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Suicide, 2008.
A comparison of the arguments of Immanuel Kant in "Suicide and Duty" and David Hume in "Of Suicide."
1,578 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper presents David Hume's argument against suicide as described in "Of Suicide." It discusses his arguments based on God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed, although he does defend suicide in certain scenarios. It then discusses Immanuel Kant's argument against suicide in "Suicide and Duty" and his position that suicide can never be justified.
From the Paper
"Kant (1930) provides the strongest position on the immorality of suicide. Although Hume (1874) defends suicide in certain cases, he based his entire argument in God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed. Those laws are, in fact, providence, designed to protect human beings and guide them. The problem with Hume's (1874) argument is that in a universe that is completely controlled and determined by God, there is no choice for the human being. All that anyone can do is to accept and observe the laws. The whole argument depends on whether has faith in God. Kant's (1930) argument focuses on the human being as having a great deal of worth and as a person who is a moral agent. The person can commit suicide but the choice is made on the basis of a higher purpose which is that person's own purpose."
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Mental Disorders in "Don't Say a Word", 2008.
An analysis of various mental disorders displayed by the character Elizabeth in Gary Fleder's film "Don't Say a Word".
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the movie "Don't Say a Word", directed by Gary Fleder, and focuses particularly on its deeply disturbed protagonist, Elizabeth. The young lady manifests a number of mental problems, so many and so variable that her psychiatrist becomes suspicious that she is faking. The paper points out that she is indeed partially faking her symptoms. At the same time, she is a troubled young woman and does suffer from depression and related problems because of certain traumatic events. The paper adds that the link between the events and her reaction is clearly made and serves to show her portrayal to be realistic. The paper takes a close look at how well she mimics certain problems so convincingly, enough to fool even medical professionals. Ultimately, she is diagnosed with counterfeit schizophrenia. The paper concludes, however, that the severe traumas in her life might have led to the onset of real disorders.
From the Paper
"Schizophrenia may be the most severe of the psychiatric disorders, and this problem leads to a disability resulting from negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, which may at times include delusions and hallucinations. These symptoms are in keeping with what psychiatrists in the film see when they examine Elizabeth. The modern conception of schizophrenia was made first by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin at the beginning of the twentieth century, and in 1959, Schneider offered a set of first rank symptoms of the disease. These symptoms included audible thoughts, hearing voices arguing, hearing voices commenting on one's actions, the feeling of influences on the body, thought withdrawal, delusions, and the belief that one's feelings and volitional acts are influenced by others (Stefan, Travis, & Murray, 2002, pp. 12, 15)."
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The Case of "Jeffrey", 2008.
A case study of a young boy's developmental behavior.
1,574 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 101 sources, APA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This is a paper on the subject of child development which reviews the case of a young boy who, although quite bright, lags significantly behind other children his age. The paper reviews his psychosocial, biosocial and cognitive development and provides a lengthy assessment of the boy and his actions. The author also explains his behavioral predilections, his background, the responses of those adults in his life and notes what can possibly be done to rescue an otherwise promising child from future troubles and under-achievement. The author has also included the research sources used in the paper.
From the Paper
"There can be little question that children are the most valuable (and malleable) human resource in any society; they are, after all, the future of any society. With that in mind, it is essential to come up with a means of dealing with these behaviors in such a way that classroom learning and child development are not both hampered any further than they have been already. The case of "Jeffrey," a troubled child attending a local Calgary elementary school, is proof of just how important early, fast, effective treatment can be to the successful amelioration of a problematic situation.
"To begin with, "Jeffrey" is eight years old and in the third grade; he was born March 1, 1999 and grew up in home with parents who separated when he was three. As it turns out, Jeffrey's father was quite abusive to Jeffrey's mother and the family struggled financially; it is also worth noting that Jeffrey's mother was an adolescent when he was born. Finally, the parents are Caucasian and Jeffrey was/is an only child. According to his teacher - and according to the impressions recorded by this writer - Jeffrey's cognitive skills are quite strong; in fact, he is best described as exceedingly bright - a bit of an anomaly considering neither of his parents has much formal education. In all of the scholastic activities this observer witnessed, Jeffrey was always among the first done with his work and he consistently scored near or at the top of the class in both language arts and in arithmetic evaluations; indeed, Jeffrey appears to possess an unusually high aptitude when it comes to problem-solving. Overall, this writer came away with the sense that Jeffrey's cognitive skills were not - are not - the issue; rather, the issue for him is his bio-social and psycho-social development."
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Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, 2008.
This paper explores lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the damage it causes to the central nervous system.
1,664 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the central nervous system and focuses on the body of research about the link between its interaction with serotonin receptors and the onset of hallucinations. The paper discusses how although one receptor in particular is believed to be the key, the lack of research on the subject in general precludes a definitive determination at this time.
From the Paper
"Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) causes hallucinations and detachment from reality. Since neuro psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia present very similar symptoms, these profound if episodic perceptual distortions can be viewed as symptoms of temporary damage to the Central Nervous System. Serotonin receptor activation has long been thought be directly affected by LSD, yet after 30 plus years of research, the precise mechanism by which LSD bonds with which of several serotonin receptors, remains a matter of conjecture."
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Social Class and Mental Illness, 2008.
This paper argue that there are problems in connecting mental illness specifically with social class, ethnicity and gender.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the association of mental illness with social class contains implications resulting in stigma for the patient, errors in psychiatry approaches, and misinformation about mental health policies. The author points out that the belief that mental illness was associated specifically with the lower social classes and certain ethnicities began in the 19th century; however, today, the conclusion is that mental illness is manifested across all social classes and ethnicities. The paper relates that the fundamental research problem remains that, whatever means are used to measure the association of mental illness with social class are still not standardized. The author states that another problem is that, when social class is linked to mental illness, the real meaning is easily distorted. The paper concludes that the more common mental disorders such as stress are not the result of social class but of social disadvantages.
From the Paper
"In Song and Biegel's (1997), there is an assumption that the family caregiver of the mentally ill is also likely to have mental illness. The symptoms the caregiver experienced were caused by the care giving burden, the patient's behavior, and lack of social support. However, lower social class and race were presumed to be factors in the appearance of mental illness symptoms. The reason is that caregiver burden differs between the white middle class and lower classes which are not white. The link between care giving and developing symptoms is based in patient impairment and behavior which results in severe caregiver stress."
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Literature Review and Analysis: Culture and Development, 2008.
A review of literature regarding childhood development in diverse cultural contexts.
2,370 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of cultural variations on childhood development, by looking closer at the research that already exists on the topic. It holds that existing literature does not pay enough attention to the impact of culture, especially regarding the parent-child relationship, on developmental psychology. While the role of parenting has been long recognized as an important component in development, this recognition has existed mostly devoid of cultural context. The paper argues that culture does have an influence on development, and will consequently have an influence on any planned intervention strategy. The paper concludes that what is critically needed is further research into the subject to demonstrate statistically viable methods for conducting important therapies and interventions in different cultural settings that are backed by legitimate theory and research.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review and Analysis
Current Limitations of Family Therapy Theory
Importance of Cultural Context
Emerging Picture of Culture's Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On a theoretical level, developmental psychologists and theorists have been plagued by the same impulses that beset researchers in most disciplines: the desire to devise a single, all-encompassing theory. What dedicated researcher doesn't dream of a single theory that can provide all of the answers for all of the questions that have been (and will be) asked? This impulse has led to the creation of many theories, such as attachment theory, that strive toward a grand theory of development. But attachment theory has been exaggerated in its usefulness to explain actual instances of childhood development. Lamb (2005) concludes that development is much too complex, owing largely to the complicating effects of culture, to be easily reduced to a single theoretical approach. Contrary to the tenets of attachment theory, empirical data has consistently shown that there is more to development than just the parent-child relationship (though, admittedly, this is an important component)."
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Defense Mechanisms, 2008.
An analysis of the Freudian theory concerning defense mechanisms.
1,463 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and critically evaluates the evidence for psychological defense mechanisms by examining Freudian theory in works such as "Civilization and its Discontents" and responsive works such as "Individual Differences" by Colin Cooper. The paper debates the issue of whether the evidence Freud provided on defense mechanisms is controversial, as are his theories about the id, ego, and superego. The paper contends that one's belief in the existence of defense mechanisms is dependent to a significant extent upon one's belief in Freud's theory of the mind as a whole, and upon one's view of the impact individual differences may have on human psychology.
From the Paper
"Freud (1989) theorized that through projection, when a person's unacceptable, forbidden urges intensify and break into consciousness, they are attributed to others. Likewise, unconscious rationalization eliminates anxiety or guilt by formulating perfectly reasonable reasons for the unacceptable behavior; displacement occurs when a natural urge cannot be vented and is then repressed and often displaced to another, disguised means of venting; and reaction formation occurs in order to fend off an anxiety-inducing and unacceptable impulse by replacing it with its over-emphasized, diametrically opposite impulse. "
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Families' Experiences and Life-Support Withdrawal, 2007.
An examination of families' experiences when deciding to remove life-sustaining interventions in the intensive care unit (ICU).
3,164 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 132.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the experience of family members who are engaged in decision-making related to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining interventions from another family member. It explains that the methodology used consists of a sample of four to five families who are contacted through ICU family conferences in one or two hospitals in which the conferences are concerned with the withholding or withdrawal of life support from a family member. The paper looks at how certain factors may be identified from family members' experiences that help to determine why the decision-making process is subject to wide variation.
The paper also notes that it is expected that certain family members engage in more effective decision making than others and that particular families engage in more effective decision making than other families. The paper highlights the fact that family decisions are rendered easier or more problematic by such variables as the person's prognosis, whether an acute or chronic illness is involved, perceived quality of life, degree of suffering, and the presence of an advance directive. The paper concludes that preparation for death most especially needs to be based in a team approach, and the emphasis should be upon the relationship between nurses and families and that the future needs of the family should be proactively considered once death has occurred.
From the Paper
"Nurses and other healthcare providers normally initiate the discussion that lead to withdrawal of life-support but patients and families make the final decision. The experience of decision making is different for family members when an acute illness is involved from a situation of chronic illness. After a period of denial, families of patients with acute illness or injury can recognize the need for withdrawal of support much more quickly (McHale Wiegand, 2006). Certain behaviors by healthcare providers can increase the level of distress experienced by the patient's family."
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Marcello Rubini in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita"., 2008.
This paper applies existential-humanistic psychology to the character of Marcello Rubini in Federico Fellini's film, "La Dolce Vita".
1,666 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how humanistic and existentialist psychology could help Marcello, the lead character in Federico Fellini's film, "La Dolce Vita". The paper shows the unhappiness inherent in Marcello's lifestyle and discusses how Marcello needs a father figure or a stern therapist that could authoritatively guide the boy towards manhood.
From the Paper
"In Fellini's 1960 film classic, La Dolce Vita, Marcelo Mastroianni plays a wandering play-boy journalist (Marcello Rubini) who seems unable to commit to anyone or to anything. For example, he threatens throughout to write a novel, but never really makes any substantive process on the matter. In terms of his personal relationships, Marcello appears to move from one woman to another without any great enthusiasm for establishing a meaningful relationship with any one of them."
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"Code of the Street", 2008.
This paper provides a sociological analysis of "Code of the Street" by Elijah Anderson.
1,211 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "Code of the Street" where Elijah Anderson researches the lives of people in Philadelphia's inner city neighborhoods, in order to identify how prevailing conditions caused by poverty combine to produce pervasive drug or alcohol abuse, violence and broken families. The paper discusses Anderson's sociological approach and his evidence that living in poverty and being subjected to racism produce a vicious, recurring cycle of cause and effect. The paper is of the opinion that this book provides important and conclusive insights into the flawed and destructive culture of America's inner cities.
From the Paper
"Reading Chapters 3 and 4 of Code of the Street confirms that Anderson's sociological methodology was based upon extensive personal observations and interviews, which provide convincing evidence that living in poverty and being subjected to racism produce a vicious, recurring cycle of cause and effect. Using the ethnographical research he conducted in Philadelphia during the 1990's, which entailed studying African Americans in poverty-stricken areas of the city, Anderson reflected upon the information he obtained from informants and from his own observations, and concluded that a fundamental cause and consequence of crime in inner cities is the code of the street that prevails in these neighborhoods. (Anderson 107-110)"
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Bowen Family Systems Theory, 2008.
This paper provides an assessment of the applicability of the Bowen family systems theory (BFST) through a case study methodology.
1,365 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that the Bowen family systems theory (BFST) regards the family unit as a single entity; if there are malfunctions with the family, BFST identifies that there are problems inherent within some aspect of the family. The paper identifies four components of BFST and addresses a case study in which these components are applied and used to asses the status of an affected individual from a troubled family background.
Outline:
Introduction
Four Components of BFST
Analysis of the Case Study
From the Paper
"Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) regards the family unit as a single entity; much like the components of the body form the whole of the person, in BFST the individual family members form the whole of the family (Searight, 1997; Titelman, 1998). If there are problems or malfunctions with the family, BFST identifies that there are problems inherent within some aspect of the family (Searight, 1997; McGoldrick, Serson, & Shellenberger, 1999). This could be indicative of problems held by one family member that is beyond the scope of immediate family life (e.g.: conflict for a parent in the work environment) or could suggest issues that are localized within the immediate family setting itself."
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Observing Children Play, 2008.
This paper applies Piaget's theory of stages of play in the observation of a young child.
1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Piaget's theories about what we can learn from formal play observation. The writer observes a young child at play and comments on her play, using Piaget's developmental theories of stages of play, namely functional play at a younger age followed by symbolic play at a later age.
From the Paper
"Piaget believes that children's play is very important, because as they play, they develop cognition (Wyly, 1997). When we talk about cognition, we mean the mental process in which people gain knowledge by looking at things, or reasoning about them, etc. Children do a lot of this when they are playing. This is why observing play is an important way to learn about child development. For in play, the child interacts with the environment and learns how to control and understand the environment. For example, the child learns to throw objects, and from this the child learns about the weight and feeling of objects, and about gravity. The child also learns about cause and effect - for example, when the child shakes its rattle, a sound comes out. From this, the child learns that the rattle sound is caused by shaking the rattle (Wyly, 1997)."
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Toronto Youth Gangs, Rationales and 'Moral Panic', 2007.
An examination of youth gangs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
2,044 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 12 sources, APA, AU$ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the youth gang problem in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The paper explains that governmental, academic and media sources tend to discuss the gangs only in a social context, ignoring profit motivations centred on the crack cocaine industry. The paper also looks at how youth gang activity in the GTA is more entrenched than a decade ago. The paper stresses how most sources fail to identify the central factor of a crack economy that is most lucrative, notably in academic sources that may present theories and models which fail to consider differences in the crack industry supporting gangs. In conclusion, the paper shows that persons supplying millions in crack to Toronto each year are not victims of troubled identity and membership, bad housing, educational failure or the results of bigotry, but people motivated by profits.
Outline:
Introduction
Extent of Gang Activity
Varied Perceptions
Significant Crime
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"Educated opinion indicates a liberal position equating gang membership with poverty, low opportunity or other disadvantage in a now usual rationale given minority members to engage in criminal youth gangs. The public can be unaware of 'white' gang members or gangs without particular ethnic origin or members by no means from deprived backgrounds. The culture of delinquency involves profiting from a deadly dug, as stressed later, though the educated public can seem more concerned by police approaches to youths arrested at younger than 14 or arrests made more often within one community than another. When the Toronto Police Service cracked down on the Crips-back New Born Assassins in the Keele-Eglinton area, in response to violent planned muggings, critics noted that those arrested were mainly 14 to 15 years old, charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable robbery, robbery and disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence; the public can be unclear as to why arrests are made when youths are 'not guilty' of an actual offense."
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Child Development, 2008.
A comparison of the stages of child development as explained by Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson.
822 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the theories of child development by Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson. It shows how Freud's theory was based in the psychoanalytic perspective, Erikson's theory is from the psychosocial perspective and Piaget used a cognitive approach. The paper looks at their approaches regarding sensorimotor development, cognitive development and the different stages of child development.
From the Paper
"Piaget's stages are different to Freud's and Erikson's since Piaget only focused on the child to a point in adolescence. Also, Piaget is not concerned with psychosocial development except in terms of moral development. Piaget is somewhat similar to Freud in that during the sensorimotor stage the child learns about the environment through sensation and movement. Unlike either Freud or Erikson, Piaget concentrated on external influences such as the parents through which the child learns to shape behavior. During the preoperational stage, the child uses cognitive development and especially language to relate to what is in the environment (Issacs, 1972). In contrast to the bodily sensations that Freud described, Piaget maintained that the child gained pleasure from thoughts and fantasies. The stage of concrete operations is one of learning abstract thinking and rational judgments. The child's interaction with the world is completely on the cognitive level. The stage of formal operations provides a guide for the teenage years and for life because of fully developed reasoning powers (Issacs, 1972)."
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Criminal Justice Issues, 2008.
An analysis of criminal justice issues in the United States and an explanation for criminal delinquency.
3,334 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 15 sources, APA, AU$ 138.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews several criminal justice issues. Specifically, it looks at how crime is measured in the United States, the intersection between criminological theory and the social contract theory, the various key standards of insanity which have persisted in America over time and the evolving role of victims in criminal matters. The paper then concludes by offering up the writer's eclectic theoretical explanation for criminal delinquency and how this can be proved.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Criminal Justice Issues
Issue One
Issue Two
Issue Three
Issue Four
Issue Five
From the Paper
"Punishment and/or treatment programs which should best assist those who have already committed wrongful acts (under my multi-pronged approach) would include remedial education programs, drug treatment programs (where applicable); perhaps programs which teach young people about anger management and relationship skills; and out-reach and mentoring programs with those who have gone down a similar path and turned their lives around. In terms of punishment, I would argue that those who seduce young people into prostitution, who lead them into gangs, and who compel them to engage in felonious conduct are people who should be dealt with most severely."
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Research, the Belief Engine and the Internet, 2008.
An analysis of the human belief engine and the Internet as viable research tools.
2,596 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 113.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how it is almost impossible in today's age to trust any form of research implicitly. However, it is part of human nature to gather information as a form of research, connect it with our preexisting ideals, thoughts, and memories, and then form beliefs based on this new perception or "knowledge". There are, however, some forms of research that are generally considered more "true" or reasonable than others. It contends that although the Internet is becoming increasingly acceptable as a research domain, users must be intelligent and skeptical when deciding upon the reliability of Internet research.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction: The Belief Engine
Units of Belief
Belief and Research
Research on the Internet
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Internet is also a forum where bad research can be particularly harmful because a number of Internet "hoaxsters" deliberately plant wrong information which can appear quite respectable or even scientific at first glance. Many websites post hoaxes about famous people, politics, productions or organizations - sometimes in the sake of satire or humour, but other times simply to be misleading. There are also a number of "mirror websites" designed to deceive users into believing they have accessed a real, reputable site; the "mirror" site design can be so believable that many users have trouble determining its fakeness (Internet Detective, 2006). The Internet also publishes a lot of urban legends (incorrect stories or rumours that are presented as truth), scams, frauds, and Hate sites that perpetuate malicious, untrue information about an organization, person, religion, or political viewpoint (ibid). "
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