A Study on the Uncertainty Reduction Theory and the Evolutionary Process of the Human Brain

A Study on the Uncertainty Reduction Theory and the Evolutionary Process of the Human Brain Humans brains have evolved to see patterns. The Uncertainty Reduction Theory states that people tend to gather information about people to reduce uncertainty about them. This uncertainty is common not only when meeting other people for the first time, but it is present in all types of new situations. It is essential to our survival to constantly assess the environment and threats, whether they are real or perceived. Uncertainty Reduction Theory gives us a guideline on how and why we react to new situations. The Uncertainty Reduction Theory can be linked to our evolutionary past in which we had to assess the threat level of potential predators and detect their presence. â€Å"Heider’s notion that man seeks to â€Å"make sense â€Å"out of events he perceives in his environment,† is reminiscent of Neil deGrasse Tyson explaining why human brains tend to create patterns (Craig and Muller, 2007, p. 327). The reasoning was that our ancestors who were constantly under threat of predators would sometimes face situations in which there may or may not be a predator in that bush or high grass. If you look up at a tree, your brain naturally creates patterns among the leaves and branches where you may visualize some type of shape that may look like a lion, a person’s face, or a triangle. In the physical reality, there is no lion, that’s just the way the tree is shaped, or there actually is a lion there. Those that created patterns and visualized the lion whether a preda tor was there or not, ran away and survived. Those that didn’t create the patterns would have either survived(if there was nothing there) or have been killed(if there actually was a lion). In a type of Pascal’s wager, those that evolved brains to create patterns and in turn, took no chances on their livelihood survived. This same evolutionary pressure to â€Å"make sense† or create patterns of environmental stimuli to assess threat level can be adapted to interpersonal communication among individuals of a species. Humans can communicate verbally through language and that would be the ideal way to detect the threat level of an individual or group after assessing body language. Finding certainty in the uncertainty of whether there’s a lion in the bushes or whether a person is a potential friend or foe is essential to survival and interpersonal communicative behaviors is the medium in which uncertainty can be converted to certainty. Survival relies on awareness and our consistent surveying ability. It is optimal behavior to gather as much information as possible when new people or situations arise. Gathering information is crucial to making ideal decisions. Decision making becomes easier when you have as much information as possible.

Finial Paper Worksite Development Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Finial Paper Worksite Development Paper - Essay Example The executive do not show any respect or loyalty towards the leader. The only emotion visible on their faces after submitting their work for feedback and discussion is fear and loathing. The entire team is well qualified and intelligent yet they are not able to collaborate, the problems if any are not brought into the open till the last moment, there are sub groups in the team and they mistrust the "outsiders" to their group, even healthy comment and criticism is viewed with suspicion. The project manager has full faith in the abilities of the team leader and his executives but they are not able to 'get along' and this shows in the quality of their output. They rarely come forward with suggestions, just carrying on the instructions of their leader half heartedly to fill the working hours and get out of the office. It seems that the team leader is tone deaf to his subordinates. He is obsessed with getting them to work and deliver, yet forgetting that they are not machines which can be switched on at 9 in the morning. He lacks motivational skills, also while reviewing the work the feedback is more of a character assassination than artful critique, (Goleman p, 172). A plan has been chalked out by the HR division wherein the team leader would be asked to take self assessment tests on emotional intelligence. Lead... A plan has been chalked out by the HR division wherein the team leader would be asked to take self assessment tests on emotional intelligence. The tests being self assessment based would show him that he needs to improve his people handling skills in terms of motivational skills, conflict resolution, inter personal skills. Leadership is "getting the job done through high quantity and quality standards of performance, and (2) getting the job done through people, requiring their satisfaction and commitment" (Luthans, 1998, p 427). Thus he will have to develop empathy and trust towards his team. It does not mean that the empathy and trust are only towards the team, but it is the change in personality traits which would ultimately help his team mates. To have empathy he would necessarily be aware of his own emotions first, all the joys and disappointments that life offers. Once the sensitization happens towards own feelings, the same will be developed towards others emotions and perspectives as well. Once these two traits are well entrenched there will be definite change in body language which will communicate to the subordinates as well. He will be more open to new suggestions and willing to share ideas, lend sympathetic ear to knotty problem and lend a helping hand. The other trait which needs polishing is the art of giving feedback which motivates rather than destroys confidence and enthusiasm. He needs to recognize that getting angry and blowing up on employees only clamps them, makes them defensive and stubborn and shirk responsibility sometimes even losing a well trained and educated employee. Here the art of critique as proposed by Harry

Sainsbury's analysis and valuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Sainsbury's analysis and valuation - Essay Example It generated ?131 million PBT in 2010. 4- Sainsbury’s banking which is the result of a joint venture with Lloyds bank. It created such services as insurances, credit cards and loans and generated ?7 million PBT in 2010(j.Sainsbury our business 2011). According to J.Sainsbury RAQs (2011), there are different competitors of Sainsbury for each of its areas. For example, for supermarket, which is the biggest activity in the company, competitors are Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Morrison. However, the competitors for banking service are the traditional high street banks, Tesco and M&S financial services, Egg, MNA, Capital one, Direct Line and Cahoot. This paper will analyze the Sainsbury Company through a look into its macroeconomic environment, industry, five forces model, business model, and financial conditions. Business investors may use the recommendation made in this paper to see whether to buy, sell or hold Sainsbury’s share. Macroeconomic Environment: Interest Rate and Inflation Rate UK interest rate in March’ 2011 had been registered at 0.5% which is a record low (BBC, 2011). In February 2011, inflation rate of UK rose to 4.4% (BBC, 2011). Interest rate has a major impact on time value of money. Changes in the rate of inflation generally result in alterations in the interest rate. These two factors are the key factors employed in the decision making for investment since they have a direct impact upon the ‘investment yield’. In case of UK, the record low interest rate will support the investment on shares. Rising interest rates retard the growth of inflation. Lower rate of interest increases the borrowing from businesses, which can have an impact on Sainsbury’s. This can make investment in durable consumer goods products such as automobiles, capital equipments and buildings appealing. The lower rate of interest can also affect the value of currency by making the currency weak. This can in turn enhance the market value of Sainsbury’s for the foreign purchasers. This will also help to increase the profitability of the company (Economy Watch, 2009). Rise in inflation rate coincides with the increase in cost of fuel, food and clothing items. Rise in inflation generally takes place due to increase in wholesale price index, which can have an effect on retail spending of a consumer and can weaken the consumer demand. Inflation rise also increases prices of products and VAT (value added tax) on a product that generally affects the sales volume. Factors like high level of inflation, subdued growth of wage and indecisive economic viewpoint generally reflect in terms of consumer spending. Therefore, the inflationary scenario in the UK can have a big impact of the sales and profitability of Sainsbury (RTE News, 2001). 1-PEST analysis: Political According to Lawrence (2010a), the government intends to limit the role of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and remove the ‘traffic light’ food label ing system, which has long been opposed by leading supermarkets like Tesco. As a result, the food industry will face little to no regulation for self and voluntary regulation (Lawrence 2010b). Leading supermarkets will have a ‘strong presence’ as far as accompanying the government on the forming of new

Should Fraternities Be Banned From College Campus? :: essays research papers

Should Fraternities Be Banned From College Campus The frequency of binge drinking at fraternities and sororities leads to an â€Å"Animal House† style of living. (Dr. Henry Wechsler, Harvard University) Students celebrate the end of the week by flocking to local bars for $2 pitchers. They prepare for the big game by tailgating in the parking lots with coolers full of beer. Fraternities use keg parties to help recruit new pledges. As college students return to campus for the new school year, events like these will be repeated throughout the country. If students aren’t more careful experts say tragic events like the drinking binge that killed Louisiana State University student Benjamin Wynne and caused three others to be hospitalized could be repeated. â€Å"Every college has its own horror stories, most not as deadly as the one at LSU,† says Dr Henry Wechsler, a Harvard University professor and author of a 1995 study of binge drinking. â€Å"This is not a single occurrence. Something like this will happen again.† According to Harvard studies show that 44% of students and 86% of fraternity residents are binge drinkers, drinking four to five drink in a row. Wechsler attributes this to both heavy drinkers being attracted to frats and the Greek system turning some students into binge drinkers. So this leads to my question should frats be banned? The stereotype of college fraternities making merry fools of them may be amusing in the movies, but in real life it’s no joke. Alcohol abuse is a major health problem on college campuses all across the nation. So it’s encouraging that a few fraternities are taking a pledge of a different kind: They’re going dry. Beer is almost as synonymous with the fraternity system as Greek letters, and it won’t be easy to change that culture. But a few fraternities, including Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Theta chapters at the University of Utah, are attempting to put their organizations on the wagon by the year 2000. The Greeks at Utah State University have been dry since 1995. Members aren’t forbidden to drink alcohol, but such beverages eventually will be banned on fraternity property. Such a policy is unthinkable to many members and alumni, but the reality of high insurance costs and vandalism to their property are just reasons why frats are moving to become alcohol-free. The overriding concern, however, is student health. Alcohol abuse is epidemic among college students.

Philosophy in Asia, Africa and America

The general philosophy of life in Asia is based on the principle of Yin and Yang elements: the light and the dark, the positive and negative effect. It is a belief of balance and counter-balance and both have their opportunities and threats(â€Å"Philosophy: Yin and Yang vs. Good and Evil,† 2007). The Taoism principle of Way to happiness, the Buddhism philosophy that values love, wisdom, goodness, calm, and self-control in order to end worldly sufferings by following the Eightfold path and Confucius’ social code of behavior.People base their lifestyle on luck, souls and spirits, reincarnation, the Nirvana and many others. These are the major religions of Asia and of the world that until now are still untainted. Western philosophy, which includes Europe, Canada, and U. S. A. , is based on Christianity, a religion with fundamentals of Good vs. Evil. This forms strong approach of â€Å"rights† and â€Å"wrongs†.Under any condition an individual’s actio n is based on morality; either morally right or morally wrong (â€Å"Philosophy: Yin and Yang vs. Good and Evil,† 2007). From the rationalism and empiricism, to politicism, determinism, collectivism (which human rights derived) and scientism which claim that science is the only knowledge which is exact and ultimate. Basically, there are four trends that can be regarded as the foundation of African Contemporary Philosophy in our present times.These trends are Ethnophilosophy (based on the myths, folk-wisdom and the proverbs of the people), Philosophic Sagacity (a reflection of a person who is acknowledged both as a sage and a thinker), Nationalist-ideological Philosophy (aims at seeking a true and a meaningful freedom for African people that can be attained by mental liberation and a return to genuine traditional African humanism wherever it is possible) and Professional Philosophy (consists of criticism and argument, which to them, are the essential characteristics and condit ions for any form of knowledge to be judged as philosophy).Nowadays, African intellectuals work with other scholars outside Africa to carry out the works in African philosophy wherein, modern system of education are strongly influenced by the European countries and among those important political African thinkers influenced by western philosophy are Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda and Julius Nyerere. Nà ©gritude and pan-Africanism are considered the two most important philosophical interests out of all the intellectual movements in Africa in the twentieth century (Emagalit).

Same Sex Marriage Is A Fundamental Right - 870 Words

In June 2015, the United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, held that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right guaranteed by the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In consequence, many new legal implications have arose from this decision. For example, now there’ll be same-sex divorces, same-sex spousal rights for life insurance, wills, and the like. What does this all mean legally for same-sex couples? As time progresses, it will become clearer how exactly these issues will be expanded to same-sex marriages, but now we discuss these issues as they stand today. Divorce Divorce cannot be that different since prior to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, many states had already legalized same-sex marriage. In fact, soon after the decision, a same-sex divorce was filed for in New Orleans, Louisiana. Logically, same-sex divorce should not differ for same-sex couples as the divorcing couple must go through the same steps as a heterosexual couple. The hurdle here is that many states that previously did not acknowledge same-sex marriage, must now learn how to marry and divorce same-sex couples. This should not cause much trouble since same-sex marriage is recognized amongst all-states, making it even easier for same-sex couple’s to get divorced. In many states in order to obtain a divorce there are residency requirements, meaning that you must be a resident of that state for a certain time period inShow MoreRelatedThe Fundamental Right to Same-Sex Marriage Essay718 Words   |  3 PagesThe legalization of same-sex marriage has been a controversial issue for years. Arguments have risen between political and religious point of views over the controversial topic. While many believe it is morally and ethically wrong, there are others who believe it is emotionally and socially acceptable. More than half the country legally denies the right to marry between lesbian or gay couples. When denying same-sex couples to marry, the government is degrading the rights of citizens and is encouragingRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Is An Inflammatory Issue In Today’S Political1577 Words   |  7 Pages Same sex marriage is an inflammatory issue in today’s political landscape. Seemingly every election cycle brings us incendiary sta tements about how â€Å"the gays† are destroying America’s moral fabric from segments of the right. Meanwhile the idea of same sex marriage is becoming more and more accepted among young generations. The courts lie in the middle of this chaos. When laws are passed which discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community and are met with legal challenges, it is up to the courtsRead MoreThe Debate Over The Legalization Of Same Sex Marriage1264 Words   |  6 Pageshave come into contest with more liberal values. One of the most prevalent examples of this is the ongoing debate over the legalization of same-sex marriage within America. In the article â€Å"Supreme Court should make gay marriage a national right† by the editorial staff at the Boston Globe, the importance of the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage was stressed because it is a topic that has been dodged thus far. While numerous federal circuit courts have ruled on this issue, some in f avorRead More Should gay marriages be legalized? Essay1504 Words   |  7 Pages Should same sex marriages be legal? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Same-sex marriages have been very controversial since becoming an issue in Canada regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Several people state that same-sex marriages should be legal, while others disagree, saying it should not be permitted. There have been many debates and inquiries about this issue for several years; the MP’s and Parliament will finally settle the problem within the next year or so. Many are in favourRead MoreLaw, Business, And Society : Writing Assignment1601 Words   |  7 PagesObergefell v. Hodges, the Court sought to discuss the issue of whether state bans on same-sex marriage were constitutional and if states had to lawfully recognize marriages performed in other states. In a narrow vote of 5-4, the majority ruled that the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee the right to marry for same-sex couples as one of the Constitution’s fundamental liberties. In this paper, I will be discussing the criticisms that Chief JusticeRead MoreCase Analysis : Obergefell V. Hodges1136 Words   |  5 Pagesheld that same sex couples can now exercise the fundamental right of marriage nationwide. Justice Kennedy reached this result by redefining what marriage is. James Obergefell and John Arthur married in Maryland in 2013. They lived in Ohio, which did not recognize same sex marriage. When John Arthur was diagnosed with ALS, the couple sued to have Obergefell’s name placed on the death certificate as a surviving spouse. The U.S. District Court overturned Ohio’s law banning same-sex marriage. The respondentsRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1254 Words   |  6 Pagesin something different does not mean they are not human as well. The court did notice marriage as a fundamental right. However, they took the position that the fundamental right to marry does not include a right to make a State change its definition of marriage, and that the previous cases dealing with the fundamental right to marry did not provide that anyone who wants to get married has a constitutional right to do so. The dissent concerns were more that the majority opinion was an act of willRead MoreThe Amendment Of Same Sex Essay941 Words   |  4 Pa gesaccompanying thoughts. In order to determine if the state is required under the Fourteenth Amendment to license a marriage of same sex, we must establish a foundation in regards to marriage and its entitlements. The court argues that marriage â€Å"is not a fundamental right,† and with this conclusion, the state is not be required to legally recognize any marriage it does not see fit. Fundamental rights are due strict scrutiny, but issues of liberty interest only require rational basis. There is a significantRead MoreThe Evolution of Same-Sex Marriage976 Words   |  4 Pagescall it marriage equality, and opponents refer to it as â€Å"redefining† marriage. The issue of legalizing same-sex marriage has evolved over the years. Same-sex marriage and the fight to legalize it publically started in 1972 in the ‘Baker v. Nelson’ Supreme Court case, which involved a Minnesota couple that was denied a marriage license. The couple ended up taking their issue to court but their trial was dismissed because the Supreme Court stated that the clerk was allowed to refuse same-sex couplesRead MoreThe Issue Of Same Sex Marriage Essay1645 Words   |  7 PagesOverview On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court, with a 5—4 majority decision, held that marriage is a fundamental right that should apply to same-sex couples based on the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause. Based on The Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, all fifty states must license and recognize a marriage between two people of the same gender. This is a significant change in the history of the United States, and supporters of the case honor the five judges in their reasonable

Overview of the FAFSA for Financial Aid

If you want financial aid, youll need to fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Anyone who wants financial aid for college will need to fill out the FAFSA. The application is used to determine the dollar amount you or your family will be expected to contribute towards college. All federal grant and loan awards are determined by the FAFSA, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. The FAFSA is managed by the Office of Federal Student Aid, part of the Department of Higher Education. The Office of Federal Student Aid processes roughly 14 million financial aid applications a year and disburses about $80 billion in financial aid. The FAFSA application should take about one hour to fill out, but this is only if you have all the necessary documents at hand before you begin. Some applicants get frustrated with the application process because they do not have ready access to all necessary tax forms and bank statements, so be sure to plan ahead before you sit down to complete your FAFSA. The FAFSA requires information in five categories: Information about the studentInformation about the student’s dependency statusInformation about the student’s parentsInformation about the student’s financesA list of the schools that should receive the results of the FAFSA Students can fill out the FAFSA online at the FAFSA website, or they can apply through the mail with a paper form. The Office of Federal Student Aid strongly recommends the online application because it conducts immediate error checking, and it tends to speed up the application process by a few weeks. Students applying online can save their work and return to an application at a later date. Again, any financial aid award begins with the FAFSA, so be sure to complete the form before the deadlines for the schools to which you’ve applied. Realize that most state deadlines are much earlier than the June 30th federal deadline. Read more about the timing of your FAFSA application here: When Should You Submit the FAFSA?