The 2019 Length Limit for the Common Application Essay

Students applying to colleges that use the Common Application will typically need to respond to one of seven essay prompts. For the 2019-20 application cycle, the length limit for the essay is 650 words. That limit includes the essay title, notes, and any other text that you include in the essay text box. Fast Facts: The Common Application Length Requirements Your essay needs to be between 250 and 650 words long.You cant go over the limit—the online form will cut you off at 650 words.The length includes the title, notes, and any other text you include in the online form.Use your 650 words to tell a focused story and help the admissions folks get to know you. History of the Common Application Length Limit For years the Common Application had no length limit, and applicants and counselors frequently debated whether a tight 450-word essay was a wiser approach than a detailed 900-word piece. In 2011, that decision was taken away as the Common Application moved to a relatively short 500-word limit. With the August 2013 release of CA4 (the current version of the Common Application), the guidelines changed once again. CA4 set the limit at 650 words with a minimum of 250 words. And unlike earlier versions of the Common Application, the length limit is now enforced by the application form. No longer can applicants attach an essay that goes over the limit. Instead, applicants will need to enter the essay into a text box that counts words and prevents entering anything beyond 650 words. What Can You ​Accomplish in 650 Words? Even if you take advantage of the full length available to you, keep in mind that 650 words is not a long essay. Its roughly the equivalent of a two-page, double-spaced essay. Its about the same length as this article on essay length. Most essays  tend to be between three and eight paragraphs depending on the applicants writing style and essay strategy (essays with dialogue, of course, might have far more paragraphs). As you plan your essay, you definitely want to keep the length requirement in mind. Many applicants attempt to do too much with their essays and then struggle to edit them down to 650 words. Realize the purpose of the personal statement is not to tell your life story or to give an exhaustive overview of all of your accomplishments. Let your list of extracurricular activities, academic record, letters of recommendation, and supplemental essays and materials show your range of accomplishments. The personal statement is not the place for long lists or catalogs of achievement. To write an engaging and effective 650 word or shorter essay, you need to have a sharp focus. Narrate a single event, or illuminate a single passion or talent. Whichever essay prompt you choose, make sure you zero in on a specific example that you narrate in an engaging and thoughtful way. Allow enough space for self reflection so that whatever your topic is you spend at least some time talking about its significance to you. Again, use the essay to narrate an engaging story. Make sure it highlights something you care about deeply, and be sure to provide a window into your interests or personality that isnt already obvious from the rest of your application. A Final Word About Essay Length With the primary Common Application essay, you will need to come in at 650 words or fewer. However, you will find that most supplemental essays on the Common Application have different length guidelines, and colleges that dont use the Common Application will have differing length requirements. No matter what the circumstances, make sure you follow the guidelines. If an essay should be 350 words, dont write 370. Learn more about some of the issues related to essay length in this article:  College Application Essay Length Limits. Finally, keep in mind that what you say and how you say it is far more important than whether you have 550 words or 650 words. Be sure to attend to your essays style, and in most cases youre going to want to avoid these ten bad essay topics. If youve said all you have to say in 500 words, dont try to pad your essay to make it longer. Regardless of length, and even if yours is a transfer essay, the best writing will tell a compelling story, provide insight to your character and interests, and are written with crisp and engaging prose.

Prosocial Behavior And Its Effect On Society - 2661 Words

Prosocial behavior is an act towards the direction of helping people or society as a whole. It encourages the initiation and maintenance of relationships and balance. Obedience is defined as succumbing to the demands of a powerful, authority figure. The idea of submitting to another’s orders has taken a negative connotation both in the past and today. However, contrary to popular belief, with obedience comes along guidelines, rules and order. Therefore, though yielding to the demands of authority does not necessarily mean an individual desires a relation with the authority, the behavior serves as an act of prosocial behavior to sustain a functioning society. There appears to be a natural inclination in society for citizens to obey given rules and regulations, suggesting the notion that a world without order and conduct will doom humanity to social turmoil. The scope of the paper will discuss recent literature on obedience to gain insight on the topic as well as the true essenc e of prosocial behavior, ultimately advocating a shift in the perception of both obedience and disobedience as tools that can be used for both prosocial and antisocial acts rather than opposing forces. Before diving into the many dimensions of obedience, it is vital to note the components of obedience and its relation to conformity to prevent confusion. Though both terms seem to overlap with one another, the key distinction to be made between these terms is rooted in the reasoning of the action. AnShow MoreRelatedGender Roles And Their Effects On Prosocial Behavior1465 Words   |  6 Pages Gender Roles and Their Effects on Prosocial Behavior Kathleen N. Webster Salem State University â€Æ' Abstract The present study was designed to examine the effect of gender roles and prosocial behavior. More specifically, the goal was to determine which sex (male or female) would be more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors. Existing gender roles suggest that women are likely to be emotionally expressive, intuitive, and sympathetic, while men are assertive, dominant, and likely to takeRead MoreSocial Psychology Prosocial Behaviour1444 Words   |  6 Pageslikelihood that people will engage in prosocial behaviour. What is the evidence for these effects, and how might changes in our society affect the likelihood of people acting prosocially? According to Gross (2010) the term prosocial behaviour is used to describe behaviours carried out by individuals intended to benefit others, such as helping, cooperating, comforting, reassuring, defending, sharing, donating to charity and showing concern. 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Nine out of the top ten selling games have been labeled as violent and 42% of adolescents play them (â€Å"Children and Video Games†). These violent video games are a major problem in the United States and across the globe. Violent video games have a direct correlation with negative behaviors because they increaseRead MoreThe Effects Of Violent Video Games On Human Behavior1602 Words   |  7 Pagesof media that continues to grow throughout society. As it grows and becomes fully adopted by adults and children alike, it seems as though a shroud of controversy follows suit. Many parents and those alike seem very afraid or reluctant to let their children play video games in today’s age. They fear for the long term affects such games might have on their children or even the short term effects. 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However, the stories themselves have a large of amount of gender stereotypes, cultural biases, class differentiation, and unrealistic expectations of how society is supposed to be compared to real life such as being a gorgeous thin Caucasian girl or a muscle man. Even though the stories have been made to be more mainstream than the original fairytales written by Charles Perrault, the Grimm brother’s and HansRead MoreEffects Of Social Class On Unethical Behavior1060 Words   |  5 PagesEffect of Social Class on Unethical Behavior Both social class and ethical behavior are important notions in our society today and have been for many years. Unethical behavior can be defined as behavior or actions that hurts others and are illegal or ethically questionable (Piff et al., 2012). CNN recently reported Volkswagen is being charged with deception regarding emissions of supposedly â€Å"clean† vehicles. They reported that for over ten years more than eleven million vehicles have been deliberatelyRead MoreViolence Is Running Rampant Within Our Society1409 Words   |  6 Pageshis four year old son with a â€Å"switch† to the point of drawing blood and leaving scars to the early morning news broadcast of the child abuse and heart-breaking death of two year old Colton Turner of Leander, violence is running rampant within our society. Every year, all across the United States, adolescents are subjected to such violence within their own homes, schools, and communities. According to the World Health Organization (2014), violence is defined as â€Å"the intentional use of physical forceRead MoreScience And The Natural Sciences933 Words   |  4 Pagesin which an individual can acquire it. in regards to the natural sciences rationalism, is this cultures way to The social sciences study human behavior. The epistemology that is a part of the social sciences are behavior, this has a focus on the individual and collective. Also part of this epistemology is that institutions created to regulate behavior. The Humanities and Arts study how people process and document the human experience, they focus on what is means to be a human. The epistemology

Essay on The Growth of Social Networking Sites Essay Example For Students

Essay on The Growth of Social Networking Sites Essay The participants and audience for SNSs is growing rapidly. Statistics published become quickly out dated and it is interesting to observe both the international and national trends of Internet usage generally over the years, as well as those specific to the use of Social Networking Sites. Access to technology has become an integral part of education, socialisation and industry related requirements, and accordingly Internet usage is evolving and growing rapidly. A survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statics in 2003 found that in the 12 months prior to April 2003, 95% of Australian children, aged between five and fourteen years had used a computer. The frequency of their usage increased with the age of the survey respondents. In 2006, 63% of Australian dwellings had access to the internet compared to only 35% in 2001. In December 2009 there were 9.1 million active internet subscribers in Australia, with 90% of these subscribers having a sophisticated broadband connection. Adolescents, over the past couple of years especially, have progressively adopted technology as their preferred method of interaction (Bargh McKenna, 2004.) Much of their identity development process is occurring online, as they experiment with their self expression. In 2003 32% of twelve to fourteen years olds were already accessing the Internet daily (ABS, 2003. ) Samuelson (2010) calls this generation of adolescents the ‘Millenials,’ describing them as ‘the first truly digital generation.’ A study regarding Media and Communications in Australian Families (2007) found that 70% of Australian girls between the ages of fourteen and seventeen had a profile on the SNS MySpace, compared to 50% of teenage boys. They also discovered that girls tende. .ot appear to be the case for users of social network sites. Peter, Valkenberg Schouten (2005) found that young adults who demonstrate positive offline peer relationships are more likely to use social networking sites as an avenue to continue and strengthen these interactions. This was contradicted by research published in 2006, which suggested that College students with less clearly defined self-concepts were more likely to use the internet, suggesting that young adults may turn to networked spaces as a tool for identity development (Matsuba, 2006.) A retrospective study found that youths who were better adjusted at ages 13-14, (as indicated through the limited negativity observed in their face-to-face peer interactions and fewer self reported depressive symptoms) were more likely to be using SNS at 20-22 years of age. (Mikami, Szwedo, Allen, Even and Hare 2008)

The effectiveness of internal control in business since the enron scandal Essay Example For Students

The effectiveness of internal control in business since the enron scandal Essay Outline1 1. Introduction2 2. Accounting Information Systems3 3. Organization of board of managers4 4. Business moralss5 5. Decision 1. Introduction In 2001, Enron reaffirmed that their old fiscal study had to revise as accounting mistakes existed in their computing machine system. After that, Enron the largest US corporate with assets of $ 63.4 billion faced the terminal route of bankruptcy all of a sudden. Four 1000 employees face losing theirs occupation and retirement wages ( Benston, 2002 ) . It is non simply one individual can interrupt a solid concern construction. The consequence of probe shows this instance was a corporate dirt. The Enron s top executive empowered the employees to pull strings the stock monetary value. We will write a custom essay on The effectiveness of internal control in business since the enron scandal specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now As a consequence, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was legislated because of the fraud behaviours which created by Enron. President Bush described this dirt as the most far-reaching reforms of American concern patterns since the Great depression when he signed SOX Act ( Hays 2003, cited in Eichar S. 2009, p.1 ) . It seems likely that the weak internal control system were has ability to forestall the accounting dirt go oning. Furthermore, the top directors did non work efficaciously in order to supervise theirs company s fiscal status every bit good as affecting in accounting dirt. Another job is that the directors moralss behavior demands to be tested and considered. The chief intent of SOX Act is to forestall a fraud such as Enron instance go oning once more, whereas some people have the incredulity with SOX Act that can still work for modern corporation. This paper attempts to analyze that internal control was by and large become more effectual since the Enron dirt. 2. Accounting Information Systems The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ( COSO ) has a definition on internal control that as a procedure is designed to supply sensible confidence sing the accomplishment of aims in effectivity and efficiency of operations, dependability of fiscal coverage, and conformity with applicable Torahs and ordinances. ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.coso.org/resources.htm ) When Sarbanes-Oxley ( SOX ) Act ( to protect investors by bettering the truth and dependability of corporate revelations made pursuant to the securities Torahs, and for other intents, US Congress ) ( SOX Act ) has been signed in 2002, the construct of internal control has been carefully considered in information system betterment. The subdivision 404 of SOX Act indicates that company has the duty to declare the appraisal of internal control construction in each financial fiscal study. For an organisation, an accounting information system ( AIS ) which is a cardinal model for information system plays an of import function in organisation, processing and direction the procedure of dealing, which is a foundation for constructing information system in concern ( Moscove, 1999 ) . Because accounting information system could convey benefit for computerized company. Not merely can it command obvious audit trail ( an obvious grounds to corroborate the minutess accurately ) for intent of confidence and auditing, but besides it has linking general demand for physical protection of assets. Presents, the Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) system is used popularly after SOX Acts had announced. ERP system is built based on the advantage of accounting information system. Harmonizing a research indicates that 80 per centum of the fortune 500 houses have implemented the ERP system ( SAP, 2005 cited in Brown A ; Nasuti, 2005 ) , because of the undermentioned benefits: accessing informations in clip, incorporating the procedure of concern operation and reassigning internal information right. The SOX Acts requests the endeavors should maintain traveling on rating of the direction hazard, ERP systems still has important consequence on roll uping hazard direction informations as companies used it ( Brown A ; Nasuti, 2005 ) . Research ( Huang, Hsieh, Tsao, and Hsu, 2008 ) shows the most of import factor of internal control dimensions is the control environment: monitoring. There is a good illustration illustrates some chief elements of internal control as utilizing ERP syste m. Research ( Huang, Hsieh, Tsao, and Hsu, 2008 ) finds some characteristics of utilizing ERP systems in Taiwan public companies and there are most of import consequences tally with the intent of internal control: ( 1 ) Constitution of IT organisations and their dealingss, ( 2 ) Integration and communicating of fiscal information, ( 3 ) Development of IT strategic programs, ( 4 ) Management of information quality, and ( 5 ) Monitoring of operating processs ( pp. 104 ) . This consequence is precisely integrated with the original definition of control environment by COSO: The Control Environment sets the tone of an organisation, act uponing the control consciousness of its people. It is the foundation for all other constituents of internal control, supplying subject and construction. ( COSO, 1992 cited in Huang, Hsieh, Tsao, and Hsu, 2008, p. 114 ) As the consequence, the primary undertaking is doing security for physical control, in order to treat the internal control map efficac iously. In add-on, the senior direction support could be a chief factor caused ERP and IT undertaking execution successfully. The 2nd issue which should be considered for internal control is integrating and communicating of fiscal information. The ERP systems could back up use IT to unite organisational resources and information about finance and accounting for company s operation schemes. Furthermore, the SOX subdivision 404 has regulated the internal control taking to part of fiscal coverage ( Huang, Hsieh, Tsao and Hsu, 2008 ) . The company mangers non merely could utilize fiscal information for measuring their companies fiscal construction and the consequence of operating, but besides public users have more assurance to put these companies with their safety fiscal information. Therefore, it is necessary to corroborate the relevance and dependability of fiscal information. .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .postImageUrl , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:hover , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:visited , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:active { border:0!important; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:active , .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7 .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u228da015369235f37f140730b9a5d5d7:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Internet Privacy (1596 words) EssayToday, houses should see implementing a new construct of internal control monitoring ( ICM ) engineering for intent of support and ease internal control processes. There are two definitions that explain ICM map: ICM engineering encompasses a scope of control monitoring undertakings, including the mechanization of everyday control trials, enhanced hazard appraisals, rating and certification of controls, and managing and pass oning control confidence activities ( COSO 2009 cited in Masli, 2010, pp.1103-1104 ) and The end of ICM is to heighten the overall visibleness of the organisation to hazard and public presentation through the effect ual usage of engineering ( KPMG2008 cited in Masli, 2010, p.1104 ) . Masli ( 2010 ) shows that most companies had imputed large-scale investing in IT development in the last 10 twelvemonth. Unfortunately, these financess were wasted, because some grounds caused the program to neglect, such as untrained workers can non to the full use the taking package efficaciously and physical hardware mutual exclusiveness. Different than AIS and ERP system, the ICM concentrates on hazard appraisal and responds a message instantly if person intends to interrupt internal control system. The ICM engineering can associate with other informations of operating index. For case, if the supervisor finds companies stock monetary value has an unusual fluctuation in stock selling, the monitoring system will react to high executives and name the possible factors together. For these grounds, there is no inquiry that the ICM engineering can be used in every house. 3. Organization of board of managers In Enron Company, the board of managers does non hold duties to observe the weak fiscal construction. Even though there were 15 members in the board of managers, they do non forbid directors utilizing high hazard accounting criterions , and disregard any possible because all members are. Furthermore, the each member had received more salary and owned high sum of Enron s stock ( USA senate study ) . The board of managers could impact the quality of companies internal controls. First of all, one thing which has to be considered is the figure of outside managers on the board of managers. Research ( Beasley, 1996 cited in Yan, Jian A ; Nan, 2007 ) suggests that the board independency does non normally lead to the job of fiscal fraud. Then, other expertness indicates it is necessary to see the figure of managers in a board. Enhancing the board construction could cut down the likeliness of the concern being exposed in weak fiscal system and better the fiscal coverage reason. Research ( Dalton, 1999 cited in Yan, Jian A ; Nan, 2007 p.308 ) states a big board has more expertness than a little one, and that it tends to be more effectual in supervising accumulations. It seems that the phenomenon of weak internal control does non be in a big board. Furthermore, another expertness finds that the board size is good for audit commission independency and a big board of manager could hold the effectual audit commission every bit good as served high-quality audit services ( Yan, Jian A ; Nan, 2007 ) . It seems that there are more outside managers can heighten the quality of internal control, because their independency can non be affected by compensation such as the manager fees and stocks. Under SOX, the primary issues of puting up the independent hearers could take to the dependability of the internal control. The SOX subdivision 301 requires that the audit commission has duty for guaranting the audit study and each member should be independent ( SOX Act ) . From the Enron instance, it is clear that the audit commissions can heighten the fiscal study quality and offer effectual monitoring censoring in internal control. An audit commission has some duty of such as: reappraisal of the internal audit section and the one-year audit program, evaluate of one-year fiscal studies and the consequences of audit, criticize of the internal accounting controls, and security of concern assets. ( Steven T. , 2005 p.58 ) Steven T. ( 2005 ) points out that companies have the dependable fiscal information, because their audit commissions are independent. Then, if the members of audit commissions have high fiscal background, it can happen that these companies are improbable to hold jo b of internal control and have more abilities to happen the mistakes of internal control ( Yan, Jian A ; Nan, 2007 ) . One issue which should be considered the audit independency has a important consequence on revelation of house s internal control jobs. Because the fees are a possible factor to impact the relationship between hearers and client concerns, the hearers are more likely to disregard possible jobs and publish an wrong sentiment on clients internal controls. Conversely, an expertness claims that there is no relation between non-charge services and independency. In order to keep hearer s repute, they could supply high-quality service and forestall anyone doubted about their independency ( Yan, Jian A ; Nan, 2007 ) . It can be concluded that the independency for board of managers is more of import than the outside hearers ( Certified Public Accountant movies ) . .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .postImageUrl , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:hover , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:visited , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:active { border:0!important; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:active , .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u111e2c9f1a9cfb43a08b9b257696af9a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Influence of Real-Time Technology on E-Voting Essay4. Business moralss In this decennary, the universe economic system faces one large challenge that more and more frauds have happened in each twelvemonth, such as accounting uses, and unethical behaviour. The early jurisprudence and statute law aimed at intent of fiscal constitution and the security of the pecuniary system ( Rockness, 2005 ) . Consequently, the fraud dirts happened once more and once more. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act has the map of supplying a ordinance for companies ethical behaviour. The SOX subdivision 301 has ruled on the duties to the audit commission, because the audit commission plays an of import function in board of managers. Analyzing recent ethical failures, one survey ( Lublin and Carms, 2003 cited in Rockness, 2005 p. 45 ) indicates the audit commission was straight involved, perceived as excessively closely tied to the corporation, or unmindful to fiscal coverage state of affairss. In this manner, the audit commission has to supply a mechanism which communicate the unethical behaviour to companies employees and the external hearers. Additionally, it is obvious that SOX Act non merely provides rigorous regulations for concern, but besides giving guidelines for companies to set up the ethical ambiance in order to keep the high on the job public presentation. The SOX subdivision 406 requires that public corporations should put up a codification of moralss for senior directors, and furthermore, they have to explicate in one-year study why non holding codification of ethic. The chief intent of codification should be included: publicity of honest and ethical behavior, full and just revelation, conformity with Torahs, internal coverage for misdemeanors, and answerability for attachment to the codification. ( Securities and Exchange Commission, 2003b cited in Rockness, 2005, p. 46 ) In last two decennaries, most American companies have had an ethical codification. Some of European companies besides have accepted this tendency. These companies have installed the codifications to give theirs employees a guideline for work ( Sobczak, 2003 cited in Stevens, 2007 ) . Harmonizing to one survey ( Kaptein, 2004 cited in Stevens, 2007 ) different states companies have the different consequences, when those companies have implemented ethical codifications. A survey ( Kaptein, 2004 cited in Stevens, 2007 ) finds that European codifications concentrated on work environment are 50 % that more than American codifications. Conversely, the honestness was a important issue for American codifications ( 64 % ) compared with European codifications ( 45 % ) and Asiatic codifications ( 38 % ) . It is clear that American s organisations normally less concern equity in the work. In the Enron instance, it found that Enron were willing to offer high wages in order to actuate their emplo yees to make the concern end with the unethical behavior. To summary all mentioned above, successful companies should hold a alone ethic value that connected with concern ends. These employees could utilize different concern accomplishments at work. It can be more flexible and adaptable without losing their of import ethical values. The long term end for concerns is that inculcating a new thought of purposeful undertaking with the pure ethical values instead than prosecuting the high income ( Stevens, 2007 ) . 5. Decision In decision, SOX Act makes the profound impact on internal control edifice and there are three facets could explicate why recent internal control is effectual for the organisations. First of wholly, the function of accounting information system offer the of import audit trail for accurate auditing and another benefit is protection for the physical assets. Furthermore, enterprise resource planning package has an extra map which is risk direction. Taiwan s illustration shows that the ERP is linked with enhancement information quality and supervise the operating procedure and another map is it can incorporate internal control with the communicating of fiscal information for the operation schemes. Then, new tendency is for execution of the internal control monitoring combined with ERP system. It can guarantee security of the information efficaciously and observe the unusual signal instantly. Second, the independent audit commission is an indispensable demand for heightening the fiscal st udy quality and supervising the internal control. More members in the board of managers could heighten the quality of audit commission and supply high-quality audit occupation for the companies. The last facet is that the SOX Act has mentioned organisations should disclosure the codification of moralss in fiscal study. It means the concern have the duty for developing the ethical civilization to theirs employees. As discussed above, the SOX Act has ruled to do the internal control effectual. It seems that the information system, director s construction and ethical construct have been improved and achieve the internal control effectual.

Animal Form And Function Example

Animal Form And Function Example Animal Form And Function – Article Example Animal Form and Function Animal Form and Function Keith J. Betteridge’s article â€Å"Therio-ontology: A personal view of 40 years of farm animal embryo form and function,† is about the change in the field of Theriogenology has changed over the past four decades in terms of the study and manipulation of animal form and function. Betteridge carried out the study by sampling the processes for transferring embryo by Douglas Mitchell from ADRI (Animal Diseases Research Institute). The study discovered that early influences have permanent although delayed impacts of embryo form and function (Betteridge, 2014). This relates to animal form and function in the sense that it accounts for an insistent call to unravel the development sources of the wellness and illness of early horse expectancy.Seen as an autobiographical remembrance, the study does not aim at being moral, but rather a reflection of Betteridge’s experience of dealing with significant changes in methods and attitudes, particularly farm animal embryo form and function. If these samples could prove effective, Betteridge will have shown how advances in Theriogenology by researchers in ADRIs have proven that farm animal form and function play crucial roles in the immune systems from a prenatal stage of life (Betteridge, 2014).ReferencesBetteridge, K. J. (2014). Therio-ontology: A personal view of 40 years of farm animal embryo form and function. Theriogenology: an International Journal of Animal Reproduction, 81(1), 85-95.

When to Capitalize Religious Terms

When to Capitalize Religious Terms When to Capitalize Religious Terms Knowing when to capitalize religious terms can be hell. Or should that be Hell? And there we get to the crux of the matter. Are words from religions always capitalized? Is it only when you use these terms in a religious context? Or should you just say â€Å"to heck with it† and stop caring? Well, before you do that, check out our guide to capitalizing religious terms. When to Capitalize Religious Terms As a guideline, you should usually capitalize the first letter of religious terms when they are used as a proper noun. This is a noun that names a unique entity, such as â€Å"Barbra Streisand† or â€Å"Donald Duck.† In a religious context, proper nouns may include: Religions and religious movements (e.g., Judaism, Methodism) Religious figures and deities (e.g., Jesus, Zeus) Holy texts (e.g., Bible, Quran) Religious holidays (e.g., Easter, Diwali) Titles when used with a name (e.g., Reverend Green) However, there are some cases where the correct capitalization depends on how you’re using a term. We will look at a few of these below. God, Gods, Goddesses and Proper Nouns As mentioned above, you should always capitalize the first letter in a proper noun. If you were referring to the Christian deity, for instance, you would need to capitalize the â€Å"G† in â€Å"God†: I am here only by the grace of God. But some words, like â€Å"god,† can be either proper or common nouns depending on how we use them. So if you were referring to gods and goddesses in general, or any god or goddess where â€Å"god† is not part of their name, you would need to use a lower case â€Å"g† instead: Prior to Christianization, the Anglo Saxons worshipped the Germanic gods and goddesses, including Ä’ostre, the goddess of the dawn and spring. Notice that we do, however, capitalize Ä’ostre in the example above, even though we use a lower case â€Å"g† for â€Å"goddess.† This is because Ä’ostre is the name of a goddess, so it is a proper noun. Other Inconsistent Capitalization â€Å"God† is the most prominent example of something we only capitalize in certain cases. However, there are many religious terms that have second meanings. And you should only capitalize these words if you use them in a religious context, not when they’re used elsewhere. For instance, we would capitalize â€Å"Catholic† in â€Å"the Catholic Church.† But â€Å"catholic† can also mean â€Å"all-embracing.† And we would not use a capital â€Å"C† to write about someone with interests in a range of seemingly unrelated things (i.e., someone with â€Å"catholic tastes†). Catholic tastes ≠  A liking for Gothic architecture and stained glass. Likewise, we would capitalize the â€Å"M† in â€Å"Mass† if we were talking about the religious ceremony. But we would not usually capitalize the same word when using it as an adjective in â€Å"mass market† or â€Å"mass transit.† It pays, then, to double check whether religious terms have other uses. Holy Pronouns In the past, it was common to capitalize the first letters of pronouns when referring to religious figures. This is known as reverential capitalization. For instance, if we used â€Å"his† to refer to God, we might capitalize the â€Å"H†: Our hearts shall rejoice in God and His holy name! This is quite unusual in modern writing. However, if you do use reverential capitalization, there are two key rules to follow: Only apply it to pronouns that refer to deities and divine beings. Apply it consistently throughout your writing. To ensure consistency, you may also want to have your writing proofread. But if you do, let your editor know which terms you’ve chosen to capitalize. Heaven and Hell Finally, we have heaven and hell. As a rule, you do not need to capitalize these terms. This is true even when referring to the Christian concepts of â€Å"heaven† and â€Å"hell.† Take Matthew 5:18 from the NIV Bible, for instance: For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. However, some religious institutions do prefer to capitalize the words â€Å"Heaven† and â€Å"Hell.† And you should always capitalize ‘Heaven’ when referring to the famous gay nightclub in London. Is this what Belinda Carlisle was singing about?(Photo: Nick Cooper/wikimedia) The capitalization of â€Å"Heaven† is, in fact, one of the few areas where evangelical Christians and the LGBT+ community truly see eye to eye. And that, at least, should be celebrated.

Social Capital Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Social Capital - Essay Example Technological advancements enable instant flow of information to audiences. Some of this information may be seditious and inciting. This profound freedom of information flow attracts an equal measure of responsibility of good citizenship. Technology is a powerful tool that motivates social institutions to be more efficient, but it does not imply substitution of social capital for technology. Modern entertainment isolates societies by privatizing leisure and interaction moments. This negatively affects the social tenets that bind a society. Active social collaborations foster tranquility and successful governance as opposed to weak and un-civic minded society, which cultivate corruption and poverty. Social networks ensure trust and tolerance among people in the circles of employment. The non-participant and the larger society share the benefits of social capital. Indeed, this is because of the diversity in the benefits of networking, ranging from decreased tribal conflicts, a feeling of patriotism, citizen satisfaction and lower costs of transactions. Social capital is the foundation of a thriving society. When the society disintegrates, it is the social capital that gets lost. Collaboration is only sensible in the existence of mutual

Biochemistry Discussion - Fats and Proteins Assignment

Biochemistry Discussion - Fats and Proteins - Assignment Example Fats can be broken down to yield energy by lipolysis, after which beta-oxidation takes place in the mitochondria to give acetyl CoA that continues to the Krebs cycle yielding ATP, water, and carbon dioxide. Ketosis happens in extended starvation when large amounts of fat are broken down for energy instead of carbohydrates. This is because the rate of ketone formation surpasses the ability of the liver to oxidize them. The three types of ketone bodies that arise from acetyl CoA are acetoacetate, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (Butterly & Shepherd, 2010). The brain uses these ketone bodies for energy during starvation. Under normal conditions, the liver usually uses ketone bodies in the synthesis of lipids through the process of lipogenesis. Too much ketone bodies circulating in the body causes ketoacidosis, a state that lowers the pH of the blood to harmful levels, which may interfere with the physiology of other processes. Proteins are essential components in the body because they serve numerous structural and functional purposes. Some proteins function in body movement and others function in protection against germs (antibodies). Biological processes are catalyzed by enzymes, which are protein in nature. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is the least amount of nutrients needed to meet the daily nutrient needs of an individual. However, the RDA for protein â€Å"is calculated on an average person’s ideal weight because protein is needed mainly for lean body tissue, not fat† (Protein, n.d.). This is about 0.8 grams of proteins per kilogram of body weight. For normal males between the age of 14 and 18, this value is 52 grams whereas the value changes to 56 grams for people above the age of 18. For females, it is 46 grams for everybody above the age of 14 (Protein, n.d.).

Poverty and Children in the United States Essay Example for Free

Poverty and Children in the United States Essay Poverty is the classification of people that fall under a certain income bracket set by the government. Poverty is broken down in to two groups relative and absolute. Relative poverty is in relation to some people have more where as absolute poverty is considered life-threatening. Poverty affects people of age, race and ethnicity, and gender and family patterns. Each group that is affected typically carries the pattern from one generation the next generation making the social status difficult to change (Macionis, 2006). Although poverty can affect many different types of people those most affected by poverty are the children and women which make up 55 percent of the poor population. There continues to be blame on why people are poor and why they cannot change their lives to do better. Some people believe that it is an endless battle and once poor always poor and it is too difficult to change living situations. Poverty affects children in many ways health, food, shelter, education and exposure to violence. The cause of poverty to children is directly related to poverty in women. The beliefs of the causes of poverty according to the Encyclopedia of Women and Gender (2001), â€Å"Individualistic beliefs focus on personality attributes. These beliefs include irresponsibility, lack of discipline and effort, or lower ability and talent. Structuralistic beliefs incorporate the larger socioeconomic system such as low wages for some jobs, poor schools, prejudice, discrimination, and job availability. Fatalistic beliefs as to the reasons for a persons poverty status focus on such things as bad luck, chance, and fate.† Most poverty that affects women are those that are single mothers although these women worked they made too much for public  assistance but not enough to be able to take care of themselves and their children with proper housing, food, clothing and health care. The lack of health care directly relates to the health of children. When a mother cannot afford health care for herself during pregnancy, health issues are passed to the child. The child is then born with health issues that will continue to go untreated due to lack of health care. The single mother that makes too much to qualify for public assi stance, does not make enough to purchase medical coverage for herself and her family (Encyclopedia of Women and Gender (2001). In 1996, policies to the welfare system were changed greatly. Agencies could cut assistance to families without notice. Only women with a child under that age of one were able to get assistance without much red tape. Most states allowed people to be on assistance for a maximum of two years. There were programs designed to help women get jobs and off welfare but federal minimum wage is not enough to support a family. Without welfare assistance women and their children fall back into poverty (Encyclopedia of Women and Gender (2001). According to Duncan, G., Yeung, W., Brooks-Gunn, J., and Smith, J. (1998), there are many factors the most significant is the relation to the paternal social economic status and how it effects to the child’s and adults achievements. Most that is in a poor social status tend to be poorly educated and have children out of marriage which add an extra strain to the families which can result in physical harm to the child. Adults with children that struggle to feed, clothe and house their children are easily stressed and at times react in extreme punishment to the children blaming the child for the situation that the family is currently in. Once children are exposed to domestic violence and violence upon themselves then the cycle usually cont inues from generation to generation. Not being able to break the cycle can be a factor of poor education. Poor education is part of living in poor cities urban and rural. Families that are poor are only accepted by those that are like them, poor. So families that are in these communities seem to be stuck in the social status and cycle. Not knowing how to get out or afraid to get out of that status. If that status is something a person has always known some will not think anything different than that status being a normal way of life. According to Fantuzzo, J., Fusco, R., Mohr, W., Perry, M. (2007), during violence witnessed by children the perpetrators were more likely to be  arrested then times when children were not present. The police officers were concern that it was of great importance to send a message the violence is wrong. When it comes to domestic violence children are likely to have serious issue with development. These children tend to be more withdrawn from others and have poor social skills. There are many agencies that help assist the children in cases where the children are in danger from others. Such agencies are child protected services (CPS). Services such as CPS assist in placing child in home that will help to protect them from violence and neglect. With all of the research that has been done on how violence affects children in poverty there is no accuracy to the full impact of violence and children. According to Koch (2000), â€Å"The child poverty rate has declined slowly since 1993, and the rate of black child poverty is the lowest in history. But 13.5 million American children still live in poverty the highest rate of any industrialized country. Conservatives attribute the decline to welfare reform, which forced millions of single welfare mothers to go to work. But child advocates like the Childrens Defense Fund say that progress in reducing child poverty has slowed markedly and that cuts in social service programs made the poorest families poorer.† Today the rich still get richer and it seems that the poor continue to get poorer and the children of these poor families are the ones that are suffering the most. Most of the child poverty is in inner cities (urban areas). Families move to urban areas for better opportunities for themselves and their families but it has not improved these families quality of life. These families want to give their children a better chance to succeed by moving to these urban areas but that idea seems to be failing. Some will say that these families suffer from being dependent on welfare dependency but in truth these child suffer because wages are to low and housing is too high for their par ents to be able to make ends meet and try to get ahead of the system. With welfare assistance these children would not have food to eat and medical care. Welfare assistance assists the parents to help provide for the child when their financial income does not adequately provide for the child (Koch, 2000). The United States is supposed to have the most wealth but with that wealth the United States also has the highest child poverty as illustrated in the above chart (Koch, 2000). Most families that fall in to the poverty level make minimum wage jobs and will never be able  to get out of the poverty level. With these families they are usually poor educated which greatly impacts their earnings. Since some families work more than one job to try to make ends meet there is not time to try to better educate them. The children of these families learn from example and will continue to develop the habits of their parents. Working low paying jobs to provide food, clothing and shelter from their children will continue to be the pattern and education will be far down on the list (Koch, 2000). There has been some change to welfare reform law called Charitable Choice, this changes has made it easier for the government to be able to contract religious groups to provide social services to the poor. Many programs have come from this reform like Big Brothers/Big Sisters which is a mentoring program that helps children see a different way of life and have a positive role model to help encourage these poor children to stay in school, go to college and understand that though they may come from poor families does not mean that they have to continue in the path of their parents. These programs help children to gain confidence in the child. These programs also cut first time drug use by half and violent acts by a third. Although faith based organizations cannot replace the government programs faith based organization over lap government programs by 75 percent which include medical aid, housing, help pay bills for heating and water and educational programs to help those get back on their feet to help better provide for their families (Koch, 2000). Poverty affects everyone not just the people living in poverty. The group that is most affected by poverty is the child. Without proper care and basic needs taken care of these children of poverty will become ill and some of these children die. These children have poor education and many do not stay in school to get there high school diploma. The children of poverty usually drop out of school to help provide for those that are in the home assisting their parents in paying the bills and providing food. These jobs are once again low paying jobs and the cycle continues. Without proper education the pattern will never end, with government assistance and faith based organizations to help these families and mentor their children will help for these children to get out of the poor status and has a chance to get off government assistance in the future. Everyone needs to be aware that although the United States is considered a wealthy country, there is poverty in the United States and the people need  to work together to break the cycle and make sure that the child are taken care of, so they can live a productive, healthy and happy life. References Duncan, G., Yeung, W., Brooks-Gunn, J., Smith, J. (1998). How much does childhood poverty affect the life chances of children? American Sociological Review, 63(3), 406-423. Retrieved April 4, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 30936057). Fantuzzo, J., Fusco, R., Mohr, W., Perry, M. (2007). Domestic Violence and Children’s Presence: A Population-based Study of Law Enforcement Surveillance of Domestic Violence. Journal of Family Violence, 22(6), 331-340. doi:10.1007/s10896-007-9080-4. Koch, K. (2000, April 7). Child poverty. CQ Researcher, 10, 281-304. Retrieved April 4, 2010, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2000040700. Macionis, J.J. (2006) Society: The Basics Eighth Edition, Published by Prentice-Hall Poverty and Women in the United States. (2001). In Encyclopedia of Women and Gender: Sex Similarities and Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/estwomen/poverty_and_women_in_the_united_stat es

Luc Besson: One of the Best French Directors :: Movie Film Movies Films

Luc Besson: One of the Best French Directors Thesis: Luc Besson is one of the best French Directors of this century. His works can either be viewed as mere action packed thrillers or the viewer can go in depth and question society and morality. Besson wishes to make the viewer question the importance of individualism, the role of each individual in society and whether the individual should follow the norms of society or follow his heart. Besson’s humor, sense of pathos and his reflections on life deserve credit. Besson draws on his own life in some movies. Besson lacks presence of family and religion and in his movies the protagonist has to sacrifice one love so as to attain another, which he feels to be of greater importance to his life. Introduction Luc Besson was born in Paris on March 18, 1959, and spent most of his childhood living in the idyllic settings of various Mediterranean hideaways between Yugoslavia and Greece where his parents worked as diving instructors. A tragic diving accident when seventeen, put an end to his dreams of a career in marine biology and he diverted his interest to films and directing. He dropped out of school and moved to Hollywood at the age of nineteen where he spent three years working on and learning about American films. There was a time when he used to watch a dozen films a week so as to understand filmmaking. Considered the French equivalent of Steven Spielberg, Besson is popular for creating fast–paced stylish and hugely budgeted films. What are noticeable in Besson’s movies are the visual style, humor, pathos, and sense of direction, reflections on life and declination of modern society. (Susan Hayward, 1998) The Movies Luc Besson’s movies can all be viewed not just as movies but movies with a meaning. One of his major themes in all his movies is social existentialism - the decline of society and morality. The protagonist develops his own sense of morality and what is right and wrong in relation to their decline in society as a whole. What are noticeable in his movies are the absence of family and the demise of the community, which he brings out with great sophistication. His childhood spent near the sea and his passion for it and diving also had a profound effect even on his work as can be seen from his movie – The Big Blue.

New Criticism

New Criticism was a trend in literary theory that emphasized the predominance of the literary text: â€Å"New Criticism was the dominant trend in English and American literary criticism in the mid twentieth century, from the 1920’s to the early 1960’s. Its adherents were emphatic in their advocacy of close reading and attention to texts themselves, and their rejection of criticism based on extra-textual sources, especially biography. At their best, New Critical readings were brilliant, articulately argued, and broad in scope, but sometimes they were idiosyncratic and moralistic† (Wikipedia). The emergence of New Criticism coincided with the reaction from literary studies to the nineteenth century philological tradition and its emphases on extra-literary phenomena and biographism. Essentially, the adherents of the New Criticism school were opposed to the interpretation of literary texts in light of the authors’ lives, stating that the literary text is a self-sufficient entity and its significance is independent from reality in general. Also read: Absolute Statement Fallacy One of the aspects which is less known and discussed is that the main theses of the New Criticism school had many affinities with Prague Structuralist Circle which was developing at the same time. Such elements as the rejection of the extra-textual in the interpretation of literature or of the author’s intention are to be encountered in the studies of the Prague structuralists too. The common denominator between the two schools – and this explains the nature of their focus – is Russian Formalism, which was developed in the early twentieth century and which had a very strong impact on the critical approaches of both schools. The main theorists of New Criticism were: John Crowe Ransom, Allen Tate, R.P. Blackmur, Robert Penn Warren, I.A. Richards, William Empsom, Cleanth Brooks, William Wimsatt, & Monroe Beardsley. It was the 1941 book by John Crowe Ransom – New Criticism – that formally constituted the diverse critics into a school in its own right. The New Critics were highly prolific and, although they are largely rejected today, their studies on literature became famous and a necessary reference in the history of literary criticism. Some of the most influential studies were: Brooks’ The Well Wrought Urn, Empson’s Seven Types of Ambiguity, Brooks and Warren’s Understanding Poetry, and Richard’s Practical Criticism or Monroe and Beardsley’s essay â€Å"The Intentional Fallacy†. The main elements of New Criticism were: NC sees the text as an autotelic (a word that was a NC fave) artifact; it is something autonomous, written for its own sake, unified (an aspect never fully fleshed out in any logical or coherent way by the NCs) in form, & independent of the writer’s life, intent, etc. In fact- 3 of the major tenets of NC were: 1) self-sufficiency: the poem should be independent of biography, historical content or effect on the reader– which were called the Intentional, Historical & Affective fallacies. 2) unity: the poem should be a coherent whole- a very traditional view, albeit limited. 3) complexity: thought to be the central element of poetry. NC believed it was the reader’s duty to seek this out in the art. Violations of these tenets were examples of the Intentional Fallacy- that the artist’s intent is the primary value of the art (Schneider, 1). In other words, proper criticism was to avoid the three main fallacies and focus solely on the text. Ironically, it was these main assumptions that were challenged by later schools of criticism such as Reader Response or New Historicism, which argued for the importance of readership and historicity in our understanding of literature. The primacy of the text in unveiling the meaning of literature signified that the New Critics posited a direct relationship between form and meaning. Their analyses of literary texts consisted mostly of in-depth formal and structural discussions of poetic language and devices. For instance, William Empson’s Seven Types of Ambiguity focused solely on the semantic aspect of poetry, which he could grasp by an analysis of specific poetic devices such as paradox or metaphor. Many of the New Critics’ statements took on an absolute value, consisting of formulations which resembled inviolable laws of literature. For example, Cleanth Brooks’ The Well-Wrought Urn starts with a definition of the relation between paradox and poetry as absolute: â€Å"Few of us are prepared to accept the statement that the language of poetry is the language of paradox† (Brooks, 3). Perhaps a wiser stance towards this matter – especially when it comes to finding specificity in poetry – might be to argue for a poetics of differences and a more relativistic point of view from which to contemplate paradox in the particular context of its use. These absolute and generalizing stances towards literature were seriously challenged by many critics as reductive, eclectic and deterministic. As other critics from Reception or New Historicism schools have shown, a trans-historical or reader-blind approach to literature cannot do justice to the literary work, nor can it account for its meaning because there is a permanent dialogue between literature and reality, the text and its reader and the text’s significance can be redefined in these encounters. Works Cited: Brooks, Cleanth. The Well-Wrought Urn. Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Harcourt,  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Brace and World, Inc., New York, 1947. â€Å"New Criticism†. Wikipedia. 18.12.2006 . Schneider, Dan. â€Å"New Criticism: Same Old Game Redux†. On American Poetry  Ã‚   Criticism & Other Dastardly –Isms. 18.12.2006 http://www.cosmoetica.com/D20-DES14.htm.            

Explain what is meant by: Diversity and Equality Essay

Equality means that every human being is to be treated in the same way and once cannot differentiate between people, being cause of their faith, sexuality, nationality, gender or age. Everyone is to be treated fairly and equally. Each person has the right to be treated with respect and has the right to participate with others. Equality though does not mean identical treatment. To make each human being equally successful one must analyze each person as an individual and take care of that particular person’s needs according to his/her circumstances. The goal however has to be that each individual is reaching the same target however in his own best possible way, but at the end the same goal is successfully reached. To promote equality one must enhance the person’s capabilities to participate in society without any prejudice and as equal no matter what. Everyone has the right as an individual to have an equal opportunity and make the most of their lives and also should beli eve that they do not have less chances of succeeding because of where they come from, their beliefs or a disability. Diversity means that every human being though they are all different (character, culture, colour, religion, race, sexuality & gender) yet we are all somehow the same. To accept diversity one must accept and value one’s differences. Basically the word diversity is very similar to the meaning of equality however diversity promotes the approach and aims to identify the importance of human beings being difference from one another. Being different is a positive thing and makes the world colorful. Without Diversity life would be boring and everyone would be the same, no fresh ideas, no creation and without any improvement what so ever. Diversity is what makes the world move forward. When this approach is managed in the work setting the employees pitch in to give their full potential. Diversity challenges us to identify all sorts of differences and appreciate them in order to make our surroundings a better place for everyone to work. Inclusion means that one has to make sure that all the children and young people regardless of their environment they are brought up in, or what problems they might have, gender, disability religion etc. they have equal access to education and are able to participate in full.

Free Essays on The Soldier And The Stone

The Soldier and the Stone† War. When a commoner thinks of this word, little is brought to mind. We get an image of a soldier; usually male, dressed in a camouflage uniform, helmet, and creeping through a field undetected by the enemy while carrying their gun. This naivety has kept us in the dark, giving us an altered definition of the word, perhaps to conceal its true form. Only experience can bring someone to complete comprehension of anything. This is O’Brien’s story. Jimmy Cross is the central character in this third-person narrative recollection of the Vietnam War. He is a young Lieutenant who is madly in love with a woman back in the States named Martha. Although she writes to him every week, the passionate love is not returned. In one letter, Martha includes a â€Å"simple pebble...smooth...milky-white with flecks of orange and violet† (O’Brien 1106). She found it on the New Jersey shore- â€Å"where the land touched water at high tide, where things came together but also separated† (1106). Despite the pebbles’ small stature, I believe it to be the central idea of this story. The majority of the story centers on all the things carried by soldiers during everyday combat; the stone itself isn’t emphasized as much. O’Brien did not place as much of an importance on the role of the pebble as it should have been given. Martha’s poetry brought out many images as to the significance of her tiny gift. There were three that seemed to stick out while I read the rest of the story. The first was a connection to the shore itself. A shore is a place were land and sea meet, and where soldiers leave their homes and loved ones behind (separated). Yet it is also where they come home from war (brings them together with their home and loved ones once again). We come to understand through the story that this is something soldiers dream about: coming back and being together with what they know and love. Perhaps Ma... Free Essays on The Soldier And The Stone Free Essays on The Soldier And The Stone The Soldier and the Stone† War. When a commoner thinks of this word, little is brought to mind. We get an image of a soldier; usually male, dressed in a camouflage uniform, helmet, and creeping through a field undetected by the enemy while carrying their gun. This naivety has kept us in the dark, giving us an altered definition of the word, perhaps to conceal its true form. Only experience can bring someone to complete comprehension of anything. This is O’Brien’s story. Jimmy Cross is the central character in this third-person narrative recollection of the Vietnam War. He is a young Lieutenant who is madly in love with a woman back in the States named Martha. Although she writes to him every week, the passionate love is not returned. In one letter, Martha includes a â€Å"simple pebble...smooth...milky-white with flecks of orange and violet† (O’Brien 1106). She found it on the New Jersey shore- â€Å"where the land touched water at high tide, where things came together but also separated† (1106). Despite the pebbles’ small stature, I believe it to be the central idea of this story. The majority of the story centers on all the things carried by soldiers during everyday combat; the stone itself isn’t emphasized as much. O’Brien did not place as much of an importance on the role of the pebble as it should have been given. Martha’s poetry brought out many images as to the significance of her tiny gift. There were three that seemed to stick out while I read the rest of the story. The first was a connection to the shore itself. A shore is a place were land and sea meet, and where soldiers leave their homes and loved ones behind (separated). Yet it is also where they come home from war (brings them together with their home and loved ones once again). We come to understand through the story that this is something soldiers dream about: coming back and being together with what they know and love. Perhaps Ma...

6 Tips for Focusing When Writing

6 Tips for Focusing When Writing 6 Tips for Focusing When Writing 6 Tips for Focusing When Writing By Guest Author Isn’t it ironic that I’m having a hard time focusing on this list of tips to help people focus? As I struggle to keep deadlines, I realize that my work environment is filled with distractions – whether it’s other people’s conversations filling my head or the flashing of my instant-messaging window telling me a co-worker has a question. If I’m going to make this deadline, then I need to buckle down. Here are six tips that I’ve learned help me focus on my writing. 1. Wear headphones. In a cubicle environment, conversations carry. It’s easy to lose your train of thought when your co-workers are yapping about last night’s â€Å"Bachelorette† episode. So slap on the headphones and hit Play on the â€Å"Inception† soundtrack or some classical – something you can get lost in. Try noise-canceling headphones to eliminate even more outside interference. 2. Turn off e-mail and IM. Normally, the first thing I do when I start working is open up my e-mail and my Instant Messaging client. It’s not long before friends and co-workers are hitting me up for conversation or questions. Since these forms of communication are so instant, people expect an immediate reply. Before long, an hour might go by. When you really need to crank out a project, turn on only Microsoft Word or whatever word-processing software you use – consider checking your e-mail as a reward for when you’re finished. 3. Close the door. Whether you work at home or in an office, shutting a door can be helpful – literally and figuratively. Keeping out distractions around you can also keep them out of your head. I’ve known work-from-home people who set up an area just for work – they don’t allow themselves to wander around or let their pets hang out. Sad, perhaps, but it’s easy to lose focus and concentrate instead on chores that need to be done or that puppy in your lap. A closed door means â€Å"do not disturb† – assuming people take the hint. 4. Work at your desk. Continuing along the lines of sticking to a formal work environment, I’ve found that working at my desk keeps me focused. I stare straight ahead at my screen and the wall behind it, attempting to maintain decent posture in my ergonomic chair. But if I take my laptop and retreat to the couch, all hope for meeting a deadline is lost. Now I’m comfy – I just might take a nap! The couch is in front of the TV – maybe I’ll just see what Oprah is up to! Oh, and if I take said laptop to a cafà ©? Way too much people-watching opportunity! Sitting at a desk establishes that I am working, and the sooner I finish, the sooner I can take my laptop to the couch and simultaneously surf and watch TMZ. 5. Work in chunks of time. One of the most helpful blog posts I’ve read recently is on WebWorkerDaily about working in â€Å"chunks.† Dawn Foster recommends breaking down your day into blocks of time dedicated to each task. That way you can keep track of where your time is going as you tackle each item on your to-do list. If you’re a person who works best under pressure, having deadlines sprinkled throughout your day should keep you focused. 6. Keep your cell phone out of sight. I think voicemail is one of the greatest modern inventions. I usually let phone calls go to voicemail so that I can listen to and process each person’s message before dealing with it. But a lot of people still jump on their phones the moment it rings, taking them away from their work. Even visual or vibrating notifications of incoming calls and text messages can be distracting. So keep your phone in another room or in your messenger bag and check it every once in a while. About the Author: Jennifer Moline writes about small business, graphic design, printing and freelancing for the PsPrint blog, as well as for other graphic design websites. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Math or Maths?List of Greek Words in the English LanguageList of 50 Compliments and Nice Things to Say!

Parenting Model Metaphor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Parenting Model Metaphor - Assignment Example Thin can be compared to parenting-styles change with generations, but the basics stay the same. Jeans could also be the metaphor for the parental role-two legs joined that must function as one garment. I will look through some important concepts that affect parenting (these are concepts that have been introduced in the course work in unit two) and further link them to the metaphor of a pair of jeans. Parents often look to their neighbours, family and collective environment for advice and role-models on how to parent. A group of people assisting the parents in bringing up a child or children is termed collective parenting. This is a bit like mothers and fathers choosing the style of jeans that suits them. They look to see what others are wearing and what is suitable for their age group and body type. The most important thing is choosing a comfortable pair-just like choosing a parenting style that is comfortable for the parent. It’s hard to sustain something if it doesn’t ‘sit right’. (Chapter 12). Because so many people move to different parts of the world in today’s world, parents are cut off from their families who might have, in the past, offered support and advice. It’s like adapting to a new pair of jeans in a style or cut that you are not used to and finding a new style and support structure for changing times. A parents’ coho rts will often feel comfortable with a similar style of parenting just as they might all prefer a similar style of jeans-they can also look back and laugh at the stonewashed pairs they pulled on in the eighties (a reflection of their youth and freedom) and compare them to the more utilitarian and classic pair they wear now: which reflects their changed value system. As people become parents they might become a bit more conservative and not as fashion conscious. It’s also

Evaluate the major security problems currently being experienced in Essay

Evaluate the major security problems currently being experienced in the Middle East - Essay Example ysing security has involved a broad range of issues with respect to the state and its function as a protection system and a collective identity structure, and has raised questions based on an epistemological nature to study other levels of analysis between the local and the global. By challenging security issues in the context of mainstream studies, critical scholars have opened up space for new understandings of conï ¬â€šict and security in Middle Eastern regions. Although the Gulf war’s conflicts along with the Madrid peace process-opened the door for the Middle East peace talks, such developments created the context for seriously pursuing Arms Control and Regional Security (ACRS) in the early 1990s. It was clear that regional players in the post-Cold War period would be able to acquire this challenge of taking a more active role in ensuring their security in the regional context. However there were still some common security concerns that needed to be addressed through cooperative means. The 1990 Damascus declaration was the start of new military alliances between the Arab states and West for which the talks inaugurated between the issue of Israel and Middle East (Barnett, 1996). In an effort to digest the constraints confronted in the Arab-Israeli conflict, there left no option other than for the national security policies to rely either on weapons build-ups or deterrence in their attempts to deal with conventional and non-conventional threats. Therefore scholars and practitioners in order to secure the security realm of the Middle East started exploring the notion of mutually beneficial cooperation based on the progress of the bilateral peace negotiations. Since the think tanks were already taking keen interest in assessing the possibilities for creating some kind of regional security structure that would easily manage regional security threats in a comprehensive manner, therefore all they could engage themselves into was the analysis of conditions under

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS - Essay Example It is of high importance to mention that the better levels of technology powered connectivity are resulting in the successful diffusion of various global trends, which emerges from various markets around the world. Because of faster evolution of the globalized trends, it can be said that the consumers are getting more and more aware of their needs and wants. It also has to be said that the better connectivity is helping the rapid dispersion of global trends from the well established markets to the emerging markets, thereby creating the opportunity for development of consumer demands. This entire cycle of increasing in consumer demand is having a direct impact on the part of the consumers in a circular manner. Faced by growing domestic demands in the marketplace, multiple companies located in various markets around the world are increasingly trying their level best to enter the new markets as they promote significant amount of business opportunity As a result, a major shift of power balances is happening in the markets from the sellers to the buyers. The shift is more happening because of the large number of alternatives that are being currently made available in the market. This has brought the focus on communicating the value of the products to the right set of consumers. While doing so, the companies and business organizations focus on the process of usage of celebrity endorsers. The buying process is in general bifurcated into three phases, that is, ‘pre-purchase’, ‘purchase’ as well as ‘post-purchase’ (Rayport & Jaworski, 2003, p. 119). The decision making process of the consumers comprises of need recognition, search for information, alternative evaluation, purchase as well as post purchase analysis (Lamb and et.al, 2011, p. 189). With the rise of competition in the modern business world, marketing communication has become vibrant and filled with endorsements. As a result, it has become very challenging for brands to get noticed by the

Functional Analysis of Behaviour Clinical and Ethical Issues

Functional Analysis of Behaviour Clinical and Ethical Issues Discuss the clinical and ethical issues involved in  conducting a Functional Analysis of behaviour when  working with a client with a learning disability. What  evidence is there that this is an effective approach? Word count: Contents (Jump to) Introduction A Holistic approach The case for employing the functional analysis of behaviour approach Difficulties with functional analysis Functional analysis in everyday clinical practice Case study using functional analysis Ethical issues relating to the functional analysis approach Combining different approaches Conclusion References Faced with challenging behaviours shown by people with learning disabilities, the psychologist must decide which analytical approach – behavioural, biophysical, ecological or psychodynamic – will best facilitate appropriate therapeutic interventions. A number of wide-ranging reviews of the available literature, together with meta-analyses of this area, indicate that interventions based on the behavioural approach offers the most effective way forward. The behavioural approach advocates that all behaviour is learned, and that behaviours are functions of the interplay between an individual and various factors within his/her environment In his meta-analysis, Didden (1996) concludes that there is â€Å"a convincing level of change in terms of reducing challenging behaviour through systematically applied behavioural approaches†, and that behavioural approaches are much more effective than, for example, medication. The behavioural approaches used to tackle difficult/challenging behaviour fall into three main categories: [RZ1]â€Å"Differential Reinforcement† involves what is essentially a reward system, whereby an individual is encouraged to exhibit appropriate, rather than challenging, behaviour. â€Å"Gentle Teaching† aims to minimise or eliminate problematic behaviour by creating an environment in which bonding, ; interdependence and mutual respect are paramount, thereby eliminating the need for challenging behaviour. The teaching of functionally equivalent responses involves firstly a â€Å"Functional Analysis† of a particular problematic behaviour, followed by the teaching of more appropriate behaviour, which serves the same function. When attempting to decide on an appropriate intervention strategy, there is a body of evidence to suggest that the last of these three approaches – the functional analysis – can, if conducted properly, provide an invaluable pointer as to what type of therapeutic intervention might be appropriate. This essay will explore the clinical advantages and disadvantages of using a functional analysis of behaviour when working with clients with learning disabilities, examining the research in this area (much of which indicates that this is a generally successful approach) and look at the ethical issues arising from this particular psychological approach. Definition: Learning Disability A report from the British Psychological Society (BPS 2004), on Clinical Practice Guidelines for interventions for people with learning disabilities and Severely Challenging Behaviour â€Å"states that  ,if an individual is to be reasonably regarded as having a â€Å"learning disability the individual’s intellectual and adaptive/social functions must both be significantly impaired; and the condition must have existed before the onset of adulthood. An extremely broad-ranging group of learning-disabled individuals fall within these parameters. Definition: Challenging Behaviour The following definition by Emerson et al (1988) is widely regarded as a sound working definition: â€Å"Severely challenging behaviour refers to behaviour of such an intensity, frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is likely to be placed in serious jeopardy, or behaviour which is likely to seriously limit or delay access to and use of ordinary community facilities.† The nature of the â€Å"challenging behaviour† (the causes and functions of which can be many and diverse) itself has been described as â€Å"behaviour which: places the individual or others in physical danger; results in destruction of their immediate environment; causes at least an hour’s disruption; or behaviour which limits or delays access to ordinary community facilities† (Scottish Office, 1998). Challenging behaviours may involve verbal or physical aggression, self-harm behaviour, and other non-injurious (but nevertheless undesirable) behaviours. Challenging behaviour is generally understood to be triggered by the interaction between variables within individuals themselves (mood, health, etc.) and variables within their social and physical environment.[RZ2] Functional analysis are comprises various methods, all with the aim of establishing the link between antecedents, behaviour and its consequences. (Kazdin,1994) More specifically, functional analysis are is a tools to reveal reinforcing conditions[RZ4], I am translating from Norwegian)..established operations and triggers for problem behaviour. (Vold, 2005) This information is then used for customizing interventions and treatment for the person in question. This definition includes all systematic methods that examine the root cause(s) of a certain behaviour. These methods include interviews and standardised tools like MAS (Durand, 1990) and FAI (O’Neill et al, 1997), different methods of observations of the person in his/hers environment, likce â€Å"scatter plot† (Touchette et al, 1985) and ABC charts ( antecedent-behaviour-consequence ) charts. (Bijou et al, 1968) In addition, we there arehave the experimental methods, also called analogue conditions. These methods consists of the a systematiccally testing and manipulation of events (or other factors[RZ5]), which are thought to be associated with the occurrence of problem behavior. It is therefore a means of formally examining the relationship between specific events and the particular problematic/challenging behaviors of an individual in a specific environment. (Iawata, et al, ,1982) These methods complement each other, but by using one – or a combination of them the â€Å"functional analyst† aims to have a much clearer idea of the triggers of, and the purposes served by, a specific behaviour. It should also be pointed out that functional analysis can be used in either a clinical application or as a valuable research method (Vollmer and Smith, 1996). Furthermore, Vollmer and Smith concluded that functional analysis could be used to identify individuals with the specific behavioural functions[RZ6] required enabling psychologists to pursue specific avenues of research (while bearing in mind that functional analysis does not always yield conclusive results). Rather than simply looking at the functional analysis as a means of dealing with challenging behaviours, Groden and LeVasseur 111posit a more holistic approach, which takes into account â€Å"the dynamic relationship between the individual, his or her skills and the environment, including the stressors, in which the behaviour occurs.† A behavioural assessment method, which has stood the test of timeme, is detailed in Groden et al (1996).[RZ7] Using this method, the behavioural assessment data for each individual is obtained from a number of sources. The procedure not only involves including a functional analysis of the target behaviour, but also an ecological inventory, a Stress Survey Schedule, and reinforcement surveys. The information is then placed in an illustrated A-B-C format, with each illustration designed to match the individuals intellectual abilities and reinforcers. It depicts the preferred mode of behaviour, which the person with a learning disability can use in a specific problematic scenario. In the early years of the use of the functional analysis by psychologists working with people with learning disabilities who exhibited challenging behaviour, four key functions were identified: attentionattention- seeking, escape (task or social avoidance),; sensory reinforcement, and tangible events (Carr, 1994). Functional analysis can uncover new functional properties of problem behaviour, but it is also necessary to develop additional strategies to address the complexities of an individual’s normal (i.e. non-experimental) environment. One such approach is the hypothesis-driven model developed by Repp et al (1988), which is based on both direct observation and the analysis of antecedent and consequent events. In the seminal paper â€Å"Psychological interventions for severely challenging behaviours shown by people with learning disabilities – Clinical Practice Guidelines†, the British Psychological Society established step-by-step â€Å"gold standard† guidelines for those who wish to employ the functional analysis of behaviour approach. (BPS, 2004) Having gained the appropriate consent[RZ8], the process should commence with the Pre-assessment, (a term first employed by Toogood and Timlin (1996)), at which stage the psychologist engages in initial information gathering, with a view to honing the initial focus of the psychological assessment. At the Assessment stage, the assessor collects and then evaluates all appropriate information about the person with a learning disability, the environment (both social and physical) and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the individual. These steps should enable the psychologist to collect the information required to create a well-structured psychological assessment and an appropriate intervention strategy, and to establish a baseline, which will enable the psychologist to measure the success of any intervention. At the Formulation stage, the psychologist draws up a hypothesis about the nature of the specific behavioural problem(s), thereby providing a guide to subsequent clinical activity as well as establishing key evaluation criteria. It will also specify the target of any intervention. At the Intervention stage, the psychologist will endeavour to change the individual’s problematic behaviour in an appropriate manner, utilising both technical psychological expertise as well asnd the detailed information previously accumulated about the individual and his/her environment. At the Evaluation stage, the success/effectiveness of the intervention(s) will be weighed up and carefully considered. The process is finalised at the self-explanatory Feedback stage (from and to all interested parties, first and foremost the person with a learning disability). In the course of their study, Vollmer and Smith (1996) concluded that functional analysis has its limitations. Most importantly, some interventions derived from functional analysis can be difficult to carry out while still maintaining non-intrusive procedural integrity. Martin et al (1999) demonstrated that there can be problems in interpreting the data arising from functional analysis in an experimental context. For the purposes of their study, the validity of a functional analysis was investigated using three different data-interpretation methodologies (two previously utilised methods, and â€Å"criterion Z† created by the authors). They ultimately concluded that all three methods were equally unsatisfactory as a way of establishing the function of a particular behaviour. [RZ9] It should also be remembered (Freeman, Special Connections website). that challenging behaviour does not always have a specific function. It is possible,; instead, that â€Å"internal sensory feedback† is responsible for triggering an individual’s challenging behaviour. Such behaviours tend to occur when the person with a learning disability is alone, or arise in many quite different and contrasting social scenarios, and may be the result of internal, rather than external, reinforcers.[RZ10] Lack of agreement about function across different methods After carrying out a thorough functional analysis, a psychologist (or other practitioner) should be in a position to identify the cause-effect relationship between an environmental â€Å"trigger† and a specific behaviour. However, different approaches to functional analysis appear to give conflicting results. Toogood and Timlin (1996) looked at the three approaches to functional analysis described above and found a low level of agreement between each of the different approaches in relation to their understanding of the target behaviours’ functions. The importance of identifying idiosyncratic variables A very wide range of stimuli can trigger challenging behaviour. Because a wide range of unanticipated variables can come into play, certain some of which may appear to be apparently insignificant, but which are in factin fact key, these variables can may be overlooked during the initial assessment, thereby giving rise to misleading results. An important study by Carr et al (1997) underlined the necessity of identifying specific â€Å"idiosyncratic† (or unanticipated) variables. In this particular study, each of the three clients was autistic (and regarded, broadly speaking, as learning disabled) and had exhibited problem behaviours such as aggression, self-harm and vandalism. Interviews and direct observations indicated that these challenging behaviours might serve the functions of attention gaininggaining attention or escape. On subsequent and closer examination using Carr’s ABC, narrative protocol, however, it became apparent that specific â€Å"idiosyncratic† stimulus variables (or the absence thereof) had a major influence on the results of the functional analysis. In the final stage of the study, the specific idiosyncratic stimulus variables which had been observed in a naturalistic environmental context (small hand-held objects, and the presence of puzzles/magazines in the room) were manipulated[RZ11] in an experimental context (a room with a two-way mirror that facilitated the video-taping of the proceedings) with a view to establishing their effect on the outcome of the functional analysis. While this study generally endorsed the usefulness of the functional analysis approach, it underlined the importance of meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accurate identification of behavioural-stimulus variables which that were not immediately obvious. Failure to do so would have significantly altered the outcomes of functional analyses. The authors concluded that that tailored guidelines should be in place when it is suspected (because there is a discrepancy between information arising from interviews and actual observed behaviours; when different results occur in different locations; or if the results differ from day to day) that idiosyncratic stimuli may be significant triggers for the behaviours being studied, e.g. .because there is a discrepancy between information arising from interviews and actual observed behaviours, or when different results occur in different locations, or if the results differ from day to day. Taking into account the above-described difficulties, together with the fact that a thorough functional analysis is time consuming,. pPsychologists in everyday clinical work are faced with a number of challenges. Some of these are of ethical nature and will be discussed later, whilst others are more practical issues. It follows from the initial definition of functional analysis used in this essay that the term is applied for different procedures, each presenting both the practitioner and the client with different challenges and benefits. In addressing the fact that time limitations can often compromise attempts to complete a thorough functional analysis in its more experimental design, Wallace and Iwata (1999) examined the extent to which variations in session duration (5,10five, ten, and 15 minutes) affected the outcome of a functional analysis. Their findings led to the conclusion that brief sessions did not give less clarity than longer sessions. An important study by Derby et al (1992) provided a analysis of the success of brief functional analysis. This study presents a summary of the results of 79 cases which used functional assessment procedures in order to determine how often the brief functional assessment successfully identified the triggers of aberrant behaviour, and whether the treatments based on the assessment were effective. Given that only 90 minutes were generally allocated to outpatient evaluations in the instructions of interest to the authors, Derby et al adapted the functional analysis procedures described by Carr and Durand (1985) accordingly. They went on to publish a report summarising the results of 79 cases in an effort to establish whether functional assessments correctly identified the â€Å"specific maintaining conditions of aberrant behaviour†,† and if subsequent treatments were effective. In each of the 79 studies, clients were, under pre-specified conditions, evaluated by direct observation of behaviour. Of the 63% of the cases studied in which functional analysis correctly identified the function of aberrant behaviour, 77% resulted in effective treatment. This finding suggests that the abbreviated 90-minute functional assessment can in many cases successfully lead to successful treatments. These â€Å"short-cuts† should not, however, entirely replace the full-scale, thoroughly researched, non time-limited functional analysis, but can be viewed as a viable â€Å"second best† alternative when available time is limited. It should be noted that tThe ecological validity of functional analysis methodology has been questioned (Martin et al, 1999) as the assessments take place outside the natural environment where the problematic behaviour usually takes place. When relying upon informant-based and/or descriptive methods, other problems arise, and psychologists need to ask themselves questions about the informants’ capacities to record observations without traces of interpretation. For example, tThe fact that clients are being observed may well influence their behaviour and invalidate results. In an inpatient setting, the mere presence of an observer may change the ecological environment, which will affect all the clients’ behaviour, and the antecedents and/or triggers for the target behaviour will be increased or decreased, and the data may be invalidated. Carr and Durand (1985) have provided evidence that the functional analysis approach can give rise to effective intervention strategies. They posit that, broadly speaking, â€Å"challenging behaviour fulfils four main functions : These are (a) a means of gaining attention (b) an ‘â€Å"escape from demands’† (c) a ‘â€Å"tangible reinforcement’† and (d) a means of obtaining â€Å"sensory stimulation†. A form foofr self injuring behaviour , for instance, head banging , may well fit into one or more of these functions.. But the head banging doesn’t fails to tell us whether the person is doing it because of frustration, hallucinations, anger or a middle ear infection.[RZ12] It is widely recognised that people with learning disabilities often have limited verbal communication ability. Many may therefore rely on non-verbal means of expressing themselves, especially in regards to communicating emotions. As a whole, people with learning disability are more prone to suffer from mental illness, personality disorders, anxiety and depression than the rest of the population. But whatever function the challenging behaviour fulfils, it can be seen as a form of learned communication that previously has fulfilled the needs of the person with a learning disability. A person with a learning disability who gains a caregiver’s undivided attention (even if the caregiverr is angry or irritated) more readily by shouting than by talking politely will tend to conclude that the most efficient and effective way to get the carer’s attention is to engage in the aforementioned challenging behaviour. A self-injury by a person with a learning disability may result in a show of gratifying concern from a carer. This â€Å"positive† outcome may lead to repetition of the self-injurious behaviour. One or more problem behaviours can, in certain circumstances, serve the same function, and can occur in a chain of escalating seriousness (e.g. minor fiddling with a small object leading on to the violent hurling of a larger object, minor complaints leading to vicious abuse). Awareness of this can enable a caregiverr to intervene early in the â€Å"chain,†, thus minimising negative consequences (i.e. events which come directly after an instanc e of problematic behaviour (Albin et al, 1995). Caregivers should be careful not to simply assume that a consequence is regarded as a â€Å"punishment†, and should consider whether the supposed punishment decreases or in fact increases the undesirable behaviour. For example, iIn a setting such as a hospital for people with learning disabilities detained under the Mental Health Act, for example, consequences such as restraint or even seclusion may actually be increaseing the incidence of challenging behaviour, as the behaviour in question can provide a means of gratification. The following case study shows how a functional analysis was useful to show the likely presence of these factors at play with a woman with a learning disability detained under the Mental Health Act in a medium secure unit. Case study: The 25 year old woman had a dual diagnosis of learning disability and a mental illness.[RZ13] She was admitted to a mixed gender ward with both male and female staff. She was a very big and strong lady and her challenging behaviour, which took the form of attacks for no apparent reason, posed a threat both to staff and fellow patients. Prior to herBy admission, a pre – assessment and initial risk assessment had been carried out. This was followed up by an initial assessment, carried out by nursing staff who recorded theing frequency and severity of her challenging behaviour in an ABC chart, as well as monitoreding activities and situations the patient she seemed to enjoy. Her mental health symptoms were treated with the recommended drugs. The data collected showed up to four weeks without challenging behaviour that wasn’t easily deflated. On At occasion (during a one-to-two week period)s she could, however, during a one to two weeks period, display behaviour that at least once a day lead to necessary restraint by staff. The intervention put in place  included allocation of a specific health care worker that would initiate activities that the patient she liked doing and instruction to staff to redirect  her when she was becoming restless. Due to her lack of communication skills, key staff was trained in specific ways of communicating with her. After approximately six6 months there was a marked increased frequency in the incidents of challenging behavior as well as in the duration and violence involved. . Although the patient’sher communication skills had improved and her daily activities had been refined to suit her strengths and interests, her attacks became so viciously that seclusion became an unfortunate necessity at least three times a month, usually within the same week. As no new antecedents were detected, a functional analysis was carried out , which included the three main methods, was carried out: Nursing staff continued to observe her the patient continuously and filled in ABC charts. Records were taken of her sleeping pattern, food and drink intake and menstrual cycle (informant-based method). Any changes in the ward were recorded, i.e. new admissions, staff leaving and new staff appointed. Assistant psychologists observed her on the ward and recorded behaviour on during 5 five-minute s intervals (direct observation). The clinical psychologist, who also had participated in observations, analysed the data and drew up a hypothesis about the nature of the increased challenging behaviour. On this basis of this, variables in the patient’s environment were, one at athe time, changed and tested (experimental method). The data collection demonstrated that the incidents of challenging behaviour peaked at a certain time in her menstrual period, indicating a hormonal factor. This factor alone was not conclusive enough on its own to account for her behaviour. It was treated as a setting factor that increased the probability of incidents, when short-term triggers were also present. The observations also carried out highlighted that when restraint was necessary, male staff carried it out, due to the patient’s size and strength, mainly did this. When there wereith only female staff working inon the ward, there was a significant reduction in her attacks, provided that she was being kept occupied by staff to avoid boredom. The policy and procedures for seclusion made it mandatory for staff to remove clothing that she might use to hurt herself with. Although female staff always carried out removal of clothing, she was still being placed in restraints by male staff. Direct observations and staff reports suggested that the presence of male staff during this process escalated her behaviour. Most importantly, however, was the correlation between her challenging behaviour and the presence of a specific male member of the staff. Nursing reports showed that when he was off duty, the client’s challenging behaviour never reached the level when seclusion was necessary. Furthermore, observations showed that she was always happy to greet this member of staffstaff member when he arrived for work, and she frequently sought him out for help or company.[RZ14]. The interventions implemented were to move  the male member of staffstaff member to another ward for a period of time and to  stop male staff participation intervention in the restraint processrestraints. Guidelines were implemented to ensure that the patient she was dressed in clothes she could safely wear if seclusion was necessary. The cA contraceptive pill was prescribed in order to keep her hormone level in balance, and a program with intermittent positive reinforcement was developed to re-introduce a certain interaction with male staff.[RZ15] The intervention was successful insofar that heras the patient’s challenging behaviour decreased. It demonstrates the effectiveness of a functional analysis as well as the danger of interventions become too intrusive. But it also, it highlights many of the ethical challenges a practitioner might face when working with people with learning disability and challenging behaviour.[RZ16] Given that the vast majority of individuals with learning disabilities are highly vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation, it is vital that an â€Å"ethical framework† exists, within which practitioners can operate when using the functional analysis approach. The practitioner must also ensure the following: that he/she operates within the law of the land at all times; the practitioner must endeavour to operate within the parameters imposed by the relevant professional association’s’ Code of Practice; must adhere to local standards and policies (e.g. those set by a particular Trust); and must operate (as far as possible, given the previous strictures) within his/her own personal set of ethics and principles. Consent As with any other assessment or intervention, the client or service-user must give his or her consent. People with learning disabilities encompass a broad range of abilities. Some will understand the implications of assessments and interventions and will be able to give their consent, whilst others are unable to do so. The latter group may have guardians to provide consent on their behalf. But most lay people tend to accept without much questioning that â€Å"the professionals know best.† . It is the