Post Facto Research

1. What is the meaning of research? There are various definitions of research. According to John . W. Best, research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles, theories and concepts, resulting in prediction for seeing and possibly ultimate control of events. On the other hand, Clifford Woody defined research as a careful enquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles, a diligent investigation to ascertain something. Furthermore, Mouley defined research as a process of arriving at dependable solution to the problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. According to Martyn Shuttleworth (Oct 3, 2008), in the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Kothari (2002) described research as a systematic investigation to find solution to a problem. 2. What is the importance of research? Research is very much beneficial to everyone in the society. According to Ayesha Afsar, research is important because it gives direction to deal with a specific problem. Whether the problem is thoroughly solved or not is not the forte of the research work. Accumulating amicable and all the possible solutions hypothetically are in itself considered a commendable achievement. Moreover, as stated by Michelle Lowe, research can help us to explore education and the education process. It can help us to answer questions about learning and teaching. Prince Samuels also added that research is very vital to our everyday decision making. It arms us from wrong information and save time and money. It is important to our success as we take on life's challenges and career decisions making. Furthermore, Joe Gilbert stated that research is important when conducted correctly because it helps us to understand and possibly even solve existing or possible problems in the world. This could be anything from social issues to medical breakthroughs. Governments carry out research all of the time in order to come to conclusions about policies and strategies. They will often choose experts in the particular field to go out and carry out in-depth research to help them out. Without this research and knowledge, it would be difficult to make a change in the world. It would also mean that changes wouldn't be fully considered which could result in bigger problems in the long run. 3. What are the kinds of research? As emphasized by C. R. Kothari, the following are the different kinds of research: Basic Research deals with the formulation of theory; gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research; pure research is â€Å"research made without any idea of application to industrial matters but solely with the view of extending our knowledge of the Laws of Nature. † * Applied {action} Research focuses at finding a solution for immediate problem; helps in discovering a solution for some pressing practical problem; is the application of knowledge from one or more natural scientific fields [pure research] to solving practical problems Descriptive/ex post facto research includes survey facts finding inquires it focuses on two aspects: {a}What has happened? {b}What is happening? * Correlational research attempts to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/ interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation. * Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects or a phenomenon. Exploratory research is undertaken to explore an area where a little is known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study {feasibility/ pilot study}. It is the development of hypothesis rather than their testing. Exploratory research often relies on secondary research such as reviewing available literature and/or data, or qualitative approaches such as informal discussions with consumers, employees, management or competitors, and more formal approaches through in-depth interviews, focus groups, projective methods, case studies or pilot studies Historical research is the type of research that examines past events or combinations of events to arrive at an account of what has happened in the past. * Experimental research is defined essentially as research in which the causal (independent) variable(s) can be manipulated in order to change an effect Because of this element of manipulation, researchers in using experimental methods are expected to maintain a good degree of control throughout the period of the study to establish with confidence that cause and effect occurred. (Dr. Anthony G. Picciano) * Constructive research is mainly done by many technological corporates in order to find new/alternative solutions to any particular crisis or problems. For example-renewable energy research or development of the capacity of optical fiber may fall into this category of research. * Empirical research is very impressive observational type of research, where one observes or test on real-life data or analysis the pattern of some specific events in order to identify the nature or the class of trend that specific phenomenon maintains. Based on the test result, researchers try to draw lines in order to predict the result of that type of incidents with certain level of confidence. 4. What are the characteristics of research? According to Ranjit Kumar, the following are the characteristics of research: * Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher. * Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. * Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental and case study. * Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. * Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures. * Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

Art Up Close Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art Up Close - Essay Example The painting that I chose to work on is Willem de Kooning’s â€Å"Woman†. The masterpiece is dominated by shades of purple and flesh. It is an abstract interpretation of a woman and the artist used lines to convey his thought regarding his chosen subject. What is most noticeable about the painting is that it is composed of diagonal lines and the woman’s figure is not obviously depicted. There are, however, certain figures that are implied to be one of the woman’s body parts. One particular example is the woman’s head. It is not clearly portrayed as a head, but the eye gives a hint that it is the face of a woman. It also shows that the woman’s head is tilting, which somehow, suggests loneliness. One of the obvious marks in the painting is the cluster of red brush strokes in the upper right hand corner. This may symbolize blood or imply that the woman is in pain. A stroke of line that surrounds the woman’s body looks like a veil which me ans that the woman is another version of the old woman figures such as Madonna and Venus. As mentioned before, the painting is composed, mainly, of lines. Most of the lines are also sharp and jagged which further denote emotional instability or turmoil. Since the artist did not use much curved lines for the painting, there is also not much softness with the emotion conveyed. Most of the lines are overlapping and there are certain spaces and figures that are covered by these lines. However, as noticed, there is a soft stroke of line just below the eyes which could symbolize tears.

Switching behavior and cycling durability on TiO2 coated Mg4Ni thin Essay

Switching behavior and cycling durability on TiO2 coated Mg4Ni thin film mirror - Essay Example Transmittance of the mirrors that were coated with the TiO2 film in the transparent state is improved by interference of multiple layers. Switching responses of multilayer thin films (Pd/Ti/Mg4Ni) was not effected by the outermost coatings of the TiO2 films, that is, hydriding and dehydriding speeds almost the same compared to the uncoating mirrors. Magnesium [1-3] and magnesium-based thin films [4-9] with a cap layer of Pd that can be switched between transparent and mirror states by hydrogen gas loading have attracted attention for their potential applications as smart windows, optical switches, and hydrogen sensors. Among various switchable mirror materials, magnesium-nickel alloy thin films [5-7] are one of the most promising candidates for practical use of a switchable mirror from the point of view of material cost and optical switching performance. It shows, however, fast degradation like other switchable mirror materials; after about 150 switching cycles it can not be switched again [10]. This low stability is the most severe obstacle for their applications. The investigation of the degradation mechanism indicates that the formation of magnesium oxides at the outermost surface and failure of the Pd cap layer are the major causes of the degradation [10]. Magnesium in the thin film of Mg-Ni is easy diffusing towards the outermost surface during the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processing due to the fact that the total energy is reduced by the segregation of the Mg to the surface [11]. The researchers have developed various devises to extend the lifetime of this mirror system for practical applications. For this purpose, the various polymer materials have been used as a protection layer by spin coating to surface of the mirror [12], and the hydrogen diffusion metals such as Ti, Nb and V as a protection layer inserted to the Pd top layer and the Mg-Ni thin layer period [13]. Polymer coatings can extend the switching

Organizational Culture Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Culture Analysis - Research Paper Example It is the hope of this author that such a level of discussion will be beneficial to the reader in terms of helping them to gain a greater understanding, not only the particular store in question, or the retail chain, but the way in which culture is oftentimes represented America. Firstly, with respect to the observable artifacts, it was clear and apparent from day one that the level and type of interaction with the consumer was the primary drive that all of the human resources literature and media consisted of. I distinctly remember the hours of video training that were required prior to even beginning the job in question. For instance, each and every situation that was presented, with the exception of those situations that involved fellow coworkers, was concentric upon maximizing the satisfaction of the consumer and minimizing the difficulties or negative emotions that an employee might represent. In retrospect, it is obvious that all of this was performed as a means of ensuring that profitability remained at a maximum. As the old saying goes, â€Å"the customer is always right†. Ultimately, this particular quote was incorporated within the training literature and served as a backbone with respect to the way in which the employees/stakeholders sought to go about their daily tasks. An espoused value that was promoted heavily within the organization was with respect to the ethical conduct that employees represented. Whereas it is oftentimes the case that individual employers hammer home such issues as the need to come to work on time, the importance and relevance of abstaining from racist, sexist, or ageist language and actions, or the need to give more time and energy to the details of one’s labor, the particular workplace in question had an espoused value system that was almost entirely concentric upon ethics (Baack, 1998). Although it is true that they engaged with the other topics that have been referenced above, the

Response to Evolution questions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Response to Evolution questions - Research Paper Example In addition, all human beings have a common ancestor in some part. Hence all living organisms connect or relate through the tree of life in some respect. The second most common feature is that only the fittest of organisms survive and reproduce offspring. Evolution can be noted in various organisms such as butterflies. Butterflies have modified their shape, color etc. over time to adapt to the environment in which they live. Evolution has also affected humans in many ways, and, theorists believe apes are the predecessors of evolved species called humans. The authors, Hughes et al. observe that humans share nearly 95% of their DNA structure with chimpanzees who are considered closest animal relatives to humans. Since evolution has come into the knowledge of people, a conflict between religion and science has emerged. Evolution is primarily based on ideas and concepts taken from religion. Bascom argues that the concept of creation and evolution are not contradictory and, therefore, should be studied together in this respect. Very strong controversy erupted when Charles Darwin presented his theory of natural selection in the year 1859. The author, Myers states that the concepts, which were presented, by Darwin altogether changed the human ideology related to evolution and how we study the human race today. Evolution can be regarded as the mutation which takes place in an organism in consecutive generations. Heng postulates that predecessors often inherit such changes and evolution explains the variety of such changes at each and every level of organic structure. Natural selection is a slow and steady process by which biological mannerism becomes common in any population of an organism. This is the primary mechanism of biological change and is referred to as evolution. The most renowned feature of evolution is that all species living today are somehow successors of species which existed earlier. In addition, all human beings

Do you think there are any important dimensions or elements of Assignment

Do you think there are any important dimensions or elements of democracy that are missing from Diamond and Morlinos list Do any of those listed seem unnecessary or redundant Explain your reasoning - Assignment Example In such arrangement, the greater percentage of the populace will have to get a pie of the national cake. More so, competition can only thrive when there is equality. Equality is the only component that calls for contestants on the same ballot. Therefore, competition as an element is misplaced or repetitive. However, this dimension has no difference at all when "participation" as dimension is factored in. Participation according to many pundits means involving decision-making, sharing the national cake and the appointment of key governmental jobs. If there is a new understanding of the word "Participation", then it could be different or function differently with equality (Diamond & Morlino, 23). It is only with the presence of equality that participation can thrive. A claim that participation and equality are two different pillars of democracy is myopic at its best and redundant at its worst. Secondly, the duo, have mentioned vertical accountability and horizontal accountability. They have gone ahead and mentioned responsiveness. The two are interrelated. It is only that responsiveness is a complex and takes into account many things including the vertical accountability. The political environment that enables responsiveness is similar to those that support responsiveness and are all enshrined in democracy (Diamond & Morlino, 26). The two, therefore, is the same. In addition, the mention of respect and rule of law as different is perfect. Rule of law is nonsense where respect is non-existent. Rule of law bring a fair playing ground for the entire nation, and it takes respect and humility of the mighty to be the same as the poor who are viewed on the lenses of being under the law (Diamond & Morlino, 26). Its only respect that will lead to rule of law and allowing no to be so mighty to be over the law or so small to be beneath the very

Economics in an International Context Assignment

Economics in an International Context - Assignment Example According to Paul (2012), communism refers to the political and economical development model which was proposed by Karl Marx and later on supported by Lenin. The concept of the communism refers to the final part of the human historical development, where people are in charge of both the political as well as the economical system. In his book he also mentioned that according to Marxist theory, government can be defined as an instrument of class operation. Communism promises to provide each individual their needs despite of whatever class they belong to. According to Paul, command economy can also be referred as a planned economy. It can be defined as a specific economic system where the government has the power to control most or all the associated factors related to production. It generally exists when government decides to use the central planning system to allocate resources and funds as well as determine the volume of output across the segments. (Paul, 2012, p. 15). 2. Advantage o f Planned/ Command Economy: There are various advantages associated with command economy. In command economies, the central government control what and how much of most products will be produced. By controlling as well as deciding the prices and wages the central government also able to control and monitor how much of the production is allotted to each household. According to Katkoff (1961) The central government controls production and income in command economies. Due to this feature of command economies, the price could not be resolved based on how much would be the production and how much people’s demand is, In command economies, the price of the product is to always remain stable. In most planned economies, prices are determined by the policy makers. Hence, one major advantage of implementing the planned economy is that it is helpful to eliminate the chances of inflation and price fluctuations which are the two main challenges to the capitalist free market economies. Anot her important advantage associated with planned economy is the planned use of manpower, as well as the highest rate of social development (katkoff, 1961, pp.371-372). 3. Disadvantages of Planned/ Command Economy: According to Glisenberg (2001), a planned economy is with the character of satisfaction must. But, along with this advantage it also weakens the incentive as well as inspiration for the labor Because there is a rational system of condition for wants. Asa result it is almost impossible to allow a worker’s dependents to experience the full consequences of his or her lack of efficiency in production systems. The most recent example of this lack of employee motivation and responsibility situation was observed in China but later on in 1980 the great economic reform in the country helped them to overcome the situation. During the command economy phase , allocation of goods was depending on the labor hours and individuals were not responsible for the penalty of their works. As a result , the labor efficiency was much lower in China. According to his review, another key disadvantage associated with this type of economies was there were very less chances of technological innovations because they were not motivated to do so as there would be no obvious rewards for such good performance. The lack of competition also means that there are less efficient and innovative. As the main intention is non-profit so the mindset of improving as an aim as well as an employee also reduced drastically. Sometimes there are