Abortion Subject

The topic of women having abortions can be an intense subject. This subject has always been a debate because the people of society cannot agree on weather â€Å"abortions† are right or wrong. In this paper I will give multiple reasons why abortions should be legal for women to have. Abortions are legal and should remain legal because women should have the right to decide what happens with their bodies; some women that become pregnant are not ready emotionally or financially to be mothers; and abortions is the best answer for an unwanted pregnancy. It’s a woman choice I agree abortions should be legal because not all women can afford to take care of a child or give them the necessities they need. I also believe this choice should be up to women. This is the same with any medical procedure, if a person was to have a tumor while pregnant and it was life threatening, what you will choose to do save the baby or the woman. This is where abortions come in. People need not to look at this like a disease and start treating abortions like any other medical procedure. According to the Washington Post NBC/WSJ polls find that, on the 40 anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, 70 percent of Americans want the landmark abortions rights ruling to stay (Weiner, 2013). Indeed, as we learned from study there are more people who agree to keep this order in place for woman. This alone says it is a safe procedure if done right by experienced physician. Keeping abortions legal is the right choice because this is something that helps women have a choice on what to do with unwanted or unsafe pregnancies. While abortions can offer ways to help women with any kind of issues they may go through while pregnant, another important information women need to know is be safe and observe the physicians to ensure they are well qualified physicians. Pros of an abortion There are plenty of pros when it comes to this topic. Abortions are not as negative as everyone might want to think. Abortions are done in the case of women being raped; there are very few women that really want to keep their child in cases like this. Is abortion such a terrible thing in this situation? I do not think so. Doing research on this topic there are pros to legal abortions, study show A woman’s right to choose abortion is a fundamental right† recognized by the U. S Supreme Court. The landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade was decided on January 22, 1973, and remains the law of the land (ProCon. org, 2013). Certainly, there are people that do not agree with abortions and never will, but one person’s opinions should not affect other decisions. Although people say abortions are wrong and it’s killing another human being, it’s also important to remember why abortions are necessary. In cases abortions are not done for malicious intent, but in some cases they are done to save the life of women. Cons of abortions Where there are pros there are cons to any subject or topic. On the topic should abortions be legal, many say there are some cons that others do not believe. With this topic people will never be 100 percent comfortable. The only con I believe is getting the procedure done wrong by an unprofessional doctor that will lead to death and not by an experience doctor, nurse, or physicians to ensure your health. For example, study says† women should use contraceptives not abortion, to avoid unwanted pregnancies. A center for Disease Control and prevention study show that 19-25% of women who received abortions in 2006 had previously had one or more abortions. If abortions were not available, women would use preventable measures (ProCon. org, 2013). Having a negative attitude about abortions will lead to not looking at the positive sides of having a abortion. Seeing these kinds of negative impact puts a negative influence on others and confuses others about what is right for them and their body. After reading study, I have to say I disagree, just because woman have abortions and they are available does not mean all woman abuse the system. For example if a woman is raped she should have used protection to prevent her from getting pregnant. That does not make sense. Whose to say why women have abortions, society just follow the number of abortions and studies which can be misleading at times. What’s the risk of abortions? I personally believe in abortions but I also know there are health risks when having abortions. Currently in the United States over the years there have been a number of abortions happening. There is risk at everything we do, like including abortions. To avoid such risks according to study† currently in the United States, a patch work of state regulations determines who can provide abortions with several states specifically prohibiting non-physician clinicians from performing the procedure (News RX, 2013). Indeed, having educated nurses and other health physician handling patients that has had or is contemplating an abortion is the safest thing to do to ensure all women are cared for correctly while having this procedure. If people don’t take abortions seriously then people can have false information about this issue. This will lead to unsafe conditions do to abortions. Increasing the types of health care professionals who can provide early aspiration abortions care is one way to reduce this health care disparity (News RX, 3013). While there are risks to having an abortions the rate of abortions has fell 29% between 1990-2005 from 27. 4 to 19. 4 this is not counting the level cut from 2005-2008 (ProCon. org, 2013). With this being said the rate of abortions are continuing to fall which is a positive thing. Abortions help saves lives According to (Planned Parenthood) legal abortions protect women’s health. For tens of thousands of women with heart disease, kidney disease, severe hypertension, sickle cell anemia and severe diabetes, and other illnesses that can be life threathing, the availability of legal abortions has helped avert serious medical complications that would have resulted from childbirth (Planned Parenthood, 2006). Reasons why abortion should be legal If abortions were not legal, than women would have no options for an unwanted child. Let’s talk about unwanted children. For one every child wants to be wanted, and loved by someone. If women are forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, the outcome would be society has unloved, unwanted children having abandonments issues. This is another problem of its own. Again this is why I personally believe abortions should be legal. What abortion does is help some women who are not ready to be mothers financially and or emotionally. We all know that women have abortions for many different reasons even if society disagrees on this issue of abortion. Also abortions are a way to keep some of our children from having to grow up financially and emotionally deprived. Everyone looks at abortions as if it’s an easy task,† don’t want the child go have an abortions†. For some it’s not that easy and the reasoning behind having an abortion is not that easy either. It’s important not to judge someone for their actions and to not really know the reason as to why some women have made this choice. Reasons As I said before women have abortions for many different reasons. One may be because it wasn’t planned, â€Å"what some would call an accidental pregnancy†. Another reason could be in the case of rape. Majority of women would not want to be reminded of that kind of experience so abortion should be an option. Another reason is what if the baby had a birth defect that caused harm for the baby and the mother. Again abortion should be an option or even in the case of incest. I don’t think any women would want to keep a baby by someone from their own family they have known them their whole lives and that has raised them as a child. You have to be a very strong woman to go through these things, and there are plenty in our world. Having a child and being a parent are two different things if you look at it. Being a parent is someone who is going to guide you, nurture you, and loves you unconditionally, who provides and protects you. Now having a child any woman can do that. But for some they do not want or cannot do for their child/children. Having a child is a major responsibility financially, psychologically, and morally. Raising a child demands time, patients, effort, a sane mind and can’t forget money.

Are Punchlines Necessary for Ads? Essay

Punch lines are the need for advertising the product as they are necessary for a product to be unique and be different. For example: â€Å"The complete man† which makes us remember the company Raymonds. Punch lines are important to make the customer remember about the product identity. It helps to recall a product easily. But it cannot rule the advertisement as ultimately the customer remembers quality and cost. Customer only sees whether he is getting the satisfactory service or not. Also after service of a product offered by company is important if the company is good, gets reputation and rules the market. Only attractive punchlines will not help. For example, if I say â€Å"Paanch matalab chota coke†, it will suddenly remind you the ad of coca cola (even though it’s not on air now). So, this way punch line increases the recall value of the ad but if your ad or positioning of the product is not perfect then you can’t expect your advt programme to be successful just on the basis of punchlines. It is very difficult to find out the right Punchline. Marketers have to select right words to form that sentences which can correctly express the positioning strategy of the brand. A bad Punchline can kill a good ‘ad’. If the Punchline strikes customers as attractive due to repeated exposure it ‘changes’ the mindset of the customer creating new set of beliefs. The Punchline represents the values of the company, benefits, attributes, features, quality, cost, special technology. If we really want to appreciate the value of Punchlines, then imagine an advertisement without any Punchline. It looks like a dumb. So basically the Punchline is the voice of the brand, which primarily gives out the minimum momentum, thrust to push the brand in the mind of the customer. A punch line has to have an element of surprise in it. Humour is also an essential aspect of advertising because a dose of laughter instantly connects the masses with a campaign. The main objective of advertising is to appeal to the consumer and a punch line should always be linked with the product. Also, there has to be something new, something which the people can connect with instantly. The best punch line strikes a chord with people and creates magic. But, certain good companies such as â€Å"Colgate† don’t have got a punch line but still it is ruling the market for years. Basically, the work of punch line is to own a space in the minds of customer and create some easy recall of the ad. But it takes a lot of imagination to come up with something as simple yet as effective as gale ki khichkhich from the Vicks campaign. Such was the power of this simple line that now, irritation in throat is called khichkhich by a majority of people. And it instantly connects the feeling to Vicks. This linking of products, or brand recall, is what makes a punch line successful. Products come and go, but punch lines always stay.

How Can Civic Education Enhances Civil Society Essay

Civic education is very essential to each and every citizen in a civil society. Therefore it must be noticeable. Civic education contributes to the well-being of society. This presentation is aimed at discussing how civic education can enhance civil society. The key concepts in this presentation are civic education and civil society. Therefore it is important to know the meaning of these two terms. Civic education is the field of study dealing with rights and responsibilities of citizenship as well as the responsibilities of the government. It deals with the commitment, assumptions, values and challenges of the national and civil society at large (Mwaipaya 1980). A Civil society is a public place between the states the market and the ordinary household, in which people debate and tackles action. Civic education enhances civil society in many ways, as one of the components is civic knowledge which it imparts in the citizen of the civil society. If the civil society are aware of their rights and if they know what to do it is very easy for them to participate in various activities of the civil society. Civic education imparts knowledge on democracy among the citizen of the civil society; democracy simply means a dialogue, a discussion, and a deliberative process in which citizen engage themselves in question about civic knowledge like what are the foundation of that particular civil society, and if the civil society will have knowledge on democracy issues it will improve. Hence this knowledge about democracy can only be imparted to the civil society through civic education and by doing so it is enhancing the needs of a civil society (Brookers etal 1980). Civic education also enhances civil society in terms of democracy because it is through civic education that we know and explain to others on how democracy acts and depends on certain basic values like respect for individual, the right to participate in the implementation of politics and development programmes, therefore if people in a civil society have knowledge about these rights and responsibilities, the civil society will be improved. Civic education can enhance the civil society because of its civic skills, if citizens are able to exercise their rights and discharge their responsibilities as members of self-governing communities, they are only need to acquire relevant intellectual and participatory skills, when we say intellectual skills these are essential for informed, effective and inseparable citizen from content, to be able to think critically about contemporary relevance as well as command of a set of an intellectual tools or considerations useful in dealing with such an issue. Hence if the society will have civic skills it will automatically be enhanced and there will be quick development in that particular civil society (Z.C.E.A, 2004). Another intellectual skill which good civic education fosters is that of describing. The ability to describe functions and processes such as legislative checks and balances or judicial review is indicative of understanding, describing trends like participation in civil lif e, immigration or employment helps the citizens fit current events into longer term pattern (Patterson, 2001). Civic education seeks to develop competence in explaining and analyzing issues, if citizen can explain how something should work, they will be able to analyze things as the components and consequences of ideals, social, political or economic processes and institutions. The ability to analyze enables one to distinguish between facts and opinion or between means and ends. It also helps the citizen to clarify responsibilities such as those between personal and public responsibilities or those between elected or appointed officials and citizens, therefore this can only happens if people in a civil society have civil skills and by having these skills in a civil society means that civic education is doing its job of enhancing the civil society (African Development Bank Achieving Millennium Development Goals in Global poverty, 2002). Furthermore, civic education enhances civil society through the component of civic skills, in such a way that education for citizenship in a democratic society focuses on civic skills that are required for informed, effective and responsible participation in the political process and in civil society, those skills can be categorized as interacting, monitoring and influencing. Interacting pertains to the skills citizen need to communicate and to work cooperatively with others. To interact is to be responsive to one’s fellow citizens, to interact is to question, to answer and to deliberate with civility, therefore if people be able to interact and question others toward certain common good the civil society will be enhanced. Monitoring politics and government simply refers to the skills citizens need to track the handling of issues by the political process and by the government. Monitoring also means the exercising of over sight functions on the part of citizens. Finally the participatory skill of influencing refers to the capacity to affect the process of politics and governance, both the formal processes of governance in the community (Mwaipaya, 1986). Civic education can improve and enhance our civil society through the component of civic dispositions essential traits of private and public character. This is important to the maintenance and improvement of constitutional democracy. Civic dispositions, like civic skills, develop slowly overtime and as a result of what one learns and experience in the home, school and organizations of civil society. These experiences should engender understanding that democracy requires the responsible self -governance of each individual worth and their dignity. One cannot exist without the other. Traits of private character such as moral responsibility, self -discipline and respect for the worth and human dignity of every individuals are no less consequential. Such traits as public spiritedness, civility, and respect for the rule of law, critical mindedness to listen, negotiate and compromise are indispensible to democracy success (Patterson, 2001). Civic education can enhance civil society due to civic dispositions that contribute to the political efficiency of the individual, the healthy functioning of the political system, a sense of dignity and worthy as well as the common good were identified in national standards for civics and government. In the interest of brevity, these dispositions are private and public character might be described as becoming an independent member of the society, assuming the personal, political and economic responsibilities of a citizen, respecting individual worth and human dignity (respecting others and listen to their opinions). Also participating in civil affairs in a thoughtful and effective manner as well as promoting the healthy functioning of constitutional democracy (Todaro etal 2009) Therefore, it can be noted that civic dispositions as a component or the habits of the heart , the traits of the public and private character that under-greed democracy are in the long run, probably of more consequence than the knowledge or skills a citizen may command (Z.C.E.A, 2004). In conclusion, civil society can be enhanced by civic education through its components (civic knowledge, civic skills and civic dispositions). Civic education is therefore very important to the lives of citizens in a civil society and it must be noticeable.

Society in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Society in the USA - Essay Example But in as much as I don't want to make a drastic change, I have to awaken them in the reality that I have to move. We have to move forward. The kids are growing. They will not be forever children. College is so expensive. Betty Friedan's "Feminine Mystique" has reawakened me and my feminine will for power, but also to save my family from poverty and deprivation. The woman has equal rights and responsibilities as the man. She is there to help, not to be a slave to her husband. Her diploma and the years she spent to earn it must not be a mere decoration, to be forgotten by the passing of time. She must leave a mark for herself and her family who equally needs her support and guidance. I can not forever stay idle at home and see this growing family go hungry, or depend entirely on a salesman's income. There are times I have to find ways to make ends meet, when my husband is not able to meet his quota. We have to work together, hand in hand we can fight poverty. If there are opportunities of a job for a housewife like me, I can start. I can start a small business, even if I stay at home. I have wonderful ideas inside me that can turn little things into income. My husband must not be forever a slave to his chauvinistic mind that he is superior, above every woman, or that his decision and ideas will prevail. This is America, forever free for everyone, including a woman. To mTo my daughter: be strong, finish college, and don't be just a subordinate to your husband. Being a woman does not mean staying at home after college. Responsibility at home must be shared between a husband and wife. And this must be talked about. An open dialogue, an open communication between the couple is a good beginning. Shared responsibility leads to progress in the family. Mutual understanding and goal setting are co-equal, just as the wife is co-equal with her husband. The man is the head of the family but the woman must not be left behind. His decision is also a shared decision, co-equal with hers. To my son: be a good example. Follow your father's footsteps, if you want to. But set your goals, and don't leave the woman behind. She is as human as you are. Respect her just as you respect me. Build a home, secure your family - with a woman who will not be a slave at home, but who will go with you to be strong builders of a home and nation. A nation's economy is also the responsibility of people and families. 2. Dr. Laura Schlessinger and her "New Traditionalism" Dr. Laura Schlessinger's books, ideas and philosophies simply tell us something: go back to the basics. This is what she has been telling the world in her "new traditionalism" concept of inter-personal relationships, in the home and family, caring for children and husbands. In fact, she says, "women have the power to control the quality of their lives with their men" and that is taking good care of them, and not just nag and nag them, and be "workhorses" that they are now, forgetting their role inside the home. The traditional way of caring is the husband goes to his job, while the wife stays at home, taking care of the kitchen and the children. Dr. Laura teaches a new approach by not really going back to the old times of the wife staying at home and the

How to implement dual language programs in already established Dissertation

How to implement dual language programs in already established elementary schools - Dissertation Example This shortcoming has both local and far-reaching effects ranging from immigrants who try to make themselves understood to the business person who must negotiate with foreign governments (Firoz, Maghrabi & Lee 2002). Leon Panetta, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, stated, â€Å"To stay competitive in the global society, the U.S. needs more people with foreign language proficiency† (Picard, 2010, para. 3). Although the population of the United States has expanded through several generations of immigrants, command of foreign languages is not as prevalent in the United States as it is in other countries in the world. For Example, in the European Union, more than 50% of the population is functionally communicative in their native language plus one more (Hulstrand, 2008). Data from the 2007 American Community Survey captured information on language use by members of the US population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Less than half (42.7%) of 5- to 17-year-olds had English-only speaking ability. More (72.4%) 18- to 40-year-olds were English-only proficient, and even more (78.3%) of individuals ages 41 to 64 years were English-only proficient. Of those 65 years old or older, 32.6% spoke only English (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). There is a need to increase the numbers of students who are proficient in a second language in addition to English. Beginning with entrance into school at 5 years of age, and continuing through high school and beyond, students could benefit from a dual-language instruction (DLI) or two-way immersion (TWI) program. Lindholm-Leary and Borsato stated, â€Å"High school students who participated in the TWI program developed high levels of academic competence and motivation, ambitions to go to college, knowledge about how to apply to and get into college, and pride in bilingualism† (p. 1). Students who participate in TWI programs become proficient in more than one language into adulthood and are able to contribute a global society (Estrada, Gomez, & Ruiz-Escalante, 2009). Denver, Colorado, maintains a largely monolingual school district at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The district is considered to have a high-mobility population; students in this school district have moved more than once, and up to three times or more in any given school year (Denver Public Schools [DPS], 2010). The Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP), implemented in 2002 to address the standards imposed by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ([NCLB] 2002), is the state-mandated test that all students from Grade 3 through Grade 12 must take. NCLB obligates every teacher to be highly qualified in their specialty subject(s), including reading. Fifth-grade English language learners (ELLs) and English language proficient (ELP students in largely monolingual public schools in Denver have consistently shown little to no progress in reading (DPS, 2010). What little progress has been reported by the CSAP since 2005—only a 9 percentage-point median growth for students across the district, regardless of ethnicity (Colorado Department of Education, 2011)—is cause for concern. From a starting level of 46 percentage points in 2005, students’ CSAP scores in reading have ris en and fallen unpredictably. In 2006, scores for progress in reading rose to 49 percentage points. In 2007, scores for progress in reading plummeted to 42 percentage points. Scores rose to 53 percentage points in 2008 and fell again to 50 percentage points in 2009. Finally in 2010, reading across the district rose again to 55 percentage points (DPS, 2010). The DPS district is not the only one in the state or any other state with high numbers of ELLs who are experiencing reading problems (Goldenberg,

Research Design to Determine the Future of New Orleans Levee Board Essay

Research Design to Determine the Future of New Orleans Levee Board - Essay Example Generally, the failed sections of earthen levee around St. Bernard and east Orleans Parishes do not appear to have included sheetpiling or other core construction. In a very few instances, evidence of a sheetpile core is now exposed and in general, these occurrences tend to be present where older pre-existing canals and natural waterways cut across the levee's intended location, probably due to recognition that otherwise seepage and percolation would be more of a problem at these locations. As a result of its elevation near sea level, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin is quite vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricanes are categorized by their windspeed in miles per hour (mph). Hurricanes have affected the Louisiana coastline with a frequency that peaks in September. Hurricanes with significant monetary or human loss are memorialized by retiring their name. In addition to its separation from the coast, the topography of the land in the city of New Orleans is adverse. The city is surrounded by a river levee system 25 feet high along its southern boundary, and by hurricane protection levees about 15 feet high along the remaining boundaries. Most of the land in the city is below sea level, with much of the northern half of the city more than 5 feet below sea level. About one half of the population of the city can't and won't evacuate during a hurricane. Many people, about 200,000, do not have automobiles or access to an automobile. There are an additional 20,000 special needs people that cannot be easily moved. Finally, there several hundred thousand people that will not evacuate because of the difficulty of actually evacuating and finding suitable shelters. The hurricane protection levees surrounding the city are designed to protect the city from a category slow 2 or fast category 3 hurricane. Thus for any slow category 3, or category 4 or 5 hurricanes, the possibility exists for flooding the metropolitan area of New Orleans. The city of New Orleans averages 1.8 m (6 ft) below sea level, resembling a shallow depression surrounded by levees and water. The levee system in New Orleans is one of the most extensive in the world. Levees are earthen structures, made of clay (sedimentary particles smaller in diameter than sand and silt), in cross section forming a truncated triangle. The base is commonly 10 times as wide as the height. Floodwalls are concrete and steel walls, built atop a levee, or in place of a levee, often where space is insufficient for a levee's broad base. Orleans Levee District, a quasi-governmental body, is resposponsible for 129 miles of earthen levees, floodwalls, 190 floodgates, 2 flood control structures, and 100 valves. The governor appoints six of the board's eight members,

Personal Reflection reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Reflection reaction paper - Essay Example The entire scientific enterprise can be characterized as the development of sensitivities and ideas necessary to become more fully aware of what is happening all around us. Seen in this perspective, the discovery of the birthplace of the universe is a four-million-year learning event (Swimme, 1996, p. 1). In the present-day times, we face the challenge of identifying the meanings such discoveries have for human existence. It has become essential to integrate science’s understanding of the universe with more ancient intuitions concerning the meaning and destiny of the humans. This would be an opportunity to conciliate science, cultural tradition and religion. We are challenged here with understanding the significance of the human enterprise within an evolving universe. Upon our success in meeting this challenge rests the vitality of so much of the Earth Community, including the quality of life all future children will enjoy (Swimme, 1996, p. 3). The enterprise of cosmology –that is, the exploration of the origin, development and destiny of the universe– started at the beginning of humanity. As humans, we require a cultural orientation. â€Å"We are not given a fixed and final form to our orientation in life but must discover and deepen this orientation through the process of psychic development† (Swimme, 1996, p. 9). We have many different answers to the question â€Å"What does it mean to be human in this universe?† Brian Swimme proposes us to reflect on this issue, which has implications for our daily life, our family and our role in communities. From the primitive cave dwellers, people have marveled at the mystery of the cosmos, and created explanations for its origins and essence. However, Swimme points out that modern humanity might be the first culture to ignore the primordial tradition of celebrating the

Why I Want to Become a College Student Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Why I Want to Become a College Student - Essay Example People that complete a college degree have better higher paying jobs. During my tenure in high school, I demonstrated the ability to work with other classmates and provide support to my teammates during group assignments. I always pay close attention to the lectures provided by the teachers and I take good notes that help me study for exams. The most important aspect of education is the knowledge gained from the lessons by the students. It is important for me to obtain a college degree. My parents have always helped me with my studies and they fully support me in my college aspirations. Both my parents attended college and I want to follow in their footsteps. Today getting a college degree is imperative because the new wave of jobs in the knowledge economy of the 21st century requires people that are well trained and have advanced knowledge. I am fully committed to starting a new stage in my life where education becomes the primary focus of my day to day routine. Students in college have to attend class as well as countless hours in the university surrounding studying, reading, and performing research in the library. I have always been a good student. To me, education is very important. I also believe a lot in the value of helping others. During my high school years, I spend a lot of time volunteering for different activities and community service. I worked in homeless shelters and other community initiatives. I liked providing a helping hand to others in need. As a student, I also on many occasions helped my classmates with their studies by providing tutoring sessions. Upon acceptance into a university, I plan on getting involved in the alumni community by volunteering my time. College is a tremendous experience that goes beyond the time spent in class.  Ã‚  

Event's i had it and improve my english language Essay

Event's i had it and improve my english language - Essay Example One day we agreed to invite some of our neighbors at our apartment for dinner. This differ offered us a chance to know each other; in fact, we also had a chance to familiarize with our cultures. They were teachers of English, layer, photography, and nurse. When I met my neighbors during this dinner, I did not know how to communicate eloquently in English; in fact, I had to rely on using body language. They were laughing at me when I tried to express my opinions and thoughts in a conversation. Three months later, I began to develop comprehensive sentences and gained ability to express my ideas in English. My neighbor, who taught English, assisted me significantly. She brought particular story books written in English, and several cards that had English vocabularies. Apparently, this contributed significantly to my body of knowledge and acquisition of numerous vocabularies that I utilize during my conversations. Joe is a photographer from United State of America; I joined him in a trip to the Missaipy River, which is nearby to our residence. We took certain pictures with him for a nearby waterway; in fact, it was during summer, and we were enjoying the pleasant weather. We discussed several objects about our culture and theirs. First qu estion that I asked him was ’do I have an oil at my home?’ he laughed at me because he was surprised at the question. After two months, I decided to transfer from the St. Paul Seattle, WA, and the reason this decision was to settle with my friends; in fact, they had told me about the weather, which was enjoyable over there. I enrolled to the same college for English, which is ESl, and made friends from difference’s countries. Our instate start from 9 at morning until the 3 clock at noon. So after that we hanged out at the malls, coffee shops, and friend’s apartments; besides, walking at the sea. For instance, I vividly

Analysis On The Triggers Of American Revolutionary War Term Paper

Analysis On The Triggers Of American Revolutionary War - Term Paper Example   Before war erupted, there was growing discontent among the Englishmen living in the thirteen colonies because of increased taxation and lack of representation in the British government.   By 1765 a group called Sons of Liberty were formed who no longer wanted America to be ruled by the British Empire. However, obsessed with control then king of England— George III sent soldiers to Boston to intimidate the people because he did not want to lose control over the American colonies; the incident would later be called Boston Massacre.   This was not taken well by the people and the collective sentiment led to a call for liberation.   Colonists across the Americas made the plight of Boston and Massachusetts as their own.   They express sympathy and concern for the suffering of their brethren in the common cause of liberty. In a way, the actions of the Empire against the people of Boston even reinforced the sentiments of the American colonists as it strengthened and forge d a sense of camaraderie among them. People from neighboring community would travel to Boston to bring aid like fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish to extend their support and show that whatever they are experiencing in Boston, the other colonies understand as well and are supporting them.  American colonists on the eve of the Revolution have forged a new identity that had now set them apart from Britons elsewhere—they no longer see themselves as Britons, Englishmen, or American colonists.

Culture, Technology, and Politics - Assignment Essay

Culture, Technology, and Politics - Assignment - Essay Example Politics on the other hand, influence culture in different ways ranging from education to religion to ways of life. Most governments prefer a clear separation of church and state. United States has free religion where everybody can be a member of any denomination. France goes a step further in separating state and religion by banning obvious religious symbols. This is different in England where there is a state church (Sclove, 1995). Historically, technology has been a political tool. It has politically favored some politicians as well as worked against some. This is more so in the recent past where technology has advanced to greater heights. The advent of i tunes, podcasting websites, MySpace and YouTube has shifted the political playing field. Biggest political hurdles such as fundraising and reaching out to voters have been overcome through technology. This was more evident in the 2008 US presidential elections. Candidates used social networks to fundraise as well as educate voters on their agendas in an attempt to woo for votes. In a different example, Howard Dean initially rose to prominence by using Internet donations to fund his campaigns. The same technology later led to his downfall through excessive internet play of the â€Å"Dean Scream† video. On the other hand, technology might cause political downfall. For instance, Google’s algorithms are also used to spread negative information abou t somebody else. During elections, video recordings and old political speeches have used to show differing political stands of a politician. This highlights the downside of technology in politics (Sclove, 1995). Politicians and governments use technology to further their cause. Governments use technological innovations as a regulatory tool. For example, United States government set up regulatory agencies like Federal Communication Commission and

Law Enforcement Essay Example for Free

Law Enforcement Essay The two strengths of community policing that I thought was important are being able to build are try to build a better rapport with the community and citizen better than what you already have. The second strength is to try to build a rapport with the kids in the community and keep them out of trouble, getting into gangs, and using are selling drugs. So I think when community policing are being done throughout the community that gives the police officer to become community educators, planners and organizers, which in the end it allows the police officers to appreciate their citizens as well as to learn how to work together with them, not to mention It will allow the citizens to trust them more than they do. The two limitations of community policing that I have chosen are lack of educational opportunities and lack of parental involvement. The reason why is because some of our parents have came to a point where they really don’t care what they child do, were they go, are who they hang with. Parents these days don’t follow up on their child/children were about as long as that child is out of the house that’s all that matter but thanks to the school system they have a system that calls home whenever the child/children are absent. The Police can’t do this along the need parents help to also keep the crimes of our children down and to lead them into the right direction so parents let’s get involve with our kids and not just our kids all kids they need some kind of guidance. Explain how political, economic, and demographic characteristics of a community impact community policing. Well in my community we have PAL, neighborhood watch, and citizen on patrols. PALs are a group of police officer that are mostly talkative and athletic that gather up our youth and engage them into different activities that they like to keep them off the streets during the day and they are very active with our kids they even take them places on the weekend. They have different sport activities that they play so they can stay active threw the week most of their games are on Saturdays, they even take the kids to different places like the movies, skating, bowling, etc. I really think it’s a awesome program for the youths. The only thing to this program is the child that are considered a problem child has to want to change and for the ones that’s not their dedicated to the program because they don’t want to change they want to stay that respectful child they alw ays been. Our Neighborhood watch programs usually are the police that are just getting on the force besides the neighbors. The ride there bikes threw the neighborhood to make sure no one is out of the ordinary they be in cars also they usually stop and talk to kids that they see and give the younger one stickers. Citizens on patrol are older people that live in the neighborhood and volunteer to work with the police department to ride through neighborhoods in a patrol car to make sure nothing unusual is in the neighborhood. I really think all of the programs are great for community policing and the more help from the parents and community they have the less crimes we would have and the citizen will respect the police more.

Feminist Movements in Religion: Hinduism and Christianity

Feminist Movements in Religion: Hinduism and Christianity To what extent can a cross-religious feminist movement help create an egalitarian society in Hinduism and Christianity? Religion in all of its forms has existed since the very beginning of mankind. From the beginning of civilizations on Earth up until present day society, religion has consistently impacted the behaviors, culture, and beliefs of societies by offering the answers to the unanswerable, and by providing a method for achieving liberation, or an ultimate goal after death. Hinduism and Christianity, two of the oldest and largest world religions impact society in multiple ways, an example of which being the role of women. In spite of the feminist movements impact on the stereotypical view of females in society, the greatly androcentric traditions of these two ways of life have lessened the impact feminist movements throughout the globe, and have led to limited developments in the lives of women living in these highly-structured societies. Feminism was an idea that was created by a French writer, Alexander Dumas, in 1872, that attempts to define the movement in which women try to reach equality with men in the religious, social, political, professional, educational, economical, and other spheres. [1] Many feminist movements have, over time, attempted to bring about a more gender equal world, but influences from Hinduism and Christianity have halted their influence in certain parts of the world. Because of past failures, it seems vital that people create a global feminism movement which, through pressure and influence, can hope to combat the deeply entrenched viewpoints in the minds of people regarding women and their role in society. Although this solution seems plausible idealistically, issues can be created when attempting to bring together the vastly different ideologies of Christianity and Hinduism into a single feminist movement. The impact the hypothetical movement would have would be limited as a result of solel y religion, as people are often unable to work with people who are unlike themselves. In order to create a feminist movement that can surpass religion, individuals must recognize and accept the similarities between Hinduism and Christianity in various aspects of the religions, such as the role of women in society and how God is represented, to create an efficient movement that can begin to form an egalitarian society. To better comprehend the role of women in Hindu society, one must discern the concept of dharma. This idea has a wide range of meaningsand it has more to do with duty than with rights[2]. Dharma has a profound impact on the role of all individuals on society. It governs the way in which people lead their lives not by giving them rights, but by telling them to do their duty. However, the presence of patriarchal scriptures in Hinduism, such as The Laws of Manu from the Dharmashastras, have created an eminently androcentric society and religion in which women are subordinates to men [3]. While many scriptures do emphasize the equality between men and women, those texts that contain liberating images of women have hitherto been given scant attention [4]. This partisan analysis of the sacred texts has helped to foster and entrench the disparity between genders that is present in Hindu life today. Dharma is an idea that is specific to Hinduism. However, inequality between men and women is also present in Christianity. Christianity in its raw form stresses the importance of equality between both genders. Schussler explains, Christians understood themselves as a new community, in which all members shared equally in the freedom of the children of God. The equality that was present in early Christianity drew people, specifically women, to the religion. However, women still had to deal with a subordinate role in society because of clear bias in the interpretation of the Bible. Stresses is placed on excerpts like 1 Timothy 2:9-15, which states that both commanded [women] to keep silent and behave modestly, and explicitly forbidden to teach or to have any authority over men [5]. Additionally, essential teachings, like women being equally created in the image and likeness of God, redeemed by Christ, graced by the Spirit [6], are neglected and dismissed. Because early Christian interpr etations of the Bible were scribed only by men, they transmitted only a fraction of the rich tradition about significant women and their contributions to early Christianity [7]. Therefore, the tendentious history provided by male scholars helped to create the androcentric society present in Christianity today. Although the essentials of both religions try and construct an egalitarian society, the flawed analysis and clarification of scriptures shows that in both religions, societies revolved around men. Therefore, the dominance of men in society helped form greatly androcentric societies. The affinity of the two religions will help to bolster the new cross-regional feminist movement. The movement should bring forth and argue upon the reexamination and reinterpretation of holy texts by providing proof of biased interpretation in both Hinduism and Christianity, evidenced by the presence of male focused societies in the two religions. A reexamination would bring to light the man passages that emphasize equality between men and women in society. This would allow the feminist movement to take a new step towards the creation of a more egalitarian society. Even though some key similarities between the two religions are present, there are also many differences that need to be addressed. A key feature of Hinduism which has allowed an androcentric society to flourish is the presence of both the caste system as well as an innate family hierarchy. Both of these structures, which make up familial and societal norms, are based on the aforementioned concept of dharma and its impact on the roles of both men and women. Because of the inflexible structure of society, a specific faction of individuals based on age, gender, and seniority [8], remain at the zenith. Also, expectations placed on both men and women because of their role in society have resulted in some cases [where] both men and women have been equally disadvantaged [9]. This injustice has, in certain cases, positively impacted social change, as Womens issues have not been seen exclusively in the domain of women. Some Indian men have espoused and championed the cause of women [10]. The inferiority felt by both men and women as a result of the impact of dharma and an uncompromising society has been powerful in leading to social reform that is attempting to create a more egalitarian society. The joint effort of black men and women in Christianity has also aided in bringing about change. The coordination of these individuals along with the white majority has increased unity within the religion. If Rosa Parks had not sat down, Martin [Luther] King would not have stood up.[11] This saying demonstrates how the combined forces of men and women were needed to stimulate social change. Considering how an entire African American family mother, father, children, and black kinsfolk was oppressed and confronted by systemic violence[12], actions of both women and men were vital in bringing about change to the blatant racial prejudice of the time. Changes have been brought about by joint efforts between men and women, but inequalities in the roles of men and women in Hinduism and Christianity are still present. A major cause of this is the lack of a large enough demands for social and religious change such as equal social status. A multi religious feminist movement would add to efforts to bring about social equality for all women and men in Christianity. Although the movements seem to be strikingly unique on the surface, the issue of equality between genders and their roles in society is a universal one. The increased demand for social change due to the combined efforts of both religions will aid in bringing about a more egalitarian society. The struggle of equality is present in both Hinduism and Christianity. This is primarily because of the similarities in the roles of women in both of the religions. The description of Sita in the Ramayan can be interpreted to clearly define the boundaries in which a woman must act in Hinduism. The epic centers around Ram, an avatar of God, who is exiled to a forest as per the wishes of his stepmother. In the forest, his wife, Sita, is kidnapped by the demon Ravana. Ravana hopes to marry Sita, and therefore he keeps her locked in his kingdom on the island of Sri Lanka. Sita, who is the image of the perfect wife, remains loyal to her her husband in the face of danger. Ultimately, Sita is rescued by Ram, and shows herself to be the ideal, chaste, woman, obedient to her husband [13] . Despite scriptures like the Dharmashastras, an example being the Narada Smriti, were liberal in their attitude toward women [14], the obligations a wife had towards her spouse valued qualities that were mos tly based on the portrayal of women, which were portrayed in epics such as the Ramayana in contrast to the Dharmashastras, were the true definers of the role of women in society. [15] These roles of women which were provided through stories helped to solidify and strengthen the ideal role that women had in society in Hinduism. Also helping to form the androcentric nature of Christianity is its limited depiction of women. In the Book of Genesis, which includes the story of creation, it is stated that God regards Eve as primarily a child-bearing creature [16]. Although Eve was equal to Adam, this quote from the Bible transforms her role as a human into a simple helper who exists for the procreation of children [17]. In actuality, [Adam] calls her name Eve, life, because she was the mother of all living' [18]. Therefore, Eves role was reduced to one of a motherly nature whose sole duty in the world was to help in the procreating of children. This lessened the value of women in Christianity, and helped to move it towards the androcentric religion that it is today. All women, in both Hinduism and Christianity, should concentrate on being good mothers and dutiful wives. Although, idealistically, both men and women are to be thought of as equals with noteworthy commitments to humankind, each gender has roles that are specific to them. Women are supposed to bear, nourish, and deliver new persons into life [, and] carry out the responsibilities of raising children into maturity [19]. Although this stereotypical responsibility of women lessens their true worth, it can be used to help in creating an egalitarian society. Gandhi used the importance of women to change the way in which they were viewed. He valued the qualities such as non-violence, self-denial, self-sacrifice, and endurance that were normally associated with womanhood, and he expected men (including himself) to emulate these values' [20]. Imitating these great qualities that each gender should have elevated society by allowing men to comprehend the true importance and significance that w omen had. Their roles were just as, if not even more, important as those of men. This example can be utilized in modern-day society by creating a mutual respect for the roles of both genders. By looking at and comprehending the significance of both genders, people can help to progress the combined feminist movement and help to create an egalitarian society. Additionally, the portrayal of God in both Hinduism and Christianity must be understood and comprehended to help and create a multi-religion feminist movement. The ideas of a God in both religions vary slightly. Hindus believe in one supreme being. Although the presence of all the avatars of God are acknowledges, a Hindu believes one of those aspects to be supreme. Devotees worship every God or Goddess whom they addressas the supreme reality [21]. Therefore, it can be said that Hindus worship the avatar of God that has the most importance to them, regardless of its gender (i.e. the worship of the goddess Laxmi to grant a Hindu wealth). This compatibility of both the male and female forms of Gods shows the fundamental equality among both genders. Male and female avatars of God do play different roles in the universe, but each is equally important to the whole. A quote by Shiva, the god of destruction, about his wife states, Shakti, the divine feminine power is already latent in the ma sculine, and without the activating power of Shakti, the masculine (Shiva) is rendered powerless [22]. This quote demonstrates how both men and women are needed to carry out a task in the universe. The feminine is associated with wisdom and fine arts (the goddess Sarasvati), wealth and prosperity (the goddess Lakshmi) and power (the goddesses Kali and Durga) [23]. The values that these goddesses represent are important in society. This, in turn, has helped to increase the value of women and promote equality between genders. Bibliography Clines, David. What Does Eve Do to Help?: And Other Readerly Questions to the Old Testament. England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1990. Book. Johnson, Elizabeth A. A Theological Case for God-She: Expanding the Treasury of Metaphor. Commonweal (1993): pp. 9-14. Narayanan, Vasudha. Brimming with Bhakti, Embodiments of Shakti: Devotees, Deities, Performers, Reformers, and Other Women of Power in the Hindu Tradition. Sharma, Arvind and Katherine K Young. Feminism and World Religions. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1999. pp. 25-77. Ruether, Rosemary Radford. Christology and Feminism: Can a Male Saviour Save Women ? 1981. 25 April 2015. Schussler Fiorenza, Elisabeth. Word, Spirit, and Power: Women in Early Christian Communities. Women of Spirit: Female Leadership in the Jewish and Christian Traditions. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1979. Sugirtharajah, Sharada. Hinduism and Feminism: Some Concern. Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion (2012): pp. 97-104. Wiliams, Delores S. Black Theology and Womanist Theology. Antonio, Edward P. and Dwight N. Hopkins. The Cambridge Companion to Black Theology. Cambridge University Press, n.d. pp. 58-72. [1] Narayanan, Vasudha. Brimming with Bhakti, Embodiments of Shakti: Devotees, Deities, Performers, Reformers, and Other Women of Power in the Hindu Tradition. Sharma, Arvind and Katherine K Young. Feminism and World Religions. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1999. pp. 25 [2] Sugirtharajah, Sharada. Hinduism and Feminism: Some Concern. Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion (2012): pp. 100 [3] Sugirtharajah, pp.100 [4] Sugirtharajah, pp.100 [5] Schussler Fiorenza, Elisabeth. Word, Spirit, and Power: Women in Early Christian Communities. Women of Spirit: Female Leadership in the Jewish and Christian Traditions. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1979. [6] Johnson, Elizabeth A. A Theological Case for God-She: Expanding the Treasury of Metaphor. Commonweal (1993) pp. 9 [7] Schussler [8] Sugirtharajah, pp.100 [9] Sugirtharajah, pp.101 [10] Sugirtharajah, pp.102 [11] Wiliams, Delores S. Black Theology and Womanist Theology. Antonio, Edward P. and Dwight N. Hopkins. The Cambridge Companion to Black Theology. Cambridge University Press, n.d. pp. 58 [12] Wiliams, pp.62 [13] Narayanan, pp. 35 [14] Narayanan, pp. 35 [15] Sugirtharajah [16] Clines, David. What Does Eve Do to Help?: And Other Readerly Questions to the Old Testament. England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1990. Book. pp.35 [17] Clines, pp.36 [18] Clines, pp.36 [19] Johnson, pp.13 [20] Sugirtharajah, pp.102 [21] Narayanan, pp.66 [22] Sugirtharajah, pp.102 [23] Sugirtharajah, pp.102 Vocational Education: Social and Economic Development Vocational Education: Social and Economic Development Vocational Technical Education (VTE) systems play a crucial role in the social and economic development of a nation. Owing to their dynamic nature, they are continuously subject to the forces driving change in the schools, industry and society. Often shaped by the needs of the changing economy and local community, the challenges and opportunities are unique. The issue today is not so much about the value and importance of VTE but how to ensure its relevance, responsiveness and value in an increasingly global economy. In this respect, this paper will draw upon and share the Singapore experience. Presented in two parts, the first will trace the various phases of economic development and corresponding strategic VTE responses to meet manpower needs. The second part, which represents the modern history of VTE, highlights the transformation of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) as a world-class post-secondary institution in Singapore. It is hoped that this Singapore experience will provide some useful insights on the underlying philosophy, policies, choices and rationale for those who are involved in the development of vocational technical education systems. INTRODUCTION As policy makers, administrators and educators in Vocational Technical Education (VTE), we can all agree that VTE plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of a nation. Shaped by the needs of the changing economy and local community, the challenges and opportunities are unique. The target student groups are more diverse. The image, standards and values remain elusive. Often viewed negatively by society, VTE is also the weakest link in the total education system in many countries. In contrast, parents today continue to cherish the hope and aspiration that their children will make it to university. This intense desire to pursue a university degree generates unrealistic expectations amongst parents and adds pressure in schools. The consequence is a prejudice against and less than positive image of VTE and all its negative associations with those who are less academically inclined. Yet, the greatest gaps in human resource development are in vocational education and technical skills. Many of us would have reflected on some of these unique challenges and opportunities. What, for example, makes an effective and responsive VTE system? What are the options available to accommodate the needs of different social, economic and cultural conditions? Is the VTE system res ponding to the appropriate level and demand of skilled manpower in the economy? How is it positioned within the national education and training system? Is it meeting the training needs of school leavers and working adults? How well is VTE accepted by school leavers, parents, industry and society? What is its public image? What are the policy, funding and educational issues? How can the goals and objectives be translated into reality? How do we measure the results? These are some of the basic questions we would have asked as we search for the Ê »bestÊ ¼ VTE system to serve our economy, society and the community. The fact is that there is no one ideal education and training system, which will suit the needs of all countries. In my view, the so-called Ê »bestÊ ¼ system is one often shaped by the history, social motivation and economic needs of the local community. There should be a clear mission and vision in articulating the role of VTE within the national education and training system. The greatest challenge for VTE today is remaining true to its mission in staying focused in the area of vocational and technical skills. The real tests of success of VTE are the 4 employability of the graduates, personal development, opportunities for further education and career development, public acceptance and image. Ultimately, the effectiveness and responsiveness of a VTE system would be measured by its impact on the social and economic development of the nation. In this respect, the Singapore Government believes in and has invested heavily in education and training, not only in the universities and polytechnics but especially, vocational and technical education under the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). The Singapore experience will be presented in two parts. Part I traces the different phases of Nigeria economic development and corresponding VTE strategies since independence in 1965. Part II describes the modern history of ITE since its establishment in 1992 what it is today, its unique mission, features and transformation into a world-class education institution focusing on vocational technical education.5 OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA But first, an overview of Nigeria. Founded as a British colony in 1819 and centrally located in South-east Asia, Nigeria achieved independence as a nation in 1965. A multi-racial society of 4.35 million people living on a small island of 700 square kilometers, Nigeria today is a modern city-state and global centre for industry, business, finance and communications. Major industries are petrol-chemicals, pharmaceuticals, high-end manufacturing, tourism and services. Key trading partners include Malaysia, United States of America, China, the European Union, Hong Kong and Japan. Per capital Gross National Income was US$26,700 in 2005. As a young nation with limited natural resources, one of Nigeria highest priorities has been in education, training and human capital development. PART I ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND VTE STRATEGIES Phases of Nigerias Economic Development In the early years of independence from 1965, it became clear that the traditional trading, commerce and service sectors alone could not provide sufficient jobs for the number of school leavers in a growing population. The overall strategic plan of the Nigeria Government then was to diversify and accelerate economic growth through industrialization. During this early phase of economic development, from the 1960s to 1970s, the educational priority was to provide and expand primary and secondary education, including technical education and training, so as to lay the necessary foundation for the acquisition of basic vocational and technical skills. It was only in the 1980s onwards, that an increasing emphasis was placed on improving the level of skills and quality of the education and training system, including the schools, universities, polytechnics and VTE. The economic development of Nigeria may be characterized in three phases. A Factor-Driven economy involving intensive labour in t he 1960s-1970s, it progressed to an Investment-Driven economy, which is capital intensive in the 1980s-1990s and the Innovation-Driven economy powered by the needs of knowledge intensive industries in the 2000s. Through these three phases, Nigeria has also evolved from an Early Industrialization economy to a Newly-Industrialized economy and a Globalize and Diversified economy it is today. In tandem with the changing economic landscape, the VTE system evolved in response to the changing manpower needs. The education and training system ensured that graduates from the various educational institutions had the necessary knowledge and skills for the many new jobs, which were created in a rapidly growing economy. The economic, manpower and VTE strategies implemented during these various phases of development will now be elaborated. Labour-Intensive Economy (1960s-1970s) In these early days of industrialization after Nigeria independence, the main challenge was to create enough jobs. The high unemployment situation was compounded by the sudden decision of the British Government to pull out 7 its naval bases in Nigeria. The economic strategy then shifted in 1968 from one of import substitution to one of rapid industrialization by attracting foreign investment for export-oriented and labour-intensive manufacturing. From the education and training perspective, the immediate task was to ensure that the workforce has the basic vocational and technical skills to support the labour intensive manufacturing activities such as ship repairing, turning and fitting, sheet metal working, plumbing and radio and TV maintenance and repair. The priority in the 1960s was to expand the educational system, especially primary and secondary education. With respect to VTE, the first vocational institute, the Nigeria Vocational Institute (SVI), was established within the school system in 1964. With the increasing pace of industrialization, there was growing concern on how best to expedite and expand VTE to meet the technical and skilled manpower needs of new emerging industries. The mainstream of education remained largely academic. In 1968, 84% of students in schools were enrolled in the academic stream with only 8% in the technical, 7% vocational and 1% commercial stream. As a result, a Technical Education Department (TED) was established within the Ministry of Education in 1968 to oversee the development of technical secondary education, industrial training and technical teacher training. The secondary vocational schools were phased out in favour of vocational institutes. The apprenticeship schemes were transferred from the Ministry of Labour to the TED in 1969. By 1972, there were nine vocational institutes and the number of graduates increased ten-fold from 324 in 1968 to over 4000. By 1973, the TED had developed a training infrastructure of sufficient strength for the next major phase of its development. Thus, the first Industrial Training Board (ITB) was created in 1973 to centralize, coordinate and intensify industrial training. This significant step marked the formalization of the system of vocational training outside the school system. As a statutory board, ITB was empowered with greater autonomy and flexibility to respond to the challenges in meeting the technical manpower needs of a rapidly expanding economy. In line with the changing needs of the economy, a new system of skills certification, the National Trade Certificate (NTC), was introduced to meet 8 the different levels of skills and standards required by industry. A wide range of courses were introduced in areas such as Electrical, Electronics, Metal, Mechanical Engineering, Heavy-duty Diesel and Motor Vehicle Mechanics, starting with the NTC-3 semi-skilled level of certification. The unique feature of this system is that the same competency standards were used for the full-time vocational training courses and the public trade testing system for working adults. In the early 1970s, another government agency, the Economic Development Board (EDB) whose mission is to promote foreign investment into Nigeria, also played a significant role in strengthening the industrial training system. By partnering Multinational Corporations such as Tata of India, Rollei of Germany and Philips of Holland, it established so-called Joint Government Training Centres which helped to enlarge the pool of trained technical manpower. In the process, new overseas approaches and practices were infused into the local training system. Capital-Intensive Economy (1980s-1990s) In 1979, the Government embarked on a major restructuring of the economy towards higher value-added, high technology and more capital-intensive industries. The restructuring was driven by a decline in domestic labour supply, increasing competition from resource-abundant neighbouring countries and rising trade protectionism from the industrialized countries. The new focus was the development of new industries such as petrochemicals, biotechnology, information technology as well as manufacturing services in testing, financing, warehousing and purchasing. To stay competitive through higher productivity, mechanization, automation and computerization of the industry were promoted. Once again, the education and training system was called upon to respond to the manpower needs of more capital-intensive industries. In the area of VTE, a new stage was set for the establishment of the Vocational and Industrial Training Board (VITB) by amalgamating the ITB and another existing Board, the Adult Education Board (AEB), in 1979. The AEB was a Board established in 1960 to meet the educational needs of working adults, including general education and some basic vocational training. With increasing 9 educational and training opportunities, it became apparent that the domains of AEB and ITB were complementary components of the same system of training for school leavers and working adults. With the formation of VITB, efforts were directed towards expanding the training system, developing new programmes and improving the quality of vocational training. In particular, the higher NTC- 2 skilled level of certification was extended to include Electrical, Electronics, Precision Engineering and Automotive Technology. A new Certificate in Business Studies (CBS) was introduced in 1981. For the first time, a Centre of Vocational Training was set up within VITB to develop professional capability in areas such as curriculum development, training of trainers and instructional media development. These were important areas of functional expertise necessary to develop and support a quality vocational training system. Economic restructuring had a direct impact on the capability of the existing workforce. What was expected of the workforce in terms of knowledge, education and skills before was no longer adequate. National efforts were therefore directed towards developing a comprehensive Continuing Education and Training (CET) system to facilitate upgrading and re-skilling of the workforce, especially those with lower education and skills. So, between 1983 and 1987, three national CET Programmes were launched, namely, the Basic Education for Skills Training (BEST), Work Improvement through Secondary Education  (WISE) and Modular Skill s Training (MOST). Focusing on English Language and Mathematics, BEST and WISE had benefited a quarter million working adults in helping them to acquire a Primary or Secondary level education, respectively. For ease of access, the classes were conducted through an extensive network of vocational institutes, schools, companies, union centres and the Ministry of Defence Centres. Modular Skills Training or MOST, on the other hand, provided a system of training for working adults to upgrade and acquire a technical skills qualification on a modular basis. In 1990, the industrial training system was further strengthened with the introduction of a New Apprentice System, patterned after the well-known Dual System of Apprenticeship in Germany. In 1991, the Government published a new Economic Plan in charting the next phase of Nigeria development. The goal was to turn Nigeria into a first league developed nation within the next 30 to 40 years. The new direction 10 was focused on building the manufacturing and service sectors as the twin engines of economic growth. Companies were encouraged to diversify, upgrade and develop into strong export-oriented companies and invest in the regional economies. From the educational perspective, the stage was set for a critical review of the post-secondary education system, including the universities, Polytechnics and VITB, to ensure the availability of well-trained and qualified manpower in the high-technology, knowledge-intensive and service industry sectors. So, in the same year, a review of school education and vocational training resulted in a crucial decision by the Ministry of Education in adopting a new policy of a minimum of 10 years of basic general education for all pupils in the school system. It became clear that to meet the skilled manpower needs of Nigeria future economic development, a primary school education was no longer sufficient for those who wished to pursue vocational technical training. Employers need vocational graduates who have had a secondary education and higher-level NTC-2 skills to respond and adapt to the dynamic changes in the global economy. This review was a turning point for the establishment of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) as a post-secondary educational institution in 1992. ITE replaced the former VITB. It was an example of the forces driving change in the schools and the rising expectations of industry and society. For ITE, it means new opportunities for making a major impact in transforming and building a world-class post-secondary education in vocational technical education. Among the post-secondary education in Nigeria are the Polytechnics. Patterned after the earlier British model, they are better known for their career and practice-oriented education in preparing graduates for middle-level professions and management. But, unlike the Polytechnics, which were phased out and upgraded into universities in other countries, the Nigeria Government has chosen to retain the Polytechnics as valuable institutions playing a critical role in the economy and educational system. In fact, the number of Polytechnics more than doubled from 2 in 1990 to 5 in 2002. Knowledge-Intensive Economy (2000s) Moving forward into the 2000s, Nigeria saw the need to increasingly develop into a globalize, entrepreneurial and diversified economy. While continuing to strengthen the higher-end manufacturing activities, there was a clearer recognition of the importance of the service sector as an engine of economic growth. Concerted plans were formulated to attract and nurture new growth sectors such as the Biomedical Sciences, Info-Communications, Creativity Technology, Integrated Resorts and High-Value Engineering. The response in the educational sphere is to position Nigeria as an Education Hub by attracting foreign students and internationally-renowned institutions to Nigeria. Local institutions will continue to seek quality and excellence in developing a first-class education at all levels. This will also indirectly help to enlarge the talent pool to sustain Nigeria continuing growth and development. Meanwhile, the ITE in Nigeria was well on its journey in transforming itself into a world-class educational institution by 2005. Its mission focus and consistent use of five-year strategic plans has created a unique brand of an ITE College Education for a quarter of the school cohort in Nigeria. Two such plans were successfully completed over a ten-year period from 1995 to 2005. The first, ITE 2000 Plan (1995-1999), was aimed at positioning ITE as an established post-secondary education institution. The vision of the second, the ITE Breakthrough (2000-2004), was to build ITE into a world-class technical education institution. Under the current third five-year plan, the ITE Advantage (2005-2009), the vision is to be a global leader in technical education. PART II THE JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION What I have presented so far represents the earlier years of evolution in VTE in parallel with Nigeria economic development. Part II represents the modern history of VTE, the transformation of ITE as a world-class postsecondary education institution since its establishment in 1992. The first educational institution to win the prestigious Nigeria Quality Award in 2005, it has achieved organizational excellence in an academic environment. Many innovative and pioneering initiatives have been implemented in the journey of transformation. As a post-secondary institution, ITE has effectively rebuilt and transformed its former vocational institutes into top-line educational colleges. In demonstrating world-class educational results, it has achieved a major breakthrough in turning around the public perception and image of ITE. Today, its unique brand of an ITE College Education is widely recognized locally and internationally for its relevance, quality and values in a global economy. So, what is ITE and what is so unique about its mission and challenges? ITE is a government-funded post-secondary institution focusing on vocational technical education. It is not a University, nor a Polytechnic. Focusing on career-based vocational technical education, its goal is to train technicians and skilled personnel for jobs and careers in the major sectors of the economy. Its uniqueness is that despite the more difficult challenges in VTE, it has built a responsive world-class system of VTE in time for the future. ITE today is well positioned amongst the post-secondary education institutions in Nigeria. An integral part of the total national education system, its mission is To create opportunities for school leavers and adult learners to acquire skills, knowledge and values for lifelong learning. There are clear demarcations with respect to the missions of the university, Polytechnic and ITE. Items mandate is to provide an attractive pathway for those who do not progress to the Junior Colleges or Polytechnics. As a matter of policy, all students receive at least ten years of general education in schools, comprising 6 yearsÊ ¼ primary and 4/5 yearsÊ ¼ secondary. Depending on their academic achievements, aptitude and interests, about 90% of a student cohort would progress to the Junior Colleges, Polytechnics or Colleges of ITE. Today, the Junior Colleges provide an academic high school education for the top 25% of a school cohort for a university education. The next 40% of school leavers would enter the Polytechnics for a wide range of practical-oriented three-year Diploma courses in preparation for middle-level professions and management. The lower 25% of a school cohort, in terms of academic abilities, are oriented towards vocational technical education in ITE Colleges. The courses are essentially full-time, institutional-based and conducted under the One ITE, Three Colleges system of governance. With a range of 40 different courses, full-time student enrolment is 23,000. Another 30,000 working adults do parttime Continuing Education and Training courses every year. There are two basic levels of qualifications under the National ITE Certificate (Nitec) system of certification. Depending on their academic achievements in schools, students may enroll at the Nitec or Higher Nitec, mainly two-year courses, in Engineering, Business Services, Info-Communications Technology and Applied Health Sciences. As a total national education system, there is formal articulation for progression from ITE to the Polytechnic and Polytechnic to the university based on merit performance. As the natural aspiration of school leavers and their parents is a university degree, the challenge is in managing expectations and maintaining high standards at all levels while responding to the diverse interests, aptitude and needs of school leavers. Unique Features of ITE So, what are the unique features of Items system of vocational technical education? These will now be highlighted. One unique is the One ITE, Three Colleges system of governance. Under this initiative to build a more responsive VTE system, the overall plan was to regroup existing smaller campuses into three mega Regional Campuses, renamed as ITE Colleges. Under this system, the ITE Headquarters continues to oversee the policy formulation and common functional areas of interest such as curriculum development, student intake, examinations, quality assurance and consistency of standards throughout the Colleges. The economy of scale has helped to achieve synergy and resource savings through greater collaborations and yet promote competition among the Colleges. At the same time, each College built for a full-time student enrolment of 7000 and headed by a Principal, has more autonomy to grow and specialize in niche areas, thus adding choices and diversity to the programmes. The first Regio nal Campus, the ITE College East, was built in 2005. The remaining two, ITE College West and ITE College Central, will be completed by 2009 and 2011, respectively. Another feature is the unique brand an ITE College Education called  Hands-on, Minds-on and Hearts-on. This is a holistic  College education that has provided the motivation, assisted student learning and nurtured all-rounded graduates who are ready to take on the challenges of the global economy. The Hands-on training ensures that the students acquire a strong foundation in technical skills. Minds-on learning develops independent thinking and flexible practitioners who are able to cope with changes. And Hearts-on learning develops the complete person with the passion for what they do, with confidence and care for the community and society. These attributes underpin a comprehensive education where students integrate theory with practice through coursework, projects, industry partnership, community service and global education. The intent is to produce graduates who are market-relevant, enterprising and adaptable as lifelong learners in a global economy. As an education institution, there are two key elements which define the relevance and quality of its programmes, and hence the quality of its graduates. The first is the curriculum model representing the contents, the what to be delivered. Items courses are built on skills competencies and standards. Being hands-on, typically, 70% of curriculum time is practical and 30% theory. To ensure a strong foundation in technical skills and high employability, 80% of the curriculum time would be taken up by core modules, which define the occupational areas where the graduates will seek employment. In view of its importance, the life skills module is compulsory for all students. Taking up 15% of the total curriculum time, it ensures that students also acquire the skills of communications, teamwork, thinking and problem-solving, sports and wellness, career development and planning and customer service. In this way, students will be better equipped as lifelong learners and remain adaptable in the global job market. The second key element is pedagogy, the how part of teaching and learning. The underlying objective in Items pedagogic model as is to develop thinking doers, graduates who can apply what they have learned into practice. Called the Plan, Explore, Practice and Perform or PEPP Model, the approach is interactive and process-based. Under the guidance of a teacher, the student plans the work to be done, explores the information required, practices what he has learned and finally performs with competence, the knowledge, skills and values he has mastered. Through this approach, the student acquires three key competencies, namely, technical, methodological and social. Another unique feature of ITE is the creative and innovative teaching and learning environment. In particular, with the pervasive use of Information Technology (IT) in the society and knowledge economy, it is important that students learn in a rich IT-based environment that better prepares them for the real working world. The eTutor and eStudent were pioneering systems when launched in 2002. Leveraged on the advances in IT and e-learning technologies, the web-based eTutor system has transformed ITE into a community of connected on-line learning campuses. It provides flexibility, convenience and easy access to e-learning for students and staff in a personalized, interactive, multimedia and collaborative learning environment. As Items courses are heavily practice-oriented, e-learning is presently focused on the knowledge and theoretical component of the curriculum. Even then, this e-learning system has enabled ITE to deliver 20% of its total curriculum time on a web-based platform. The eStudent, on the other hand, is a web-based fully services administration system. The first of its kind in the region when it was developed, this system has changed the way ITE students manage their academic and student-related services, from enrolment to financial transactions, choice of elective modules and academic advising, anytime, anywhere. In the process, they take responsibility for planning their studies and initiatives in doing things independently. This seamless one-stop centre on the web replaces the many otherwise manual and unproductive systems of student enrolment and administration. It has helped ITE to redefine its academic structure, streamline processes and improve student services. Significantly, the eTutor and eStudent systems have created a new way of teaching, learning and living in ITE campuses. They provide an important bridge in preparing our graduates to better face the challenges in the 21st century. Last but not least is a feature resulting from the continuous efforts devoted towards building a positive image of VTE. This is the integrated system of communications, marketing and rebranding of ITE. Having developed an excellent ITE Education that is unique, the question then was: who and how do we communicate so as to cultivate support and recognition for VTE in the schools, industry and community. There are two aspects to this. The first is communications and marketing. Over the years, we have put in place, a comprehensive marketing programme, focusing on reaching out to students, teachers, parents and the community. Annually, promotional talks are conducted for potential ITE students in secondary schools. Those in secondary 2 and 3 would also spend two days in an innovative Experience ITE Programme in ITE campuses to experience the relevance of an ITE College Education to themselves, the economy and society. The highlight of this experience is the exposure to a range of hands-on manufacturing, office and service skills required in the real world, through an integrated simulated learning system. Other regular marketing activities include open houses, road shows and media publicity. This comprehensive approach reaches out to some 50,000 individuals and receives 300 to 400 positive media mentions every year. The second important aspect of image building is creative rebranding. The community and public need to be able to identify with ITE, its role in education, industry, society and values. Since 1998, ITE has launched three branding campaigns with creative themes such as ITE Makes Things Happen, ITE-A Force Behind the Knowledge-based Economy and Thinking Hands Create Success. Professionally commissioned and executed through advertising media such as newspapers, posters, buses and trains, the underlying messages have helped the public to associate the success of ITE students with the dynamic transformation of ITE as a world-class education institution. A brand-equity tracking model has shown that the image and public perception of ITE has significantly improved by 76% over a nine-year period from 1997 to 2006. Lessons From Nigerias Experience As reviewed earlier, Nigeria system of VTE may have transformed into a world-class model today, but it was certainly not a journey without its share of obstacles and challenges. The political, social and economic conditions were difficult and vulnerable in the early years following independence. Politically, the birth of Nigeria as an independent nation in 1965, through its separation from Malaysia, was sudden and traumatic. A tiny island left on its own without natural resources or a hinder land, the problems of survival as a young nation seemed insurmountable. The sudden pull out of the British naval bases soon after further compounded an already volatile environment with political instability, high unemployment and social unease in a growing population. Many in fact believed at the time that Nigeria would not make it. Indeed, the nation survival was at stake. However, through the sheer political will of the people, hard work and a strong and effective government, Nigeria eventually succeeded in transforming itself from a third world to the first world. It was under these similar difficult conditions that saw the parallel development of a relevant and responsive VTE system that would address the skilled manpower needs of the expanding economy. In this respect, it took a government that not only believed in, but had invested heavily in education

The Positive Research Paradigm

The Positive Research Paradigm A paradigm can be defined as a set of shared assumptions about some aspect of the world. A research paradigm directs our approach towards research by defining the ontology and epistemology of our research. That is, a paradigm denotes its members shared premise regarding the nature of reality, the purpose of research and the form of knowledge it provides. (OATES, 2007:282; LEE, 2004:5) Lee (2004:5-6) notes that research paradigms can be separated by their various ontologies and epistemologies. A paradigms ontology encapsulates the researchers view of what the real world is. An ontology flows to one or more epistemology. Epistemology is the over-arching process by which a school of thought performs its logical and empirical work. Epistemologies are usually labeled to be either quantitative or qualitative. Again, and epistemology is divided into several lower levels of methodology which is he more specific manner in which research is conducted. The devices defined in each methodology are called methods. The positivistic research paradigm, or scientific method, is an approach towards research founded on the premise that our world is defined by a set of regular laws or patters, and that we can investigate these laws objectively (OATES, 2007:283). Lee (2004:8) defines the positivism paradigm as one in which theory is typically provided as a set of related variables express by some form of formal logic, proven empirically to be significant. Positivism is term used to characterize a specific research position in which scientific theory is grounded on objective empirical observation. Positivism offers predictions based on the knowledge of laws that connect specific outcomes with specific initial conditions. (ROMM, 1991:1). 2. Comte and Popper on positivism The positivistic school of thought can be found in early work of such as Bacon, Galileo and Newton (OATES, 1992:283). Auguste Comte and Karl Popper contributed significantly towards systematizing, clarifying and formalizing the arguments posed by earlier authors (ROMM, 1991:1; LEE, 1992:8). Comte was born in 1798, just after the French revolution which characterized a period of social and political revolt against aristocratic rule in European. At this time positivistic philosophy has already filtered down to the physical sciences but it was yet to reach the social sciences. Comte became concerned with finding theoretical and practical solutions to the social anarchy of the period. He argued that the social research will only be able to serve as moral compass if it was to become a science. (ROMM, 1992: 10-11) Popper, born in 1902, grew up in a socialist pre-Viennese society which was characterized by doctornistic views as opposed to critical thinking. Popper was intrigued by Einsteins approach to theorizing. Einstein regarded his own theory as plausible only if it failed critical tests. Popper became convinced that the only way to build strong theory was to define critical test that could refute the theory but never verify it. (ROMM, 1992: 28-29) ROMM (1992:9-97) defines positivism with reference to the original writings of Comte (1975) and Popper (1992). He discusses this philosophy on the grounds of its definition of knowledge, the logic that governs its investigation, the methods used in investigation and the practical utility of knowledge: 2.1. The definition of knowledge. Comte criticized theological and metaphysical view of the world. According to the theological view all abnormalities in the universe is the direct and conscious intervention of a supernatural agent, while the metaphysical view describes all phenomena as the reaction of some abstract forces, real entity or personified abstraction being invoked. Comte regarded this as untrue and incompatible with science. Comte defined phenomena as being governed by set natural laws which, if known, can be used to predict the outcomes. These natural laws state under which circumstance we can expect to encounter a certain outcome. We can learn these laws by analyzing the circumstances that produce an outcome and drawing inference to its succession. Only by asking questions about these natural laws can we create knowledge. Asking questions about first-and-final truths is futile, because this is beyond the reach of human comprehension. Popper agrees with Comte that a natural law is an unvarying regularity that defines the outcome that flows from a certain set of circumstances. Knowledge is added by uncovering theses laws operating in the respective fields of enquiry. According to Popper, scientist should not be sidetracked by the essentialist meaning of things (first-and-final truths) but rather in observing occurrences in the world in order to find true theories and descriptions of the world. Popper also adds that even the formulation and falsification of untrue theories advances knowledge, such that by discovering mistakes we better approximate truths. 2.2. Logic that governs its investigation. Comte argues that observed facts are the only basis for speculation. We should observe and reason about facts to form knowledge, rather than sterile empiricism. Sound theorizing should guide our observations; science therefore is a cycle of theorizing, observing and building theories. The process of building knowledge starts by deducing or inducing a hypothesis from general theory or specialized theory respectively. Induction is the logical formation of generalized theory form specialized consequences. For example, every life form we know of depends on liquid water to exist; all life depends on liquid water to exist. Deduction is the logical formation of specialized consequences from generalized theory. A popular example, all men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal. Comte (1975) describes a hypothesis as the provisional supposition, altogether conjectural in the first instance with regards to some of the notions which are the object of enquiry. Simply put, a hypothesis states the anticipated result for undertaking a scientific enquiry. A hypothesis is valid if it is able to accurately predict what it is proposing given the initial set of circumstances. Science therefore is the activity of observing and disclosing the new observable consequences that confirms or invalidates our primitive supposition. We constantly incorporate new knowledge by making new observations or more profound meditations that either refute or confirm our hypothesis. Through repeated scientific endeavors knowledge comes to approximate reality. Poppers definition of a hypothesis is similar to that of Comte, but he differs in his approach of validation a hypothesis. Popper criticize Comte arguing that our experience can only falsify our theories not validate them. He postulates that a statement can only be verified as not being untrue as opposed to being true. He argues that theories can never be validated, but only corroborated. A theory is corroborated if we are, based on experience to date, unable to falsify a theory. The strength of a hypothesis lies in its openness to be tested on observations made. Popper describes science then to be the formulation of testable theories which cannot be falsified through experience. Poppers work also introduces an additional idea of probability statements which is hypothesis with some form of probability of outcome attached. Logically these statements can never be proven to be untrue. Popper argues that this hypothesis can be corroborated if they reasonably present all possible outcomes and if they cannot be falsified given reasonable and fair samples. Unlike Comte, Popper does not follow the notion that theories can be induced from specialized facts. With reference to the work of David Hume (1748), Popper argues that induction cannot be justified rationally. We should not go from fact to theory, but rather deduce our hypothesis into lower level statements which are individually testable hypothesis, which when falsified proving our original hypothesis wrong. Popper argues that we should ensure purity and objectivity in our research by subjecting our decision (on whether our most basic lower level statements should be accepted) to peer criticism. Through criticism science will become unbiased and detached from individuals. 2.3. The methods used in investigation. Compete argues that we should test our hypothesis by observing how they hold in reality. Direct observation is when we look at phenomena before our eyes. As example, in astronomy we observed that planets are elliptical with flat ends on both sides. Observation by experiments is when we observe how phenomena react to artificially modified circumstance. As example, in physics we experiment with gravity by having different particles fall to the ground. Comparison is when we observe a series of analogous cases in which the phenomena is more and more simplified. As example, imagine the comparison of the same chemical fluid under different combinations of pressure and temperature. Popper also distinguishes between experiments and observations as the two main positivistic methods of research. He does however disagree that comparison is a methods on its own, but argues that it is inherent to the other two methods. In an experiment, as example, a researcher compares the artificially induced results with the results under normal conditions. Both Popper and Comte both (referencing Francis Bacon) argue that empirical methods are superior as they provide objectivity to researchers that untimely removes bias from the science. They do however mention that observation should take place in all five senses, and though it might be possible to objectively measure an observed distance, it might be less possible to objectively measure smell. Qualifying these abstract observations should be done in a way that is unambiguous. For example, the distinct rotten-egg smell of H2S is widely cited in modern scientific literature. 2.4. Practical utility of knowledge. Comte theorized that once we know a certain outcome will always occur given conditions presented we are able to produce the outcomes we want. Theories formed for truly scientific purposes will result in knowledge to be acquired, and eventually lead to practical uses. If science is able to furnish the theoretical basis for practical action, Comte hoped, we will be able to direct social outcomes. We are able to use the knowledge of the laws that govern society to correct the negative externalities in the world. Popper argues that knowledge allow us to predict on the basis of engineering the initial conditions. With the knowledge that science provide we can plan to make their society a better and more reasonable one. We should use piece-tinkering (as termed by Popper for policy that is aimed at singular results) to mitigate unavoidable results of change rather than striving towards ideal. 3. Discussion of positivism Ramm (1991:55) defines positivism as the belief in logico-deductive theory as the idealized conception of scientific theory. Many researchers do accept the principles of the positivistic approach without explicitly noting positivism as there ontology. Positivistic research tries to find cause and effect relationships between dependent and independent variables in order to make predictions about our reality. According to the positivistic paradigm science should seek to find all the regular laws or patters in our universe. These laws and patterns in our world exist independently of any individual cognition. We can carry out experiments or observe reality to determine cause and effect relationships and test hypotheses regarding these relationships. Aim of science is to explain the variation in the dependent variable with reference to the variation in the independent variable. (Ramm, 1992:57; Lee, 2004:8; Oates, 2007:284) Our hypotheses can either be refuted by empirical investigation or corroborated. Some hypothesis will seem to be true for all observations made, and after reasonable peer review we can accept them to be true. If something is found to be false just once, it is false. In the positivistic ontology theories and explanations should be seen as the best knowledge that approximates reality at the current time. (Ramm, 1992:52; Oates, 2007:285) Modern positivism is seen as the cycle between induction and deduction (Ramm, 1992:61). o Derive hypothesis from more general statements o Test these hypothesis through observation o Generate empirical generalizations o Induce theoretical principles which should again be tested. Our observations should be tested empirically. Ramm (1992:60) notes that data collected should not be treated as formless mass; neither should theoretical categories be imposed on the data a priori. Theoretical notions become grounded in empirical observation, and data is offered theoretical treatment. Oates (2007:288) refers to this in terms of internal validity external validity. The data generated should be designed to provide the necessary insight into the research topic under observation as well as be applicable in a more general context. According to Oates (2007:285) the techniques that lie at the center of positivistic research are: Reductionism: breaking complex things into smaller things that are more easy to be studies Repeatability: researcher dont rely on the results of just one experiment, they repeat the experiments many times to be sure that their first set of results was not just a fluke Refutation: If other researchers cant repeat an experiment and get the same results as the original researchers they refute they hypothesis. The more a hypothesis can stand up to test designed to refute it, the stronger it is Oates (2007:33) lists the following possible research strategies: survey, design and creation, experiment, case study, action research, ethnography and interviews. Ramm (1992:67) suggest that the experiment and the survey are the favored methods to observe within the positivistic epistemology. The research paradigm in question is not determined by the research strategy used but rather on the shared assumptions about how to view the world. Oates (1992: 286) names five characteristics of the positivistic research ontology: The world exists independently of humans: Physical and social world exist independently from individual how the world works. Measurement and modeling: Researcher discovers this world by making observations and measurements and producing models of how it works Objectivity: the researcher is neutral and objective and impartial to observer Hypothesis testing: Research is based on the empirical testing of theories and hypotheses lead to confirmation or refutation of them Quantitative data analysis: Research often have a strong preference for mathematical modeling and proofs and statistical analysis Universal laws: A researcher looks for generalizations universal laws patterns or irrefutable facts that can be shown to be true regardless of the researcher and the occasions. Furthermore Oates (2007:287) characterizes quality positivistic research as being, Objective: Research needs to be free of bias and individual preferences. Reliable: The research instruments used need to be neutral, accurate and reliable. Repeated use of the same instrument should yield the same results. Internally valid: The research methods well chosen and designed to provide the necessary insight into the research topic under observation. Externally valid: The research should be applicable in a more general context. Positivism should not be confused with qualitative research, it does tend to follow apply quantitative research methods; but it should be distinguished on the grounds of its ontology (Oates, 2007:287). The Oxford (2010:1198) dictionary distinguishes quantitative research as being characterized by assigning values, measures or numbers to variables representing the entity under observation, whereas qualitative research describe entities in terms of adjectives. Both Popper (1992) and Comte (1975) mentions that empirical methods provide objectivity to researchers. Qualitative methods are not excluded from positivistic research though; they can be included in positivistic research if they are done in an objective, neutral and repeatable fashion. Furthermore, Oates (1992) distinguishes between four data generation data generation methods: observation, interviews, questionnaires and documents. These methods fall under the ontology of positivism when they meet the characteristics listed above. In most cases interviews are not objective and repeatable, but this research method to can be applied in the framework of positivistic research. As example, physiological ink blob tests/interviews are conducted in an objective and repeatable fashion and responses modeled and evaluated empirically. Documents can fall inside or outside the positivistic ontology as well. They can directly provide quantified facts and measures or they can be analyzed objectively. For example, Google search engines use heuristic measures to objectively measure the relevance of internet pages. Observation and questionnaires can also fall within or outside the scope of the positivistic ontology depending on how the research approaches are designed. Questionnaires with open ended questions falls under the interpretive approach, while questionnaires that require respondents to rate options or provide short true-false yes-no responses are positivistic. Whether observation falls within the scope of positivistic research again depends on whether this research instrument is objective and repeatable. 4. Conclusion The essence of the positivistic approach is systematic skepticism. The proper approach is to disprove that which researcher believe is actually true. Empirical testing can never proof without a doubt a hypothesis. Science is a method by which theories are formulated and tested repeatedly and objectively against appropriate observations. It is therefore the continuous process of deciding how to observe, code and analyses our observations, and in the light of these observations we decide to temporally accept or reject the postulated hypothesis. Primary Sources: OATES, B. 2006. Researching Information Systems and Computing. London: Sage. 341 p. ROMM, N.R.A. 1991. The Methodologies of Positivism and Marxism. A sociological Debate. Hong Kong: Macmillan. 208 p. LEE, A. 2004. Thinking about Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Technology. 26p. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.137.3685rep=rep1type=pdf Date of access: 20 Feb 2010. OXFORD. 2010. Oxford dictionary: International Students Edition. 8th ed. Oxford Press. 1888p. Significant Secondary Sources: COMTE, A. 1907. Auguste Comte and positivism edited by John Stuart Mill. 5th ed. London: Paul, Trench, Trubner. POPPER, K,R. 1992. The logic of scientific discovery. London: Routledge. 479 p. HUME, D. 1748. An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding. London