened the species but is now illegal in most countries. Some populations of common seals are threatened, even though the species as a whole is not. For example, populations that are declining include those of Greenland, the Baltic Sea, and Japan. Killing by humans still poses a threat in these areas, as does disease. Some common seals are killed intentionally to protect fish stocks or by commercial hunters. Other common seals are killed as bycatch by fishing activities. Common seals are protected by various countries by legislation such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (in the United States) and the Conservation of Seals Act of 1970 (in the United Kingdom). Common seals feed on a variety of fish as prey including cod, whitefish, anchoview, and sea bass. They also sometimes eat crustaceans (shrimps, crab) and mollusks. They feed while at sea and sometimes forage long distances or dive to considerable depths to find food. After foraging, they return to resting sites on the coast or on islands where they rest and recover. There are about 25,000 Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richarii) that live along the California coast. Members of this population remain close to shore where they feed in the intertidal zone. On the east coast, Western Atlantic harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) are present on the coast and islands of New England. They spend the winter further north along the coast of Canada and migrate south to the New England area to breed. Breeding occurs in May through June. Size and Weight About 6.5 feet long and up to 370 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Classification Common seals are classified within the following taxonomic hierarchy: Animals Chordates Vertebrates Mammals Pinnipeds Phocidae Phoca Phoca vitulina Common seals are divided into the following subspecies: Eastern Atlantic harbor seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) - Eastern Atlantic harbor seals are found along the coastlines of Europe.Insular seal (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) - Insular seals are found in eastern Asia.Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richarii) - Pacific harbor seals are found along the coastlines of western North America.Ungava seal (Phoca vitulina mellonae) - Ungava seals are freshwater seals that inhabit eastern Canada.Western Atlantic harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor) - Western Atlantic harbor seals are found along the east coast of North America.

Pot use may mellow out men's sexual function Article

Pot use may mellow out men's sexual function - Article Example On this count alone the use of pot must be dismissed forthwith. Any induced increase in sex, is bound to have unfavorable consequences. This is pure commonsense. The view that male smokers could be courting sexual dysfunction is gaining ground and getting acceptance. Let me illustrate this issue with an example for better understanding. I like coffee. Drink one cup, fine; drink two cups, somewhat fine! Drink three cups, somewhat difficult to digest; and the fourth cup†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ I vomit! This is true of all additions. If any addiction takes over the human control system, it will definitely overtake him and the concerned human being will lose control and will be trapped into that addiction. â€Å"But recent research – including the finding that the penis contains receptors for marijuana's active ingredient – suggests that young men may want to think about long-term effects before rolling a joint.† The younger generation needs to take care and should not fall in to the trap of this drug.

The Universal Experience of Being Different Assignment

The Universal Experience of Being Different - Assignment Example In the whole world, there about 4000 cultures, meaning there are about 4000 groups of individuals that identify themselves with each culture. Each group is characterized by unique language, names, membership of the culture, as well as, an agreement on what should be carried on to the next generation and so forth. In addition, it is also important to note that even members of the same culture may be different and feel different in the company of each other. For example, a poor man in the company of a rich man may feel uncomfortable regardless of them coming from the same culture. In America, the obvious being expected to feel different is a member of an ethnic group in the company of white Americans. In addition to cultural differences and the skin colour, there are other aspects that further separate the ethnic communities living America from the white Americans. These include economic status, their history, as well as, their population compared to that of white Americans. For example, an attempt to evaluate the experience of black Americans in America revealed that it was both compromising and hopeful. In conclusion, it is clear from the article that there is more in feeling different than self-identity and individualism. People of the different culture, skin colour, ethnic group, and economic levels feel different in the company of each other. These are all separate factors that cannot be generalized as either self-identify or individualism. It is, therefore, true to say that universal experience of being different in the human being is real and indeed human beings are different.  Ã‚  

Interpersonal Relationship Essay Example for Free

Interpersonal Relationship Essay Introduction Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. American Nurses Association (ANA) An interpersonal relationship is an association between two or more people that may range from fleeting to enduring. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpersonal_relationship). Seemingly to Hildegard Peplau, nursing is an interpersonal process because it involves interaction between two or more individuals with a common goal. Peplau, emphasized the nurse-client relationship as the foundation of nursing practice. A therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is defined as a helping relationship thats based on mutual trust and respect, the nurturing of faith and hope, being sensitive to self and others, and assisting with the gratification of your patients physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through your knowledge and skill. This caring relationship develops when you and your patient come together in the moment, which results in harmony and healing. Effective verbal and nonverbal communication is an important part of the nurse-patient interaction, as well as providing care in a manner that enables your patient to be an equal partner in achieving wellness. (Pullen Mathias 2010) Patient-centered communication is a basic component of nursing which facilitates the development of a positive nurse-patient relationship and along with other organizational factors, results in the delivery of quality nursing care. In most instances, a nurse plays an essential role in the life of a patient. The concerns and cares they give to their patients is a big factor that uplifts each one’s spirit, therefore the goal of the nurses of Olivarez College BSN IV is to create a harmonious relationship between their patients through a well organize and meaningful interactions. The study of the relationship between patient and nurse is important to see how efficient a patient recovers, to understand his illness fully; whether there’s a chance of recovery or nothing to expect at all. Moreover, the role of the nurse is to lessen the emotional and physical pain of every patient. In dealing with these, a need for better communication strategies and methods should be applied. There may be some existing practices exercised by hospitals for their nurses and patients, but a thorough study to improve it better is an advantage. (Cruz, JA 2010) One good way of communicating with a patient is by merely listening to them. Letting them express their thoughts and anxieties may help them feel better. Furthermore, an understanding smile, a good sense of humor, a compassionate outlook and friendly gestures can alleviate their pain and anxiety. The focus of this research is the patient’s perception of an effective nurse-patient relationship. The most common method of interaction is communication. Communication is the sending of ones information to another and may be done verbally or non-verbally. Background of the Study An internal problem of nurses is common. There are so many things to adjust especially working with people that they knew for the 1st time. An interpersonal problem not only occurs with co-workers, it can also be applied with nurse-patient relationship. Everyday different types of patient are being encountered by the nurses. This study gives interest to the researchers to develop and enhanced interpersonal skills and confidence during nurse-patient interaction in the area. Mostly, nurses do not practice good communication skills because of low-self esteem to deal with the patient, resulting to the insufficient gathering of important details and information on the patient’s data. Nursing students should practice well on developing nurse-patient relationship to be an effective and a qualified nurse. Nurse has important role enhancing communication skills. Nurses play an important role in health communication. They are the ones who are always in close contact with the patients. Having effective communication skills and being able to employ them in communicating to the patients is very essential for every nurse. A nurse must be able to communicate effectively to the patient, its family and their co-workers, as well. It is important for health care personnel to understand the doubts, fears and the anxieties of the patients who come to them for treatment. It is equally important to talk in an understanding tone to those who have not voiced their fears but are obviously scared. Patience is also essential in dealing with hard headed and unbeliever patients especially when the patient is suffering and in pain during medication and they tend to refuse taking medicines anymore. Nurses feel a sense of accomplishment when they give a positive influence on their client’s health status. Learning experiences with simulation offer the nursing student an opportunity to further develop knowledge, skills and critical thinking abilities prior to practicing in the clinical setting. Role play, as well as manikin use, can enhance the nursing student’s ability to respond to a variety of patient care scenarios before actually encountering them in the clinical setting (Billings Halstead, 2005). Active learning with immediate feedback reinforces the nursing student’s performance and confidence in relating to patients and other professionals in the healthcare setting (Billings Halstead, 2005). A student nurse can easily relate to the situation of their patients in terms of their know-how and further sturdy of their illnesses. This study aims to know how patients can perceive and cooperate for the fulfilment of their rehabilitation. Cutcliffe and McKenna (2005) reported that during treatment, hospital and community patients interact more with nurses than with any other health professional in the multidisciplinary team. These authors also highlighted that nurses are continuing to expand their role into medical and even surgical practice. Nursing proves as difficult to define as ‘care’, which means that the role of the nurse and how it is differentiated from other health professions is often misunderstood. Perhaps nurses provide care and doctors provide trea tment, but (McMahon 2007) argues that neither addresses the skills and knowledge needed in modern nursing to provide good-quality care, nor explains why students take three years to train before they become qualified nurses. Since Florence Nightingale’s time, nursing could be seen as having moved from a task-oriented practice towards a therapeutic process that encompasses a wide range of nursing roles, focused on the individual patient and his or her health and well-being. (McMahon 2007) attempts to define therapeutic nursing abilities as being characterized by six skills: developing the nurse-patient relationship; caring and comforting; using evidence-based physical interventions; teaching; manipulating the environment; adopting complementary health practices. These are all the skills developed by nurses during their pre-registration education; all of them demand good communication skills for effectiveness. It appears that this argument supports the notion that ‘nursing’, in addition to the applied knowledge and attitude, is underpinned essentially by communication skills. Review of Related Literature and Studies FOREIGN The relationship between the nurse and the patient is often seen as a therapeutic relationship in itself that is based on partnership, intimacy, and reciprocity (McMahon, 2007). Its purpose is different from a social relationship in that it has a focus on the patient’s well-being as a priority, and the nurse and the patient do not need to have anything in common or even like each other (Arnold and Boggs, 2006). This relationship can last only five minutes in an accident and emergency department or primary care practice, or can continue and develop for months or years during chronic illness management. It can be intensely personal when breaking bad news, or quite superficial such as when directing a patient to the appropriate clinic room. However, all of these scenarios are nurse-patient encounters that impart to the patient something of the support and meaningfulness of their engagement with health care. They tell the patient whether they are viewed as important and valued, and whether they will be listed to or discriminated against. Since Florence Nightingale’s time, nursing could be seen as having moved from a task-oriented practice towards a therapeutic process that encompasses a wide range of nursing roles, focused on the individual patient and his or her health and well-being. (McManhon 2007) attempts to define therapeutic nursing abilities as being characterized by six skills: developing the nurse-patient relationship; caring and comforting; using evidence-based physical interventions; teaching; manipulating the environment; adopting complementary health practices. These skills are developed by nurses during their pre-registration education; all of them demand good communication skills for effectiveness. It appears that this argument supports the notion that ‘nursing’, in addition to the applied knowledge and attitude, is underpinned essentially by communication skills. For instance, reticence from the others may prompt encouraging remarks of prompt questioning timing of social responses: This requires the communicator to know when to speak, when to listen, when to interrupt or prompt, or when to take the lead or be led. Self-presentation: A good communicator has self-awareness and is able to use this self-knowledge to present themselves to the other. This gives the other feedback about who the communicator is and therefore how to interpret and respond to them. For instance, sitting in a forward-leaning position assures the other that they are being listened to. Rewardingness: This is the ability to engage the other in the communication and know how to reward communication behaviour. For instance, using nods, smiles, and eye contact encourages someone to talk about themselves. For instance, if they realize that being dressed formally is off putting to a young teenager, they can respond by removing a tie or rolling up their sleeves. Argyle breaks communication skills down into behavioural skills rather than skills of insight, understanding, and cognition. Another definition of good communication comes from (Becker et al.) who suggest that skilful communicator ‘must be able to identify the emotions or intent expressed by the other person and make sophisticated judgements about the form and timing of the appropriate response ‘. In this definition, the skilled communicator uses accurate perception and good judgement to understand the interactions and know how to make appropriate judgements. It may be that all of these factors are part of the skills of a good communicatorthat skills are made up of a good sense of reality, awareness of self and others, accurate reading of situations, good timing, and ability to use the self to facilitate meaningful and positive communication. Many of these skills can be learnt and developed through the practice and through personal development by improving self-awareness, and awareness and understanding of other people and heir cognitive and emotional states. Related Studies Patients’ Perceptions of Interpersonal Continuity of Care by Nancy Pandhi, MD and John W. Saultz, MD (2005) this is the qualitative and quantitative study of Interpersonal continuity of care is important to a majority of patients, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Patients value the relationship with their physician, their physician’s knowledge about them, and the ability to communicate their concerns. Over time, contact with a physician seems to lead to the development of trust and confidence. However, continuity of care is not valued by all patients or across all settings. Nurse-patient relationship: analysis of problems Encountered by the nursing students of Olivarez College (2010). In this study the purpose of descriptive studies is to observe, describe and document aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs and sometimes to observe as a starting point for the hypothesis be it as general or theory development. The survey analyzed the data of the faculty needs of the nursing college department, the degree on which these needs were met. Synthesis Patients’ Perceptions of Interpersonal Continuity of Care by Nancy Pandhi, MD and John W. Saultz, MD (2005) this is the qualitative and quantitative study of Interpersonal continuity of care is important to a majority of patients, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Patients value the relationship with their physician, their physician’s knowledge about them, and the ability to communicate their concerns. Over time, contact with a physician seems to lead to the development of trust and confidence. However, continuity of care is not valued by all patients or across all settings. The studies utilized results quantitative (19/36), qualitative (16/36), or mixed methods (1/36). The largest number of the studies (15/36) took place in the United States. Several took place in the United Kingdom (8/36), The Netherlands (4/36), and Canada (4/36). The remainder took place in other European countries (2/36), Australia (2/36) or both the United States and England (1/36). All recruited patients from ambulatory settings. A summary of results from these studies regarding our contextual questions is reported below. Nurse-patient relationship: analysis of problems Encountered by the nursing students of Olivarez College (2010). In this study the purpose of descriptive studies is to observe, describe and document aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs and sometimes to observe as a starting point for the hypothesis be it as general or theory development. The survey analyzed the data of the faculty needs of the nursing college department, the degree on which these needs were met. According to researchers, this study is a qualitative phenomological research to a patient-centered communication is a basic component of nursing which facilitates the development of a positive nurse-patient relationship and along with other organizational factors, results in the delivery of quality nursing care. In most instances, a nurse plays an essential role in the life of a patient. The concerns and cares they give to their patients is a big factor that uplifts each one’s spirit, therefore the goal of nurses of Olivarez College BSN IV is to create a harmonious relationship between their patients through a well-organized and meaningful interactions. Theoretical Framework This study is based on Hildegard Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations. The Theory of Interpersonal Relations is a middle-range descriptive classification theory. It was influenced by Henry Stack Sullivan, Percival Symonds, Abraham Maslow, and Neal Elger Miller. The four components of the theory are: person, which is a developing organism that tries to reduce anxiety caused by needs; environment, which consists of existing forces outside of the person, and put in the context of culture; health, which is a word symbol that implies forward movement of personality and other human processes toward creative, constructive, productive, personal, and community living. The nursing model identifies four sequential phases in the interpersonal relationship: orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. The orientation phase defines the problem. It starts when the nurse meets the patient, and the two are strangers. After defining the problem, the orientation phase identifies the type of service needed by the patient. The patient seeks assistance, tells the nurse what he or she needs, asks questions, and shares preconceptions and expectations based on past experiences. Essentially, the orientation phase is the nurses assessment of the patients health and situation. The identification phase includes the selection of the appropriate assistance by a professional. In this phase, the patient begins to feel as if he or she belongs, and feels capable of dealing with the problem which decreases the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. The identification phase is the development of a nursing care plan based on the patients situation and goals. The exploitation phase uses professional assistance for problem-solving alternatives. The advantages of the professional services used are based on the needs and interests of the patients. In the exploitation phase, the patient feels like an integral part of the helping environment, and may make minor requests or use attention-getting techniques. When communicating with the patient, the nurse should use interview techniques to explore, understand, and adequately deal with the underlying problem. The nurse must also be aware of the various phases of communication since the patients independence is likely to fluctuate. The nurse should help the patient exploit all avenues of help as progress is made toward the final phase. This phase is the implementation of the nursing plan, taking actions toward meeting the goals set in the identification phase. The final phase is the resolution phase. It is the termination of the professional relationship since the patients needs have been met through the collaboration of patient and nurse. They must sever their relationship and dissolve any ties between them. This can be difficult for both if psychological dependence still exists. The patient drifts away from the nurse and breaks the bond between them. A healthier emotional balance is achieved and both become mature individuals. This is the evaluation of the nursing process. The nurse and patient evaluate the situation based on the goals set and whether or not they were met. The goal of psychodynamic nursing is to help understand ones own behavior, help others identify felt difficulties, and apply principles of human relations to the problems that come up at all experience levels. Peplau explains that nursing is therapeutic because it is a healing art, assisting a patient who is sick or in need of health care. It is also an interpersonal process because of the interaction between two or more individuals who have a common goal. The nurse and patient work together so both become mature and knowledgeable in the care process.

a paper -- essays research papers

Response Paper #1 The reading materials in Week 6 explore the impact of international law on states, and more specifically, state behaviors. The idea is not to oversimplify the influence of international law but to understand in what circumstances (under various theories) would the legal framework and rules of international society shape and limit the behavior of nations and their alternatives. And these include many scenarios that constitute a change in state behavior – such as abstaining from invasion to imposing tariffs. One notes that state actions are primarily motivated by state interests. A state might uphold international law or norms because it is advantageous to its interest or even when it comes as a great sacrifice. The readings offer several theories hypothesizing why states might or might not conform to international law. From a state psychology point of view, â€Å"Politics of Law Observance† suggests that some states may not observe the law because of a priori assumption of how other nations would behave. For instance if country A does not feel that the international community will impose threatening sanctions (or not threatening enough) to induce a change in behavior, then Country A would violate the law. Other (less cynical) reasons for non-compliance include ambiguity of legal rules, where the enforcement provisions are also vague that violating country knows that other nations wouldn’t know how to quite respond. Moreover there could be limitations on capaci...

Assignment: Optimism and Health

Assignment: Optimism and Health Andrea Pulis PSY/220 October 9, 2012 Ratonya Bennett For this paper, I researched two peer reviewed articles which discusses the effects of optimism and psychological health. The first one that I found is called Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review by Heather N. Rasmussen, Ph. D. , Michael F. Scheier, Ph. D. , and Joel B. Greenhuse, Ph. D. It was published in 2009. The second article that I located is called Perceived Academic Control: mediating the effects of optimism and social support on college students’ psychological health by Joelle C.Ruthig, Tara L. Haynes, Robert H. Stupnisky, and Raymond P. Perry. In Optimism and Physical Health, there was a study conducted to find out the relationship between optimism and physical health outcomes. According to their findings, the data suggests that optimism is a significant predictor of physical health. I would have to agree with this study and I find it validating. One thing that I fou nd interesting in the article was the significance of pessimism and physical health.We learned from the study that optimism can have a positive effect on physical health but we also learn that pessimism can have a negative effect on physical health. According to the article Optimism and Physical health, â€Å"It may well be the case that it is the presence or absence of pessimism that is important in determining physical health outcomes rather than the presence or absence of optimism†(p. 247). What this is telling me is that having the presence of pessimism can have a more negative effect on physical health rather than the positive effect optimism has on physical health.To summarize, â€Å"In general, it is clear from this review that optimism is related to physical health. It is also clear that the link between optimism and health is stronger for subjective health outcomes than for objective health outcomes† (p. 248). This study really shows this information and it ca n be said that for future studies that they can move past this understanding and do further research. This could lead to what specifically does optimism effect and how to possibly teach those who are suffering physically how to be optimistic.In the second article I found, Perceived Academic Control, the article discusses the psychological effect that optimism has on college students, particularly freshmen and how they are doing psychologically at the end of their freshmen year. The study assessed year end GPA, stress level and depression level. According to the academic journal, â€Å"As expected, optimism and support predicted less stress and depression, yet their beneficial effects were mediated by student’ PAC† (Ruthig, Haynes, Stupnisky, Perry, 2008).PAC stands for perceived academic control. Having optimism can buffer the students’ for being susceptible to stress and depression and having optimism can protect freshman’s health when facing the challen ges of transitioning from high school to college. Think about it, a lot of students decide to leave home to go to college. They will be in a new environment, a new home, new friends, new restaurants, possibly new weather and many other factors. Believing in being optimistic is very beneficial.I can say from personal experience that I was very pessimistic and ended up dropping out of college after my freshman year because I could not handle it. I never thought positive. I did not believe, expect, or hope that things will turn out well and I did not have the attitude of somebody who feels positive or confident. I think and I know that if I was more optimistic or even possessed a hint of optimism, I would have stuck my years out at college. However, I was so depressed by the end of my freshman year that I could not even think of going back.I associated that place as negative and I was not going to put myself through it any further. It is safe to say that I believe whole-heartedly that optimism does have a psychological effect on individuals or in particular, on me. Both of these articles bring up how powerful thinking positively can be on individuals. You can always think negatively and think that nothing will turn out well and in fact, it might not. Or, you can be someone that thinks that things will ultimately turn out for the better, that there is positivity out there and that the glass is half full rather than half empty.I chose to think that the glass is half full. References Ruthig, J. , Haynes, T. , Stupnisky, R. , & Perry, R. (2009). Perceived Academic Control: mediating the effects of optimism and social support on college students’ psychological health. Social Psychology Of Education, 12(2), 233-249. doi:10. 1007/s11218-008-9079-6 Rasmussen, H. N. , Scheier, M. F. , & Greenhouse, J. B. (2009). Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine, 37(3), 239-256. doi:10. 1007/s12160-009-9111-x

Affirmative Action Essay

Affirmative Action has remained one of the most controversial social issues of our time. Aggressive non-discrimination was the original intention, but it soon became clear that merely promising not to discriminate would have little effect on the racial bias in our society. My own opinion was first formed by my father and influenced by the conservative environment in which I lived. Since then, I have experienced a much broader view of American society. I have heard many different opinions on affirmative action from all aspects of our culture and I have changed my mind. The roots of affirmative action can be traced back to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, where legislation redefined public and private behavior. The act states that to discriminate in private is legal, but anything regarding business or public discrimination is illegal (Affirmative† 13). There are two instances when opposing affirmative action might seem the wrong thing to do. First, the nobility of the cause to help others. Second, affirmative action was a great starter for equality in the work place. The case against affirmative action ests heavily on myth and misunderstanding, and following illustrates that an absence of affirmative action in today’s society will only reinforce racial injustice. Myth 1: The only way to create a color-blind society is to adopt color-blind policies. Although this statement sounds unthinkingly possible, the reality is that colorblind policies often put racial minorities at a disadvantage. For instance, color-blind seniority system tends to protect white workers against job layoffs, because senior employees are usually white (Ezorsky, 1991). Myth 2: Affirmative action has not succeeded in increasing female and minority representation. Several studies have documented important gains in racial and gender equality as a direct result of affirmative action (Bowen & Bok, 1998; Murrell & Jones, 1996). For example, affirmative action has helped five million minorities and six million whites and minority women to be promoted in the workplace. The effect of the affirmative action program previously documented show important gains in racial and gender equality according to, Roger Clegg of the Academic Search Premier. America is known as the land of opportunity. However, it became evident that â€Å"opportunity† was only available to white men. Later, laws were passed to ensure equal opportunity regardless of race, sex, and religion. These affirmative action laws were set in place by our government with the intent of correcting the social evil known as prejudice; but in doing so, they created a monster. Affirmative action has become an ineffective, outdated, and socially harmful policy that is weakening our great nation. Should Affirmative Action be mended or ended? Affirmative action is an attempt to correct unequal distribution of benefits (status, income and wealth, power and authority,) and burdens associated with ethnic and gender differences. When we become citizens of this nation, at birth or otherwise, we get a warranty. That warranty is supposed to be honored by every government franchise in every village and hamlet of this nation. It is non transferable, and it is good for the life of the vehicle. We are guaranteed the right to vote, the right to due process; the right to be free, not to be enslaved, as long as we conduct ourselves in accordance with the laws of our nation; and the right to equal treatment under the law, regardless of our race, color, sex, religion national origin. These are rights which attach to us as individuals, not as members of a group. Affirmative action has its roots in that passion for fairness. When President Lyndon Johnson explained affirmative action to the nation, it is significant that he said,’ You can’t bring a man to the starting line who has been hobbled by chains and expect him to run the race competitively. ‘ Fairness dictated that the nation pursue affirmative action to compensate black Americans for the wrong that had been done. Affirmative action was a technique for jump-starting the process of integrating black Americans into the fabric of American society, for changing the culture of America from an exclusive society into an inclusive one. I will never abandon my faith that America can become Ronald Reagan’s â€Å"shining city on the hill,† a society in which a person’s gender or race or ethnic background are irrelevant in the transactions of their government. Let us not mourn the death of affirmative action. Instead, let us proclaim our belief that the spirit of equal opportunity, which affirmative action engendered, has become a permanent fixture of America’s social, economic, and political landscape. Let us have faith in our own sense of fair play and keep affirmative action alive. Efficiency is important to the success of any machine, including economic machines. Affirmative action increases diversity, but it does so at a cost. The cost is that it promotes racism indirectly by focusing on differences. I have a better idea. The main goal behind affirmative action is to promote unity and efficiency. So the question is what is the best way to do that? One way, is to simply provide unity incentives. Instead of punishing qualified white males, we should instead provide incentives to white males to promote diversity and unity. The best way to do this is to use the tax system. Greater unity should mean lower taxes, meaning tax incentives to anyone who promotes unity. The more women you hire, the lower your taxes. The more minorities you hire, the lower your taxes. If your business is diverse according to guidelines, you should actually be able to earn money for promoting diversity and unity. Affirmative action is wrong; you should not punish qualified employees. You should instead reward shareholders, CEO’s, and the corporation itself for doing what is rational, and in the best interest of the bottom line. So one replacement for affirmative action could be unity tax deductions. Another replacement for affirmative action could be unity credits, where individuals who choose to run their business or give to charities which promote unity, can actually receive credits for doing so and abolish affirmative action. That great American pastime—baseball—is a reminder of the intensity of our passion for fairness as we encourage the crowd to ‘kill the umpire’ if he makes what we consider an unfair call. As we drive home at the end of the day, our hands gripping the steering wheel, our bumper kissing the one ahead, when to our right a vehicle speeds along the curb and merges ahead of us at the moment when an opening appears, our passion for fairness surfaces. The protrusion of one of our fingers signals our belief that one of the rules of fairness has been violated. In every sport I can think of—baseball, basketball, football, tennis—one is expected to play between the white lines. To do otherwise is unfair and carries a penalty. The problem with affirmative action is that it singles out a particular ethnic subsection of the lower class, while leaving many deserving people behind solely because of their heritage. Instead, this society should focus on raising the bar for all members of the lower and middle class who wish to educate themselves and better their economic, intellectual and cultural positions in life. We should do this by providing more lower class young adults of all colors and creeds with inexpensive higher education. I strongly believe that only when affirmative action is unnecessary and outmoded should we abolish it. We should not destroy our current solution without creating a newer, better one. In conclusion, affirmative action policies, as they exist right now, are ineffective, outdated, hypocritical, and harmful. On the other hand, affirmative action is the best thing since peanut butter, where all people of all race can enjoy a good sandwich. Though all of these may be argued well by both sides, this last point is indisputable. Affirmative Action, no matter how it is explained, rationalized, justified, or disguised, will still be the center of social issues in our time and the time to come.

Jim Crow essays

Jim Crow essays The states of Tennessee and Louisiana had Jim Crow laws after the Civil War. Tennessee had twenty laws between the years 1866 and 1955. Louisiana on the other hand had 33 between the years 1868 and 1960. Tennessee and Louisiana both had Jim Crow laws however there were some similarities and differences. Tennessee Jim Crow law dealt with had education, railroad, streetcar, miscengerenation, and accommodation statue. The laws mainly focused on education and public transportation. The education laws required separate school for black and white children but in 1869 a law was passed that barred segragation based on race from attending the University of Tennessee but blacks and whites was separated. The railroad companies were required to furnish separate cars for black passengers who pay first-class rates. In 1891the railroad companies would provide separate but equal accommodations for blacks and whites. There were also laws for miscegenation. Black and whites were not able to get married and if they did marry they were put in prison. Every place Louisiana on the other hand prohibited separation of schools based on race on up till 1954. After the Brown decision they had to operate separate schools for black and white children. Public transportation was open for anyone to ride there were no law stating that blacks couldnt ride. However in 1928 everyone could still ride but the carriers had to provide separate but equal accommodations. Like Tennessee there were law against intermarriage between blacks and whites and against blacks and Indians. Louisiana also had some laws that Tennessee had brought into law later. Louisiana called for segregation in prisons and health care institutions. They also made employers to create separate bathrooms, dining halls, and eating and drinking utensils for black and whites. Louisiana from 1868 to 1914 didnt have any segregation. The only thing that was outlawed was miscegenati...

Yttrium Facts - Chemical Physical Properties

Yttrium Facts - Chemical Physical Properties Yttrium oxides are a component of the phosphors used to produce the red color in television picture tubes. The oxides have potential use in ceramics and glass. Yttrium oxides have high melting points and impart shock resistance and low expansion to glass. Yttrium iron garnets are used to filter microwaves and as transmitters and transducers of acoustic energy. Yttrium aluminum garnets, with a hardness of 8.5, are used to simulate diamond gemstones. Small quantities of yttrium may be added to reduce the grain size in chromium, molybdenum, zirconium, and titanium, and to increase the strength of aluminum and magnesium alloys. Yttrium is used as a deoxidizer for vanadium and other nonferrous metals. It is used as a catalyst in the polymerization of ethylene. Basic Facts About Yttrium Atomic Number: 39 Symbol: Y Atomic Weight: 88.90585 Discovery: Johann Gadolin 1794 (Finland) Electron Configuration: [Kr] 5s1 4d1 Word Origin: Named for Ytterby, a village in Sweden near Vauxholm. Ytterby is the site of a quarry which yielded many minerals containing rare earths and other elements (erbium, terbium, and ytterbium). Isotopes: Natural yttrium is composed of yttrium-89 only. 19 unstable isotopes are also known. Properties: Yttrium has a metallic silver luster. It is relatively stable in the air except when finely divided. Yttrium turnings will ignite in air if their temperature exceeds 400Â °C. Yttrium Physical Data Element Classification: Transition Metal Density (g/cc): 4.47 Melting Point (K): 1795 Boiling Point (K): 3611 Appearance: silvery, ductile, moderately reactive metal Atomic Radius (pm): 178 Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 19.8 Covalent Radius (pm): 162 Ionic Radius: 89.3 (3e) Specific Heat (20Â °C J/g mol): 0.284 Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 11.5 Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 367 Pauling Negativity Number: 1.22 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 615.4 Oxidation States: 3 Lattice Structure: hexagonal Lattice Constant (Ã…): 3.650 Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.571 References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001), Langes Handbook of Chemistry (1952), CRC Handbook of Chemistry Physics (18th Ed.)

Information Technology and Explosive Change Essay

Information Technology and Explosive Change - Essay Example Over the years, the level of innovation that technology has brought in the running of companies is unprecedented. Unlike before when the use of technology was confined to some few business set ups, today, information technology is in use in almost every company to bring about swift changes in the way companies go about their everyday activities – thus innovation. With technological innovations, information technology tools are today at the hem of affairs instead of manual application of human strength and knowledge. Such innovations have brought about speed in the delivery of work, thereby making companies have higher outputs. This means that efficiency generally go up with innovations because â€Å"many people have the tools to design new and innovative software to solve common problems and improve efficiency† (Global Guru, 2009). As information technology enhances and increases rate of production with innovative ways of getting production implemented, information technology again plays an important role of ensuring that products and services reach as many customers as possible. In times past, people living in one country barely had an idea about the kind of business that went on in other countries. Today, companies with just one branch in one country can boast of global customer base because of the power of information technology. Via the internet, companies of all kind – including individual freelancers make thousands of dollars a month because of the expanded reach of customer base that information technology offers them. To conclude, all companies who have not fully come to embrace the miracle of technology are advised to do so. Research among companies on how best they can utilize technology should not stop so that they will not lug behind in the new global trend. National Institute of Health (2011). Using Technology to Study Cellular and Molecular Biology. Retrieved October 31, 2011 from

Positive Effects of Physical Activity and Sports on Child Development Research Paper

Positive Effects of Physical Activity and Sports on Child Development - Research Paper Example But how much activity is enough and what is the minimal level of activity that is needed to remain healthy, active and fit? Many guidelines have been proposed during the years, and the most commonly minimal stated amount of time that children should spend outdoors is 30 minutes (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010, pp1). Guidelines recommend that the levels of physical activity should be increased gradually to almost 90 minutes per day (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010, pp1). These guidelines and others have been formulated keeping in mind the minimal requirements of physical activity needed for the proper development of children. The level of activity differs from age to age; therefore even in children the time for their optimal physical development may differ. Following these guidelines may prevent some of the problems of sedentary lifestyle that are already emerging in children. In the United States approximately 45% of the boys and 32% of the girls participate in youth activities and sports in 20 01 (Cooper, 2010, pp 8). Although these rates seem healthy, they are not, for the rest of the children may not be taking part in sports at all, or may be doing so at a very minimal level. While one can see the positive benefits of physical activity on the children who do undergo it, there is need to identify what effects do not having any physical activity lead to (Cooper, 2010, pp 1). An important point to remember is that all individuals, regardless of their age and gender, need to undergo daily physical activity and exercise to lead healthy lives and prevent themselves from different ailments. Another consideration is why there is a difference between the levels of activities carried out by boys and girls. There is need to remove the sociocultural perceptions that boys play rough sports while girls stay at home and play with dolls. Physical activity is as important for girls as for boys (Cooper, 2010, pp 4). Studies show that children of both genders may have different motivation to carry out physical activity, and may perceive its results differently (Cooper, 2010, pp 4). However, a sad development in this matter is that physical activity has been substantially reduced or either almost eliminated in many schools across United States. This may aggravate the already worsening situation of sedentary lifestyles among children. The reasons stated for this cut are high costs and more emphasis on academic performances. This may be one of the most convincing reasons why the current generations of children are displaying adult related illnesses at very young ages. Obesity is increasing among children, which is taking a form of an epidemic now. The percentages of schools providing physical education have dropped to 3.8% for elementary schools, 7.9% for middle schools and 2.1% for high schools respectively (Active Education, 2007, pp 2). This means that these children are unlikely to be carrying out any physical activity outside of school premises either, since schoo ls provide the most fertile location to carry out sports. The impact on the children physically and mentally is evidenced through many epidemiological studies. But there is also no significant improvement in the academic scores of children when they are not undertaking physical activity (Active Education, 2007, pp 3). Combined survey results from the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Australia showed that academic performa

Standardized testing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Standardized testing - Research Paper Example The method of standardized testing is unbiased and this is arguably its biggest pro. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race or religion. The standardized method of testing works well in indentifying the needs of underperformers and those who are succeeding. Specific programs can be developed for underperformers to make them excel. It is a good method in order to achieve proficiency. It can also help create a more transparent education system. Being fair to each and every student is very important and standardized testing proves to be a very effective system when it comes to being fair to students. Standardized testing is considered to be an unfair system by many. This is because it does not take into account the differences in students and each and every student is judged using the same guidelines. This seems to be unfair and unjust. It is very important to consider the differences in each student. Not everyone can be a monkey and accomplish the daunting task of climbing trees. Assessment and education are two very important topics. Standardized testing is a good way of imparting education but when it comes to assessment it fails on more forefronts than one. Standardized testing has had a positive effect on many students. They have achieved great success academically because of this method. It is also a very reliable way of measuring the achievements of students. At the same time many consider this method to be highly flawed. â€Å"After No Child Left Behind (NCLB) passed in 2002, the US slipped from 18th in the world in math on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to 31st place in 2009, with a similar drop in science and no change in reading.† (Walker, Tim) Standardized testing is unfair to non-English speakers and there is hardly any doubt about this statement.  

Good practice: adults

Good practice: adults Good Practice: Adults This assignment will focus on a case from practice, demonstrating the challenges in promoting independence specifically in vulnerable elderly adults while balancing risk and autonomy. Furthermore, this work will demonstrate problem solving skills, drawing on legislation, research and principles of good practice in the context of Adult Services from an inter-professional perspective. The Department Of Health defines a vulnerable person as: Someone who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. (DOH 1999). Background of case: Mrs A is eighty two years old, has mild learning difficulties and lives alone in her own home since the death of her husband one year ago. She has a daughter who visits occasionally due to their difficult relationship.   Mrs A was referred by her GP as she had been feeling unwell for some time; she has diabetes and sometimes forgets to take her medication. Mrs A has refused help in the past by various care services due to lack of trust and sees their involvement as an intrusion in her private life. Working within the field of the elderly in adult social services is described as Gerontological Social Work (Nathanson and Tirrito 1998). There are specifics needs that older people experience, the more informed a social worker is about the elderly and their requirements the better chances are that the social worker will provide the right services.It is essential to gain a clear understanding of economic, social and cultural factors and life perspective followed by an understanding of the need for service. The Valuing People policy is the first White Paper in almost forty years since Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped (1971).The aim then was to close large institutions and to integrate people into the community (www.mind.org.uk). Valuing People aimed to transform the lives of adults and children with learning disabilities through a person-centred approach and to enable people to become empowered in order for them to be included in society. This policy is one in a series of policies that are an example of the political driver of change such as the White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say: A New Direction for Community Services (2006) that are aiming to transform social care and to give service users more choice and to make the system more personalised (Johnson Williams, 2007). The 1989 White Paper, Caring for People states the duties of local health authorities to assess people needing social care and/or support. It is based on the assumption that community care is the best form of care available. The White Paper states that the proposed changes are intended to, first of all, enable people to live as normal a life as possible in their own homes or in a homely environment within the community. This is especially important in the long-term needs of the elderly, whom have long expressed their wish to be able to stay in their homes. Furthermore, local authorities must provide the right amount of care and support to enable people to achieve maximum independence and provide people with a greater say in their lives and the services they need. This is particularly significant with elderly people. Many older people are not in need of 24-hour care that a nursing home would provide they may just need a small amount of help, maybe for a couple of hours a day. Although the majority of people over the age of 65 live independently and have no major care needs, a significant minority do have some problems with physical and mental health. 1 in 10 elderly people suffer from forms of senile dementia. It can be seen that it is simple day-to-day things that most elderly people require assistance with. Their main wish is clear; they simply want to stay in their own homes or in the homes of their family. (HMSO 1989). The Social Worker requires Mrs As consent to an assessment and if eligible, a care plan, while making it clear that she has the right to refuse. When working in partnership with a service user and their family, the worker needs to take account of Trevthicks (2002) fifteen points to effective partnership working. These include explaining to the family their role and power to intervene. A clear mandate is the basis of a partnership-based intervention and sensitivity given to power imbalances involving family consultation and participation in decision-making and problem solving (Bray 2001). The whole team working with Mrs A have a duty to be aware of her individual rights to confidentiality, choice, dignity, respect, autonomy, cultural, and equity. Elderly people need to be active participants rather than active recipients. The task is not to look after, but to motivate, empower and promote self-esteem. (Hughes et al 1995). A number of vulnerable adults are oblivious to the fact that they need any help; therefore it is essential that when a concern is highlighted, it is acted upon instantly to prevent the situation deteriorating. Many adults are also too proud to ask for help and as a result recognition of their vulnerability is only identified as shown in Mrs As case by a GP. Detection of vulnerability may also be triggered by an admission to hospital or a concernedfriend or family member contacting the social services department. During a visit by the social worker, it is clear that Mrs A had been seriously neglecting her needs; she is underweight and neglecting her hygiene. The misuse of medication is in itself a risk of covert self abuse, and could have resulted in her death. Abuse can take place in many different contexts and it is important not to exploit a vulnerable persons civil rights. Mrs A has mistrust with other people becoming involved in her life. Therefore when and how to intervene builds on the concept of significant harm introduced in the Childrens Act. When making an assessment of an individual, many factors need to be considered, for example, the extent of vulnerability and risk of repeated acts that meet the criteria of the Community Care Act 1990. To ignore the assessment of older people can be an example of ageism in its own right, contributing to an elderly person feeling disempowered. Assumptions about older people include older people are poor, lonely, are ill, no longer contributing to the economy and seen as a burden.   When working with older people it is important not to make these stereotypical assumptions and generalise. Not all the elderly have the same characteristics; a sixty five and a ninety year old are classed as one group. Although aging is inevitable, and people experience similar patterns and problems of aging, there are also wide-spread differences in aging patterns (Applewhite 1998:5). Acknowledging that each individual will be at a different stage in his or her life, needs and circumstances will vary, including different ethnic minority groups to avoid making ageist assumptions and avoiding all stereotypes and stigmas. To work effectively with older people, one must develop anti ageist practice. Midwinter (1993) says that old age is like having returned to a second childhood where others will make decisions for you. Working in partnership, the Social Worker and the GP/nurse may encourage Mrs A to engage respite care (enablement) for up to six weeks to avoid being admitted to hospital. During respite care an assessment of her needs will evaluate the level of support that will be required (if any) when Mrs A returns to her home. Mrs As daughter may request that her mother be put into a care home, while Mrs A is adamant that she can care for herself at home with some support. Within the risk assessment process family members may worry about the social workers ability to recognize potential risk for their relatives, therefore a balance between extending barriers in some areas of risk and minimizing risk in others areas needs to be made. Using a utilitarian approach, it is the social workers job to assess the whole situation and work for a solution in the best interests of all concerned. (Banks 2001:28). The Social Workers ultimate aim is to support Mrs As rights to control her life and make informed choices about the services that she receives (GSCC 1.1). Good practice dictates working in partnership with service users to encourage greater trust and empowerment of clients. In turn, they are likely to feel more confident in talking about their fears, and worries and possible abuse. Health and Social care agencies working together is only a part of an overall strategy to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. Enabling service users to recognise abuse and knowing how to alert others to this is another strategy. It also ensures an agreed approach that all involved are aware of and can monitor. Protection is provided by the clarity of the situation. It is important that health and care social workers act as good role models in terms of worker-user relationships as this helps the service user to recognise when the relationship is abusive. In addition, it is important for professionals to enable service users to know how to protect themselves, such as building positive self-esteem through knowing their rights and knowing how to complain. (Pub lic Interest Disclosure Act 1998). An Adult Protection policy will identify and help support Mrs As decisions for her care and help her to understand risks and the services available to her. The social worker has to constantly question their own judgement and ensure they listen to the service users view while assessing if Mrs A is capable of making an informed choice taking into account her rights and the needs of her family. It is a requirement to assess if Mrs A has the capacity to make her own decisions and if she is incapable by reason, for instance, of mental illness under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the decision will be made for her. If it is deemed that Mrs A has capacity she has the right to live in whatever way she chooses;   should her choice includes staying at home without help from services her health could be at risk and she may enter a revolving door policy in and out of health care provision.   Providing support to Mrs A does not eliminate her susceptibility. If an individual is living alone and receiving services to support their needs, they still have a level of vulnerability. Elderly people at home are more at risk from abuse by strangers than if they were living in supported accommodation. They are at risk from people calling and gaining access through force or intimidation, who either steal from them or charge very expensive rates for minor repairs. They are also at risk from physical and sexual abuse as there is no one there to stop the perpetrator. Mrs A has health and social care needs and is seen to be at risk from self-neglect and possibly neglect by others, including services if insufficient or inappropriate support is provided to adequately support her well being.   (Pritchard, J 2008). Home may be Mrs As choice, however the assessment will consider balancing risk and autonomy. The social worker can identify Mrs As strengths and skills and identify ways in which these can be improved upon. There are services available that can supply security systems to protect from theft, and physical abuse, and other environmental variables, these are implemented with clear guidelines and the coordination of multi agency workers, working together to deliver a programme of care in the best interest of Mrs As needs and individual choices. Parsloe (1999) stresses that there is a strong presumption that older people should exercise choice and be given opportunities to take risks towards maintaining their independence and self-determination unless or until their capacity to do so is seriously impaired. This notion is acceptable, but as seen with Mrs A there is also a high risk of illness due to poor self medication; this is sometimes overlooked as the risk-taking model is more promoted than risk minimisation. People are allowed to take a well-informed risk so long as they do not endanger themselves or others GSCC (2002). A presumption in this case is that Mrs A has capacity: the challenge here is to recognise that service users have the right to take risks and helping them to identify and manage potential and actual risks to themselves and others; (GSCC 4.1). The provision of the practice setting is governed by law which consists of primary and secondary legislation together with government guidance which must be followed by all local authorities. Section 46 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act (1990) sets out community care plans and lists the available services which include laundry services, meals on wheels, social work support and residential care. This act places a duty under section 47 on social workers to conduct a needs-led assessment if it is apparent that a person might need community care service. Once a community care assessment is carried out, the care manager will make a decision about whether to provide support or not to the service user. Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) provides an eligibility framework for adult social care to identify whether or not the duty to provide services is triggered. Should the criteria be met, a multi disciplinary team approach working together to ensure Mrs As choice to stay at home is paramount with regard to her rehabilitation and care plan. The team have a duty to provide a network of support that promotes independence and to monitor Mrs As ability to care for herself in the community. Multi-agency working of care planning and the single assessment process has encouraged greater inter-agency working together, with the clients needs being central to the process. Rather than working separately, and each agency providing their own service without reference to the others, joint working encourages a sharing of approach and less replication of services. A pilot of Individual Budgets was introduced for two years in 2005 to 13 local authorities. Individual Budgets is a system that brings resources together from different funding streams into a single sum that can be spent flexibly in accordance with a service users needs and preferences. Service users are free to choose the money as a direct payment or request the local authority to provide services, or even use a mixture of both A care worker can be sought from the LA or a personal assistant (PA) appointed by Mrs A , paid for with direct payments ensure that her autonomy and choice is maintained. In practice,   an agreement can be   made to review Mrs As care and remove the care if it not required or increase the care package should additional need be identified at a future review. Direct payment stems from the four principles of Valuing People that are rights, inclusion, choice and independence. The Governments vision was that the uptake of direct payments would give people more choice in how they choose to live their lives. However, the uptake of direct payments since the introduction of the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act (1997) had been slow, mainly due to a lack of awareness and people, including professionals, can be very wary of change and taking on the unknown.The government therefore introduced new legislation in 2003 to make it a duty for local authorities to offer direct payments (www.dh.gov.uk), but figures (2006) reveal that out of a possible million people only around 46,000 had taken up direct payments (www.eastern.csip.org.uk). It raised issues that service users experienced and set out eleven objectives which included people facing lack of choice and control, social isolation, housing, health, and poor partnership between professional agen cies, voluntary groups and families. The main stakeholders from the implementation of Valuing People are people with learning disabilities themselves and their families/carers, as they were instrumental in pushing the government to push through the policy.The government is clearly one of the main stakeholders and it could be argued that this was an economic driver of change. Latest figures from the Individual Budgets Pilot study reveal that the costs of people using budgets compared to commissioned services is not much different, but long-term, costs will be reduced as people become more independent and their support hours are reduced (www.dh.gov.uk). The introduction of Putting People First, published by the DH in December 2007is a shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care over a period of three years. Key elements are: prevention, early intervention and re-enablement, personalisation, information, advice and advocacy. This presents change for people who receive services and importantly for social care workers that will need to implement these changes in their work. The changes in social care that have been taking place since the policy have meant that the role of the social worker is changing and the publication of the Local Authority Circular Transforming Social Care (2008:4) described the role of the social worker as being focused on advocacy and brokerage, rather than assessment and gate keeping. This involves improved skills in listening, working in partnership with service users, families and other professionals and empowering people to take control of their lives. The changes are proving chall enging because it means a shift in the balance of power and allowing people to take more risks. A person-centred approach to supporting Mrs A is the method used within this case study, before direct payments this had been more about supporting people in the community. The principles ofrights, inclusion, choice and independence set out as the vision in Valuing People have clearly been achieved in some peoples lives, and is effective for service users such as Mrs A who prefer to maintain their privacy at home and choice of care through direct payment. It can be seen to transform service users lives in that they are living independently and feel included in society.There are many people living in residential care; they spend most of their hours in centres and lead very oppressive lives.McCabe,M. (2006:12) describes the failings of institutional care as having inflexible routine, lack of choice, dependence on others and lack of privacy and community care creating maximum dependency.However, care needs to be taken so that people are still supported when they do live independently, specifically service users who have spent years in residential care and not prepared them to live in their own homes; adequate risk assessments are needed to address any area s that could leave them vulnerable. References Applewhite, S. (1998) Elders and the Twenty-First Century. Issues andChallenges for Culturally Competent Research and Practice.New York: Haworth. Banks, S. (2001). Ethics and Values in Social Work 2nd ed. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Publishers. Department of Health (2001) Valuing People. London: Department of Health. Department of Health (2001) National service framework for older people. London: Department of Health General Social Care Council (2002) Codes of Practice General Social Care Council HMSO (1989) Caring for People: Community Care in the Next Decade and Beyond. London, HMSO Johnson, K. Williams, I. (2007). Managing Change and Uncertainty in Social Work and social care. Lyme Regis: Russell House Publishing Ltd. Jones. R. (2005) Mental Capacity Act. Manual, Sweet Maxwell cited in Pritchard, J (2008) Good Practice in the Law and Safeguarding Adults: London, Jessica Kingsley. McCabe,M.(2006) Depression among older people: prevalence and detection. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 21(7) Thomas, A. (2008) Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Heinemann Midwinter, E (1993) Encore: Guide to Planning a Celebration of Your Life: Southampton, Third Age Press Nathanson, I. Tirrito, T. (1998) Theory into Practice. Gerontological Social Work. New York: Springer. National Assistance Act 1948 London, HMSO. National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 London, HMSO. Parsloe P. (1999) Risk Assessment in Social Care and Social Work.   London, Jessica Kingsley. Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 London, HMSO Shakespeare, T. (2000).   Help. Birmingham: Venture Press Trevithick, P (2002) Social Work Skills a practice handbook, Buckingham, Open University Press