Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Journal Analysis Essay Example for Free
Journal Analysis Essay Current views of the world, desires, dreams, goals, and the demands placed upon society are constantly transformed by present epistemological beliefs. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) investigated the relationship between an individuals’ belief about knowledge, learning or epistemological beliefs and how this relates to average conversational issues (Schommer-Aikens , Hutter, 2002). Using a study group of 174 adults ranging in age from 17 to 71, Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) posed questions assessing beliefs of knowledge and the speed control of learning. Feldman addressed how assumptions become scientific knowledge by stating â€Å"Sometimes we know things by reasoning or inference. When we know some facts and see that those facts support some further fact, we can come to know that further fact. Scientific knowledge, for example, seems to arise from inferences from observational data†(Feldman, 2003, p. 3). Understanding how assumptions move into scientific knowledge it becomes apparent how these assumptions are qualified in research. The authors used regression analysis to quantify the assumptions of the participants as they relate to knowledge, learning, multiple perspectives, and ultimately the development of epistemological beliefs. This analysis will further identify philosophical assumptions underlying the research; explain the practical significance of these assumptions and their effect on its applicability to other authors and post-positive thinkers. Philosophical Assumptions Underlying the Research. Feldman (2003) stated that epistemology, the theory of knowledge is a philosophy that looks into the questions about knowledge and rational. Epistemologist`s tend to focus or concentrate on questions of principal aspects involving knowledge and how those beliefs regulate coherent belief. Those within the field are less concerned about the validity of knowledge or coherent belief, be it correct or incorrect but focus more on causes (Feldman, 2003, p. 1). To that extent Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) conducted a survey of 174 participants, including 120 women and 54 men. The ages of the participants ranged from 17 to 71 years of age and included various personal and educational backgrounds. Through the Schommer epistemological questioner participants, including chemical engineers, clerks, homemakers, factory workers, pharmacists, and teachers of both genders. These participants were asked a number of questions that incorporated religious, educational, societal and personal beliefs. Questions were ranked in a likert- type scale ranging from strongly disagrees to strongly agree (Schommer-Aiker, Hutter, 2002). Philosophical Assumptions. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter state â€Å"The results coming from epistemological research suggest that individual`s beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning are linked to their comprehension, metacomprehension, interpretation of information and persistence in working on difficult academic tasks†(Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002, p. 6). The authors contend that individuals who believe knowledge is isolated into segmented bits and not taken as a sum total perform more poorly in the compression of mathematical, physiological, and medical textbooks (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). This statement confirms that knowledge or epistemological commitments are a collection of data and understanding and not segmented or isolated bits of information. The assumption is those who tend to segregate knowledge and who do not attain a higher degree of education have difficulty in their own epistemological commitments. This is further evident in the writings of Quine and Kuhn as these authors beleive science is a continuation of common-sense (Delanty Strydom, 2003, p. 22). According to these authors common, everyday decisions made by the common man and woman play a significant role in the creation of science. Whereas the purpose of the epistemological study was to extend epistemological beliefs to an individual’s everyday life, it was also designed to reflect on academic studies. This particular article using the Schommer epistemological belief survey makes several assumptions. Those assumptions state those with a higher level of education are more likely to take on multiple perspectives, withhold decisions until information was available, acknowledge the complexity of everyday issues and were willing to modify thought processes or thinking (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). The inference is those who take knowledge as a collection of data, not as segmented bits along with the attaining of a higher level of education were equipped for complex or critical thinking. This enabled each to understand the complexity of life, make crucial decisions, understand varying viewpoints and able to adapt as understanding grew. These assumptions have a practical significance and affect research. The Practical Significance of Assumptions and Their Effect on Research Inferences and practical assumptions are drawn during the research of this article, and one could argue some of the assumptions made were drawn before the research study ever began. Through personal epistemological beliefs society has long held the conviction those who attain a higher level of education are able to deal with the complexities of life. The practical significance of assumptions and their effect on the research conducted are visible in the work of Johnson and Duberley as they state â€Å"both within and outside of our organizations our behavior is internally motivated, and internally justified, by what we believe about â€Å"the World†(Johnson Duberley, 2000, p. 2). Often in preparing for such a survey the focus group of participants used along with the questions themselves distort the data and thus the results to achieve a desired result. While in this case the participants have diverse backgrounds and have achieved differing degrees of education, making such assertions could distort data. Assumptions and Research Methodology Kuhn preferred historical science and by building upon prior knowledge Kuhn (2012) believes this research and evidence was already available enabling that data to be tested using deferring mechanisms to either prove or disprove a current or prior theory. While not opposed to the empirical testing, it was his belief that details must be obtained for research. It is through this historical science and data that assumptions within society and within science about our understanding of epistemological belief have come into existence. Popper states the empirical method makes good use of a criticized approach to the method (Delanty Strydom, 2003). The empirical method tests each system ensuring the best system moves forward after all methods have been tried, tested, and proved. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2000) used questions, including â€Å"You never know what a book means unless you know the intent of the author†and â€Å"Its a waste of time to work on problems which have no possibility of coming out with clear-cut and unambiguous answers†(Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2000). These answers along with others were used as a measurement in epistemological belief comparing their answers and their level of education to gauge how those answers compared with historical norms (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2000). This data was then taken and a regression model developed to extract the stated research and ultimately assumptions made. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2000) in turn came to the same assumptions and epistemological commitments already held within social and physical science to date. The research quantified and validated the assumptions held by historical science that one’s epistemological beliefs are shaped and re-shaped by the ability to link through learning, multiple perspectives, and ultimately the development of epistemological beliefs. The ability for humans to use successfully address complex issues, attain paradigm shifts in their understanding of the world and develop are inevitably linked with thought processes and knowledge gained through higher education. Conclusion A person’s thoughts, feelings, emotion, and beliefs often shape ones decision-making process. Other components, including perception, memory, introspection, and reasoning also assist in the formation of opinions, shape our knowledge, and transform an individual’s viewpoint (Feldman, 2003, p.3). Perception is how one sees the world around them, the sights, sounds, smells, and other senses creates an understanding of the external environment creating a mental image and often places an attachment to it. Through their research Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) investigated the relationship between and individuals’ belief about knowledge, learning or epistemological beliefs and how this relates to average conversational issues (Schommer-Aikens , Hutter,2002). Using the regression model the authors quantified the beliefs and assumptions the conclusion of which is a culmination of historical science supported by this recent research. While post-positive thinking like Kuhn, Quine, and Popper may differ in view about the empirical method, testing, and paradigm shifts as theories change over time the core belief of epistemological commitment remain comparable. A sentence sums up this article and the accompanying research as it pertains to epistemological belief. Those with a higher level of education are more likely to take on multiple perspectives, withhold decisions until information was available, acknowledge the complexity of everyday issues and were willing to modify thought processes or thinking (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). References Delanty, G. Strydom, P. (Eds). (2003). Philosophies of Social Science: The Classic and Contemporary readings. Philadelphia, Pa: Mcgraw-Hill. https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content Feldman, R. (2003). Epistemology. Prentice Hall. The University of Phoenix. https://ecampus. phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Kuhn, T. (2012). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago, Il. University of Chicago Press . https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Schommer-Aikins, M. , Hutter, R. (2002). Epistemological Beliefs and Thinking About Everyday Controversial Issues. Journal Of Psychology, 136(1), 5. https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Johnson, P. Duberley, J. (2000). Understanding Management Research: An Introduction to Epistemology. Thousand Oaks CA. Sage Publishing. Prentice Hall. https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
An International comparison of funding and expenditures for education :: essays research papers
An international comparison of funding & expenditures for education (Canada, France, Japan, united states) I.     A Comparison of Educational Systems: A.     Curriculum B.     Duration of teacher training and certification programs C.     Existence of entrance/exit exams D.     Ethic homogeneity (90% of entire population from one ethnic group) E.     Age for starting school F.     Average days in a school year G.     Average minutes of instruction in a school day H.     Student achievement I.     Pupil/teacher ratios J.     Percent of schools with one or more problems II.     Where does the $ Come From? III.     Where does the $ Go? Duration of teacher training and certification programs Country          Length of training (years)          Academic Program Canada               4 (A gradual move is being made          General education at the university                towards 5 years of teacher           and 1-year of professional training                preparation)                    and instruction in curriculum and                                         teaching classes in contextual                                         dimensions. France               Primary: 4                    Primary: First three year spent in a license                Secondary: 5 or more               Program on any subject; then one year                                         Is spent on curriculum training. Secondary: first four years spent obtaining a degree in the subject to be taught; then 1-year teacher training on curriculum/instruction Japan               First class elementary and lower          First class elementary and lower secondary                Secondary certificate: 4               teachers earn a Bachelor’s degree focusing                First class upper secondary: 6          on general subjects and pedagogy                Second class elementary and          First class upper secondary: Bachelor’s                Lower secondary certificate: 2          degree with less focus on pedagogy                Second class upper secondary: 4          Plus 2 additional years of training on                                         Curriculum and instruction                                         Second class elementary and lower                                         Secondary, Second class upper secondary:                                         Four years of general studies United States     4                         Particular emphases are shaped by                               Regulations, but usually include general                               Concentration in the academic subjects                               Teachers plan to teach (if they are in                               Secondary instruction) and in pedagogy Existence of Exit/Entrance Exams Country          Existence of exit/entrance exams          Name and type of examination Canada               Yes                              Exit exams from secondary                                              School in some provinces. France               Yes                              a) Baccalaureat – Exit                                              Examination from lycee                                              (academic high schools) and                                              university entrance exams. b)     Brevet des college: non- Compulsory exam at the end Of lower secondary school Japan               Yes                              a) Entrance examination for                                              Upper secondary school; b)     Test of the National Center For University Entrance Exam (TNCUEE); and c)     Entrance exams for Individual universities United States          Yes                              SAT/ACT – University entrance                                              Examinations.                                              Minimum competence tests in                                              Some states. Other Characteristics Ethnic Homogeneity (90% of entire population from one ethnic group):      Canada – No               France – Yes          United States – No          Japan – Yes     Average age for starting school:      Canada – 6               France – 6      United States – 6          Japan – 6 Age of compulsory education:      Canada – 6 – 16          France – 6 – 16
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Quality and patient safety in USA Essay
The purpose of this article is to drive attention to rising issues of quality care and patient safety in United States. In spite of launching major initiatives and investing heavily in recourses to improve patient safety, there has been no significant improvement in health care quality in past decade1. One of the challenges in measuring quality are developing accurate data system. Avoiding surgical complications by implementing WHO checklist guidelines, effective use of computerized physician order entry and electronic health records can foster safer, high quality care. Current state of quality and patient safety in USA Americans too often do not receive care that they need, or they receive care that causes harm. Care can be delivered too late or without full consideration of a patient’s preferences and values. Providers frequently overuse therapies that are not known to be effective, underuse therapies that are clearly recommended, and misuse therapies. At best, overuse of care leads to inefficiency and waste. Overuse may also threaten patient safety. Underuse represents missed opportunities to prevent disease or treat it effectively, and misuse may threaten patient safety and lead to additional illness, injury, or even death. In December 1999, the institute of medicine reported that medical errors cause up to 98,000 deaths and more than 1 million injuries each year in the United States2. From 2001 to 2005, total annual health care expenditure increased at a rate of 4.6 times the rate of the increase in the summery measure of quality of care. Annual total health care expenditures rose 6.5% (in 2005 dollars). During this time same period, quality increased at a rate of 1.4%. For heart disease, cancer and diabetes individually, quality increased at a rate of 2.6%, 1.9% and 0.1% annually, respectively. Expenditures increased at an annual rate of 4.4%, 9.0% and 4.9%, respectively3. Many times, our system of health care distributes services inefficiently and unevenly across populations. Some Americans receive worse care than other Americans. These disparities may be due to differences in access to care, provider biases, poor provider-patient communication, or poor health literacy4. Disparities in quality of care are common: Blacks received worse care than Whites for 41% of quality measures. Hispanics received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for 39% of measures. Poor people received worse care than high-income people for 47% of measures4. Challenge in quality measurement Health care quality measurement has long been a troublesome issue. The first hurdle is deciding what to measure and how to measure it. Once performance measure topics and technical specifications are finally agreed on for a given healthcare setting, the nextâ€â€and biggestâ€â€problem is getting accurate, complete data quickly enough to derive useful measurements. Primary review of medical records, which are still overwhelmingly paper-based records, is often the only way to collect data with the level of clinical detail needed to assess care. This is extraordinarily labor intensive. Data gaps represent an area of major concern to multiple stakeholders and encompass a diverse array of data elements. Some data elements necessary to assess and improve quality of care are simply not available to those responsible for quality measurement and improvement activities both within and outside payer and/or care delivery organizations5. These data gaps are attributed to a number of different factors, including the burden of data collection; technology barriers to data collection; legal and/or technical barriers to sharing data among multiple clinicians or organizations involved in delivering or managing the care of a patient; and differing priorities among suppliers and users of the data5. Another challenge to quality measurement is to ensure the accuracy of data used to provide information about quality. Inaccurate data may result from several sources including: random or inadvertent errors by data collectors, missing data, inconsistent use of definitions and criteria for inclusion, inappropriate aggregation of data, and systematic miscoding6. Improving Quality and patient safety Surgical care and its attendant complications represent a substantial burden of disease worthy of attention. Surgical complications are a considerable cause of death and disability around the world7. Data suggest that at least half of all surgical complications are avoidable8. Previous efforts to implement practices designed to reduce surgical-site infections or anesthesia-related mishaps have been shown to reduce complications significantly8. A growing body of evidence also links teamwork in surgery to improved outcomes, with high-functioning teams achieving significantly reduced rates of adverse events8. Implementing the 19-item WHO safe-surgery checklist can significantly reduce surgical complications and morbidity. The checklist consists of an oral confirmation by surgical teams of the completion of the basic steps for ensuring safe delivery of anesthesia, prophylaxis against infection, effective teamwork, and other essential practices in surgery8. Information technology had consistently been identified as an important approach for health quality improvement. Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) can improve medication safety, reduce adverse drug reactions, reduce unnecessary variation in care, and improving efficiency of care9. Widespread use of Electronic health records can transform health care. Benefits of E.H.R are: accurate, up-to date, and complete information about patients, quick access to patient records for more coordinated and efficient care, more effective diagnosis, reduction in medical errors, and secure sharing of information10. One of the studies on EHR, Beacon implementation, done at Mount Sinai hospital in New York was successful. Dr. Adelson Said â€Å"The major takeaway from our Beacon implementation is the opportunity to continuously improve and update treatment plans based on published research and guidelines for all practitioners to follow. Ultimately, it allows us to provide higher quality, more comprehensive care to individuals by identifying the most appropriate treatment course while minimizing side effects.†11 Conclusion: Quality of care has become an important issue with rising health care costs over past decade. Checklist method of WHO can reduce surgical complications and morbidity and help improving quality care. Effective use of COPE and EHR can overcome challenges in measurement of quality of care. Although costs of CPOE and EHR are substantial in terms of technology, organizational process analysis, and system implementation, they can yield many significant benefits and provide important platform for future changes in healthcare quality and patient safety. Citations: 1) Landrigan, Temporal Trends in Rates of Patient Harm Resulting from Medical Care, the new England journal of medicine. 2) Kohn LT, Corrigan JM, Donaldson MS, eds. To err is human: building a safer Health system. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 1999. 3)http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nhqr08/Chap6.htm 4) http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nhqr11/nhqr11.pdf 5) http://www.ncvhs.hhs.gov/040531rp.pdf 6) http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6418&page=19 7) Debas HT, Gosselin R, McCord C, Thind A. Surgery. In: Jamison DT, Breman JG, Measham AR, et al., eds. Disease control priorities in developing countries. 2nd ed. Disease Control Priorities Project. Washington, DC: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank, 2006:1245-60. 8) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa0810119#t=article 9) http://www.leapfroggroup.org/media/file/Leapfrog-AHA_FAH_CPOE_Report.pdf 10) http://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-are-advantages-electronic-health-records 11) http://www.equities.com/news/headline-story?dt=2012-12-03&val=782522&cat=hcare
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Essay Crude Oil - 742 Words
CRUDE OIL For the past month and a half I have researched and followed Crude Oil prices in order to gain a better understanding of exactly what this commodity is, how it is traded, how it effects our overall market as well as our everyday lives. During this time I’ve learned the importance of understanding how and why commodities are traded everyday and will share with you exactly what I have learned from my research. In 1859 Colonel Drake stuck oil for the first time and became the first man to create an oil well in which he produced roughly 15 barrels of oil per day. Once word spread of this discovery you saw many men attempt to accomplish the same feat and create oil wells of their own. Some of oil’s first uses were as a lubricant†¦show more content†¦As you can see the United States is the top importer and this is partially responsible for our trade deficit and our attempt to search for not only a more eco-friendly way to fuel automobiles (a large use of ou r oil) but also to limit our import. In taking a look at the contract specifications of trading Crude Oil as a commodity you may notice it is traded on the NYMEX market and there are certain restrictions on the minimum and maximum price fluctuations and the trading terms. These all have a tremendous effect on what the final price is set at each and everyday and are important to learn when studying this commodity. There are several factors that can effect the supply and demand for Crude Oil including OPEC and any rules and regulations they may set for trade, the ever changing inventory of oil as some countries are experiencing depletion and new countries are finding oil. There is also the relationship you hold with the country if you are an importer you must maintain good relations and if you are an exporter the ball is in your court as to how you decide to trade and also OPEC will often get involved if the country is involved. In the past month and a half I have seen oil prices stay relatively stable with some increase in prices during the summer months due to certain factors which may include summer driving months here in the United States all the way to the recent declinesShow MoreRelatedThe Price Of Crude Oil Essay1075 Words  | 5 PagesAbstract The price of crude oil has experienced a sharp decline since June, 2015. The stunning fall in oil prices has been one of the most important global macro-economic developments of the past 20 months. There are numerous factors that have contributed to the oil price crash and the downturn of the oil and gas industry. These factors would further be discussed in this paper . â€Æ' Causes of Oil Price Crash in Recent Times The oil industry is full of economic booms and busts. Recently, the industryRead MoreThe Supply Of Crude Oil1404 Words  | 6 Pages Internationally, the supply of crude oil has been elevated beyond demand leading to a subsequent decrease in prices for the past few years. The price reduction of oil remained consistent and very low until a few months ago when the oil market underwent scrutiny for its high level of output. Since then, the price of oil has been extremely turbulent; experiencing record highs for the year, but following with plummeting values the very next day. Many factors, internal and external to the United StatesRead MoreThe Discovery Of Crude Oil And Oil Prices2442 Words  | 10 Pagesas results of crude oil discovery and subsequent increase in production and exportation of crude oil (Edo (2013). The discovery of crude oil and appreciation of oil price in the World market some years ago leads Nigerian government to abandon all other means of revenue generations , including agriculture, just to depend solely on crude oil revenue to finance most of her budgets. However, crude oil exports are no longer sustaining the economy due to the current downturn in crude oil price. For instanceRead MoreWhy The Price Of Crude Oil1280 Words  | 6 PagesThis essay will explain why the price of crude oil has fallen so dramatically. Also, it will analyse the impact the fall in the price will have on major oil producing nations. Moreover, it will explore the effect that the fall in price will have on major oil companies and their supply companies. Finally, it will present how the fall in oil price might affect consumers in the European Union. Crude oil is the one of the most important natural resource of the industrialised nations, which could generateRead MoreThe Impact Of Crude Oil On The Uk Economy3260 Words  | 14 Pages THE IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL PRICES SHOCKS ON THE UK ECONOMY. INTRODUCTION: This paper will observe the relationship between UK economic indicators and global commodity prices. The paper will be divided into seven parts. Part one will be the introduction, part 2 will be the literature review, part 3 will be econometric models and methodology, part 4 will be data summary, part 5 will be results and analysis, part 6 issues/extensions of the econometrics modelling, part 7 will be the conclusion and theRead MoreThe Importance of Crude Oil Essay1251 Words  | 6 PagesFrom the middle of twentieth century, due to exceptional importance of the crude oil in the supply of the worlds energy demands, it has become one of the major indicators of economic activities of the world. Even after the appearance of alternate forms of energy like solar power, water and wind, the importance of crude oil as the main source of energy still cannot be denied. This sharp increase in the world oil prices and the volatile exchange rates are generally regarded as the factors of discouragingRead MoreThe Critical Value Of Crude Oil1681 Words  | 7 Pages Final Project: Forecasting – Crude Oil The Critical Value of Crude Oil Prices Oil is the world economy’s most important source of energy and is therefore critical to economic growth. At its most basic level, the supply of crude oil is determined by the ability of oil companies to extract reserves from the ground and distribute them around the world. Its value is driven by demand for refined petroleum products, particularly in the transportation sector. Petroleum products power virtuallyRead MoreEffects of Crude Oil Prices5118 Words  | 21 Pagesdoes the price of oil and gas have on the economy? How does this affect the daily lives of the entire population? The preceding questions are the basis for the enclosed report. The primary objective of this report is to give a few reasons as to what causes prices of oil and prices of gas to rise. Among these reasons, speculation of things that may or may not happen, like a terrorist strike, is one of the leading factors. Another reason for the continued rise in prices of oil and gas is the constantRe ad MoreThe Discovery Of Crude Oil And Oil Prices2425 Words  | 10 Pagesdeclined as results of crude oil discovery and subsequent increase in production and exportation of crude oil (Edo (2013). The discovery of crude oil and appreciation of oil price in the World market some years ago leads Nigerian government to abandon all other means of revenue generations including agriculture, just to depend solely on crude oil revenue to finance most of her budgets. However, crude oil exports are no longer sustaining the economy due to current downturn in crude oil price. For instanceRead MoreThe Volatility of Crude Oil Prices895 Words  | 4 PagesThe volatility of crude oil prices have been experienced since the end of the 20th century. The March 1999 spikes were experienced due to the restriction of crude oil production and cooperation among OPEC member states, the growth of oil demand in Asia that signified its recovery following the Asian financial crisis and decreased producti on from non-OPEC countries (Al-Abri, 2013). The world market reacted with a sharp rise in prices with the increase in crude oil going beyond 30USD/barrel in the
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)