Grounded Theory -- Definition and Overview in Sociology

Grounded Theory Definition and Overview in Sociology Grounded theory is a research methodology that results in the production of a theory that explains patterns in data, and that predicts what social scientists might expect to find in similar data sets. When practicing this popular social science method, a researcher begins with a set of data, either quantitative or qualitative, then identifies patterns, trends, and relationships among the data. Based on these, the researcher constructs a theory that is grounded in the data itself. This research method differs from the traditional approach to science, which begins with a theory and the seeks to test it through the scientific method. As such, grounded theory can be described as an inductive method, or a form of inductive reasoning. Sociologists  Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss popularized this method in the 1960s, which they and many others considered an antidote to the popularity of deductive theory, which is often speculative in nature, seemingly disconnected from the realities of social life, and may, in fact, go untested. In contrast, the grounded theory method produces a theory that is based on scientific research. (To learn more, see Glaser and Strausss 1967 book,  The Discovery of Grounded Theory.) Grounded Theory Grounded theory allows researchers to be scientific and creative at the same time, as long as the researchers follow these guidelines: Periodically step back and ask questions.  The researcher needs to step back once in a while and ask the following questions: What is going on here? Does what I think I see fit the reality of the data? Data does not lie, so the researcher needs to make sure their own ideas about what is happening matches what the data is telling them, or the researcher may need to alter their idea of what is going on.Maintain an attitude of skepticism.  All theoretical explanations, hypotheses, and questions about the data should be regarded as preliminary, whether they come from the literature, experience, or making comparisons. They should always be checked out against the data and never accepted as fact.Follow the research procedures.  Research procedures (data collection, analysis, etc.) are designed to give precision and accuracy to a study. They also help the researcher break through biases and lead him or her to examine some of his or her assumptions that might otherwise be unrealistic. Therefore, it is important that the correct research procedures are followed so that an accurate conclusion is reached. With these principles in mind, a researcher can construct a grounded theory in eight basic steps. Pick a research area, topic, or population of interest, and form one or more research questions about it.Collect data using a scientific method.Look for patterns, themes, trends, and relationships among the data in a process called open coding.Begin to construct your theory by writing theoretical memos about the codes that emerge from your data, and the relationships among codes.Based on what you have discovered so far, focus on the most relevant codes and review your data with them in mind in a process of selective coding. Conduct more research to gather more data for the selected codes as needed.Review and organize your memos to allow the data and your observations of them to shape an emergent theory.Review related theories and research and figure out how your new theory fits within it.Write your theory and publish it. Updated  by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Writing with Speech Recognition Software

Writing with Speech Recognition Software Writing with Speech Recognition Software Writing with Speech Recognition Software By Michael A professional writer might add a thousand words a day to their rough draft. With speech recognition software, some writers can add several thousand. Thats one reason why more writers are choosing to dictate their books. Today the error rate of speech recognition software has improved to within a percentage point of a human being. According to IBM, even a human transcriptionist hears the wrong word 4 or 5 percent of the time. IBM reached 5.5 percent in 2017. Google claims even lower than that 4.9 percent in 2017. Speech recognition can be found in Google Docs, Windows 10, your smartphone and in various home devices. Dragon Naturally Speaking is the only commercially-available speech recognition software for consumers, mostly because they bought all their competitors. According to their website, Dragon is 3x faster than typing and its 99% accurate. For higher accuracy, Dragon can be trained to recognize your own voice and vocabulary. Tips for writing with speech recognition Dictate in complete phrases or sentences. Recent advances in accuracy have come not so much from speech recognition (thats a buh not a duh) as from language recognition (after the words eat or peel the sounds buh nah nuh are probably banana). I can sometimes see my software rewrite a sentence once Ive completed it, because it now has more of the context and so can recognize more of the words. Pause between phrases, not words. Thats mostly what I just said, but it bears repeating. Separating parts of speech with pauses (It was the best of times) can really confuse the software. It likes to sense the sentence structure as you speak. Pausing between phrases is also a good habit for public speaking, or for speaking in general, for that matter. Yes, you need to pause while you think, but you dont need to keep talking while you do it. Watch the screen. If there are any errors or omissions, you want to make sure theyre not so serious that you cant remember what you really meant to say. I can handle Dragon spelling to instead of too or member instead of remembering. But sometimes the software provides a perfectly spelled word that would make no sense later. In that case, I can usually dictate the correct word again, perhaps preceding it with or rather as a newscaster might. Or you may be able to train Dragon (and yourself) that you pronounce to as tu and too as te-yoo. Or restate your sentence in different words. Dont worry about polluting your masterpiece with synonyms its probably faster than hemming and hawing for the perfect word. You can perfect it when you edit it. Keep a consistent tone, speed, and volume. Shouting, whispering or pretending youre Robin Williams will make the software work harder. It doesnt appreciate or even recognize histronics. I did a stint as a professional voice transcriptionist, repeating the speech of another person more clearly so that Dragon could understand it better. We maintained a cheerful tone as we worked, but we werent dramatic. Dont stop for mistakes. Keep a consistent flow, where words come out of your mouth at approximately the same speed they come into your mind. Your mind will appreciate that. Dont stop to fix typos or punctuation errors. Talk around any blatant mistakes restate anything thats unclear but keep dictating. Your first transcription may not be smooth or free of mistakes. But mistakes inspire creativity, because they beg you to fix them. So dont worry about making mistakes when dictating. Dont try to speak the keyboard. Youre better off just dictating words and not trying to operate your computer with your voice. Yes, Dragon has many editing commands: Scratch that, Scratch that n times, Go back, Go to top, Stop listening, Search eBay for text (NOTE TO SELF: DO NOT TRY TO WRITE NOVEL AND SHOP ON EBAY AT THE SAME TIME.) But the main commands I use are Period and New line Im supposed to be writing not editing remember? and Ive turned off my internal editor. Dragons commands are great for people who cant use a keyboard they can say Open Google Chrome or Post to Facebook but the extra learning curve can sour other people on trying the software. Hands-free editing I keep Dragon in Dictation Mode, which ignores commands as long as Im dictating quickly. Otherwise, if one of my paranoid characters shouts, Stop listening, Dragon might take me literally and not transcribe anything else. So how do you edit without using editing commands? Dictate the section again, without the mistakes. Really. Its probably faster than using the commands. It may be faster than using a keyboard. Many writers with repetitive stress injuries say that what hurt their wrists was not the typing, it was the constant cutting, pasting and mousing. With dictation, the only movement is your mouth and your eyeballs. Dictation lets you hear your words again, which lets you decide if you really like them. It even lets you combine several versions. You could have both versions open on your computer and switch your eyes between them as you read your favorite paragraph with each. Or you could print out both versions, lay the pages all over the floor, rearrange them as you like, edit them with a fat marker pen, and then smoothly read them back into your microphone. When I first tried this technique, though, the new version wasnt much better than the old. I hoped that as I reread the passage, my mind would naturally find things to correct, as a storyteller does. But seeing the text in front of me made it harder to see areas of improvement. A better strategy might be to silently read both versions again, then close my eyes and retell the story into the microphone. Dictation software works better for some writers than others, and for some types of writing than others. At first you may miss the feel of the keyboard or the pen, or you may be distracted by the sound of your voice. But for many writers, speech recognition software can set their creative process free. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings)Among vs. AmongstOppose and Opposed To

Essential factors for personal development and success in the United Essay

Essential factors for personal development and success in the United States of America - Essay Example This essay will describe the factors that attribute to success within the American setting as reflected by Yang in his article. According to Yang, Asian Americans are having a difficult time within the American setting. Asian Americans grow up with Asian intrinsic values that prove very different from what the American culture upholds. Children born of Asian families in America have a unique set of values that defines the personality that they adopt. It is evident that culture plays a critical part in personality development, explaining why Yang describes how the Asian culture has molded them into individuals that exhibit significant differences from the Americans within the class setting, workplace and in relationships (Barrios, 2013). . However, Yang (2011) highlights that the impact of the Asian culture in their personality development has served them little good. In real sense, he laments that the Asian culture has led to the development of multiple stereotypes that serve as setb acks for people of Asian descent to succeed. Yang highlights that most of the Asian American score good grades and secure position in prestigious institutions within America. He highlights that the Asian culture of hard work and devotion makes them successful in school. However, multiple stereotypes associated with the Asian Americas have served to deny them chances in the workplace that conform to their academic achievement, making them, ‘paper tigers’ with impressive certificates but lacking opportunities. He highlights that such stereotypes have only served as a ‘black ceiling’ preventing many Asian Americans that they rightly deserve from their academic qualifications. He present nine examples and profiles of Asian Americans, and reveals how Asian attributes and stereotypes associated with the Asian American have denied them chances in the workplace and in relationships. Yang describes Asian Americans as ‘bananas’, highlighting that they ar e Asian on the outside and white in the inside, but is keen to mention that the two sets of cultures are incompatible. However, if circumstances are to prove different for any of the Asian Americans, they have to follow the advice that the author presents of having the willingness to do things differently. A change of attitude for the Asians, and their determination to overcome the stereotypes that pull them can serve help them become outstanding individuals. It is possible that the strength of ties described by Malcolm will be of critical importance to Asian Americans (Yang, 2011). Yang’s critique has given rise to a heated debate in the society. It becomes questionable what Asian Americans should do different in order to succeed. Apparently, they are doing well in academics, but are not securing jobs as expected despite their qualifications. Should Asian Americans abandon Asian values and adopt attributes defined by then dominant American culture? Gladwell Malcolm mentions in his essay ‘small changes’ that one should try to be different. Asian Americans are yet to experience full integration into the American culture. Although they live and school in America, their Asian aspects have remained evident. Evidently, Asian Americans can work together towards developing ‘strong ties’ as defined by Gladwell. Such strong ties will help them overcome the black ceiling established by the lack of complete integration into

Leadership and Managment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership and Managment - Assignment Example pend largely on the acceptance and diffusion of policy ideas (p.502).† It is important to note that prior to our new reform, all the stakeholders have been used to the previous work arrangements. Supporting Doetter and Gotze’s insight, it will be ignorant of us to assume that the employees and other members of the staff will easily adapt in the new system. Our goals might be hindered in the process and it is a common understanding that those goals are the only reason the new reform is being launched. Compatibility issues may occur in form of difficulties in the working relationships (Daly, Speedy & Jackson, 2004). The new arrangement brings with it new tasks and specialization, plus, of course, greater higher levels of seriousness in what we do as an organization. In the meantime, the preexisting work relationships will certainly become destroyed. That might not rhyme so well with the workers. Adapting to virtually new masters and supervisions in the fields that did not carry much weight before will bring slowness in terms of implementation of the new working policy. In the meantime, workers will be demoralized and hence low productivity will ensue. The Department of Health (2013) and NHS Employers (2013) underpins the necessity of engaging employees in working as a team. However, in our case, such processes might prove to be tougher than we expect especially now that we behave new employees some of whom are from completely different disciplines. Diversity policy The fact that new policy comes with some shortcomings (Bassett, 2012) is one that we must live with. The introduction of new employees some of whom are from different disciplines can easily compromise governance into ensuring that all arms of management work to their best levels and towards fulfillment of... This paper approves that in terms of compatibility and coordination, new workers may find it difficult to adapt to the new environment while the old workers may find it hard to accommodate the new changes in the reform agenda. The result is slowed productivity of our organization, tainting of its name and fame due to unimproved services and loss of costs in terms of costs of hiring new employees. If not well managed, diversity may breed hate among workers which will sabotage coordination, productivity and thus the performance of the company altogether in that order. Insubordination is an already recognizable phenomenon in our organization. This is different from the conflict of personalities. It is the process of demeaning others because they are inexperience or are not learned as one. This paper makes a conclusion that there will be the need to sensitize the entire workforce and the key stakeholders of the new reform necessities. To this end, it will be vital to conduct major inclusive workshops to explain that the new changes are the most effective for the attainment of the goals of our organization. During such inclusive workshop, it will be necessary and possible to coin in the importance of diversity – we are there not to compete but to learn and complement each other. The problem of insubordination is sensitive and if addressed appropriately, it may be termed as rude. Therefore, it may be embedded in the issue of diversity. But first we must come up with a comprehensive employee behavior and policy as an in-between help.

Life Is a Dream Essay Example for Free

Life Is a Dream Essay Historical background: Spain was united after the Moorish occupation (711-1400s). However, it also left Spain as a cultural powerhouse in Europe which was still largely medieval in 15th century. Spanish philosophers and scholars exerted strong influence and their craftsmen were well known across Europe. Ferdinand and Isabella united Spain and by 1492 expelled the Moors entirely form the country. They were determined to Christianize Spain and instituted the Inquisition to hunt down and punish heretics/in addition to the Moors tey expelled all the Jews from the country. Influences from both the Moors and Catholics are evident in the Spanish drama: Moorish heritage in the attitude towards women and honor; Catholic influence-religious faith and doctrine-God and church. Spain was the dominant world power for almost two centuries-1492 expansion and occupation of many lands in America, Africa parts of Europe-Portugal, Sicily, Netherlands. This gave the nation a sense of stability, confidence, energy-also evident in the theater. Religious drama-auto sacramentale- were extremely popular and performed regularly even after they had become obsolete in the rest of Europe. Professional troupes were organized for this purpose-best writers were hired to write them. They were produced on carts (carros) roughly 16 feet long and 36 feet tall-thus having two levels. Eventually they used 4 carros as a permanent stage-actors were reharsing for a long time and were presenting for the city council before the performance could get approved for the public. Autos were performed for 200 years until the decline in mid 1700s By the end of the 16th century-several dramatic geners appeared Comedia-3 act dramas or comedies. Cape and Sword-about lowly gentlemen and Cuerpo (Noise) about kings and mythological characters, saints-actions in remote places. Lope de Vega 1562-1635- One of the most famous and prolific playwrights-a nobleman, soldier, businessman, lover and finally a priest. He wrote over 1600 plays some-450 have survived. Often compared to Shakespeare, he did not have the depth and insight into human nature-he preferred to end plays with happy endings-looking at the positive side. Pedro Calderon de La Barca 1600-1681 Wrote about 200 plays of which a 100 survived. He wrote â€Å"Cape and Sword† comedies-love triangles that are happily resolved. He also wrote serious plays about jealousy and honor. Most famously he wrote a number of autos-his were the most popular and the form declined after his death. LIFE IS A DREAM 1636 A philosophical allegory about the human situation and the mystery of life. It is a tragi-comedy-has elements of both. All major characters suspended between different duties-promises and expectations of what is to be done. Clotaldo has a duty to kill anyone who sees Segismundo but also can not kill his own daughter—as his duty is to protect her. Sgismundo kills his helpers the rebels as he has a duty to the kingdom. As in a classical comedy everyone gets married at the end but the couples are strange or unexpected-Segismundo marries Estrella instead of Rosaura-she marries Astolfo as he has ruined her honor. Analogies Dreams to theater as theater to life Dreams to life as life to afterlife Basilio is rebuked in the play as he wants to find out his fate-only God knows your fate. Women were allowed on stage from the end of the 16th century. Cross-dressing was forbidden so Rosaura appears as a half-monster-half-male, half female clothing.

EMERSON :: essays research papers

â€Å"Society never advances. It recedes as fast on one side as it gains on the other.† Although written long ago these words by, Ralph Waldo Emerson still hold true today. Everyday in society people are making improvements, however, but these improvements also have equal drawbacks. Today we are using cutting edge technology to improve every aspect of our daily lives. For instance in today’s society the fields of Communication and Medicine are constantly advancing yet they both create significant losses. Technology has helped increase the speed of communication and decrease its cost. However, at the same time it has caused people to become more impersonal with each other. In earlier times the major form of communication was for people to visit each other and go to public meeting places. One of the next major advances was the telephone. Due to the telephone people no longer went to the public meeting places as often as they used to. As time goes on, new advances still allow people to contact and communicate with each other more easily. These advances such as faxes, beepers, and electronic mail, although seemingly making life easier, each help to decrease the earlier forms of communication. The field of medicine, like the field communication, also displays what Emerson was trying to say. This field too, which had many advances, has also caused many difficulties. As scientists and doctors try to come up with cures for the many diseases we have today, they are also making new ones. For example, when scientists went to Africa in search of a cure for a disease, they came back with monkeys that were contaminated with the Emboli virus. Today in Russia there are military bases where Russian scientists are creating thousands of germs and viruses to use in germ warfare. These germs and viruses are EMERSON :: essays research papers â€Å"Society never advances. It recedes as fast on one side as it gains on the other.† Although written long ago these words by, Ralph Waldo Emerson still hold true today. Everyday in society people are making improvements, however, but these improvements also have equal drawbacks. Today we are using cutting edge technology to improve every aspect of our daily lives. For instance in today’s society the fields of Communication and Medicine are constantly advancing yet they both create significant losses. Technology has helped increase the speed of communication and decrease its cost. However, at the same time it has caused people to become more impersonal with each other. In earlier times the major form of communication was for people to visit each other and go to public meeting places. One of the next major advances was the telephone. Due to the telephone people no longer went to the public meeting places as often as they used to. As time goes on, new advances still allow people to contact and communicate with each other more easily. These advances such as faxes, beepers, and electronic mail, although seemingly making life easier, each help to decrease the earlier forms of communication. The field of medicine, like the field communication, also displays what Emerson was trying to say. This field too, which had many advances, has also caused many difficulties. As scientists and doctors try to come up with cures for the many diseases we have today, they are also making new ones. For example, when scientists went to Africa in search of a cure for a disease, they came back with monkeys that were contaminated with the Emboli virus. Today in Russia there are military bases where Russian scientists are creating thousands of germs and viruses to use in germ warfare. These germs and viruses are

Golf Equipment Manufacturing Industry

Henrietta Koramoah What I learned-Poison Gas used in World War I I learned a lot about World War I and a lot about poison gas during this assignment. First I learned that poison gas was used as an accessory that killed a lot of people. I learned that the use of poison gas was started by France. They used poison gas against Germans in the war. Then Germans started using poison gas against most of the other country and their allies. The poison gas used was phosgene gas, mustard gas, chlorine, Asphyxiate, and Lachrymator (tearing agent).Most of these gases contain toxic and a harmful bacterium that can cause damage to humans immediately. Secondly I learned that for first time in the war; poison gas was like a weapon but only used to frighten soldiers. Even though the soldiers had their mask on, some were still injured. In 1917 when the United States joined the war, after defeated by the Germans most countries like the British got mask for their soldier and used poison gas as a respond t o their enemies such as the Germans.Thirdly I learned that, France and British made more mask to protect them from the pain of poison gas. The Germans defeated a lot of countries with the help of poison gas. Even though poison gas did injured and hurt a lot of people. The number of damages caused by poison gas was low to the damages caused by machine guns. And lastly I learned that Germans were blamed for the damages caused in the war, I thought that was a little bit unfair but I thought Germans had it coming. So in conclusion this is what I learned about poison gas in my I-Search assignment.