Study summary Essay Example for Free

Study summary Essay The issue of â€Å"profiling† among in policing is not a new concern and considering the efforts devoted against the practice as well as other forms of discrimination, the evidence of its prevalence in the study of Alpert, MacDonald and Dunham (2005) is alarming. The researchers’ main objective was to determine if racial, situational and demographic variable influence police discretion in the establishment of types of suspicion. In doing so, the researchers hoped to determine the vulnerability of minority populations for police suspicion and stops: whether the reasons cited to justify the suspicions were determined by behavioral or non-behavioral factors and if there are any predictors to determine discretion. The research points out that police officers are supposed to be suspicious in that they are specifically trained to develop cognitive schemas or map seemingly unrelated individual, places or events. Several of the researches cited for the study indicate that there are specific cues for suspicion that often coincides with racial, cultural or ethnic characterizations. When something does not fit the schema, there is a natural prompt to pay more attention to it. Though this is not simply a case of one person being the odd man out, the suggestion is that people, not just police officers, have a tendency to see contrasts more easily. This has been indicated by in the case of Terry v.Ohio where the U. S. Supreme Court decided that, â€Å"There is also a realization of the variances on culture that exists which leads both to a realization of unique cultural characteristics as well as awareness of differences, value systems, trade and cross cultural politics† (p. 415) The researchers assume that police suspicion is based on their prior knowledge, observation or experience of similar cases. Thus, there is also a need to understand how knowledge, experience or observations are acquired. The researchers believe that understanding the said factors will not only enhance insights to whether the hypothesis that minorities are more vulnerable to police suspicion but also how they determine the value systems of police officers. According to the study, race remains to be a critical factor in behavioral suspicion. Based on the same research, there is greater association of juvenile delinquency among minorities. Non-behavioral factors also dominate the basis of police suspicion which includes matching descriptions of individuals, activities or transportation. In either case, though suspicion may be influenced by race, it did not directly mean that police action will be directed to the individual. This also implies that based on the factors that influence police suspicion: there was no direct correlation to actual stops made by the police. In making a critique of the study, there is a need to consider the limitations and scope of the researchers’ subjects and methodology. The researchers admit that current data for the research is limited to the observed officers and neither was there significant investigation was made to the origin and nature of suspicion cues amount these officers. It should be noted as well that developments in criminal justice systems follow changes in society: customs, politics, and economics all influence what is determined to criminal behavior, what the corresponding punishment should be and what compensation can be made available to victims. Thus, as much as suspicion cues are determined by social factors, social behaviors are also determined by these cues. Another question that can be further studied by the research is from its determination that suspicions are influenced by race but not actual actions taken by the police. What discriminates the influence of social characterization in the development of suspicions? Are police stops not vulnerable to racial identification or is the presence of criminal justice mechanisms that deter its impact? Furthermore, the study was not able to determine if there are measures to deter the prevalence of discriminatory factors in police suspicions. Essentially, there is a need to further investigate the mechanism of race and other discriminatory factors to be able to reinforce its significance. Based on researches on motivation, there is greater realization that people are motivated by internal factors and external factors that they can be either aware of or not. In the case of profiling, it can then be assumed that the factors that raise the suspicion of police officers are both influenced by their experience and their own personal orientations. Thus, another enhancement of the study can be to determine the dominance of internal and external factors against each other suspicion formation and the subsequent police action. The research admit that their study will not so much answer questions but rather more of them. In any setting, the study of what influence perceptions is always difficult because of its dependence of so many variable both measurable and not. Regardless of the lack of definitiveness, is a good study of social perceptions and policing. Utilizing the study, further researchers can be effectively developed to enhance the performance and discretion of police officers in dealing with issues regarding race and other social characterizations. Reference Alpert, Geoffrey P. , Macdonald, John M. And Dunham, Roger G. (2005). Police Suspicion And Discretionary Decision Making During Citizen Stops. Criminology,43(2): 407-434.

Intergroup Theory :: Social Psychology Society Essays

Intergroup Theory 1) Intergenerational communication has always been a source of frustration especially in communication where the age gap is largest. Because of the broadness of the topic, there are several different theories and ideas on the ideal intergenerational communication. As all participants are very different, it becomes very difficult to differentiate between the right and wrong strategies for successful communication. People need to associate themselves with the communication that seems most closely related and accurate to their functioning capabilities. There are many aspects that can produce a positive or negative interaction. Sociologists, social psychologists and other people most interested in this form of communication have examined communication and relationships for years and have created several categories and theories of communication. The intergroup theory incorporates several European social psychology theories that coordinate individual and social aspects of ones personality to the effect it has on the communication. Intergroup theory bases communication ability and quality around the social life of the participants. The theory presents several social identifications that influence an individual’s identity. As a result of the person fulfilling their own identity they eventually fall into their own common social groups. Depending on the situation and the interaction, either the individual identity or the group characteristics and reputation play a vital roll in the interaction. These groups transcend different impressions and feelings depending on who is interpreting it. The life stage, social circumstances and experiences effect how the group is interpreted by outgroup members (Turner 1982). People in society today tend to divide themselves among a community into social groups and categories where one feels more accepted and shares common qualities with the group. Experiments have shown that solely being part of any arbitrary social group gave the participants satisfaction. Generally when people belong to any group they will favor their own group which appears evident is groups of similar nationality, gender or other personal views (Tajfel, Billig, Bundy & Flament, 1971). In groups such as Greek life, stereotypes may form when several members begin to behave and believe similarly. This is common as people hold more pride in their ingroup. Also unwritten guidelines often form through the common interests on the members. Just as members of an ingroup categorize themselves, in the intergroup theory we categorize outgroup members. Identities are created primarily from physical characteristics and first impressions. This is a classification created for one group about the other group.

Antwone Fisher Essay

Antwone Fisher is a young man with anger and temperament issues associated with childhood interpretation of physical and emotional abuse caused by the authoritarian figures of his family. Self-image and true self have been challenged, but the Navy as various events trigger tragic memories from the past. A psychiatrist played by Denzel Washington accepts the challenge to assist human development through various methods and intervention techniques. Furthermore, intervention helps to remove the layers of negative emotion and can be accomplished if the right counselor assists with proper intervention techniques. Carl Rogers theorized the importance of looking at â€Å"self†. He drew a distinction between the self perception and the perception of the â€Å"Ideal-self. There are organized patterns associated with the established one self or the many selves. The â€Å"phenomenal field of the individual includes both unconscious and conscious perceptions, including those of which an individual is aware and is not aware (Pervin p. 172). Focus is on providing avenues to consciousness, as the means to a healthy functional individual. Antwone’s self-image is buried in painful memories and unchecked past emotional events. Rogerian Theory seems to be based in self image. It provides a basis for understanding, evaluating, and providing the appropriate intervention. Gordon Allport’sTheory Rationale Functional Autonomy derives from the notion of healthy and well-organized aspects of human behavior. Traits are the basis of and most important aspect of personality, and they are seated in the nervous system. They represent generalized personality dispositions that account for regularities in the functioning of a person across situations and over time (Pervin p. 32). Antwone’s predictable pattern of behavior becomes traits controlled by his changing emotional state. When a memory challenges the nervous system, he makes irrational emotional unhealthy decisions. Allport’s theory application may reveal more options to understanding the root cause of aggressiveness and angry outbursts. Character Description Antwone Fisher was born in an Ohio prison (his mother was an inmate; his father was shot dead before his birth) and grew up in an abusive foster home in Cleveland. Beaten and often kept tied in the basement, Fisher ran away when he was seventeen and had to face life on the streets. Antwone joined the Navy only to find he was fighting to save himself from insult and to help preserve his pride. Antwone progressively becomes a healthy young man after a psychiatrist helps remove layers of anger and pain based memories. Character Analysis Structure- Antwone Fisher’s character is wrapped up in pressure associated with memories of a mother in prison, a father killed by his girlfriend, abandonment, and physical, emotional, and sexual maltreatment. He was placed in a foster home with his half-brothers. The pastor beat the light-skinned boy for having too much pride. Mrs. Tate tied Antwone’s hands behind his back and beat him unconscious and threatened to burn him with an open fire. She would create division between them while using skin color and the degrading terms. Antwone was the middle child. In the Navy, Antwone was a loner. He constantly went inside to find answers to his past. His treatment as a child stemmed from slave-based disciplinary practiced by Mrs. Tate. His character begins to be formed according to the daily exposure to verbal and mental lashings from her. His self-worth in her eyes amounts to nothing. His submissive behavior is degrading and subservient. He is chastised every step of his childhood into his teen years until he finally puts an end to the beating. There is no reward for good behavior. He even pokes fun at Dr. Davenport (Played by Denzel Washington) while making a mockery of his intervention suggestions. Denzel again reverts to memories from his past and the feelings associated with self-perception. Confusion after making an attempt to straighten-up drives him away from seeking more attention from the psychiatrist. He just wants to be a good shipman, but continues to find a problem with anger. Process He has to find himself before he can find his ideal-self. He realizes through the help of Dr. Davenport that he can change. He tries to find a trust based relationship to compare thoughts and feelings to his own. Establishing relationships may be difficult when internal issues have not been resolved; He wants to impress his woman friend but cannot find the words to begin a caring relationship. Denzel role plays away some of the perceived self-critical behavior to instill confidence. There is a growing consensus about the relationship between personality traits and emotional states, biological theorists of adult personality are exchanging ideas with theorists of childhood temperament, and long-term studies of personality development across the life span are delivering on the promises made many years ago William Revelle; Annual Review of Psychology, Vol. 46, 1995, p. 1). Antwone finds incongruence between his perceived self image and his true self image. Dealing with emotional baggage and the inexperience of having the ability to build and maintain a lasting relationship can distort feelings and create confusion. Growth and Development Growth continues during the date with Cheryl as she points out things about his appearance that she finds attractive. His character develops as he shares himself in a way never before experienced. His self-worth grows as he overcomes fear to be â€Å"himself† as he lowers defenses and builds a relationship. He also looks to his psychiatrist the same night for validation and confirmation as he shares his first kiss experience. This appears to be the first time that lowering defenses and trusting his feelings creates a self-worth like never before. Personality theories attempt to account for individual behavior. The scope of such theories is vast. (Revelle, p. 1). Antwone is trying to be nice, but finds it difficult when provoked to anger. Dr. Davenport employs empathy as a way to meet Antwone where before moving quickly ahead. Affective level understanding creates an environment of trust and deeper understanding. Any attempt to withhold judgment and establish rapport assists greatly in growth rate and early development. In sensing the private world of a client, the counselor or therapist attempts to convey an empathic understanding of the person’s experiencing. Through a sensitive attunement, an individual is able to empathically sense his or her own subjective internal state. In an immediate context, a person’s reactions assume the form of hunches and a flow of inner feelings. In this mode, experiencing includes such reactions as love, hate, enjoyment, boredom, sensing, and perceiving. As a basic way of knowing, experiencing subjective responses is fundamental to everyday life. Empathy: Implications of Three Ways of Knowing in Counseling Journal article by Arthur J. Clark; Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, Vol. 43, 2004, p. 1). Carl Rogers (1964) described 3 ways of knowing with reference to empathic understanding: subjective, interpersonal, and objective. Dr. Davenport questions Antwone about his family life after he was thrown out of Mrs. Tate’s house. He talks about going back to the orphanage to develop his social skills. It’s what happens when empathy becomes a part of the process. Dr.  Davenport uses a line of questioning based in empathetic understanding. The centrality of understanding the private perceptual world of a person from an interpersonal perspective is a recurring theme in the writings of Rogers. Thus, the direction of an individual’s empathy is toward another person in an effort to grasp his or her phenomenological functioning. (p. 1). Institutionalized incarceration lacks sensitivity and empathy. The penal system and rehabilitation process formalize a different skill set and can impede growth and development. From reform school to a men’s shelter to living on the street creates a survival response and an identity vacuum and a need for understanding and belonging. Keep in mind the basis of the Roger’s approach is, to enact empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard (An Analysis of How Carl Rogers Enacted Client-Centered Conversation with Gloria Journal article by Scott A. Wickman, Cynthia Campbell; Journal of Counseling and Development, Vol. 81, 2003, p. 1). Antwone begins to show a trend of behaviors with anticipated responses. His motives are driven by basic human needs for survival. His dysfunctional past needs to be replaced with more productive behavior. Antwone’s park bench experiences before joining the Navy have to be considered in the same way Gordon Allport suggests personality and trait development tied to the environment. Antwone is very conscious of his reaction and responses to people and events in the environment. Antwone, a nice person, may be misunderstood and misjudged because of the trait behaviors associated with anger and violence. Allport surveys of personality psychology included discussions of such concepts as defense mechanisms, self, and identification. Shoring up the SASB Bridge between Personality Theory and Clinical Psychology Journal article by Jerry S. Wiggins; Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 5, 1994. 3 pgs, p. 3). Antwone employs each concept on the road to becoming a balanced healthy, functioning young man. Allport’s theory suggests growth or development of personality is equally important. Regardless of whether one favors traits or motives, many of the questions driving personality psychology are developmental: How do people develop the trait of sociability (or the need for achievement)? At what developmental period does this trait (need) emerge? When are the critical periods during which the trait (need) is expressed? Is sociability (need for achievement) stable from one developmental period to the next, and, if not, what factors are responsible for those changes? How does being high in sociability (need for achievement) shape the individual’s life path (Traits and Types, Dynamics and Development: No Doors Should Be Closed in the Study of Personality, Journal article by Oliver P. John, Richard W. Robins; Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 5, 1994. 6 pgs, p. 140)? Psychopathology The development of psychological theory tends to oscillate between optimistic advances and self-critical analyses and retrenchment (William Revelle; Annual Review of Psychology, Vol. 46, 1995, p. 1). Antwone employs defense mechanisms to preserve his client/patient relationship with Dr. Davenport. His regression begins when he recalls the memory of his old friend tricks him into committing a crime. During the crime his best friend is killed. Self-maintenance becomes an issue as he recalls how many people in life have left him. He believes Dr. Davenport is determined to leave him after making him an extended member of the family. His high level of trust and sense of belonging gives way to loss and suffering. He’s willing to do almost anything to hold on to certainty in his life. Optimism crashes and retrenchment occurs as the feelings of loss become incongruent with the memory of his friends blood splatter across his face. His friend Jesse fed him when he was hungry and died during a botched robbery the next day. Believing the death relieved Jesse from fighting anymore, increases the feeling of abandonment, letdown and pain associated with accepting the last session with Dr.  Davenport. Internal and External Factors Internally something is missing. Self-concept and self-actualization cannot occur unless he is reunited with his past. As most counselors know very well, person-centered theory and therapy began with and evolved from the thinking, research, and practice of Carl Ransom Rogers (The Development and Evolution of Person-Centered Expressive Art Therapy: A Conversation with Natalie Rogers Journal article by John Sommers-Flanagan; Journal of Counseling and Development, Vol. 85, 2007, p. 1). Carl Rogers was raised by parents under one roof. The integration of person-centered principles and art is a natural combination of her parents’ most distinct qualities (p. 1). Antwone Fisher’s parents were non-existent. Internal and external support was missing therefore disrupting self-centered support. Much like Dr, Davenport, Roger’s interactions with clients were like small miracles of compassionate understanding and communication†. Carl Rogers believed that the relationship between therapist and client facilitates emotional and psychological healing. As counselors we often see ourselves in the same situations as our clients. For some reason, the need to remain ethical and subjective creates a gap in reality as our own defense mechanisms preserve internal wellness. The therapeutic atmosphere produces positive changes when unconditional positive regard supersedes poor judgment and inflexibility. When our practiced behavior becomes predictable, we become trait driven and predictable which often leads to in effective counseling alternatives. Pervin’s analysis and critique of personality-trait research rests on the assumption that the five-factor model (FFM), and trait models more generally, should fulfill all the goals of a complete theory of personality (Traits and Types, Dynamics and Development: No Doors Should Be Closed in the Study of personality Journal article by Oliver P. John, Richard W. Robins; Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 5, 1994. 6 pgs. , p137) In a summary statement about the nature of this relationship, the whole person remains fragmented until explanations associated with internal messages match externally. Antwone had to trace his family history for answers to self image, self-esteem, and the ideal self. Throughout the movie, he is polite, articulate, and very well-balanced in a trusting and loving environment. When the memories were released and support from his girlfriend prevailed, gradually the â€Å"real† Antwone Fisher began to take shape and grow. How can one become person centered and grow when completeness is rooted in deteriorating external information? Conclusion Communicating genuiness and unconditional positive self-regard is the key to breaking down the walls and destroying the defenses of a troubled and angry client. When a negative self image impeded growth and development, the counselor must build trust, establish rapport and utilize empathy effectively. Providing a safe environment and a loving and caring ethical and professional relationship with your client are the keys to successful intervention. Carefully choosing the process and defining reasonable goals assist in the healing process on the way to independence. Looking into a mirror and defining the meaning of self and the perceived ideal self may be incongruent occasionally. Self-talk can be detrimental and harmful when discouragement follows as a result of unanswered questions about the self and the past. When life becomes puzzling and negative behaviors overshadow self-perception, the counselor must provide a way to trace behaviors to the root cause. Rogers and Allport provide reasonable theories on personality development to help achieve successful and healthy lives. We must also consider the internal and external factors associated with changes in behavior as they impact behavioral changes. Antwone Fisher returned to the environment of his past abusive childhood and confronted the abusers before moving ahead. Three sessions may not be adequate for long-term care and permanent change. Being flexible with healthy boundaries throughout the intervention process, may reveal our own shortcomings as we attempt to stay the course. Antwone Fisher and Commander Davenport established an amazing, growing, and client-centered relationship. The outcome proves that independent and healthy living can be facilitated on both sides when unconditional positive regard prevails.

Introduction to Pop - The History of Soft Drinks

The history of soft drinks can be traced back to the mineral water found in natural springs. Bathing in natural spring water has long been considered a healthy activity, and mineral water was said to have curative powers. Scientists soon discovered that a gas, carbon dioxide, was behind the bubbles in natural mineral water, formed when water dissolves limestone. The first marketed soft drinks (non-carbonated) appeared in the 17th century. They were made from water and lemon juice sweetened with honey. In 1676, the Compagnie de Limonadiers of Paris, France, was granted a monopoly for the sale of lemonade soft drinks. Vendors carried tanks of lemonade on their backs and dispensed cups of the soft drink to thirsty Parisians. Early Inventors In 1767, the first drinkable man-made carbonated water was created by Englishman Joseph Priestley. Three years later, Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman invented a generating apparatus that made carbonated water from chalk using sulfuric acid. Bergmans apparatus allowed imitation mineral water to be produced in large amounts. In 1810, the first United States patent was issued for the means of mass manufacture of imitation mineral waters to Simons and Rundell of Charleston, South Carolina. Carbonated beverages, however, did not achieve great popularity in America until 1832, when John Mathews invented his own apparatus for making carbonated water and mass-manufactured the apparatus for sale to soda fountain owners. Health Properties Drinking either natural or artificial mineral water was considered a healthy practice. American pharmacists selling mineral waters began to add medicinal and flavorful herbs to unflavored mineral water using birch bark, dandelion, sarsaparilla, and fruit extracts. Some historians consider that the first flavored carbonated soft drink was made in 1807 by Dr. Philip Syng Physick of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Early American pharmacies with soda fountains became a popular part of culture. Customers soon wanted to take their health drinks home with them, and a soft drink bottling industry grew from consumer demand. Bottling Industry Over 1,500 U.S. patents were filed either for corks, caps, or lids for carbonated drink bottle tops during the early days of the bottling industry. Carbonated drink bottles are under a lot of pressure from the gas, so inventors sought the best way to prevent the bubbles from escaping. In 1892, the Crown Cork Bottle Seal was patented by William Painter, a Baltimore machine shop operator. It was the first successful method of keeping the bubbles in the bottle. Automatic Production of Glass Bottles In 1899, the first patent was issued for a glass-blowing machine for the automatic production of glass bottles. Earlier bottles had been hand-blown. Four years later, the new bottle-blowing machine was in operation, first by the inventor, Michael Owens, an employee of Libby Glass Co. Within a few years, glass bottle production increased from 1,500 to 57,000 bottles a day. Hom-Paks and Vending Machines During the 1920s, the first Hom-Paks were invented. Hom-Paks are the now-familiar six-pack beverage-carrying cartons made from cardboard. Automatic vending machines also began to appear in the 1920s. The soft drink had become an American mainstay. Other Facts Here are some additional facts about soft drinks and the industry behind them: Soft drinks are called â€Å"soft† because they don’t contain alcohol.Soft drinks are called by many other names. The most popular are soda, pop, coke, soda pop, fizzy drinks, and carbonated beverage.Over 34 billion gallons of soft drinks are sold in over 200 countries each year.The most popular early soda drinks that were invented before end of 19th century are ginger ale, Ice cream soda, root beer, Dr Pepper, Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola.The United States represents 25% of global soft drink market.Sugar-sweetened soft drinks are associated with dental caries, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Source The History of Soft Drinks and Carbonated Beverages.