Physical geographers, for a long time, have found it hard to define the boundaries of the European continent on its eastern region. Thus, this essay seeks to analyze the European boundaries, with a keen interest in defining the areas that can make the eastern boundary of the continent.
It should be noted that the European continent is bounded by a mass of water bodies (oceans), but on its eastern part, the region is mountainous. Thus, it becomes difficult to explain whether the whole stretch of the mountains is part of Europe or is part of Asia. Thus, the question is asked: are the Ural Mountains in Russia the true definition of the eastern boundary of the European continent? This essay is in support of this, with the argument that these, indeed, are the true definitions of the eastern boundary.
The long stretch of the Ural Mountains (approx. 1,550 miles), which are found in Russia, cannot be cut in any way to form the end of the eastern boundary. In this case, it is argued that the place where the 1,550 miles end, that is the end of the European eastern mountain (DeBlij & Muller, 2010). It is well noted that due to this areas high production of metal goods, machinery, and chemicals, it is argued over, with some geographers arguing that it belongs in the Asian continent.
Indeed, since the largest industrial regions in Russia are found in the central and southern Ural Mountains, those areas are claimed by both continents. As geographic analysts have observed, Chelyabinsk city, which forms the capital city of the large region of Chelyabinsk, is approx. 62 degrees of the eastern longitude and approximately 55 degrees of the northern longitude. It is in the southern region of the mountains, approximately 1600 kilometers east of Moscow city in Russia. This city is the true boundary between the Asian continent and the eastern continent. Thus, it is only logical for it to be stated in this paper that the Ural Mountains, in which it is found the city of Chelyabinsk, form the much argued about the eastern boundary. (DeBlij & Muller, 2010).
Conclusion
It was noted in the above argument that many geographic analysts are yet to agree upon a true area that defines the eastern boundary of the European continent. However, it should not be of much trouble to anybody to pick from this essay that the eastern boundary of the European continent is defined by the Urals, the large stretch of mountains that are found in Russia. Thus, it has been statistically stated that the city of Chelyabinsk, therefore, is in Europe and not in Asia, as claimed by some geographers. Thus, the end of this city, specifically, is the beginning of the Asian continent as it marks the eastern boundary of the European continent.
References
DeBlij, J and Muller, P. (2010). Geography Realms, Regions, and Concepts, 14th edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lamy, L. (2005). Cognizant A European Infrastructure Newcomer. Dana: IDC Research.
Wolfgang, B., Bill, M., Chris, A., Connaughton, M & Grannan, M. Market Overview: European IT Infrastructure Outsourcing. Cambridge: Forrester Research Inc.
The name for the Middle East region was assigned by the British who start using this term before the beginning of World War I. The region was acknowledged as a separate area and included the countries around the Persian-Arabian Gulf. The perceived boundaries are sometimes connected with the African countries, particularly with the northern part (Hobbs & Dolan, 2008).
Further exploration reveal new concepts of development. This is of particular concern to the term Greater Middle East that has acquired geopolitical importance because it affects approaches that governments use in the sphere of military assistance and foreign policy.
There are a number of controversies concerning the existence and validity of the terms of the Middle East. According to Bonnie (2011), regional geography&is concerned with the way that unique combinations of environment and human factors produce territories with distinctive language and cultural attributes (p. 57).
North Africa is also involved into the Greater Middle East, although the name contradicts its continental affiliation. Therefore, the identified region is based on common cultural backgrounds, including religion, political issues, and social environment.
While outlining the boundaries, the territory of the Greater Middle East stretches from the Morocco toward the Southwestern lands of Asia, right to the territories of Kazakhstan (Bonnie, 2011). The entire area shares common geographic characteristics, as well as physical attributes.
In addition, the term Middle is common to all regions located within the identified boundaries. The region shares common climatic conditions because most of the climate conditions are typical of desert and dry climate. The geographic are is also the crossroad of trade, access to water, and the religious center.
The Greater Middle East is also associated with war, conflicts, and political friction with other powerful economies, including the United States and the European countries. Its geo-economic importance is specifically connected with commercial relations which take their roots in this Middle East.
The geographic position also creates favorable environment for produce oil and other mineral resources (Brunn et al., 2003). Therefore, abundance of resources, rich trade relations, and favorable geographical position in terms of availability of water routes have made the region the main interest of the developed economies.
During the 20th century, the Greater Middle East has been transformed from rural to urban region because of such processes as migration and natural increase. The evident changes appeared during the World War II when urban banks were swallowed by migrants who came from oil-rich states.
Most of migrants were searching for economic and financial perspectives and, therefore, such country as the United Arab Emirates consisted of 80 % of foreign population (Brunn et al., 2003). The process of urbanization was also connected with political issues. Thus, Amman, a village of 2000 people in Jordan has turned into a metropolitan with the population of 1.5 million (Brunn et al., 2003).
In conclusion, the creation of the Greater Middle East Region is predetermined by a wide variety of factors, including geographical location, and geopolitical aspects. Specifically, as a geographic location, the region covers the historic territory that was initially marked as a trade center.
In addition, the area shares similar climatic conditions. Aside from geography, the Greater Middle East is considered the birthplace of religion, as well as the center of oil production. Its political importance, however, is confined to the military campaigns and migration processes, which shaped the current geopolitical landscape of the region.
References
Bonnie, M. (2011), Is There a Middle East?: The Evolution of a Geographical Concept. US: Stanford University Press.
Brunn, S. D., Williams, J. F., and Zeigler, D. J. (2003). Cities of the World: World Regional Urban Development. US: Rowman & Littlefield.
Hobbs, J. J., & Dolan, A. (2008). World Regional Geography. US: Cengage Learning.
The main purpose of this research is to provide more insights into research productivity which involve the generation of meaningful/significant ideas. They are loads of published material and information regarding the research and publication process yet few can answer the critical aspects of research education: communication & packaging and idea generation. The study came up with two vital factors namely the capability to distinguish more important ideas from less important ones and the process that the scholar employs in formulating his research topics.
Why the research question is important
The significance of the research question has never been in doubt. Scholars insist that the formulation of a research topic is critical in determining the accomplishment of a publication progression since literature materials only provide a basic guide to the idea generation.
Hypothesis
Identification and formulation of a significant research topic and developing ideas into publications scholar should focus on major issues which if solved would impact the society.
Basic Method
To provide an in-depth analysis phone interviews were conducted with a set of accounting authors who were identified by Ashton (1998) as influential based on average citation on the top five journals. Each author was asked to list two questions before the interview which influence the generation and development of an idea. According to (Holland & Jacob) there was consensus on the following factors:(1) What makes a research topic especially meaningful and significant , and (2) Could you take a study that you have finished or published and that you consider being especially noteworthy, and share the process that you went through in arriving at and developing the idea? . The study argued that the inclusion of multiple researchers would reduce subjective judgments and have a broader reflection of varied interests and experiences. All scholars consented to the phone interview being recorded and the transcripts extracted were rich in content. The verbal and non-standardized nature of the data made it essential for analysis to be carried out in order to draw conclusions and reports. The data (interview transcripts) were reduced according to the guidelines of Hassel and Watson (2001) regarding open-ended interview responses.
Research Results and Conclusions
Most scholars agreed that for a research topic be significant it must have a huge impact on literature and/or solve the real-world issue. For the study to be having any impact on literature it must either fill significant gaps in a certain theory, introduce new or unexpected results or focus on difficult research issues. The aforementioned factors are explained in detail.
Addresses areal world/societal problem-This factor had the highest ranking among scholars.
Advances theory and fills significant gaps.
Produces new/unexpected results.
Addresses hard to solve issues.
Another result of the study was the consensus on identifying and developing ideas in publications. Three points were agreed upon
following and critically evaluating the literature
keeping abreast of real-world issues and
working with fellow mentors
Application to business practices
The study could improve the nature of scholarship from the traditional emphasis on, commitment to knowledge for its own sake and integration to an application base approach where knowledge is applied to solve consequential problems among individuals and institutions. The study could also help a great deal in transforming lives rather than instilling knowledge and information. Future scholars will find this study vital in trying to generate and formulate ideas that would fill literature gaps and solve social problems such as unemployment. Publication of accounting education research requires guidance and awareness of current issues to identify relevant ideas. It is also crucial to involve other disciplines which transcend accounting education to get the necessary insight from the experts in those fields.
Brief critique
The author did not address an element of subjective argument and bias which was notable in sections of the case of his writing, in focus being the selection of 20 authors. The data transcripts from the phone interviews were subject to an individual interpretation and the fundamental issues may not be preserved. The author is also inconclusive as he advocates for further research on accounting literature by sampling more published and cited researchers. The study relied on publications by other authors whose applicability of scholar experience is limited. The main strength of the article was the inclusion of scholars from diverse areas of research who provided the fundamental inputs of generating and developing a significant idea. Major improvements could be done in terms of data collection and sampling methods. A face-to-face method rather than phone interviews would reserve the facial expressions and feelings of scholars thus providing more insight into the study.
References
Ashton, R. H. (1998). Writing accounting research for publication and impact. Journal of Accounting Education, 16(2), 247260.
Hassel, J, Watson, S. (2001). Accounting education literature review (19971999). Journal of Accounting Education, 19(1), 161.
Holland, M, Jacobs, F. (1988). The perceived availability of resources which contribute to accounting faculty productivity. Journal of Accounting Education, 261278.
There has always been a startling contrast between the transportation systems of developed and developing countries with the former usually having well planned, modernized and efficient methods of transportation while the latter is usually considered mired in bureaucratic entanglements, inefficiency and a lack of sufficient urban planning that transport systems are seemingly added on as an afterthought to a citys creation.
Such contrasting natures can be seen in the case of Riyadh and Vancouver wherein both cities exemplify the differences in urban planning and transportation development between developed and developing countries and as such make an interesting case to observe whether any similarities in transport systems exist despite the inherent differences between the two.
Air Transport
One of the first major similarities between Vancouver and Riyadh is that both cities have major airports situated relatively close by with Vancouver International Airport located 12 km from the downtown district of the city while Riyadhs King Khalid International Airport is located 35 km away.
On average the King Khalid International Airport handles 15 million passengers a year while Vancouver International Airport handles 17 million a year, this shows a relatively close similarity in the sheer amount of people that pass through both cities on a yearly basis and is a good starting point in order to determine whether other similarities between these two diverse locations.
Before proceeding any further, it is necessary to bring up the fact that due to Vancouvers proximity to large bodies of water the city does have an alternate method of air transport in the form of planes that can land and take off from the water (Boyle, & Haggerty, 2011).
Though such planes are not as well used now as they were before, they still constitute one aspect of Vancouvers transportation system and truly sets it apart from Riyadh due to the fact that such planes are not used at all within this city due to its proximity to one of the largest deserts on the planet.
Rail Transport Systems
The main difference between the two cities in terms of transportation capacity is the fact that Vancouver has several light rail transport systems meant to offset traffic and make it easier for people to move from one part of the city to another.
These transport systems are composed of the Sky train, the West Coast Commuter Express, the Expo line, the Millennium line and the Canada line, all of which service millions of commuters a day. It must also be noted that the Sky train transport system actually goes all the way to Vancouver International Airport which makes it all the more easier to travel for travelers to reach the city at a quick pace (Boyle, & Haggerty, 2011).
In comparison, Riyadh is relatively lacking in terms of a sufficiently capable mass light rail transport system within its transportation system with only a traditional mass rail line operated by the Saudi Railway Authority being the only comparatively close system that is even similar to the rail transport systems Vancouver has at the present.
It must be noted though that there are currently plans to build the Riyadh Light Transit Railway (LTR) in order to service various parts of the city, unfortunately this particular plan has suffered considerable setbacks in the form of bureaucratic entanglements to the extent that despite being announced two to three years ago the basic foundations for the light rail transport system have yet to even be established (Gcc Meet To Discuss Railways Network, 2007).
Arteries of Transportation
It is quite interesting to note that despite the fact that Vancouver has a more efficient system of public transportation and urban planning it lags behind Riyadh in terms of the sheer amount of highways that service the city.
At the present, Riyadh is serviced by the Eastern Ring road (which connect the southern and northern parts of the city), the Northern Ring Road (this connects the eastern and western halves of the city), while the King Fahd road goes entirely through the center of the city and connects its north and south end.
It must also be noted that the Makkah road which is situated parallel to the Eastern Ring Road connects various aspects of the citys financial and diplomatic district with other sections within the eastern half of the city. Vancouver on the other hand merely has Highway 1 as its primary highway transport artery and is situated near the north-eastern half of the city.
Explaining the Difference
The main reason why there is such a strange disparity between the cases of Riyadh and Vancouver in terms of the number of highways that service the city is due to divergence in focus between the two. In the case of Vancouver, local city councils and urban planners in the 1960s-1970s focused on the development of long term plans which espoused mass transportation systems and easy methods of commuting rather than place an emphasis on the use of cars as a the primary method of transportation within the city.
This particular train of thought continued to carry over in successive councils which was further influenced by the green movement within various western countries which led towards the promotion of clean transportation systems and less reliance on gas guzzling vehicles.
As a result, despite Vancouvers increasing population rates the city has actually experienced a 7% decline in car usage ever since the early half of the 1990s. This particular emphasis on mass transportation and green living has also manifested itself in the form of stricter rules and regulations on the use of cars which is meant to encourage commuting rather than driving.
On the other end of the spectrum, Saudi Arabia due its status as an oil exporting country has relatively low local fuel costs as compared to that of other countries (Saudi Arabia, 1999). With no limits on personal car ownership (so long as you can afford it) this has encouraged the use of cars as the primary method of transportation within the city of Riyadh.
Unfortunately, this has brought with it a host of various problems such as increasing numbers of traffic jams, delays in commuting, and the proliferation of lung related diseases as a result of the sheer amount of carbon dioxide emissions. It must also be noted that there is a distinct lack of environmental ownership within the case of Riyadh and as such it is unlikely that any method of urban transportation and development which focuses on green living will be developed any time soon.
Buses and Taxis
Aside from owning your own car, taxis and buses are the primary method of transportation within Riyadh with most people opting to use a taxi whenever possible due to the relatively poor conditions of the public bus system and the fact that several of the buses are at times not air conditioned at all (a relatively troublesome factor given that that Riyadh is for all intents and purposes located within the center of a desert).
Vancouver on the other hand has developed an entirely different set of policies for its internal transportation system with relatively few taxis and Translink being the provider of bus transport related services within the center of the city (Jump in, 2010).
Before proceeding it must also be noted that due to its emphasis on clean living, the city has actually encouraged the use of various methods of manually powered methods of transportation (i.e. biking or walking) as a means of reducing environmental pollution and encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles. This has been generally well accepted by member of the local community and continues to be a favored method of transportation within the city.
It must be noted though that the one reason why such a policy system would not work in the case of Riyadh is due to the fact that the extreme temperatures of the city (which can reach 40 degrees Celsius or more) dissuades alternative methods of transportation given the fact that the temperatures alone are not conducive towards manually powered transportation schemes.
Water transport systems
Proximity to a large body of fresh water, this is the main difference between the two cities and is defining factor of this section which explores the water transportation mechanisms within Vancouver which are all but absent in the case of Riyadh. Presently, the city is serviced by two ferry terminals located at Horseshoe Bay (which is to the west of Vancouver) while the other is located further south in the Tsawwassen area.
On average these ferries transport people and various types of cargo from area of Vancouver at a relatively affordable rate. Though slow, this classic method of transportation does go through the scenic route which showcases the beauty of the local area. Considering the fact that Riyadh has no water transport methods that can transport goods in between areas of the city, this in effect is one of the main divergences between the two.
Conclusion
Based on the various facts presented, it can be seen that while there are slight similarities in the transportation systems utilized between Vancouver and Riyadh, there are more inherent differences between the two.
Various reasons behind this divergence stem from either the different local environment (where Vancouver is definitely colder than Riyadh and has a different regional ecosystem all to together) to variances in the way in which local government units view the necessity of mass transportation systems and the implementation of green technologies as a means of combating pollution.
It must also be noted that since Saudi Arabia is an oil rich nation with gas prices being relatively low, this enables people who live within Riyadh to affordably utilize their cars at all hours of the day which is in direct contrast to the relatively high price of gas within Vancouver.
On the other hand, based on the data that has been shown it can be seen that the transportation systems inherent within a city are direct reflects of the quality of life within the area with people living in Vancouver having a far cleaner and healthier way of living due to the lack of pollutants in the air as compared to their counterparts within Riyadh.
Reference List
Boyle, P., & Haggerty, K. D. (2011). Civil Cities and Urban Governance: Regulating
Disorder for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Urban Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.), 48(15), 3185-3201.
Gcc Meet To Discuss Railways Network. (2007). Arabia 2000.
Jump in. (2010). Weekly Reader News Senior, 88(16), 4.
Saudi Arabia. (1999). MEED: Middle East Economic Digest, 43(11), 30.
The article under consideration is When Job Dissatisfaction Leads to Creativity: Encouraging the Expression of Voice by Jing Zhou and Jennifer M. George. The article addresses the question of conditions under which job dissatisfaction will lead to creativity as an expression of voice (Zhou & George 2001, p. 682). In order to provide critical analysis of the presented article, we should answer a series of questions that follow:
Research question
The research question is a core issue addressed by a research article. It defines its structure, methods and literature that will be used to answer this research question. The research question addressed by this article is how job satisfaction contributes to the effective organization of work, and how job dissatisfaction can serve as a condition for creativity as an expression of voice. In order to justify a research question, the authors of the article provide the importance of studying this question claiming that discontentment can be a trigger for change when those who are dissatisfied seek to come up with new ways to improve current conditions (Zhou & George 2001, p. 683). The study attempted to address the gaps that were being done in previous researches, in particular, the authors provide that job satisfaction and job performance has not been supported by empirical research (Zhou & George 2001, p. 683). In addition, a number of previous researches were focused on the study of job satisfaction theories and their role in organizational effectiveness. Focusing a research question on job dissatisfaction, the authors address a new issue in work organization and provide the idea that it can have a positive influence on the work process as a whole.
Paradigm of the study
The paradigm of the research is a framework that defines how theories and hypotheses will be built. Paradigm can also be defined as a world view, beliefs and methods for research. There are three types of paradigm. According to Denzin and Lincoln (2005), the basic beliefs that define a particular research paradigm may be summarized by the responses given to three fundamental questions. These questions are ontological questions, epistemological question and methodological questions. The study in the research article follows a scientific (qualitative) paradigm because it makes use of descriptive focus, based on qualitative data collection organized in natural settings, and it is also based on early inductive data analysis.
Theories
According to Gliner and Morgan(2000):
the theory explains a natural phenomenon which is the goal for science, and it is a set of interrelated constructs, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting a phenomena (p. 55)
The study under consideration is based on the exit-voice theory. The exit-voice theory according to which employees can respond to job dissatisfaction in one of four ways: exit, voice, loyalty and neglect (Zhou and George 2001, p. 684). The theory is relevant to the study in terms of evaluation of the employees reaction to dissatisfaction with their job. In addition, this theory allows defining the variables of the research.
Research model and variables
The study uses a qualitative research model and, as has already been mentioned, an exit-voice theory. Such approach and organizational creativity literature help identify contextual variables of the research:
useful feedback from coworkers, coworker helping and support, and perceived organizational support for creativity-that encourage dissatisfied employees to be creative by boosting their confidence that creative activities will be meaningful and influential and by directing their attention to, and sustaining their energy for, creativity (Zhou & George 2001, p. 685).
The variables mentioned above can greatly promote creativity as a voice-expression.
Sketch of the key conceptual relationships.
Perceived organizational support for creativity
Useful Feedback from Coworkers
Coworker helping and support
Perceived organizational support for creativity is a moderator.
Useful Feedback from Coworkers is an independent variable.
Coworker helping and support is a dependent variable.
According to this diagram, we can conclude that useful feedback from coworkers enables employees to provide help and support to other workers, however, if positive feedback is supported by organizational support, the cooperation and, as a result effectiveness of work, increases.
Research design
The key advantage of chosen research design is that it provides a theoretical framework for future research and offers a detailed analysis of the research question and, gave the opportunity to raise the question and support the research objectives. However, in terms of variance control and validity, research missed out several important issues that could affect the outcomes of the research as a whole. Thus, the key disadvantages of the research provided in the given article lie in the fact that authors of did not measure interventing processes and results of the experiment and data collection consistent only with reasoning. In addition, the results of the research are based on a theoretical approach to the research question and do not suggest management practices. Finally, the underlying psychological issues were not taken into consideration and the conceptual framework of this research can be argued.
Measurement and related issues
The quality and characteristics of any instruments used to measure the independent and dependent variables are immediately connected to a studys reliability and validity (Girden & Kabacoff 2010, p. 7).
In this research, the measurements are presented in a separate section and in tables that demonstrate the dependence of variables on each other. In order to measure creativity in terms of dissatisfaction, the researches provided a 13-item scale which was based on Scott and Bruce. The supervisors had to rate their employees according to the 5 scale range. The supervisors based their choices on personal experience. In order to measure job dissatisfaction, the authors used a three-item scale borrowed from the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire. Every variable was also measured according to an independent scale. Such an approach helped explain a significant amount of variance in each variable. The measurement provided the results that supported the research hypothesis, thus, results showed that dissatisfied employees with high continuance commitment were more likely to be creative when their coworkers were helpful and supportive (Zhou & George 2001, p. 690).
A feasible way to address the shortcomings in the research
A feasible way to address the shortcomings in the research is to use the available data and collect additional evidence to make measurement more clear. As has already been mentioned, the research did not take into consideration psychological mechanisms which were described earlier in the conceptual framework of the research. Furthermore, we suggest that in addition to the measurements that were based on different scales, additional measurements can be done (which would use the same scale system for the variables).
References
Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. 2005, The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE, New Delhi.
Girden, E. R. & Kabacoff, R. 2010, Evaluating Research Articles From Start to Finish, SAGE, New Delhi.
Gliner, J. A. & Morgan, G. A. 2000, Research Methods in Applied Settings: An Integrated Approach to Design and Analysis, Routledge, Mahwah.
Zhou, J. & George, J. M. 2001, When Job Dissatisfaction Leads to Creativity: Encouraging the Expression of Voice , Academy of Management Journal, vol. 44, no. 4, pp. 682-696.
After carrying out any research appropriate strategies should be put in place to ensure that the data is presented in the most effective way. The first strategy is always to define the goals of the research by trying to answer some questions about the findings. For instance some of the questions to be answered include; the lessons are drawn from the data, the primary message you intend the data to communicate to other people, what you expect after you communicate the data and lastly stating your main goal.
The three selected audiences are also paramount and it is always important to have them in mind while presenting your research findings. This is because these are the people you expect to be influenced directly by your findings. It will be of no use if you neglect your audience since the information and the resources used in the research would have gone to waste.
The other important strategy is to choose the communication methods that are best suited for the audience to whom you are going to present the information. This is highly dependent on the way communication mediums will be used in the presentation and how the presenter will influence and appreciate the audience (Sevier, 1992). This is because some mediums might not be suited for some kind of audience, for instance the youth might not be well reached by the use of long scripts as compared to using movies and other current communication sites.
The other strategy for the appropriate research finding presentation is through the adoption of good communication principles. These are basically the global rules applied for good and effective communication. The major rules for any communication are always to write for the audience, make the presentation appealing, readable and credible. Putting all these factors into consideration will ensure that you capture the concentration of the audience during the period of the presentation. This will further bring the impact to the audience as it will automatically capture their interest.
Moreover, the presenter should always put a lot of emphasis on the numbers and figures in the research findings (Powell & Connaway, 2004). This is usually done through the application of effective statistical methods and the application of graphs and charts during the data presentation. This is because the numbers are the building blocks for any scientific communication and when the numbers are clearly presented, the real impact of the research will be felt.
The last and most important strategy is to prepare a comprehensive take home message for your audience (NEDARC, 2010). It is through this aspect that the message will influence the life of the audience; otherwise the message will be forgotten immediately after the presentation is over. One of the major aspects of a good take-home is to give a good and comprehensive conclusion (Cheryle, 1985). This is crucial as it will be the punch line for the whole research. The other important aspect for the take home point is to give some specific recommendations for the research findings. This is very necessary as this will be crucial in the implementation process of your proposals. It is also important to suggest some appropriate action to be taken to ensure that the research findings are implemented. This should not be done in a more strong way but should be done just as personal opinions which may or may not be wholly accepted. Eventually it is essential to include some action or performance at the end of the presentation to make the session memorable to the audience.
References
Cheryle, D. (1985). State Board for Community College Education. Washington: Elmquist Associates.
The subjects involved in this study are Martin Gutierrez, a first generation immigrant from the Philippines who I met at the local Starbucks while the other is Kelly Twatwanaphong, also a first generation immigrant from Thailand who I met at a small local bookstore. It must be noted that the families of both Martin and Kelly hail from South East Asia and as such there should be a certain degree of cultural similarity which should manifest itself in the type of food eaten.
My research into the types of food eaten within South East Asia reveals that rice consumption factors heavily into their diet along with seafood and vegetables (Mittal, 1999). Meat and chicken, while evident in plenty of Thai and Filipino dishes, is not considered a main part of their average meal as compared to other cultures such as those within the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
In fact based on my research I can say that western cultures apparently have a greater predilection towards meals that are heavy on protein while Eastern cultures such as those in China and the South East Asia region have meals which are more inclined towards greater portions of carbohydrates (Roy, 2011).
In terms of differences in ethnicity, my research into ethnic differences between Filipinos and Thai reveal that both races are actually quite similar in terms of ethnic origin with various theories stating that it was the same proto-culture with varying degrees of migration that created the individual cultures we see in the South East Asian region today (Bentley, 1986). Evidence of this comes from similarities in language tenses, verb usage, as well as genetic, physical and social similarities.
What occurred during the interviews
Overall, the interviews occurred in the homes of the subjects for this study with some of their relatives (mother, father, aunts etc.) providing details when necessary. The interview process went rather well with no problems whatsoever. In fact I found both groups rather inviting, which based on research into Asian customs, turns out to be a cultural predilection towards treating guests with respect, patience and great hospitality.
Observations at Site
When examining the kitchens of the Gutierrez and Twatwanaphong family, both of them looked modern enough yet each of them had baskets of garlic and onions located near the area where they prepare food. Upon asking them why there were garlic and onions located in baskets instead of in the refrigerator they actually responded similarly as well indicating that garlic and onions were the initial ingredients for most of the dishes they prepare. There really werent any differences between their kitchen and that of the average home aside from that.
When I asked who prepares most of the meals both groups also explained that it was usually the mother that prepared the meals. It is at this point that I would like to indicate that this similarity in both ingredients used and who usually makes them is due to the geographical location of both countries (as I mentioned earlier) in which many of the cultures within the region share numerous similar predilections resulting in a distinct overlap in habits, methods of food preparation and social traits.
What did the family eat yesterday?
When I asked what either family ate the other day the Gutierrez family responded by saying that they ate pork adobo with rice while the Twatwanaphong family had stir friend vegetables mixed with beef strips with rice as well.
Is this the same thing they always eat?
Actually, when I asked them if this was what they usually ate both families responded by stating that they normally eat a lot of American food (pizza, burgers etc.) as opposed to more traditional dishes. When I asked them why, they gave a rather interesting answer, as it turns out the convenience of American food just makes it far easier to eat as compared to the preparation time it takes for other forms of traditional food.
It isnt that either family had lost their traditional roots so to speak but rather due to the fact that most of them are rather busy it was just simpler to have fast food as compared to having to take the time to prepare a traditional Filipino or Thai dish.
Traditional Ethnic Dishes Eaten on a weekly basis
Gutierrez Family
Beef Tapa
Pork Adobo
Beef Steak Tagalog
Minudo
Sinigang
Twatwanaphong Family
Stir fried beef and vegetables
Prawn Pad Thai
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Thai Pork Curry (milder than the red chicken curry)
Dishes
The Filipino dish Pork Adobo
It consists of pork cut into cubes and placed into a pot with the skin and fat of the pig remaining on the pork pieces to add flavor to the sauce. Cut garlic is added in along with half a cup of soy sauce and vinegar as well as oil. A little bit of pepper, some salt and sugar and afterwards the entire mixture is placed on a stove to cook.
Thai stir fried vegetables and beef
Consists of cut strips of red and green bell peppers, broccoli, Chinese lettuce, sliced carrots, and a lot of chili peppers. What is first added is diced garlic and onions to some simmering oil. Afterwards, the beef is added in, after allowing it to cook for a little bit soy sauce is added in along with a little bit of oyster sauce.
Afterwards a spicy garlic paste and salt are added into the mixture. Once the beef is nearly cooked a lot of chili peppers are added in to give the dish its distinctive spiciness. When the beef is cooked the sliced vegetables are added in and are halfway cooked in order to give them a distinctive crunchiness.
Similar Spices Used
As mentioned earlier both ethnic groups prominently use garlic and onions in a variety of their dishes as well as ginger however the one spice that differs between Filipino food and Thai food is that Filipinos generally use pepper while Thai food apparently uses a lot of chilis of varying types in order to add a lot of heat to the food.
In fact this is where most Thai and Filipino dishes differ in that Thai dishes are generally hotter due to the presence of large quantities of chilis while Filipino dishes are generally somewhat salty or sweet.
Healthiness of the dishes
When examining the dishes that were served it was immediately apparent that the Thai dish was healthier than the Filipino dish. Pork adobo had far higher quantities of fat and salt as compared to the stir fried vegetables and beef and as such can be considered rather unhealthy.
In fact based on my research regarding the high quantities of chili peppers in Thai dishes a chemical called capsicum which is present in all peppers which gives them their distinctive heat is actually beneficial for the body since it helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. On the other hand the Filipino dish would most likely increase a persons cholesterol levels due to the sheer amount of fat present.
Shopping for Ingredients
When I asked the homemakers of both families whether they shopped at certain specialty stores in order to get the ingredients they use it was rather surprising that they said that most of the ingredient that go into the dishes they make can actually be found at local supermarkets with the exception of the chili garlic paste that the Twatwanaphong family uses.
As it turns out both familys had to change some aspects of their cooking when they migrated and as such the dishes that they make now are a combination of traditional recipes with certain alternative ingredients being used when necessary.
Similarities and Differences
When examining both ethnic groups I have to say that there are more similarities than there are differences between them. In fact when I heard both families speak in their native tongue there were some words that were similar and as such is indicative of a common cultural ancestry somewhere down the line.
On the other hand there is a distinct difference in the types of foods made with Filipino cuisine utilizing more salt and oil while Thai cuisine utilizes more chili peppers and is somewhat less salty. On the other hand it must be noted that the diet of either ethnic group when compared to the typical American diet is far healthier in comparison due to its focus on seafood, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates as compared to an American diet that is heavy on fat, empty calories and sugars.
Reference List
Bentley, G. (1986). Ethnohistory, 33(1), 97. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Mittal, A. (1999). Behind Indonesias Hunger Myth. Earth Island Journal, 14(4), 32. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
ROY, P. (2011). Easy, crowd- pleasing Thai. Ottawa at Home, 41. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
East London constitutes of the most highly populated regions that form London. It has a population of approximately 2 million people (Marriott 2012). The focus of the current paper is on East End. Quoted by Marriott (2012), Plamer Alan views the area across Lea as part of East End. In contrast, Tames (2004) defines the region as comprising London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, despite acknowledging that the definition is narrow. Despite the differences in the classification of all regions that make the East End London, a general contention is that East End London is different from East London. East End covers a lesser area compared to East London. This paper discusses East End London in the context of Michael Young and Peter Wilmotts book, Family and Kinship in the East End and Geoff Dench, Kate Gavron, and Michael Youngs work titled The New East End: Kinship, Race, and Conflict.
Demographic Makeup of East End London
The demographic characteristics of the East End London increased tremendously over the 19th century (Marriott 2012). This situation threatened the capacity of the buildings of the region to hold the rapidly growing population. However, during the interwar era, the population started to decline following the witnessed immigration to other parts of London, including Becontree estate (Marriott 2012). Immigration was also common in areas outside London. The rate of population reduction continued to be high during the Second World War period.
In 1801, Wales and England had a total population of 9 million people (The UK office of national statistics 2001). However, by 1851, the population had grown tom18 million. Towards the close of the century, the population was about 40 million (The UK office of national statistics 2001). From the 2001 census data, the Tower Helmets had its population consisting of 33.5% Bangladeshi. This finding showed that the Bangladeshi were the largest population of Tower Hamlets. However, the 2006 census showed a decline of the population to about 29.8 percent (Marriott 2012). Although East End London has a high population of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani immigrants, it also has a native population included Cockneys, which the paper is mainly concerned about.
How East End London has changed: The Reasons Why it has come to where it is Right Now
The characteristics of the population that occupied East End in the 1950s are different from the one that has been occupying the region in the past one decade. From the description of the population in the 1957 book titled Family and Kinship in the East End by Michael Young and Peter Wilmott, homogenous races dominated different sub-regions of East London. However, from Geoff Dench, Kate Gavron, and Michael Youngs work The New East End: Kinship, Race and Conflict, published in 2006, such homogeneity has now been eroded. East London has now become multicultural. The region continues to absorb different immigrant waves. Hence, new dimensions of culture continue to alter the demographic characteristics to the extent that the region has now become culturally diverse. For example, in the 1960s through the 1970s, a new wave of Bangladeshi and Indian immigrants settled in the region (Tames 2004).
The population of East end London has also immensely changed since the 1950s. For example, with more people settling in East End from other parts of the world such as the UK, a new form of culture has emerged. This culture is dominated by high consumerism (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006). The culture has now become innate to all people who live in East End London. It defines norms and values that are associated with modernity. Such values are hard to smash when they are normalised. The norm for the East End multicultural culture is marked by owning big houses, several cars, air conditioners, and other equipment. Even though this new culture that defines the new East End London appears natural to many people, it is not only unsustainable but also not an accurate manifestation of the nature of East End Londons population of 1957 as described by Michael Young and Peter Wilmott in the book Family and Kinship in the East End.
Multiculturalism in East London
Culture implies peoples beliefs, behaviours, social norms, ideas, and traditions that influence their decision-making process or shape the processes of their socialisation. It is transmitted from one person to another through language and performance in terms of behaviour modelling. Therefore, it can proclaim or discourage certain behaviours within a society. When people with different value systems come together, for instance, through immigration, one culture may erode the other. Alternatively, a new form of culture may emerge. The new form of culture integrates all cultures of immigrants who settle in a given area. Such an area with integrated culture is considered multicultural. As described by Geoff Dench, Kate Gavron, and Michael Young, multiculturalism now dominates the new East End London society.
East End London is a region with people from different races, religious affiliations, and colour among other diversity differences. Differences exist in the number of people who subscribe to a particular cultural dimension. For example, Christianity is the main religious affiliation of the population of East End London (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006). However, Judaism and Islamism form an important religious affiliation of the population. Such differences have led to the emphasis on the need to ensure harmony between different people who live together in a super-diverse population of todays East End London. Communities that seek to have stabilised attachments with reference to the demographic, social, and economic influxes in East End London have constructed the multicultural context of the region. The construction of multicultural contexts involves the development of particular ways of interactions, practices, social, and even economic elements that demonstrate a sense of belonging for the residents of East End London.
The Originals of East London
Today, people from all lifestyles inhabit East End London. Indians, the Bangladeshis, and Pakistanis among other racial minority immigrants constitute the major population segment. However, the region has its original dwellers. East End London is considered a land that was primarily inhabited by Cockneys. In fact, On the surface, we think of it as a tight-knit community inhabited by chirpy Cockney barrow boys and flower girls, playfully peppering their sales patter with rhyming slang (East End: the land of Cockneys 2012, para.3). This assertion brings to light the dark historical part of the native East End London dwellers. East End London came into being in the Victorian Era. Since then, its dwellers are associated with backwardness, poverty, rampant grimy industries, dense population, social unrest, and violent crimes (Tames 2004). However, this observation does not imply that Cockneys have all these attributes. Since time immemorial, the west end has looked down upon the East End dwellers. Indeed, much of the negativity towards Cockneys involved stereotypical perceptions (East End: the land of Cockneys 2012). The subsequent sections attempt to expound this assertion.
Multiculturalism in the Case Studies
Michael Young and Peter Wilmotts Family and Kinship in the East End
The book Family and Kinship in the East End region forms an important 1950s scholarly work that seeks to address the implication of family relocation from urban to various suburban housings. The book is based on case studies and extensive interviews conducted in East London. The book may be broken into two separate sections. The first section details the structure of communities coupled with families among the East Ends working class. Young and Wilmott (1957) reveal how pivotal relationships exist among adult women and their mothers. This relationship is critical in establishing an appropriate tone for the rest of other family relationships, which constitute the basic building block for engagement with the broader society.
Young and Wilmott (1957) argue that families were interdependent. For example, in case of childbirth, the authors assert that wives highly depended on the advice given by their mothers more than what was availed by health workers or even their spouses. Therefore, relocation programmes had the implication of breaking down family relationships (Young & Wilmott 1957). Hence, the movement of people from settlements that had homogeneous cultural backgrounds to random settlements that brought people from different cultures together had negative implications on family structures and community engagements. This effect was more pronounced among native dwellers such as the Cockneys of East End London.
The second section of the book describes the experiences of East Enders who inhabited Greenleigh. According to Young and Wilmott (1957), the manner of housing people in suburban houses through the estate planning policy implied a breakdown of community ties. The authors note, individual young families moved out without their mothers-in-law and the network, which radiated out from them (mothers-in-law), they experienced a material improvement in their quality of life (Young & Wilmott, 1957). The outcome was a breakdown of connections with well-knit communities where everyone knew all people around. Such relationships formed an important foundation for sharing common norms and values, which defined culture. Therefore, the arguments raised by Young and Wilmott (1957) on the relocation policy may be considered the effects of bringing people with different value systems and norms together. This situation had the implication of creating a new avenue of interaction in a multicultural context.
Through the second section of the book, Young and Wilmott (1957) do not condemn the new housing based on their architectural appearance. Rather, they are concerned about the implication of the ways of life in the new settlements. The arising questions revolve around whether implications such as the possibility of developing a multicultural society constituted something that East End dwellers could celebrate or complain about. If they could embrace it, they would be comfortable with material comfort associated with the re-housing plan. The political regime sought to ensure that people lived in houses with good ventilation coupled with well-designed plumbing and settlements (Young & Wilmott 1957). However, the authors regard disconnections among family members as threatening to families and communal ties. The dilemma here concerns what is better between living under good housing where one experiences cultural fragmentation to build a multicultural society and/or mitigating such fragmentation, but retaining cultural ties in East End London.
Geoff Dench, Kate Gavron, and Michael Youngs The New East End: Kinship, Race and Conflict
Published in 2006, Geoff Dench, Kate Gavron, and Michael Youngs book The New East End: Kinship, Race and Conflict investigates how issues of race, kinship, and conflicts interrelate in the construction of the multicultural New East End London. A recurring theme in the book is the attitude of East End residents against other London dwellers. Therefore, among the many research questions that the authors investigate, two questions are insightful. What does it mean to be a Cockney or any other East End London dweller? Which historic path have East End natives undergone to fit in the current definition of East End residents?
The book is based on a series of interviews spanning a period of 12 years. The interviews were conducted in Tower Hamlets. The authors put forward arguments that have critical implications on multiculturalism in East End London. For example, they identify discrepancies in policies citing a particular case in which housing and benefits were awarded based on need while disregarding past direct contributions (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006). To this extent, Bangladeshi immigrants were major beneficiaries of housing and benefits in Tower Hamlets. This situation had a direct implication on the building of racial tensions and the stability of families in Tower Hamlets and the entire East End London. Dench, Gavron, and Young (2006) examine the tension claiming that the white families, especially the working class, became fragmented since some members were relocated to Essex. Hence, the influx of new settlers in East End region had the impact of creating distrust among whites and those who came from the Indian subcontinent. Consequently, instead of multiculturalism strengthening East End London, issues of racism emerged.
The book insists that the originals of East End London, especially the working class, felt a sense of betrayal coupled with heavy loss following the colonisation of their land by incomers. The past dark side and experiences of the original of East End London needed to entitle them to something they would be proud of. To this extent, the authors write, their world was snatched from them by bombs and housing policies, other peoples notions of progress and the pressures of consumerism (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006, p.183). The region also has different ideological perceptions.
When the grimy industries emerged in the East End, the originals found themselves working in them. While this experience was humiliating to them, Dench, Gavron, and Young (2006) insist that such experiences are not over even today. Professional working classes believe that they have moral superiority while compared to the working class (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006). However, it remains questionable on whether a true spirit of multiculturalism has emerged in East End akin to the high influx of new immigrants drawn from across the world and from other parts of London. The harmony of multiculturalism is based on the pillar of equality of people, regardless of their racial, cultural, or even ethnic differences. From the work of Dench, Gavron and Young (2006), such harmony is not evident in East End London due to racial tensions.
How the History of Immigration from the Indian Subcontinent has Shaped Multiculturalism in East London
Dench, Gavron, and Young (2006) admit that immigration increases the richness of racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity. The 1991 census evidenced the multicultural aspect of Britain. About 5.5% of people considered themselves members of ethnic minorities. Roughly 28 percent of members in this population described themselves as having their roots in the Indian subcontinent (The UK office of national statistics 2001). In the 2001 census, the proportion of the ethnic minorities had risen to 7.9 percent. The immigrants from the Indian subcontinent accounted for the largest proportion of the ethnic minorities followed by persons from mixed backgrounds such as Bangladeshis and Pakistanis (The UK office of national statistics 2001). These statistical findings indicated that immigrants from the Indian subcontinent are major contributors to the multicultural richness of Britain, including East End London.
East End London has had a dark history that is linked to low life with its originals, Cockneys, being stereotyped as illiterate and backward people (Young & Wilmott 1957). Hence, grimy industries that were less attractive to the west end were more likely to be located in this region. In 1960, various employers in the urban areas recruited people from the Indian subcontinent to fill the low paying jobs. Such jobs were least attractive to the locals. In fact, the migration of people from the Indian subcontinent to Britain was motivated by economic reasons and the attainment of better educational opportunities (Dench, Gavron & Young 2006). The peak of the immigration occurred during West Indian immigration. From the arguments of the two case studies, immigrants from the Indian subcontinent were more likely to settle in East End London due to their association with low status and the availability of jobs in grimy industries. Thus, the immigrants contributed immensely to the construction of multicultural East End London.
How East London has changed during the Life Time of My Parents
The state of affair throughout the lifetime of my parents has not only changed in East End London but also in other areas, including Birmingham. In the last two weeks, I spent some time discussing with my parents about their experiences in Tower Hamlets. In the debate, although I would anticipate seeing them appreciating the development of multicultural society as an important aspect they would boast about, they only recounted the dispossession of their identity, which they have witnessed over the last 50 years. They described new estates that they had relocated to over the last 50 years as places of vandalism coupled with lawlessness. To their surprise, the outcome of the blend of people from different backgrounds gives room for the flourishing of racism. They claimed that this situation has been the outcome of the destruction of familial linkages previously supported by virtues of good neighbourhood, which tied their communities together before the new housing policy was implemented. Young and Wilmott (1957) predicted these changes when they argued that the prices of a strong welfare nation would have the implication of undermining the relationships of communities and families. The situation would produce disastrous outcomes since the relationships are important determinants of both emotional and physical wellbeing of the citizenry of East End London.
Conclusion
East End Landon has had a dark history that is characterised by primitive life. West Enders regarded East End Landons originals, especially the Cockneys, as backward individuals. The situation was aggravated by the influx of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi people coupled with other racial minority immigrants who were looking for employment and educational opportunities. When the government implemented the policy for new housing, racial tensions grew stronger since the familial and community structures of the original dwellers of East End London were further fragmented. While the relocation policy and influx of immigrants created a multicultural East End London, the case study has argued that the inevitability of racial tensions threatened the multicultural harmony in East End London.
Reference List
Dench, G, Gavron, K & Young, M 2006, The new East End: Kinship, race and conflict, Profile Books, London.
The movement in between time in a way thats parallel to movement amid diverse places in space, like sending items back in time or likewise, sending the items to the future minus the experience of the intervening duration, is what is referred to as the impression of time travel. A time machine can be considered as a thingamajig used in achieving travel in time regardless of hypothetical or fictitious issues.
Presently, its unrevealed if the laws that watch over physics would assent to backward time travel, even though the notion has been widely used in fiction and the row that one-way travel is likely via the discernible fact of time dilation which is velocity based in the common relativity theory (Hawking, 2002).
One question that lingers like a bad smell, is whether or not traveling through time either practically or hypothetically is a possibility, of which circumventing paradoxes if proven achievable should be taken into account. Also factored, are the possibilities of imbalances being created as an effect by the traveler.
Through calculations and stated principles, the overall picture is that paradoxes cannot be created by uncomplicated masses moving through wormholes of time travel. When time travel is introduced, preliminary conditions leading to paradoxes are left out. If the calculation results are taken generally, none of the imaginary paradoxes created by myths on time travel can be started at an exact stage physically.
Certain incidents seem to generate machinery to facilitate communication or travel that is much quicker than light. In any case, some explanations deduce that there is an exchange of information among elements instantly so as to sustain association among particles. This effect was referred to as spooky action at a distance (Gott, 2002).
Regardless of this, present day theories do not entertain the idea of time travel or any communication that is quicker than light even though causality that is conserved in quantum mechanics is a painstaking consequence of newer theories related to quantum (Nielsens & Chuang, 2000).
Displays have been showcased by people presently to coerce so-called future humans who may very have well discovered technology that facilitates travel through time. But there has been lack of positive response and very poor turn-outs for such events as people have little patience for these affairs. Hypothetically, without the time machine, time travel back to before the machine was invented would be unattainable and impossible. They therefore have to invent a machine that would allow them time travel with less limiting factors.
There have been a number of experiments that have been performed, which provide the idea of inverted outcomes and that are interpreted differently by scientists.
The first experiment to be looked at is the delayed choice quantum eraser, carried out by Marlan Scully. In this trial, intertwined photons are alienated into idler and signal photons whereby signal photons show up from any of the two points and their locations are calculated. The experimenter is able to either determine the source of the signal photons between the two locations or erase the information. Assuming the signal photons are metered ahead of making the preference about idler photons, which alternative may seem to retro-actively ensure whether or not an intrusive model is well thought-out in the duration of correlating magnitude of idler photons to the ones of signal photons (Nielsens & Chuang, 2000). Due to this, experimenters are not able to establish what choice would be made in advance by just considering signal photons.
Another experiment was carried out by Guntz Nimtz and Alfons. They claim to have transferred photons at a faster speed than that of light therefore violating Einsteins theory of relativity. These physicists assert to have used quantum tunneling; a phenomenon in which microwave photons were relocated amid a pair of prisms positioned three feet apart. Other physicists have disputed this phenomenon saying that it cannot transfer information at a speed faster than that of light.
In any specified case where Faster-than-Light situations have been alleged, a lot of details on analysis have proved that to acquire signals, a certain type of conventional communication should be employed. An example is such that, the no-communication theory has a generalized verification that quantum entanglement cant be employed in transmitting data quicker than conventional signaling.
A number of presumptions, most notably unique and common relativity, propose that appropriate geometries of space-time or precise kinds of space movements may permit time-travel to the past or the future if the geometries or movements are achievable. In technological manuscripts, physicians normally steer clear of the commonplace language of motion or going through time. Here, motion usually refers only to a change in spatial position as the time coordinate is varied, and instead discuss the possibility of closed time like curves, which are world lines that form closed loops in space-time, allowing objects to return to their own past (Hawking, 2002). Again, there exist explanations to equations of common relativity describing space-times that have closed time-like curves i.e. the Godel space-time, except the physical plausibility of the clarifications remain doubtful.
On the other hand, relativity states that if one were to move away from Earth at relativistic velocities and return, more time would have passed on Earth than for the traveler, so in this sense it is accepted that relativity allows future travel (Thorne, 1994). In the relativistic sense, no one purposeful solution exists showing the amount of time that really passes between departures and returns, but there seems to be an objective explanation to the proper-time experienced by the earth and the person traveling. An example of this will be in the explanation of the ages of both the traveler and earth. In contrast, a lot of scientists have the belief that backward time-travel is very much unlikely. Every assumption that would permit time-travel requires that difficulties of causality be dealt with. A typical instance of a setback relating to causality is the grandfather-paradox . As shown by Thorne (1994) it states that, what if one was to go back in time and kill ones own grandfather before ones father was conceived? But some scientists believe paradoxes can be avoided, either by appealing to the Novikov self-consistency-principle or the notion of branching parallel-universes .
With the present revelations on time travel brought forth, one can safely conclude that time travel is rendered impossible and is not a reality except theoretically. Theories on time travel have been floated since time immemorial by philosophers and scientists alike, but no conclusive or practical evidence has been produced. Therefore, time still remains a mystery and is vaguely understood by human beings and for the time being it will remain a pipe dream until viable proof is presented.
References
Gott, J. (2002). Time Travel in Einsteins Universe: The Physical Possibilities of Travel Through Time. Boston: Mariner Books.
Hawking, S. (2002). The future of spacetime. W.W. Norton.
Nielsens, M., & Chuang, I. (2000). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
Thorne, S. (1994). Black Holes and Time Warps. W. W. Norton.
The choice of a research method depends on the aim of the research and research questions put. The qualitative approach is appropriate for the analysis of peoples behaviors and opinions (Bryman, 2015). This research paradigm enables the researcher to carry out an in-depth analysis of factors that affect peoples behaviors as seen by the people. The most common tools used are interviews, focus groups discussions, and surveys that often include open-ended questions.
However, when it comes to objective measurements, the quantitative approach is more appropriate (Rubin & Babbie, 2015). Quantitative research methods enable the researcher to analyze measurable data that can be generalized quite easily. The most common data collection methods within the scope of the quantitative approach are polls, surveys (with closed-ended questions), experiments and tests (Anyansi-Archibong, 2015).
This research aims at identifying the mean height of people over 20. This is an objective measurement, and, hence, a quantitative method of data collection is appropriate. The brief survey questionnaires enable the researcher to collect a vast pool of data and analyze it quite easily. It is necessary to add that random sampling is often used in the quantitative analysis, and it is applicable here. This instrument also contributes to avoiding bias and threats to internal and external validity. Closed-ended questions ensure very specific answers that do not require any interpretation and are straight forward.
Assignment Task
The survey questionnaires will include the questions concerning age, gender, and height as other variable are excluded from the analysis. The researcher will not take into account such variables as the ethnicity that could potentially provide a more detailed picture on the matter. This research is very focused, which will ensure a significant number of participants. It is necessary to note that the informed consent forms will be provided on the same sheet of paper as the survey questions. Each person will be informed about the purpose and primary methodology of the study. This ensures motivation of participants and the compliance with certain ethical principles.
Thus, one of the principles of an ethical research is concerned with the provision of the necessary information to the participant (Flick, 2011). Importantly, informing people does not pose threats to the internal validity as it is unlikely to affect the way participants will provide distorted data. The fact that the data will be coded improves the validity of the research. The focus on confidentiality and anonymity is also one of the principles of ethical research (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2014). Researchers cannot disclose any personal data of the participants to the third parties.
Another principle is concerned with the reliability of the data used and the nature of the analysis. The brief survey questionnaires are easy to analyze, and there is no interpretation bias (Iphofen, 2016). All the data collected are quantitative and, hence, measurable.
The researcher does not need to interpret the participants questions but simply has to use certain statistical tools to check the hypothesis. The researcher will conduct an ethical research as effective statistical tools that ensure the reliability of results will be used. The tools chosen can also be utilized by peers, which ensures the validity and reliability of the research. Clearly, such principles as no harm to participants and voluntarily participation are also ensured in the case of using questionnaires and the written consent forms (Bryman, 2015). It is necessary to note that this research avoids major sensitive topics, which has a positive impact on its validity as the participants are likely to provide truthful information about themselves.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that this research focusing on the identification of the mean height of adults (older than 20 years old) is based on the quantitative research approach. The survey is the chosen data collection method. It is the most appropriate as it enables the researcher to collect and analyze data quickly. At the same time, there are certain limitations to the research. First, only a few variable are taken into account, which may lead to an excessive generalization of data.
Thus, the mean height of adults may be 66.5 inches, but there can be no particular groups with such height. It could be more beneficial to narrow down the research to a particular age group (people in their 20s, people in their 40s and so on).
It could be important to take into account such variable as ethnicity. There is one limitation related to bias. The research uses data provided by the participants, but people may be unaware of their precise height as they can use the numbers they got some time ago and that could change especially when it comes to older populations. This bias could be easily mitigated through the use of certain scale, and participants could be asked to measure their height rather than report about it. At that, the research is also ethical as it complies with primary ethical principles. The compliance with ethical considerations ensure the validity of the research and contributes to the development of proper research methods.
Reference List
Anyansi-Archibong, C.B. (2015). Contemporary issues surrounding ethical research methods and practice. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Bryman, A. (2015). Social research methods. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Flick, U. (2011). Introducing research methodology: A beginners guide to doing a research project. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Iphofen, R. (2016). Ethical decision making in social research: A practical guide. New York, NY: Springer.
Rosnow, R.L., & Rosenthal, R. (2014). Quantitative methods and ethics. In WT.D. Little (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of quantitative methods in psychology: Foundations (pp. 32-55). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Rubin, A., & Babbie, E.R. (2015). Empowerment series: Essential research methods for social work. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.