Phrenology

Phrenology is a pseudoscience that evaluates one’s character by locating the bumps on the surface of the head. The inventors of this method found it efficient because there is no way a person can have bumps on the same spot.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Phrenology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This idea was generated by a famous German physician called Franz Joseph Gall. He carried out studies on people in different locations and found out that when the bump was located in a specific position the individuals who had them had common personality traits. In phrenology the physicians locate a bump hence evaluate the distance between bumps in order to dictate the kind of behavior that is likely to be displayed by the person in question. Today most people don’t appreciate phrenology like before because they associate it with other arts such as palm reading. They don’t understand how people ca n gauge their behavior by observing their bumps (Bain, 2004). The studies done by Franz Joseph Gall suggest that the outside form of the skull reflect the actual form of the brain. He further found out that the other external parts of the body are interlinked with the brain. Phrenology was later integrated into other fields such as criminology because this concept could explain the character exhibited by a criminal. Wyhe (2004) explains that the physician would run his/her hand on the surface of the patient’s head to feel the bump(s). The bumps here don’t include scars that are found on the head because bumps are protrusions that are on the skull and can be used to define the form of the head.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Franz stated that the brain was comprised of 27 seven organs and each of them represented different characters in human beings. However, 19 of thes e organs were shared by man and animals hence man was distinct due to the remaining eight organs. During the bump evaluation the actual dimension of the head was gauged. Due to the efficiency of this theory ancient employer begun to use it while selecting the best employees. Additionally, the technique was applied in relationships where partners employed it to evaluate their compatibility. Phrenology was later rejected as a pseudoscience because it resembled astrology in so many ways. Besides, the advancement in scientific studies proved the technique to be misleading. Franz did not take the criticism of his findings lightly because he had managed to make many people believe in his technique. In his studies the twenty seven organs of the brain had individual roles and the one that was felt by the touch of hand was the dominant character. Phrenology tends to be in conflict with science and Holy Scriptures and that’s why other philosophers rejected it because there is no eviden ce concerning its efficiency. Scientists argue that though several children may be fathered by one man or born by the same woman they exist as independent entities hence they have different behaviors which are influenced by their experiences and interests. Phrenology could be very wrong because you can not judge someone’s personality by their outward looks. There are many times when we have been misguided by the outward looks because they don’t reflect the behavior portrayed by the individual.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Phrenology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some people feel that behavior is hereditary such that the children tend to follow the footsteps of their parents. But they don’t actually imitate both parents because the child follows the footpath that is dominant that is the father’s or the mother’s behavior (Gregory, 2004). In addition to that, there are those who view character as being repetitive in sequential generations. This means that the characters that were present among our forefathers will continue to exist in successive generations. That’s why parents are amazed by the behavior exhibited by their children because neither of them possesses such personality. However, there are other advanced techniques that have been developed to evaluate people’s behavior such as when they are lying. Most of these techniques are used in criminology to determine whether a suspect is guilty or innocent. References Bain, Alexander. (2004). On the Study of Character Including an Estimate of Phrenology, New York: Kessinger Publishing. Gregory, R.J. (2004). Psychological Testing: History, Principles, and Applications. 4th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Wyhe V. J. (2004). Phrenology and the Origins of Victorian Scientific Naturalism. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This essay on Phrenology was written and submitted by user Trevor Frye to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How the Nervous System works and How Drugs Affect It essays

How the Nervous System works and How Drugs Affect It essays The nervous system is the control system and the network of communication for the body. All of our thoughts, and behavior can be traced to the activity of a neuron. A typical neuron has three important parts: first a cell body, second dendrites and last an axon. All three parts are important for our daily functions. Drugs however such as cocaine can alter these actions and have short and long term effects that arent always the best feeling. . The nervous system is made up of nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. The nerves control everything we do; they carry messages that tell us to move, to breathe, to feel and to think. Nerves run to the muscles, organs, heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain-even to our teeth and skin. Neurons are the specialized cells that conduct impulses through the nervous system. There are about 100 billion neurons in just the brain. A neuron has three parts that make it up, a cell body, which carries metabolic functions, dendrites being branched fibers which are the primary receivers of the impulses from other neurons, and axons that are slender tail like extensions that are the transmitting end that sprouts into many braches each ending in an axon terminal. Axon terminals are what transmits signals to the dendrites or cell bodies of other neurons, muscles, glands and so forth. Amazingly the billions of neurons are not physically connected. The way the neurons communicate is possible because of the synapse. The synapse is where the axon of a sending neuron joins the receiving neuron across the synaptic cleft. All neurons travel by being fired by biological electricity, because the body has ions that have positive and negative charges. Neurons that are negative charged are not firing which is called resting potential. When the reversal of resting potential occurs the neuron fires, this is called action potential. The action potential operates according to the all or ...

Exam questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Exam questions - Essay Example Futures contracts can be transferred between parties. Futures have advantages similar to those mentioned for forwards. Currency Options involves a contract for a fee (premium + commission), sold by one party to another that provides the buyer the right, although not the obligation, to purchase or sell a specified amount of a single currency for a given amount in another at an agreed-on price within a given period of time or on an exact date. Its advantage is that it protect against downside risk in addition to allowing upside appreciation. Currency Swaps on the other hand is an agreement by two corporations to exchange specified amounts of currency currently and to reverse the exchange at a given point in the future. A currency swap might not incorporate an initial exchange, in which instance it would incorporate one or multiple payments during the swap’s life in addition to a final exchange. This option helps in minimizing the costs of foreign conversion while client is secur ed against exchange rate risk. Additionally, it costs nothing to enter into a swap. Back-to-Back Loans is a form of loan where two corporations in different nations borrow offsetting amounts in individual’s currency. The aim of this transaction is to hedge against fluctuations in the currencies. It key benefit is that it allows one to gain from approved spot limits. A Non-deliverable forward contract is a form of agreement between parties where one (an individual) is protected against undesirable rates in foreign exchange. Generally, it is a cash settled transaction and as such there are no real exchange of currencies at maturity. Essentially, a net payment is made by one of the parties to the other on basis of the contracted rate alongside the market rate at the day of settlement. It effectively involves hedging of expected foreign currency cash flows. Simply put, a contract rate is agreed up-front, alongside the fixing rate (and the corresponding fixing date). The contract rate is made use of in calculation of the amount payable on the nominated date of maturity. It is important to mention that an NDF may is useful in management of currency risks related to exportation and importation of goods, foreign currency purchase, conversion of foreign currency denominated dividends, or in settlement of other foreign currency contractual agreements. It is more particularly useful in instances where physical exchange is not necessary on the maturity date or in instances where a foreign central bank puts some limit to offshore access to its local cash niche. It should be put into use in instances where one has a genuine commercial necessity to manage currency risks linked to a particular pair of currency. Q2: The strike price of an equity option in popular plc is 380p and the premium was 24p per share. The current market price of a share in the company is 410p. The exercise date is still over one month away. Calculate the profit or loss on one contract to date fo r: A long call A long put A short call A short put If the market price of shares in popular rose explains how, and why, the premium would alter as a result for: i) a long call The profit made by the trader will increase. This is due to the fact

Market gorvenment analysis Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Market gorvenment analysis - Article Example Additionally, they should look forward to promote confidence and integrity in public administration. They must avoid any situations where their private interests and public interest conflict and those that are seen as a potential conflict in fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities. In instances where conflicts between public and private interests conflict cannot be avoided they must be well disclosed and managed. This essay discusses some of the philosophical views on the conflict between private interest and public interest. This framework can be simply summed up. Buyers attempts to capitalize on their gains from goods and services that are commonly referred to as maximizing utility. Similarly, individuals look forward to offer labor to companies that wish to employ them by balancing the gains they are getting from offering their services (wages) with the disutility linked with the labor itself (loss of leisure time). People make choices at the margin and this leads to the theory of demands for goods and services and supply of factors of production. On the other hand, producers make an effort to produce products such that the cost of producing the incremental unit is equal to the revenue it gains (Heilbruner, 1999). In this way, producers act in a way that maximizes profits. The neoclassical perspective therefore involves agents be it individuals, households or firms and all of them are subject to conditions. Adam Smith was the major contributor to the neoliberal perspective and his works sought to address the motivation behind economic activity, policies that should be followed by states to increase their wealth and the mechanism behind price increases and distribution of wealth. He stated that so long as the forces of demand, supply, competition and prices should be left free of government intervention. This perspective gives emphasis to pursuing

Language, Acquisition, and Teaching Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Language, Acquisition, and Teaching - Essay Example This highlights the lively discourse pertinent to the process of language acquisition, specifically, when dealing with the issue of first language acquisition vis-a-vis second language acquisition. In this context, this research will delve on two significant issues, namely, â€Å"How far can the process of first language acquisition be taken as a model for the acquisition of a second language? What are the implications for the second language teachers?† For purposes of limitation and clarification, for this study the term â€Å"first language† pertains to the native language of a person, which has been acquired without undergoing formal learning processes to acquire the language, since it is the mother tongue of the person. It is the language the child learns from his/her parents, family, relatives, and from others (Yaz?c?, Ilter, and Glover, 2010). On the other hand, second language is another language acquired by the person, aside from her mother tongue. Second langua ge is a language learnt after the first language and it is often contrasted with ‘foreign’ in terms of function and location (Cook 2006; 2008). For example, a four-year-old Indonesian child who speaks Bahasa Indonesia at home, while the child’s family reside in Netherlands, and therefore she studies Dutch. As such, the child is acquiring SL. On the other hand, a four-year-old Indonesian child whose family resides in Indonesia, speaks Bahasa Indonesia, studies Bahasa Indonesia in school; is therefore developing FLA alone. This distinction serves as a guide in understanding these two terms as it is used in the entire research. The paper recognises the broadness of the offered connotations of first language and second language. Nonetheless, what is essential is that through the minimal distinction provided between the two concepts, a parameter is set, thus, enabling the possibility of distinction between FLA and SLA. In addition, the paper also defines language acqu isition as the subconscious process of developing language ability and that it is fostered in a non-threatening environment (Krashen, 1981). On the other hand, language learning is also a process of developing language ability, however, it occurs in academic setting and there is a conscious effort in knowing the syntax and semantics of a particular language (Krashen 1981). From this perspective, the paper asserts that aside from chronology and contrast with the term ‘foreign’, second language acquisition (SLA) is a process wherein the person as a student in an academic setting learns another language. It is a conscious endeavour to acquire a second language aside from one’s mother tongue. In this regard, the necessity of a shared framework between first language acquisition (FLA) and second language acquisition (SLA) becomes feasible as it offers the paradigm in which FLA becomes the initial framework in which sense and meaning of the second language is apprehend ed. In this regard, second language teachers are challenged to recognise not only the academic, language, and cognitive development of the learner, but they also have to learn to factor the socio-economic and cultural processes and other affective factors that influence the person as she goes though SLA.

Globalization: The Homogenization Of Cultures

Globalization: The Homogenization Of Cultures The increased integration of humanity beyond the national borders is compressing the world into an interdependent global village. Today, many equate the process of globalization with the promotion of interests of the West, whose hegemony is propagated through the idea of liberalism. As a result of the Western superior power and cultural imperialism, the so-called Third World countries feel compelled to admit their superiority and subsequently to acculturate themselves, accepting the Western way of life as a norm. The greatest consequence of this is homogenization of cultures and the loss of identity in the process of implementing Western ideologies. Today, the world we live in is taking part in the process of an increased integration through the movement of people and goods. The growing development of communication makes the unification of the entire globe seem as something completely natural. Globalization of our societies and every day lives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ However, the question that is being imposed upon us is whether this compression of the world into one global society means that the world is being enriched and unified, or will it be torn apart by nations self-interest conflicts in the battle for preservation of their identities? The wide variety and diversity of our cultures and identities has always been, without a doubt, a part of who we are. Societies and cultures learn how to grow and prosper through overlapping and borrowing from each other. Some would argue that cultures should not be perceived as individual, but that they need to be examined in a more general way, since they constantly change and evolve. Cultures stopped being related to a mere geographical area and its society; nowadays, they are linked to the contemporary time that they exist in, as well as to the entire globe. Thanks to the process of globalization, today we have unique emerging cultures, such as Internet culture, artists culture, culture of the young people from around the world and others that are becoming a part of a universal set of values and ideas, turning the world into one global culture. However, while this unification of cultures has its benefits, at the same time it brings along the risk of an intercultural and identity-related conflict. For some people, their culture is everything that makes them who they are, it is an essential part of their identity. For example, in a case of a possible dispute between cultures that have confronting views and prejudice against each other, their people will hold on strongly to their national identity and culture, because they feel intimately related to it and see it as their protection. In an effort to preserve ones culture, language or religion, people very often become involved in conflicts. Most importantly, these conflicts becomes aggravated by the consuming influence of biased media Furthermore, as a result of negative stereotypes, different cultures may view each other as alien and threatening and can lead to a clash of civilizations, as Huntington refers to it.FOOTNOTE NEEDED Additionally, an increased interaction between cultures can lead to the creation of a unified culture imposed by the more influencing and dominating one. Therefore, this would lead to the homogenization of the world. This brings around cultural imperialism as an inherent part, as well as a product of the overall process of imperialism, where one country with dominant economy, culture and policy has control over others. This causes the local cultures, especially those in the so-called Third World countries, to be exploited and challenged by the dominant, most often Western values. Unsurprisingly, this comes as an effect of many centuries during which West had the chance to establish its dominance in the world. Cultural imperialism occurs when one culture is presented in such a manner that is seems undeveloped and non-modern when compared to another. Accordingly, the dominant cultures standards and norms become gradually accepted by the locals who believe in its superiority. This is why some intellectuals equate globalization with the Western imperialism; they argue that the West is imposing its ideas of liberalism onto the rest of the world through the process of globalization and therefore ensuring and reaffirming its hegemony. Instead of physically colonizing the rest of the world, the West has chosen more subtle means of propagating its ideas. The spread of Western, namely American goods around the world is not a simple coincidence- it is a part of the process of cultural imperialism. In addition, instead of being a simple trend of consumerism of American products, cultural imperialism implies the implementation of American ideas such as freedom of speech and democracy. As a result, this process leads to the steady disperse of unique cultures across the globe as t hey succumb to the influence of the more powerful American culture. So, whats in it for the West and America and whats their real motive? Many people believe that the main reason is the protection of the unlimited access to foreign markets, along with an actual and concrete belief in the American superiority by their citizens. However, it is simple to convince the Americans of their own superiority, but when convincing foreign cultures, they have to be more assertive and creative. Thus, marketing, along with advertising, plays an extremely important role in the process of Americanization. Its importance lies in the fact that it has the ability to persuade others in the modernity and the advanced stage of development of those American goods. Consequently, they begin to dominate local markets, doing no good to the local economy; hence, the local production industry weakens and gives way to the American economic interests. Another way of influencing local cultures and identities is through the vehicle of Internet. It plays a huge role in propagating the American culture, and enables it to be extremely exposed to the entire globe. However, the users of Internet that wish not to be exposed to the influence of American propagating contents can easily avoid it, since they are the active players in the seek of information online. Nevertheless, those who choose to be exposed to it, Internet can severely increase it. Governments are aware of this, and some of them, like the Chinese and Cuban, have restricted their citizens from the free flow of information, in order to prevent the Western influence. Oxymoronically, by restricting them, their governments are reassuring the fact that their citizens will not be the providers, but mere recipients of the Internet information flow. On the other hand, there is a substantial number of scholars who believe that the process of Americanizing the world is, as a matter of fact, a good thing for the entire world. They argue that through globalization, people become aware of the importance of strengthening their identity so they work on its preservation. In contrast to that, cultural imperialism can also lead to the establishment of a homogenized global identity that would help bring the world together. Accordingly, it would have a positive effect, hence the world will be more secure and stable through the elimination of the diverse and conflicting cultures. The Americans are already on the way to establish a single world society with minimum or no cultural restraints. However, the question being imposed on us is whether the uncertain assurance of a world peace is enough to justify the gradual disappearance of the numerous local cultures. Even though indigenous cultures are aware of the growing impact of American cultur al imperialism, there is not much they can do to stop it, since they are not strong enough to compete. They could try to limit the access to information, but that would contradict with the basic human rights which guarantee that everyone is able to attain free and unlimited knowledge and information through any means of media. Theoretically speaking, every nation, religion, race and ethnic group are equal, as long as they fulfill the needs of their people. Unfortunately, having superior and inferior, dominant and subordinate cultures, equality among them seem to be impossible. However, domination is nothing new- it has always existed throughout the history of the world, especially during colonization when Western powers believed they need to civilize the indigenous nations, while they were in fact exploiting them. The need for a cultural dialogue : When it comes to globalization and the issue of cultural imperialism, there seem to be two opposing views: some believe that the interaction and unification of cultures will lead to a clash of civilizations, while others claim it will bring around the greatly needed dialogue and cooperation. The global culture of today is, without a doubt, being shaped by the West. Nevertheless, it can and must be challenged by those that are being influenced by it, who should not just adopt their norms, but adapt and shape them so they fit the framework of their own culture and values. In addition, the fact that it is not just one culture influencing the other should not be overlooked; it is actually a process of mutual interaction and impact. Despite the fact that it is one of the modern worlds greatest challenges, intercultural dialogue is probably the best solution to counter cultural conflicts and crisis. Instead of simply succumbing to the influence, or doing the opposite- refraining and prohibiting the goods, people and world organizations should try appealing to the American governments to pass laws to restrain their companies from selling goods that endanger the survival of local market, and those companies should be prohibited from doing business. America must be fair and admit that perhaps what is good for its own economy, might not be good for the rest of the world and that the rights of people should be put before the need to make profit.

Affirmation of Adulthood in John Updikes A&P Essay -- A&P Essays

Affirmation of Adulthood in Updike’s A&P  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Researching John Updike’s story, "A&P", I found many readers agreed that the main character Sammy is viewed as a hero or martyr for quitting his job at an A&P store in a northern beach town. I did, however, find that critics disagreed on why Sammy quit. Initially it appears that Sammy quits his job to impress girls who were reprimanded for wearing bathing suits in the A&P.   Sammy did not ultimately quit his job to be the hero for three girls who happened to walk into this A&P. This is not just a story about a nineteen-year-old guy trying to impress a group of girls by quitting his job, but it is also a story describing in detail the day this nineteen-year-old realizes that sometimes, in the transition from boyhood to adulthood, one must take a stand and ultimately follow through with this affirmation of adulthood. From the beginning of the story Updike "uses Sammy’s youth and unromantic descriptive powers" to show his immaturity and apparent boyish nature (Uphaus 373). We see this in the opening line of the story: "In walks three girls in nothing but bathing suits" (Updike 1026). Even the voice of Sammy is very "familiar and colloquial" (Uphaus 373). Much of the information that Sammy relays about the three girls is sexually descriptive in a nineteen-year-old boy’s way: "and a sweet broad looking can [rear] with those two crescents of white under it, where the sun never seems to hit" (Updike 1026). It is apparent that Sammy looks at the three girls who happen to walk into the A&P only as objects of lust or possibly boyish desire. Thus, on the surface it is easy to take this story as that of a boy who would do something like quit his job to "impress" these girls. It is even ... ...omach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" (Updike 1030). This was the day that Sammy grew up. Works Cited Greiner, Donald J. Short Story Criticism. Vol. 13 Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1991. 398-399. Updike, John. "A&P." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991.1026-1030. Uphaus, Suzanne Henning. Short Story Criticism. Vol. 13 Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1991. 372-373. Works Consulted Coffman, Kelly. "A Turning Point." Ode To Friendship & Other Essays. Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach, 1997. 190-191. Hatcher, Nathan. "Sammy’s Motive." Ode To Friendship . Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach 1997. 188-189. Luscher, Robert M. John Updike: A Study of the Short Fiction. New York: Twayne, 1993. Uphaus, Suzanne. John Updike. N Y: Frederick Ungar, 1986.