Abstract
This paper examines why it is necessary to learn algebra. It shows its everyday uses and importance. It uses some basic examples such as calculating the miles per gallon of a car, and solving a calendar riddle.

From the paper:

"Algebra is simply the branch of mathematics in which the operations and procedures of addition and multiplication are applied to variables rather than specific numbers. It is also probably the subject about which schoolchildren are most likely to ask the question: What good will this ever do me when I get out of school. This paper puts forth three different answers to that eternal question of what good will algebra do me?"

Tags:math, school, education, learnning, variables, mathamatics

Abstract
This paper details how Galileo Galilei affected history by discovering the potential of the telescope, pioneering new approaches to science, and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church.

From the Paper
"Galileo Galilei was a mathematician, an astronomer, and a physicist who made several significant contributions to modern scientific thought. During his life, he made many scientific discoveries, often in contradiction with the centuries-old ideas of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These contradictions led to great conflict with the Catholic Church; however, he emerged as a symbol to others who oppose unyielding authority and champion scientific progress. As James Reston's biography Galileo makes clear, Galileo is a historical figure who affected history by discovering the potential of the telescope, pioneering new approaches to science, and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church."

Tags:astronomy, galilei, galileo, mathematics, physics, science

Abstract
This paper explains how if it were not for Albert Einstein the world would be a lot different today as his discoveries and theories lead the way for physicists.

From the Paper
"When ever the phrase great mind or genius is mentioned usually one name comes to mind, and this name is Albert Einstein. This is so, because Einstein may very well have been the greatest mind of the twentieth century. Einstein revolutionized modern scientific thinking and was a master of physics and mathematics. From an early age Einstein showed skills and interests rare among others his age. From the beginning Einstein was destined for something special."

Tags:biography, scientist, relativity

Abstract
A short history of the great Greek mathematicians. Amongst those discussed are Pythagoras, Zeno, Euclid, Hippocrates, and Thales. This essay is a brief overview of their major contributions to modern mathematics.

Tags:greek, hippocrates, mathematicians, mathematics, pythagoras, thales, zeno

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the nonfiction book How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff. The plan of the research will be to set forth the main ideas of the book as a chapter-by-chapter summary of the important ideas, including examples of misleading uses of statistics of the type presented.

The Sample with the Built-In Bias. Statistical measurement begins with assembling a credible sample of respondents on which to base conclusions that can be generalized from the sample to the population. There are two factors to consider: whether the respondents are truly representative of what is being measured, and whether the respondents tell the truth when they are asked questions. Both features of a sample may contribute to bias in the reporting of information. Huff cites a survey in which voters in 1936 were asked over the phone predict election ..."

From the Paper
"Statistics is a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, organization and analysis of numerical data the application of this information to make informed decisions in a variety of applications. Statistical results may be used to forecast business trends, define the extent of prevailing opinion throughout a given population, changes in availability of resources or assets, and provide quantifiable answers to questions in almost every type of business, social or political area. (Encarta) Professor Edwards of the Andover Theological Seminary defined statistics as "the ascertaining and bringing together of those facts which are fitted to illustrate the conditions and prospects of society.""

Tags:history, probability

Abstract
The current paper comments on a quote by J.M Johnson and H.S Pennypacker that compares inferential statistics to single case designs. It discusses how the statement in question calls to account psychology as a science to abandon a traditional reliance on inferential statistics and group design research and to support its practical focus on the individual with reliance on more individually focused research.

From the Paper
"Inferential statistics is a branch of statistics that consists of generalizing from samples to populations, performing hypothesis testing, determining relationships among variables, and making predictions (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2001). This type of research is the most widely used in psychology, with the majority of published studies in this field relying solely on the use of group comparisons. The major argument for the use of inferential statistics is that it increases the external validity of the study and increases the likelihood of the results generalizing to other people. These results are gathered by statistical inference where various methods of calculation are used to find a central tendency within a group. The variability of the results between subjects are often explained by measurement error or extraneous variability because well conducted group research introduces the only variability deliberately as an intervention designed to examine and measure its effect(s) on subjects (Hayes, Barlow & Nelson-Gray, 1999)."

Tags:science, group, comparisons

Abstract
This paper provides a clear explanation of Blaise Pascal's "Wager for Sceptics." It explores, in depth, its merits and its flaws and focuses on the flaws in Pascal's reasoning that resulted in it not achieving his stated goal. This paper demonstrates that, ultimately, the arguments against the "Wager for Skeptics" all stem from the incomprehensible nature of infinity, a notion that lies at the heart of Pascal's work.

From the Paper
"Emanating from his mathematical background, comes Blaise Pascal's Wager - a line of reasoning designed to lure people into the Christian faith. Pascal is acutely aware of human nature, and so bases his campaign around the reader's self-interests, rather than actual theological proofs. The Wager's basic proposition is that if a person believes in the Christian God, there is a chance of them gaining infinite reward. Conversely, if a person does not believe in God, they have no chance of gaining the reward which is on offer. This is a deceptively simple choice: one that immediately appears both enticing and convincing. However, our initial arousal begins to subside just as quickly when we realise that there are major flaws in Pascal's reasoning. Pascal attempts ardently, though unconvincingly, to quash some of the objections that might be proposed. The argument itself, however, if taken as convincing, leads to some unexpected outcomes - ones that do not align with those that Pascal intended. Ultimately, the Wager does not succeed in providing a compelling reason for believing in Pascal's God over any other form of belief."

Tags:infinity, faith, belief

Abstract
The movie, "A Beautiful Mind", tells the story of Nobel Prize winner John Nash's struggle with schizophrenia. It follows his journey from the point where he is not even aware he has schizophrenia to the point where Nash and his wife find a way to manage his condition. The paper shows that the movie provides a lot of information and insight into the psychological condition of schizophrenia, including information on the symptoms, the treatment and cures, the life for the individual, and for the individual's family. The paper also explains that the movie is effective at demonstrating various concepts related to schizophrenia and provides a fascinating insight into the disease of schizophrenia.

From the Paper
"This leads to the other important point made from the film, which is that an individual can suffer from schizophrenia and still operate effectively. Nash's life is seen as he returns to the college to teach and continues completing his mathematics work, while still seeing the delusions. This life is clearly far from normal. But for Nash, it also seems the best option. At the end of the movie, it is shown that he has gained the respect of his co-workers. This suggests that with patience and understanding from others, individuals with schizophrenia can live effective lives, while managing their schizophrenia."

Tags:treatment, Wade, Tarvis

Abstract
This paper examines the results of a factor analysis conducted on Richardson's short version of the ASQ with data obtained from 187 university students. This paper defines factor analysis and describes each step in the factor analysis process, giving a clear explanation for each decision made.
Outline
The ASQ
Factor Analysis Defined
Sample Size
Data Screening & Preliminary Analysis
Descriptives
KMO and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity
Factor Extraction
Factor Rotation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Richardson (1990) developed a short version of the ASQ in an attempt to examine the reliability and replicability of this version, which contained eight subscales of meaning orientation and reproducing orientation. Richardson concluded that this new questionnaire can be used in examining meaning orientation and reproducing orientation in research on student learning, with a factor analysis successfully retrieving these two primary approaches to learning. Richardson did warn however that the validity of the constituent subscales was still rather unclear."

Tags:bartlett, test, sphericity, factor