Link between Media Exposure and Pervasive Discontent of One’s Physical Appearance: Analytical Essay

The link between media exposure and pervasive discontent of one’s physical appearance is something that has been long established (reference) in literature that covers a century. In the modern era we now live, technology has transformed the exhibition of ideals, opinions, and capacity of content for which young people can compare themselves. Arguably the biggest platform for a constantly growing library of images depicting idealised body-types is Instagram; with more than 500 million accounts active every day and more than 1 billion existing users (Instagram Internal Data, 2017). Recent surveys show that approximately 91% of women are dissatisfied with their bodies and roughly 80.7% of men speak in anxious prone about their bodies (Robertson, 2015; Cambell, 2012). With consideration of the combination of the shocking number of individuals conveying distain towards their physical appearance, and the growing population of image-comparison sites, one must deliberate this relationship as a prevalent social issue.

Contemporary media technologies encompass the Internet, and an array of social media avenues that allow for the rapid creation of sharing user-generated messages, as well as instantaneous communication with other users on a myriad of hand-held devices (Sunder and Limperos, 2013). Collectively, these technologies differ from the conventional mass media, which have been a focus of much research based on body-image. A key feature that distinguishes contemporary social media from conventional mass media is interactivity (Eveland, 2003). Users are sources, as well as receivers; sometimes virtually simultaneously. Secondly, by affording users of digital communicative technologies the capacity to shape, customise, and direct online interactions, contemporary media transforms formerly passive mass-media receivers into communicators. This enhances autonomy, self-efficacy and personal agency (Sunder et al, 2003). Thus, sites such as Instagram are immensely more personal than conventional mass-media.

An app like Instagram are available for viewing, content-creating, and editing at all times on mobile devices; allowing for exponentially more opportunities for social comparison and dysfunctional surveillance of pictures of body-types than were ever available before. Conventional mass-media is saturated with depictions of thin women (Holmstrom, 2004, p.210). These images have become so common place (and even lampooned) that they may not even exert the effects they once did. Social Media, with its emphasis on attractive peers, and not exclusively thin models, may lead to a host of potentially significant effects on BI-related attitudes. SM, unlike conventional media, also provides a virtual form of ‘fat talk’ conversation threads about one’s own and others eating and exercise habits, weight concerns, and ideal body-shapes; thus, serving to intensify the influence of appearance comparisons of BI dissatisfaction.

Particularly in the western world, social networking apps are heavily ingrained into modern society. The highest percentage of those who own and use smartphones are aged 18-24 (Neilson, 2016). Thence, for a young individual, who is likely to have a smart phone and access to an app as widespread as Instagram, not being a user is synonymous to isolating one’s self. Being a user of the free app means receiving constant updates from millions of users worldwide, exposure to a never-ending catalogue of personalised image-based content, and a barrage of competing ideals from the newly emerged influencers of Instagram. A recent survey found that 18-25 year-olds are twice as likely to take advice from social media influencers than they are friends and family when it comes to certain decisions (Forrester, 2019); which demonstrates the somewhat hypnotic nature of social media. Moreover, a growing literature suggests that social networking sites, like Instagram, have addictive properties (Ryan T, Chester A, and Reece J, 2014). Consequently, Instagram can impact the risk of negative schemas towards an individual’s comparable self-worth (Fardouly, Willburger and Vartanian 2017), while the addictive qualities of engaging the app create a potentially harmful cycle.

The extent of how being a user of Instagram impacts a young person’s perception of themselves and others can be dependent on the individual. Based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (Cash, 2002), the degree to which individuals are invested in their appearance depends greatly on the core self-schemas related to their appearance (Cash, Melnyk, and Hrabrosky, 2004; Marucs, 1977). More so, objectification theory proposes that self-objectification can lead to negative outcomes, such as body-shame and anxiety, which in turn can lead to depression, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1991). As Noll and Fredrickson (1998) describe, body self-consciousness and self-objectification occur solely because an individual is concerned with physical appearance, regardless of their level of satisfaction with their personal physical appearance. Both people who are satisfied or who are dissatisfied with their own body can experience feelings of self-objectification and self-consciousness, and the negative consequences of these feelings, simply by being concerned with appearance. Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) report that the internalisation of idealised images often result in many negative psychological effects.

Body-image is a multi-faced psychological experience of embodiment that encompasses evaluative thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviours related to one’s own physical appearance (Cash, 2004, p.1). These perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can be positive or negative in nature and effect many aspects of psychosocial well-being and quality of life (Bailey, Gammage, Van Ingen, and Ditor, 2015). The research dedicated to these effects recognise body-image dissatisfaction as an important public health concern; given the risks for association of numerous health behaviours. Among these behaviours are fasting, self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, and excessive exercise (Alleva, Martijn, Van Breukelen, Jensen, and Kaeros, 2015). According to social comparison theory (SCT), people have a drive to evaluate their progress within various aspects of their lives, and in the absence of objective standards, compare themselves to others to know where they stand (Festinger, 1954). Within this concept, humans have a drive to measure themselves, opinions, and status by comparing themselves to other individuals. The way this relates to BI dissatisfaction is through upward social comparison; which arises when individuals compare themselves to those they believe to be better than themselves (Lewallen and Behm-Morawitz, 2016). Regarding Instagram; the person perceived to be somewhat superior to the user could range from being a friend, to a social media influencer with millions of active followers. Whether the impacting content is an acquaintance or a celebrity, the flow of images can be manipulated by any user to create whichever perception they desire. Carefully selecting the most socially desirable image, displaying rose-tinted daily updates, and adding the touch of thought out captions to accompany said images can generate a seemingly idyllic catalogue of a person’s life; whether that representation is accurate or not. Studies of self-presentation within social networking sites such as Instagram have consistently found that users strategically manipulate their profiles in accordance with societal ideals of attractiveness (Haferkamp et al, 2012). This process does not even consider the added issue of the highly popular trend of airbrushing photos, and the validation and potentially pressure of a post’s reaction. Especially for a young person, this process contributes to learned behaviour and internalisation of physical epitomes (Ridgway and Clayton, 2016).

More on body image

With the subject of media impact, the question is the strength of the effect, and meta-analytic studies indicate the effects are small to modest; they likely operate in cohesion with individual differences in the internalisation of gender-related attributes (Levine and Chapman, 2011). Consistent with Strelan and Hargreave’s (2005) circle of objectification theory, the relationship may be bi-directional. Instagram’s focus on self-presentation may lead to more self-objectification because it offers people who already self-objectify further opportunity to present themselves as an image or persona to be observed. While there are a number of sociocultural factors that influence body image, including the previously mentioned topic of family and peers (Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999), it is contended that the most pervasive and influential are the mass media (Grabe et al., 2008, Groesz et al., 2001, Levine and Murnen, 2009, Thompson et al., 1999, Tiggemann, 2011, Want, 2009). The majority of individuals encounter media images of thin and attractive models and celebrities on a daily basis; across conventional media and apps such as Instagram. Meta-analyses of both experimental and correlational studies have concluded that there is a consistent and significant small-to-medium negative effect of thin ideal media exposure on women’s body image (Grabe et al., 2008, Groesz et al., 2001, Want, 2009). In addition, research has found that thin ideal media has a similar negative effect on a person’s mood (Bessenoff, 2006, Tiggemann and McGill, 2004, Tiggemann and Polivy, 2010, Tiggemann et al., 2009). However, the existing experimental research has primarily examined exposure to fashion models in magazines or television commercials. Although celebrities also feature heavily in contemporary media, as yet there has been little experimental research examining the effect of attractive celebrities on women’s mood and body image. Despite peers being the prime focus of Instagram, celebrities understandably dominate the most followed accounts (The Telegraph, 2016); where they share pictures of their personal and professional lives to fans. The combination of celebrity images with peer images, presented equally on the same platform, may result in users viewing celebrities more like their peers. This, in turn, creates the perception that the highly perfected body-type images presented are an achievable standard for anyone.

Careful literature reviews (Levine and Harrison, 2009; Grabe et al 2008) and meta-analyses of research (Groesz et all, 2002; Grabe et al, 2008) indicate that media portrayals of the thin-ideal exert an impact on BI concerns. Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory, the mass communication-focused cultivation model (Morgan et al, 2009) and the sociocultural perspective on BI (Thompson et al, 1999; Tiggemann, 2011) assign central importance to media emphasising that exposure to media messages can impart unrealistic images of physical ideals. Internalisation of these distorted images is of concern because it can lead to body dissatisfaction; a key predictor of disordered eating (Smolak and Thompson, 2009). Body image disturbances are a fundamental feature of eating disorders as conceptualized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth 2 edition text revision (DSM-IV-TR), as published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2000). If an individual already has symptoms, or the predisposition to being vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, the environment of catalogued body-ideals on Instagram can possibly be harmful. Body-image is a multidimensional concept, with cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects (Wertheim et al, 2009). Disturbance in body image appears to be a central factor in the development of eating disorders (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000). In recent years, body image and weight concerns have become increasingly apparent to the point of being considered normative, and the standards for socially desirable body-types within social media may be a major influence on both clinical and subclinical eating disorders (Berel & Irving, 1998).

A predominant concern among the vast literature covering the connection between body-image satisfaction, and the use of Instagram/ social media is the overwhelming exclusion of male participants or males in general. From one perspective, the dominant focus on female’s association with media and body-image is understandable. As a result of traditional gender role socialisation process, girls and women learn to self-objectify, internalising social emphasis on attending to outward appearance rather than inner qualities. They also come to assign more importance to physical appearance than do males, and are more attuned to appearance management to conform to stereotyped physical attractiveness ideals (Dion et al, 1990, Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997). Having said this, it could be perceived as outdated to think that males do not face these same issues; whether the proportion is completely equal or not. The media’s portrayal of the ideal body size and shape for both genders demonstrates change over the last century (Laurie, Sullivan, Davies, and Hill, 2006) and media exposure in a huge proportion of people’s daily lives illustrates how greatly our culture values the appearance of males and females (Wagenbach, 2004).

Although, there has been less of an interest in how the mass media can have negative effects on men, the idea has increased in the past three decades. Research illustrates that men who encounter a high volume of exposure to the media have decreased self-esteem (Muris, Meesters, Van De Blom e al., 2005) and decreased body satisfaction (Agliata and Tantleff-Dunn, 2004). In a study comparing male and female body-image and experience of eating disorders, 472 participants (337 females, 135 males) were recruited from classes at a large south eastern metropolitan university, and asked to complete a series of surveys. The surveys included a muscularity attitudes questionnaire, The Eating Disorder Inventory, a physical appearance state and trait anxiety scale, and The Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire. The results showed that whilst participants believed that men can have just as low body image as women, if not less, some stereotypes still exist in regard to only women having body image issues. The apparent difference in dimensions of body-image experienced with males and females are the divergent desired physiques. Males within the literature admire and desire to have a muscular build, whilst a common theme among females in the western world is the desire to have a smaller body-fat percentage. Cafri, Strauss & Thompson (2002) reported that in their study, on average, males desired an additional 14.96 pounds of muscle mass. Muscularity dissatisfaction, a negative subjective evaluation of one’s body as it relates to muscularity and muscle tone, was associated with lower self-esteem, and lower life satisfaction (Bartlett et al., 2008). This study conducted two meta-analyses in order to determine the extent to which pressure from the mass media influenced men to conform to the muscular ideal. A total of 25 studies contributing 93 effect sizes were included in two meta-analyses, which revealed that exposure to the media was significantly related to males aged 12 to 23 feeling worse about their own bodies. Results from the two studies suggested that as men felt pressure from the mass media, they felt worse about their bodies. There is however some contrasting research, denoting that males are not influenced by the media as females are. For example, the sample of 51 men, with ages ranging from 18-64 years old, were shown 17 media images depicting males with a desirable body-image. The results showed no overall difference in level of confidence, muscle tone satisfaction or mood (Mulgrew et al., 2013). Having said this, the fact that the small sample had such a vast variance in age, and showing participants 17 images was the extent of experimentation, one may question the credibility of this literature. Moreover, the participants were exposed to media images from an Australian men’s health magazine. This dimension of media is marginally comparable to the higher concentration and variance of body-types displayed across Instagram.

Within the last decade, psychologists (e.g. Gough and Robertson, 2009; McCreary, 2012; Ricciardelli et al., 2007; Thompson and Cafri, 2007) and sociologists (e.g. Holliday and Cairnie, 2007; Monaghan, 2008) have become increasingly attentive to men’s body image and general male embodiment; largely due to the fact that the male body has become more visible in popular culture; producing interest in the effects of this increased visibility on men’s images of their bodies. As previously mentioned, there is a general consensus that the majority of men aspire to a muscular mesomorphic shape; characterized by average build with well-developed muscles on chest, arms, and shoulders, and slim waist and hips, rather than an ectomorphic (thin) or endomorphic (fat) build (e.g. Franko et al., 2015). Though similarly to the thin-ideal that is conversed among the literature of females, a similar focus on low body fat levels are a crucial part of the arguably ideal male physique, as it allows for more muscle visibility (Thompson, and Cafri, 2007). Although body dissatisfaction in women typically relates to the mindset of being overweight, body dissatisfaction in men generally relates to feeling either overweight or underweight. Averaging has the effect of combining men who believe they are either overweight or underweight compared to their ideal, so that on average they may appear to have no discrepancy between their ideal and current body (Drewnowski and Yee, 1987).

The current study does not create a picture of any specific body-type within the questions, nor does it focus on the idea of the desire to lose weight, rather if the individual has the desire to change their body, if they are satisfied with their body, and if they are actively seeking to make changes. This is a conscious decision when contemplating the existing literature that some may argue is inconsistent in the inclusivity of males and females; when considering the differing ideals. Marc Mishkind et al (1986) took this methodological problem into account when designing their study. The investigation found that when shown a similar set of silhouette drawings of male body types ranging from very thin to very fat, 75% of men stated that their ideal was discordant from their current body size. Interestingly, approximately half of participants ideally wanted to be bigger, and half wanted to be thinner than they were. In this respect, there is an significant difference between men and women on these silhouette tasks. Whilst females consistently pick a slimmer ideal than their current shape, males are equally likely to pick a thinner or a larger ideal. Wanting to be larger and wanting to be thinner both represent body dissatisfaction; but these differences between males are lost when researchers average across groups. Mishkind et al.’s data ultimately found that a significant proportion of men were dissatisfied with their body shape. The mythological issue among old and new research is the variance among desired body-type in males; more specifically, the concentration on the degree of muscularity of the target figures, rather than the size. Lynch and Zellner (1999) found that their sample of US male college students chose ideals that were significantly more muscular than their current shape, and that these men assumed that women preferred a significantly more muscular body than the men’s current size. The findings are interesting in showing that young men, on average, desire to be more muscular. However, their methodology did not enable men to indicate any interaction in preference between fat levels and desired muscularity.

The literature covering body-type and media is, as mentioned, focused on the experience of females. This is somewhat comprehensible when assessing the shocking findings. For example, one study, comprised of 203 teenage girls, had their BMI calculated, and were asked to indicate which of five categories (‘thin’, `slightly underweight’, `just right’, `slightly overweight’ or `fat’) they felt they belonged to. Secondly, each participant was then presented with a pictorial scale consisting of a series of seven-line drawings of the female figure, labelled from A-G, and ranging from extremely thin on the left, to obese on the right. In response to this scale, the sample was asked to specify which figure they considered to be most like them, which they considered the norm and finally, which figures they would most like to look like. The subsequent results concluded that a majority of participants believed themselves to be slightly overweight or obese, when in actuality, only 32% of the sample could be defined as this. Additionally, 54.1 % of the girls desired to have a thinner body shape, and 53.8% even wished for a body shape thinner than that which they perceived as normal (Champion and Furnham, 1999). Within Instagram, the top 8 out of 10 most followed Instagram accounts were thin, toned, and universally attractive female celebrities (with only two men in the category of the top 10). It can be assumed that the focus of beauty within Instagram is dominantly that of female influencers; which then adds to the comparison theory among female users on the app. The tripartite influence model (Keery et al., 2004) encompasses the idea that the internalisation of body ideals and appearance comparison (the two mediational mechanisms), influenced by three formative influences; peers, family, and media. All three of these influences are accessible to many through Instagram. In support, research has found that women report comparing more with their peers than with thin ideal media (Heinberg and Thompson, 1992, Wheeler and Miyake, 1992) and that these peer comparisons result in greater thoughts about dieting than comparisons to media (Leahey & Crowther, 2008). In reference to the discussion among literature of males and females, there is no intended debate as to which gender is more affected. The conclusion of this exploration is the validity and demonstrated necessity of involving both males and females in the current study.

For better understanding the influence of media on negative BI perception and subsequent negative health behaviours (e.g. disordered eating, substance abuse, and surgical fat reduction), it is essential to analyse the processes and examine how thin-ideal media use is associated with BI disturbance. Eating disorders are serious and often fatal illnesses; which is a worrying prospect, considering the associated risk factor of effected body-image. Moreover, body scheduling is of global relevance, given the abundant evidence showing that individuals suffer from body-dissatisfaction in numerous countries and regions across the world. From extensive review of the existing literature, the inclusion of both genders in research concerning body-image is very sparse, and much scholarly research is focused on impact of the thin-ideal (Wang, 2010). At present, the only large-scale experimental body image research to use Instagram images (Tiggemann & Zaccardo, 2015) found that exposure to fitspiration images leads to increased negative mood and body dissatisfaction in comparison to travel images. As illustrated across the prior review of literature, there is a vastly small percentage of studies that focus on Instagram, when investigating the effect of media. The present study seeks to offer more information on the potential effects of Instagram. The social significance of growing the literature on a dominant faction of contemporary media and the potential risks this widely used app may include is justifying of the indirect and direct costs of the project. Biometric image dissatisfaction is a problem that effects the individual and the general public across many regions (Perloff, 2014). Within the current study, the hypothesis is posed that there will be a relationship with time an individual spends using Instagram, and their results on the scale of body-image satisfaction. Moreover, it is hypothesised that the more time a participant claims to spend on Instagram, the higher their display of body-image dissatisfaction, compared to a participant that spends less time using the app.

Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool for Physical Appearance of the Product: Analytical Essay

Chapter 1. The problem and the review of related literature and studies

Clothing is one of the basic needs of human beings. It is essential because it covers the body, and serves as protection from the outside forces and it can also prevent physical harm caused by climate or the environment. Most people love to wear clothes that are fit to their body. Thus, it is better to wear clothes with accurate measurements in order to be comfortable and presentable. Measurements then are important to people.

In making such comfortable garments, measuring tools are important, especially to all dressmakers. They help them to get the right and accurate measurements of their customers whenever they are making pattern drafting.

According to Pascua (2015), different sewing equipment are used in constructing a garment. Being proficient in using this equipment will help individuals to take body measurements and draft a pattern with accuracy and speed. Also, using appropriate tools will help to save more time and will produce the best result.

CrochetN’ Crafts (2018) also said that to ensure a proper fit of the garment, proper measuring tools are essential in taking accurate measurements of the body and of the pattern. Taking accurate measurements is very important before cutting is done in order to avoid wasting and ruining the fabric.

Esparza (2015) states that one of the pattern-making problems are the wrong pattern proportions. People can’t find a garment that fits on them properly. It’s either because of its too big overall design or maybe the bust measurement of a dress is too small while the hip area is too big. As a result, it makes the garment not wearable due to the wrongly used of pattern proportions. So indeed, tools are very essential, especially in pattern drafting.

There are different kinds of measuring tools in dressmaking such as tape measure, ruler, sewing gauge and yardstick (Gaddis, 2012).

Aside from this, French curve, Hip curve and L-square are also essential tools in dressmaking especially when doing pattern drafting. The “L” square is known for being the primary pattern-making rulers. This will help you to create accurate 90° angles and straight edges. It also measures, rules, and squares simultaneously. The one that helps you to shape the hip line, hem and lapels is the hip curve. Lastly, the tool that is essential for accurate shaping of armholes, necklines, and collars is the French Curve ( Isn’t that Sew, LLC, 2018).

In addition, Reynolds (2015) states that the body is built with an abundance of curves, that is why typical straight rulers often can’t make the job done right. Thus, French curve and Hip curve are curved rulers that can be used for both pattern drafting and fitting adjustments around the curvy parts of the body.

The common problem for usual measuring tools is their heaviness. Mostly tools are made of metal. Metal is hard at room temperature so they are strong enough and will not easily be broken. But because of their high densities, it makes them heavy and hard to carry every time you will use them. Next, in using different individual tool, time is really being maximized. It consumes much time because dressmakers in particular, have to look for this tool and then set aside, then get the other one.

Thus, the researchers aim to make convertible measuring tool that contains the three tools in one package. These tools, L – square, hip curve and French curve are made of wood. The researchers prefer to use wood in forming this convertible three-in-one tool because of its tested effectiveness of being durable, structurally form and efficient to build with.

Furthermore, this product is more convenient when doing the pattern drafting. It can be used effectively in such a way that it reduces inconvenience. It also gives a hassle free motion and feeling because it could be fit in small space and would not occupy large spaces unlike other tools. Plus, it could be brought everywhere because of its ready to go form. This three-in-one tool will help dressmakers to be effective and efficient.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of the study is shown in figure 1 below.

(Three-in-One Convertible Measuring Tool) (Mark the needed measurements. Cut the desired shape. Burnish the tool. Fix the joints. Cut the L – square and hip curve then attach it by the used of hinge. Burnish the finish product. Polish the tool. Mark the measurements. Polish it again) (Materials:

Wood

Ink

Papel

de

Liha

Varnish

Hinge

Screws

Nails

Wing and washer

Tools:

Metric Tape

Gremill

Saw

Hammer

Single – blade Knife

L –square angle

Brush) Input Process Output

3.2 functionality

Figure 1. The paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 shows the Input-Process-Output of the study. For the input, the figure indicates the materials and tools needed in developing the product. The process shows the procedures in making the product. The output of the study is the Three – in – One Convertible Measuring Tool which is expected to have results on characteristics, level of acceptability and test results.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to develop a three-in-one convertible measuring tool to provide a convenient, handy and affordable measuring tool.

Specifically, the study is intended to answer the following questions:

  1. How may the three-in-one convertible measuring tool be described in terms of:
    1. physical appearance;
    2. materials used; and
    3. 1.3 cost?
  2. 2. How is the three-in-one convertible measuring tool tested in terms of durability?
  3. 3. What is the general acceptability of the three-in-one convertible measuring tool in terms of:
    1. physical appearance; and
    2. functionality?

Significance of the Study

The product would be important to dressmakers, entrepreneurs, tailoring industry, and future researchers.

Dressmakers. The product would be important to the dressmakers because they can have a product that would help them on their work and reduce inconvenience when using it.

Entrepreneurs. They would find the result of the study important because they can adopt the process of doing a new kind of measuring tool. Also, this study will attract entrepreneurs to sell a product that provides a total package of measuring tools.

Tailoring Industry. They would find the result of the study important because of the prospective consumers. Also, they can supply tools in other companies.

Future Researchers. The findings of the study might be used as a reference. Also, they can use it for further study and improvement of the three-in-one convertible measuring tool.

Scope and Limitation

This study aims to develop a three-in-one convertible measuring tool to provide a convenient, handy and affordable measuring tool.

The focus of the study is on the process of producing a new measuring tool. The product is described in terms of physical appearance, materials used, and cost. Also, the product will be tested in terms of durability by experts and possible consumers or users.

The product will only be converted into three measuring tools such as L- square, Hip curve, and French curve. It will not be converted to other kinds of a measuring tool such as ruler, tape measures, yardsticks and seam gauge. Also, the product only focuses on producing a new kind of measuring tool which is durable and convenient. Such limitations are done due to limited time and resources.

Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarity and better understanding of this study, the following terms are conceptually and operationally defined:

Accurate – free from error especially as the result of care and conforming exactly to truth or to a standard (Merriam Webster, 2018).

Convertible – capable of being converted or having a folding top, as an automobile or pleasure boat (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2018). In this study, it is the ability of the product to change in form.

Durable – able to last a long time without being damaged (Cambridge University Press, 2018).In this study, it is the capacity of the product to continue indefinitely.

Efficient – refers to utilizing a particular commodity or product with the least waste of resources or effort (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2018). In this study, it is the potential of the product.

Inconvenience – something that causes trouble or difficulty and is annoying but not serious, or the condition of being in such an annoying situation (Cambridge University Press, 2018). In this study, it is the common problem of the dressmakers.

Measurements – the act or process of measuring and a figure, extent, or amount obtained by measuring (Merriam-Webster, 2018).

Three-in-one – refers to combining three items or functions in a single unit ( Dictionary.com, 2017). In this study, it is the result when the three tools specifically L – square, Hip curve and French curve, are combined.

Wood – the hard fibrous substance consisting basically of xylem that makes up the greater part of the stems, branches, and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark and is found to a limited extent in herbaceous plants (Merriam Webster, 2018). In this study, it is the material to be used in making the product.

Chapter 2. Research methodology

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, respondents and sampling technique, data gathering procedure, data analysis and product development.

Research Design

The design of the study is Qualitative and Descriptive in nature. It will employ a combination of qualitative and descriptive type of research.

According to Bhat (2018), Qualitative research is a market research method wherein it focuses on obtaining data through open–ended and conversational communication. In this method, the researchers need to understand the perception of the target audience to a particular topic.

Koh and Owen (2017) state that the most common method of descriptive research is the survey, which includes questionnaires, personal interviews, phone surveys, and normative surveys. Its value is based on the premise that problems can be solved and practices improved through observation, analysis, and description.

Research Locale

The development of the Three-In-One Convertible Measuring Tool will be conducted at San Fernando, Pampanga where there are dressmakers who could help assess and improve the product.

Sampling Technique

The study will use purposive sampling or also known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling. According to Crossman (2018), Purposive sampling is a nonprobability sample that can be very useful in situations when you need to reach a targeted sample quickly. It is based on the characteristics of a population and the objective of the study.

In this sampling, The researchers will rely on their own judgment when choosing members of the population to participate in the study. They will only serve limited numbers of people as primary data sources due to the nature of the research design and aims and objectives.

Research Participants

The participants of the study are ten dressmakers in Sasmuan Pampanga. These are the chosen participants because they are capable and they are an expert in using this kind of tool.

Research Instrument

The research instrument that will be used in conducting the study are semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires. The questionnaire is composed of three parts: the physical appearance of the product, the durability of the product and the functionality.

The researchers will also interview some of their participants in order to supplement the data needed in improving the product during the development phase of the product.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will conduct product evaluations. The survey questionnaires will be evaluated by experts in the field before they will be given to the participants. Some of the participants will be interviewed, wherein their answers will be considered for the improvement of the product. The collected data will be interpreted and analyzed by the researchers.

Data Analysis

The research data will be classified, organized, and arranged. These will be treated with the use of frequency distribution, percentage and weighted mean. Likert scale with verbal description will be used to interpret the weighted mean.

Table Interpretation for weighted mean

Product Development

Phase I Planning Phase

The planning phase includes the process of producing a three-in-one convertible measuring tool. A tool that is convenient when doing pattern drafting.

Phase II Designing Phase

Phase III Developing Phase

Chapter 3. Results and discussions

This chapter present the results of the study entitled ‘Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool’ proceeded by a discussion. Discussion follows the sequence of objectives set in Chapter 1.

  1. Physical Appearance
  2. Materials used

The materials used by the researchers in making the three–in–one convertible measuring tools are wood, ink, papel de liha, varnish, screw and hinge. The tools that used are metric tape, gremill, saw, hammer, single–blade knife and L – square.

  1. Cost

Table 2 shows the assessment of the respondents regarding the durability of the product. Results reveal that the joints of the product are properly fixed; the markings will not easily fade; and the wood used is efficient to build with as indicated by the weighted means of 4.90, 4.80, and 5.00 respectively. Generally, the durability of the product is said to be excellent with grand weighted mean of 4.90. As the respondents commented:

“Matibay ito kasi wood yung ginamit niyo especially first class na wood yung ginamit.” (P10)

“Matibay kasi makapal.” (P2)

Based on the comments of the participants regarding the durability of the product, it is tend to be excellent.

3.1 Respondents’ Description of the Product in terms of its Physical Appearance

Table 1 presents the respondents’ description of the product in terms of its physical appearance. It can be observed on the table that the product is smooth, satisfying, and has enough amount of weight with weighted means of 4.70, 4.80, and 4.90. In general, the respondents described the Physical appearance of the Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool to be excellent with a grand weighted mean 4.80. This means that the respondents love the appearance of the product as they stated:

“Maganda siya. Accurate yung mga measurement and it is smooth.” (P1)

“Okay lang yung texture niya and mukha siyang hard pero kapag hinawakan mo very light lang pala siya.” (P5)

As regards to the result of the survey, the participants strongly agreed that the product is excellent in terms of its physical appearance.

3.2 Respondents’ Description of the Product in terms of its Functionality

Table 3 indicates the respondents’ description on the product in terms of its functionality. The computed weighted means of 4.60, 4.90, and 4.80 respectively indicate that the product is excellent. This means that the product is easy to use, can lie flatly and converts easily. The Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool is thus excellent in terms of its functionality with a general weighted mean of 4.77. As supported by the respondents’ statements:

“Okay lang siya para sa akin kasi nadito na lahat.” (P1)

“ Maganda siya kasi kakaiba, it consist three measuring tool na agad.’ (P10)

Based on the responses of the participants, the three–in–one convertible measuring tool is excellent regarding on its functionality.

Chapter 4. Summary, conclusion and recommendation

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendation of the study.

Summary

The following are the summary of the findings:

  1. The Three–in–One Convertible Measuring Tool consists of L – square, hip curve, and French curve.
  2. The Three – in – One Convertible Measuring Tool is made of wood.
  3. The respondents are very satisfied with the physical appearance of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.80.
  4. The respondents are very satisfied to the durability of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.90.
  5. The respondents are satisfied to the functionality of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.77.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the three-in-one convertible measuring tool is excellent in terms of its physical appearance, durability and functionality. Also, the respondents find the product to hare comparative advantages with other individual tools.

Recommendations

In line with the conclusions drawn, the following are suggested:

  1. To further improve the product, lessen the current width of the product,
  2. The researchers strongly recommend to the next researchers to try using aluminium as their main material in making the product.
  3. To improve the product, add another possible measuring tool to the product.

Cosmetic Surgery as a Way to Improve a Person’s Appearance: Pros and Cons

Nowadays, physical appearance is marked as an essential part in our daily life. Men are attracted by beautiful women, women as well, are attracted by handsome, good-looking men. Therefore, many men and women are considering to make themselves look better by undergoing cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is known as a unique procedure for enhancing a person’s appearance through surgical and medical techniques. For instance, women undergo breasts enlargement while men often undergo nose jobs or face lifting. As a result, cosmetic surgery has become popular and has been accepted throughout the years. According to American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), there is about 18 million people underwent invasive cosmetic procedures in the United State at year 2018 and it has been on the rise in the U.S. for the past 5 years. However, there’s still some criticisms about it. Cosmetic surgery is said as being a filter that covers up our natural beauty by achieve a better physical appearance. And also, it is unfair to treat people differently based on their looks. Meanwhile, people should aware of the consequences and the risks of undergoing the procedures. Therefore, cosmetic surgery should be banned.

According to the proponents of cosmetic surgery has helped people in many ways. Intuitively, most people seek cosmetic surgical procedure because they are not satisfied with their appearance. Over the past several decades, multiple research has demonstrated the importance of appearance in everyday life. With the enhanced appearance, people receive preferential treatment in interpersonal and social situations especially in work place. Most attractive people seem to surrounded by friends and are treated better compared to those who are less attractive. In terms of work place, attractive people such as higher chance of being hired and getting higher pay. Good-looking people tend to receive higher attention and have better chances in mating and studies showed that we often attribute connotations such as moral statue, productivity and intelligence of the people based on their physical appearances. By undergoing cosmetic surgery, it enhances one’s level of confidence and sense of vitality, which will automatically boost their self-esteem because they have the appearance that suits their preference. Furthermore, there is growing evidence to suggest that cosmetic surgery leads to measurable improvements in at least 3 areas of psychological functioning: depressive symptoms, quality of life, and body image.

However, despite the few benefits highlighted above, there are some significant drawbacks that we should consider before undergoing these procedures. Firstly, we have to accept the fact that everyone is unique. The trend of cosmetic surgery has misled people into thinking that looks are more important. It is unfair to others by just treating them based on their physical appearance. Also, changing our looks is a form of cheating. There is a saying “True beauty lies in our personality”. Good looks fade in ages while character is far more important. By undergoing these procedures, we are giving ourselves an unfair advantage. In fact, there are many other ways that we can improve our looks rather than cosmetic surgery for example dressing smartly, removing acne, or even smiling and keeping a good posture will do as well. In addition, it is commonly known that cosmetic surgery is not so easily accessible to everyone. A single surgery procedure ranges from ten to hundreds of thousands. There is a report from American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showing that American has spent nearly $16 billion on cosmetic procedure. Among the most popular cosmetic procedures are breast enlargement, liposuction and nose reshaping. Also, people often take loans towards cosmetic surgeries, which can lead to debts. Cosmetic surgery is defined as problematic procedure as it takes up too much time and resources of science medical personnel in spite of focusing on those urgent medical attention where millions are in need.

Moreover, we should be aware of the consequences of undergoing these cosmetic procedures. We should understand that sometimes mishap happens as well as the there are multiple risks of surgery failure. There are numerous health concerns that associated with cosmetic surgery procedures. The common cosmetic surgery complication includes blood lost, infection as well as seroma. Also, some people tend to get addicted to cosmetic surgery as they are constantly unsatisfied with their appearance or they did not get the outcome that they have expected after the surgery. This leads to an unrevealed mental health problem such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Studies have should that patient with BDD often gets addicted by cosmetic surgery. They have a constant belief that they are ugly, unattractive and always not satisfied with their looks. These patients often have expectations towards the outcome of cosmetic surgery.

In short, cosmetic surgery may not be the smartest move for improving our appearance although it seems to have more positive aspects than the negative aspects. It is like a double-edged sword. Although cosmetic surgery can bring us the physical appearance that we desired, but it creates a false sense of confidence as well as it is an extremely expensive procedure points to its redundancy. We should learn to embrace our natural beauty rather than following the trend of beauty. And most importantly we should be aware of the consequences and the risks of surgical failure. Ultimately, real happiness is not depending on other people’s compliments about our looks, but the discovery of one’s identity and worth. One must remember, cosmetic surgery treats the symptoms, but not the cause.