Meaning of Instrumental Variables (IV) in Econometrics

Meaning of Instrumental Variables (IV) in Econometrics In the fields of statistics and econometrics, the term instrumental variables  can refer to either of two definitions. Instrumental variables can refer to: An estimation technique (often abbreviated as IV)The exogenous variables used in the IV estimation technique As a method of estimation, instrumental variables (IV) are used in many economic applications often when a controlled experiment to test the existence of a causal relationship is not feasible and  some correlation between the original explanatory variables and the error term is suspected. When the explanatory variables correlate or show some form of dependence with the error terms in a regression relationship, instrumental variables can provide a consistent estimation. The theory of instrumental variables was first introduced by Philip G. Wright in his 1928 publication titled  The Tariff on Animal and Vegetable Oils but has since evolved in its applications in economics. When Instrumental Variables Are Used There are several circumstances under which explanatory variables show a correlation with the error terms and an instrumental variable may be used. First, the dependent variables may actually cause one of the explanatory variables (also known as the covariates). Or, relevant explanatory variables are simply omitted or overlooked in the model. It may even be that the explanatory variables suffered some error of measurement. The problem with any of these situations is that the traditional linear regression that might normally be employed in the analysis may produce inconsistent or biased estimates, which is where instrumental variables (IV) would then be used and the second definition of instrumental variables becomes more important. In addition to being the name of the method, instrumental variables are also the very variables used to obtain consistent  estimates using this method. They are exogenous, meaning that they exist outside of the explanatory equation, but as instrumental variables, they are correlated with the equations endogenous variables. Beyond this definition, there is one other primary requirement for using an instrumental variable in a linear model: the instrumental variable must not be correlated with the error term of the explanatory equation. That is to say that the instrumental variable cannot pose the same issue as the original variable for which it is attempting to resolve. Instrumental Variables in Econometrics Terms For a deeper understanding of instrumental variables, lets review an example.  Suppose one has a model: y Xb e Here y is a T x 1 vector of dependent variables, X is a T x k matrix of independent variables, b is a k x 1 vector of parameters to estimate, and e is a k x 1 vector of errors. OLS can be imagined, but suppose in the environment being modeled that the matrix of independent variables X may be correlated to the es. Then using a T x k matrix of independent variables Z, correlated to the Xs but uncorrelated to the es one can construct an IV estimator that will be consistent: bIV (ZX)-1Zy The two-stage least squares estimator is an important extension of this idea. In that discussion above, the exogenous variables Z are called instrumental variables and the instruments (ZZ)-1(ZX) are estimates of the part of X that is not correlated to the es.

A Failure to Hide One’s True Motives in The Lame Shall Enter First

A Failure to Hide One’s True Motives in The Lame Shall Enter First In the short story The Lame Shall Enter First, author Flannery OConnor describes a widowers attempts to mask his grief over his wifes death. In order to fill the void in his heart, the widower, Sheppard, throws himself into miscellaneous charitable endeavors. He shows this philanthropy most notably in his treatment of a young delinquent named Rufus Johnson, whom he takes in and cares for as his own son. Through his treatment of Rufus, Sheppard also tries to teach his son Norton-whom he judges as extremely selfish-about sharing. What Sheppard fails to realize, however, is that he is actually just as selfish as he judges his son to be-they are using the same coping mechanisms to try to deal with their loss. Consequently, his generosity and kindness will not profit anyone; in fact, it will actually cause harm. OConnor uses devastating irony-manifested through parallel descriptions of the characters and various interactions between them-to convey the idea that artificial philanthropy wil l accomplish nothing. O Connor uses parallel descriptions of Sheppard and Norton in order to expose the same character flaws in Sheppard that he scorns in his son. Throughout the story, she describes them in such similar ways that their shared traits become obvious. Nortons apparent self-centeredness is revealed at the very beginning, when he gorges himself until he vomits (Walters 103). Sheppard then looks upon him with disdain, thinking, his own child, selfish, unresponsive, greedy, had so much [food] that he threw it up (OConnor 374). Although Sheppard is criticizing his son for being selfish, he later realizes that he had stuffed his own emptiness with good works like a glutton (403) and had thus behaved no better than his son had in attempting to cope with his wifes death. Though this shared reaction to their loss is their most obvious similarity, Sheppard and Norton also have other parallel characteristics. Sheppard criticizes Nortons lack of intelligence near the beginning of the story when he lam ents, Norton was average or below and had had every advantage (374). When Rufus (whose intelligence Sheppard revered, in stark contrast to his own sons lack thereof) joins the household, however, Sheppard finds that the tables have been turned and he is now the one being criticized for his stupidity. Rufus insults Sheppards intelligence several times and in fact compares him unfavorably to Norton when he says, He [Sheppard] dont know his left hand from his right, he dont have as much sense as his crazy kid! (402). He later verbally attacks Sheppard to his face when he tells him, You aint any smarter than that cop (396). Through these descriptions, OConnor paints similar pictures of father and son-making Sheppards criticisms seem even more ironic and his character less credible. In addition to juxtaposing the characters of Norton and Sheppard, OConnor further reveals Sheppards flaws and inconsistencies through various interactions with Rufus. From his first meeting with the boy, it is obvious that Sheppard seems to take pleasure in analyzing Rufuss motives and behavior, failing to realize how it mirrors his own. For example, Sheppard, of course, seizes upon the foot as the unquestionable source of Rufuss delinquency, interpreting his criminal behavior as simple compensation for his physical defect (Walters 103). What Sheppard does not immediately see, however, is that he is also trying to compensate for his own defect-his overly philanthropic gestures are an attempt at filling the hole in his heart left by his wifes death. It is not until much later that he realizes he has been stuffing his emptiness with good works (OConnor 403) in order to find fulfillment. Sheppard is also the object of Rufuss discrepancy between the Christlike image Sheppard tries to co nvey and his actual selfish motives, and he openly accuses Sheppard of confusing himself with Christ (Walters 102). He first does this behind his back during a conversation with Norton, exclaiming, God, kid, how do you stand it? He thinks hes Jesus Christ! (383). In a subsequent conversation, while explaining to Norton the concept of heaven, Rufus mocks Sheppard outright when he says, Ill tell you all about it [heaven] tomorrow, kid, when Himself has cleared out (387). In fact he takes this even further, later calling Sheppard a lying stinking atheist (403)-a stark contrast to the Christlike character Sheppard attempts to show. In the midst of Rufuss criticism, Sheppard valiantly attempts to maintain his image as a genuine humanitarian by saying, If I can help a person, all I want is to do it. Im above and beyond simple pettiness (383). Rufus, however, does not believe anything Sheppard says, as he tells Norton: Yaketty yaketty yakand [Sheppard] never says a thing. Gas. Gas (279). T hrough these and other insightful, yet derogatory comments, Rufus reveals Sheppards selfish, hypocritical character. As Rufus helps to point out, Sheppard is so entrenched in his grief-induced selfish ambitions that he completely loses sight of his son Nortons struggles and makes himself a hypocrite; however, with Rufuss further assistance he is able to begin the process of self-discovery that eventually leads to his revelation. Sheppard is arguing with Rufus when he begins to see the first glimpses of his true self-and he is understandably taken aback. He thinks, The boys eyes were like distorting mirrors in which he saw himself made hideous and grotesque (397) and a moral leper (398). His violent epiphany comes shortly after this moment of clarity. He realizes that he had done more for [Rufus] Johnson than he had done for his own child (403) and that in so doing he had failed to help Norton through his grief like a loving father would. He also realizes how self-centered he had been-even as he had lectured Norton about being selfless, he had ignored his own child to feed his vision of himself (40 3). The hypocrisy in his actions is readily apparent-although he was preaching generosity and compassion, he was in reality practicing selfishness and thoughtlessness. This is in itself ironic, and OConnor takes advantage of this throughout the story. In fact, she uses mankinds innate selfishness as the source of nearly all her irony (Malin 36), and nowhere is this more apparent than in Sheppards situation. OConnors final, most heart-wrenching use of irony occurs when Sheppard at last realizes his grave mistake through a violent revelation and is overcome with love for Norton-only to learn that his epiphany has come too late and all his apparent benevolence has failed him. He is shocked and horrified when he recognizes how he has neglected his child in the name of charity, and he promises, He would make everything up to him, He would never let him suffer again. He would be a mother and a father (404). Sheppard immediately rushes to Nortons room to begin making amends for his past behaviors-only to discover that the child hung in the jungle of shadows, just below the beam from which he had launched his flight into space (404). Sheppards neglected child had killed himself in an attempt to be reunited with his mother in heaven. Sheppard is absolutely devastated, because he knows that Nortons extreme action is evidence of his acute longing for love (Walters 103). Sheppard grieves because h e had deprived Norton of the love he so desperately needed-and when he is ready to give that love, it is too late. It is also cruelly ironic that he had previously thought, in his efforts to reform the intractable Rufus, he had fatally neglected his own son (103). The most frustrating irony of all, however, is that of the timing of Sheppards revelation-had he recognized the error of his ways only minutes earlier, he could have saved his sons life. At this point he fully realizes that all his philanthropy has gained him nothing-in fact, it has caused him to lose everything. This painful irony makes The Lame Shall Enter First an unforgettable tale of hypocrisy, frustration, and ultimately tragedy. Bibliography Frieling, Kenneth. Flannery OConnors Vision: The Violence of Revelation. Contemporary Literary Criticism, Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1974. Malin, Irvin. Flannery OConnor. Contemporary Literary Criticism, Vol. 13. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1980. OConnor, Flannery. 3 by Flannery OConnor. New York: New American Library, 1983. pp. 371-404. Walters, Dorothy. Flannery OConnor. Boston: Twayne, 1973.

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) Coursework

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) - Coursework Example hers frame their studies on a particular subject like international relations, and thus form an appropriate problem statement and find solutions as part of the research work. The studies of these authors have stressed on the involvement of scientific aspects introduced in the understanding of social sciences in relation to the arguments associated with international relations (Dunne, Kurki & Smith, 2007, p.15). A business research deals with the research studies being associated with the world of business and management in reality. The theories of social sciences are also related to the business research methodologies to a large extent. The methods developed in the research studies reflect the relation that social scientists make use of such methods in deriving the relationships between the realities of the social aspects and the manner in which they might be realized. The role of the researcher is highly significant in this context. Some of the theories being used include the grand theories or middle-range theories where at times the theories might provide with limited research opportunities, in other cases being more elaborate and informative. The relevance of data is essential when hypothesis are formulated for researches. The relations between the theory and research can be derived by the deductive theory and the implications are obtained through the induction theory. The positivism th eory if research encompasses both the deductive and inductive aspects of research. In contrast to this is the interpretivism theory. Other theories include the realism, objectivism and other relative measures (Bryman & Bell, 2007, pp. 4-23). The research process of political science has a major significance in the understanding of international relations that has been reflected through the studies of McNabb. He focused on the different purposes based on which a research study is conducted including the exploration, description and explanation of the concerned topic. The study of

BPMN advantages, disadvantages within system integration Essay

BPMN advantages, disadvantages within system integration - Essay Example Business Process Modeling Notation offers a common universal language thereby reducing the communication barriers that existed in designing the business process models. Business Process Modeling Notation also helps in bridging the gaps that existed in communication which affected the process of business modeling from the designing stage to the implementation stage.Since Business Process Modeling Notation uses the technique of flowcharting, the method has made information relaying simpler. This is because use of images assists users and designers in summarizing information. A single flowchart can be used to reflect many situations that would have required a lot of words in explaining and representing.Another significant advantage of using Business Process Modeling Notation is the fact that it is a simple model. The model embraces simplicity by converting information and representing it in a simple flowchart. This gives it an upper hand in the market since every business is after a sim ple model that will serve its purposes and at the same time it is easily applicable in every business environment provided that the firm maintains proper records and comprehensive data on its operations.Business Process Modeling Notation is an important model especially in firms that has adopted process automation. In the modern world, more and more companies have adopted a system that supports high levels of information technology since this makes operations in the company much smoother.

Charles Darwin, Social Darwinism, and Imperialism Essay -- Social Darwi

England went through dramatic changes in the 19th century. English culture, socio-economic structure and politics where largely influenced by the principles of science. Many social expressions occurred due to these changes. Transformations which categorized this time period could be observed in social institutions; for instance: the switch from popular Evangelicalism to atheism, emergence of feminism and the creation of new political ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism and Radicalism). These are just a few of the changes that took place. All of this social alteration can be attributed to the importance of science. The English people began to trust more in empiricism and logical thought than in faith and glory of the empire . One who contributed greatly to this transformation was Charles Darwin. In his two most famous works, The Origin of Species and The Decent of Man, Darwin introduces the concept of "the survival of the fittest" and "natural selection". The Darwinian ideas introduced into English society justified a great number of political policies and social movements. England at the turn of the century was still a largest power in the international system. The English perceived, through the justification of Darwinism, they were fit to be the imperial hegemon in the world. The issue this essay will deal with is Imperialism and how Darwinism justified its practice. Darwin argued in his work, The Decent of Man, "When civilised...

Personal Change Project Conditioning Health And Social Care Essay

I would wish to plan a self-modification program which is to advance a wont desirable to myself. I will implement Operant Conditioning and other rules of conditioning in this Personal Change Project.Walking the Dog Frequently and Regularly for a Longer period of TimeThe mark behavior I would wish to hike is walking the Canis familiaris for at least 45 proceedingss daily on the seashore near my house. The end of the present program was to prolong a good wellness since jogging is involved during the walk with the Canis familiaris. For case, ramble oning conditions the cardiovascular system, cut downing the opportunity of acquiring bosom disease. It besides helps in beef uping musculus and cut downing extra fat by firing Calories. In add-on, it can advance the relationship with the Canis familiaris as its proprietor. At the same clip, in order to take up the duty as a portion of the household members, walking the Canis familiaris on a regular basis is indispensable. Last, relaxation can be achieved by walking Canis familiaris along the seashore as the aesthetic position and nature of it can assist alleviating emphasis and sadness. A baseline appraisal was carried out predating the self-modification program. In the self-modification program, each clip the client walked the Canis familiaris for at least 45 proceedingss was counted as walking the Canis familiaris for one clip. No bound was placed on the clip she walked the dog each twenty-four hours.Baseline AssessmentIn the baseline appraisal of the mark behaviour before transporting out the self-modification program, the frequence and continuance of walking the Canis familiaris by the client was measured utilizing a timer. It lasted for 14 yearss from 5th September to 18th September. ( Table 1 ) The frequence which the client walked her Canis familiaris was 7 times in two hebdomads and the entire clip spent to walk the Canis familiaris in two hebdomads was 183 proceedingss and the mean clip spent on walking the Can is familiaris was 26 proceedingss in two hebdomads. Therefore, the existent continuance of clip for walking the Canis familiaris before the self-modification program was much less than the mark continuance of clip set in program ( 45 proceedingss ) . This was because the mark behaviour was normally hindered by different ancestors and effects ( to be mentioned in the following session ) Walking The Dog Date Yes NO 5th September 15 proceedingss 6th SeptemberTen7th September 28 proceedingss 8th SeptemberTen9th September 35 proceedingss tenth SeptemberTen11th September 25 proceedingss 12th SeptemberTen13th SeptemberTen14th September 40 proceedingss 15th SeptemberTen16th September 30 proceedingss 17th SeptemberTen18th September 10 proceedingss Entire Time of walking the Canis familiaris 183 proceedingss Average clip of walking the Canis familiaris 183 / 7 = 26 proceedingss Table 1 Frequency and Duration of walking the Canis familiaris from 5th Sept. to 18th Sept.Ancestors and ConsequencesHarmonizing to Weiyen ( 2007, pp.250-254 ) , ancestors are the preceding fortunes. Consequences are the effects or consequences of something happening earlier.Ancestors which limit my mark behaviorBefore implementing this self-modification program, there were ever several ancestors which restricts me from walking the Canis familiaris. First of wholly, it was non possible for me to walk the Canis familiaris during showery yearss as the Canis familiaris will acquire soiled and wet. In add-on, I normally felt so tired after school or work that I did non hold the energy to walk my Canis familiaris.Ancestors which reinforce my mark behaviorIt is ever free to walk my Canis familiaris along the seashore near my place as no transit cost is needed. In add-on, it merely takes me 5 proceedingss to entree the seashore, therefore it is really convenient to walk my pet.Consequences which limit my mark behaviorExerting my Canis familiaris normally makes me even more tired after school or work so this greatly influences my advancement of analyzing, and therefore impacting my public presentation on trials. Therefore, the fatigue from walking my Canis familiaris restricts me from making so.Consequences which reinforce my mark behaviorWalking my Canis familiaris can assist ease my bodily fittingness and keeping wellness. This is because I jog while walking my Canis familiaris and it helps to better my cardiovascular and respiratory system. Heart musculuss are strengthened and become more efficient during jogging. Besides, deeper breathe can be achieved to provide more O and foods to our musculuss, enabling us to be more energetic engaging in activities we enjoy. Besides, it is of import to keep a good relationship with my household and Canis familiaris via taking up my duty as a household member walking my Canis familiaris as wrangles sometimes arise due to this is sue. Furthermore, walking my Canis familiaris can assist cut downing emphasis and sadness from the heartache of interrupting up and analyzing.Behavioral Principles and SchemesOperant Conditioning was used as the major rule to increase the mark behaviour. It is a signifier of acquisition in which a response becomes more likely to happen in a peculiar stimulation state of affairs as a consequence of its effects. In this Conditioning, assorted types of supports and penalties were applied. Support occurs when an event following a response increases an being & A ; acirc ; ˆâ„ ¢s inclination to do that response. Punishment occurs when an event following a response weakens the inclination to do that response. Positive support was involved in the program. This is a response is strengthened as it is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulation. Therefore, a positive reinforcing stimulus was set that I could bask a tasty barbeque dinner with my close friends every 10 times I walked my Canis familiaris for at least 45 proceedingss. This was a rewarding stimulation for me as I love barbeque and I cherish the clip garnering with close friends. It was a secondary reinforcing stimulus as it acquired reenforcing belongingss through repeated association with primary reinforcing stimulus. Negative Reinforcement was besides applied. It occurs when a response is strengthened because it is followed by the remotion of an unpleasant stimulation. I late broke up with my fellow and it was a heart-breaking experience. Then I found that walking the Canis familiaris along the seashore and basking the aesthetic position of the nature can assist to alleviate the heartache. Therefore, I walk the Canis familiaris along the seashore more frequently. Therefore, the difficult feeling after interrupting up was the unpleasant stimulation and it was thought that walking Canis familiaris along the seashore can take this aversive stimulation, therefore walking the Canis familiaris along the seashore ( response ) is strengthened. Negative Punishment was used, which was to diminish the unwanted behavior by taking something pleasant. For every individual clip the client could non successfully walk her Canis familiaris for 45 proceedingss in a twenty-four hours, her female parent locked up my laptop for two yearss. Therefore, she needed to utilize the public computing machines in the library for a twosome of yearss if she did non walk the Canis familiaris and this one time brought her a immense incommodiousness. Hence, the usage of laptop at place is regarded as the pleasant event and the reluctance to walk the Canis familiaris is the unwanted behaviour.The EventualitiesAs for the Positive Reinforcement, a Fixed-ratio agenda of support was besides applied as the client could bask barbeque with friends every 10 times she walked the Canis familiaris. Therefore, the definition of fixed-ratio agenda is the positive reinforcing stimulus ( barbeque with friends ) is given after a fixed figure ( 10 times ) of non-reinf orced responses ( walking the Canis familiaris ) . In the Negative Reinforcement, Variable-schedule of support was used. The reinforcing stimulus ( the gradual alleviation of hurting after interrupting up ) was given after a variable figure of non-reinforced responses ( walking the Canis familiaris along the seashore ) . After the client walked the Canis familiaris along the seashore for a few times, she found that the heartache reduced a small spot and this was a reinforcing stimulus. Then this reinforcing stimulus strengthened the response inclination for walking the Canis familiaris as she believed this can alleviate hurting after interrupting up with fellow. As for the Negative Punishment, every clip the client did non walk her Canis familiaris for at least 45 proceedingss one time a twenty-four hours, her female parent locked up her laptop for two yearss. Inconvenience was brought to the client if she could non carry through the mark behaviour, as she could non utilize her laptop for two yearss ( usage of laptop is a pleasant stimulation ) , alternatively she could merely utilize the public computing machine outside.Consequence of the AssessmentThe self-modification program was set to complete in two hebdomads from 19th September to 2nd October after the baseline appraisal. ( Table 2 ) It can be seen that the response inclination of walking the Canis familiaris greatly strengthened after the program was implemented. The frequence of walking the Canis familiaris was 20 times which was about 3 times more than that of the baseline appraisal ( 7 times ) . The entire continuance of walking the Canis familiaris in two hebdomads was 1039 proce edingss, while the mean clip spent on walking the Canis familiaris was 52 proceedingss each clip, which is a dual compared to the consequence obtained in the baseline appraisal. Therefore, she was rewarded twice by holding barbeque dinners with her friends in these two hebdomads, as she achieved walking her Canis familiaris 20 times. Although the client failed to carry through the mark behaviour for one clip in these two hebdomads, it was due to the heavy work load from alterations and assignments. She was so experient negative penalty which she could non utilize her laptop for two yearss as her female parent locked it up. Walking the Canis familiaris Date Yes NO First Time on the day/ minute Second Time on the day/ minute 19th September 50 45 twentieth September 45 45 21st September 48 22nd September 55 48 23rd September 70 50 24th September 85 25th September 50 26th September Ten 27th September 45 50 28th September 50 50 29th September 45 47 thirtieth September 55 1st October 60 2nd October 46 Entire Time of walking the Canis familiaris 1039 Average Time of walking the Canis familiaris each clip 1039 / 20 =52 Table 2 Frequency and Duration of walking the Canis familiaris from 19th September to 2nd OctoberThe Strength, Weakness and Effectiveness of the Modification PlanThe self-modification program was seemingly effectual, which could be proved by the big difference in consequences shown in table 1 and table 2. The behaviour of the client was successfully modified to walk the Canis familiaris for at least 45 proceedingss one time a twenty-four hours. This was proved by the twofold continuance of walking the Canis familiaris each clip on norm ( 26 proceedingss in baseline appraisal and 52 proceedingss in the self-modification program ) and the frequence of walking the Canis familiaris was about tripled ( 7 times in baseline appraisal and 20 times in the self-modification program ) . This was chiefly due to the strengths of the program. Positive support was used in the program, in which the client was rewarded a barbeque dinner with her friends every 10 times she walked the Canis familiaris However,

Book Critique of The Longest Day Essays - 883 Words

Book Critique of The Longest Day Cornelius Ryan, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1920, worked as a reporter covering the battles in Europe from 1941-1945 and then the final months of the Pacific Campaign. His articles were printed in both Reuters and the London Daily Telegraph. His first book was The Longest Day, published in 1959, selling over 4 million copies in 27 different editions. In 1962 a director named Darryl Zannuck made the book into a movie. Ryans next book was The Last Battle, published in 1966. His final book, A Bridge Too Far, was published in 1974. This book was also made into a movie in 1977, and just recently re-released in 1998 on DVD. Ryan had an extensive collection of materials that he used to create the large amount of†¦show more content†¦The period covered in this book is a very short one, covering the building of the Atlantic wall in little detail, and in great detail, the few days before D-Day and the initial attacks on D-Day itself. On the German side Hitler has ordered the building o f a massive Atlantic Wall to stop any Allied attackers from landing on the western seaboard, from the Kirkenes to the Pyrenees. After defeat in Africa, Field Marshall Erwin Rommel is sent to inspect and oversee the walls completion. After seeing the horrible state of the wall Rommel worked to complete the wall as quickly as possible. He had the German and French coast of the English Channel and their beaches filled with mines. Rommel then placed heavy fortifications behind the beaches to stop any attackers who made it past the beach defenses. In Great Britain, the Supreme Allied Commander, General Eisenhower was planning the date to launch the massive attack on Normandy, but his time frame was limited due to a bad storm in the area. On June 5, 1944 the ships were launched only to be recalled back just 40 miles from the German forts along the coast of Normandy. If Eisenhower did not launch on the 6th, he wouldnt be able to launch for another two weeks. So the early the next morning t he slowest ships and theShow MoreRelatedThe Longest Day890 Words   |  4 PagesBook Critique of The Longest Day Cornelius Ryan, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1920, worked as a reporter covering the battles in Europe from 1941-1945 and then the final months of the Pacific Campaign. His articles were printed in both Reuters and the London Daily Telegraph. His first book was The Longest Day, published in 1959, selling over 4 million copies in 27 different editions. In 1962 a director named Darryl Zannuck made the book into a movie. Ryan#8217;s next book was The Last BattleRead MoreReligion Is A Social Control Tool1394 Words   |  6 Pagessystem, including law, is influenced by religious beliefs and practices of that society. This being said, most religions are based on the theory that there is a single more powerful entity, that has control over aspects of which humans do not. For the longest time in history, sociologists have argued that peer group, political movements, schools and most importantly, the family to be agents of socialization. Because of this reason, they have ignored the role play ed by religion in the perpetuation of culturalRead MoreEmpress Wu: Evil Usurper? Essay1238 Words   |  5 Pageson the throne she ordered the execution of the former Empress Wang. In what is possibly the most brutal and horrific of Wu’s actions, Wang was maimed and left to die in a wine vat along with one of Kao-Tsung’s ex concubines where they ‘took several days to die’. Wu is supposed to have said in response to this execution, ‘now those witches can get drunk to their bones’. This means of execution was not the norm in China, which leads to the conclusion that Wu’s disposal of her rivals was not motivatedRead MorePersonal Mastery Is A Lifelong Discipline, Learning, And Systems Thinking1927 Words   |  8 Pagesthrowing ideas at each other or trying to convince each other why a particular way of thinking is better, dialogue allows us to critique our own thoughts as we are sharing them. We withhold any mental models we may already have and listen and respond more efficiently. Systems thinking is considered the â€Å"Fifth Discipline† and is what I found to be the second main idea of this book. Systems thinking is considered the cornerstone of a learning organization. Systemic thinking looks at all events as connectedRead MoreRichard Dawkins s The Selfish Gene, And Jonathan Kozol s Savage Inequalities3047 Words   |  13 PagesIntroduction This paper is an integrated critique of Richard Dawkins’, The Selfish Gene, and Jonathan Kozol’s, Savage Inequalities. The premise of my critique is to compare how these two books by two different authors on two different subjects can relate. I believe this is done by exampling how Dawkins describes the general make up of individuals and how they interact in their specific groups that they as a species have come up in over millennia and how Kozol describes that where you are born andRead MoreThe Origin Of Archetypes : An Archetype2192 Words   |  9 Pages But usually it is the original pattern or model from which things of the same kind are copied on which they are based; a model or first from; prototype. The word archetype first enter the English usage in 1540s, and is still commonly uses to this day. But where did archetypes originally start? According to research the origin of archetypes date back to as far as Plato. Plato’s ideas were mental forms that wer e imprinted into the soul before it was born into the world. The word archetype derivesRead MoreThe Use and Abuse of Visual Culture in Adult Cartoons2308 Words   |  10 Pagesworks of art rather than its aesthetic value. A cartoon is described in the oxford dictionary as â€Å"a simplified or exaggerated version or interpretation of something†. When we think about cartoons in the modern day we think about fun, innocent, brightly coloured animation or children’s books and television shows as typical cartoons. Adult cartoons such as family guy, South Park and American dad are considered as inappropriate because they differ from the typical forms of cartoons. They contain veryRead MoreTheater Studies Year Two First Assignment Essay2384 Words   |  10 Pagesone is bad enough, but together they get you in a dickens of a mess, don t they.—Accused murderer Belva Gaertner, 1924 (National Geographic, N.D) Sequins, glamour, sex and murder sounds like the stuff movies are made of but the award winning, longest running American musical Chicago is based on the true murder cases of Belva Gaertner and Beulah Annan who were accused of killing their partners under the influence of alcohol and Jazz music in 1924. Maurine Watkins made Chicago what it is today.Read MoreLes Miserables : A French Masterpiece3985 Words   |  16 Pagesa young age gaining Recognition from the French Academy for a poem he wrote when he was only fifteen. At the age of twenty, he published his first book of poetry titled Miscellaneous Odes and Verses and earned himself a royal pension which he used to marry his childhood sweetheart Adele Foucher. Hugo then began to expand his writing by publishing books such as Hans of Iceland, and The Slave-King (bug Jargal). These novel’s, however seem to be practice runs for his most memorable and impactful worksRead MoreTraffic, Directed by Steven Soderbergh Essay3306 Wor ds   |  14 Pagesthe intoxicating sensations of different drugs are incommensurable with one another, so films about different drugs tend to have radically different themes and effects. In American popular culture perhaps the illegal drug with the longest cinema history is marijuana. From propaganda films of the 30s to Cheech and Chongs Up in Smoke, or the more recent revisions such as Half-Baked, these films are, or have become, comedies. Further, almost all of them celebrate