Psychology Observational Analysis

Psychology Observational Analysis The analysis of an individuals behaviour bridges an in-depth understanding of his character and when there is an adequate knowledge about psychology. This paper discusses a behaviour analysis of the person in a coffee shop through bio-psychosocial approach. Based on observation, his age is around 30 to 40 years old. He is busy with his laptop while smoking. He looks restless and stressed. This man has one knapsack and a paper bag with him. His smoking is noticeable as he consumes one stick of cigarette per hour. He also transferred to the other side of alfresco tables as the surroundings become noisy. There are three assumptions discussed on this paper namely; Ultradian Rhythms, impact of stress and noise pollution. Ultradian Rhythm As observed on the man in the coffee shop, he smokes every hour. The study of psychology suggests Ultradian Rhythms as the reason for this time pattern of smoking common to working people. The man in the coffee shop could be experiencing this during that time. Ultradian Rhythms work through clock-like regulators that normalize the activities inside the body. These regulators are found in the oesophagus, heart, pancreas, lungs, and brains. These are normal body phases that take place in a day for every 90-120 minutes. Within this period, the brains and body sends clues indicating the need for having a break and change in physical and psychological activity (Rossi Lloyd, 2008, p.195). The man in the coffee shop is possibly experiencing this Ultradian Rhythm in his smoking habit. Although smoking does not enhance one’s well-being, smokers use the limited time during short breaks to smoke as it is their best way to maximize the time. Some people use their short breaks for taking a nap or drinking coffee. When smoking, the signals are often obvious with the physical movements of a person. The man in the coffee shop shows these movements such as stretching, resting his back on the wall, yawning, physical discomfort and frequent urination. When these actions are noticeable on him, he would light a cigarette and smoke. These actions are usually not recognized by people resulting to neglect. On the other hand, ignoring these signals causes a person to resort to artificial stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine (Cain, 2006, p.6). Similar to the man in the coffee shop, smoking is his way to cope with the signals. Moreover, disregarding these signals may also cause fatigue, anxiety, and physical and mental illness. Hence, his actions before and while he smokes are signals indicating a need for rest or change in activity. Stress Another assumption with regards to his smoking addiction is of course, his obvious stress. Stress can cause headaches or poor health and it makes people feel short-tempered, worried or low. As observed at the subject, he looks stressful and restless and these trigger his smoking habits. People who experience a lot of stress find relaxation when smoking a cigarette. This ineffective dealing with stress has many harmful effects to a body. On the other hand, people do not only smoke to reduce stress. Some people experience stress when they start to quit smoking. Hence, it is difficult for people to quit smoking since its effects are stressful too. There is no scientific study that proves the 100% effectiveness of nicotine to lessen the stress. However, according to University of Southern Florida (2000), brain releases neurotransmitters when a person is smoking a cigarette. Other chemicals such as beta-endorphin and epinephrine can give a better feeling to a person within a limited time. Hence, nicotine can somehow improve a person’s mood within a short time and lessen the feeling of stress. On the other hand, smokers often perceive smoking a cigarette as a â€Å"break† from thinking too much of a task and handling stress (Azagba Sharaf, 2011, p.2). This sensation is short-term and rapidly directs to withdrawal symptoms and more cravings. Hence, smoking can divert a person’s attention from his troubles into something less stressful thoughts. The man in the coffee shop is simply stressed as obvious to his physical appearance and he finds relaxation when smoking. Noise Pollution There are also other observations on the man in the coffee shop. Another thing about the man is his loss of concentration when being disturbed. His facial expressions show his deep annoyance. Given that he sits in the middle of alfresco tables, he transferred to the other side of the coffee shop as the surroundings are becoming noisy. This behaviour is common to people especially those that need a high level of concentration to do a specific task. How does noise affect one’s concentration? Noise pollution is not a physical contaminant but it is present in form of sound waves. It messes with naturally occurring waves within an environment. It is usually present in public places especially in transportation sites such as road, airport, pier and train stations. It affects a person’s hearing and cardiovascular health. In addition, it may also affect one’s potency and can increase the risk of social conflict. According to Daniel Vastfjall’s study on noise sensi tivity (2002), a person who is experiencing a bad day is more likely to experience irritation more than those who are not. Based on this research, people who are insensitive to noise and not in a good mood are less likely to respond with annoyance (Missouri Western State University, 2006, para.7). If the noise results to interference of an activity, noise is more expected to irritate a person. Hence, if a person is in bad mood and the surroundings are noisy, he or she is more likely to respond with anger, annoyance and displeasure. The man in the coffee shop manifests such negative response given his unhelpful mood combined with the noisy surrounding. Moreover, the noise influences his health directly through annoyance. The overall behaviour of the man in the coffee shop is a result of his daily routine and natural response to the surroundings. During the interval of one hour, he is not informed that he needs a break and thus, he smokes a cigarette to relax himself from work. On the other hand, his stress probably accumulates on him day by day. Lastly, his mood for the day as well the surroundings trigger him to get annoyed and to stay away from the noisy crowd. The bio-psychosocial analysis on the man in the coffee shop helped with his overall behaviour’s assessment. To sum up everything, stress, noise and daily routine are the triggers of the man’s negative behaviour and actions. He copes with stress ineffectively by smoking and his annoyance in noisy surroundings is a result of his sensitivity to noise. References Azagba,S., Sharaf,M. (2011). The effect of job stress on smoking and alcohol consumption.Springer Open Journal,1(15), 1-14. Retrieved from http://www.healtheconomicsreview.com/content/pdf/2191-1991-1-15.pdf> Cain,A. (2006).The Psychology of Smoking(01273 732690). Retrieved from US DHHS website: http://www.emotionalhealth.co.uk/psychology-of-smoking.pdf> Missouri Western State University (2006, August 5).Does Noise Sensitivity Affect A Reader`S Concentration?RetrievedFebruary14, 2014, from http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/812.php> Rossi,E., Lloyd,D. (2008).Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind: A New Vision of Life. OH, USA: Springer. University of South Florida (2000).A Guide To Remaining Smoke Free. RetrievedFebruary14, 2014, from https://www.sc.edu/healthycarolina/pdf/facstaffstu/tobacco/SmokingStressAndMood.pdf> Vastfjall,D. (2002). Influences of current mood and noise sensitivity on judgments of noise annoyance.The Journal of Psychology. Retrieved from https://vmacs.vmth.ucdavis.edu/userpages/spzeck/Noise/Noise3.txt>

Two Ways of Seeing a River (1883)

This passage is excerpted from Mark Twain’s 1883 book Life on the Mississippi, in which he shares his experiences as a river steamboat pilot and explores the many facets of the great river. As you read, consider his masterful use of language as he reflects on his changing relationship with the river. Now when I had mastered the language of this water and had come to know every trifling feature that bordered the great river as familiarly as I knew the letters of the alphabet, I had made a valuable acquisition. But I had lost something, too. I had lost something which could never be restored to me while I lived. All the grace, the beauty, the poetry, had gone out of the majestic river! I still kept in mind a certain wonderful sunset which I witnessed when steamboating was new to me. A broad expanse of the river was turned to blood; in the middle distance the red hue brightened into gold, through which a solitary log came floating, black and conspicuous; in one place a long, slanting mark lay sparkling upon the water; in another the surface was broken by boiling, tumbling rings that were as many-tinted as an opal; where the ruddy flush was faintest was a smooth spot that was covered with graceful circles and radiating lines, ever so delicately traced; the shore on our left was densely wooded, and the somber shadow that fell from this forest was broken in one place by a long, ruffled trail that shone like silver; and high above the forest wall a clean-stemmed dead tree waved a single leafy bough that glowed like a flame in the unobstructed splendor that was flowing from the sun. There were graceful curves, reflected images, woody heights, soft distances, and over the whole scene, far and near, the dissolving lights drifted steadily, enriching it every passing moment with new marvels of coloring. I stood like one bewitched. I drank it in, in a speechless rapture. The world was new to me and I had never seen anything like this at home. But as I have said, a day came when I began to cease from noting the glories and the charms which the moon and the sun and the twilight wrought upon the river’s face; another day came when I ceased altogether to note them. Then, if that sunset scene had been repeated, I should have looked upon it without rapture and should have commented upon it inwardly after this fashion: â€Å"This sun means that we re going to have wind tomorrow; that floating log means that the river is rising, small thanks to it; that slanting mark on the water refers to a bluff reef which is going to kill somebody’s steamboat one of these nights, if it keeps on stretching out like that; those tumbling ‘boils’ show a dissolving bar and a changing channel there; the lines and circles in the slick water over yonder are a warning that that troublesome place is shoaling up dangerously; that silver streak in the shadow of the forest is the ‘break’ from a new snag and he has located himself in the very best place he could have found to fish for steamboats; that tall dead tree, with a single living. Two Ways of Seeing a River ranch, is not going to last long, and then how is a body ever going to get through this blind place at night without the friendly old landmark? † No, the romance and beauty were all gone from the river. All the value any feature of it had for me now was the amount of usefulness it could furnish toward compassing the safe piloting of a steamboat. Since those days, I have pitied doctors from my heart. What does the lovely flush in a beauty’s cheek mean to a doctor but a â€Å"break† that ripples above some deadly disease? Are not all her visible charms sown thick with what are to him the signs and symbols of hidden decay? Does he ever see her beauty at all, or doesn’t he simply view her professionally and comment upon her unwholesome condition all to himself? And doesn’t he sometimes wonder whether he has gained most or lost most by learning his trade? 1. What is Twain’s argument here? What is his claim? What are his reasons? How does he construct his essay to help the reader be persuaded by his claim? How does he draw connections between the ideas in the first two paragraphs and those in the third? 2. What is the purpose of Twain’s argument? To explore? Inform? Convince? Meditate or pray? Something else? 3. Twain is known for his beautiful, rich use of language. Find the phrases or images that are the most powerful to you. What tools of stylish language are he using? How do they help make his argument persuasive?

Kudler Fine Foods – Functional Area Interrelationships

Kudler Fine Foods – Functional Area Interrelationships Bus/475 July 16, 2012 Kudler Fine Foods Kudler Fine Foods offers delicacy food s to its customers. Kudler treats its foods with love and care. These delicacies give customers excellent meat, bread, seafood, and wine. Kudler’s mission, vision, values, and goals are extraordinary. This paper is a review of Kudler’s reason for existence, organizational structure, steps in collaboration, positive action plan, and collaborative roles of the key stakeholders. Kudler uses these steps to have a successful organization. The organization is successful because customers can get quality foods here.Organization’s Existence Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale specialty food store offering its customers the best in imported and domestic fare. The founder and owner Kathy Kudler had a vision for the business she wanted to develop because she found relief from the stress of working as vice-president of marketing for a large defense contractor by cooking gourmet foods. Realizing that it was not easy to find the necessary ingredients, Kathy noticed there was a business opportunity that she could capitalize on. Kudler’s mission is to provide customers with a pleasing shopping outing.Kudler wants their customers to understand that the products sold at their stores are nothing less than what Kathy Kudler uses in her own home. The goal is to provide customers with the best service by going â€Å"to extensive lengths to assure that Kudler Fine Foods is the purveyor of choice for customers aspiring to purchase the finest epicurean delights† (Kudler Fine Foods, About, 2011, para. 3,). The value that Kudler Fine Foods wants to instill in the company is to treat the customer’s shopping experience like Kathy would treat her own by shopping the world for the best to provide the products not offered in other stores.Kudler is highly selective in regard to the team members. The goal of Kudler Fin e Foods is to expand and to have outstanding growth in the fine foods and specialty industry, and continue to have high profits in the future. Analysis of the Organizational Structure After analyzing the type of organizational structure employed by Kudler Fine Foods, it is clear that their main focuses are on the customers and the company’s reputation. The company’s hybrid structure employs directors and managers with functional area expertise, geographic location focus, and product area specialization.There are limited spans of control in this small company and communication flows are not overly complicated. The founder Kathy Kudler was tired of the large corporate world and wanted to relieve some of the stress in her life. Therefore, back in 1998 she created a business plan and obtained funding to open the first Kudler Fine Foods. Because of the clear organizational structure and mission statement, Kudler Fine Foods was a success and broke even within the first nine months.The main driver behind that success was offering each customer a delightful and pleasing shopping outing with the fresh and finest products from all around the world. The continual success has given Kathy and the management the ability to open two more stores in the Southern California area. Kudler Fine Foods also offers home delivery and that is another key position that supports the organization structure. Because there are currently three stores open in the Southern California area and customers ordering via the Internet, Kathy needs to take a larger leadership role and rely on the store managers.The managers of the stores need to understand clearly the organization’s mission statement and Kathy’s vision to continue with the success the organization has had since opening in 1998. The staff members at each Kudler Fine Foods location are key positions that directly reflect the vision and structure that Kathy has developed as the founder. In these key positions, it becomes essential for the store managers to ensure their staff is continuing to focus on the goals of providing customers a superb shopping experience. Each employee working for Kudler Fine Foods is in a key position to ensure the company continues its success.Collaboration Process The success of Kudler Fine Foods depends on the implementation of a good business strategy and collaborating among the functional areas to meet the organizational goals. The proof of a successful strategy is the three stores Kudler recently opened. The goal is to implement the company mission and †Go to extensive lengths to assure that Kudler Fine Foods is the purveyor of choice for customers aspiring to purchase the finest epicurean delights† (Kudler Fine Foods, About, 2011, para. 3,). Step 1: The business strategy goals are to capitalize on specialty products and offer products for all incomes.The business strategy is a collaboration of the broad differentiation strategy and focused mark et niche strategy. The broad differentiation strategy concentrates on â€Å"seeking to differentiate the company's product offering from rivals' in ways that will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers. † The focused market niche strategy principles are differentiation and concentrating on a narrow buyer segment that may outcompete rivals by offering niche members customized attributes that meet their tastes and requirements better than rivals' products† (Thompson, Gamble, & Strickland, 2006, p. 14). Step 2: The complimentary strategic option Kudler Fine Foods will outsource selected value chain activities by creating global supply chain relationships that will manage low-cost and high-quality merchandise. The goal is to keep a competitive edge in the grocery and spirits departments by successfully partnering with suppliers that may create a competitive pressure for rival grocery stores and liquor stores (Thompson, Gamble, & Strickland, p. 57, 2006).Step 3: Functional are a strategy supporting the complimentary strategy is to enhance research and development by adding in-store surveys to comply with customer needs and wants. Also plot out a strategic group map that will identify competing grocery stores. Step 4: Timing a company’s strategic moves in the marketplace to create the first store of its type that is number one in the marketplace. Kudler Fine Foods is capitalizing on its niche and differentiation by opening two more stores. Along with the horizontal integration, this creates a stronger presence in the marketplace.Step 5: To control the cost drivers, the organization will incorporate a software package to manage inventory in all three stores. The software will collaborate with vendors and customers by adding an electronic data interchange software to manage suppliers and customer orders. This will allow just-in-time orders and alleviate overstocking perishables or large quantities of expensive items. Lateral and Vertical Collaboration Vertical communication flows up and down the organization’s chain of command (Richmond & McCroskey, 2009).Lateral or horizontal communication occurs between peers. Vertical channels are more formal and take the form of e-mail, memos, policies or procedures, posted notices, staff meetings, or face-to-face meetings. Horizontal communication is less formal and focuses on how employees feel about what is (or is not) happening in the company. Kathy Kudler holds a monthly operational review meeting to discuss customer service, monthly sales, and what new items to offer. Other than a few memos and policies, Kathy’s meetings are the best example of vertical collaboration at Kudler.Nearly all of the vertical communication flows to Kathy. The time she spends time at each store gives line level employees some face-to-face opportunities. Department managers of each product category are â€Å"encouraged to check with their counterparts at other stores on the pricing, quality, and delivery of the merchandise they order† (Kudler Fine Foods, Sales & Marketing, para. 6). This is a good example of horizontal collaboration. Kudler Fine Foods would benefit by using its intranet site to post information from monthly operations review meetings.An employer to employee blog is a good way for employees to make comments or ask questions. Key Stakeholders The following key stakeholders influence Kudler’s ability to achieve its goal of offering a â€Å"pleasing customer experience† with â€Å"the finest epicurean delights† (Kudler Fine Foods, About, 2011, para. 3). †¢ Customers: The goal cannot be met unless customers are buying products. Feedback gathered through employee interaction and through surveys provides Kudler with insights for improvement. Kathy Kudler: Establishes the company’s goals, decides how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and provides the necessary leadership and resources. †¢ Three administrative directors: Responsible for planning, leading, organizing, and controlling in functional areas of operations/purchasing/inventory, administration/human resources, and finance/accounting/computer Support). This group must have regular communication with Kathy and with each other. Plans are communicated down the line through meetings, e-mail, training, policies, and procedures. Store managers: Supervise line staff and run day-to-day operations at each store. This group opens and closes the store on time, makes sure it is clean, secure, well-stocked, and appropriately staffed, resolves problems, responds to customer needs, and follows correct cash-handling procedures. †¢ Department managers: Three managers at each store are responsible for the inventory in their product area. They collaborate with Kathy and other managers at monthly operational review meetings. †¢ Line staff: This group is the direct link with customers.They provide assistance, check customers out, bag groceri es, stock shelves, and receive inventory. They need a formal mechanism for community up the line. †¢ Suppliers: Kudler is dependent on suppliers to get perishable inventory on the shelves. Kudler has a new supplier relations program in place. †¢ Lenders: Kathy Kudler keeps a good credit rating and relationship with her bankers to tide her through the peak seasons and maintain cash flow. †¢ Competitors: Kudler can keep an eye on what competitors are offering by visiting their stores on a regular basis. Community stakeholders: Kudler can adopt and support a deserving community group to keep up a positive profile in Del Mar, La Jolla, and Encinitas. Conclusion Kudler Fine Foods uses the organization’s goals, structure, collaboration process, action plans, and key stakeholders to become successful. Kudler is now a nationwide store. Customers love to shop at Kudler because of the quality of food that is offered. Kudler established all of these accomplishments from t he organizational existence and structure.The collaboration process and action plans have clarified the objectives. These objectives made Kudler’s goals successful. The key stakeholders see these accomplishments. The key stakeholders will continue to support Kudler Fine Foods. References Kudler Fine Foods. (2011). Retrieved from https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Kudler2/internet/index. asp Richmond, V. P. & McCroskey, J. C. (2009) Organizational Communication for Survival: Making Work, Work, (4th Ed. ). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson Education, Inc. Thompson, A. A. , Gamble, J. E. , &

The Debate Over Gun Control - 1732 Words

Never A Win-Win The topic of gun control has become very popular in recent years as there is now more controversy than ever about the role that guns play in today’s world. I have come to be interested in this topic because it seems like not a day goes by anymore where there isn’t a newspaper published with an article slandering either the pro or anti gun control activists. Going into this topic, I was assuming that I would end up reading about a lot of school shootings and how it is just guns that are causing so many deaths each year, but there seems to be a bit more to it than that. It really is no surprise that this topic has become so popular as of late, considering that in 2014 there were roughly 51,000 firearm related incidents, and in 2015 roughly 53,000 incidents. If there is one thing that I for sure already know, its that guns have a huge impact on our society. There are so many lives that are impacted by gun related incidents every year that it is nearly impos sible to get away from. So the question stands, are guns a necessary and helpful tool for Americans to wield, or are they the merciless killing machines that they have been publicized as in recent years? While researching gun control, one of the first major sources that I found was of course the second amendment to the United States constitution. The second amendment is as follows, â€Å"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep andShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Over Gun Control1210 Words   |  5 Pagesnot be involved in gun control. The second amendment to the United state s constitution says A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Is this not enough can the bill of rights say this anymore clear. Many might state that the way this statement is worded is the point of debate and it should be interpreted differently. This is the root of all the hot debate over gun control. Does the constitutionRead MoreThe Debate Over The Gun Control892 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the most debated and talked about issues going on today concerns gun control. There are many different aspects being brought up with concern to gun control. One of the biggest this past year especially here in Texas is the issue of allow-ing conceal carry on college campuses. College campuses are usually gun free zones, but with so many shootings happening on campuses some want to be allowed to carry. A lot of people are for infringing upon a person’s constitutional right to life andRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control1522 Words   |  7 PagesThe debate over gun control in America continues to trouble politicians to this day. According to the constitution, the second amendment gives us the right to bear arms (U.S. Const.). Many different interpretations of what precisely the amendment means exist in this country. However, the two main sides include pro gun control and against gun control. In this paper, we will weigh the pros and cons of both sides and with any luck approach a conclusion on what side performs a superior job. People interpretRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control3031 Words   |  13 PagesOne major cause of heated debate in the United States is the contrasting stands on gun control. This one subject has a nation divided on a very serious topic that saves and takes lives. On the one hand, those for gun control argue a case against increasing gun violence in everyday life. Those that are against gun control argue that it is in an individual’s right to own and possess guns. It is a matter of liberty and a right to bear arms and a necessity of self-protection. The problem with bothRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control889 Words   |  4 Pagesschool gangs, physical attacks, and fatalities involved with guns. School shootings have been on the rise over the past several years. To bring awareness to school violence, teachers, staff, and parents need to be further trained in noticing warning signs of depression and anger issues which may lead to bullying and disrespectful learning environments for all parties. In addition to awareness within schools, the debate over gun control has been a topic discussed for many years in hopes to curb schoolRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control1156 Words   |  5 Pagesyou have kept up with all the controversy in the news, then it is surely fair to assume that you have an opinion over gun control. Gun control is a big deal because with so many people having them it can make individuals feel unsafe to leave their home or possibly even be in their homes. There is also the fear that individuals possess on the other end of the spectrum that if their guns are taken, how they will protect themselves from people whom wish to harm them. These questions and concerns riseRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control939 Words   |  4 PagesGun Control Close your eyes and relax. Imagine that you are in a time of 236 years ago, and imagine that you are one of the few people that had the privilege of writing the country’s constitution. It would not take long until you get to the second amendment. This amendment reads â€Å"A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed† (Davis). This amendment has extreme importance, and should not beRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Control925 Words   |  4 PagesGun Control is a hot debate topic, where people have been divided into two different viewpoints. The majority of states has supported their colleges to carry guns in case of a mass shootout. While the majority of liberal and democratic oppose carrying guns onto school property. Some states such as Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Mississippi has already passed the law to allowed students to carry c oncealed weapons on campuses to protect themselves from unwanted mass shootersRead MoreThe Debate Over Stricter Gun Control929 Words   |  4 Pages Gun Control in the United States The debate over stricter gun laws has been ongoing in the United States for quite some time now. Individuals who oppose stricter gun control laws argue that the second amendment to the constitution of the United States constitute part of the bill of rights that protect the right for American citizens to bear arms, and any attempt to set up laws for gun control will be a direct violation on this (Hofstadter 10). They argueRead MoreEssay about The Debate Over Gun Control1274 Words   |  6 Pages These people believe this because of the part of the Second Amendment that states, â€Å"The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.† People who are strong advocates against gun control use this part of the Second Amendment to drive their point across. Advocates against gun control believe that preserving the freedom of a state through a militia is not the only way it should be looked at, these people believe that the amendment also implies a clause that ta kes into account ones