Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Open Table System in Blackshop Restaurant Coursework

Open Table System in Blackshop Restaurant - Coursework Example The Cerny brother emphasized on the concept of human tough and considers the tremendous success of the restaurant for the same. However, it is seen that extensive work done manually gives rise to mistakes which consequently affects the quality of services and impacts on the revenue too. The project makes an analysis of the present conditions of operations for the restaurant. Based on the above it puts forth reasons why an online reservation system called Open Table must be incorporated. The relative advantages of doing the same are presented in the project. Finally, a suitable operational strategy has been recommended in the project. This includes the market analysis, marketing, and advertising plan, reservation system, and operations for the restaurant. The quality of services and the role of the front office staff have also been highlighted in this regard.In order to know whether the Open Table system should be incorporated into the organization, it is important to understand the f unctions of the system and its relevance in the organization. Open Table was established in the year 1998 and operated a website which connected numerous reservation-taking restaurants and customers who dined at the restaurants (Huber, Larmaraud, Li & Williams, 2009, p.1). Open System is a reservation, guest management, and table management software designed for the restaurants. The software and hardware systems of smoothened the process of automation of reservations, table management by replacing the conventional methods of reservations by restaurant hosts and hostesses using pen and paper. The system is used by users for the construction of customer databases which fosters guest recognition and allows targeted e-mail marketing. Moreover, the open system also helps the restaurants to save cost and time, improve their services, attract businesses, and increase revenue in terms of the numbers of diners and also improve efficiencies with tools of table management. The system was prima rily aimed at the independent restaurant groups, restaurants, hotels and resorts. The system has been adopted by numerous customers across different nations like Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and Spain. The main advantage offered by the system is that it allows its users to allow electronic reservations using their website.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Effects of Computer Society Essay Example for Free

Effects of Computer Society Essay Traditionally, courses that deal with computers and society issues focus primarily on enumerating the various ways in which computers impact society. This is done by listing categories of topics such as privacy, computers in medicine, military uses of computers, etc. Classic cases of computer abuse or errant systems are typically described in detail, as a way of simply making students more aware of how computers affect society. These examples are meant to serve as warnings to future professionals, in the hopes that they will practice their profession with greater care. What is missing from these discussions, however, is  why  computers have the impact they do on society. What are the characteristics that are the root of this impact? Are there fundamental differences between this technology and others that have transformed our world in the past? The intent of developing a list of these characteristics is that it could lead to a better understanding of the nature of the social impact of computers. In this way, it might be possible to examine a new computer project at the time of its  design  (not, as is the usual case, a long time after the project has been implemented and disseminated) to determine its potential impacts as a social change agent. The characteristics given below are not necessarily unique to computer technology. However, in many instances computers have created situations that were previously impossible to accomplish (such as space flight), were essentially inconceivable until the technology was applied, or at least were very difficult to achieve without the aid of computer technology. Furthermore, even though other technologies may have had impacts similar to computers in many ways, computer technology has greatly amplified their effects to the point of entirely overshadowing any previous technologys impact. Finally, the term  computer technology  is meant to be inclusive of any device that is essentially controlled by a basic computer (CPU, program, etc. ). This would include, therefore, modern telephones, VCRs, microwave ovens, CAT scanners, supermarket scanners, and the like. The following are in no particular order. Also, some devices or examples are likely to fit into more than one of the categories below: (1) Ubiquity It is perhaps stating the obvious that computers appear to be everywhere today. Even when we dont encounter them directly in their various forms of modern convenience devices, such as digital watches, microwave ovens, VCRs, and the like, we generate transactions that are processed via computers without actively doing anything: the utility companies are recording our usage, the phone company records incoming calls, our answering machine might be recording a message while we are doing something else, someone is performing a credit check on us, etc. (2) Magnification Computers tend toward magnification in several different ways. First, the explosion of the availability of information is due in large part to the computers ability to generate, collect, and store an ever increasing amount of raw data. Since the ability to create and collect data is growing exponentially, so too is the generation of information that can be synthesized from this data. Second, the types of negative impacts a single error can have has grown enormously with computer technology. Finally, the number of people directly affected by a system error has also grown enormously, to where a single software system literally can affect millions directly. 3) Accessibility Access to information continues to increase at hard to believe speeds. Many information resources are available only in digital form, via, for instance, the Internet. As more information is converted to digital form (e. g. voice and video), the ability to duplicate and distribute such information increases enormously. Indeed, there are some forms of publishing that can exist only within the context of a computer system. The concept of hypertext and hypermedia (including audio and video), the ability to create non-linear accessibility to information, was conceived out of the ability to randomly access information via computers. Its increasing success easily shows how important information in a digital form has become already. (Oz, 1994). (5) Lack of Accountability It has become a popular complaint that it is getting more and more difficult to locate a human being who is willing to accept responsibility for an error made by a computerized system. While it is tempting to blame such problems on incompetent employees, in truth the problem may be a poor user interface, lack of training, or an error in the software, none of which can be solved by those providing the front-line service. Another difficulty is finding someone who will, indeed, fix an error in an account. It is often the case that service representatives are reluctant to accept the responsibility for making a necessary change. In addition, it can often be difficult to even find a human being to deal with a problem. Getting lost in a voice-mail system has become a modern urban legend. (Nissenbaum, 1994). (6) Temporality Computers have several effects on time and the timeliness of information. It seems that computer technology is to blame in large part for the speed p of modern society everything has to get done faster, be there sooner, be available immediately. Another form of temporality in computer systems is that information can be retained over long periods of time, even when they appear to have been destroyed (consider the classic case of Col. Oliver North). There is little reason that information should be entirely lost any more, even due to accident. And it is reasonable to suspect that every s crap of information generated today will be available virtually forever. Another temporal shift for which computers have been responsible is that people who work together do not necessarily have to do so at the same time. Finally, services and information are more frequently available on a 24-hour basis. This allows people to request a service or seek information when it fits their schedule, rather than when it fits the service providers schedule. (7) Spatiality Computers have done more to shorten distances than any previous technology, even the supersonic jet. It is possible to send large amounts of data, messages, video, etc. virtually anywhere in the world via networks such as Internet. Long distance learning, using information databases or video feeds of courses via satellite, is a reality for a growing portion of our modern society. We can now even be on the move when we talk with someone on the phone, or receive a fax. (8) Surveillability Is there any doubt that computers have made surveillance easier than at any time in history? In addition to the usual surveillance equipment such as cameras and microphones, transactional data is increasingly being collected for virtually all types of transactions, even cash purchases and the acquisition of services. There has even been discussion by the government of using a universal health card, which is seen by many as the first step toward finalizing the move (begun with the co-opting of the social security number) in the US toward a national identification card. (9) Shifting of Relationships/Changes in Intercommunication Protocols One of the more difficult characteristics to track is how computer technology has changed communication between people and groups of people. In particular, the use of email has been shown to eliminate a lot of the usual visual and verbal cues we often use in communicating with one another (whch can be viewed as both an advantage and as a disadvantage). In addition to removing such cues, computer-mediated communications mask attributes such as race, gender, age, or physical disability, in addition, perhaps, to the persons social or management status within an organization. (Grudin, 1994; Perrole, 1987). (10) Illusion of Precision It is not difficult to make many (perhaps even most) people who are not in the computer field believe that any numeric result generated by a computer is correct. Those not well versed in the hardware of computers have little understanding of the fact that numbers must be converted back and forth between decimal and binary forms, or that there is a limitation on the accuracy of numbers due to memory constraints. As a result, they willingly accept values generated by a computer as infinitely accurate. (Liffick, 1985). Conclusion The characteristics described above are factors in the social impact of computer technology. For most there is at least anecdotal evidence of their existence (with seemingly countless examples). For some, there is also experimental evidence. It has finally become widely accepted that technology is not value neutral, as originally thought. By examining this list and using it as a set of landmarks for evaluating new systems, it may be possible to better anticipate the social impact of new systems, prior to their dissemination.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Breast Cancer :: Health

Breast Cancer In the United States in 2005 alone, 43,063 died from breast cancer. It is the number two cancer killer and the number one cancer in females ages 15 to 54. On average if a woman gets this disease, their life expectancy drops nineteen and a half years. This cancer is within the top three cancers of all woman above the age of 15, and comprises 6% of all health care costs in the U.S. totaling an astounding 35 billion dollars a year. An average woman is said to have a one in thirty chance of getting the cancer, but if that person had family history of the disease, their chances have been measured up to a one in six chance. Sixty ©nine percent of African ©American women survive from it, and there are predicted to be nearly two million new cases reported this year in the U.S. The disease is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a group of rapidly reproducing, undifferentiated cells in the area of the breast in women. The earliest changes occur in the epithelial cells of the terminal end buds (TEB) of the breast milk ductal system. While the outlining steps of breast cancer are unknown, the cells in the breast trigger a reaction of cell reproduction. These new cancer cells form tumors. If cancer cells are active or are considered malign, the tumor grows at tremendous speeds, and may end up in metastasis. Metastasis is a complex process in which cells break away from their primary tumors, and via the blood supply or through the lymph system relocate into other organs, thus spreading cancer throughout the body if left untreated. Generally, if a lump is smaller than one centimeter, it is considered benign, although every woman should consult her doctor about any unusual bumps or feeling in the chest. One sign of breast cancer results from ductal cancer in the breast. A once hollow open tube could be completely clogged up with cancerous cells thus leaving an awkward feeling in the chest area. Other complications that result from this cancer and others is on top of the clogging and cramming of the system, the body's need to not only supply for itself, but for the large tumors. Recently genes have been touted as a great cause of cancer. It now is thought among the medical community that while there are definite environmental contributors to cancer, even those people who are exposed to few carcinogens may suffer from disease that runs in their families. Among the genes that is being heavily researched is the gene BRCA1. In one of Breast Cancer :: Health Breast Cancer In the United States in 2005 alone, 43,063 died from breast cancer. It is the number two cancer killer and the number one cancer in females ages 15 to 54. On average if a woman gets this disease, their life expectancy drops nineteen and a half years. This cancer is within the top three cancers of all woman above the age of 15, and comprises 6% of all health care costs in the U.S. totaling an astounding 35 billion dollars a year. An average woman is said to have a one in thirty chance of getting the cancer, but if that person had family history of the disease, their chances have been measured up to a one in six chance. Sixty ©nine percent of African ©American women survive from it, and there are predicted to be nearly two million new cases reported this year in the U.S. The disease is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a group of rapidly reproducing, undifferentiated cells in the area of the breast in women. The earliest changes occur in the epithelial cells of the terminal end buds (TEB) of the breast milk ductal system. While the outlining steps of breast cancer are unknown, the cells in the breast trigger a reaction of cell reproduction. These new cancer cells form tumors. If cancer cells are active or are considered malign, the tumor grows at tremendous speeds, and may end up in metastasis. Metastasis is a complex process in which cells break away from their primary tumors, and via the blood supply or through the lymph system relocate into other organs, thus spreading cancer throughout the body if left untreated. Generally, if a lump is smaller than one centimeter, it is considered benign, although every woman should consult her doctor about any unusual bumps or feeling in the chest. One sign of breast cancer results from ductal cancer in the breast. A once hollow open tube could be completely clogged up with cancerous cells thus leaving an awkward feeling in the chest area. Other complications that result from this cancer and others is on top of the clogging and cramming of the system, the body's need to not only supply for itself, but for the large tumors. Recently genes have been touted as a great cause of cancer. It now is thought among the medical community that while there are definite environmental contributors to cancer, even those people who are exposed to few carcinogens may suffer from disease that runs in their families. Among the genes that is being heavily researched is the gene BRCA1. In one of

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Isaac’s Storm

Isaac’s Storm Isaac Cline dealt with perils that no one should have ever had to endure. Erik Larson was very good at describing what he thought and saw, but a little too much. His descriptions were too lengthy and the subject didn’t catch my attention until much later in the book. The book was written very well it excluded the too familiar he said she saids. The language flows with clarity and precision. His recount of the storm’s destruction sucks you into the dramatic effects as the storm takes over the town. Some of my favorite parts of the book are in the beginning I love the metaphors and similes. The beginning catches you by taking you across the world to Africa, â€Å"It began as all things must, with an awakening of molecules. The sun rose over the African highlands east of Cameroon and warm grasslands, forests, lakes, and rivers, and the men and creatures that moved and breathed among them; it warmed their exhalations and caused these to rise upward as a great plume of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, the earth’s soul. † That creates such a beautiful picture of all elements working together I love it. I also think that the fact that it’s true is amazing. Over 10, 000 people dead from one hurricane. Technology has advanced so much even since then. I can’t imagine what Hurricane Katrina would have done if no one had been warned. It’s so important for education to progress and expand. Isaac took on a tremendous responsibility when he didn’t realize what was coming; I don’t think it was his fault though. He thought he was prepared and nothing could have prepared him, or anyone for the tragedy that the hurricane brought. It’s very interesting learning about the politics of the weather bureaus and how everything works. I never knew how much the weatherman did. The things that they measure and predict are really incredible. The most interesting part of the book was when the storm actually hit. The way Erik Larson describes the events happening to Isaac makes you feel like you’re watching them through Isaac’s eyes. It makes me really appreciate living in the mountains where tropical storms and tornados don’t destruct our beautiful valley. Another one of my favorite paragraph’s was, â€Å"the air cooled rapidly as it pierced colder and colder layers of atmosphere and encountered lower and lower pressure. The lower the pressure, the more the air expanded. As it expanded it cooled. It continued to rise but less than a mile above the earth crossed a threshold, and a phase change occurred. The air got so cold, it could no longer retain the water it carried. The vapor condensed en masse, as if at the tap of a conductor’s baton. The resulting droplets were so tiny they remained suspended in the rising air. † It’s fun reading about the facts when he relates them to familiar things. It lightens the book and catches your attention again. I definitely leaned a lot in this book. Before I didn’t really know anything about weather, especially all of the tools to measure the wind pressure and how to watch the tides and so on. I enjoyed learning about all of these things even though I learned more than I care for about how precise the weather is. I also learned much more about Texas and Galveston. It would be nice if Erikson would have included a dictionary like Ella Minnow Pea, so that you didn’t have to go back and forth throughout the book to double check. Overall the book wasn’t too bad. I liked how he makes the whole story come to life, but in doing so he seems to drag on in details.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Principles of Learning David Robertson

As the Course Lecturer for the Automotive Department at Newcastle College it is my duty, and end, to guarantee that the basic underpinning cognition ( both practical and theoretical ) of Motor Vehicle Engineering is delivered to the pupils of the section so they may fix, either for City and Guilds scrutiny, or employment in a local motor vehicle constitution. Many weighty volumes have been penned with respect to the annoyed inquiry of Learning Theories in instruction, their supposed benefits, and their effects upon larning and whether they exist as separate entities at all. However, before any decisions can be arrived at, an apprehension of the assorted theories, their chief supporters and their consequence upon larning will necessitate to be grasped. After a casual probe into the single theory I will follow up with my ideas as to the deductions in relation to my peculiar country of instruction. Prior to this analysis it is necessary to supply an overview of the acquisition manners presently used in the field of Education These manners fall into three groups: A/ Cognitive- In the Cognitive manner pupils gain theoretical cognition through the airing of information normally in a category based environment. This is extremely relevant to drive vehicle technology as the topic is inherently complex. B/ Psychomotor- In the Psychomotor manner pupils are required to show a scope of practical workshop based accomplishments. This is critical in that the topic is one that demands a grade of manual sleight. C/ Affective- In the Affective manner pupils learn how to carry on themselves perform and follow the right attitude in a workshop environment. This is merely a instance of endurance ; a workshop is a potentially unsafe topographic point to be in. All of the above manners are, to changing grades and dependent upon the lesson in inquiry, employed in the theories listed below. Learning theories, or rules of acquisition, have been developed ( sometimes over decennaries ) and honed to better the instructors apprehension of the procedure of pupil acquisition. Therefore, instructors require an apprehension of these rules, which highlight countries where pupils are most likely to associate to, and so learn from. These rules include the Fieldss of:CognitivismBehaviorismHumanitarianismGestaltSocial LearningWe as instructors, sometimes without cognizing it, be given to accommodate our manner of bringing to suit these rules subconsciously. However, with an apprehension of these rules combined with a background cognition of the pupils themselves, such rules, as listed above, could good better the manner in which a lesson is delivered, and so, accordingly, better the acquisition of the pupils.CognitivismThe group of educationists, known jointly as the Cognitivists, among whom are the noteworthy figures of Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner and Lev Vygotsky topographic point major accent on the pupils themselves and how they get, and mentally organize, the cognition they gain, in consequence how they â€Å" know † the universe around them. The over all procedure is a complex system of unseeable mental activities working together to bring forth a nett addition in understanding. Basically, it is about thought, deriving cognition, retrieving and concluding. Pioneering work in the field of cognitive development was chiefly done with kids in an effort to understand how they learn, so cognitive development can be viewed as the growing of logical thought over clip ( state as the kid matures ) and with due mention to the scholars environment from childhood to adulthood. Professor J.Bruner termed this as a signifier of â€Å" scaffolding † , whereby an grownup would bit by bit take the support built up around the kid ( or older scholar ) as they become more able to understand, or maestro, a peculiar undertaking. The Russian Marxist Philosopher Lev Vygotsky nevertheless ( working in pre WWII Russia ) , given he is in the Cognitivist cantonment, did non utilize the staging theory at all, alternatively he developed a parallel theory called The Zone of Proximal Development in which the scholar is at the Centre of a group of homocentric circles, with what is already known at the Centre and what is to be learned radiating out in rings. The overall construct is that the scholar, with aid from either older kids or grownups, moves ( via direction ) from the interior countries to the outer thereby deriving cognition and proficiency. This is reinforced by Reece & A ; Walker who province â€Å" Students do non simply receive information, but actively make a form of what it means to them † . ( Reece & A ; Walker 2003 p86 ) In the Cognitive attack to instruction, cognition is viewed as symbolic and as the overall consequence of larning while larning itself occurs through the repeat of a peculiar undertaking. The pupil is encouraged and motivated to experiment, from which they will hopefully deduce a sense of accomplishment. With mention to my learning the Cognitive attack is clearly apparent, and so it lends itself ideally to the country as job resolution and experimentation ( for illustration reiterating a undertaking until proficient ) is a major tool in the assessment procedure of my scholars. An illustration of this is when a peculiar pupil listens to my verbal bringing, so understands the construct and eventually remembers the solution to a job ; besides if they can hold on the logical thinking behind the job so they will hold fulfilled all four standards for cognitive acquisition. They can so come on and utilize this maintained cognition to work out other, more complex, Motor Vehicle Engineering inquiries. The of import thing to retrieve is that my scholars are non inactive in this state of affairs, but originative in footings of what the instruction and acquisition agencies to them, they are active participants in the acquisition procedure, utilizing their cognitive accomplishments to understand a fresh state of affairs.BehaviorismAs Curzon ( 1997 p36 ) states â€Å" Behaviourism arose as a reaction to larning being interpreted as mere mental operation † . The Behaviourist attack to acquisition is based on a chiefly nineteenth century construct that following a scientific attack to the survey of human existences, and their responses to outside stimulations, may good supply an penetration into how people learn. It was to a great extent influenced by animate being experiments ( a front-runner of many behaviorists ) which demonstrated the consequence on encephalon forms of controlled conditions and stimulation ; it was further argued that this could be carried over to worlds. The Russian Physicist Pavlov ( 1849-1936 ) is best known for his experiments with Canis familiariss. Basically, he linked a specific sound with the proviso of nutrient which caused the Canis familiaris to salivate. After some clip he discovered that the mere sound would do the Canis familiaris to salivate, so reenforcing the theory that a stimulation based response was taking topographic point in the Canis familiaris. However when this was carried over to conditional human responses the ability of worlds to utilize linguistic communication to pass on â€Å" muddied the Waterss † slightly as this accomplishment interfered with pure inherent aptitudes based responses. He concluded that worlds have fewer inherent aptitudes than animate beings ( or instead the 1s we had have been eroded by development ) hence human behavior is governed by conditional responses. He besides believed that mental phenomenon could be dealt with objectively and scientifically when it is seen as discernible and mensurable behavior. John B Watson was another chief advocate of the Behaviourist school of idea in relation to human acquisition. He thought that behavior could be modified through the actions of assorted stimulations upon the individual and that, as a effect, the person in inquiry could be â€Å" conditioned † through these stimulations to bring on a alteration in behavior so prima to larning taking topographic point. In my instruction I use the procedure of giving feedback as a signifier of encouragement, and sometimes dispute, whether it is in the signifier of verbal congratulations, following a direct inquiry aimed at a peculiar pupil or in a written mode after measuring an assignment. I have found that positive feedback from me will take to better future work, and an increased degree of assurance, from the pupil. So in this manner a stimulations based response system is productive in my field. Positive feedback is an about guaranteed manner of bring oning larning in a pupil but this has to be tempered by the times when I have to be critical of the work of a pupil, it is a equilibrating act, on my portion, to happen the right degree of stimulations ( feedback ) to promote a pupil without detering them by being excessively critical. Sometimes a critical feedback study from me is designed, and worded, to advance a response in the peculiar pupil as if I am throwing down a challenge to them to better.HumanitarianismThe Humanist acquisition rule, or Humanism, grew out of a sense of dissatisfaction with other larning theories, particularly Behaviourism. The humanistic Psychologist Abraham Maslow ( 1890-1970 ) believed a scholar ‘s physiological demands, safety demands and the sense of belonging to a group had to be fulfilled before the motive to larn was realised, and his now celebrated ‘Hierarchy of Needs ‘ pyramid high spots this in item, runing, as it does, from the basic demands of nutrient and shelter at the base up to self-actualisation at the vertex. Maslow confirmed this, as quoted by Curzon ( 1997 p121 ) who states that â€Å" instruction has the undertaking of assisting each individual to go the best that he is able to go † . Among his beliefs were that scientific psychological science was inherently unfertile and dehumanising, he argued that people should be viewed as whole human existences and that the function of the instructor was to assist, rede and steer the pupil towards understanding. The basic needs nevertheless ( at the base of the pyramid ) are chiefly issues beyond the instructors ‘ control. However, Kyriacou ( 1998 p72 ) states â€Å" the increasing consciousness of the importance of furthering students ‘ ego regard has been a major development over the old ages † . This holistic attack to instruction pioneered by Maslow was shared by Carl Rogers who proposed that larning should be student find led. Building upon the consensus that pupils retain about 5 % of instruction delivered strictly by talk and that they retain a great trade more if the pupil finds out, or discovers, the information for themselves. Rogers called for the â€Å" humanization of the schoolroom † in order to make the ideal environment for acquisition. In relation to my learning the humanistic attack to acquisition has the undermentioned deductions: The demand to put the room environment in a mode contributing to larning ( so at least trying to carry through Maslow ‘s most basic demands ) for illustration warming, illuming and chair agreement to name but three is non ever possible for logistical grounds. I need to move as a facilitator, or conduit, through which pupil acquisition can happen. In other words become a resource for the pupils to use and work. There is a demand to integrate my ain experiences of the topic into the lesson bringing, but some of my â€Å" narratives † loose something in the relation. All the clip non burying that I am the instructor and the pupils are at College to larn through my direction so at that place will necessarily be a certain grade of farness on my portion even if merely for the fact that I can ne'er be a portion of the group wholly, there is, and has to be, a limit line between instructor and pupil. For this ground entirely ( if no other ) the Humanism theory of instruction is one that I do non favor in its classical complete sense. However parts of it I can, and do, utilize for illustration I find it benefits most groups if I adopt the â€Å" older brother † ethos on occasion instead than ever portraying the distant instructor.GestaltGestalt ( from the German for structured form ) is the school of educational thought concerned with following an overall position to acquisition, in other words the whole is greater than the amount of the single parts. Gestaltists believe that understanding demands consciousness, on the portion of the pupil, of th e relationship between assorted facts and how they interrelate to bring forth an overall image. Previous experiences in the life of the scholar will assist to lend to the procedure of apprehension, but the existent procedure of thought is more of import than mere callback. Understanding, harmonizing to Gestaltists, is based upon a procedure known as Insight. Insight is non a lucky conjecture, arrived at by mere opportunity, but is when a pupil all of a sudden becomes cognizant of the solution to a job ; the â€Å" light bulb above the caput † or the â€Å" penny dropping † seems to sum up the state of affairs absolutely. Something that, on the surface, is an bete noire to repetitive or rote acquisition. It is fundamentally the gaining, or acquisition, and keeping of penetration, by the pupil, that is at the bosom of the theory of Gestalt. Besides the choice and retrieval of information is indispensable if other, new constructions of perceptual experience are to be created. The thought is that the instructor must construction larning during the lesson so that scholars reach an overview, detect inter-relationships, and can therefore pattern independent productive thought. In the world of my mundane learning the whole construct of leting the pupil to come across the correct reply by penetration is to state the least impractical. Faced with a group of Motor Vehicle pupils fighting to hold on the complexnesss of the internals of a auto engine and stating to them that the reply will come if merely they had insight is unusually brave of any teacher Lashkar-e-Taiba alone me. This may good work on a one to one footing when I, the instructor, have the clip to give but with a big category, of changing ability, it is a non-starter in footings of a instruction scheme.Social LearningBesides known as the Social Cognitive Theory, this peculiar field of involvement narrows in on how people learn in a societal context or, in other words, the procedure whereby people gain cognition through societal interaction either by talking to, detecting, or following the illustration of another individual, or group of people, in a societal ( or vocational ) scene. An illustration of Social Learning ( that most people will hold undergone ) is when a new employee is inducted into the ethos of their new employer. The innovators of Social Learning Theory ( among whom are the honored figures of A. Bandura, J. Lave and E. Wenger ) propose that the group state of affairs is ideal for breeding larning via the persons in that group working together to accomplish a common end. Inevitably, in any group, there will be a broad assortment of anterior acquisition or experience but it is this really diverseness that is the strength of this peculiar theory. Because a diverse scope of people are â€Å" thrown † together in a group state of affairs this requires them to speak, interact, communicate & A ; acquire involved in the job in inquiry hopefully taking to a solution to the job and bring oning a alteration in behavior ( larning ) in the persons. Because the group have a inquiry to reply this is the foundation upon which duologue is built and, as Lindeman ( 1926 p86 ) says: â€Å" Active engagement in interesting personal businesss furnishes proper stimulations for rational growing † . In my instruction I use the Social Learning attack rather frequently. I find that a group work state of affairs will normally be more productive in footings of retained larning than a talk based bringing manner. I see myself as more of a ‘facilitator ‘ than a ‘teacher ‘ in these Sessionss, by steering the pupils towards accomplishing larning by their ain, co-operative, attempts. I simply lay the foundations for the session by presenting certain inquiries and so ‘taking a spot of a back place ‘ as it were, all the clip monitoring advancement. At the terminal of the allowed clip for the exercising I will draw together the ideas from the disparate groups hopefully reenforcing the acquisition that has taken topographic point and rounding up any accomplishment in the session. Of the instruction theories illustrated above I have found that I personally favour the Cognitivist attack ; it has good deductions for my instruction, it lends itself ideally to the instruction of Engineering although the other theories are, to changing grades, helpful ( except Gestalt ) depending upon the peculiar acquisition activity in inquiry. Understanding the assorted larning theories can be utile, if non indispensable, in integrating different learning methods into the lessons. I recognise that over clip I teach, and deliver in, all of the larning countries nevertheless, concentrating on the most appropriate country ( and pupil larning manner ) should assist to better the success of my instruction.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The effects of Stress on Short Term Memory

The effects of Stress on Short Term Memory Free Online Research Papers When someone says the word stress the mind immediately shifts to a negative thought with painful consequences, although stress can be either positive or negative. Negative stress has been blamed for a variety of health issues as well as psychological and physiological symptoms and problems. It is estimated that millions of pounds are lost in work related, educational and health care costs every year due to stress. While stress is a naturally occurring reaction to the environment around the individual it can be harmful if prolonged or in increased amounts. For the purpose of this paper, we will examine the realms of stress and the impact of stress on memory. What is Stress? In a dangerous or unpleasant experience the body reacts automatically to the threat by the brain triggering a number of activities. Stress is defined as a reaction by the body to an internal or external perceived harmful threat, that causes the body to come under pressure or strain (Panzarino, 2006). During an event that an individual feels threatened, physiological triggers in the brain create a state in which many things take place. Chemicals such as adrenaline and Cortisol are released into the blood stream causing defensive actions to take place in the muscles. These chemicals cause heart rate increases which in turn increase blood pressure and blood sugar. The increase in blood flow allows additional oxygen to be distributed throughout the body that is needed for this increased state of alertness and energy. The body basically prepares itself for defensive actions by protecting itself or preparing to run, which ever is most feasible at the time. Most have heard of the term â€Å"fight or flight†; this is what is referred to as the stress induced state. If the individual is to flee they will need more energy and the ability to run from the threat. On the other hand if a fight is in order the body must be prepared for extended bursts of strength and endurance as well as healing capabilities. The chemicals released by the brain prepare the body for these reactions to a stressful event. After the threat has ended and the individual is returned to a stage of safety the body will then return to a normal state or a homeostasis. Types of Stress Acute Acute Stress is a type of stress that is an immediate reaction to an external event, such as a car accident or a loud noise. The immediate changes within the body allow the person to spring into action to determine the appropriate action that is needed. Everyone experiences acute stress on a daily basis. Examples include a soft drink spilling or a boss that is having a bad day at work. This type of stress resolves as quickly as it presents, causing no noticeable long-term effects. During acute stress the body and mind are at its very best. All brain functions including memory are very sharp and processing incoming data. The brain is working very hard to sort through the information and commits the experiences to memory for future use. If the stress is continued it can cause memory to be inhibited, but until that point the memory is sharp. Distress Distress is exactly like it sounds; a negative reaction to changes in environment, mental or internal events that cause an adverse reaction for the individual. The brain does not accept change without reacting. The brain functions more like a computer and works better under the presumption of a routine. When the routine is changed or altered the body reacts to the stress by setting into action a course of events designed to mitigate any perceived damage. Eustress Stress does not necessarily have to be a negative event that triggers the body to respond. Positive stress or eustress is referred to as a positive event that causes an individual to assume a fresh look on life and keep them engaged in living. Stress is the body’s natural reaction to changes in the environment regardless of whether they are positive or negative. For example, the birth of a new child places stress on the mother, but in a positive manner. Eustress has been linked to positive effects on memory in terms of new experiences and memories. Since eustress is typically not a prolonged state it poses little threat to the body and unlike its counterpart, distress, seldom becomes chronic. Chronic Acute stress, eustress and distress are normal reactions as a part of life. The concern and problems come in when the body continues the cycle of stress known as chronic stress. Chronic stress has been linked to serious medical concerns as well as psychological issues. Chronic stress weakens the body’s immune system making the individual more susceptible to illness (Miller, 2002). The frequency and duration of the body’s reaction to stress that is placed on organs of the body can also cause them to break down and begin to weaken leading to heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions. The brains activity during stress: The brain is where the origination of activity transpires when the body is in a state of stress. When an individual perceives a threat there are several hormones that are released. For example, if you are crossing the street and a speeding car turns the corner and is heading for you, your body enters into the stress reaction possibly before you even realize there is a threat. One of the first things that happens when faced with an immediate threat is the neurotransmitter adrenaline is released into the bloodstream in order to increase heart rate and change the rate of flow of blood. The organs necessary for survival are supplied with oxygen rich blood and all others are silenced. The pituitary gland releases the hormone known as adrenocorticotrophin (University of Pittsburgh, 2006). The adrenocorticotrophin is responsible for triggering the release of Cortisol in the adrenal gland (Miller, 2007). Cortisol is a very important hormone that is needed to free up energy stores and help re store the body to a normally functioning level. After the threat has subsided the body must restore normal energy levels and eliminate the excessive hormones that are circulating throughout the body. Cortisol assists by signaling the release of blood sugar from the liver as well releasing stores of fat for energy use. Cortisol can be said to organize and facilitate the hormones and neurotransmitters during the stressful event (Luipen, 2005). The release of Cortisol is a positive hormonal release for the body, but in cases of chronic stress the body can become accustomed to the additional need for Cortisol therefore increasing the demand. When this happens it can lead to health issues such as hypertension and heart disease (National Institute of Health, 2002). While the body is involved in sustaining safety, another very important activity is transpiring. During the release of the hormones the hippocampus is also engaged in a very important task. The data is stored in the hippocampus for a period of time and then moved into the cerebral cortex for long term storage. This is very important in the area of learning because it provides the individual experience to avoid another stressful situation or event. That is how we learn by experiencing then having the ability to access the information at a later date. In some cases the hippocampus is deprived of glucose because of continued stress it can cause permanent damage. The hippocampus is taxed with making new memories in order for storage and use at a later date. If the decreased glucose level is continued the hippocampus becomes unable to produce new memories. This happens many times in traumatic events and the individual is unable to remember the event. In case of reduced hippocampus abili ty it can not only inhibit memory but it can also inhibit the ability to learn. In a recent study with mice, researchers found that stressed mice were much slower in the learning process than their unstressed counterparts. The research concluded that stress causes a â€Å"fuzz like† symptom because of the slower cognitive processes (Pawlak, 2005). As we know chronic stress and even perceived stress can result in higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol has been linked to decreased memory as well as neuronal death (Neuroanatomy). Patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder were found to have a 10% reduction in the hippocampus (Neuroanatomy). This suggests that with repeated and chronic stress the release of the hormones can cause irreparable damage to the hippocampus, causing memories and functioning to diminish. Symptoms of Stress: Individuals react differently to stress and no two individuals are alike, but many have similar symptoms. Symptoms can be physiological or psychological. Either category can be detrimental to memory, learning and general feeling of wellness. Physical symptoms are the first reactions that the individual notices to a stressful event. People are different, but many are affected in similar ways to a stress induced state. Many suffer from a pounding or racing heart, which is in reference to the increased hormones released. With the influx of hormones it is not uncommon for the individual to experience nausea or abdominal pain. This is sometimes referred to as a hormone dump, when the individual suffers from nausea during or after a stressful event. Sweating, shortness of breath and diarrhea are also common physical symptoms of stress. As well as physical reactions there are a number of psychological or emotional symptoms to stress. As noted earlier when the cortisol is released into the bloodstream during a stressful event there can be marked mood swings (Miller, 2007). Emotional outbursts can also accompany and negative feelings. Many faced with a stressful event will feel as if they can not make a decision and have a lack of coping skills. This is because under pressure the brain has diverted all attention to surviving leaving the individual flooded with stimulus. The increased cortisol in the body interferes with the ability to think (Salposky, 2000). The brain typically reacts to the primary threat leaving other functioning lacking until the perceived threat has ended. Stress and its effects on the body: Not all stress is bad in fact it is not the stress state that is bad at all. Stress is your body’s reaction to a threat, which is a good thing. If your body did not react you would not be able to move or react in time to avoid harm or injury. Stress is a state in which the body allows more energy, which can work to the benefit of the individual. Example of how stress can give an edge is an athlete in a sporting event or a student waiting outside an examination room. That stress helps prepare the body for the feat that it is getting ready to undergo. Short periods of stress and the hormones produced by the brain can sharpen memory with the boost of energy that is given by the releasing hormones. This energy which is glucose can be used in productive manners in remembering and assisting the mind in categorizing the incoming data. This short-term surge of hormones and other chemicals produced by the body can allow the individual to have a sense of well being. Not only does the body undergo the physical changes that allow the person to sharpen their senses, it also improves memory. Stress and Memory: Short-term memory is often called the working or primary memory. It is the area of memory that is responsible for the complex cognitive processes such as logic, reasoning and learning. Information is stored in the short-term memory for seconds, minutes and up to about thirty minutes. After the period of time has elapsed some of the information is moved into long term memory. Many researchers have studied the effects of stress on memory. To expand on the earlier statement of deprivation of glucose to the hippocampus, it is apparent that damage can result causing impaired memory and learning abilities (Pawlak, 2005). In a study conducted with laboratory rats, scientists have found that when rats were subjected to ongoing stress there were physical changes within the brain. Chronic stress was found to alter the neurons in the hippocampus, causing a decrease in dendrite spines and NMDA receptors. The dendrite spines and NMDA receptors are two structures necessary for memory (Pawlak, 2005). It was found that the rat’s memory and learning ability was severely impaired. The hippocampus is responsible for recollections such as people, places and events and since the damage takes place within the hippocampus it is only reasonable to make the determination that short-term memory is negatively affected. Researchers have also questioned whether or not factors such as age and gender have any difference when evaluating the effects of stress on short-term memory. In a study conducted by Elzinga it was found that there are differences in the effects of Cortisol between gender and age (2005). In the study they found that men were more susceptible to the impact of Cortisol than women (Elzinga, 2005). Another very important factor found in a study conducted by Kleen, was rodents subjected to stress exhibited inhibitory reactions consistent with depression (2006). The rats were found to have decreased motivation and an increased adrenal size. The adrenal gland is located above the kidneys and is responsible for the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Cortisol and adrenaline (Elzinga, 2005). In a recent study conducted at the University of Miami found that college students that experienced thoughts of painful or stressful situations, though not traumatic had an elevated level of cor tisol in their saliva (McCullough, 2007). This signifies that the brain quickly retrieves the previous data and stress event triggering the biochemical reaction. In another study it was found that individuals that were given a 30mg cortisol were less negative after a stressful event than their control group counterparts (Het, 2007). The control group was given a placebo and found to be in a worsened mood with symptoms of negativity after a stressful event. The cortisol was found to help protect mood and negativity during and immediately following a stressful event (Het, 2007). The production of the adrenal glands decreases over time and dwindles in older adults, therefore, causing fatigue and a lack of motivation (Brennan, 2006). As documented by numerous other sources it is a well-known fact that fatigue and lack of motivation can cause short term memory to suffer. On a lighter note, research has found that the Cortisol induced inhibition of short-term memory is reversible. Elzinga documented that though working memory was inhibited in the Stress State, the rats returned to normal functioning after only ten days of non-stress situations (2005). Signifying with appropriate coping and managing stress individuals can ensure their health. There are a number of ways in which individuals can reduce the effects of stress in their lives. Exercise, proper diet and relaxation techniques can help with releases for built up tension and stress for individuals. Exercise has proven very effective in stress reduction. Stress is a normal part of human life and the manner in which the body protects itself is miraculous. When all is working correctly there is not a problem with the additional hormones or neurotransmitters produced, but in excess can become problematic. Research has shown that the body’s reactions to chronic stress can cause a host of medical conditions as well as inhibition and problems with memory. The effects of stress can be minimized with appropriate actions and awareness. Many studies have addressed the benefits of exercise and relaxation techniques as ways to alleviate everyday stress experienced by people. Alleviating recurring stress can prevent it from accumulating to a point of chronic stress and therefore negatively affecting the body’s normal functioning. A positive step towards addressing stress related health and memory issues is understanding the process by which the body protects itself as well as when a person may be experiencing more than normal str ess levels. Results Analysis Analysis of Questionnaire During the initial phase of this study, participants were asked to complete a self-assessment questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire was to obtain information regarding the perceived stress experienced by the participants. A total of 25 responses were recorded for each question. In a question relating to short-term memory, the test group made up 52 percent of the respondents while the control group made up the remaining 48 percent. Thirty-six percent of the total respondents reported their short-term memory as being good. Of those reporting good short-term memory, 16 percent came from the test group and 20 percent from the control group. Sixty percent of the participants reported short-term memory as average. Test and control groups broke down to 32 percent and 28 percent respectively. The remaining four percent self-reported poor short-term memory, all of which came from the test group. From a gender perspective, 48 percent of the participants were male and 52 perce nt were female. Twenty percent of the males and 16 percent of the females reported good short-term memory. Likewise, 28 percent of the males and 32 percent of the females reported average short-term memory. The remaining four percent reporting poor short-term memory came from the female group. In a second question relating to long-term memory, the results indicated that 24 percent of the test group and 20 percent of the control group reports long-term memory as good. Twenty-four percent of each group reported long-term memory as average. The remaining eight percent reporting poor long-term memory were from the test group. When breaking down according to gender, we found that the male participants reported long-term memory as good, average, and poor at a rate of 8%, 32%, and 8% respectively. Of the females reporting, 36 percent stated good long-term memory and 16 percent stated average long-term memory. No females reported poor long-term memory. In a question relating to stress, the possible answer choices ranged from never, sometimes, often, and all the time. Of the total responses, four percent reported never feeling stressed, 60 percent stated they sometimes feel stress, and eight percent advised they feel stressed often. Another four percent reported that they feel stressed all of the time. When analyzed for gender only, males reported feeling stressed only sometimes or often at a rate of 28 percent and 20 percent respectively. Females reported never feeling stressed or feeling stressed all of the time four percent for each category. Females most often reported sometimes feeling stress at a rate of 32 percent. The remaining 12 percent of females reported often feeling stress. Analysis of Pulse Rate. Group Differences in Pulse Rate for Memory Clinic Test 1. The autonomic nervous system releases hormones during periods of experience stress. The most commonly observed autonomic effects seen in most individuals are an increased heart rate, and breathing. These two effects are largely controlled through the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system. For the purposes of this study, how these systems contribute to an observable change in the pulse rate and blood pressure were examined. According to the literature, adrenocorticotrophin triggers the release of Cortisol, which organizes and facilitates the release of hormones and neurotransmitters during a stressful event (Luipen, 2005). Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream in response to stress, which causes the pulse and blood pressure to increase. The results of the study indicate that the pulse rate, prior to clinical treatment to stress averaged slightly more that 80 beats per minute. At the conclusion of the clinic treatment to stress, the test group showed a slight increase in pulse rate to between 90 and 100 beats per minute. The control group exhibited only a miniscule increase during this phase of the experimentation process. No significant differences were observed either prior to or post clinical treatment. Gender Differences in Pulse Rate for Memory Clinic Test 1. The gender differences observed prior to memory clinic 1 showed no statistical significant differences among the means with regards to observed pulse rate. The female control group exhibited a pulse rate of 80 with the males being slightly higher. The test group for each gender showed males to be slightly less than 80 beat per minute and females to be approximately 90 beats per minute. There were no absolute significant differences among the groups. However strictly among females, the pre-test results were nearing statistical significance between the control and test group. Posttest results indicate that both female and male respondents measured pulse rate changed by an insignificant amount for the control groups. The test group presented a slightly more observable increase with males showing the greatest overall change in pulse rate. A statistically significant difference among the means was observed between the fema le control and test groups. No other significant differences were observed during this phase of testing. Group and Gender Differences in Pulse Rate for Memory Clinic Test 2. Memory clinic test 2 provided similar results. Pre-test females and males measured pulse rate was unremarkable from pre-test measurements prior to memory clinic 1. The post test results showed very minor changes among both the control and test groups in females and males. The results provided no statistically significant differences in any group or gender. Comparison of Results the Current Literature. The results of the application of memory tests tend to provide limited support for the literature assertion that the induction of stressful events increases an individuals pulse rate (Panzarino, 2006). The differences observed between pre-test and post test measurements between the control and test groups provided no statistically significant results that fully support the hypothetical statement that stress causes the pulse rate to increase. However, the data does tend to show that stress and pulse rate may be correlated at some level and further studies may provide observations that are more significant. Analysis of Blood Pressure. Changes in blood pressure have also been enumerated as a physiological change in those subjected to stressful events. Blood pressure has also been associated with the release of hormones and neurotransmitters during a stressful event (Luipen, 2005). For the purposes of this study, a sphygmomanometer was used to measure the diastolic and systolic blood pressure of all participants. Group Differences in Blood Pressure for Memory Clinic Test 1. According to the results of memory clinic 1, the mean diastolic blood pressure among both groups was approximately 80 mm/hg both pre-test and post test. No statistically significant differences among the means were observed. The systolic measurements were similar among the groups and again no statistically significant differences were observed. Group Differences in Blood Pressure for Memory Clinic Test 2. When examining the results of memory clinic 2, the results mimicked those observed during memory clinic 1. Both pre-test and post-test diastolic measurements provided no significant change and were not significantly different from those observed during memory clinic 1 testing. Systolic blood pressure measurements were relatively unchanged from those observed in memory clinic 1, both pre-test and post-test. Gender Differences in Blood Pressure for Memory Clinic Test 1. Gender differences were also analyzed to determine if stress affects males and females differently. According to the results of memory clinic test 1, both the female control and test groups showed little or no change in either diastolic or systolic blood pressure for pre-test and post-test measurements. Males tended to show little or no increase in both the control and test groups during this phase of testing also. No statistically significant differences among the means was found for either gender both pre-test and post-test. Gender Differences in Blood Pressure for Memory Clinic Test 2. Memory Clinic 2 yielded results very similar to memory clinic 1. Pre-test males showed a very insignificantly higher diastolic blood pressure measurement than did other categories. This same reading was also reflected in the systolic measurements, however no significant differences were observed for either gender or group. Comparison of Results the Current Literature. The existing literature generally supports the conclusion that the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system affect the release of hormones that reflectively affect an individuals blood pressure when exposed to a stressful event (Panzarino, 2006). However, these same results were not found in this particular study. No significant changes were observed between the control and test groups. Likewise, no significant differences were observed between genders. Blood pressure did not change by a measurable amount when accounting for short-term or long-term memory. These results tend to support the assertion that we would reject a null hypothesis purporting that stress causes an increase in blood pressure. Again, additional testing would be necessary to exclude blood pressure as a reaction to stress exposure completely. Analysis of Salivary Cortisol Levels Cortisol has been purported to be the primary reagent contributing to release of hormones and neurotransmitters when an individual is presented with a stressful situation. Cortisol is released as a secondary product of the pituitary gland (Miller, 2007). The primary function of cortisol is to facilitate the release of blood sugar from the liver and stores of fat for energy sue during a stressful event. To examine the changes in cortisol levels in participants, an ELISA testing kit was used. Group Differences in Salivary Cortisol Levels for Memory Clinic Test 1. For memory clinic 1, the salivary cortisol levels were measured both pre-test and post-test. There were no significant differences among the means found before the testing for between the control and test groups. Post-test results showed a very slight increase in the control group, elevating from less than 2 ng/L to slightly more than 3 ng/L. Those participants subjected to the stressful event yielded a much more observable increase in salivary cortisol levels. Participants pre-test measurements were approximately 2.5 ng/L and significantly increased to approximately 6.5 ng/L. This change in salivary cortisol levels provided a significant difference among the means for the test group. Group Differences in Salivary Cortisol Levels for Memory Clinic Test 2. Memory clinic 2 showed pre-test result that were similar to memory clinic 1. However, the post test results provided less dramatic changes. The test groups cortisol level increased from about 2 ng/L to just over 4 ng/L. These results provided no significant differences between the two means. Gender Differences in Salivary Cortisol Levels for Memory Clinic Tests. Gender differences were also analyzed. Salivary cortisol levels for females and males increased slightly for both control groups during memory clinic 1. The female and male test groups yielded significant differences. Female and male cortisol levels increased from between 2 ng/L and 3 ng/L to well above 6 ng/L. The results of memory clinic 2 also showed increase in salivary cortisol levels. Female test participants showed a significant increase in cortisol levels after subjected to the stressful event. Male test subjects showed an increase but the results were not significantly different among the means. Comparison of Results the Current Literature. The results of the salivary cortisol measurements tend to support the generally accepted literary conclusion that cortisol levels and stress are positively correlated. An increase in exposure to stress tends to cause and increase in cortisol release. For the purposes of this study, measurement of salivary cortisol provided the most conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that stress affects memory. Results of Memory Clinic Tests Group Differences in Memory for Clinic Test 1. During memory clinic test 1, each participant was given 3 minutes to memorize a series of handouts containing pictures words and numbers. The test group completed a simulated stressful event while the control group remained at ease. At the conclusion of eight minutes, the participant was asked to fill in the missing element from each of the handouts. These results were then analyzed and recorded. These results indicated that of the test group, participants were able to correctly identify approximately 5 of the missing elements correctly. The control group, who rested, was able to correctly identify slightly less than 7 missing elements. There appeared to be no significant differences between the means of the two groups. Group Differences in Memory for Clinic Test 2. Two weeks after memory clinic 1, memory clinic 2 was conducted to determine if any differences existed in memory retention among the control and test groups. The same testing criterion was followed except for the time allowed for handout review. According to the finding of memory clinic 2, both the control and test groups scored almost identically in correctly identifying the missing elements from the handouts. Each groups scores clustered around identifying two out of twenty missing elements. Gender Differences in Memory for Clinic Test 1. During this analysis, gender differences were also examined. During memory clinic 1 the female control group scored more than six out of twenty missing elements while the test group who were subjected to the stressful event, scored only four missing elements correctly. The male control group for this same clinical testing phase correctly identified approximately seven missing elements. The male test group identified six of the elements correctly. No significant differences among the means were observed for the female and male groups as observed by gender. In addition, no significant differences were noted between the gender variables. Gender Differences in Memory for Clinic Test 2. Gender differences for memory clinic 2 provided notable differences from memory clinic 1. The female control group identified less than two of the missing elements, which was almost identical to the finding of the female test group. Males scored slightly more correct answers than did the corresponding females, however the reduction in memory between the memory clinics decreased by similar levels. Comparison of Results the Current Literature. The facts observed during the clinical tests indicate that those participants subjected to a stressful event immediately before completing the memory test scored lower than those who were not subjected to stress. Both males and females scored similarly, indicating that no differences exist in memory as a result of gender. There were some minor differences in the absolute numbers of memory retention, but the differences were minute and could just as easily be explained by chance. According to Salposky, the results found in this study are comparable with other literature, regarding the fact that cortisol can in fact interfere with the ability to thin and function (2000). Limitations of the Study The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical and mental stress on both short and long term memory. The current study was comprised of twenty participants, which provided an adequate number for researchers to obtain a reasonable level of validity and reliability. However, the small sample size provided little additional data that could be analyzed using common statistical techniques. In addition, this studys goal was to test the correlation of pulse rate, blood pressure, and salivary cortisol levels to experience stress. The literature suggests that age may have a significant role in experienced or perceived stress levels and subsequently affect those physiological elements that were being tested (Elzinga, 2005). The demographic characteristics collected for this study did not include a provision for age measurement. Likewise, it could be assumed that original fitness levels might play a significant role when physical stress is applied as a simulator for a stressful event. Original fitness levels were not calculated nor were variables such as sports activity or body mass index, or body fat levels. This type of data may have been useful for applying a consistent level of stress based on the original conditioning of the participant. Race and/or ethic background should also be included to ascertain if any differences exist among these groups. If a larger, more diverse sample were used, variables such as occupation should also be included. Most literature suggests that some occupations maintain a higher stress level on a consistent basis. For example, the stress experienced by police officers or air traffic controllers will probably vary considerably from that of an office worker or student. The last limitation also stems from the original size of the sample. The geographic location of participants may vary depending on the regions of the country from which they were drawn. Personality types or personal characteristics may als o be included since some literature suggests that personality types differ in their perceived level of stress (Grant Langan-Fox, 2007). Suggestions For Additional Research Subsequent studies for additional research into the physiological reactions to stress should include a larger number of participants. In order to achieve a confidence level of 95 percent the sample size should approximate 387 participants. This sample size would provide data that would allow a greater range of statistical calculations and a more intense level of analysis that would lend itself to stronger validity and reliability. A larger sample size would also allow the results to be generalized to the population. Secondly, any further research should include an increased number of demographic variables. For example, race, ethnicity, age, occupation, and income levels should be included to determine if a statistically significant difference exists among other variables. Fitness level, sports activity, body mass index, and body fat should also be measured in addition to a basic categorization of personality types. Another suggestion for further research may include a series of memory clinic tests at selected intervals to determine at what point memory begins to decline after exposure to a stressful event. According to the current study, memory declined after a period of two weeks, however, the decline was not determined to be significant. Perhaps follow-up studies should be completed in two-week intervals until such time as the memory loss becomes significantly different from original results. Different types of stress should also be examined in future studies to determine if memory retention as a result of physical stress differs from emotional stress. Participants could be shown images or interviews of traumatic events such as school shootings, war scenes or impoverished children. Eustress versus distress could also be examined. Three groups could be established. The control group not subjected to treatment, the second group exposed to a distressful event and the third groups exposed to positive or typically happy events such as a wedding, graduation, or birth of a loved one. Blood sugar levels could be tested in addition to cortisol levels. In addition, individual data recorded to determine the percentage change experienced for participants. This type of data collection would yield far more significant results than taken from a group as a whole. The individual data could be collapsed as necessary provides meaningful results. Conclusion According to the results of this study, pulse rate and blood pressure are positively related to stress. However, stress does not significantly contribute to pulse rate and blood pressure. Cortisol levels do appear to have a greater impact when an individual is exposed to stressful event. The research indicates that cortisol is a positive release to the body by facilitating the release of hormones and neurotransmitters (Luipen, 2005). Persons exposed to short periods of stress exhibit an increased level of hormonal activity produced by the brain that can sharpen memory and energy levels. This type of activity is imperative for the body to prepare for the fight or flight response when exposed to danger. However, chronic exposure to stress can lead to an increased dependency for the demand of cortisol which can ultimately lead to long-term health issues such as hypertension and heart disease (National Institute of Health, 2002). The results of this study indicate a correlation between Cortisol levels, stress and memory. Short-term memory appears to be affected at a more significant level than does long-term memory. Short-term memory or primary memory is responsible for the complex cognitive processes such as logic and decision making. Information is stored in short-term memory for up to about 30 minutes. This type of information is critical for understanding the implication for exposure to acute and chronic stress in particular occupations. How stress impacts decision making can be critical for those exposed to inherent imminent dangers such as gunfire or car crashes. If researchers are able to link the variables, this can ultimately lead to changes in training for military, law enforcement, or even automobile drivers. References Brennan, Pl, Schutte, K., Moore, R. (2006). Long-Term Patterns and Predictors of Successful Stressor Resolution in Later Life. International Journal of Stress Management, 13(3), 253-272. Elzinga, B., Roelofs, K. (2005). Cortisol-Induced Impairments of Working memory Require Acute Sympathetic Activation. Behavioural neuroscience, 119(1), 98-103. Gunnar, M. , Quevedo, K. The Neurobiology of stress and Development. Annual Review of Psychology. Palo Alto: 2007. Vol. 58 pg. 145 Grant, S. Langan-Fox, J. (2007). Personality and the Occupational Stressor-Strain Relationship: The Role of the Big Five. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 12(1), 20-33. Het, S., Wolf, O. (2007). Mood Changes in Response to Psychosocial Stress in Healthy Young Women: Effects of Pretreatment With Cortisol. Behavioral Neuroscience, 121(1), 11-20. Kleen, J., Sitomer, M., Killeen, P., Conrad, C. (2006). Chronic Stress Impairs Spatial memory and Motivation for Reward without Disrupting Motor Ability and Motivation to Explore. Behavioural Neuroscience, 120(4), 842-851. Lupien, S. Psychoneruoendocrinology, McGill University. 2005; Vol 30: pp. 225-242 McCullough, M., Orsulak, P., Brandon, A., Akers, L. (2007). Rumination, Fear, and Cortisol: An In Vivo Study of Interpersonal Transgressions. Health Psychology, 26(1), 126-132. Miller, G.E. (Nov 2002). Chronic Psychological Stress and the Regulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Glucocorticoid-Resistance Model. Health Psychology, Vol 21, No. 6. Miller, G., Chen, E., Zhou, E. (2007). If It Goes Up, Must It Come Down? Chronic Stress and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis in Humans. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 25-45. National Institute of Health. â€Å"Stress System Malfunction Could Lead to Serious, Life Threatening Disease†. NIH, Backgrounder: Sept 2002. Pawlak, R, Rao, B. Melchor, JP. Et all. â€Å"Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Mediate Stress-Induced Decline of Neuronal and Cognitive Functions in the Mouse hippocampus†. Proc National Academy Science USA. 2005 Dec 13; 102(50): 18201-6 Panzarino, P. â€Å"What is Stress†. Stress, Hormone and Weight Gain. MedNet Publications. 2006. Sapolsky, Robert; Lewis C. Krey, and Bruce S. McEwen (25 September 2000). The Neuroendocrinology of Stress and Aging: The Glucocorticoid Cascade Hypothesis. Science of Aging Knowledge Environment 38: 21. Stress. Neuroanatomy. Accessed 14 March 2007 [neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/coursebook/neuro4(2).pdf] University of Pittsburgh. (2006) What is the Pituitary Gland? Department of Neurological Surgery. Research Papers on The effects of Stress on Short Term MemoryThree Concepts of PsychodynamicGenetic EngineeringThe Spring and AutumnMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductHip-Hop is ArtOpen Architechture a white paperResearch Process Part OneQuebec and CanadaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug Use

Monday, October 21, 2019

Reflections on Dave (1993) essays

Reflections on Dave (1993) essays Released eleven years ago, Dave is a pleasurable treat for everyone as it is a comedy, romantic story and a political drama at the same time. Its a touching movie packed with a stellar cast and coupled with a solid moral plot. Ironically, this movie was about an impostor with a very good heart to humanity well, an impostor capable of feelings and dreams for his countrymen. In the beginning of the film, it was saddening to see that the President of the United States was such a cynical and power hungry person, and a womanizer at that. Hes someone whom you would most likely hate and I couldnt help but wonder why he was elected into office in the first place. Now, lets talk about Dave Kovic since I absolutely enjoyed watching him. He is so funny and witty that he steals every scene. Dave earns a modest living by running a small temporary employment office and occasionally picks up dollars impersonating the President doing things like riding a pig at places like local car dealerships. Then one day the Secret Service shows up in Dave's living room asking Dave to impersonate the President at a social function. The President is needed elsewhere. The elsewhere is an illicit meeting with one of his aides, and unfortunately the President suffers a massive stroke. At the urging of the White House Chief of Staff and Communications Director, Dave agrees to continue his role as the President. The plot of the movie thickens when what seemed to be a more temporary fill in of executive authority turned out to be a more serious look at the nations problems. The scenes wherein Dave is taught the basics of presidency were just priceless. I believe that h e is a good man with strong moral values. His initiative to help people he hasnt even met before is truly remarkable. We all wish we had politicians like Dave because everyone admires a man who is upright, honest, open and down-right responsible. ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Inventor of the Mechanical Television System John Baird

Inventor of the Mechanical Television System John Baird John Logie Baird was born on August 13th, 1888, in Helensburgh, Dunbarton, Scotland and died on June 14th, 1946, in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, England. John Baird received a diploma course in electrical engineering at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College (now called Strathclyde University) and studied towards his Bachelor of Science Degree in electrical engineering from the University of Glasgow, interrupted by the outbreak of W.W.1. Early Patents Baird is best remembered for inventing a mechanical television system. During the 1920s, John Baird and American Clarence W. Hansell patented the idea of using arrays of transparent rods to transmit images for television and facsimiles respectively. Bairds 30 line images were the first demonstrations of television by reflected light rather than back-lit silhouettes. John Baird based his technology on Paul Nipkows scanning disk idea and later developments in electronics. John Baird Milestones The television pioneer created the first televised pictures of objects in motion (1924), the first televised human face (1925) and a year later he televised the first moving object image at the Royal Institution in London. His 1928 trans-Atlantic transmission of the image of a human face was a broadcasting milestone. Color television (1928), stereoscopic television and television by infra-red light were all demonstrated by Baird before 1930. He successfully lobbied for broadcast time with the British Broadcasting Company, the BBC started broadcasting television on the Baird 30-line system in 1929. The first simultaneous sound and vision telecast was broadcast in 1930. In July 1930, the first British Television Play was transmitted, The Man with the Flower in his Mouth. In 1936, the British Broadcasting Corporation adopted television service using the electronic television technology of Marconi-EMI (the worlds first regular high-resolution service - 405 lines per picture), it was that technology that won out over Bairds system.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

The Greater Western Sydney region is a culturally diverse population Essay

The Greater Western Sydney region is a culturally diverse population. Meeting the palliative care needs of this population poses - Essay Example 6). According to Taylor and Box (1999, p. 6), â€Å"it is recognized that a range of problems, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual may need attention† in palliative care. A multi-disciplinary team delivers palliative health care where the person wants it to be (Taylor and Box, 1999, p. 6). Thus, palliative care can be delivered in the person’s home, hospice, hospital, and a nursing home (Taylor and Box, 1999, p. 6). However, according to Taylor and Box (1999, p. 6), the primary caregivers in palliative care are actually the family, relatives, and friends of the object of care although a palliative care team provides the professional help. Perhaps, one of the most important concerns in palliative care is to reduce the pain associated with the illness or even the dying. Relief and alleviation of pain can be achieved through a range of â€Å"painkillers and other drugs, massage, meditation, aromatherapy, acupuncture, radiotherapy† as well as morphine tablets and skin patches (Taylor and Box, p. 6) Palliative nursing is practised in the context of significant human suffering in which the nurse is both a witness and a participant (Aranda, 2008, p. 573). This implies that the nurse is subject to stress and anguish just as the patient. Yet, improving the quality of life even in dying is a central goal of health care (Aranda, 2008, p. 574). ... ills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollondilly (Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board, 2004, p. 1). The Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board (2004, pp. 1 and 3) considers Greater Western Sydney to have a â€Å"culturally diverse population† of 1.8 million in 2003 that is projected to be at 2.2 million people in 2026, with an estimated population growth rate of +0.9% per annum. Greater Western Sydney’s estimated annual population growth rate of 0.9 % is higher than the population growth rate for Sydney and New South Wales of only 0.8 (Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board, 2004, p. 4). Greater Western Sydney is the traditional home of the following aboriginal peoples: Eora/Dhawal, Dharug, Gandangara, Eora, Tharawal (Two Ways Together Regional Report, 2006, p. 7). The presence of Aboriginal groups in Greater Western Sydney is highlighted further by t he existence of four Aboriginal Land Councils: the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, and the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council (Two Ways Together Regional Report, 2006, p. 8). According to the Two Ways Together Regional Report (2006, p. 8), aboriginal men compose 20% of the manufacturing male workforce, 13% of the construction male workforce, 10% of the retail male workforce, 9% of the transport and storage male workforce, 7% of property and business services male workforce, and 7% of the wholesale trade male workforce. Further, according to the same report (p. 10), aboriginal women compose 15.6% of the retail female workforce, 12% of the education female workforce, 10% of the property and business

Friday, October 18, 2019

Should Video Games Be Introduced into Schools Research Proposal

Should Video Games Be Introduced into Schools - Research Proposal Example The implementation of video games in the classroom provides an effective platform for teachers to assess the educational ability of students. Portal and Minecraft are some of the video games which can facilitate the cognitive learning achievement of students. The activity in the game Minecraft includes gathering, exploration, combat and crafting (Prensky, 2010). This provides an opportunity for players to virtually create anything. Portal is a puzzle-based videogame and its game style is more physics-based. The law of physics such as inertia and gravity is implemented by players to advance to the next level of Portal. The game is designed to inherent critical thinking and problem-solving. Both of the video games can be easily adapted to create different environments in the classroom. In high school, the Portal game can be utilized by teachers to teach physics. Minecraft game can be used to teach children. There are many video games that provide an opportunity for people to develop an entire city within the allocated money. Students get to know the basic comprehension of handling finances and managing budgets. The benefits of using video games in the learning process are not only regarded as advantageous to teach finance and strategy but also foster an interest in the branch of economics or business. Video games can be used by teachers to examine the characteristics of students. This includes individual differences, self-concept, goal-setting, and self-esteem. Moreover, video games can stimulate the learning process by allowing students to experience challenge, novelty, and curiosity (Willis, 2007). The application of games in the classroom can help to maintain and achieve the attention of an individual for a long period of time. This resembles the fact that it can benefit students by providing an element of interactivity. Children who have a development problem or are severely retarded can be benefited by the application of video games. A child suffering from this symptom is known as autism. The implementation of video games can help to develop cognitive and basic skills. Some of the basic skills include social, basic reading, language, and basic math skills. Video game enables to treat fear of confined heights and places. The use of video games can enhance the learning experien ce and makes easier for a teacher to provide feedback of every student to the parents.

Techniques in Understanding Planets and Stars2 Essay

Techniques in Understanding Planets and Stars2 - Essay Example Other natural light sources like the fire also produce electromagnetic radiations. The light bulbs and the fluorescent bulbs produce all the seven colours of the rainbow when the light shines upon the spectrometer. The reason being that the white light produced is split up by the spectrometer. A sodium street lamp generally produces only one light type when struck upon the spectrometer. The sodium component in the bulb only produces a yellow light. The spectrum shows a dazzling yellow band. Extra bands of colours are produced under high pressure. Street lamps are typically high-pressure sodium lamps that give a white light. When viewing a white block above an LCD using the spectroscope, three bands of colours are produced- red, green, and yellow. TVs and computer monitors use a combination of these three colours to produce millions of colours. The feature of the light source that get represented in the spectrum is illumination. It measures the light output from the different sources of light. Illumination is the light distribution on a surface that is horizontal. Thus, in this experiment the spectrum distribute light in the spectrometer that gets assembled. Therefore, what gets analyzed in this experiment is the distribution of light from different spectrums in horizontal surfaces. There is also the examination of the number of components that a light source can be broken up into using a spectroscope/prism (Fisher & Erickson, 2010). Spectrometers in an instrument that splits colour into a higher band numbers. The ordinary color splits up the light into three colors including green, blue and red. Spectrometers are very significant studying celestial objects. Spectrometry allows people to study and measure the celestial bodies’ velocities and distances on the cosmological scales. When the object is moving, the light wavelengths it emits is shifted either towards

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Medicinal and Recreation Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Medicinal and Recreation Marijuana - Essay Example Texas is one of those states of United States that considers use of marijuana as highly negative for the society. Due to this, Texas has implemented quite stringent laws in order to restrict the use, sale and purchase of marijuana in the region of Texas. In the state of Texas, severe penalties are levied on those who possess even a small quantity of marijuana. As per the laws of Texas, possessing a quantity of marijuana that is even less than 2 ounces can result in imprisonment for a period of 6 months or less and a fine of $2000 has to be paid by those who possess it (Findlaw, 2015). In case of possession of more than two ounces or even owning substances such as hash oil is considered as a severe criminal act. Those who possess such substances are imprisoned for a period of more than 2 years. Texas believes in the rehabilitation of those who are conducting marijuana related offences for the first time. Therefore, it does not imprison first time abusers and requires them to attend re habilitation programs to be treated. Other than possession, the sale of marijuana or cannabis is even treated quite severely. An individual who is caught selling only 25% of an ounce of marijuana in the state of Texas is regarded as a criminal and is imprisoned for half a year along with a penalty of $2000 (Findlaw, 2015). In case an individual or a group is involved in the sale of over 50 pounds of marijuana is considered as a major criminal and can be sentenced for a period of more than 99 years. Texas even does not allow the sale of the drug to those who are considered as minor by the state of Texas and may imprison them for a period of 20 or more years (Findlaw, 2015). In the state of Texas, marijuana is considered less beneficial for the health of the consumers and therefore the physicians are disallowed to prescribe these drugs for

Integrated Marketing Communication and Customer Satisfaction strategy Assignment

Integrated Marketing Communication and Customer Satisfaction strategy - Assignment Example Globaltechno marketing team is looking at growing globally and adding the Korea to their international market. The first task for marketing strategy would be to identify the target consumers which happen to be the large number of air travelers to Korea. A more focused approach will be to target a particular age group or a social class of people. The advertising should aim to recover the old loyal customer base. Next, promote awareness of Globaltechno watches, then stimulate sales directly and "attract competitors customers", and lastly modify its image. Once the business reputation is established and its products are positioned within the market, the amount of resources used for advertising will decrease as the consumer loyalty base expands (Shea, Barbara & Jennifer Haupt, 1995). Advertising mediums like the print media, television, and travelers’ guide map sponsorships, advertising opportunities in and around the airports will have to be effectively exploited. The Department for watch manufacturing in Korea estimates that it serves over 2 million customers a year which presents a large market that may be exploited for expanding Globaltechno consumer base. Demand for watches is projected to grow in the medium to long-term. The right artwork, promos and tag lines will be developed for which employing an advertising agency to create the art work is recommended. A systematic value network will provide a system of partnerships to distribute Globaltechno products as well as provide customer services. Globaltechno’s entry into Korea will definitely expose the brand to a larger marketplace. A number of parameters will be effective in determining the effectiveness of advertisement campaign. Number of enquiries received from an advert and how many of these actually converted into sales. It will be important to determine customer awareness both before and after the advertising campaign. The number of enquiries that an advert

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Medicinal and Recreation Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Medicinal and Recreation Marijuana - Essay Example Texas is one of those states of United States that considers use of marijuana as highly negative for the society. Due to this, Texas has implemented quite stringent laws in order to restrict the use, sale and purchase of marijuana in the region of Texas. In the state of Texas, severe penalties are levied on those who possess even a small quantity of marijuana. As per the laws of Texas, possessing a quantity of marijuana that is even less than 2 ounces can result in imprisonment for a period of 6 months or less and a fine of $2000 has to be paid by those who possess it (Findlaw, 2015). In case of possession of more than two ounces or even owning substances such as hash oil is considered as a severe criminal act. Those who possess such substances are imprisoned for a period of more than 2 years. Texas believes in the rehabilitation of those who are conducting marijuana related offences for the first time. Therefore, it does not imprison first time abusers and requires them to attend re habilitation programs to be treated. Other than possession, the sale of marijuana or cannabis is even treated quite severely. An individual who is caught selling only 25% of an ounce of marijuana in the state of Texas is regarded as a criminal and is imprisoned for half a year along with a penalty of $2000 (Findlaw, 2015). In case an individual or a group is involved in the sale of over 50 pounds of marijuana is considered as a major criminal and can be sentenced for a period of more than 99 years. Texas even does not allow the sale of the drug to those who are considered as minor by the state of Texas and may imprison them for a period of 20 or more years (Findlaw, 2015). In the state of Texas, marijuana is considered less beneficial for the health of the consumers and therefore the physicians are disallowed to prescribe these drugs for

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Explain the role of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause Essay

Explain the role of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause regarding confessions - Essay Example A house refers to any structure that an individual’s uses as their residence. It may on a long-term basis such as a residential home or on a short-term basis such as a hotel. Other structures that are connected to a house such as a garage and a store also fall under this category in the Fourth Amendment but an open field that surrounds the house is out of this scope. Papers refer to an individual’s personal documents such as business records, diaries, letters, and certificates. On the other hand, effects refer to the other items that are not persons, houses, or papers. This may include weapons, contraband goods, clothing, and luggage. Almost all items fall under the Fourth Amendment but what is essential is the determination of whether their search or seizure is reasonable. In analyzing the role of the Fourth Amendment, it is critical to determine the police activities that trigger the protection of the Fourth Amendment. It is also essential to justify the reasons behind the police officers engaging in these activities. A search is referred to as an activity that is conducted with the intention of finding evidence to be used for criminal prosecution. When conducting a search, there should be concern whether the search is a product of a government action. There should also be concerns whether it violates the reasonable expectation of a person’s right to privacy. The term seizure usually refers to the keeping of custody of a property to be used as evidence in a criminal procedure. It commonly occurs because of a search. The Fourth Amendment focuses on the reasonableness of the search and seizures. It determines if the police were working along with its requirements. According to the Fourth Amendment, not every action of looking for evidence is referred to as a search. A search depends on who is looking for the evidence as well as where it occurs. Therefore, a

Monday, October 14, 2019

Invasion of Privacy Essay Example for Free

Invasion of Privacy Essay While straightening your teenagers room, a book falls on the floor. You pick it up and see that it is her diary. As a parent, do you have the right to read it? Would it matter if you found the diary outside her room? Is it okay to read the diary if you suspect there is problem your teen is not telling you about? As a child, did you ever go into your parents room (without permission) and snoop around? Was that an invasion of their privacy? Did you find anything you werent supposed to? Did you learn from it? Did you tell them? You have every right to read your childs diary whether its found in the laundry or their bedroom. There is nothing wrong with knowing what your child is thinking, the changes that they are experiencing, or perhaps any troubling matters they dont feel they can approach one of their parents with. Consider yourself lucky you found it. Invasion of privacy? I dont think so; it could save their life. As long as your child is living at home with you, yes, you should read her diary entries. You are there to protect your child not only from outside influences but also from herself. If it means going through their belongings then so be it. When they move out and establish lives of their own, this is when you give up certain rights as parents, including reading their diaries. I guess my term is not snooping; it is monitoring your children. My parents monitor me. There is nothing in my room that my mother does not have access to. It is unacceptable for anyone to hide anything in our house. And, she monitors which people I hang out with. Granted, I didnt appreciate it for a while, but as some of her NO WAY choices started ending up hurting me, or others, I knew she had my best interest at heart, and wasnt trying to sabotage my life. I agree that its okay to go through your kid’s belongings. What should be done if you are going through it and you find something inappropriate, you find some roundabout way to bring it up to your child and see if they open up about it. By no means do you say, Oh, I was in your room snooping and found this or that. You have to protect your kids. Sometimes they will get into the habit of believing everything their friends say, not thinking that their mom or dad have been through or experienced just about everything theyre going through and have the wisdom to help them out in certain situations. Of course children do not believe that you should be snooping into what they want to call their privacy. They also think they know everything and can make wise decisions. They think it is ok to text and drive, drink and drive and show their private parts while on spring break. Kids think they should not have to go to school or have a bedtime. Do I have to go on? I think you get the picture. Bottom line is, they are not paying for a phone, internet, computers, Ipads and the electricity it takes to keep them running and until they do those items are not theirs. They are the property of the parent or guardian and can be looked at, searched, monitored at anytime they please. My point is, if you’re not doing anything wrong then there should not be a problem with anyone looking at your text messages or emails which by the way are not private anyway. If you feel you should have privacy and you are old enough then get a job, be responsible, and pay for all of your things yourself and you may also want to move out on your own until then, As my mom says â€Å"My house, my rules.† Legally, parents have the right to monitor their childs communications simply because they are legally responsible for the childs actions. Parents are legally responsible for their children. I know of past cases where parents have been arrested for crimes a child has done and they also can be held financially responsible. The trust element also comes into play when both the teen and the parent know they can trust each other that their home is a place free of harmful communication. To do that, the parent has to actively monitor the media that the teen uses and engage in censorship, no matter how awful the word seems. It is simply the act of a responsible society that harmful communication is not displayed to children and that children do their part in respecting the laws of society. I am a teenager. I think parents should be able to monitor my personal life, specifically my texts, because of all the dangerous things in the world. You start to notice on the news teens using drugs more often than they have before. Using a simple text message to one of your friends about drugs or anything can start peer pressure. Youre not talking in person so its easier to text it then actually say it. I was reading a story on CNN about a computer programmer who figured out slang use of words to cover so parents wont get it. He does have a website up with the meaning of the slang use of words. I looked at one and it said â€Å"tdtml†. This means â€Å"talk dirty to me later†. Parents should be able to ask for the phone to see what they are talking about. They should be able to ask for it at random times. My parents also told me that they will check my phone whenever giving me a heads up that I will just hand it over at any time. This has helped me a lot in my life to stay away from peer pressure and many other things as well. Using the website noslang.com can help parents figure out what their kids are texting. Reading the CNN report on what they could code for words was absolutely amazing. Go to cnn.com and in the search bar type in Parents do you know what these texts mean?† Parents you will be stunned at the reports and the type of coding teens use in these days.