Types of Conflict 101 Definition and Must-Know Tips (With Examples!)

Types of Conflict 101 Definition and Musts!) What are the Six Types of Conflict in Literature? (with Examples) Ah, conflict. Can’t live with it. Can’t live without it. Kurt Vonnegut once said that every story is about a character who gets into trouble and then tries to get out of it. That’s because who and what we entangle with isn’t just the stuffing for embarrassing Thanksgiving-dinner stories: it’s the types of conflict that drives every narrative forward.It goes without saying that your conflict will affect not only your plot, but also almost every other important element of your story: your characters, theme, tone, and setting. In that sense, figuring out your central conflict is one of the most important things you’ll do as a writer.In this post, we'll study the different types of external conflict and internal conflict - and figure out what they're going to mean for your own story.What is conflict in literature?Simply put, the conflict of a book is a struggle between two opposing forces. It starts when something stands in the way of a characte r and their goals. In other words:CHARACTER + WANT + OBSTACLE = CONFLICTThis might sound overly simple, but almost all of the great stories in the world are born from this formula: a protagonist desperately wants something, but can't get it. Simply take a look at these famous external and internal conflict examples for proof:Pip yearns to be a gentleman but the British upper class frowns on social mobility in Great Expectations.  Michael Corleone wants to stay out of the family business in  The Godfather  but cannot resist the gravity of filial obligation.Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers that he's in love with Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, but for one tiny obstacle: Miss Bennett despises the sight of him. It's uncertain who would emerge victorious in a New York City versus Zeus matchup.Further external conflict examples: Humanity vs. ghosts in Ghostbusters, Humanity vs. aliens in War of the Worlds.With those external factors out of the way, let's look a final type of conflict.Type 6. Character versus selfIt was writer Maxwell Anderson who said: â€Å"The story must be a conflict, and specifically, a conflict between the forces of good and evil within a single person.† Though that might be an oversimplification, it is true that every interesting story will involve a character’s inner conflict at some point. That’s because, as James N. Frey points out in How To Write A Damn Good Novel, a reader experiences the most empathy for a character when that character is in the middle of some intense inner conflict.Internal conflict  will stem from a debate that occurs within a character. It might originate from any combination of the character’s expectations, desire , duties, and fears. In Hunger Games, for instance, Katniss Everdeen must reconcile her reluctance to kill another human being with the need to survive in the battle arena. Gripping inner tension is often morally complex or universal, and that’s what will ultimately resonate with your readers.Further internal conflict examples: Pretty much every book! For more specific examples, though, see: Mrs Dalloway vs. self in Mrs Dalloway, Hamlet vs. self in Hamlet, Humbert Humbert vs. self in Lolita, Holden vs. self in The Catcher In The Rye, Pip vs. self in Great Expectations.The difference between internal conflict versus external conflictWhen it’s done right, the interplay between internal conflict and external conflict raises the quality of the story altogether. A character’s internal conflict adds complexity to the external conflict while the external conflict drives inner change. Otherwise, your character will simply be one-dimensional.Perhaps the best way to think about this is to look in the nearest mirror. What kind of internal conflict do you go through yourself? Doesn't it influence the struggles that you face externally?To use an example from literature we all probably know, let's briefly visit Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. There's her internal conflict: she wants advancement in the FBI - but most desperately of all, she wants to silence the screaming of the lambs in her dreams. This internal conflict is then teased out and used to fuel the external conflicts between Clarice and Hannibal, and Clarice and Chilton. Both are intrinsically tied to the other in Clarice's character arc, and should be written as such.How can I practice writing these types of conflict?If you’re struggling to come up with a good central conflict, try going back to the basics and thinking about it through the below two methods.The Character-Based PracticeIt never hurts to remember one of fiction’s #1 guidelines: it always comes down to character in the end. So one thing you can do to brainstorm is to return to your cast of characters. Start by re-evaluating the things that make them tick. Ask yourself:What are their fears and core values? (This is vital if you want to create a strong internal conflict.)What are their (conscious or unconscious) desires?Which one of those desires would get the character upending everything to achieve? Could that form a central conflict that’d provide the basis for a satisfying story?To brainstorm internal conflict, John Vorhaus suggests putting â€Å"but† into an equation with opposing forces, such as: I love my younger sister, but I’m a danger to her because of my ice powers, or I want Daisy Buchanan, but I’m a poor boy from the Midwest. Try it for your characters!Here's a free character profile template to get you started. And if you need specific character development exercises for inspiration? Check out this post.The Theme-Based PracticeGenerally, the central conflict teases out - or makes clear - the theme of the book. In Romeo and Juliet, for instance, the conflict between the two noble families of the Montagues and the Capulets is the perfect backdrop for the Love versus Hate theme that pervades the play.If you’ve already got a sense of what you want your theme to be, think about ways that the central struggle could best complement it. Will it raise the questions that you want readers to consider? Will the resolution of the external and internal conflict convey the message that you want  to  deliver? If you remember that conflict is just one part of the whole, you’ll experience a much easier time creating the package deal.Which of the six types of conflict are you writing? How do you approach writing conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Independent Study

Independent Study Sometimes gifted students want to learn about topics that are not offered at their own schools. Fortunately, these students do have an option when it comes to their studies. Independent study is a great way to shape a program to your own personal needs. What Is an Independent Study? An independent study is a course of study that a student pursues... well, independently. Students plan a course of study in cooperation with a willing advisor who also sticks around to make sure that the student stays on track and completes assignments and tests. Students pursue independent study for a variety of reasons. Usually, students look to independent study when they have an interest in a special topic that’s not offered at most high schools. Some examples of special topics would be courses like Asian-American history, British Literature, or Chinese language. Beware! There are a few things to consider before you begin. First, you must be sure that you have space for an elective course in your diploma program. Don’t attempt an independent study if there is a chance that it will send you off your diploma schedule! Secondly, you want to make sure that any pre-packaged course you choose is sponsored by a reputable institution. There are some seedy programs out there. How Does It Work? Generally, there are two types of independent study programs: pre-packaged courses and self-designed courses. You will find that there are many pre-packaged online programs available from colleges and universities around the nation. While independent study courses have been a part of college studies for a long time, high schools are just getting around to offering independent studies for students. As a matter of fact, if you attend a small high school you may find that there is no policy at all. You may be the first student to ask, which means you’ll have some work to do. Check with your counselor to make sure that an independent study will fit in your diploma program. Of course, you want to graduate on time! Once you know it’s feasible, you can initiate the process of independent study by asking a teacher or counselor to serve as advisor. You will work with the advisor to decide the type of program to pursue. Designing Your Own Independent Study If you decide to develop a program, you may need to come up with a proposal package that you will submit to a panel of teachers, the guidance counselor, or the principal. Again, every school will have its own policy. In your proposal, you should include a course topic description, a syllabus, a list of reading materials, and a list of assignments. Your advisor may or may not choose to test you on the material. Often the final research paper will suffice. Pre-Packaged Independent Study Programs Many universities offer high school-level online independent study courses or courses that you complete through the mail. University programs have many advantages. The programs have been designed by university staff, and quite often they are monitored by staff as well. They are less work for you and your advisor. However, they do have one big drawback. You guessed it- the price! Individual courses normally cost a few hundred dollars. You can sample a few programs that are available through Brigham Young University and the University of Oklahoma.

Prophesy, History and Context as Explored through the Period of Essay

Prophesy, History and Context as Explored through the Period of Isaiahs Prophecies - Essay Example The background of the book of Isaiah is an essential part of understanding the meanings of the writings that are within the book. The historical background puts the writing into context, helping to inform the reader on which aspects were relevant to the contemporary and which are relevant to future events. Although not every part of any of the passages of the ancient writings can ever fully be identified as one or the other, there are some frameworks of meaning that are well known and can be related in order to help the reader interpret what is read. According to Oswalt, the way to understand the writing is through the time and place in which it was written, that â€Å"God’s revelation is always incarnational† or humanized through the context of location in which they are written. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the nature of historical context of the book in order to begin to understand the nature of the meanings that are revealed. To begin with, it is highly likely that the book is the work of multiple authors, each contributing through their own perspective. One of the first indications of this way in which the book came into existence is because there are three distinct time periods in which the book relates events. The first time period occurs during Isaiah’s lifetime and likely represents 739-701 BCE.... One of the first indications of this way in which the book came into existence is because there are three distinct time periods in which the book relates events. The first time period occurs during Isaiah’s lifetime and likely represents 739-701 BCE. The second and third time periods are reflections of the time periods after the death of Isaiah and are about the time of the exile (605-439 BCE), which is discussed in chapters 40-55, and the return (539-500 BCE) which is defined through chapters 56-66 (Oswalt 4). The first section of time, the time of Isaiah’s life, is also representative of Assyria’s last period of great influence as part of human expansion. This period of Assyrian influence ended in 609 BCE as the Medo-Babylonian culture completely destroyed the Assyrian seat of power. Part of the destruction of Assyria came about through a series of very weak ruling Kings who could not hold what their ancestors had gained through conquest. Therefore, the areas t hat were at the outer edges of the expansion of the Assyrians had a period of tranquility, lasting from approximately 810 to 750 BCE. Two of the regions that benefited from this tranquility were Judah and Israel. During this time, the second king named Jeroboam was in rule over Israel and the kingdom of Judah was being ruled by Azariah, or sometimes known as Uzziah. Because of this time of peace, the Judeans and the Israelites believed that God was pleased with his children, the efforts of both prophets that had been sent to warn them of coming doom unheeded, the messages of Amos and Hosea. Through the apostate course that the nations were traveling, the end of this peace was inevitable (Oswalt 4-5). A

HD paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HD paper - Essay Example The choice of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development was based on the fact that there is always a change in human’s mental processes due to environmental experience and biological maturation. The TV episode shows that human beings undergo changes in the way they think as they change their environment and mature with time. The characters in the TV episode have undergone changes in the way they think and their characteristics, which clearly show that mental capacity of human being, keep on changing with time (Goswami,2003). There are two major assumptions in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development that are evident in the TV episode. One of the assumptions is that there is a big difference in the way children and adults think and that intellectual growth is a process that involves adaptation to changes in the environment or situations. The way children think is different from that of adults as it is well represented by the TV episode where young Sydney refuses to acknowledge the adoption of Victor. Unlike other characters who celebrate the adoption ceremony, young Sydney feels that Victor is not part of the family and so the plan of adoption does not auger well with her conscience. The reunion between Amber and Ryan clearly show that situation may make people to change. After offending Amber, Ryan makes a point of apologizing to her. Amber tells Ryan that a few years ago, she was drunk and had a car accident but the situation marked the turning point in her life as it had allowed her to mature a nd grow. The two reconcile in a manner that fulfills the assumption that situation or environment has a direct effect on individual’s ability to undergo biological maturity (Wadsworth, 1996) The vital concepts presented by Piaget’s theory of cognitive development are egocentrism and Assimilation. Assimilation takes place when people are faced with unfamiliar and new information and may refer

Perceptions of African American Women Essay Example for Free

Perceptions of African American Women Essay I am taking some classes that will eventually qualify me to major in Astro Physics, or Chemical engineering, I also want to work with NASA and train as an astronaut. It was amazing to know that Dr. Mae C. Jemison who happens to be the youngest of three children born to a middle class African American family, Charlie Jemison, a maintenance worker and his wife, Dorothy, a teacher. Dr. Mae C. Jemison was the first black woman astronaut to be in space in an era filled with segregation and racism, she is a Chemical engineer, scientist, physician, teacher and astronaut, she has a wide range of experience in technology, engineering, and medical research. In addition to her extensive background in science, she is well-versed in African and African-American Studies, speaks fluent Russian, Japanese, and Swahili, as well as English and is trained in dance and choreography. Dr. Mae C. Jamison was an inspiration to me, and probably to many African American women. She was full of resilience and determination especially to have reached and achieved success in an unusual field of endeavor for many African American women, I applaud her determination to make a difference among the African American women and blacks in Diaspora. After graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1973 at the age of 16, Dr. Mae Jemison earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, while also fulfilling the requirements for a BA in African-American Studies. After earning these degrees in 1977, she attended Cornell University and received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1981. During medical school she traveled to Cuba, Kenya and Thailand, providing primary medical care to people living there. This is an indication of her humanitarian efforts and eagerness to reach out to the less privileged population. Having a desire to do more with her life, she enrolled in graduate classes in engineering and applied to NASA for admission to the astronaut program. She was turned down on her first application, maybe because she is a black woman, but she persevered and in 1987 was accepted on her second application. She became one of the fifteen candidates accepted from over 2,000 applicants. When Dr. Mae Jemison successfully completed her astronaut training program in August 1988, she became the fifth black astronaut and the first black female astronaut in NASA history. In completing her first space flight, Dr. Mae Jemison logged 190 hours, 30 minutes, 23 seconds in space, making her the first African-American woman in space. She says, â€Å"I had to learn very early not to limit myself due to others’ limited imaginations. I have learned these days never to limit anyone else due to my limited imagination. † This is an inspiration to other blacks in general who normally assume a second class citizen and believe that they will never do well or will be appreciated in whatever they do. This is a wake-up call, and manifestation of the saying â€Å"Determination is the mother of invention†. In 1993, Dr. Mae Jemison resigned from NASA and founded the Jemison Group, Inc. to research, develop and implement advanced technologies suited to the social, political, cultural and economic context of the individual, especially for the developing world. Current projects include: Alpha, (TM) a satellite based telecommunication system to improve health care in West Africa; and The Earth We Share, (TM) an international science camp for students ages 12 to 16, that utilizes an experiential curriculum. Among her current projects are several that focus on improving healthcare in Africa. She is also a professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College. Dr. Mae Jamison made a name for herself and name for blacks in general; Her entrepreneurial spirit put her in the limelight and acts as a boost to determined black men and women in Diaspora. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. It was quite surprising to read about Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, I know almost nothing about this â€Å"giant and queen of modern Africa† who is presently the current president of Liberia. According to what I have read so far about this â€Å"queen of Africa† she was born In Monrovia, the capital of Liberia on October 29, 1938. During this period, Liberians had no clue that the First female president of an African country had been born into their mist. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is a daughter to descendents of original colonists of Liberia (ex-African slaves from America, who promptly on arrival set about enslaving the indigenous people using the social system of their old American masters as a basis for their new society). These descendents are known in Liberia as Americo-Liberians. From what I read, I noticed that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was truly an intellectual power house, a charismatic leader and destined to make a change in Liberia and contribute her quota in Africa. From 1948 to 1955 Ellen Johnson studied accounts and economics at the College of West Africa in Monrovia. After marriage at the age of 17 to James Sirleaf, she travelled to America (in 1961) and continued her studies, achieving a degree from the University of Colorado. From 1969 to 1971 she read economics at Harvard, gaining a masters degree in public administration. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf then returned to Liberia and began working in William Tolberts (True Whig Party) government. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf also served as Minister of Finance from 1972 to 73, but left after a disagreement over public spending, this is an indication of her prudence and will power. As the 70s progressed, life under Liberias one-party state became more polarized to the benefit of the Americo-Liberian elite. On 12 April 1980 Master Sergeant Samuel Kayon Doe, a member of the indigenous Krahn ethnic group, seized power in a military coup. With the Peoples Redemption Council now in power, Samuel Doe began a purge of government. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf narrowly escaped choosing exile in Kenya. From 1983 to 1985 she served as Director of Citibank in Nairobi. I will say that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf had a lot of courage, because it was quite unusual for a woman to challenge a dictatorial incumbent president in Africa without being kidnapped, tortured or killed in the process, although She was later sentenced to ten years in prison. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf spent just a short time incarcerated, before being allowed to leave the country once again as an exile. During the 1980s she served as Vice President of both the African Regional Office of Citibank, in Nairobi, and of (HSCB) Equator Bank, in Washington. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf played an active role in the transitional government as the country prepared for the 2005 elections, and eventually stood for president against her rival the ex-international footballer, George Manneh Weah. Despite the elections being called fair and orderly, Weah repudiated the result, which gave a majority to Johnson-Sirleaf, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf eventually became Liberias first elected female president, as well as the first elected female president in the continent Africa. . In 2005 She established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with a mandate to promote national peace, security, unity and reconciliation by investigating more than 20 years of civil conflict in the country and in November 2007, she received the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U. S. governments highest civilian award. She is truly a giant and â€Å"queen of modern Africa†. References: 1. http://space. about. com/cs/formerastronauts/a/jemisonbio. htm 2. http://www. k-grayengineeringeducation. com/blog/index. php/2008/09/12/first-african-american-women-in-space. 3. http://www. joinafrica. com/africa_of_the_week/ellenjohnsonliberia. htm.

Joseph’s Dialect in Wuthering Heights Essay -- Language Literature

Despite the fact that English is considered one language, there are many regional varieties called dialects spoken all over the world. Although these dialects are mutually intelligible by English speakers, they are quite different. For example, British English is markedly different than American English. British speakers pronounce words differently and use a different vocabulary. Some words and phrases have different meanings in American English versus British English. One example is the word â€Å"bathroom.† If an American were to ask where the bathroom is in a British home, they might be sent to a room with a bath and no toilet, which is probably not what the American wanted. The two dialects may even differ in grammar in some cases. For example, â€Å"gotten† is considered correct in American English, but in British English, â€Å"got† is used. Dialects do not merely differ according to country, however. Within a single country, there may be many dialects. In the United States, one can usually tell if a person is from the South, East, West, or Midwest based on the way that they speak. There are regional dialects within states and even within cities as well. Every dialect has its own phonological and syntactic patterns, as well as some unique vocabulary. Analyzing dialects can be difficult due to the fact that is it hard to transcribe the pronunciation of an individual dialect because English is not spelled the same way it is pronounced. Furthermore, one person’s interpretation of spelling a dialect might not match up with another’s, so the reader might not â€Å"hear† the dialect properly. Regardless, written versions of dialects are essential to discussing dialectical differences. Sometimes when an author wants to emphasize the fact that a c... ...lects. The reason this is possible may go back to the early stages of language acquisition. Although we learn to speak English in one particular way, our brain retains the capability to understand English spoken in hundreds, if not thousands of different ways. Works Cited Class Notes. Dec. 6th, 2010. Clark, Virginia P., Paul A. Eschholz, and Alfred F. Rosa. Language: Introductory Readings. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2008. Print. —. Language: Readings in Language and Culture. 6th ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1998. Print. Fromkin, Victoria, Robert Rodman, and Nina Hyams. An Introduction to Language. 8th ed. Boston: Thomson, 2007. Lee, Marnie. "Joseph's Yorkshire Dialect in Wuthering Heights." Associated Content. Yahoo!, 4 May 2010. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. "Understanding Joseph's Speech." The Reader's Guide to Wuthering Heights. Web. 12 Dec. 2010.

Light vs. dark

In the myth of the cave Plato and Socrates discuss the theory of having prisoners trapped in a cave chained, in where they are shown figures of the world being cast by shadows. Until one of the prisoners is dragged out into the real world and he experiences a change in perspectives. After realizing how wrong his perspective of the world was, he decides to share this information with the rest of the prisoners that are still trapped in the darkness of the cave.The other prisoners were so full of their own perspective, disbelieving that there was a world different than what they believed in, that they threatened to kill him if he spoke another word of nonsense. The prisoner returned to the outside world and left the other prisoners in the darkness of their ignorant ways. In â€Å"A Very old Man With Enormous Wing†, one day as Pelayo is disposing of crabs in the ocean, he notices an angel lying in the sand ill, he decides to take him home and keeps the old man caged in his chicken coop. fter a ew days Pelayo and his wife Elisanda start to noticed that their ill son is cured and healthy. They seek help from the priest who believes he is the devil since he dint speak God's language. People came from far and close to see the old man with their own eyes. Elisanda saw a great opportunity and started to charge people admission to see the angel, making her and Pelayo wealthy that they build a new home for themselves. When the old man regained his health and strength he disappears never to be seen or heard from again. The characters in â€Å"A Very Old Man with EnormousWings†, by Gabriel Marquez relate to the characters in Plato's â€Å"Myth of the Cave† because they are blinded by their perspective and there are similarities in the surroundings from both of the stories. Perspective; a particular evaluation of a situation or facts, especially from one person's point of view, is both a positive and negative thing in both of the stories. In the beginning the prisoner had this perspective that he strongly believed that the shadows that he was being shown all his life were what the world consisted off. When he did get the chance to go into the real world, he was hesitant and had to be dragged out of the cave.Once he stepped out of the darkness of the cave, he saw the light and came to the conclusion that all this time he was wrong for thinking that way. He tried to share his knowledge with the others that believed that the prisoners they were in was the world of sight. It is then, when he steps back into the darkness once more that he realizes how ignorant people could be, Socrates himself once said â€Å"That the unexamined life is not worth living†. Not bothering to question the chance or possibility of their being another world than the one they believe to be real.In the case of Pelayo and Elisanda in the beginning their perspective about the old man was that he was gruesome looking and that he was dangerous. They planned o n letting him regain his strength and send him of to sea with enough food and water to last him for three days. After seeing that there ill son became healthy since the old man had arrive, the thought of him not being such a negative thing crossed their mind. They ended up becoming egan to spread that the old man had powers that could cure others illness, that it led a leper, a blind man, and a paralytic to come visit the old man hoping for a miracle for the price of a nickel.Leaving with a miracle they didn't have in mind; the blind man didn't recover his eye sight but he did grow three new teeth, the paralytic who didn't get to walk but almost won the lottery, and finally the leper whose sores sprouted sunflowers. In the end Pelayo and Elisanda changed their perspective on the old man being dangerous and having powers that made miracles happened, but lso changed their financial status they went from being poor to becoming so wealthy they were able to build a big house that keep th e crabs out.The surroundings in both of the stories can relate to each other. In Platos story the prisoners are trapped and chained inside a cave, while the old man was kept locked away inside a chicken coop. in both stories the prisoner and the angel are surrounded by people that are too arrogant to accept the fact that there might Just be a world that's different than what they believe in. If they were able to change their perspective and step outside of the darkness and into the light there whole life would have changed completely.As it did for the prisoner who got his freedom into a whole new world he was amazed and curious about, while Pelayo and Elisanda not only became used to the old man towards the end, but also became very wealthy because of him. Both Plato's and Marquez story's share similarities from the characters to even the surroundings, from being trapped in a cave to a chicken coop. The way the prisoner saw how completely rong his perspective of the world was, that it was more than Just shadows being cast on a wall.How Pelayo and Elisenda were once scared of the old man with enormous wings until they changed the way the saw the old man. That they even allowed their son to play inside the chicken coop with the angel, leading to both the old man and child to catch chicken pox together. Most importantly how Plato uses the darkness of the cave to represent the ignorance we could have if we don't bother to question the world we live in, and Marquez uses the money to symbolize the root of all evil.

Psychometrics Validty and elaiability

Contents Introduction The selection of employees is one of the most significant tasks a human resources practitioner Is faced with. This affects the flow of employees entering and exiting the firm. Many Issues may arise If the recruiting process Is not In accordance with the South African Legislation, namely the Employment equity act and the labor relations act, which governs the reliability validity, bias and fairness of psychometric assessment measures.These legislations have been brought about to protect employees against discrimination and unfair practices which were experienced urine the previous dispensations. In accordance to the terms of the provisions of Section 8 of the Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) â€Å"Psychological testing and other similar assessments of an employee are prohibited unless the test or assessment being used (a) has been scientifically shown to be valid and reliable; (b) can be applied fairly to all employees; and (c) is not biased against any emplo yee or group†.The psychological measuring instrument we have chosen in accordance with HAPS is the PAIL B. The Ability Processing of Information and Learning Battery (PAIL-B) will e critically evaluated within this essay. This psychometric assessments battery can therefore assist recruiters who use these measures to identify employees who have the potential to grow and learn with In organizations.Furthermore It should be noted that the PAIL B Is a cognitive measure and Is not only used for recruitment and selection in organizations, but can also be used for selection into schools, universities and other areas. Hence, this essay will report the PAIL B through the following headings namely evaluating the PAIL B, Composition of the PAIL B, Validity, Reliability, Bias and Limitations.Evaluating the PAIL B According to Foxtrot and Rood (201 3), It Is an assessment practitioner's duty to evaluate the Information offered about a measure and determine whether it Is valid and reliable for its intended purpose. Foxtrot and Rood (2013), further state that for evaluating a measure, some of the things that an assessment practitioner should consider are: how long ago it was developed; quality of manual contents; clarity of instructions and cultural appropriateness.First conceptualized in 1994 by T. R Taylor, the PAIL B – Ability, Processing of Information and Learning Battery- (Taylor, n. . ), was designed as a set of tests with the purpose of assessing ones vital cognitive capableness. In order for the assessment to be most effective It should be administered on individuals with individuals with a minimum of twelve years educational background (Taylor, n. D. ).The PAIL B is ideal for identifying those who are likely to master new cognitively challenging content in a training context and establishing levels in order to place people in the correct positions. Taylor (n. D. ), has identified three norms that the PAIL B makes use of, namely: stained (scale of 1 â⠂¬â€œ 9) ; tens are used in the Flexibility-Accuracy-speed Tests (FAST), stained are used in the concept formation test; the memory test and Knowledge transfer test while percentiles are used in the curve of learning test.According to Taylor (n. D. ), the PAIL B is divided into five test booklets and two ancillary booklets which make up eight scores namely: Abstract thinking; Speed of information processing; accuracy of information processing; cognitive flexibility; Performance gain in a learning task; final level of proficiency; Memory and understanding and Transfer of knowledge, which ill take approximately three hours and forty five minutes to administer.Composition PAIL Battery Concept formation test This test was designed to assess one's ability to â€Å"think abstractly and conceptually: to form abstract concepts, reason hypothetically, theories, build scenarios (and) trace causes† (Taylor, p. 4, n. D. ). The test is comprised of thirty questions; each consisting of six depictions of similar nature the test taker must identify the depiction that does not share a characteristic that the rest of the depictions share (Taylor, n. D. ). Flexibility-Accuracy-speed Tests (FAST) Taylor (n. D. Suggests that â€Å"this battery within a battery measures speed (quickness) and accuracy of information processing, and cognitive flexibility'. The FAST test is made up of four individual assessments namely: Series; Mirror image; Transformations and combined tests. All four assessments are time sensitive and have been designed in such a way that it is very rare for a test taker to actually complete the entire assessment. It uses shapes of different sizes which may contain either a dot or line in the center. The basic idea of the tests is to identify a pattern and find the omitted depiction.Curve of learning According to Taylor (n. D. ), this test focuses on a learning potential, it aims to assess ones capacity at which they are able to master new skills. It looks a t future achievement potential rather than the abilities that the person already has. The test is split into four timed sessions which requires the test taker to decode a series of paired images into another set of images and once again decode these images to a set of words. Images are decoded with the aid of the first ancillary booklet, the dictionary.Memory test Directly after the test taker has completed the curve of learning test, the memory test s administered. It follows the same concept as the curve of learning where the test takers are required to decode images to words; however the dictionary is now taken away. The performance of the test taker on this test reflects the extent to which the test taker has understood the logical relation between the symbols and words. Knowledge transfer test According to Ferguson (1956, as cited in Taylor, n. D. ), transferring knowledge and skills to similar areas or situations is a vital process of cognitive development.The knowledge transf er test, as the name suggests, measures this ability. The test insists of a series of connected depictions referred to as â€Å"pieces of equipment† (Taylor, p. 19, n. D. ), which have a specific feature in addition to a basic shape. The test taker is required to categorize them under symbols. Test takers are also given the second ancillary booklet. Validity established to ensure that the test is valid for the purpose it is to be used for. Foxtrot and Rood (2013) state that the â€Å"the validity of a measure concerns what the test measures and how well it does so†.In the studies consulted it has been evident that construct and criterion validity were shown to be present in the PAIL B assessment. The construct validity of a measure is the extent to which it measures the theoretical construct or trait that it is supposed to measure (Foxtrot & Rood 2013). The second validation measure of criterion validity was defined by Paella and Wren (2005) who stated that â€Å"Crit erion-Related Validity is used to predict future or current performance†. The method that used to determine criterion related validity is predictive validity.Murphy and Adversaries (2005) define predictive validity as a method of determining criterion validity. It also used to determine the correlation of test takers test score and there criterion related scores. Taylor (1995) investigated the validity on the SOFT, where he gave the measure to 33 first-year university students who had been accepted into the university on merits other than their grade twelve results. Taylor correlated the marks from their SOFT assessments and the marks of the course they took; which were to improve their logical thinking and reasoning skills. Therefore the correlation was 0. 4 (p = 0. 012). Taylor (1995, as cited in Astrakhan, 1998) found in another study which investigated the validity on the Curve of Learning and Memory and Understanding tests was inducted using a sample of 110 workers from a beverage manufacturing firm. The criteria for evaluating workers included facets such as their capacity to learn new procedures and concepts, to understand why things happen in the firm as a whole, and their capacity to plan and organism. These results averaged correlations of 0. 35. The low correlation can be attributed to the fact that a diverse sample was not used.A further study by Taylor (1995) found criterion scores which was given to 43 employees who were enrolled in a course designed to prepare them for a promotion in Junior management positions. The correlations here were reported to be 0. 67 and 0. 79 respectively, which can be interrupted to prove to be an recreate predictor of performance. In an additional study conducted by Lopes, Rood and Maier (2001) on the predictive validity of the PAIL-B in a financial institution; the purpose was to assess the predictive validity of the PAIL test battery, in order to identify learning potential.A sample of 235 successful Job appl icants were used to complete the test battery and found the predictive validity of the test battery was assessed using a canonical discriminate analysis procedure. The procedure was adopted in view of the nominal strength of the manager's ratings, and due to the limited sample size the 5 point rating scale was eventually collapsed too 2 point classification. Reliability It should be noted that an assessment is reliable if it measures the same construct in a consistent and precise manner over time.Foxtrot and Rood (2009) define reliability of a measure as â€Å"the consistency to which it measures whatever it measures†. Split – half reliability was a major psychometric property of reliability used among majority of the literature we consulted. In the PAIL B, (Taylor 1995) elucidates that split half reliability was used to investigate whether or not the PAIL-B is reliable. Foxtrot and Rood (2013, p. 47) define split-half reliability as â€Å"obtained by splitting the me asure into two equivalents (after a single administration of the test) and computing the correlation coefficient between these two sets of scores†.During Taylor' investigations into the reliability of the PAIL B, he used a sample of six groups to test reliability coefficient of the flexibility, accuracy and speed test and the knowledge transfer test. These have reliability coefficients room a low of 0. 70 – too high of 0. 86 and 0. 71 – 0. 84 respectively Taylor (1995). In a study done by the defense force which lasted over a period of three years with new recruits. The purpose was to determine whether the psychometric evaluation processes can reliably predict the learning potential of first year recruits at the academy.The FAST considered the following; firstly, the PAIL B investigated whether the FAST has a positive effect on how quickly recruits learn new abilities. It was found that a significant relationship with a reliability coefficient of (r=O,491) exists between legibility of information processing and steepness of the learning curve. This therefore is below the accepted reliability coefficient of Secondly, it was found that a strong relationship with a reliability coefficient of is apparent between speed of information processing and the total amount of work completed by the recruits.Lastly, it was determined that the small relationship with a reliability coefficient of exists between accuracy of information processing and steepness of the learning curve. This therefore is below the accepted reliability coefficient of However, the results concluded that three components of the FAST, are accurate in predicting how quickly new recruits in the defense force will develop new competencies. The findings also further indicated that the accuracy with which information is processed has a minimal influence on the rate a recruit will develop new competencies (Preterits 2010).In terms of the knowledge transfer test which investigated if there was a transfer of knowledge to crystallized abilities. Meaning it investigated if there was a transfer of what the recruits learnt and how they apply it in combat situations. Preterits (2010) defines crystallized abilities as â€Å"are peccadillo insight or understanding and knowledge that emerge via transfer from existing knowledge and that is subsequently, successfully stored in memory'. The Memory and Understanding sub-test of the PAIL-B was used to measure crystallized ability of recruits.It was found that a positive relationship exists between the transferring of knowledge in what the recruit learnt and crystallized abilities. The reliability coefficient was reported as a positive directional relationship between transfer of knowledge and crystallized abilities. A substantial relationship with a liability coefficient of 5) exists between memory and understanding and crystallized abilities. This therefore suggests that a moderate correlation exists.In terms of the curve of lea rning, it was found that prior learning has a positive directional effect on learning performance thus the results indicate a substantial relationship and moderate correlation with a reliability coefficient of In concluding with this study, it can be said that the defense force's use of the PAIL B (Preterits 2010). A De Geode and Thereon (2010) study concurred with Preterits (2010) where a non- arability sample of 434 new recruits from the South African Police Service Training College in Philipp, Cape Town was used.Even though the size of the selected sample is quite acceptable, making use of a non-probability sampling of the target population, caution should be taken when making generalizations. De Geode and Thereon (2010), found that a score of reliability score of (r= 0. 45). This suggests that a question mark hangs over the success with which at least some of the concealed variables comprising the results of the learning potential police recruits. Standard Error of Measurement F oxtrot and Rood (2013, p. 49), â€Å"explain that the standard error of measurement indicates the band of error around each obtained score, and examiners should aware of the standard error of measurement for each subtest before interpreting the test – takers score†. Therefore, assessors must be cognizant of the test takers history and current circumstances. Factors such as culture, transient conditions, prior learning and test wishes can have an impact on the variance between the true score (obtained under perfect conditions) and the obtained score.Preterits (2010) outlines hat prior learning of an individual and their familiarity with taking assessment has a significant impact on their ability to perform in test conditions. While Dodos (2000) was of the view that a testes culture as well as environmental factors will also affect the scores of the historically disadvantaged people of South Africa. Bias Prior (2011) explains that bias â€Å"implies that test scores obt ained for various subgroups of a given population cannot be interpreted in the same way across the groups†.Taylor (1995) suggests PAIL-B was designed as a learning potential test and therefore emits any biased based on cultural differences. This is a result of the test being a non-verbal test, except for the instructions, and the test comprises of mainly geometric depictions thus language does not become an issue of concern. Astrakhan (2008) concurs with Taylor (1995) in a study conducted with a sample of 400 individuals, 66 testes had African surnames while the large majority can be classified as white.The data analysis for both race groups were highly correlated indicating that there is no potential for bias. However, it should be kept in mind that his was not a representative sample. Further studies were consulted to investigate the potential bias in the PAIL B. A sample of 20 psychological professionals from various fields, were asked to investigate the cultural bias of th e PAIL-B; found that 6 out of the 20 felt that the test was bias (Dodos 2000). Thus, it can be stated that there is a potential for bias based on one's culture.Similarly, Preterits (2010) concurs with Dodos as he found that the PAIL B was accused of being biased and under representing the cognitive capacity of individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Thus, in order to bring recruitment practices in line with legislation in the Employment Equity act, these tests was subsequently replaced with a selection battery thought to be less susceptible to culture, race and gender bias. This resulted in the measure being removed from use in the context of the defense force.Limitations of the PAIL B diverse enough for the representative target population. This is further verified by Astrakhan (2008), who also did not make use of a diverse sample. Therefore based on the literature from these authors, it is evident that accurate conclusions cannot be ran indicating that there are l imitations in the above studies. Conclusion In the end the results show that, the PAIL-B is able to predict the performance of individuals not only in certain institutions but for any selection at an accurate level and therefore makes the battery a vital instrument to use.It is evident that the PAIL- B is a somewhat outdated measure but still proves to be valid and reliable in measuring cognitive abilities today. However, caution could be taken when administering the PAIL-B, as some authors have found that bias is present in historically disadvantaged groups. This essay therefore reported on the PAIL B through evaluation of the PAIL B, Composition of the PAIL B, Validity, Reliability, Bias and Limitations. Recommendations Firstly, it should be noted that the PAIL B is an outdated selection battery.In order for organizations to make fair decisions in line with the Employment Equity Act, a more relevant battery needs to be considered. Secondly, it should also not be used in its indivi dual capacity within the recruitment and selection process and is it advisable to be used in harmony with other valid information such as candidates' curriculum it's and other test results. Thirdly, the use of the PAIL can be considered bias in instances where people from different cultures and race groups are affected.In addition, Astrakhan (2008), De Geode and Thereon (2010), should make use of a more representative sample in order to draw conclusions about the reliability of their studies. Lastly, we also propose that measures within the battery not require such strict prior learning criteria as these have been shown to bias the historically disadvantaged individuals who have not had exposure to prior learning. Reference List psychometric test administrators toward the PAIL B as a culture fair assessment with special reference to the employment equity act.

7 Steps to Quitting Your Job with Style and Class

7 Steps to Quitting Your Job with Style and Class At some point, you’re going to need to write a resignation letter. Maybe you have to quit because this toxic job is driving you insane, and you’re leaving to teach yoga in Antarctica. Maybe you got a great new job- yay! Or maybe your political scandal is about to hit TMZ, and you need to find a way to say you’re sorry and leaving to spend more time with your family. Whatever the circumstances, a good resignation letter is pretty similar across the board. Here are six basic steps to follow when it’s time to say goodbye  so you can make sure you’re quiting your job with style and class.1. Be positive that this is what you want.If you have a new gig lined up, that’s pretty definitive. But if you don’t, make sure you’re not doing this as a passing whim. There are no backsies once you put something in writing. And even if you manage to say â€Å"just kidding† and rescind your resignation, that’s not going to create mu ch trust or goodwill among the powers that be.2. If possible, give your boss a heads up.A quick meeting to let him or her know that you’re leaving is a nice courtesy. It can help ease the cold, hard facts in the email or letter to follow. It can also make your transition out easier, if he or she feels looped in and not blindsided by the news. After all, this person is one of the people most likely to be directly impacted by your leaving.3. Pick your format.Some companies might require a formal paper letter. Others might not have any specific rules- in which case an email to your boss is probably fine. Do a little due diligence with HR before you drop the official note.4. Hit all the necessary paper trail points.Your resignation letter should include a statement of the facts surrounding your departure, but only the ones that pertain directly to your job ending.I’m leaving the company. (The reason is not necessary to include.)I will be leaving on X date. (Check your comp any’s policy to see if there’s minimum notice you need to give.)I will be available to help with the transition until that date.5. Check to make sure the tone is neutral.Don’t talk about how excited you are about your new job, or how much you hated your current job by the end. This letter is not a place for venting, bus-throwing, or grudge-ing. It wouldn’t hurt to show mild regret that you’re leaving, even if that part is ever so slightly disingenuous.6. Proofread it.This is going to be part of your official record with the company, so make sure the information is accurate, especially the end date.7. Thank your boss for the opportunity you’ve had.If you’re unhappy, squash the urge to be snarky. Once upon a time, this job WAS an exciting opportunity, and regardless of why you’re moving on, you did get experience and knowledge along the way.At this point, you’re ready to send it and start your goodbye tour with a clear con science.

Political Conventions Day-by-Day

Political Conventions Day-by-Day The United States presidential nominating conventions are held during the spring or summer of each quadrennial presidential election year by most political parties fielding nominees in the November presidential election. Along with selecting the party’s nominee for president, delegates to the conventions adopt the party’s platform- the party’s principals and goals for its candidates presidential administration. Most delegates to the conventions are selected through the presidential primary elections and caucus process and are pledged to vote for a specific presidential candidate during the nominating process. Other delegates, called â€Å"unpledged delegates† are seated automatically due to their status in the political party and are free to vote for the nominee of their choice. The cities hosting the conventions are selected by the national party organizations based on factors including availability of meeting space, lodging facilities, entertainment opportunities, and economic incentives. As they have grown into major, highly-publicized events drawing intense media coverage, the conventions offer significant economic benefits to the host cities. Although the U.S. presidential nominations have largely been settled during the primary/caucus cycle in recent elections, the national political party conventions continue to be an important part of the American political system. As you watch the conventions, heres whats happening on each of the four days. Day 1: The Keynote Address Coming on the first evening of the convention, the keynote address is the first of many, many speeches to follow. Typically delivered by one of the partys most influential leaders and speakers, the keynote address is designed to rally the delegates and stir their enthusiasm. Almost without exception, the keynote speaker will emphasize the accomplishments of his or her party, while listing and harshly criticizing the shortcomings of the other party and its candidates. Should the party have more than one candidate seriously vying for nomination at the convention, the keynote speaker will conclude by urging all party members to make peace and support the successful candidate in the upcoming campaign. Sometimes, it even works. Day 2: Credentials and Platforms On the conventions second day, the partys Credentials Committee will determine the eligibility of each delegate to be seated and vote for nominees.  Delegates and alternates from each state are typically chosen well before the convention, through the presidential primary and caucus system. The Credential Committee basically confirms the identity of the delegates and their authority to vote at the convention. Day-two of the convention also features the adoption of the partys platform the stance their candidates will take on key domestic and foreign policy issues. Typically, these stances, also called planks, have been decided well before the conventions. The platform of the incumbent party is usually created by sitting president or the White House staff. The opposition party seeks guidance in creating its platform from its leading candidates, as well as from leaders of business and industry, and a wide range of advocacy groups. The partys final platform must be approved by a majority of the delegates in a public roll-call vote. Day 3: The Nomination At last, what we came for, the nomination of candidates. To win the nomination, a candidate must get a majority more than half of the votes of all delegates. When the nominating roll call begins, each states delegate chairman, from Alabama to Wyoming, may either nominate a candidate or yield the floor to another state. A candidates name is officially placed into nomination through a nominating speech, delivered by the state chairman. At least one seconding speech will be delivered for each candidate and the roll call will continue until all candidates have been nominated. At last, the speeches and demonstrations end and the real voting begins. The states vote again in alphabetical order. A delegate from each state will take the microphone and announce something very similar to, Mr. (or Madame) Chairman, the great state of Texas casts all of its XX votes for the next president of the United States, Joe Doaks. The states may also split the votes of their delegations between more than one candidate. The roll call vote continues until one candidate has won the magic majority of the votes and is officially nominated as the partys presidential candidate. Should no single candidate win a majority, there will be more speeches, a lot more politics on the convention floor and more roll calls, until one candidate wins. Due mainly to the influence of the primary/caucus system, neither party has required more than one roll call vote since 1952. Day 4: Picking a Vice Presidential Candidate Just before everybody packs up and heads home, the delegates will confirm the vice presidential candidate named in advance by the presidential candidate. The delegates are not obligated to nominate the presidential candidates choice for vice president, but they always do. Even though the outcome is a foregone conclusion, the convention will go through ​the  same cycle of nominations, speeches, and voting. As the convention closes, the presidential and vice presidential candidates deliver acceptance speeches and the unsuccessful candidates give rousing speeches urging everyone in the party to pull together to support the partys candidates. The lights go out, the delegates go home, and the losers start running for the next election.

Financial Advisor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial Advisor - Assignment Example I intend to achieve this by offering financial advice on issues related to college funding, retirement plans, buying or selling a house, running a business, insurance, marriage or career plans, defining savings goals, creating an investment portfolio, tax preparation, estate planning, and dealing with a financial crisis, among others. I am a keen learner and do believe that knowledge is the biggest power to bring about a change in the world. Additionally, equipped with strong marketing and networking skills, I consider myself apposite to work as a financial advisor and proactively contribute to the society. Testaments to this are my memberships in different relevant committees such as National Association of Realtors, Colin County Association of Realtors, National Association of Professional Women, Professional Standards Committee and a graduation from Texas Realtor Leadership Program, to name a few. I enjoy networking with and learning about people. Having attended over ten conventions and seminars, I intend to foray into the domain of a financial advisor, with a bundle of new ideas and commendable people skills. Having established myself as a finance professional with superior problem-solving ability, exemplary research skills, and considerable experience in analysis of large sets of data in asset/wealth management roles to expedite and maximize investment gains, I deem myself a good fit as a financial advisor. I have expertly handled complex negotiations to close deals, influence change and drive parties towards desired outcome. Besides being highly motivated and organized, I excel in communication skills, computer skills, reports and presentations and possess expertise in Microsoft Office and over twenty transaction platforms/sources. My key technical skills and abilities include real estate asset management, auction and bankruptcy, property valuations, foreclosures and short sales, broker price options