The Role of Theory in Social Research Essay Example For Students

The Role of Theory in Social Research Essay The role of theory in social research is that without a sociological theory, nothing can be sociological. Facts disconnected from theory are just facts. Theory makes the facts speak; the facts don’t and cannot speak for themselves. Without a connection to other facts, we cannot assess anything. With theory, you can relate facts to each other. Theory is the body of interrelated logical concepts or universals that connect to empirical facts and phenomena. Empirical research is okay as long as there is theory involved with it. Theory helps us select which facts are important and which are not. Theory also allows us to organize the facts. Theory helps us create a story and tell which the dependent is and which the independent variable is. Theory points us to what we don’t know, which is the point of all the research in sociology. We will write a custom essay on The Role of Theory in Social Research specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Theory also allows different concepts of sociology to talk to each other, and that allows sociology to progress. Emile Durkheim had stated in â€Å"What is a Social Fact?† that reason develops theories and, and observation backs them up. According to Durkheim, social facts are not ideas, they are facts and they are observable. Facts without a certain theory backing them are and will be meaningless. We had talked about this in the very beginning of the semester about how stating certain statistics such as ‘men make .75 cents more than women’ might be true, but just stating that will not be enough. In sociology, what need to be done are the reasons for stating that fact, and what it means for the society as a whole. Therefore, facts cannot stand alone without theory because they complete each other in a way. Talcott Parsons gives a different example in regards to this; â€Å"Few if any empiricists are content with discre. .heories. Because Durkheim came way before Parsons and died when Parsons was basically a teenager, it is mainly Parsons that built on the work of Durkheim, as pointed out in the above paragraphs through his various theories, however his theories and Durkheim’s are very much interrelated and have the potential to connect because both of these theorists were engaged in figuring out social order, and though their answers were not exactly the same, Durkheim’s division of labor and social facts and Parsons unit of act and social systems are very much relatable as has been explained above. Works CitedDurkheim, Emile. (1984). Mechanical and Organic Solidarity. NY: Free Press.Durkheim, Emile. The Rules of Sociological Method. NY: Free Press, 1982.Lecture Notes.Parsons, Talcott. (1938). The Role of Theory in Social Research. American Sociological Review. 3(1), 13-20.

Oral Cancer essays

Oral Cancer essays Approximately 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer every year and of those 30,000 people nearly half of them will die within the next five years. Oral cancer is a very deadly disease that most people know very little about. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high due to the fact that it is discovered late in its development. Oral cancer causes more than 8,000 deaths annually. There are many factors that can cause the development of oral cancer. Oral cancer can be caused by smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, excessive consumption of alcohol, and by having a family history of cancer. Age is frequently named as a risk factor for oral cancer, as most of the time it occurs in those over the age of 40. The age of diagnosed patients may indicate a time component in the biochemical or biophysical processes of aging cells that allows malignant transformation, or perhaps, immune system competence diminishes with age. The accumulative damage from other factors, such as tobacco use, are the real culprits. Although it may take several decades of smoking or chewing, to precipitate the development of cancer. Tobacco use in all of its many forms are the leading cause of oral cancer. At least 75 percent of those people diagnosed with oral cancer are tobacco users. When both alcohol and tobacco are combined, the risk of developing cancer increases greatly. Tho se people who smoke and drink have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer can also be caused by having a family history of cancer, or in other words it can be hereditary. These people make up 25 percent of oral cancer victims who have never used tobacco and no other known risk factors. There are many different signs and symptoms involved with oral cancer. Although one of the real dangers of this cancer, is that in its early stages, it can go unnoticed. However a dentist or doctor can see or feel the precurs ...

Changing Trends In Advertisement Strategies Of Virgin Atlantic Marketing Essay

Changing Trends In Advertisement Strategies Of Virgin Atlantic Marketing Essay The main aim of the research is to explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies and to evaluate the impact on customers in competitive market. Research Objective: To explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies of Virgin Atlantic To identify the key features in Virgin advertisements that attracts customers To explain the impact of changed advertisement strategies on customers preference Definition of Advertisement strategy: An advertising strategy is a campaign developed to communicate ideas about products and services to potential consumers in the hopes of convincing them to buy those products and services. Research Questions What are the current advertisement trends in airline industry? How does the advertisement strategy of Virgin Atlantic influence customer’s preference? Introduction: Background of research In this research, researcher is going to explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies of Virgin Atlantic Airways. Researcher wants to identify those key elements that influence customer’s attraction towards Virgin Atlantic Airways. Researcher will adopt different tools and techniques to gather primary information. Conceptual Framework: Definition:† A theoretical structure of assumptions, principles, and rules that holds together the ideas comprising a broad concept.† In this particular research; researcher explore the changing trends in advertisement of Virgin Atlantic and explain the impact on customer preference. The conceptual framework of this research is based on five different steps. In the first step researcher explains the aim and objective of the research. The first introduction step also contains the brief introduction of company. In second phase researcher critically evaluates the literature review related to his research .in this phase researcher studied different articles, journals to get the understanding of different thoughts and assumptions related to his research problem and the n end up with the conclusion. Third phase of this research paper is most significant because it explains the different methodologies and tools used by researcher to get his objective. In this step researcher describe his research methodology, strategy, philosophy, approach and data collection method for primary information. The forth phase of this research is data analysis. In this section researcher compiled the relevant information gathered from different respondents through questionnaire and then presented in the form of graphs And at the end researcher give conclusion and recommendation to support his research and then further explains the outcome. . Background of Virgin Atlantic: In early 80’s Randolph Fields gave idea to Richard Branson of starting Virgin Atlantic Airways. Virgin Atlantic Airways Original known as British Atlantic Airways, The first flight of Virgin Atlantic’s was from Gatwick to Newark on their only 747 on 22nd June 1984. Two years after their f irst flight to Newark, Virgin present a planned service to Miami in 1986, and later on with Orlando in 1988. By the end of the 1980’s, Virgin introduced new long haul flights to Tokyo, JFK and Los Angeles in May 1989 and August 1989 respectively. Virgin Atlantic’s is recognized by their innovative strategy, and the severe competition with BA on the transatlantic routes has pushed forward services unlike any other carriers in the world. Virgin was the first international passenger carrier to present personal in-flight entertainment systems in lower class, and then they have specify business class approaching it way beyond the expectations. Virgin Atlantic’s is always remain in media due to their innovative and appealing advertisements.

Neuropsychological Patterns of Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Neuropsychological Patterns of Learning - Essay Example Learning disabilities have remained uniquely linked to individual theoretical models. The methodology of assessing learning disabilities utilizes several factors in explanatory models and various levels of analysis. The objective of this analysis is to review the patterns of variations in learning for children with learning disabilities. The purpose for this analysis is to provide a scholarly critique regarding the patterns of learning of children with disabilities. According to a research conducted by Robert-Jay Green (1990, p. 145), he formulated two hypotheses in investigating the impact of family interaction and structure on information processing deficits of children with learning disabilities. The first hypothesis by Green seeks to research into the relationship between thought orders of schizophrenic children and parental communication. The study employed the use of a scoring manual designed to measure nonconformity in communication. The study highlighted the parent’s i nterpersonal linguistic skills in categorizing, naming, directing shared attention, and explaining world concepts to the children of different age groups and different chores. Green, however, indicates that family communication would have minimal effect on the long run on the child. Further, an environment based on uneven and unstructured communication styles would experience persistent cognitive disorientation and confusion. Hence, this leads to the impairment of a child’s ability to process and keep new information at school. The findings proposed a strong and reliable relationship between deviations in parental communication and diagnosis of schizophrenic and marginal conditions of children. This relationship would be associated to families with cognitively confused schizophrenic children. The analysis revealed a high rate of communication deviance for 87% of parents with children of learning disabilities (Green, 1990, p. 145). The second hypothesis focused on how an under organized family structure would enhance or maintain the attention deficits of children with learning disabilities. It utilized the method of interviewing families of children with learning disabilities and rating them. These children also labeled as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Conduct Disorder displayed an inability to maintain a focused attention. Clinical research indicated that certain features of families hinder a systematic flow of ideas in communication. For instance, erratic and unfocused parental control styles, abrupt topic changes, conflict resolution through threats, deficient communication in words and reasoning, and disciplinary based on moods. These families would be considered chaotic, under organized and detached. Thus, the two hypotheses established an association between family characteristics and children with learning disabilities (Green, 1990, p. 146). However, these two studies failed to establish the direction of impacts between parent and ch ild characteristics, and the role of environment and heredity in the emergence of these family patterns. Hence, the findings do not provide any results on the four etiological models; the genetic, environmental, ecosystem and stress models. Their research assumes that each model would fit only certain subtypes of learning disabilities. It would be recommended that further large-scale longitudinal research be conducted on parents diagnosed as learning disabled

The International Business Entry Strategy, Aussie Fresh in Vietnam Essay

The International Business Entry Strategy, Aussie Fresh in Vietnam - Essay Example In addition, Vietnam is in a transformation process as the country is moving fast towards implementation of capitalist principles against its traditional planned economy. In fact, the country now also exports its Vegetables and Fruits products to over 50 nations worldwide because of its free market mechanism. Nevertheless, the domestic fruits/vegetables demand is not completely met from domestic agricultural produce; hence, these products are also imported in Vietnam (Vietnomics Update, 2009) & (CIA Fact Book – V, 2009). It is, therefore, recommended to Aussie Trade to commence operations in Vietnamese market through proper branding and packaging of agri-products. The company should adopt Joint Venture strategy because the currency risk is relatively high, mainly attributable to current account deficit of Vietnam. The imports, therefore, become expensive that may negatively impact the growth of Aussie Trade if forms its own subsidiary in Vietnam. It is feasible to minimize such risks by partnering with locals (who have knowledge in this sector) and establishing distribution networks for sales of Fruits and Vegetables (CIA Fact Book – V, 2009). The world today is viewed as a global village because recent technological developments have helped reducing communication barriers and borders among nations worldwide. The creation of information/communication networks and transportation routes has significantly contributed to increase trade volume and business activities. Not only developed countries like USA, France, UK< Germany, Japan, etc are beneficiaries of these advancements but also the developing nations have joined international arena as they have to focus on international integration, economic prosperity and sustainable development. Australia is viewed as a small, yet rich economy because of high purchasing power. It's per capita income was estimated to be $39,000 in 2009 and  the country was ranked 21st in the list of high-income nations.  

Comparison of Crime and Punishment and Julius Caesar Essay Example for Free

Comparison of Crime and Punishment and Julius Caesar Essay William Shakespeares famous play Julius Caesar written in 1608 is here compared with Crime and Punishment written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky in 1866. Whereby the two authors lived in completely different times, both texts had similarly established their storylines around protagonists who committed crimes based on theories they believed in. For example, Brutus from Julius Caesar commits murder because of his patriotism; while Raskolnikov commits murder with his belief in the à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½bermensch theory. This similarity has then brought further realization of similar depiction of protagonists between the authors. Such similarities are prevalent by the manner the protagonists conceal their emotions from interfering with their paths to greatness. This ultimately leads to each protagonists act of digging their own hole, whereby they alienate themselves from those they love. Hence this allowed for the ambiguous response from the audience, as we are shaped into the capability of hating and loving the protagonist from both texts. Thus, though these internationally-acclaimed texts were written by authors of different eras, a similarity exists in the fashion they have portrayed their protagonists. Primarily, both protagonists suppress their love for others in their search for greatness. The protagonist of Julius Caesar, Brutus, describes his suppression to his friends, not that I loved Caesar lessas he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love. (Shakespeare, 3.2.26-27) The first sentence of this quote affirms the protagonists inevitable love for his friend Caesar, whom Brutus paradoxically ends up murdering after emotional debates. Shakespeare has interestingly employed paradox in this quote to further corroborate Brutuss dominant characteristic of nobleness, when Brutus declares his true patriotic motives in murdering Caesar. Tears in the last sentence conveyed a sorrowful and regretful tone. This suggests Brutuss inner conflict, which is his attempt to suppress his affection toward his friend in order to kill Caesar. The protagonist of Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov, also strives to suppress his compassion. Raskolnikov questions himself after helping a drunken girl, Is it for me to do that? And how could I ever have gone and given away those twenty copecks? (Dostoyevksy, 62) This quote demonstrates a sudden shift of mood, as Raskolnikov just shows his angelic side by helping others and now his demonic side takes over. These actions reflect the motif of dual personalities. The above three elements illustrate Raskolnikovs inner turmoil in suppressing his angelic side. Thus it is ironic that he exclaims he shouldnt have given away money, yet later gives money to Sonyas family. Raskolnikovs failure in suppression foreshadows his failure as a superhuman. Although both protagonists share the characteristic of suppressing their love for others, they suffer different consequences. In Julius Caesar, Brutuss suppression of love for Caesar isnt clearly interpreted by Antony, who tells all, how dearly Caesar lovd him (Brutus)! This was the most unkindest cut of allThenall of us fell down. (Shakespeare, 3.2.180, 181, 189) Antonys such realization reveals his shrewdness and true, open love to Caesar, in contrast to his foil, Brutuss, suppressed love. Ironically, Antonys manifestation of his love for Caesar foreshadows Brutuss tragic downfall. Through this, Shakespeare is able to criticize the suppression of emotions. In Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov has a better fate than Brutus. He confesses his crime to Sonya, who he had sought a human being, when he needed one. (Dostoyevsky, 621) This quote reveals the theme of common suffering and understanding. Raskolnikovs suppression of compassion has resulted in his physical and psychological suffering. As Sonya is also subject to poverty, Raskolnikov knows she may understand his torment and help him find salvation. In both texts, the authors depicted how protagonists are forced to suppress emotions for others despite the differences in the consequences of their actions. Theres no permission or prohibition involved (for the extraordinary people). he (the ordinary person) will suffer when he realizes the error of his ways Secondly, the protagonists both choose to abandon their families and isolate themselves. In Julius Caesar, Portia questions Brutuss behaviour, And when I askd you what the matter was, / You stard upon me with ungentle looks. / Yet I insisted, yet you answerd me not. (Shakespeare, 2.1. 241, 245) Through this quote, readers are introduced to the protagonists alienation of wife Portia due to his patriotism. Brutuss insistent isolation denies the motif of emotional weakness, which is possessed by his foil Caesar when Calpurnia persuades him to stay home. The sharp contrast between these characters illustrates Brutuss honourable and heroic characteristics. The theme of lack of communication proves to be a tragic fallacy for both Brutus and Portia. If theyd openly shared the problem, the tragic downfall of both characters mightve been avoided. The protagonist of Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov, tells Sonya (Dostoyevsky, 291) that [He] deserted [his] family today, so [He] shant see them a nymore. This quote highlights the theme of isolation, caused by his belief in the à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½bermensch theory. Raskolnikov chooses to desert his family because of his superhuman pursuit. However, his speech often reflects irony. His deep trustful relationship with Sonya foreshadows his incapability of achieving the superhuman state. Furthermore, Raskolnikov shows strong concern when Svidrigailov, Raskolnikovs foil and a round antagonist, attempts to harm Dunya, his sister, in Part V of the novel. Contradictory to his words, Raskolnikov reveals the motif of psychological uncertainty, which is closely related to his punishment. In both novels, the protagonists have attempted to isolate themselves from their families to achieve greatness. However, they regard their family and friends differently. Brutus is accompanied by friends throughout the play. The flat character, Lucilius, aids with Brutuss escape by impersonating him (Shakespeare, 5.4.7-8). This loyalty affirms Brutuss well association with his friends and reveals Brutuss nobleness in the eyes of his countrymen. On the other hand, Raskolnikov takes the isolation to a higher level by deserting his friends. He tells Razumikhin, I dont needanyoneIll manage by myselfon my own (Dostoyevsky, 136) The use of ellipsis again depicts the motif of psychological uncertainty. Raskolnikov wants to isolate himself, but his stumbling speech portrays his doubts in his ability to alienate himself. Thus, its quite ironic that he eventually seeks help from Sonya, for redemption, and Razumikhin, for taking care of his family. Shakespeare and Dostoyevsky illustrate the theme of isolation as one of the major themes in their text which contribute to the protagonists tragic downfalls. Lastly, we find that Shakespeare and Dostoevsky use both good and evil qualities to characterize their protagonists. Through this, they are able to successfully provoke the readers empathy despite the characters misjudgements. In the final scene of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony makes a concluding remark about Brutus after he has died, This was the noblest Roman of them all:/[Brutus] only, in a general honest thought/And common good to all, made one of them./This was a man! (Shakespeare, 5.5.68-75) Here, Antony demonstrates his admiration and respect for Brutus even though he was part of the conspiracy. The irony is revealed when Antony compliments the murderer of Caesar as noble even though he had previously aroused the crowds against Brutus in Act III. Antonys shrewdness also reflects the motif of nobleness, demonstrated by Brutuss patriotic reason in committing the murder. Using iambic pentameter, Antony praises Brutuss nobility sincerely. His speech reminds the readers of Brutus unselfish sacrifice for his country, simultaneously provoking empathy, enabling readers to associate Brutus more as a hero than that of a sinful criminal. Whereas in Crime and Punishment, in Raskolnikovs confession to Sonya, he says, Id started to search my conscience and ask myself whether I had any right to assume power over someone else like that meant that I didnt have any such right(Dostoyevsky, 500) This quote from the climax of the novel reflects a milestone in the plot development. By admitting this mistake, that he had no right to commit the murder, is the protagonists first step towards redemption, a major theme of the novel. Also, the novel is written in a third person limited omniscient point of view, thus readers are able to feel Raskolnikovs sorrow and intense emotions in his confession. Readers cant help but sympathize with Raskolnikov and his psychological torment caused by belief in the Ubermensch theory his tragic fallacy. Although the protagonists in the texts, Brutus and Raskolnikov, are murderers, the reasons behind their crimes are different. Brutus contemplates whether or not to kill Caesar and finally decides, It must be by his death. And for my part/I know no personal cause to spurn at him/But for the general (Shakespeare, 2.1.10-13) This quote again illustrates the motif of nobleness. In this quote, Brutus reveals his patriotic and unselfish reason for murdering Caesar in order to benefit the greater good. Shakespeare skilfully employs iambic pentameters here to reveal Brutuss nobility and determination in committing such crime. This quote also helps with plot development as it foreshadows Caesars death. Raskolnikov on the other hand, also commits murder but he has his own intentions. Raskolnikov confesses to Sonya, I didnt kill in order to help my mother! I didnt kill in order get money or power and thus be able to become a benefactor of mankind. I simply killed for no one but myself what I needed to knowwas whether I was a louse or a man. (Dostoyevsky, 500) This quote signifies Raskolnikovs motive in committing murder was not based on utilitarianism but personal needs. The anaphora used for rejecting his previous justification of the crime reflects his self-realization. Pride is a motif in the novel. By admitting his misjudgement, Raskolnikov demonstrates his wounded pride. This highlights his psychological growth from the crime. By combining positive and negative characteristics, Shakespeare and Dostoevsky have successfully portrayed the protagonists like real people, possessing flaws and merits. Thus, in the end, both authors have created protagonists who attempt to achieve greatness yet face difficulty in terms of overcoming relationships with important characters in their lives. Such difficulty halt their paths to greatness as it forces Brutus to find motivation to kill Caesar; and as it brings Raskolnikov to realize his inability to follow the à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½bermensch theory for hes unable to overcome human compassion. However, both also fight their battles before realizing they were not meant for greatness; Brutus and Raskolnikov alienate their loved ones, but discover they cannot endure their absence. This portrayal of the protagonists illustrates how though their deeds are evil, they are still human and suffer as humans do thus earning our empathy where it was first nonexistent. In conclusion, therefore, with such similarities present in each protagonist throughout both stories of radically different timeframes, the authors William Shakespeare and Fyodor Dostoyevsky had evidently shared an ability to establish similar yet effectual protagonists; in this case, Shakespeare and Dostoyevsky with their distinctive great minds thought alike indeed. Bibliography Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Trans. David McDuff. London: Penguin Books, 2003 Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. Ed. Roma Gill. Oxford: Oxford University Press,

Teaching Philosophy :: Education Learning School Essays

Teaching Philosophy Teaching is learning twice over. I believe that learning can be done in many different capacities; however, it takes a strong blend of certain personal characteristics and instructional techniques to become an effective teacher. In a perfect world, I could stand in front of a gathering of physical education students and teach them successfully how to dribble a basketball or throw a baseball, but it is much more difficult than that. Students are as different as snowflakes, each with many characteristics different than the next. To use the analogy of a key and lock, the key being the presentation of the material and the lock being the students, I feel that many teachers try to use the same key on 25 different locks. It is up to the teacher do away with the â€Å"here is the material†¦learn it† method of teaching and start considering the differences between one student’s ability to learn to the next. I believe in having a strong relationship with my students. I want them to be in a classroom where they know someone cares about them and that the teacher is not just earning a paycheck. By demonstrating a certain level of compassion for your students, they feel more comfortable with you as a teacher. By nurturing their open minds, a teacher can be successful. It is important to let the students ask questions and let them think for themselves. At a young age, children are full of imagination and ideas, and too often teachers take their intuitive instinct away from them by not letting them share their ideas or punishing them when they make a mistake out of the exploration of their imagination. I believe that setting goals has got me where I am today and that the concept of goal setting should be instructed and reinforced. Without goals students are apt to stray from little educational endeavors that end up being the little holes that sunk the big ship. In high school, I was a student who was at the top of the class in subjects that I enjoyed and mediocre in subjects that I did not find appealing.