How Do Textual Features Combine To Convey A Theme Of The Poem? :: essays research papers

How do Textual Features Combine To Convey a Theme of the Poem?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Milton wrote extensively throughout his life, and studied literature profoundly. His cunningness and literary techniques were observed in all of his literature. However, at the prime of his life, his weak eyes gave as his intense work and studies caused his blindness. As a result of this tragedy, Milton created a sonnet about his blindness. He questioned the meaning of this tragedy, of the future, and God for his blindness within the sonnet. Even though his whole life and work involved his eyes, he accepted this eventually. Within Milton's sonnet about his blindness: figurative language, personification, his intent and prosody are adopted to convey his questions and heart felt acceptance of his blindness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Milton uses figurative language to express his grievances and discontent. He reflects upon his life and â€Å"how my light is spent,† or the time he had his sight. Milton then expresses the feeling of the â€Å"dark world and wide† of the blind as his introduction to his questions. He begins to question his writing that only death can take away (â€Å"...one talent which is death to hide..†), â€Å" lodged... useless† within him because of his new blindness. As a result, Milton begins to question God, â€Å"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?† Milton wonders as to the meaning of his blindness; Does God want him to continue to write, even with his blindness, or what does God really mean? At first his tone seems harsh, but his feelings are redirected as he answers his own questions in time. His last question to God, was answered by himself as he realizes that he cannot blame God for his actions. His figurative language from the point he begins to question, up to where he begins to answer his own questions are full of implications of his thought. These implications must be picked out in order to make sense of the feeling and statement Milton is trying to make.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, Milton uses personification to express the importance of words and values. He personifies â€Å"Patience† as if patience were a man who replies for him. Patience is his reasoning for accepting the fact that he is blind. It is used to introduce the answer towards his questioning, and as a change or turning point within the sonnet. As in standard Petrarchian sonnets this change is in the 8-9 line, and a transition between problem and solution is achieved. The problem was whether or not he should continue to write. Yet, in line 8 the personification conveys the theme of acceptance through Patience.

war on iraq :: essays research papers

Police line streets of Benton Harbor after nights of riots Residents outraged by deadly police chase Wednesday, June 18, 2003 Posted: 8:57 PM EDT (0057 GMT) State and local police make their presence felt Wednesday in Benton Harbor, Michigan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Story Tools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RELATED †¢ Interactive: Benton Harbor riots †¢ Map: Benton Harbor, Michigan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- †¢ CNN Access: Mayor: Police relationship unkind to citizens VIDEO Bullets, fire and rage on the streets of Benton Harbor, Michigan. WSBT reporter Jennifer Kuk is on the scene (June 18) PLAY VIDEO BENTON HARBOR, Michigan (CNN) -- As many as 300 officers from the Michigan State Police and surrounding jurisdictions moved onto the streets of this economically depressed small town Wednesday, hoping to prevent more violence after two nights of rioting triggered by the death of a black motorcyclist fleeing white officers in a high-speed chase. The city has declared a state of emergency and imposed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for children under the age of 16. Adults going to and from work are not affected by the curfew. The rain that began Wednesday evening may also discourage people from gathering outside. Benton Harbor Mayor Charles Yarbrough urged residents to stay home. "The burning must stop, the rocks must stop, people must stop being hurt," Yarbrough said after Tuesday's violent protests left five homes burned and at least 10 people injured. Police used tear gas to break up a crowd of about 300 people early Wednesday. Some of the protestors shot at police, and as many as 12 people were arrested, mostly on charges of civil disturbance and vandalism, Yarbrough said. "It was very violent," Benton Harbor Police Chief Sam Harris said. "We had gunfire. They shot at our trucks, they shot at the captain of police, ran barricades." The violence followed the death Monday night of a black motorcyclist in a high-speed chase by white police officers from nearby Benton Township. The motorcyclist, 28-year-old Terrance Shurn, of Benton Harbor, was killed when he crashed into a vacant building in a neighborhood near the city's center. City Manager Joe Patterson said the Michigan State Police are investigating the incident. Wednesday afternoon, police officers from several different jurisdictions began arriving in Benton Harbor. Some carried riot gear, and several reinforced vans called "peacekeepers" were parked downtown. The bullet-proof vans help protect officers from gunshots, rocks and bottles. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said about 130 state police officers are assisting local law enforcement, but she urged local leaders to come together to restore calm.

Pearson Us History Review Questions Essay

1. In the United States, the significant change represented by the Supreme Court’s decisions concerning Dred Scott (1857) and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) best illustrates the * ability of government to revise tax laws. * desire of minority groups to be recognized. * disappearance of prejudice and discrimination. * continuing struggle of African Americans to achieve equality. 2. The United States Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) was important because it * strengthened the determination of abolitionists to achieve their goals. * caused the immediate outbreak of the Civil War. * ended the importation of slaves into the United States. * increased the power of Congress to exclude slavery from the territories. 3. Which issues were controversial in national politics during the period 1800–1850? * racial prejudice, territorial expansion, immigration policy * tariff policy, nullification, rights of neutrals * regulation of railroads, overseas acquisitions, federal income tax policy * states’ rights policy, control of the Northwest Territory, recognition of United States independence by France 4. Which statement best reflects the political philosophy of Alexander Hamilton regarding the power of a federal government? * The government which governs least governs best. * The central government should cede most of its authority to local governments. * The government may exercise all powers necessary and proper to meet its responsibilities. * The executive branch may exercise only those powers specifically given to it by the Supreme Court. 5. The executive branch of the United States government has traditionally gained power during periods when * the presidency has been occupied by a high-ranking military officer. * the Republican Party was in the majority in Congress and the President was a Democrat. * there has been a serious domestic or international problem facing the United States. * the Supreme Court and Congress have been in conflict over constitutional issues. 6. Actions and policies of the government under President George Washington generally resulted in the * establishment of strong political ties with other nations. * liberation of many enslaved persons. * failure to create a sound financial program for the country. * strengthening of the federal government. 7. The significance of the case Marbury v. Madison (1803) is that it * established the principle of judicial review. * declared the Alien and Sedition Acts to be legitimate laws. * demonstrated the supremacy of the national government over the states. * attempted to place the judiciary outside the impeachment power of the House of Representatives. 8. Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Supreme Court * stimulated the States rights movement by supporting the idea that states could reject acts of Congress. * helped create a sense of national unity by strengthening the federal government. * weakened the judiciary by refusing to deal with controversial issues. * became heavily involved in foreign affairs. 9. In 1823, the Monroe Doctrine was established mainly because the United States wanted to * keep control of Alaska and Hawaii.   * establish more colonies in Latin America. * support England’s attempt to keep its empire in Central America. * warn Europe against any further colonization in Latin America. 10. Which means for redressing grievances is applicable to American Indians but is usually not applicable to other minority groups? nonviolent marches to draw attention to injustices equal educational and employment opportunity laws   * economic boycott of all products manufactured in the United States * collective lawsuits to recover ancestral lands 11. Adherence to a strict interpretation of the Constitution would have prevented President Thomas Jefferson from * making the Louisiana Purchase. * writing the â€Å"State of the Union† messages. * receiving ambassadors. * commissioning military officers. 12. In the United States, third-party movements occur most often when * there is clear danger of foreign attack. * the President is inconsistent in foreign policy. * major political parties ignore vital public interests. * interests in overseas trade and possessions intensifies. 13. The main goal of the Seneca Falls Convention (1848) was to * obtain equal rights for women. * make the public aware of environmental problems.   * correct the abuses of big business.   * organize the first labor union in the United States. 14. Once an amendment has been added to the United States Constitution, which process must be used to change that amendment? * ratifying a new amendment   * convincing states to ignore the amendment   * having Congress pass a law repealing the amendment   * having the President issue an executive order canceling the amendment 15. During the period 1820–1860, the major concerns in the United States dealt with issues related to * determining the future of slavery. * increasing public funding of political campaigns. * decreasing the number of elective offices. * decreasing voter registration drives. 16. The constitutional amendment reading: â€Å"The right of citizens of the United States who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.† restricted the * reserved powers of the States. * delegated powers of Congress. * powers assumed by the Supreme Court. * powers retained by the people. 17. Before the Civil War, one example of increased democracy was the * elimination of property ownership as a requirement for voting in national elections. * granting of the right to vote to women. * elimination of the electoral college system for electing the President. * extension of suffrage to most African Americans. 18. In 1794, President George Washington sent Federal troops into western Pennsylvania to deal with an uprising known as the Whiskey Rebellion. The significance of President Washington’s action is that it * strengthened the power of local and state governments. * forced Congress to pass the Bill of Rights. * showed the strength of the Federal Government under the Constitution. * weakened the power of the Federal Government to collect sales taxes. 19. Which statement about the westward movement in the United States during the nineteenth century is most accurate? * The frontier discouraged interest in the expansion of voting rights. * The frontier experience tended to decrease social class difference. * Western expansion slowed the rate of industrialization. * The West was settled mostly by immigrants from Asian nations. 20. At the beginning of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln maintained that the war was being fought to * uphold national honor. * prevent foreign involvement.   * free all slaves.   * preserve the Union. 21. In the period between 1820 and 1860, Southerners wanted slavery extended to the Western territories so that the South could * continue to elect Southern Presidents.   * continue to dominate the Supreme Court.   * keep enough strength in the Senate to protect Southern interests. * use slave labor to expand Southern industries. 22. A similarity between the pre-Civil War abolitionist movement and the Progressive movement is that both * were mainly concerned with improving the status of African Americans. * worked to reduce income taxes. * contributed directly to the start of a major war.   * sought to improve the conditions of poor or oppressed peoples. 23. In the United States, the widespread disregard of the fugitive slave laws and of the Prohibition laws most clearly indicated that * strongly held values are difficult to regulate. * the federal government is generally unable to enforce its own laws. * little respect is given to the legal system.   * the judicial system is too lenient in its treatment of offenders. 24. Alexander Hamilton believed that a major role of the Federal Government was to * establish and control public schools. * support and encourage business and industry. * promote the superiority of the agrarian way of life. * limit its activities by allowing the states to make important national decisions. 25. Which statement about the results of the Civil War is most accurate? * Federal supremacy was strengthened.* Constitutional government was proven ineffective.   * Universal suffrage was generally accepted.   * Sectional disputes ceased to exist. 26. Alexander Hamilton’s argument that the government has the power to create a National Bank is based on which part of the Constitution? * the Preamble * the elastic clause * guarantees to the States * the Bill of Rights 27. The Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall was similar to the Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren in that both * strengthened the power and influence of business. * increased the President’s war powers. * changed public policy through broad interpretation of the Constitution. * increased the rights of the accused under the fifth and sixth amendments. 28. In the United States during the late 1780s, the Federalists were most likely to support * continued loyalty to the British Government. * establishment of a weak national government. * strengthening of States rights. * ratification of the United States Constitution. 29. The tariff issue of 1828, the secession of the Southern states in the 1860s, and school desegregation in the 1950s dealt with the constitutional issue of * the federal-state relationship. * popular sovereignty. * checks and balances. * representation in Congress. 30. The legal basis for the United States purchase of the Louisiana Territory was the * power granted to the President to make treaties. * President’s power as Commander in Chief. * authority of Congress to declare war. * Senate’s duty to approve the appointment of ambassadors. 31. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were best noted for their struggle to * prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcohol. * abolish slavery. * secure the right of women to vote. * expose government corruption. 32. The reason for ending the importation of enslaved persons to the United States after 1807 was the * success of the American colonial revolution against Britain. * rapid industrialization of the South. * replacement of slave labor by immigrant workers from eastern Europe. * passage of legislation that forbids the practice. 33. The power relationship that changed most as a result of the Civil War was the increase in the power of the * individual over the state. * military over the civilian population. * Congress over the President. * Federal Government over the states. 34. Which event was the immediate cause of the secession of several Southern states from the Union in 1860? * the Dred Scott decision, which declared that all prior compromises on the extension of slavery into the territories were unconstitutional * the Missouri Compromise, which kept an even balance between the number of free and slave states * the raid on the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, which was led by the militant abolitionist John Brown * the election of President Abraham Lincoln, who opposed the spread of slavery into the territories 35. Which long-term tradition finally became part of the United States Constitution through an amendment? * the two-party system* the appointment of a Presidential Cabinet   * restricting the President to two terms of office * the election of Federal judges

A Look At Muslim Empires

The Muslim community is known to have been under the influence of three major empires: the Ottoman Empire, The Safavids and the Grandeur of the Mughals. Let us take a close look at these three empires and try to identify in which areas are they the same and how they specifically support the Muslim’s view of the world. First of is the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire also known in the West as the Turkish Empire, existed from 1299 to 1923. Osman I is regarded as the founder of the Ottoman Empire. He gave the name â€Å"Ottoman† to the Ottoman State and declared its independence, becoming the first Bey. He extended the frontiers of Ottoman settlement towards the Byzantine Empire, while other Turkish beyliks suffered from internal fighting. Under Osman I, the Ottoman capital moved to Bursa. It was in this period that a formal Ottoman government was created; its institutions would remain for nearly four centuries before being reformed. In contrast to many contemporary states, the Ottoman bureaucracy tried to avoid military rule, (see: millet). Although the Empire was primarily a military state, its civics and economy did not reflect a policy of aggression. The expansionist policies of the Ottoman Empire were not undertaken with the aim of destruction, but with the goal of Ottoman settlement in the area. The strategic conquest of Constantinople became a crucial objective for Ottoman rule to extend over the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans. In 1389, the Ottoman victory at the Battle of Kosovo effectively marked the end of Serbian power in the region, and paved the way for Ottoman expansion into Europe. The Mughal Empire, on the other hand, was an empire that at its greatest territorial extent ruled most of the Indian subcontinent, then known as Hindustan, and parts of what is now Afghanistan and the Balochistan region. It was established in 1526, enjoyed expansion and consolidation until about 1707 and survived, even if in drastically attenuated form, until 1857. The empire was founded by the Timurid leader Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. Mughal is the Persian word for Mongol. The Mughal rulers were adherents of Islam. The Mughal ruling class was Muslims, although most of the subjects of the Empire were Hindu. Although Babur founded the Empire, the dynasty remained unstable (and was even exiled) until the reign of Akbar, who was not only of liberal disposition but also intimately acquainted, since birth, with the mores and traditions of India. Under Akbar's rule, the court abolished the jizya (the poll-tax on non-Muslims) and abandoned use of the lunar Muslim calendar in favor of a solar calendar more useful for agriculture. One of Akbar's most unusual ideas regarding religion was Din-i-Ilahi (â€Å"Faith-of-God† in English), which was an eclectic mix of Hinduism, versions of Sufi Islam, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. It was proclaimed the state religion until his death. These actions however met with stiff opposition from the Muslim clergy. The Safavids were a native Iranian dynasty from Iranian Azarbaijan that ruled from 1501 to 1736, and which established Shi'a Islam as Iran's official religion and united its provinces under a single Iranian sovereignty, thereby reigniting the Persian identity and acting as a bridge to modern Iran. Even though Safavids were not the first Shia rulers in Iran they were played most crucial role in making the Shia official religion in the whole of Iran. There were large Shia communities in some cities like Qom and Sabzevar as early as 8th century. In the 10th and 11th centuries the Buwayhids who were of Zeydi a branch of Shi'ism ruled in Fars, Isfahan and Baghdad. As a result of Mongol conquest, and relative religious tolerance of Ilhanids, Shia dynasties were re-established in Iran – Sarbedaran in Khorasan being the most important. ShahOljeitu – the sultan of Ilkhanate converted to Twelver Shiism in 13th century, however the population of Iran stayed largely Sunni until Safavid period. These three empires dominated the Middle East during early 16th to 17th century and all of them played a crucial role in establishing the religion for each of their occupied areas. The leaders of these empires are said to have been chosen by Divine intervention and claimed to have been sent by God or Allah to rule over the land. In addition, the growth of these three empires was interrupted with wars from one another or other empires in the region. In terms of influence on the rest of the world, the main mughal contribution to the south Asia was their unique architecture. Many monuments were built during the mughal era including the Taj Mahal. Meantime, examples of Ottoman architecture of the classical period, aside from Istanbul and Edirne, can also be seen in Egypt, Eritrea, Tunisia, A On the other hand, handicrafts such as tilemaking, pottery and textiles developed during the Safavid dynasty and great advances were made in miniature painting, bookbinding, decoration and calligraphy – which still can be seen in Modern European art circles. As for promoting Muslim views, it must be said that the Ottoman Empire was, in a broad sense, tolerant towards its non-Muslim subjects; it did not, for instance, forcibly convert all of them to Islam. The sultans took their primary duty to be service to the interests of the state, which could not survive without taxes and a strong administrative system. The state's relationship with the Greek Orthodox Church, for example, was largely peaceful, and the church's structure was kept intact and largely left alone but under close control and scrutiny until the Greek War of Independence of 1821–1831 and, later in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rise of the Ottoman constitutional monarchy, which was driven to some extent by nationalistic currents. Other churches, like the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, were dissolved and placed under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Church. On the other hand, the empire often served as a refuge for the persecuted and exiled Jews of Europe; for example, following the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, Sultan Beyazid II welcomed them into Ottoman lands. Shia is the ruling religion during the Safavid dynasty and there was no written record of their support to the Muslim community. On the other hand, the Mughal ruling class were Muslims, although most of the subjects of the Empire were Hindu. Although Babur founded the Empire, the dynasty remained unstable (and was even exiled) until the reign of Akbar, who was not only of liberal disposition but also intimately acquainted, since birth, with the mores and traditions of India. Under Akbar's rule, the court abolished the jizya (the poll-tax on non-Muslims) and abandoned use of the lunar Muslim calendar in favor of a solar calendar more useful for agriculture. One of Akbar's most unusual ideas regarding religion was Din-i-Ilahi (â€Å"Faith-of-God† in English), which was an eclectic mix of Hinduism, versions of Sufi Islam, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. It was proclaimed the state religion until his death. Sources: Wikipedia, 2006: Ottoman Empire Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire (cited on October 16, 2006) Wikipedia, 2006: The Safavids Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Safavids (cited on October 16, 2006) Wikipedia, 2006: The Grandeur of the Mughals Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mughals (cited on October 16, 2006)

China 1400’s

In the early 1400’s most people did not venture outside of their birthplace. Most did not live long lives. They died either from child birth, famine, or sickness. Their knowledge of Arts, medicine, work, and law was confined to the small village and the families that lived there. They would have traveled only a few miles to the next village to trade or shop for necessities. The bulk of their food intake would have been corn, wheat, sorghum, rice and barley. But not too far away in the same world there were missionaries, pilgrims, explorers, conquerors, seaman, caravan leaders and merchants.Explorers and conquerors made their way to villages and took people into their web of networks most against their will. In the beginning merchants were like lower class people. They were watched closely, and their activities were regulated. However as the world got bigger the merchants grew in power, wealth, and status. China was a power house in the early 1400’s. They were an advance d region and would have been best prepared for the emerging world market. They were trading silk, spices, tea, religion, and sickness. Sickness was a drawback/ disadvantage of having travelers, merchants and traders in your area.China had a fleet of ships that traveled to places such as Calicut, Thailand, and other countries. But in 1421 a emperor named Yongle stopped a voyages by the Ming Fleet, and in 1436 emperor Zhu Qizhen ordered the destruction of all shipbuilding plans. China became isolated from other countries and isolated from itself merchants and traders were not supported by the government and were not protected from pirates. The population almost tripled in size from the 1400’s to the 1600 to a staggering 160 million. The majority were poor and could not purchase from Chinese traders.

Understanding of the Flynn Effect

The Flynn Effect, first observed by James Flynn in 1981, is the steady year on year increase in IQ scores on intelligence tests, noting a greater rise in fluid (non-verbal) intelligence than crystallised (verbal) intelligence. There are numerous studies providing evidence for this effect leading to the question; are generations getting more intelligent? There is no universal definition of intelligence, leading many researchers to try and discover common themes around the world.Yang & Sternberg (1997b) found similarities in ideas of intelligence between Western and Eastern cultures but ultimately, along with other researchers such as Baral & Das (2004), concluded that there are great differences between conceptions of intelligence around the world. Due to this, there have been many different methods used to measure intelligence over the years, from Binet & Simon’s (1911) intelligence test, to Gardner’s (1983) multiple intelligence theory.One of the more accepted and univ ersally used methods designed to test intelligence is the intelligence quotient (IQ) test, developed by William Stern in 1912, an idea used by many other intelligence researchers. In 1981, when reviewing intelligence tests to test validity for new versions, James Flynn noticed that whenever participants were given an old test and a new test to complete, they always got higher scores on the newer test. He went on to look at a further 73 studies (Flynn, 1984) and discovered that between 1932 and 1978, white Americans had gained 14 IQ points, supporting his original discovery.In 1987 he published intelligence test data from 14 countries (Flynn, 1987), coming to the conclusion that IQ scores were rising not only in America, but across a number of different countries and cultures, further displaying evidence for his discovery. In attempt to make sense of Flynn’s discovery, it has been proposed that generations are getting more intelligent, an idea that Flynn himself rules out. He argued that if generations were getting more intelligent, we would expect to see an ever rising number of geniuses in the world which we don’t.So why are IQ scores getting higher? In 1998, Ulrich Neisser (Neisser, 1998a) edited a book suggesting some possible environmental explanations for the Flynn Effect. The book was contributed to by Flynn (1998), Greenfield (1998), Lynn (1998), Neisser (1998b), Schooler (1998) and Williams (1998). It covered 5 main areas: schooling, test-taking sophistication, parental rearing style, visual and technical environment and nutrition. However, Lynn (1990) originally broke these ideas down into two opposing hypotheses; the nutrition hypothesis and the cognitive stimulation hypothesis.The Nutrition hypothesis proposes that nutrition is a key factor in generations' increased intelligence, Lynn (1990; 1998). It sees nutrition as increasing intelligence as part of a nurturing environment, including longer life expectancies, improved health and lo wer infant disease. As food has become more readily available to most people, we are inevitably receiving more of the nutrition and food that our bodies and brains require, meaning our bodies and brains are more capable of performing to the best of their ability.Compared with generations ago, when food and water was scarce it is almost expected that we should achieve better results on intelligence tests when our brains are better nourished and equipped to deal with them. Average human height has also risen over the last century, which has been attributed to nutrition. Lynn (1990;1998) suggested that this could be significant, as brain size has been linked to nutrition and also to intelligence. Some researchers began looking at particular nutrients in relation to intelligence.Quian et al (2005) looked at the effects of iodine on intelligence. Findings showed that the children who had received iodine supplements before and after birth scored significantly higher on intelligence tests than children who hadn’t. Iodine is now well known as one of the most important minerals for good health. Benton & Roberts (1988) conducted a study involving 90 children divided into 3 groups of 30. Group 1 were given a supplement which contained a number of vitamins and minerals. Group 2 were given a placebo and Group 3 was not given anything.8 months later Benton & Roberts (1988) found that in Group 1 a significant increase in non-verbal (fluid) intelligence scores was observed, supporting the Flynn effect. However, there was no significant difference between verbal (crystallised) intelligence scores. Further research into understanding the Flynn effect saw Colom, Luis-Font & Andres-Pueyo (2005) test two large samples of Spanish boys with a 30 year gap in a measure of fluid intelligence. A significant rise in IQ scores was observed in the later sample, with findings interestingly noting intelligence gains mainly observed among the lower percentile of IQ scores.Teasdale & Ow en (1989) and Lynn & Hampson (1986) had previously found similar results. These findings, and many other replications, support the Nutrition hypothesis as evidence for the Flynn effect. In general these types of studies have provided plenty of evidence to conclude that IQ is affected by vitamin/mineral supplements on non-verbal measures of intelligence, however, it is becoming increasingly hard to test this as most people are well-nourished these days particularly in Western cultures.Future studies could continue to look at which particular nutrients affect which particular areas of intelligence, and concentrate on broadening the research to a wider variety of cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many of the previously mentioned studies use a sample consisting of only males, which makes results less representative to the entire population. The Cognitive Stimulation hypothesis, takes into account some of the other ideas mentioned in Neisser’s book (Neisser 1998a), suggestin g that higher intelligence is driven by improvements in cognitive stimulation.In particular, visual analysis and technical advances are seen as causing intelligence to increase. Visual analysis can range between many things, from photographs, messages on cereal boxes, puzzles in a newspaper, to television programmes. One of the biggest changes in the twentieth century was the arrival of visual media such as television and the internet. Nowadays almost every home has a television and many have computers and access to the internet.Children now have much wider access to educational toys, games, television programmes and computer programs, and adults now participate in many cognitively demanding activities such as reading, puzzles, video games and using devices such as television and computers. Johnson (2003) argues that popular television has become more cognitively demanding in recent years. One example is children’s television show Sesame Street, designed to increase childrenà ¢â‚¬â„¢s intelligence and awareness by providing mental stimulation at an early age.Sesame Street is now an award winning show and is recognised as helping to develop children’s understanding and abilities (Palmer, 2003). Even simple things such as adverts provide us with cognitive stimulation, sometimes requiring viewers to work out a hidden or abstract meaning, compared with much more straight forward adverts seen from years ago. Intelligence tests such as Raven’s matrices measure visual analysis, on which the largest gains in IQ have been found providing support for the cognitive stimulation hypothesis.Some of the other ideas mentioned in Neisser’s book include schooling, test-taking sophistication and parental rearing style. Nowadays, we attend school for many more years than our parents and grandparents did. Cahan & Cohen (1989) found that length of schooling influences intelligence, however their results suggested larger rises in verbal intelligence, thus not providing evidence for the Flynn effect. Test-taking sophistication is the idea that we are just generally more aware of intelligence tests than generations ago. IQ tests are something we learn about in school as teaching today is generally geared towards achievement tests.This could potentially explain better scores in intelligence tests by those who know why and what they are doing them for, but it is unknown whether this could explain the emphasis on non-verbal intelligence seen in the Flynn effect, as it is a very difficult concept to test. Parental rearing styles have also changed, with families getting smaller meaning each child is spending more time with his or her parents. Flynn (1998) and Williams (1998) also suggest that today’s parents are more interested in their children’s intellectual development than in previous generations.However, it could be argued that due to the Flynn effect, today’s parents are simply more intelligent than their own pare nts and grandparents, and therefore better able to guide and educate their own children. If the cognitive stimulation hypothesis can truly explain the Flynn effect, then we should see a rise of IQ scores across generations at all levels of IQ (Flynn, 2003; Lynn (1990) but if the nutritional hypothesis provides the explanation, intelligence gains would appear more so at the bottom end of IQ scores, where nutritional deprivation is at its worst (Flynn, 2003).Neither the nutritional hypothesis nor the cognitive stimulation hypothesis appears to be telling the whole story in relation to the Flynn effect, and there are still many other theories out there. Some suggest natural selection as a cause, such as Deary et al, 2004 who found significant correlation between low IQ score and risk of cardiovascular disease and death. However this could be down to environmental factors caused by lower IQ such as poverty and living conditions which could lead to death and illness Gottfredson 1997. Bra in size has also been proposed as a relevant factor.Tiedmann (1836) suggested a connection between brain size and mental energy, and medical advances allowing tests such as MRI scans have since led to further research in this area. Willerman et al (1991) and Raz et al (1993) went on to find correlations between brain size and general intelligence, supporting Tiedmann’s hypothesis. However, these correlations were found in particular samples, and did not clarify causation. Luria (1968, 1972) conducted two case studies and discovered that injuries to different parts of the brain affected intelligence in different ways.Flynn (1994, 1999) favoured environmental explanations himself, suggesting intelligence gains too rapid to be genetic. Many recent European studies have suggested that the Flynn effect is actually coming to an end, or could possibly be in reverse. Sundet et al (2004) composed intelligence tests from the 1950’s and found that in line with the Flynn effect, n on-verbal intelligence showed higher gains, that is until the 1990’s when IQ scores ceased to increase. Teasdale & Owen (2005) found similar results, with scores rising from 1959 and peaking in the late 1990’s.Teasdale & Owen (2005) noticed that after this peak, intelligence test performance has since declined to pre-1991 level. Many people view these studies as direct evidence for the end of the Flynn effect; however some view it an extension of the Flynn effect, one which can still be explained by the nutritional hypothesis. It is proposed that the rise in IQ scores was a result of the number of low scorers who were dragging the average IQ score down, getting smaller and smaller.Supporters of the nutritional hypothesis argue that this decreasing number of low scorers was due to the decreasing number of people suffering from poor nutrition, and now poor nutrition is not a problem the slow removal of low scorers has levelled out. Three big questions when looking at int elligence testing are the reliability of intelligence tests, the validity of intelligence tests and whether the usefulness of intelligence is overemphasised.One issue with reliability is that IQ scores fluctuate, and if you take the same test a few weeks later it is likely you will achieve a different score, although you are not supposed to retake the same IQ test as your first interaction with it will almost certainly influence your second performance. Researchers question whether we can ever truly know if the first score we get is truly a representation of our intelligence, or if it may be a fluctuation from our real intelligence, questioning the accuracy of such scores. This concern hasinspired plenty of research into IQ fluctuation, with many studies such as Jones & Bayley (1941) suggesting that although scores do fluctuate, they remain relatively stable. Furthermore, while there is plenty of evidence to suggest intelligence tests correlate well with other intelligence tests (Ne isser et al, 1996), these studies are based on the assumption that there is a globally agreed idea of general intelligence when this is in fact not true (Benson, 2003). As mentioned earlier, there are cultural variations of what is perceived as intelligence, calling into question the validity of intelligence testing.It wouldn’t be sensible to dismiss intelligence tests entirely as there is plenty of evidence to support their reliability, validity and usefulness. However, we should not ignore the shortcomings. Both the nutritional hypothesis and the cognitive stimulation hypothesis have contributed somewhat to our understanding of the Flynn effect, but neither appears to be telling the whole story. The nutritional hypothesis views nutrition as increasing intelligence as part of a nurturing environment with plenty of evidence providing support for this as an explanation of the Flynn effect, such as Quian et al (2005) and Benton & Roberts (1988).However it is becoming increasing ly difficult to continue to test this as most people are well nourished these days, particularly in Western culture. The cognitive stimulation hypothesis suggests that the visual revolution is responsible for the Flynn effect, suggesting higher intelligence results from improvements in cognitive stimulation. Again, there is plenty of evidence in support of this; however it does not provide an absolute explanation.Due to the rising number of studies suggesting the Flynn effect is coming to an end, it is possible that any current and future research into the Flynn effect is futile, although many of the evidence to suggest this is predominantly undertaken in Europe, pointing back to the cultural differences in intelligence. Perhaps less developed countries are seeing the Flynn effect? We could benefit from more research across various cultures. There are also the questions of intelligence test reliability, validity and usefulness to consider. Leading to my final question; if we canâ₠¬â„¢t define intelligence, how can we truly test it?

ISMG 3000 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ISMG 3000 - Assignment Example In this way, both parents and children will be in the cafe but separate lodges. With customer ethics, the client is not ethical. He seems to be rude in airing his grievances. He has not given the reasons why children should not be allowed into the cafe and does not provide any solution either. To encourage a communication that is open, I will make use of the business email. This method will enable me to respond to customers complaint without others seeing my response hence I will have an opportunity to handle all their grievances (Ammar, Sedigh-Ali and Ghafoor 40). An email will enable privacy. The above imply that e-commerce is an essential element that I need in my business. I will employ business to customer e -business model. The above entail transaction between a company and the customer on-line (Sri and Srinivasan 9). It will be used to sell cakes. Customer searching and marketing takes place on-line. After full ordering, shipment of the cakes to the clients destination will follow. The e -business strategy will facilitate quick and easy communication with the customers. It will also strengthen market capabilities and increase the operation hours of the enterprise (Sri and Srinivasan 10). The management will have access to broader information through research thus expediting customer service. The strategy will also reduce the location and availability restrictions thus reaching new markets. In a nutshell, it will keep the business relevant. It will also enable be to track various business metrics. The metrics that I will track in my business website include product comparison to see what is outside there. I will also monitor the users segments and customer satisfaction (Sri and Srinivasan 19). Additionally, shopping cart removes and sales funnel will be tracked. To partner with suppliers, I will employ the customer -business strategy. I will create a link of communication and payment system. The link will enable