Feedback, Test Anxiety And Performance In A College Course Essays

Feedback, Test Anxiety And Performance In A College Course This essay was written to provide information on a study performed at Appalachian State University. The object of this study was to confirm or refute if immediate feedback enhances learning. The effects of three forms of test feedback were investigated within the necessary circumstance of a self paced, guideline based course in educational psychology. There were 88 participants in the study, but 15 students were unable to complete the course requirements, so their scores were not included in the report. These 73 undergraduate students completed seven units of work and were assessed by computer administered unit tests. The students were randomly assigned to one of the three test feedback forms being used in the study: 1. item by item knowledge of responses, 2. answer until correct, and 3. delayed feedback. Students received their assigned feedback during work on the first two units, then they were allowed to choose the feedback they preferred. Test anxiety was measured preceding to testing on Satason's Test Anxiety Scale and during testing on an item administered by the computer. Undergraduates who reported high test anxiety on the Scale experienced more anxiety during testing than students reporting low test anxiety. The anxiety during testing was not related to the type of feedback, and the two variables were not related to course performance on the second unit. Data collected at the end of the semester showed that students who reported higher test anxiety required more attempts to pass unit tests than those with lower test anxiety. When the undergraduates were asked they preferred the type of feedback, answer until correct. This preference was not related to the Scale scores or to being allowed to choose forms of feedback. Two strengths of this study are it's testing and the use of the random assignment. I feel that the times in which the administered the Test Anxiety Scale was an efficient time. If the Scale was administered afterwards then the students would have to look back, and the thoughts on their anxiety could have been changed by how they feel they did on their tests. The random assignment of feedback was a better choice than just allowing the student to choose. If the student was allowed to choose, they already would have some idea of what they worked better with, and that would not help in any way in the finds in the study, of which was bad and which was good feedback. One weakness of this study was that there have been others studies that contradict the findings in this study. I also feel that some people just have high anxiety about tests no matter what kind of feedback they are given. Psychology Essays

The Open Systems Interconnection Referencing Model

The Open Systems Interconnection Referencing Model Introduction One of the most epic accomplishments of the 21st century was the invention of the computer and the subsequent creation of computer networks. The interconnection capability of computer systems is arguably the feature that makes them most versatile and invaluable to their users.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Open Systems Interconnection Referencing Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More With this realization, many manufacturers in the early days of computing set out to develop devices that could be used in internetworking. At the onset, various manufacturers designed network architectures that were specific to their devices leading to a lack of interoperability between devices by different manufacturers (Wetteroth 4). This was very inefficient and as such, there arose a need to come up with a common standard which would guarantee the seamless interconnection of various heterogeneous architec tures. The International Standards Organization (ISO) was therefore formed as a body charged with developing and publishing international standards. This body came up with the Open Systems Interconnection referencing model (OSI). This paper shall set out to explain the components of the OSI reference model as well as the need for adopting the standard. Importance of the Open Systems Interconnection Referencing Model The OSI reference model was produced in 1974 by the ISO encourages the creation of network equipment that is non-proprietary in nature by the various vendors in the field (Wetteroth 4). This model consists of seven layers with a description of the services that each layer must provide to the layer above it. An important point to note is that the OSI model is not a specific network architecture but rather a description of what each layer must do. As such, manufacturers are required to use this as a guideline when coming up with their own specific network architecture. Any device that conforms to the OSI standard is guaranteed to be able to communicate with another device that meets the same standards and functionality of devices is also Operating System independent. This results in great interoperability of the various network devices. In coming up with the various layers of the OSI, various principles were considered. Most notably, it was seen as necessary for each layer to have well defined functions; these functions had to be chosen in a standardized manner and the boundary between them was such as to minimize data flow through the interfaces. As a result of this, the model allows for the investigation of various network errors which would otherwise be very hard to find without the existence of layering as outlined in OSI. The seven layers of the OSI model Figure 1. The Open Systems Interconnection reference modelAdvertising Looking for research paper on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn Mor e Source: The Manual Page The different layers of the OSI model. 2009. Layer 7: The Application Layer This layer is the interface between the user and the network. The application layer controls how the operating system and its applications interact with the network (Hallberg 32). The functions of this layer include providing application programs with access to the network, control of data flowing through and the recovery from any error that might occur. At the application layer, the data been sent is encapsulated with an application header and the application data which constitutes the data being sent through the network. The protocols that exist at this layer include Telnet, FTP, SMTP and HTTP. The data transmission process begins with this level receiving data from the user application. Layer 6: The Presentation Layer This layer provides certain functionality which result in readability of data for the application layer. This is done through a number of coding and conve rsion functions which result in information that can be read across systems. The layer â€Å"transforms the data from the session layer to provide a standard interface for the application layer and from the application layer to a network format† (Lowe 397). The presentation layer in essence takes the data from the lower levels and puts them into a format that an be understood by the system. Hallberg reveals that some of the functions that take place at the layer include: compression and decompression as well as data encryption and decryption (31). In addition to this, this is the layer responsible for setting standards for different systems.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Open Systems Interconnection Referencing Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Layer 5: The Session Layer This layer controls the various sessions between communicating devices by establishing, maintaining, and when communicat ion is over, terminating the connection between the communicating devices. This layer performs negotiations between the communicating devices on issues such as flow control and user identification and authentication on the network (Hallberg 30). The Session layer also delegates who is to send or receive data at a given time and goes on to stipulate as to how long this will take place. The session layer allows for graceful closure and provides synchronization services. Layer 4: The Transport Layer The transport layer provides data transfer between communicating users by managing flow of information from one node to the other. This transfer is transparent in nature thereby the higher level layers need not concern themselves with the specifics. This layer also manages the flow of data and divides the streams of data into packets which are reassembled at the other end. At this layer, data is segmented and a TCP header placed at the end of each segment. This header includes control infor mation such as start and end flags so as to enable the recipient to establish the size of the message (Lowe 397). Sequence information is also provided so that even if data is transmitted non-sequentially, it can be reassembled back to the original form in the right order. This layer ensures that the all the data packets sent are received and that they are decoded in the proper sequence. The two major protocols which function at this layer are TCP and UDP. Layer 3: The Network Layer This layer provides the functional means of transferring data sequences of varied lengths from source to destination (Lowe 397). The packets of data obtained from the session layer are segmented into frames and their logical addressing is done. This layer covers the issue of addressing and routing. At the network level, an IP header is added. This makes the segments packets. The header information at this layer includes the IP address of the source and the destination. This is necessary for the logical-p hysical address mapping routers use this information to forward data to the required destination. This is done by translation of the IP address and MAC addresses. The network layer relies on the routing information provided to send individual packets to the correct destination and to notify the recipient of the source from which the packet originated. Layer 2: The data-link layer This layer turns the frames provided by the network layer into raw bits of zeros (0) and ones (1) in readiness for transmission at the physical layer and reconstitutes them to frames at the other end.Advertising Looking for research paper on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The data link layer encapsulates a header which contains LLC information identifying network layer protocols, Frame check sequence for error checking and the MAC address of the source and the destination. As such, at the data link layer a frame contains a header which has the IP address, MAC address and various control information (Lowe 398). This information is necessary for hubs and switches to enable them tell where to forward information. The Data Link Layer ensures that there is an error-free communication between the two communicating nodes and as such, if any error is detected, the layer requests for a retransmission of data from the transmitting node. The error detection mechanism method employed by this layer is the Frame Check Sequence. Layer 1: The physical layer The physical layer is responsible for the â€Å"transmission of the streams of bits through a physical media† (Wetteroth 3). This may be through a sequence of electrical impulses or through light variation s. Wetteroth states that the Physical Layer specifies the attributes of the physical medium that will be used for network communication (3). As such, definition of how the physical cable is attached to the Network interface Card is provided at this layer. In addition to this, the layer is also responsible for monitoring data error rates. Hubs, repeaters, network adapters perform on this level. Memorizing the Seven Layers To enable me memorize the seven layers, I have come up with a simple mnemonic which is fairly easy for me to remember: â€Å"Please Do Not Take Salty Pork Always† The first letter to every word in my formulae represents a level in the OSI reference model starting from Layer 1 all the way to Layer 7. Conclusion This paper set out to perform a concise yet informative research on the OSI (Open System Interconnect) standard model that was created by the International Standards Organization. The paper began by reaffirming the need for standardization in the comput er network industry. From the discussions provided, it has been seen that without standardization, the industry would have been full of devices that cannot interoperate which would greatly limit the choice for consumers since they would be forced to buy all devices from one vendor so as to avoid running the risk of devices not working together. From this paper, it is also clear that the OSI reference model plays a crucial role in ensuring interoperability among various networking devices. Hallberg, Bruce. Networking, A Beginners Guide, Fifth Edition. McGraw Hill Professional, 2009. Print. Lowe, Doug. Networking For Dummies. For Dummies, 2007. Print. The Manual Page. The different layers of the OSI model. 2009. Web. Wetteroth, Debbra. OSI Reference Model for Telecommunications. USA: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, 2001. Print.

Personal Finance Concepts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal Finance Concepts - Essay Example Secured loans are those that are lent by the bank or other financial institutions with some form of collateral or security. Collateral may include personal property that serves to assure the lenders that they will receive their payment or take over the collateral should the borrower fail to pay. On the other hand, unsecured loan is the amount of loan that is lent with an understanding that the borrower will repay it in future according to the agreement without defaulting. The secured loans normally attract lower rates, higher borrowing limits as well as longer repayment period. As a result, they do create less risk to the lender as they can usually sell off the collateral should the borrower fail to make payment (Garman & Forgue, 2012) There are a number of alternatives to loans that can be used by businesses and individuals to finance their financial needs. Such include factoring which refers to a situation in which a business sells its accounts receivables to financial institutions known as the factor and they in turn advance funds to such business under some specified terms and conditions. Hedge-Fund lenders is an alternative financing method that money is lent to higher risk businesses depending on the pitch made by the borrower. The decision to make such a lending is undertaken with due diligence with much

Grief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Grief - Essay Example This essay seeks to explore the reasons behind grief and whether it can be "treated" like a medical condition through psychological measures. There will also be a discussion of the different sources and forms of grief as psychological phenomena. Central to the understanding of Grief as a mental condition, are the different reactions people have to it , and recent academic opinion tends to avoid the traditional conceptions of grief being a " process" which is predicable in every sense. The new ideas seek to compare and evaluate the different responses of people to different kind of grief which has a lot to do with their family and gender orientation as well as religious and spiritual beliefs. A connected concept is bereavement, which implies a loss in ones life of a loved one or family and has the connected danger of transforming into a mental disease. Over the years there have been a number of physical and psychological therapies and counseling which have been developed to counter this traumatic time for people. Yet many people fare better in physical downfalls rather than emotional pitfalls involving grief and loss.The debate goes on about the whether grief "strikes like lightning" and kills slowly. Many academics like Dr. Elisabeth Kbler-Ross have spoken about how grief has certain stages involving anger and denial. Other psychologists deny the cyclical treatment of grief and look towards common experiences of people with in the themes of numbness ,yearning and despair. 1The stages of Grief It can be said that there is a difference between normal and abnormal grief (Engel 1961) and grief can be defined as "involving suffering and an impairment in the capacity to function which may last for days weeks and even months .We can identify a constant etiologic factor namely .real ,threatened or even fantasised object loss. It fulfils all the criteria of a discrete syndrome with relatively predictable sympatomatology and course. The grieving person is often manifestly distressed and disabled" Another academic notes that, "Whenever one's identity and social order face the possibility of destruction, there is a natural tendency to feel angry, frustrated, helpless, and/or hurt. The volatile reactions of terror, hatred, resentment, and jealousy are often experienced as emotional manifestations of these feelings."2 Medical and psychiatric opinion suggests that grief causes physical and stress related illnesses like bodily pain and asthmatic difficulties. Grief has also been recorded to cause death (Engels 1961) and it is said that it increases the risk of suicide amongst the aggrieved. Some writers have argued that there has to be a line drawn between grief and abnormal grief (Wilkinson 1999).The symptoms of abnormal grief are both physical and mental and include conditions like nightmares, asthma, insomnia, and loss of appetite. (Engels 1961 and Wilkinson 1999).Many people will try and avoid the pain by abusing medications and others report loss of libido and even hallucinations.(Engels 1961). The diagram on the left explains in simple terms the relationship between grief, bereavement and mourning The biggest misconception has been traditionally to assume for the people struck with grief that "time heals all wounds". Much rather if the condition of Grief is not treated and

Discussion Board Post Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Discussion Board Post Response - Essay Example This trend can impact n the competitive advantage of the facility since patients weighing more than four hundred pounds will opt to seek the services of other healthcare facilities. Facilities with more capital assets according to Zismer, Sterns and Claus () have a competitive advantage over others. In my organization, there is need for an additional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to prevent long queues in the department as patients wait for their turn. Your case is similar to that in my organization as purchasing these equipments will increase efficiency of services. Your discussion Melton is also correct. Your organization considers the views of employees and incorporates their contributions in the formulation of budgets in terms of prioritizing purchase of capital assets. Incorporating employees in decision making has been proved to improve productivity as employees feel valued. Your organization does the correct thing. Subsequently, your organizations use of information regarding delays in patient care, patient anxiety, and patient satisfaction to demonstrate and justify the need for a vein finder sheds more light on how to demonstrate the need for an equipment in healthcare settings. My organization calculated the expected return of capital (Baker and Baker, 2014) to demonstrate the need for an MRI machine and the time patients wait in queues to be access the equipment. Your technique is applicable to my organization as

Education Studies Theories Of Learning Reflect Education Essay

Education Studies Theories Of Learning Reflect Education Essay It is widely understood that most of a childs learning and development takes place with an educational environment a school setting for example. But this does not mean to say a child learns approaches used in schools, which assist children to develop physically emotionally intellectually and develops by just listening to a teacher alone, there are a variety of different methods and sociably as well as to develop their language skills. Throughout my assignment i intend to reflect upon my own learning experiences, and discuss these in relation to different learning theories. In addition to this, i will then take into account what this may mean for my future learning and development and what different skills, qualities and abilities i feel are essential in order me to be an effective educational practitioner Before i am able to reflect on my own learning experiences, I must establish what learning actually is. I personally feel that learning is the way in which an individual has the ability to learn and develop in different ways for example cognitively emotionally and socially, we always need that guidance from a teacher, parent, peer. A leaner needs to recap over existing knowledge or behaviour in order for it to be improved or develop. What we learn at any time is influenced by our previous learning. An extension to this is defined by Nisbet (1986,p.11) who goes on to explain that we may certainly learns new ways of doing things and certain rules but we continue to rely on our previous habits that we have picked up from past experiences of learning. B.F. Skinner who was a behaviourist, his main contribution to behaviourism were the notions of positive and negative reinforcement. He also developed the idea of behaviour shaping, which is training humans to carry out new tasks through a s eries of increasingly complex activities leading to the desire goal. Where as Burns (1995, p99) talks about learning being relatively permanent changes in behavior as the result from experience, internal processes such as thinking, attitudes and emotions. Another definition of learning is defined by John Locke who was an English philosopher who believed, the learner starts off as a clean slate (Tabula rasa) onto which learning and experiences would be imprinted. Whether one agrees with the different learning theorists or theories, our personal development is largely facilitated by teachers or MKO (more knowledgeable other) who should have the motivation, understanding and knowledge to develop our full potential from an early age. Abraham Maslow believes the hierarchy needs to be met before and individual can start their learning process these are physiological needs, safety and security, belongingness and love, and self -esteem and Self-actualization. a learner whether it is a adult or child cannot learn unless they are warm, have shelter, fed and are loved. The learner has to feel safe and protected in the environment, we must also feel loved and belonging in order to achieve our full potential. Another important set of needs in the hierarchy is self-esteem, high level of confidence an individual- learner needs to have a positive view on themselves and finally self-actualization refers to the need for self-fulfilment a positive state of mind. I feel these hierarchy needs are crucial in order for an individual to learn because if we are homeless, cold, hungry, or unloved then in my opinion we would not be concerned about our intellectual development. This first experience of learning that I will discuss is learning to drive a car. Many of my friends and family had passed their driving test, and had the freedom to go wherever they wanted without asking for a lift or arranging a time that was best. I used to watch in envy as they drove past, but I was too scared to get behind the wheel myself, because I was involved in a serious car at the age of 10. I was planning to go to study away the following year at Preston University and my mum encouraged me to start taking driving lessons, so I could travel back on the weekends and be more independent, she had promised to buy me my first car and assist with the running of it. I eventually got the courage and started taking lessons. Throughout my learning I did struggle with certain manoeuvres, for example a 3 point turn in the road I used to hit the curb as I would reverse backwards, because my instructor had said he cannot give me guidance all the time because the examiner would not guide me on the day. My instructor had picked up on me finding it difficult and stopped teaching me other manoeuvres for the time being, and every lesson I had involved two turns in the road until i could do them. He made it challenging every time because he didnt take me to the same roads and some of the roads where narrower than others. So I spent 1 year working at getting to level of being a good safe dri ver then I was ready to take my test, and passed. Looking back at what it was that actually motivated me to get behind the wheel and put my fears behind me, was the fact that most of my friends my age could drive and in some sense u could say I felt left out, and was always the one sat as a passenger rather than the one actually driving. Since beginning this subject of study I have developed and understanding about different levels of motivation, a child or adult being able to be motivated themselves individually in order to learn effectively. I am going to use examples to explain what I exactly mean by this and how it is relevant to my learning experience. I was intrinsically motivated because I wanted to learn to drive, so I was more independent and didnt feel unaided, I was also extrinsically motivated because my mother said when I pass she will buy me my first car, so I was rewarded for my achievement at the end. Now I will go on to explain which theories or learning theorist are most relevant in my learning experience. REFRENCEFirstly the constructivism theory of which Piaget ideas were integrated into, he believed children using direct experience and then exploring and learning, in their own way at their own pace, whilst being involved in an activity. My learning to drive experience demonstrates that I learned at my own pace because it happened over a period of time. Banyard and Hayes (1994, p.259) explain how Albert Bandura believes that people can learn new information and behaviours by watching other people, known as observational learning where we model other behaviour and I knew roughly how to start because i used to watch my mother and friends when I was a passenger. Bruner (1960) explained how learning is an active process revisiting basic ideas over and over, building upon them and elaborating to the level of full understanding. This was possible through the concept of the spiral cu rriculum. Bruner believed information being structured so that the basics can be taught first, and then complex after, then re-visited at more complex levels later on. For example first I learned how to drive on local quite roads, then at a later stage once my confidence built up and I gained more knowledge I was taken on busier main roads during rush hour. My next learning experience I will discuss in my essay is learning my timetables. I recall back to when I was in first school about year three or four, my teacher gave me a set of time tables to learn and then take sheet home to practice . I remember I was finding it difficult to get to grips with the 6 times table, so I asked my mother to help me. She made me some flash cards and turned learning them into a game. We laid the cards out on the table and I had to match the cards together for example, the card 36 to 6 x 6. I really wanted to do well because my mother had said if i did well she would take me to toy shop. When my mother would come to pick me up from school the teacher would tell her how well i did, and when we used to go shopping into town my mother would buy a tamagotchi. So I was most defiantly motivated in learning them. When thinking about this learning experience since doing this topic, has made me come to realise that because my learning style is kinaesthetic, this was the reason why I found the flash cards helpful and easier for me to learn, because I was moving things around rather than just looking at the sheet reading them and trying to remember them. The theories that I found relevant to my learning experience here was Edward Thorndikes laws of effect theory, in addition and skinners positive reinforcement theory were the most important, both of the theories are very similar. Banyard and Hayes (1994, p.267), states that behaviour that has a positive and rewarding outcome is therefore more likely to reoccur in similar situations. The other theory i found relevant was the Social Constructivism theory, of which ideas Vygotsky ideas of learning were integrated into. Recalling back to my learning experience when I was receiving guidance and help from my mother, Vygosky would view it as scaffolding which was one of his most important concepts. He believed that without scaffolding from the More Knowledgeable other (MKO) we only have the ability to reach our zone of actual development (ZAD) meaning we would only achieve what we are cable of without help, on the other hand if our learning is scaffold then we have the ability to reach our zone of proximal development (ZPD).REFRENCE In terms of my future learning, it is important that I stay persistent so I can reach my goal in becoming a primary school teacher. I understand that every child is different with their own unique learning styles, every child learns in their own way and pace and it is important to meet their learning needs. I also believe that it is important for me to be able to view tasks how a child would receive it, as this is what will make me a effective practitioner because I will be able to adapt the teaching approach to that individual if needed Another vital part of this essay is to discuss the skills and qualities I feel are essential for any effective educational practitioner. Listening effectively to the children is an important skill a teacher needs, so they can cater for the different learning styles in order to give them the best possible opportunities to learn. I also feel it is crucial that a teacher is warming, kind and approachable so the children feel comfortable in talking about anything no matter the problem or situation. Another skill I feel is crucial is having excellent communication, having the ability to communicate with other teachers, students of all ages and parents. It is also vital that the educational practitioner has a positive attitude and is patient even in difficult situations. On reflection of my essay, I have realised how much knowledge I have achieved, which I can use in the classroom in the future. I have learnt that not everyone learns in the same way, was as the teachers need to make learning fun and efficient. Whilst doing this essay I realised why certain outcomes occurred in terms of my own learning experience i.e. motivation, positive reinforcement and support network around me.

The Life of Albert Simms :: essays research papers

â€Å"Come ova here and do yo work boy!† â€Å"Did you address me with a sir boy?† This is something a racist white man or female might say to a young black boy in the South. How would one feel if they were treated differently just because of their race? Would it have immediate and long term effects on one’s life? The two statements above are examples of how people talk to their labeled inferiors. In this case, this pertains to the autobiographical book Black Boy, written by Richard Wright. This relates to racism in the deep South, and how it changes and affects a young African-American living through this tough time. Racism towards Richard had several long term effects. It caused him to think differently of people, to have a different view on life, and learn never to give up. The first lasting and long term effect racism towards Richard had on him was that it caused him to think differently of people. Racism caused Richard to think differently of people because he did not understand how, or why the white people that he lived with hated him, and his race with such a great passion. He never comprehended how people could have so much hatred inside of them to act, and treat another race so poorly. Richard reads in an advertisement from the newspaper he was selling, â€Å"The only dream of a is to be President and to sleep with white women†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wright 131). This quote is depicting an African-American. The advertisement was degrading to Richard, because this was one of the first times that he realized that people from all over the country hated his race, not just from his small town. He did not know what to do, what to feel, or how to react to such a statement. It was instances like these that caused him to think differently of people. After he overc ame, and passed instances like these, he began to have a different view on life. The second long term effect that racism towards Richard had on him was that it caused him to have a different view on life. Richard experienced many occasions where racist acts were committed and directed towards him. These acts could have been directed towards him for several reasons, but they all had one major effect on him: it caused him to have a different view on life.

Paper Towns By John Green Essay

Quentin and Margo meet at a random night when Margo sneaks into Quentin’s room. Since then, Quentin follows Margo on her adventurous mission for revenge of her boy friend cheating. Quentin and Margo get closer which makes Quentin to feel like he is going to be close friends with her since that day. However, Margo goes missing the next day, leaving only few clues for Quentin to search for herself. Quentin and his friends, Ben, Radar, and Lacey, find few clues at Margo’s room when her parents go away. At her room, they find Walt Whitman’s book, Leaves of Grass, and find few quotes that are highlighted. Quentin then finds a location clue at his house and head to the location in search of Margo. He finds maps that are connected with holes from the pins. He later finds out that she is at Algoe, New York, and heads to Algoe with his friends on a road trip. After a road trip, Quentin and his friends arrive at Algoe, New York where Margo is. They see Margo writing down s tuffs in her black notebook. Margo is surprised to see that Quentin was able to find her but she soon recognizes their effort and starts to explain about herself. Quotes: 1) â€Å"†¦maybe she loved mysteries so much that she became one.† (Page.8) This quote is important because it’s foreshadowing Margo’s live later in the book. Margo disappeared after her adventurous night with Quentin, only left a few hints for him to look for her. She becomes a mystery for everyone because no one knows where she is. However, Quentin and his friends later found her in Algoe. Margo being different from others is represented with her mysteriousness and odd perception. 2) â€Å"It’s a paper town. I mean look at it, Q: look at all those cul-de-sacs, those streets that turn in on themselves, all the houses that were built to fall apart.† (Page. 57) As Quentin and Margo are on top of the Suntrust Building, Margo is explaining her point of view of the city where she has been living for eighteen years. By comparing Orlando to paper town. The way that she talks about the cul-de-sacs expresses her feeling of being trapped because the roads turn in on themselves not leaving any open places. Also, the paper town relates to the houses where everything is frail including the people who live there because they only care about things that concern them blocking out  everything else. 3) â€Å"I looked down and thought about how I was made of paper. I was the flimsy-foldable person, not everyone else.† (Green 293). Margo explains to Quentin her real thoughts on paper town and paper girl reflecting on her previous statement at the Suntrust Building. Margo begins to understand herself better after having isolated herself by running away. Margo describing herself as â€Å"flimsy-foldable† refers to her dual life where everyone in school perceives her differently. She is viewed as the leader and the popular fashionable person admired by many of her fellow classmates. However, at home, there is a side that no one is aware of regarding Margo such as the record collection she owns. Regarding this fact, Margo can easily change herself to a different person just like paper changes its shape when it’s folded. Therefore, Margo herself sees and realizes who she really is through comparing herself to paper. Character Comparison: Quentin Jaconsen Quentin take his friends and family for granted, thing almost of his own wants and selfish. However, he is also funny and intelligent and has a good heart. In Quentin I found a character I was particularly able to relate in one way, his expectations of his best friend Ben. For pretty much throughout the book, Quentin constantly wants Ben to change. He wants him to stop being so crass, to stop using the word â€Å"honeybunny†, to stop being obsessed with finding a date to take to their prom and to stop being too busy or too tired when Quentin wants to talk again about Margo or play Resurrection. Basically, Quentin wants Ben to be exactly like him. He never truly accepts Ben for who he is. Like what Radar tells him â€Å"You know your problem, Quentin? You keep expecting people not to be themselves. I mean, I could hate you for being massively unpunctual and for never being interested in anything other than Margo Roth Spiegelman, and for, like, never asking me about how it’s going with my girlfriend – but I don’t give a shit, man, because you’re you†¦.You’re funny and you’re smart, and you may show up late, but you always show up eventually.† (Page. 194). Radar then goes on to tell Quentin â€Å"Just saying: stop thinking Ben should be you, and he needs to stop thinking you should be him.† (Page. 195). Reading Radar’s speech helped me to realize I have the same problem with Quentin. I want people not to be  themselves. I want them to be nicer, happier, friendlier, less self-involved, more sincere, more understanding, more enthusiastic, more interest in the thing I’m interested in and a whole of other things. I want them to be what I want them to be. But I don’t just do this with people. I do it with everything. I constantly crave everything in my life to be better, to be more exciting, to be more meaningful than it really is. I think this is because I can’t help but imagine all the awesome and amazing possibilities of what someone or something could be. Connection: In another book of John Green, Looking for Alaska, Alaska mysteriously goes missing, just like Margo. However, in the real world, generally, there are quite a few teenagers who run away from home because they are misunderstood or they feel the need to just get away from the stress, which was the case with Margo. Seminar Question: If I were to lead a seminar discussion on Paper Towns by John Green, I would ask â€Å"Since Margo compared herself to paper, who is the real her? Does she feel comfortable for not being who she really is? Is that mean Quentin been liking the â€Å"paper† Margo all the time?†

Christmas Tree Elephant Toothpaste Chemistry Demo

Christmas Tree Elephant Toothpaste Chemistry Demo Did you know you can do the elephant toothpaste demonstration to make a Christmas tree holiday chemistry demonstration? Its extremely easy, plus it makes an excellent demo to do before the  holiday break! Christmas Tree Elephant Toothpaste Materials There are a few ways to set this up to make a Christmas tree. The key is to add green food coloring to get the tree effect and then either perform the demonstration in an erlenmeyer flask, which naturally produces the tree shape, or else perform the reaction in a tube with a tree template placed over it. You can make a tree shape from aluminum foil, with slots cut up the side and an opening at the top to force the foam from the reaction out into the proper shape. 50 ml of detergent100 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide10 ml of a saturated solution of potassium iodidegreen food coloringerlenmeyer flask or homemade Christmas tree model Procedure Place the erlenmeyer or your Christmas tree container on the lab bench. Add the detergent, peroxide and food coloring.Pour the potassium iodide solution into this mixture to catalyze the reaction.Optionally, touch a glowing splint to the foam tree to relight the splint and demonstrate that the bubbles are filled with oxygen. Safety Information Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer. This demonstration uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the home variety, which means you need to wear gloves to protect your hands against an accidental splash or spill, which could cause a burn. Chemistry Hydrogen peroxide is catalytically decomposed into water and oxgen. This is a nice example of an exothermic reaction. The audience will be able to see steam rising from the foam. The overall equation for the elephant toothpaste chemical reaction is: 2 H2O2(aq) → 2 H2O(l) O2(g) The decomposition reaction of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen is catalzyed by the iodide ion. H2O2(aq) I-(aq) → OI-(aq) H2O(l) H2O2(aq) OI-(aq) → I-(aq) H2O(l) O2(g) Dishwashing detergent is added to capture the oxygen and form bubbles. This is an exothermic reaction which may produce steam. Kid-Friendly Version of the Demonstration If you cant obtain 30% hydrogen peroxide or simply want a demonstration that is safe enough for kids to perform, you can perform an easy variation of this demonstration: detergentwarm water3% hydrogen peroxide (the type sold at pharmacies)pack of active yeast (from a grocery store)green food coloring In an erlenmeyer or tree-shaped container, mix together 1/4 cup detergent, 1/2 cup of the 3% hydrogen peroxide and several drops of green food coloring.In a separate container, stir the packet of yeast into a small amount of warm water. Allow 5 minutes for the yeast to activate before proceeding with the demonstration.Perform the demonstration by pouring the yeast mixture into the peroxide and detergent mixture. This reaction does not produce the huge volume of foam of the traditional elephant toothpaste reaction, but all of the chemicals are safe enough for kids to handle. In this reaction, yeast catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas: 2H2O2 → 2H2O O2(g) As in the other reaction, the detergent captures the oxygen to form bubbles. Less foam is produced because there is a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide to decompose. Learn More Red and Green Color Change Christmas DemonstrationElephant Toothpaste VariationsBorax Crystal Snowflake Decoration

How to Identify a Pseudoscience

How to Identify a Pseudoscience A pseudoscience is a fake science that makes claims based on faulty or nonexistent scientific evidence. In most cases, these pseudosciences present claims in a way that makes them seem possible, but with little or no empirical support for these claims. Graphology, numerology, and astrology, are all examples of pseudosciences. In many cases, these pseudosciences rely on anecdotes and testimonials to back up their often outlandish claims. How to Identify Science vs. Pseudoscience If you are trying to determine if something is a pseudoscience, there are a few key things you can look for: Consider the purpose. Science is focused on helping people develop a deeper, richer and fuller understanding of the world. Pseudoscience often focuses on furthering some type of ideological agenda.Consider how challenges are dealt with. Science welcomes challenges and attempts to disprove or refute different ideas. Pseudoscience, on the other hand, tends to greet any challenges to its dogma with hostility.Look at the research. Science is supported by a deep and ever-growing body of knowledge and research. Ideas around the topic may have changed over time as new things are discovered and new research is performed. Pseudoscience tends to be fairly static. Little may have changed since the idea was first introduced and new research might not exist.Can it be proven false? Falsifiability is a key hallmark of science. This means that if something is false, researchers could prove that it was false. Many pseudoscientific claims are simply untestable, so there is no way for researchers to pr ove these claims false. Example Phrenology is a good example of how a pseudoscience can capture the public attention and become popular. According to the ideas behind phrenology, bumps on the head were thought to reveal aspects of an individuals personality and character. Physician Franz Gall first introduced the idea during the late 1700s and suggested that the bumps on a persons head corresponded to the physical features of the brains cortex. Gall studied the skulls of individuals in hospitals, prisons, and asylums and developed a system of diagnosing different characteristics based upon the bumps of a persons skull. His system included 27 faculties that he believed directly corresponded to certain parts of the head. Like other pseudosciences, Galls research methods lacked scientific rigor. Not only that, any contradictions to his claims were simply ignored. Galls ideas outlived him and grew wildly popular during the 1800s and 1900s, often as a form of popular entertainment. There were even phrenology machines that would be placed over a persons head. Spring-loaded probes would then provide a measurement of different parts of the skull and calculate the individuals characteristics. While phrenology was eventually dismissed as a pseudoscience, it did have an important influence on the development of modern neurology. Gall’s idea that certain capabilities were linked to certain parts of the brain led to a growing interest in the idea brain localization, or the notion that certain functions were linked to specific areas of the brain. Further research and observations helped researchers gain a greater understanding of how the brain is organized and the functions of different areas of the brain. Sources: Hothersall, D. (1995). History of Psychology. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc. Megendie, F. (1855). An elementary treatise on human physiology. Harper and Brothers. Sabbatini, R.M.E. (2002). Phrenology: The History of Brain Localization. Wixted, J. (2002). Methodology in experimental psychology. Capstone.

Business report explaining a certain topic Essay

Business report explaining a certain topic - Essay Example Another motivating factor can be where people will be motivated to reach their target. This will lead to their success and recognition. The need for recognition and job satisfaction which is that emotional payoff can also be a motivator (Madura, Jeff 35). This topic also looks at the importance of motivation. This helps in appreciating this topic. Some of the benefits it provided by motivation include improving the level of efficiency of people. It helps to appreciate that in order to get quality output from employees, the gap between ability and that willingness has to be filled. This in turn also helps in the achievement of the organizational goals. Employees who feel appreciated are most likely to work efficiently as they feel as being part of the organization. Goals may be achieved where co-ordination and co-operation takes place simultaneously. This can be done effectively through motivation. Motivation is important to understand as these leads to retention and stability of staff. This is because they will feel as being part of the organization. By looking at the importance of motivation, the topic also looks at the causes of de-motivation. A drop in staff motivation can become damaging to the business if the cause of de-motivation is not identified and addressed. Some of these de-motivating factors include: Inadequate job skills due to lack of training of staff. This affects the confidence of employees and frustrates the employees that affect their motivation. This is because of lack of the knowledge to perform what is expected from them. It can also be caused by goal flaws where company goals may not be inclusive of the interests of the employees. This in turn makes employees not to feel as part of the organization leading to their de-motivation. Overwork is another de-motivating factor. Employees who are overworked often loose there motivation even if they receive payment for overtime worked. The topic also

Bribery and corruption in the public sector Essay

Bribery and corruption in the public sector - Essay Example These are regulations and authorizations, taxation, and spending decisions. On the whole, Mauro explained that when these direct factors are in place, people simply try to forego them as a way of fulfilling their personal gains. By so doing, they are caught in the web of bribery and corruption. A typical example of this is some who engages in bribery or other corrupt means to get a passport, a shop opened or tax invaded. Examples of indirect factors include the level of public sector wages and penalty systems. Explaining further, Pope (2000) postulated that in countries such as Sweden where pay levels are high, corrupt practices are hardly likely to happen. Tzong-Shiang and Xu also argued that passed on the classical model of crime prevention, corruption is most likely to occur when the penalty for bribery and corruption cannot be seen to be more deterring than what a person gets from indulging in the acts. Impact of supply-side and demand led corruption Like every other economic tra nsaction, corruption is also said to have a supply side and a demand side. The supply side of bribery and corruption generally refers to the favor seeker who is willing to buy money or a gift to change the normal course at which public activities and transactions must be performed. The supply side, on the other hand, refers to the public official who willingly takes a bribe or engages in the corrupt act as an abuse of power vested in him or her to offer contracts, issue license or allocate any form of a scare resource.