Category: Perception

The process of perception is as follows:

1. Exposure— Exposure happens when a stimulus arrives within the range of someone’s sensory receptor — sight, scent, or contact. Consumers may either tend to focus on certain information while being completely unaware of others, or they may even go out of their way to ignore those signals.
2. Awareness–Attention refers to the degree to which the sensory task is devoted to a given stimuli. Remember, for example, the idea of having to sit through both fascinating and ‘less interesting’ lectures. This may vary depending on both the nature of the stimuli (i.e. the lecture itself) and the subject (i.e. the mental state at that time). Consumers often find themselves in a state of sensory overload where they are subjected to far more information than they can absorb. From a marketing point of view, we are often bombarded by marketing messages through commercial outlets, making rivalry an ever-increasing trend for our attention.
3. Interpretation- Interpretation refers to the sense that is attributed to sensory stimuli.

Just as people differ in terms of the stimulus they experience, the interpretations that we attribute to these stimuli often vary. Two people can see or hear the same thing, but their perception of it can be as different as night and day, based on what they expected the stimulation to be. The significance that we attribute to a stimulus depends on the structure (i.e. the set of beliefs) to which we apply it. Identifying and evoking the correct schema is crucial to many marketing decisions, as it sets out the criteria that consumers will use to evaluate the product, package or message.

What’s Consumer Perception?

The ultimate goal of every company is to increase sales by understanding the factors that drive customer purchasing decisions. Consumer perception theory seeks to analyze and explain consumer behavior. The interpretation of the same product or service by different customers would be different. This is precisely what consumer preference analysis analyzes when finding out exactly what motivates or affects consumer behavior when purchasing or not buying a specific product.

Need for consumer Perception Theory

The consumer’s view of the product or service delivered may vary from what the manufacturer or marketer wanted to sell. This is neither beneficial nor favorable to both parties in today’s competitive environment. It is also likely to have a more serious effect in finding customer interest, as consumers today are more open to minute, complex and comprehensive information. This makes it very difficult for the offer to attract the full attention of the consumer, especially in situations where the perception of the consumer is not the same as that of the offer. Getting a second inning to make a better impact is all the more complicated.

Benefits of Consumer Perception

With competition increasing in the global economy making it difficult for products and services to differentiate themselves from other business offerings, production, distribution, procurement and access to information costs are also rising. Varied goods end up facing tough competition from market entrants from new sets or packages and replacements. As a result, prices are falling as most firms want to win over customers and close quality gaps.

Modern consumers are more of a mix. Being extremely price sensitive, new buyers are constantly searching for discounts and bargains. They are also constantly looking for branded and other luxury products. Being well-informed, they are even aware of and aware of their powers. This recognition is rising the aspirations of businesses. Together, all of these aspects make it more difficult to distinguish a product or service from conventional sorting by price, pricing and accessibility.

The only solution available to a corporation in such circumstances is to strengthen the bond between the product and customers. This is likely to give a better competitive edge, as this partnership is not limited to size, cost, etc. The better the relationship that the customer has with the business at different stages of engagement, such as performance and responsiveness and cycle speed, the greater the likelihood that he or she is likely to come back. A single investment problem is likely to damage the relationship indefinitely.

Companies should take steps to ensure that their consumers remain fully informed about the company’s different offerings and how the offerings are likely to improve the lives of consumers. Industries must ensure that they are able to convince customers of how their goods, when bought by buyers, will offer greater value than those of rivals. This amounts, in short, to increasing consumer perception in order to appreciate the finer aspects of the company’s offerings. But be careful not to overdo the same thing that could adversely affect the company.

The Role of Perception

Whenever a human being or other creature lacks their immediate surroundings, they can fall prey to hazards in their environment or fail to notice opportunities that could improve their quality of life. For this cause, we have more than one kind of perception: two essential mechanisms include reflex and reflection. Reflex triggers immediate reactions, while meditation allows us to develop strategies for future encounters.

Flinching from fire or running away from a snake avoids burns or poison bites. On the other side, after the movement, the reflection takes place, when the person looks closer to the snake. Realizing that the bark snakes don’t have a poison gives you the confidence to leave the snake where you find it, allowing the reptile to continue to control the vermin that causes harm. Similarly, when consumers see overgrown landscaping or run-down houses in need of a pressure washer and a new paint coat, or when the outdoor vending machines have been broken, some may be bold enough to accept them, but many more may agree that your company will cause them more hassle than it is worth.

Reflection involves an objective assessment and enough ingenuity to determine what message you want to send to your clients and what identity you want to convey to the area and the city as a whole. Your company should tell your current customers that you appreciate and trust them and that you pay attention to details. Without these messages, your default setting is, ‘I don’t care.’

Introduction

Psychological factors influence pain perception, factors as coping, social support, personality, and control. Pain became understood as a perception instead of a sensation as a result of observations like the difference in treatment effectiveness between acute and chronic pain, the positive or negative meaning of the pain experience and the phantom limb theory. These observations created the bases for the gate control theory of pain (GCT) which on the early 20th century adds psychological factors to previous models that perceived pain as a sensation.

Psychological influences on pain perception and illness

GCT suggests that there is a gate at the spinal cord that receives information from the brain, from physiological inputs, and peripheral nerve fibers, the data is processed and the gate open or closes resulting on the perception of pain through an action system. Three key factors can open or close the gate physical factors, emotional factors, and behavioral factors. Here is where psychological factors directly influence pain perception. For example, an individual experiencing phantom limb pain (PLP) could potentially open the gate through emotional factors by avoidance coping, leading to depression. Or help close the gate through behavioral and emotional factors by social support that can potentially moderate stress and incentive optimism. A study from Hanley et al. on the “utility of a biopsychosocial model to predict long-term adjustment to lower-limb amputation and phantom limb pain (PLP)” shows that “Catastrophizing and social support were associated with decreases (improvement) in both criterion measures, while solicitous responding was associated with increases (worsening) in both measures”(Hanley et al.,2004).

Russler et al. (2012) paper regarding the positive effects of blogging on chronic pain and illness is a strong starting point and example of the importance of integrating psychological influences to the experiences of pain and illness. Especially relevant for moderators as social support and control, as Russler et al (2021) concludes, “chronic pain and illness may decrease a sense of isolation through the establishment of online connections with others and increases a sense of purpose to help others in similar situations” (Russler et al., 2012). Through communication and connection with others respondents of the survey shared for example that begun blogging because “wanted to be able to share what was happening to me with friends and family but knew that I wouldn’t have the time/energy to communicate with everyone individually” (Russler et al., 2012). The respondent moderates stress and illness by social support, it closes the gate through emotional and behavioral factors, emotional because the respondent was able to communicate without the tension of wasting time or energy opposed to communicating individually, and behavioral by being distracted. Another potential mediator that is positive by blogging is control, and a respondent shared that “It has made me more aware of issues I had not considered. By keeping a log, I can pick up patterns I may have missed. Another respondent shared that it find it easier to identify triggers and patterns” (Russler et al., 2012), this attribution of control is another mediator of the stress/illness and can help close the gates. Unfortunately, the paper has limitations as the demographic data “is not fully representative of the overall online population with chronic disease” (Russler et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Psychological influences are important factors in both stress/illness and pain perception, theories like GCT and psychological moderators, can be applied in many formats, personally I would have never had put much thought into blogging, but it’s clear that today, many of this influences can be translated to an online setting, which is exciting for the future of health strategies.

References

1. Hanley, M. A., Jensen, M. P., Ehde, D. M., Hoffman, A. J., Patterson, D. R., & Robinson, L. R. (2004). Psychosocial predictors of long-term adjustment to lower-limb amputation and phantom limb pain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15497917
2. Ogden, J. (2017). The psychology of health and illness: An open-access course. The psychology of health and illness.pdf
3. Ressler, P. K., Bradshaw, Y. S., Gualtieri, L., & Chui, K. K. H. (2012). Communicating the experience of chronic pain and illness through blogging. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(5), e143. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510726/

Abstract

The purpose of the study of original research work is to understand and explore the consumer perception of local and branded product in India. The purpose of this research is to enrich our knowledge of the Indian markets and provide insights in to how local vs. branded product usage rate creates an impact on the mind of consumers

The main objective of the research is to study the variation in the perception of the consumer. The intention is to extract a possible outcome as to examine on the impact of different factors on the perception of the consumers towards local and branded products. For the study, a questionnaire has been designed distributed and filled by the different sections of the society varying in age lifestyles occupations gender etc. in India. The population of this research consisted of online outlet buyers from different parts of India. The sample of this study comprised of 100 online and outlet buyers. A pre structure questionnaire was used to measure the perception of the respondents towards local vs. branded products

Keywords : Local product, Branded Product , Market Segmentation, Online Buying, Offline Buying, Brand Loyalty, consumer Perception, ,

Introduction

Consumer is the king of the market and all the market activities and all the business and the industrial enterprises move around their perception on local and branded products. Market segmentation is the research that determines how your organisation divides its customers into small groups based on characteristics such as age, income, personality traits, or behaviour also consumers purchased decisions are influenced by main factors including personal-psychological social and cultural Factors does making it challenging for marketers to choose local over branded and branded over local.

Brand name plays an important component of brand equity which is why it is often regarded as a prerequisite of consumer purchasing decisions brand images important because it influences consumer purchasing behavior which ultimately leads to influence purchasing decisions. Local product on the other hand is highly influenced by the local consumers purchasing approach.

However, the businesses scenario in India has seen significant changes in the past decades the consumer nowadays look for variances in terms of quality prices brand names etc.

Literature review

There have been various research that has been conducted to understand the perception of consumers on local and branded products earlier researchers have concluded consumers with a high need for satisfaction tends to adopt new products either local or branded more quickly for those product which provide. The theory of consumer need for satisfaction explains how an individual needs for satisfaction can influence products either of brand or from local market. It is logical to speculate that different people exhibit varying degrees of need for satisfaction in similar circumstances and this can have a significant impact on purchase decisions.

Rationale

This concept attempts to tell you how branded products attracts the customer base and on the other hand how local market tries to captivate the psychological factors of the consumers as smart consumers, people take into account various factors before purchasing in order to enjoy more and better goods or services either from local or branded. People tend to purchase goods and services that provides them with the maximum fulfilment that can be attained either with branded and local product.

Local product

In a world that has become globally linked and often somewhat confusing, research for local and regional identity is emerging. Local product is a business to consumer online market plays designed to help people find unique and quality local product and to boost local economics by helping local producer promote their product online it includes customers located within the region of the product or service is produced or made available. The local product has the ability to attract or influence the consumer’s emotional psychology. Local product also has the capacity to provide consumer as the same product a brand offers in the same amount or even cheaper. Along with it, it also promises to provide the quality product within the local name. Local products also increases the local economy of state or nation.

Branded Products

A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one seller’s goods or services as distinct of those of other sellers. A branded product is one which I made by a well-known manufacturer and has the manufacturer’s label on it. Branded product develops a credibility in the mind of the customer. Customers feel that they has a company whom they can tell about the product’s problem as local product doesn’t have this option. Branded products also establish the parameters of providing the customer with after sales service if any damages happen or even without damages the products offered by any organisation come up with the idea of establishing a long term relation with the customer such that this attribute will help the organisation, in the long run, this idea can be often termed as customer retention.

Apart from this brands also provide a consistency in terms of the quality as they have to gain a competitive advantage as of their competitors. Brand often comes up with the promises of delivering a product with a unique characteristics, for example, the idea of dominos of delivering the pizza within 30 minutes can be a best promise made to the customer.

Online Buying

Online shopping is the process of buying goods and services from merchants over the internet. Since the emergence of the World Wide Web, consumers can shop for 24/7. Customers find the product of interest by visiting the website of the retailer directly or by searching among alternative vendors using a shopping search engine, which displace the same product availability and pricing at different e-retailers. Online stores usually enable shoppers to use search features to find specific model brands or items. Mostly consumers who are into branded items looks into the online stores as well as psychical stores to satisfy their need within a reasonable price. Nowadays also local retailers are seeking the opportunity to promote or sell their product. Across the world to earn the profit these online websites also give rewards or promotional vouchers to promote their business this approach is mostly referred as attracting the customer ones purchase is done.

Online shopping also establishes relationships by giving the customers return policy schemes even if the product is delivered as most of the branded items are quite expensive if you visit their psychical stores but this websites provide the exactly same item in same quality at discounted prices.

Offline Shopping

Offline shopping is a traditional way of purchasing services or products by directly visiting to the store/shop or vendor it is generally a brick and mortar shop that offers a wide range of product. Brick and mortar shopping sells the product by analysing the different convenient attributes either in the terms of price, customer reach, relationship with the owner offline stores sometimes provide the same product or services in more price as compared to the online stores apart from this they also provide the products which can be made available without the brand name at a reasonable price and in higher quality the customers can experience the touchpoints of a product and have exposure and involvement in of the familiarity

Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty is a specimen of consumer behaviour through which consumer tends to know and get to a specific brand and its product and make repeat purchases overtime. Brand loyalty is the emotional decision of a consumer for purchasing a particular brand again and again. The customer has a perception that this particular brand has all the qualities that will meet his expectation and identifies with the consumers at a personal level. Brand loyalty is the tendency of consumers to continuously purchase one brand product over another repeatedly. Brand loyalty is achieved when a customer actually uses the product or service of the company and is satisfied with its offerings.

Consumer Perception

Perception is the organisation, identification, recognition and interpretation of sensory information or guidance in order to represent and understand the presented information. The truth is that everything affects consumer perception, from the way you position vertically and horizontally on a shelf, to the colours and shape you use in creating your logo your customers might have positive perception of you if they come across your products and your niche during a certain time of the day, but they may hold a negative perception at another time of day everyone is a potential customer and so you should always recognise it whether they are posing positive or negative responses.

Market Segmentation

Market segmentation is the act of dividing a broad consumers or consumer groups or business market, normally consist of existing and potential customers into sub groups of consumers based on some type of shared characteristics. Market segmentation assumes that different market segments require different and varied marketing programs i.e. different offers, prices, promotion, distribution or some combination of marketing variables in the case of branded markets and local markets they tries to target by dividing them on the parameters of the services or products they will mostly buy from this markets respectively.

Research Design and Methodology

Statement of Problem

Consumer perception is a marketing concept that encompasses a customer’s impression and awareness about the company or it’s of brings either local or branded. Typically, customer perception is affected by advertising reviews public relations social media personal experiences and brand image. The truth is that everything affects customer perception from the way you position your product vertically and horizontally on a shelf, to the colours and shapes you used in creating your logo your customers might have a positive perception of you if they come across your products and your niche during a certain time of the day, but they may hold a negative perception at another time of the day. It all varies according to one’s perception i.e. sense of awareness.

Perception is simply the moment when we become aware of something via our senses and recognize it. When we perceive something, we either react to it via our instinct or via our faculty of decision.

Hence there is a genuine need to understand the factors that influences the consumer’s perception when they shop from local market or branded outlet. The present study is an attempt in this direction.

Research Objective

• To study consumer’s perception towards local vs. branded products.
• To analyse the influence of brand image on consumers while making purchase.
• To understand the consumers buying psychology while making a purchase.
• To analyse consumers taste and preference regarding local vs. branded product.
• To discover the frequency of purchase made by the consumers due to their perception.

Research Limitations

• The very first limitation cause during the research was to find out the respondents who are interested in taking the survey.
• The next limitation that occur during the survey was to identify whom to target and in what numbers will people participate.
• There may be both positive and negative biases of the respondent.
• Respondents would like to portray themselves as an elite and may not give their actual preference.
• Some respondent don’t even reply to all the question.
• Some respondent doesn’t even understand what question is really asking.
• Respondents even have problem with the pattern the answer and question is designed.

Practical Implications

• This study will be useful for business person to identify the requirement of local and branded products.
• This research will help the consumer to understand the difference between branded and local product.
• This study will be useful for students and academicians to understand how consumers prefer online shopping for the branded products and physical shopping for local products.
• This study will help the consumers to identify the quality related or about the product.
• This study will also be useful for the retailers to analyse the parameters the consumers actually goes for purchase.

Conclusion

This research explains that it is very evident that there is a recognizable difference between the branded and local product in the minds of consumer there has been also many entities that posed the variances about the perception of the consumers about branded over local and local over branded. We discussed fairly strong parameters that made us understood the brand loyalty and the choice of product quality for the customers perceived quality and emotional value were the other important variables that directly influence purchase intention.

The positive relationship between attitudes towards branded products, perceived quality and the emotional value for brand supports previous findings that products are positively evaluated in terms of emotional benefits and quality satisfaction. Today consumers are exposed to big variety of products and services both domestic and global. The introduction of goods and services raised the concept of the country of origin which might affect consumer purchase decisions.

Some consumers happily buy products from the local market while some seek for branded products over the former ones. This research suggest that consumer may prefer branded products because of higher prestige in general, branded products have high prestige because of their relative scarcity and higher price compared to local product.

This study also establishes how emotions and the feeling of personalization towards the local product. Local markets tries to captivate the emotional and tangible parameters based on the perception of the consumers.

Consumers opinion to a specific product either local or branded are mostly shaped by the level of income they have or the mind-set they have towards the investment the lifestyle is an important factor that affects consumers opinion towards brand or local. People often in absence of information and knowledge about the product associate product satisfaction by that product image or the past relationship. The mind-set of the customers is changing that branded products are not always the best ones and local products are not always the worst ones people are now getting complete information about products so they like to go buy product quality either coming from local or branded.

Reference

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287276630_Exploring_Consumer_Purchase_Behaviour_Foreign_Versus_Local_Brands
2. https://www.elkjournals.com/MasterAdmin/UploadFolder/A%20STUDY%20OF%20CUSTOMER%20PERCEPTION%20OF/A%20STUDY%20OF%20CUSTOMER%20PERCEPTION%20OF.pdf
3. http://euroasiapub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/7-136.pdf
4. https://www.agilitypr.com/pr-news/branding/local-vs-global-brands-nearly-75-global-consumers-list-brand-origin-key-purchase-driver-nielsen-reports/
5. http://digitalmarketingmagazine.co.uk/digital-marketing-features/the-importance-of-branded-products-in-marketing
6. http://digitalmarketingmagazine.co.uk/digital-marketing-features/the-importance-of-branded-products-in-marketing
7. https://www.brightvessel.com/online-shopping-vs-offline-shopping-trends/
8. https://www.quora.com/Is-online-shopping-better-than-offline-shopping-1
9. https://www.marketingtutor.net/what-is-brand-loyalty/
10. https://trackmaven.com/marketing-dictionary/brand-loyalty/
11. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/consumer-perception-theory-40176.html

Abstract—

In India, Solar energy devices are launched mainly with the objective to sustain the environment and to create awareness among the public regarding solar energy devices. Solar energy is growing in India because of its location between the tropic of cancer, and the equator. India has an average annual temperature that ranges from 25°C-27.5°C. So, solar energy can also be produced easily in most of the parts of India. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the gender perception towards solar energy products in Punjab. The data of 185 respondents have been collected from different areas of Punjab (India) through a structured research schedule using convenient sampling. The data has been further analyzed by using an independent sample t-test. However, the study reveals that there exists a considerable difference in the perception of males and females towards the solar energy products.

Keywords— solar energy products; gender perception; convenient sampling; independent sample t-test

I. Introduction

The global energy demand is anticipated to rise at a huge tempo in the coming 30 years. According to [11] world’s energy needs will be almost 60% higher in 2030 as compared to now. Two-thirds of this increase will be noticed in China, India and other rapidly developing economies and this will account for almost 50% of the energy utilization [1, 15]. Till date, many countries have been facing significant deficiency in energy supply. Therefore, they are focusing on solar energy [21]. It is becoming an important area of focus for the people all around the world [12]. It is essential for every country to not only combat climate change but also to diversify the demand over the various renewable energy sources and to provide protection against external shocks [21]. As the dependency of governments on efficient sources is increasing, the solar energy is becoming the part of an economic sustainability [12]. Out of all renewable energy sources, solar energy is the most reliable and trustworthy energy source [28]. A clean energy future demands greater investment in renewable energy resource [29]. The international energy agency estimates that India will become the biggest consumer of oil after 2020 [7]. Moreover, the outlook for India’s energy production seems stark as the country will face shortage of around 6.7 percent annually [26]. The primary reason for this shortage is over dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. Further, 1 lac villages in India do not have access to electricity [10]. Moreover, India is blessed with the potential for generating a significant amount of solar energy all around the year [23]. Due to this fact, country is planning to establish mega solar power plants to exploit this important renewable energy resource [1]. As in many other sectors, Indian states seek to drive change and attract investment in solar power. The power grid corporation of India ltd. (PGCIL) has identified some renewable energy rich states which are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab [17]. Security of supply, environmental concerns, stable energy prices are all issues which could be addressed through greater deployment of renewable energy technologies [11]. Given this situation, research needs to be continued into a host of energy sourcing options and policy initiatives [1].

II. Literature Review

Various studies have been conducted in respect of solar energy products. [25] found that knowledge of nature and the environment seemed to be dependent on gender. In a recent study, it was found that woman’s environmental awareness is becoming more restricted than men. Environmental concerns have been traditionally viewed as one-dimensional construct ranging from unconcerned about the environment at the low end to the high end, as measured by the New Environment Paradigm (NEP). Although education background seemed to affect attitude, activity levels, knowledge, and there are without a doubt a number of other underlying factors. [30] described that the benefits and subsidies given by the government for disseminating solar lantern are not the reasons for purchase in most cases, and suggested that the emphasis on subsidy by the support program shifts the focus to the cost of the solar lantern than its benefits. [13] argued that the views and attitudes of stakeholders need to be modified, in order to ensure a sustainable future in accordance with the global scientific community that is systematically promoting the use of solar products. [31] stated the views of society on issues related to the environment largely affect environmental actions carried out among the population. In other words, citizens’ attitude has a major impact on energy policy planning. [19] concluded that people with an ecological lifestyle more often take part in the events to protect environment. Humans are dependent on Earth’s natural resources. As consumers, we have many options available to meet our needs. The author expects that when needed, people with ecological living should shift to the use of renewable energy devices. A solar product is one of the most commonly used renewable sources of energy. [8] suggested that the key issues facing solar energy development are not ‘objective’ policy blockages, but different values and perceptions related to a range of factors, including, governance, technology, landscape aesthetics, issues of participation, and power inequalities. [20] have conducted a survey in Malaysia, which aimed to record the public’s understanding and views on renewable energy sources and solar photovoltaic installation scheme, it has shown that the public have limited knowledge of the alternatives available and are not keen to invest in such photovoltaic energy plans. [5] stated that distributed rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems do not suffer from the disadvantage of needing land. Study suggested that by 2070, if all 425 million households in India are provided with a 3 kWp solar panel, it should be possible to generate 1,900 TWh/yr from such distributed systems alone. [1] has explored that the solution to the problem of securing adequate energy supply lies in the integration of several options and technologies from diversified fields, viz: biomass, biogas, bioethanol, bio diesel, solar energy, wind energy, hydropower and other reasonably eco friendly options. No particular option may be regarded as the panacea. Different countries and respective regions of the world would have to decide and choose the combination of options which suit them the best giving cognizance to their resource base, technology level, and available manpower to operate the various systems. [24] suggested that the growth of renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic systems, is following an upward trend, with continuous technical improvements being made along with the provision of subsidies. The best way to facilitate the development of photovoltaic systems is through the creation of an institutional framework with the participation of all stake holders in decision-making processes. The need for cooperation regarding renewable energy sources has been perceived by the broader public. Lack of communication can only lead to problems, both pertaining to the public and also to local authorities, that often result in delays or even cancelled investments in certain cases.

A. Research Gap

Past research shows that domestic solar systems are well-suited to urban as well as rural areas, are a proven effective technology, and offer the opportunity for individuals to make a statement about their environmental beliefs [4]. The systems are also defined as economic, affordable, compatible with other technologies, able to reduce pollution, and are technically reliable [3, 2, 14, 18, 9]. While these projects have the potential for broad and far reaching benefits, they are found to be more effective when gender equality is taken into account [22]. It also means understanding women’s and men’s different knowledge, experiences, needs, and interests along the renewable energy value chain [9]. However, despite their positive characteristics, solar energy products remain unattractive to individual householders as a home improvement and incompatible with personal priorities [2, 26, 27]. Hence, this research aims to study the perceptions of males and females regarding the solar energy products so that policies can be formulated accordingly. The study is significant for solar energy products manufacturers as it makes them aware about customer perception towards the solar energy product. In addition to this, not much literature has been found relating to the Indian (Punjab) context. So, this study being first of its kind attempts to study the effect of the gender perception on the solar energy products in Punjab.

III. Research Methodology

The present study is mainly based on primary data collected from 185 respondents belonging to different areas of Punjab state (India). The survey was conducted during the period of Jan 2017 to Jan 2018. The respondents were interviewed through a pretested, well structured questionnaire which was administered personally. Sampling procedure was followed by convenience. A criterion was used to identify the respondents who can afford solar energy products and they have full awareness about these products. The collected data was analyzed by using independent sample t-test. Five point Likert scale has been used for the said purpose ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

A. Objective of the study

To study the gender variance in perception of gender towards solar energy products.

B. Hypothesis

H0:-There is no difference in perception of customers towards solar energy products with respect to gender.

Ha:-There is significant difference in perception of customers towards solar energy products with respect to gender.

IV. Data Analysis and Discussion

A. Testing of Normality

An assessment of assumptions including testing of normality and distributional assumptions were taken in the analysis. The reasons for assessing normality of present data was done to check departures from normality if any, which can affect tests and confidence intervals based on normal theory methods [16]. The study used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for calculating expected normal distribution and comparing it with the observed distribution [6].

One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test

S-1.

S-2. S-3. S-4.

S-5.

S-6. S-7.

S-8. S-9.

S-10.

N 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185

Normal Parametersb Mean 4.2000 2.6541 2.9405 3.4649 3.5946 3.4757 4.0703 2.9405 3.7189 4.2000

Std. Deviation 0.70557 1.26375 1.13335 0.96690 0.92840 0.91527 0.96708 1.14290 1.17349 0.72831

Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z 3.760 3.386 2.473 4.364 4.539 4.380 3.392 2.519 3.309 3.565

Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

(Source IBM SPSS statistics 21 version)

In this test, the Sig. (p) value is compared to the alpha level (level of significance for the statistic) and a determination is made as to reject (p < α) or retain (p > α) the null hypothesis. In the present study, the p-value is less than 0.05 which shows significance of values. Hence, the data is normal for further analysis [6, 16]. After this Independent sample test was applied for further analysis.

Independent Samples t-Test

Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means

F Sig. T df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference

Lower Upper

S-1. Equal variances assumed 1.064 0.304 0.585 183 0.559 0.06106 0.10438 -0.14488 0.26699 Equal variances not assumed 0.580 170.020 0.563 0.06106 0.10527 -0.14674 0.26885

S-2. Equal variances assumed 1.562 0.213 1.281 183 0.202 0.23857 0.18629 -0.12899 0.60612 Equal variances not assumed 1.269 169.149 0.206 0.23857 0.18805 -0.13267 0.60980

S-3. Equal variances assumed 0.228 .0634 -0.129 183 0.897 -0.02169 0.16781 -0.35278 0.30940 Equal variances not assumed -0.129 175.424 0.898 -0.02169 0.16816 -0.35356 0.31018

S-4. Equal variances assumed 0.010 0.919 -0.450 183 0.653 -0.06436 0.14309 -0.34668 0.21796 Equal variances not assumed -0.449 176.095 0.654 -0.06436 0.14326 -0.34708 0.21836

S-5. Equal variances assumed 0.172 0.679 -0.009 183 0.993 -0.00118 0.13747 -0.27241 0.27005 Equal variances not assumed -0.009 171.049 0.993 -0.00118 0.13848 -0.27454 0.27218

S-6. Equal variances assumed 0.377 0.540 -0.975 183 0.331 -0.13178 0.13517 -0.39848 0.13492 Equal variances not assumed -0.981 180.283 0.328 -0.13178 0.13439 -0.39696 0.13341

S-7. Equal variances assumed 1.039 0.309 0.748 183 0.456 0.10691 0.14298 -0.17519 0.38901 Equal variances not assumed 0.737 164.477 0.462 0.10691 0.14501 -0.17942 0.39323

S-8. Equal variances assumed 1.098 0.296 2.762 183 0.006 0.45804 0.16581 0.13090 0.78518 Equal variances not assumed 2.742 170.956 0.007 0.45804 0.16705 0.12829 0.78779

S-9. Equal variances assumed 0.842 0.360 0.677 183 0.499 0.11752 0.17354 -0.22489 0.45992 Equal variances not assumed 0.672 170.853 0.502 0.11752 0.17486 -0.22765 0.46268

S-10. Equal variances assumed 4.132 0.044 -0.243 183 0.809 -0.02617 0.10782 -0.23890 0.18657 Equal variances not assumed -0.236 151.361 0.813 -0.02617 0.11065 -0.24478 0.19245

(Source IBM SPSS statistics 21 version)

Results of Group Statistics

Gender N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

1. Solar energy is independent source of energy. Male 101 4.2277 .67648 .06731 Female 84 4.1667 .74176 .08093
2. Solar products can enhance my property value. Male 101 2.7624 1.20124 .11953 Female 84 2.5238 1.33061 .14518
3. Solar products are value for money option. Male 101 2.9307 1.12479 .11192 Female 84 2.9524 1.15022 .12550
4. Solar system gives uninterrupted electricity. Male 101 3.4356 .96349 .09587 Female 84 3.5000 .97561 .10645
5. Solar products are easily available in the market. Male 101 3.5941 .89642 .08920 Female 84 3.5952 .97089 .10593
6. Solar products work well in all Seasons. Male 101 3.4158 .94093 .09363 Female 84 3.5476 .88365 .09641
7. It is environmental friendly technology. Male 101 4.1188 .89763 .08932 Female 84 4.0119 1.04702 .11424
8. Back-up time of solar products is quite long. Male 101 3.1485 1.08061 .10752 Female 84 2.6905 1.17172 .12784
9. It reduces carbon emissions. Male 101 3.7723 1.13032 .11247 Female 84 3.6548 1.22714 .13389
10. Solar product is a good initiative for saving environment from pollution. Male 101 4.1881 .62790 .06248 Female 84 4.2143 .83697 .09132

(Source IBM SPSS statistics 21 version)

Results of the analysis shows that in statement 1 ‘Solar energy is an independent source of energy’ mean score of both cases in gender male and female is 4.2277 and 4.1667 respectively which is almost equal which indicate there is no difference in the perception of males and females regarding the factor that solar energy is an independent source of energy. Similarly in statement 2 ‘Solar products can enhance my property value’ the values come out 2.7624 and 2.5238 which again indicate similar perceptions of males and females towards solar products. In third statement ‘Solar products are value for money option’ the mean value of both gender are 2.9307 and 2.9524. In the statement ‘Solar system gives uninterrupted electricity’ the mean scores are 3.4356 and 3.5000 respectively which indicates similarity between males and female perception regarding the statement. In statement ‘Solar products are easily available in the market’ values are 3.5941 and 3.5952. In the statement ‘Solar products work well in all Seasons’ mean values of both male and female are 3.4158 and 3.5476. In statement ‘It is environmentally friendly technology’ mean values are 3.1485 and 2.6905. in statement ‘Back-up time of solar products is quite long’ mean score of male and female is 3.1485 and 2.6905 which indicates there is difference between mean score of their perception of back-up time of solar products. In statement ‘It Reduces carbon emissions’ mean values are 3.7723 and 3.6548 and in last statement ‘Solar product is a good initiative for saving the environment from pollution’ the mean scores are 4.1881 and 4.2143. Hence, In case of nine statements P-value is > 0.05 but in one statement ‘Back-up time of solar products is quite long’ P value is < 0.05 (i.e. 0.006 and 0.007) clearly shows that there is a difference in perception of customers towards solar energy products with respect to male-female perception.

V. Conclusion

In this research, the causes of poor response to solar energy products have been examined by taking into account the perception of males and females. Research analyzed that for better adoption of the solar energy products the various new marketing strategies based on the different perceptions according to the gender should be taken into account [22]. It has been revealed in this study that males and females have varying perceptions when the backup time is considered as an important attribute by females. Further, study revealed that shorter backup time of solar energy devices creates havoc in their daily life routine as shifting from one energy source to another disrupts their work. The reason behind this can be the busyness of the females in the family as they play multiple roles in the household work like taking care of the children, elder members and they cannot spare time to manage the solar energy devices as it consumes time for maintenance. Whereas, their perceptions are almost consistent regarding the attributes like the environment-friendly product, availability of product and subsidies, technological advancement, and adequate value for money.

A. Limitation

This study is based on a survey, so it may suffer from some basic limitations. Lack of respondents’ awareness regarding solar energy products may affect the results of the study. The sample size has been selected on the basis of convenience and has been taken from Punjab state only. Therefore, results may not be representative of the overall population. The perception of respondents from one part may vary from another part of India. The biasness of the respondents may affect the result of the study so for as primary data is concerned. The sample size has been small (185) which may not reflect the broader picture

Architecture and Urbanism journal entitled Questions of Perception, is a combination of three separate essays by the architectural scholars, Steven Holl, Juhani Pallasmaa and Alberto Pérez Gómez. The three essays are thematically linked and each one tries to explain the role of man’s perception plays in architecture and also explores phenomenal accounts. Their combined articles and precedents in the content, work to help the reader to remember the significance of a generative imagination, an ethical world‐view and encourage a phenomenological approach to architecture that celebrates experience.

In the first article entitled, ‘The space of architecture: Meaning as presence and representation’ Pérez‐Gómez sets the phase for the phenomenological approach by giving an historical record of architecture arrivals at an empty formalism, searching for meaning and finding it in a poetic resistance. He discusses about architectural practice and aesthetics of architecture of several architects in the period from the seventh century to the twentieth century.

First he discusses that Vitruvius identified the origin of architecture with the origin of language. For Vitruvius, essential knowledge for architects to direct their practice was the ‘ratio’, epitomized by mathematical proportion. And that the presence of numerical proportions in architecture underlined the custom of theoretical writings until the 18th century.

Next he discusses the practice of Plato and how Plato marks the origin of our scientific tradition. According to Plato there must be three components of reality: Being -The unchanging form, uncreated and indestructible, Becoming-that which bears the same name as the form and resembles it, but is sensible and Chora – which is eternal and indestructible. Chora which signifies “space” is a Greek word which offers a discussion for considering different possibilities, more than just functionalist building practices of modernity. The work of the architect or a work of imagination, cannot be simply a dominating gaze. It should be something that can be explored. Possibility of such an architecture is offered by Chora , a space to meditate on, equipped of both respecting cultural differences and recognizing the globalization of technological culture. Chora can also be explained as a combination of both cosmic place and abstract space and substance of human crafts.

Pérez then discusses the architecture and practices of Renaissance and Baroque architects. During the Renaissance, changes in religious philosophy and architectural theory reflected an alternate understanding of the Greco-Roman chora. While Barbaro and Pacioli perceived that for architects, the constructive operation was more important than perspective, that is the area through the cone of vision, plainly the Renaissance architects believed that the theatre had a specific revelatory power. Furthermore, Renaissance never considers space as a geometric element. Baroque architects set out to change the world and achieved a synthesis of the qualities of natural space and geometrical reality of chora.

In conclusion, this article clarifies literary proof across an expansive historical period, focusing on the connection among drawing and architectural space in the period from the seventh century to the twentieth century.

The second article is by Juhani Pallasmaa and is entitled as ‘An Architecture of the Seven Senses’.

Through this article Pallasmaa attempts to highlight the significance of sensory experience in architecture. It can be identified as a response to what the he terms as ‘ocularcentrism’ of Modern Architecture. Ocularcentrism is the act of demonstration of visual stimuli to all other sensory stimuli accesible to a human perception. And he cites the German poet, Goethe, “the hands want to see, the eyes want to caress”.

Firstly, Pallasma discusses about the sensory deprivation and distance brought about by ocularcentrism; and how this shields architecture from being as wholesome as it is able of. He argues that architecture today does not contends and consider peripheral vision, shifting of focus, memory, and imagination. Secondly, he brings up how ocularcentrism has formed into a social standard; in this way the eye would itself be biased, ‘ nihilistic or narcissistic ‘. Therefore, can be separated and disconnected from other senses, for example, touch, thus allowing no emotional dialogue. Thirdly, he looks at the image of a modern city to that of what he terms a ‘haptic city’, a city which can be contacted; as opposed to the inaccessible, exterior oriented present day city. Besides, he examines how since antiquity, man has been the measure of not just his architecture, but all of his activities too. To support this argument, Pallasmaa cites occurrences of the caryatid court and the experience in ancient times, where man turns into the central point of everything.

He emphasizes on the presence of an enveloping satisfaction through multi stimuli in nature; giving a case of a trek through a woods, and the sentiment of being inside the space of a clearing inside the forest invoked by peripheral vision, complete with the crunching of leaves under the feet and the smells that surrounds. Also he talks about the significance of the shadow in creating light. He argues that it is the variation of shadows and the faintly lit feeling is the factor which really stimulate the senses, and that Modern Architecture appears to lack this appreciation of the shadow.

Throughout the article, Pallasmaa systematically takes the reader through all the senses in question; hearing, smell, touch and taste. For each sense he cites a model from nature, hence depicting how it is an acknowledgement of all senses that completes a space. He discusses how speed of wind can be registered through hearing and identify the temperature of the wind through touch. Moreover, he connects smell with memory and includes that smell is by far one of the strongest mediums that add to the memory of an experience. He then argues the presence of man by discussing time and the sense of proportion. He implies that man is designed to perceive in comparison to his self, and activity where man measures through moving inside a space.

In conclusion, Pallasmaa discusses the significance of these seven senses in the design process. He discusses the separation made between the architecture and the design due to mechanization of the process. The reasoning behind this is well explained and discussed in the previous parts of the article through precedents and citations from nature. One can grasp in relevance to each detect, the significance of ‘feeling’ it during the design process. Throughout this part of the article Pallasmaa argues and highlights the disadvantages of ocularcentrism in comparison with each sense and how that made the Modern architecture cold and distant from man.

Third article of the book is entitled “’Archetypal experiences of architecture” by Steven Holl. Steven Holl begins his article investigating his own medium for the discussion, in particular that text can perhaps not do justice to questions of perception. He claims to an increased “sensitized consciousness” to ordinary experience and he sees wordless architecture as the ideal medium to awaken all the senses by enabling the occupant to mix all the senses presented by the space. Where architecture moves simple perception of phenomena, for example, in nature, is in its intentionality or the inspiration to understand the psychological phenomena behind its creation.

Holl presents a series of projects that deal with a variety of phenomena that that investigate components of perception and design. The aim of presenting these projects is not to display a totality or summation on perception, but to discuss the discrete sections that each add to the process of design and improve the sensory experience of that place. In this final article, Holl tries to confirm the segmented nature of experience and discusses Holl’s visits to several key architectural spaces. These include the Pantheon in Rome, Rochamp, Ryoanji Temple in Japan and the Johnson Wax building by Frank Lloyd Wright. Each experience, which are sometimes isolated by twenty years introduced a new series of sensation to Holl, some because of the weather or the seasons, some due to the time of day, and some because of the changes that had occurred in Holl himself.

The overlapping of the fragments creates a changing new perception of the space, and lead Holl to persuade that architecture is always perceived as partial views, in turn creating a way of looking at the world, in a way, connecting back to the first article by Pérez‐Gómez, and alluring the reader to read it again.

As a conclusion the authors state: ‘The endless cultural limitations and contradictions inherent in artistic work, revealed with impeccable clarity and logic by the critics’ deconstructive theory, are ultimately of limited use for the generation of architecture. It can be The architect must take a position, one that necessarily has ethical consequences, and for which words, a theoretical discourse is nevertheless indispensable. The architect’s work exists silently, in the public realm, and is therefore, unavoidable, an affirmation. This is perhaps a dilemma, one that makes architectural practice in the late twentieth century difficult, yet fascinating. Unlike the critic and the philosopher, the architect must embrace the contradictions between perception and logic, the slippage between architectural intention and realization, and the unpredictability of the future’s judgement upon the acting present, and ‘resolve’ or confuse these aporias through his/her personal imagination. “

Introduction

The nature of perception has been a long-debated topic in psychology. Gregory (1966), as cited in Holt, 2002) argued that people’s perceptions of an object is basically a hypothesis of its nature. The prominent question in this debate is whether perception is analytic or holistic? Gestalt theorists were of the first psychologists to study perception arguing that our instantaneous perception of an object is as a whole before we perceive its individual feature. Navon’s (1977)’s global precedence hypothesis is often dubbed as the modern version of gestalt psychologists’ views on perception. Navon (1977) In his paper `Forest Before Trees: The precedence of global features in visual perception` questions Gestalt’s view. “ Do we perceive a visual scene feature by feature or is the process instantaneous and simultaneous as some Gestalt psychologists believed ? or is it somewhere in between”(p.353 ). Navon wanted to find out if people perceived global features (large letters) faster than the local features (small letters) He developed a paradigm of compound stimuli, which is large letters made up of small letters in order to this. In his research, Navon (1977) concluded that features are perceived faster at the global level than the local level.

Many research studies have used Navon’s paradigm and there are three main effects that are often found. A global precedence effect is faster reaction times at the global level compared to the local level. An interference effect is slower reaction times to different features (inconsistent) compared to the same features ( consistent). Lastly, an interval interference effect is larger interference effect on the local level compared to the global level.

In this study an attempt is made to replicate Navon’s original study in order to test reaction times to the global or local features. Based on Navon’s study we should find that participants will show a global processing bias by correctly identifying global targets compared to correctly identifying local targets.

Method

The study was a laboratory experiment and used a repeated measures design with the same group of participants taking part in all of the conditions. The independent variable (IV) was the perception of global or local targets, and the dependent variable (DV) was the participant’s reaction times.

The participants used in the study were 97 undergraduate psychology students at Kingston University in London. There was a mixed range of ages with participants being between 18-47 years old. It was an opportunity sample, all the students that came to the class were asked if they wanted to take part in the study.

Computers were used in the study and participants had to complete the Navon task, a computer program that measures reaction times to the letters H or O at the global or local level.

At the start of the experiment, participants were given instructions on how to carry out the task on the computer. On each trial participants had to decide whether they could identify the letter `H` or `O` at the local or global level or not at all. Participants had to press a specific letter (B) or (N) on the key bored to give their response. Participants were instructed to press (B) if they could identify letters` H` or `N` or letters formed of `H` or `N`. They were also instructed to press the letter(N) if they could not identify the letters `H` or `N`.

Results

The mean reaction times at the local target level was 974.0 and the standard deviation was 239.530837. Mean reaction times at the global target level was 962.5 and the standard deviation was 262.04158. A paired sample means test was used to test for statistical significance t(96)=.91,p>.184. This indicates that the results obtained were non-significant and may have occurred due to chance.

• Local target Global target No target
• Mean Reaction times 974.0 962.5 1074.1
• Median Reaction times 924.8 894.7 1016.8
• Mode Reaction times 624.5 645.2 441.0

Discussion

The main purpose of the study was to test and compare reaction times to features at the global and local level. Which would allow us to compare our findings to those of Navon (1977)’s study. However, the results obtained in this study show that on average participants’ reactions at identifying features at the global or local level was not much different suggesting that results could be due to chance. Therefore the results obtained in this study are non-significant with the probability being greater than p>0.05. This means the findings of this study do not support the hypothesis that participants will show a global processing bias by correctly identifying global targets compared to correctly identifying local targets. Therefore we accept the null hypothesis.

This set of results could be due to extraneous variable affecting the results. For example, participant proximity to the computer screen at the time of the study could be influencing results. The distance between the participants and the screen could lead to people being able to identify local features faster than global features as the proximity make it easier to detect the local features.

According to Navon’s research participants should have been able to respond fastest to the features at the global level

One weakness of this study is the sample of participants being university students at one university is not representative of the general population and therefore the results lack generalisability. Another weakness of the study is the artificial laboratory settings in which the study was conducted suggesting that the study lacks mundane realism.

References

1. Gerlach, C., & Poirel, N. (2018). Navon’s classical paradigm concerning local and global processing relates systematically to visual object classification performance. Sci Rep, 8(1), 324.
2. Holt, N. (2012). Psychology: The science of mind and behavior (2nd ed.). London: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
3. Kimchi, R., & Steinberg, Robert J. (1992). The primacy of Wholistic Processing and Global/Local Paradigm: A Critical Review. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 24-38.
4. Navon, D. (2003). What does a compound letter tell the psychologist’s mind? Acta Psychologica,114(3), 273-309.
5. Navon, D. Forest before trees: The precedence of global features in visual perception. Cognitive Psychology 9, 353–383 (1977).

In the novels ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan, the theme of perception is crucial to the unfolding tragedies that occur. The novels are based on the perspectives of Briony and Nick, both of which demonstrate a foolish sense of immaturity at the beginning of their stories. As their stories progress, so do Briony and Nick’s ability to acknowledge hindsight. Hindsight is the understanding of an event, but only after it has happened – for both characters this could be considered a flaw. Briony’s lack of hindsight proves catastrophic and is something she lives the rest of her life ‘atoning’ for. Similarly, Nick lacks hindsight initially and by the end of the novel it is clear he wishes he had done things differently; for example, inviting Daisy to tea to reunite her with Gatsby. At the time, both characters in each novel thought they were acting appropriately – however little did he know they were sowing the seed for disaster. As a result, the concept of truth is in the air in both novels as it is not until the end of each that both narrators (Nick and Briony) admit that in hindsight their perception on events has changed. Therefore, in both novels perception do change with hindsight.

Narrator and reliability

The perception of Briony and Nick change with hindsight when we explore the narrator’s reliability in each novel.

In the ‘Atonement’ it is apparent from the beginning, that the story is told in 3rd person giving an omniscient perspective throughout the story “Even without their attention and praise and obvious pleasure, Briony could not have been held back from her writing. In any case, she was discovering, as had many writers before her, that not all recognition is helpful”. McEwan skillfully uses this line to detach Briony’s emotions from any viewpoint of other characters in the rest of the novel, which demonstrates a sense of reliability in Briony as a narrator. However, this complex construction of Briony as not only a narrator but also a character; criminal; and witness, proves to be difficult for us to trust her narrative as it is clear her version of events is what pushes the story onwards. Therefore, the complexity of Briony’s role throughout the novel can be confusing for us, as throughout the novel there is no clean-cut answer as to who is to blame for Robbie’s false accusation. Instead we are made to ask ourselves whether Briony’s guilt and crime can be ‘atoned’ for. This leads us to consider Briony’s reliability as a truthful narrator, as Barthes suggests in ‘The Death of the Author’ (1967) it is the reader who creates the meaning of the text, and so we as readers are given the task of deciding for ourselves who is to blame. Therefore, considering this, can we actually take her accounts on her crime and atonement as genuine, when she herself admits “But what really happened?”. The story ends with this thought, undermining the stories sense of justice as we never really know for sure what happened. Briony’s guilt and desire for ‘atonement’ comes across in a desperate manner here as she reveals “I’m too old, too frightened, too much in love with the shred of life I have remaining”. This triplet with the repetition of “too” highlights Briony’s desperation for forgiveness whilst the alliteration of ‘t’ helps to convey her dying wish as she rushes against time to share her lifelong crime. In her elderly years it is clear through Briony’s want to share and ‘atone’ for her crime that she with hindsight changes her perspective on her whole view of life.

In comparison ‘The Great Gatsby’ is narrated in first person by Nick Carraway, who is portrayed as the perfect narrator “inclined to reserve all judgements”. Nick is presented to us as a character who is tolerant to others, openminded and a good listener – the perfect person for establishing an honest perspective in the novel. His different origins to others in the novel give him an outsider’s stance on the happenings in the novel, and so he brings a real sense of moral and reality to the novel. Nick acts as a mediator for us between the fantasy and reality of East and West Egg. For example, Myrtle Wilson tries to portray herself as something she is not and Nick instantly picks up on this; “spotted dress of dark blue crepe-de-chine… contained no beauty”. Fitzgerald uses Nick’s well-to-do background to point out Myrtle’s artificial boldness both in appearance and personality. The “spotted” pattern of the dress and boldness of the “dark blue” create animal imagery as they remind us of a predatory animal that uses bright colours to attract other animals and ultimately catch them – this mirrors how Myrtle has managed to catch Tom’s eye through her colours. However, it is clear Nick he does not fall into the same trap Tom did as he points out Myrtle’s “costume” change into “an elaborate afternoon dress of cream-coloured chiffon, which gave out a continuous rustle”. Myrtle lives in her own fantasy in which she pretends to be wealthy, this is demonstrated through her “chiffon dress” which is typically a material used in the flapper dresses of the 1920s – Myrtle tries to embody the persona of a “new woman” and to be the same status of Tom, but this is all just a big act of fakery. Her desire to be viewed as someone from a wealthier class is prominent in her attempt at glamour and social etiquette “rustle” and “high mincing shout”. The image Nick paints for us is clumsy and awkward, and so we find ourselves cringing at the sight of Myrtle along with him. Myrtle’s persona contrasts completely with Daisy’s elegance and beauty and so Nick’s narrative reflects this confusion. However, as the novel progresses, we discover that Daisy is not the innocent lady she is made out to be and so with that, Nick’s perception on Daisy changes with hindsight.

Class and money

Both novels are set in patriarchal periods of time when class and money was considered more important than a person’s personality or abilities, thus reflecting how characters in both novels are treated. This is significant when considering how Briony and Nick’s perceptions have been tainted by their status and wealth. Both authors make a conscious effort of differentiating between ‘old money’ and ‘new money’, this is emphasised through the tension that is described when people from different classes and economic backgrounds meet. Traditionally ‘old money’ was passed down generations, whereas ‘new money’ was earned by hard working, driven individuals – as a result ‘old money’ was considered more prestigious. In both novels this attitude is demonstrated.

In the ‘Atonement’ Paul Marshall makes his fortune from manufacturing confectionary, in the well to do society of the 1930s this ‘new money’ would have been seen as vulgar. This societal norm is demonstrated through Robbie as he mocks Paul’s business by calling him “The chocolate Millionaire”. McEwan uses this metaphorical language to perhaps convey Marshal in a comical manner or more importantly to hint at his artificial persona – just like his fake chocolate. Marshall having not come from the middle-upper class like the Tallises, is not taken seriously – this is ironic as Robbie is of a low class in the novel and so a hint of competition and jealously is conveyed between the classes. As this encounter is described through the eyes of adult Briony it is true that she too, despite being only an adolescent, conveys to us that she let her perspective fall short to the narrowminded societal views of the 1930s.

McEwan shows the affect that Cecilia’s stuck up snobbery upper class behavior has on Briony’s perception in the novel. Wealth is metaphorically described, “blossoming need for a cigarette” (pg 18). The cigarette acts as a metaphor for how addictive wealth is, especially for Cecilia who has returned to the safety of her family’s manor and money after not doing very well at university. It is clear that since returning home Cecilia has lacked any real ambition the whole summer and the adverb “blossoming” conveys this. It is suggested that she is more than capable to ‘blossom’ and make herself grow as a person, just like a ‘blossoming’ flower, but she chooses not to. Instead, she seems to just exist by floating aimlessly around the house smoking cigarettes and contemplating life. Briony looks to Cecilia as a role model because like her sister, she too spends the summer uselessly and rather pointlessly “slashing at nettles” in which the “middle leaves turned outwards like hands protesting innocence” (pg74). The personification of the nettles creates the image of a cross which helps to foreshadow Robbie’s plea of innocence later on in the novel when he is accused of raping Lola. However, it also mimics Briony’s state of mind, as it is obvious that Briony is frustrated and yearns for attention just like the protesting nettle. It is this urge for attention that ends in disaster for all characters and is something adult Briony based on hindsight regrets.

This is something that with hindsight in her older years she regrets and Briony’s perception on class has changed.

Fitzgerald using class and wealth also highlights how perception changes with hindsight, with Nick’s view on Daisy Buchamann. Daisy is a character obsessed with wealth; she is dressed “in white” with her clothes “rippling and fluttering”. Through use of wealth Fitzgerald seems to elevate Daisy as someone of elegance and beauty in the mind of Nick. Despite Nick claiming to not judge people, he immediately makes a judgment before he even interacts with Daisy – that she is delicate and beautiful. The colour imagery used helps to portray Daisy as pure and innocent, along with the decorative adverbs, “rippling” and “fluttering” she comes across as enchanting – exactly how Nick initially views her. But we soon learn this is condescending, and that Nick has been tricked by the façade of wealth and social class as Daisy turns out to be extremely self-centered. Fitzgerald cleverly hints at this artificial element to Daisy through her name “Daisy Fay”. At first, we make an instant association with the white flower of a Daisy which conventionally holds connotations of purity and innocence, just like how Nick and we first perceive her. But the imagery of a daisy presents her to appear like a dainty, pretty daisy (like the petals), however inside is rooted in money and security (just like the gold center of a daisy). Looking more carefully into her name, her middle name ‘Fay’ originates from Irish roots meaning ‘fairy’ this symbolically represents her magical voice, enchanting personality, and Gatsby’s faith in her. But also highlights her fake façade as like a fairy, the persona she displays to others is fantastical – her perfect ‘American dream’ is non-existent. We soon discover that Daisy, despite having material wealth does not possess spiritual wealth. Therefore, Nick’s perception of Daisy has changed by the end of chapter one, proving that perception does change with hindsight.

Concept of truth

In both novels perception also changes with hindsight with the concept of truth for our narrators. In ‘The Great Gatsby’ the concept of truth is a warped by the corruptness of other character’s in the novel. Firstly, we see Nick’s perception of the American dream altered when he first arrives at the Buchamann’s mansion. He quickly jumps to the conclusion that they have achieved their American Dream; wealth; a perfect little girl; an enormous home and a high status in society. But once again this I just another façade. In reality Tom and Daisy’s marriage is not one of mutual love. Tom’s affair with Myrtle makes us clear of this “Tom’s got some woman in New Yok”. Nick’s shock at this dire truth is expressed through the adverb “blankly” – for the first time Nick gets an insight into what the American Dream is actually like – Cyril Ghosh states “the American Dream is a contested concept that does not lend itself easy to definitions”. This couldn’t be clearer with the corruption in the Buchamann’s high society lifestyle. This is furthered when Daisy flaunts her daughter like an object to visitors “that’s because your mother wanted to show you off”. Daisy treats Palmy like she is just another materialistic possession that she can show off to others, this is emphasised through her dismissive nature towards Palmy, ignoring her daughter all together “Where’s Daddy?”. This instance in the novel shows Daisy and her American Dream lifestyle off to be a negative one, it is clear that Daisy lacks the maternal qualities to be a sufficient mother. As a result, it is obvious her perception of reality differs vastly to Nicks, showing that with the American dream comes warped perceptions on how life should be lived. With this, Nick’s perception that the American dream exists starts to slowly diminish as the novel progresses.

The cyclical structure of Gatsby helps to convey how much Nick’s perception of truth has changed since the beginning of the novel when he is reminded by his father that “not everyone has had the start in life that you have had”. Nick enters the novel with a fair approach to how people should be viewed, however as the book continues it is evident that in the real world, people lack this sensitivity and understanding that Nick possesses. Nick admits that “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” in which Fitzgerald makes reference to Gatsby’s yearning for achieving his dream and building a future with Daisy. With this use light symbolism Fitzgerlad presents the idea that humanity struggle to move towards the future due to our attachment with the past. The green light symbolising hope and independence also draws to mind the image of the green land of America representing Daisy’s dock and Gatsby’s dream. When America was founded it tried to distance itself from the class system, just like Gatsby tires to make a life out of ‘new money’ – but the novel shows that the class structure still exists and is the failing or making of a person in the 1920s. Nick suggests that Gatsby had failed to realise that is dream was already unattainable because of the unfair class barrier that stood in his way. Fitzgerlad also refers to Gatsby’s green light representing sexual climax ‘orgastic future’ that all Americans are yearning for is their optimum dream of fulfillment, but this is unachievable. Nick’s perceptive on the truth of the American Dream therefore changes with hindsight by the end of the novel.

In the Atonement the concept of truth also changes Briony’s perception with hindsight. The subjective nature of truth is conveyed in the novel through the shifting narrative perspectives. For example, there are three narrative viewpoints of the fountain scene which establish truth to be multi-faced and complicated, as the truths of three characters differ immensely. Cecilia’s angry, frustrated exclamatory language “You idiot!” juxtaposes entirely to the innocent, pleasant “proprosal of marriage” that Briony believes she is witnessing from the window.

Circles are better than squares. This is a fact, not a statement. Through research, the concept that circles are superior to squares has been proven. The circle found throughout the domain of the human experience. Whether it be nature, architecture, religion, design or spirituality, circles are a key part of human civilisation and obviously the greatest shape of all time.

What are the reasons for why circles are so much greater than squares? There are several reasons for the superiority that circles have over squares ranging from cognitive and perspective to physiological to psychological impacts.

When it comes to the cognitive and perspective side of the debate over the better shape, the circle is clearly the superior contender. Countless studies confirm this statement, through testing eye tracking (more visually pleasing), impact on the brain and emotion, as well as physiological and psychological impacts.

An in-depth eye-tracking test on young infants discovered that humans already show a visual preference for circles over squares. This research explains a connection that humans are born with a connection towards the circle as it is a more visually pleasing and peaceful shape.

Swedish psychologist Helge Lundholm in 1921 held a study based on the human perception of different types of lines. The participants of the test were asked to describe the emotions that they felt after viewing different types of lines and how it affected their mood. Angular lines were described as harsh, hard and cruel, while curved lines were described as gentle, quiet and mild. For this reason, circles are known to be more visually pleasing and have a positive impact on the human brain compared to the negative impact of the squares. Countless studies following Lundholm’s findings were performed to test the theory and connection between emotions with different shapes and lines. Several studies including typography, the study of writing and font design, as well as studies that utilized certain brain mapping technology, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), enabled scientists to verify Lundholm’s testament/ theory of the connection.

The fMRI found that part of the brain, the amygdala, was stimulated more whilst processing the information of straight lines than it was processing curved lines. The function of the amygdala is to release stimuli such as; anxiety, fear, and aggressiveness.

Lundholm’s (1921) scientific study confirms the psychological concept that the majority of humans are more attracted to a circle or curved lines and describe the shape as the following; sprightly, sparking, dreamy, soaring, light, safe, gentle, pleasant, graceful, dreamy, and even beautiful shape that evokes calmness, peacefulness, and relaxation.

Swiss mathematician and physicist Jurg Nonni, author of ‘Visual Perception’, suggests that removing edges allows us to more quickly perceive an object. In the study, it was disclosed that circles are easier to process than squares, therefore, increasing our ability to memorise important information. The eye is drawn to circles and the information contained within, they are faster and easier for the brain to process than hard-edged squares and rectangles.

Not only are their countless psychological studies that prove circles are better than squares, but there is also physiological reasoning as well. The human eye is a circular overly complex perceptive organ that humans use to view the world. More than half of our brain is used to process visual perception. The eye is made up of spherical orbs with several circular elements inside, such as the iris and pupil. These elements filter light into the retina for the brain to process enabling us to see. Due to the spherical shape of these elements, there is a natural circular structure for our visual field. This geometrical factor of the human’s process of visualising the world is a strong explanation for the obvious connection that humans have with circles. This biological evidence further reinforces the fact that circles are superior to squares.

Circles are around us in everyday life. They are one of the most fascinating mathematical shapes due to their structure and the history behind how we understand the shape. Not only are they mathematically important, but they also play a huge role in the history of mankind. Over the past 4,000 years, circles have been used in cultures all over the world as a religious tool. One of the most famous historical construction is Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. This circular structure was used as a spiritual site and is suggested to be arranged as an astronomical observatory and had a scientific relation to the sun and its orbit. For instance, in ancient Greek culture, the circle was thought of as the perfect shape due to its symmetry and balance in nature. Greek mathematicians where some of the first people to become interested in circles’ geometrical properties. One of the most revolutionary geometric concepts during the Greek Mathematical times was ‘Squaring the circle’. The concept was to create a square using the same area as a circle. This concept was never solved as it was proven to be impossible in 1882 due to the geometrical construction. This would enthuse future mathematicians to pursue the quest to find answers around the mystical shape.

Due to the circle being omnipresent in nature, there are several advanced theories and difficult concepts that involve the main principals of circular geometry crafted through history.

In conclusion, circles are better than squares. The vast amount of evidence that suggests this statement subjugates is impossible to ignore.

Tattoos have been around for a long time. They are a form of individual, cultural, and artistic expression. Recently, there has been a large disconnect with tattoo culture. Many negatively perceive individuals with tattoos because they have learned and carried on adverse stereotypes. The researchers wanted to observe the changes in perception when an individual has tattoos. Does people’s perceptions of an individual change depending on the amount of tattoos on the individual? The researchers hypothesized that (H1) participants will have a negative perception upon individuals that are heavily tattooed. Along with that, (H2) participants will have a positive perception upon individuals that have fewer tattoos. Additionally, (H3) participants with no tattoos will have a negative view upon those with tattoos. In regards to being heavily tattooed, that is defined as having tattoos that cover 50% of the body and are visible. Having fewer tattoos is defined as having tattoos that cover 25% of body and are either visible or not visible. The researchers established the independent variable (IV) to be the amount of tattoos on the individual and the dependent variable (DV) to be the perception of the individual.

Theoretical Development: Social Stigma (teach more about theory)

Erving Goffman was a Canadian-born social psychologist and was considered a very influential man. He made a lot of advances in the study of human interaction. He created many concepts that have had a major influence in sociology and psychology fields. He especially studied and contributed to concepts in social psychology and how individuals interact within a community.

Social stigmas, according to Goffman are “a situation of [an] individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance” (Goffman, 1963). He explained that a stigma was outlined by 3 factors:” abominations of body, blemishes of character and tribal” (Goffman, 1963). These were also followed by the relevance of the situation, visibility, obtrusiveness and publicity. These factors would cause an individual to be rejected and feel undesirable. Being stigmatized could lead to psychological distress and could be a negative concept. There is such thing as a positive sigma in which Goffman describes it to be too rich or too smart. A stigma is made by stereotyping because it is discrimination based on perceivable characteristics.

This theory is relevant to the study because it provided an understanding of what the outcomes of the current study may be. The researchers have identified that individuals with tattoos may be at a higher risk of being “disqualified from full social acceptance” (Goffman, 1963). The researchers have hypothesized that the absence of tattoos on an individual will provide a positive effect and cause the individual to be more socially desirable. The theory of social stigma further explains why it is that tattoos may be viewed in a negative way.

Differences In Personality Attributions Toward Tattooed and Nontattooed Virtual Human Characters

Body modifications are very widespread, like tattoos, and although that is so, the researchers found that there was very scarce research that studied the perception of tattoos. In this study, researchers wanted to look at the characteristics that would be attributed with tattooed individuals. They hypothesized that that images of individuals with tattoos would have higher sensation-seeking scores, there would be low scores on boredom susceptibility, and that it would be likely they got perceived as having a higher number of previous sexual partners than non-tattooed characters. Their study was composed of 145 men and 133 women between the ages of 18-39. The researchers used convenience sampling at the University of Goettingen. Participants were asked to join a study in which they were dealing with the perception of attributes.

The study used 3 female and 3 male virtual human characters that were made on a software. The researchers found that the advantage in creating their own characters was that they did not vary so they did not have confounding variables. The participants were randomly shown one of the six characters and then had to rate them based on characteristics using Sensation Seeking Scale and Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI). The characters were rated for boredom susceptibility, disinhibition, experience seeking, and thrill and adventure seeking. The researchers found significance in their study. They found that tattooed characters were rated as less inhibited, but they were higher in sensation-seeking, and also having more sexual partners.

The researchers found that the generalizability of this study is very limited in the sense that they were using virtual characters that they could heavily manipulate. The reality of finding similar results in the real world would vary because they would have confounding variables. The results provide guidelines for future researcher to build on the study and explore the topic further.

These findings are related to the current study because of the exploration of individuals with tattoos. This research looked at the different characteristics that are perceived when tattoos are present on an individual. The data correlated specific characteristics with tattoos and that data would be useful for future studies.

Perceptions Of Visible Tattoos and Piercings In The Service Industry

This study looked at three different points to gather numerous perceptions. The researcher analyzed managers, everyday customers at establishments such as hotels and airlines and visibly tattooed or pierced professionals. The researcher used qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data.

With the managers, the researcher interviewed 12 of them between the ages of 26-55. The researcher gave the managers various pictures and resumes of fictitious individuals with and without tattoos that had plenty of experience in the field. Then there was an interview with the manager to see what perceptions the managers had and if there were any bias.

Next, the researcher interviewed professionals that had been working in the field for a long time that had tattoos. They interviewed 8 professionals with the ages between 23-44. This interview was done to understand the perceptions of them in the working field.

The last part of the study was a survey that was conducted through a link that was posted on Facebook and consisted of 21 questions. The researcher had it advertised to three different facebook groups: foreigners in Vienna, ex-Emirates airlines crew, Modul University Vienna community/ M.B.A group. There were 188 participants.

The results showed that many of the managers did notice the tattoos and made a comment about covering the tattoo up and one even went on to say that the individual was not up to their “grooming standards”. The professionals that were interviewed generally stated that they had positive feedback in their own interviews to get their current positions but that they did feel that there was still a very large stigma towards the tattoos that they had. Some even expressed that they felt regret with tattoos and would cover them up. The survey showed that in general the participants did not feel neither positive or negative toward people with tattoos.

Some limitations the researcher ran into was realizing that the questions they had for the interviews were not formed well enough to gather enough data. Therefore, the interviews would steer off into a tangent about body art and other related topics that were not directly related to the study. Another limitation was that in the survey there were no essay responses to understand why the participant chose their answer. The researcher would have liked to get an explanation on some of the questions.

This research relates to the current study because of the data collected on the perception of individuals with tattoos. The findings were insightful for the researchers because it was a current study that shows that there was a shift in perception that not everyone viewed tattoos as negative.

Criminal stereotypes in the courtroom: Facial tattoos affect guilt and punishment differently

Perceptions and judgements are made rapidly. In this study, the researchers were looking at factual tattoos and the stereotypes of criminal activity and judgements. They hypothesized that “an activated criminal stereotype would reduce doubt about whether the defendant actually committed the crime” ( Funk &Todorov, 2013). They defined criminal stereotype as criminal appearance and the likelihood of committing the crime again.

The researchers used a picture of two different men in which they said one had a more “trustworthy” face. They manipulated the picture by either having a tattoo on their face or not. They recruited 286 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants. The participants were asked to imagine they were in a court hearing and then shown the picture of either the untrustworthy/trustworthy man with or without a facial tattoo. They were then asked to read a scenario and rate how likely the man was guilty and if he would likely commit the crime in the future. The participants were also asked if they had their own tattoo.

The results showed that there was criminal stereotyping involved and that the tattoo offender would be more likely to commit the crime again. They did not find that the untrustworthy or trustworthy individuals made a difference in the study. One of the limitations was that the researchers would have liked to know how severely the participant would have punished the offender for their crime.

This study relates to what is being researched because it showed that appearance matters. The researchers would present pictures in their current study therefore this study showed that the current study should have looked at how they would present their individual.

Introduction/Rationale

It is well established that the effective utilization of human resources is a key element in the management of any custodial institution. The manner in which prison staff are recruited, trained and rewarded, as well as their sports and recreation activities, will have a major impact on their health, the manner in which they conduct their duties, as well as the commitment and professionalism they bring to their work [IDD],n.d)

Sports and leisure activities of convicts had been a topic of interest to many of the researchers worldwide, but the Sports and leisure activities of the Correctional officials who form the back bone of the Correctional service system remains yet to be deeply researched upon. [IDD], n.d)

Maldives correctional Service was formed in the year 2013 by the then President H.E.Abdulla Yameen Abdulla Gayyoom under the Prisons and Parole Act 14/2013.The responsibilities mandated to Maldives correctional Services are as follows.

• To operate the Maldivian prison System according to solid procedures
• To build a safe and secure prison environment for offenders
• To provide trainings to offenders in order to teach them various skills
• To help offenders to reform and encourage them to return to the society as a worthy citizen after being released from the custody
• To compile procedures to serving sentences as per the court ruling
• To compile procedures and arrange detention caters for offenders or persons remanded to appear in court in future or held in custody for the duration of an investigation of an institution with authority.

(2017 – Prisons at Maafushi, Asseryi and Male, detention centre at Hulhumale and Ahuluveri Marukazu rehabilitation centre for those scheduled for parole are Maldives Correctional Service institutions; pre-trial detention centre at Dhoonidhoo and custodial centre at Male are Maldives Police Service institutions.)

Prison Recreation Club is a Non-Governmental Organization registered in the year 2017 in the Republic of Maldives. The aim is to organize and host sports, recreational and social activities for the Officials of the Maldives Correctional Service. The six Prisons in which the Prison Recreation Club is functioning are Maafushi prison, ESG, Male’ prison, Head office, Hulhumale prison and Asseyri prison.

Literature Review

Like culture and art, recreation, leisure and sports activities play an important role in communities. Their many benefits include improving the health and well-being of individuals, contributing to the empowerment of individuals, and promoting the development of inclusive communities (Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., 2010.)

The types of recreation, leisure and sports activities people participate in vary greatly depending on local context, and tend to reflect the social systems and cultural values. (Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., 2010.)

The idea of creating facilities to improve the health and recreation of prison employees was present almost since the Interwar period in Poland. One of the first mutual initiatives of prison staff was the institution “Our House”, which in 1927 was renamed the Construction Committee of Health and Medical Resort Houses (Rejzner. A, Kultura f , polskim 1931)

There is no doubt that numerous attempts were undertaken to initiate and conduct sports and recreational club activities for prison staff, as it has been reflected by the examples. But in most cases they did not reach a wide spectrum, just remaining as local projects. (Rejzner. A, Kultura f, polskim 1931).

In order to understand the factors that affect the implementation of the Sports and Recreation activities of Prison Recreation Club, this topic was selected for research.

Objectives

1. To find out the geographical factors that affect the functioning of Prison Recreation Club
2. To find out if shortage of funds is a factor that affect the functioning of the club.
3. To find out the support systems for the Club from within the country
4. To find out other factors that restrict the functioning of the club
5. To find out the possible solutions for the problems

How the information is collected

The Review of Literature was done through extensive analysis and critical assessments of various articles, Research studies and Reports available in the internet and also based on the reports of the Correctional service System, Maldives.

Research Strategy: Surveys, Focus group discussions will be the research strategies used in this study

Time Horizon for the study: This will be a cross sectional study

Research Instruments/Techniques and Procedures used; Primary Quantitative Data will be collected from the members of the club using structured questionnaires. Questionnaire will be prepared based on the analysis of literature reviewed. Questionnaire will be piloted, and based on the same questionnaire will be revised.

Secondary data for the study was collected from journals, websites, and research reports. Qualitative data for the study will be collected suing Focus Group Discussions.

Based on review of literature the conceptual frame work has been developed for this research. The unique geographical distribution of the Islands of Maldives has given the country a place in the Small Island Developing State (SIDS) classification of The United Nations. The SIDS classification came about with the recognition that a distinct group of countries faces specific economic, social, and environmental vulnerabilities due to their inherent characteristics. (Asian Development Bank Report, 2015). So this unique geographical feature could also be a factor that can affect the functioning of the Prison Recreation Club as it functions in four different Islands of Maldives and its tournaments also are conducted in different Islands. Reports of Asian Development Bank on Maldives reiterates the point that remoteness is also a disadvantage for domestic connectivity, due to high transport costs and limited accessibility to international and domestic markets. (Asian Development Bank, 2015). Another major factor identified from review of literature is that the sole finance for the functioning of the Prison staff clubs were from the contribution or subscriptions from the members which made restrictions in the club activities (Naukowe P, 2016). Research in other world countries shows that it is difficult to make a clearly positive assessment of the activities of prison employees in the field of recreation and sports. And that the Recreation and Sports clubs formed by Prison staff were not centrally directed, but they were appreciated, approved and supported by the Concerned Department heads. Hence that also has been identified as a factor that can affect the functioning of the club. These factors were hence identified as problems that could be identified by the Club members in the functioning of the Prison Recreation Club.

Key Terms

Factors: In this study, the term Factors includes geographical factors, financial factors, social support as well as other factors received or not received by the Prison Recreation Club

Perception: In this study the factors that are considered by the Prison Club members as affecting the functioning of the Club is considered as Perception.

Affecting; In this study, the factors that negatively affect the functioning of the Prison Recreation Club is assessed.

Research Methodology

Research Design: Descriptive Research Design in the form of Cross sectional study will be used for this research study as the research is preplanned and structured in design and hence the information collected can be statistically inferred on a population.

Purpose of Research

This study aims at identifying the problems in implementing the Sports and recreational activities of the Prison Recreation Club of The Republic of Maldives, as perceived by the members. The results will help not only to identify the problems but also to quantify the possible solutions as perceived by the members which can be presented for implementation to the higher authorities.

• Sampling Plan
• Population: Members of Prison Recreation Club from all the offices where the Club functions in The Republic of Maldives.
• Sampling frame : All Members of Prison Recreation Club from all the offices where the Club functions in The Republic Of Maldives
• Sampling unit : Each member of the Prison recreation Club of the sampling frame will be a sampling unit
• Sample Size: As the population size is 432 the sample size is calculated as 204 with a confidence interval of 95% and margin of error as 5%.

Sampling Design: Simple random sampling in which every member and set of members has an equal chance of being included in the sample will be used in this research study. In order to randomly select the samples, the names of all the members will be written on a piece of paper and depending on the sample size required, that many number of lots will be taken and those selected forms the sample for the study.

Research Procedure; After identifying the sample for the study and getting their consensus, the researcher will meet each respondent as per their convenience (in the office) and explain about the study and the questionnaire. And the questionnaire will handed over to them. The researcher’s phone number will also be given to them so as to clarify doubts if any that may arise while filling the questionnaire. The filled in questionnaire will be collected after two weeks. The received data will be coded for easy analysis. Focus Group Discussions will be conducted in order to get in-depth information about the topic of research.

Data Analysis & Interpretation: The univariate analysis using Measures of Central Tendency will be used for analyzing this study. Graphs and Figures will also be incorporated so as to exhibit data. A transcript of the discussion and a summary of the conclusions that can be drawn from the focus group discussions will form part of the research report.

Research reliability and validity

Inter rater reliability test will be done by assessing selected respondents by two different assessors and the extent of difference between the two assessment will be assessed.

Concurrent validity will be done wherein two groups of people will be tested at the same time.

References

1. IDD. Challenges to effective prison governance in South Africa. Retrieved from http://www.ldd.org.za/by-type/refereed-articles/117-articles-vol-10-1/326-challenges-to-effective-prison-governance-in-south-africa.html
2. Maldivian Correctional Service Retrieved from http://en.corrections.gov.mv/
3. ICPR. World Prison Brief Data. Retrieved from https://www.prisonstudies.org/country/maldives
4. Khasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., editors. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310968
5. Rejzner A, Kultura fizyczna w polskim… [Physical Culture in the Polish …], p. 17, “Przegląd Więziennictwa Polskiego” [“Overview of Polish Prisons”] 1931, No. 6, p. 3. 54 Renata URBAN most suitable working conditions, pay, protection in case of illness and inability to work. dlibra.bg.ajd.czest.pl:8080/Content/4052/4.pdf
6. Asian Development Bank Maldives: Overcoming the Challenges of a Small Island State Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Asian Development Bank, 2015. 1. Economic development 3. Maldives I. Asian Development Bank The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian https://www.adb.org/…/172704/maldives-overcoming-challenges-small-island-state.pdf.
7. Chapter 4 Understanding research philosophy and approaches to theory development business and management researchers do not agree about one best philosophy (Tsoukas andKnudsen 2003).
8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309102603_Understanding_research_philosophies…
9. NAUKOWE P, Akademii im,. Długosza J, Częstochowie K F (2016,). Recreational and Sports Activity of Prison System Employees in Poland in the Interwar Period., XV, nr 4, s. 51–68 . http://dx.doi.org/10.16926/kf.2016.15.31
10. Statistics How to. https://www.statisticshowto.datasciencecentral.com/probability-and-statistics/find-sample-size/
11. Say lord Org .Analysis of Survey Data. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_principles-of-sociological-inquiry-qualitative-and-quantitative-methods/s11-05-analysis-of-survey-data.html