The Role of Behavioural Economics in Energy and Climate Policy

Introduction â€Å"Can the insights of behavioural economics help fight climate change?† (Gunther 2009, p. 1). The above statement describes the question most economists have asked themselves as they try to formulate sound policy recommendations regarding energy and climate change.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Behavioural Economics in Energy and Climate Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The behavioural economic approach is considered unique to other conventional energy and climate change policies because policymakers usually focus on technology as the premise for formulating useful energy and climate change policies. The focus on technology has birthed many recommendations that propose the need to adopt more environmentally friendly technology such as solar power and wind power. Since the use of environmentally friendly technology has been the focus for economic and environmental debat es, the role of human behaviour in influencing energy and climate change policy has been rarely addressed. Amir (2005) observes that human behaviour can be a very useful tool for influencing energy and climate change policies â€Å"in particular the irrational, emotional, self-defeating, short-term, inconsiderate and plain old silly human behaviour that most of us engage in every day† (Amir 2005, p. 1). Many tenets of human behaviour have interested behavioural economists as they explore different strategies for formulating effective energy policies. For example, the use of incandescent light bulbs instead of CFL light bulbs has been an interesting observation made by such researchers as they explore different human habits that have an impact on energy and climate policy (Reiss and White 2008). Another interesting observation has been the popular focus on commodity prices as opposed to product lifecycle and the purchase of extraordinarily big houses (that consume a lot of ene rgy) as opposed to moderately sized houses which are energy efficient (Gowdy 1998). A recent study by Pollitt (2011) reports that home energy choices and personal lifestyle choices account for close to 40% of the total energy consumption in America alone. Consequently, this study has prompted economists to estimate that within the next decade, focusing on positive behavioural change can lead to a 20% to 30% reduction in energy costs (Pollitt 2011). Due to the unique human behaviours present in today’s society, it is difficult to ignore the impact behavioural economics have on energy and climate policy. Energy and climate policies can, therefore, be improved by focusing on the contributions of positive behavioural economics on energy policies. This paper focuses on exploring the current situation concerning behavioural economics and climate policy. Subsequently, this paper seeks to investigate the potential (or actual) use of appropriate techniques from behavioural economics a nd the impact such a methodology may have on initiating positive behavioural change (viz-a-viz energy and climate policy).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Finally, to be fair to proponents and critics of behavioural economics (as a process of influencing climate and energy policies), this paper will also review the arguments for and against the use of behavioural economics. These analyses will be done sequentially. However, to improve the understanding of the research problem, it is crucial to have a proper conceptual understanding of the research problem. Conceptual Understanding The role of behavioural economics in predicting energy demand and energy efficiency has often been contrasted with insights from neo-classical theorists (Camerer 2004). As explained in earlier sections of this paper, behavioural economics borrows from psychological influences of human behaviour (to explain the power of economics). Neo-classical theorists often propose the view that maximum utility can be realised through exponential discounting (Pollitt 2011). This outcome is often realised when agents have free access to information. Partially, the same outcome is also perceived as a parsimonious model of how economic decisions are made, but empirical research studies have shown that there is a big difference in the outcome of traditional models and behaviour induced models (Gowdy 2007, p. 2). Explicitly, traditional models have tried to explain many things, including the varied reasons for high returns on equity (as opposed to bond returns), why there are many untapped methods for reducing energy demand (through energy-efficient policies) and why people prefer to pursue short-term gains at the expense of long-term gains (O’Donoghue and Rabin 2000). From the weakness of neoclassical economists, behavioural economics has emerged as an alternative way to model decision- making because this alternative model is more congruent with empirical experiments (predicting human behaviour) and it has a higher accuracy when compared to other models founded on neo-classical ideals (Pollitt 2011). Current Approaches Even though there has been a strong appeal to consider behavioural economics as a crucial predictor of energy and climate policies, traditional economists often focused on the impact prices have on consumer behaviour (Hanser 2010). Consequently, many economic and environmental debates have been characterised by how much energy can be saved by increasing the price of environmentally unfriendly goods. Companies and institutions have also embarked on purchasing energy-efficient appliances and machines. The same trend has trickled down to households. However, after comparing the â€Å"price† approach to the previously mentioned influences of behavioural economics on climate and energy policies, it is correct to say that traditional economists hav e reversed the study of behavioural economics to be an aftermath of energy prices as opposed to a precursor to energy prices.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Behavioural Economics in Energy and Climate Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, traditionally, economists and psychologists have affirmed that non-pecuniary interventions on energy and climate change policies have often compared favourably to financial interventions aimed at influencing consumer behaviour (Pollitt 2011). Through the same analysis, it has been affirmed that judiciously applied pecuniary interventions have significantly increased the efficiency of financial interventions aimed at influencing consumer behaviour. Consequently, many researchers have had an increased interest to understand the power of behavioural economics on consumer behaviour. Precisely, the increased interests of such researchers have been seen in the current understanding of public health, public finance and public law. Potential (Or Actual) Use of Appropriate Techniques from Behavioural Economics Issues of energy conservation and energy efficiency have featured prominently in many of today’s political and economic debates (Newell and Stavins 2004, p. 79). However, climate change concerns have elevated these issues to the forefront of policy dialogue. In a 2010 report made by the international energy association, it was estimated that close to 35% of the global decrease in carbon emission would be solely attributed to energy efficiency (Pollitt 2011). Consequently, renewed focus on climate talk has been on the manner people use energy and the criteria used to make energy-efficient choices. Undoubtedly, the extent of energy conservation or energy efficiency anticipated in the coming decades largely depends on consumer interventions and behaviour. From this understanding alone, Pollitt (2011) observes that the role of consumer behaviour in making energy choices has generated a keen interest in the development of energy policies and recommendations because consumer choices have a strong impact on energy demand. In addition, consumer behaviours have a strong effect on assessing the effectiveness of energy policy interventions. From this understanding alone, it is correct to say that behavioural economists can offer new perspectives that influence policy design (Pesendorfer 2006). However, even as policymakers ponder on new ways to better formulate energy policies, it should be understood that energy policies do not only revolve around the realms of climate change because other factors such as the security of energy supply and energy affordability also play a vital role in energy policy.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Through this understanding, Gunther (2009) explains that â€Å"Climate policy significantly interacts with both forms of these elements of energy policy via the introduction of expensive and intermittent renewable electricity and heat† (p. 1). From this statement, Gunther (2009) proposes that if energy demand is subject to consumer behaviour, consumer behaviour can be used as a start to induce renewable energy choices. Nonetheless, it is also vital to point out that if issues of energy supply and affordability are ignored, it is going to be difficult to realise the full potential of revised energy policies. De Martino (2006) observes that based on the understanding that the model of extreme rationality has significantly failed to predict (correctly) human behaviour; there is a strong need to introduce a new methodology that correctly predicts human behaviour. Issues of energy demand and climate change are complex activities, which cannot be correctly understood by a simple ap plication of rational behaviour. This understanding sets the ground for replacing the rational actor model by models that incorporate the regularities of human behaviour. This is where behavioural economics sources its strength. Focusing on energy and climate policy, the potential of behavioural economics in mitigating the impact of global warming and decreasing energy demand is only limited by our imagination. To understand this statement, it is essential to think beyond rational choice and optimisation. Economists have in the past failed to offer the right guidance on the ways to limit fossil fuel use, beyond the strategies adopted in market situations. However, as Gowdy (2007) observes, energy and climate issues go beyond this understanding. The reasoning behind this statement stems from the fact that people living in the world today may postpone future environmental gains for lavish short-term gains like driving big cars, living in lavish houses, going for expensive holidays (an d similar lifestyle choices). The environment is left to choke at these choices. Global warming is, however, a complexity of the interaction between environmental well-being and economic production. Therefore, issues such as the increase of prices or the introduction of carbon taxes are mere secondary concerns in the entire debate. However, this statement does not imply that such policies are ineffective; there is only a stronger need to go beyond public policy rhetoric that assigns property rates and raises commodity prices (Gowdy 2007). Here, the perception should be that incentives should not just be prices but a culturally conditioned situation that is characterised by human behaviour. Another plausible argument for weighing the potential of behavioural economics in climate change talk is the criticism levelled against introducing monetary incentives. Relying on assumptions that monetary incentives are likely to show the desired outcomes that positive climate talk seeks to reali se is a flaw (Gowdy 2007). In fact, behavioural studies show that sometimes, the mere mention of money may hinder the realisation of social good (Gowdy 2007). These studies have further affirmed that financial incentives can possible crowd out urges of civic responsibility among individuals. Consequently, it is correct to point out that monetary incentives can discourage the behaviours needed to solve communal problems like climate change or similar socio-economic issues. Therefore, contrary to the policy recommendations advanced by most economists today, purely relying of financial incentives may have a perverse effect on climate change. Arguments for the Use of Behavioural Economics Behavioural economics has shown a lot of potential to the understanding of how we can mitigate the effects of climate change. This potential lies in the uniquely humanistic attribute of realising cooperation across a sea of diversity. For example, human beings can cooperate across cultures, geographica l spaces and generational divides, thereby elevating the human species to be extensively superior to other mammals. Tapping into this potential outlines the advantages that can be realised by adopting behavioural economics. Research outcomes have changed dramatically after the adoption of behavioural economics because behavioural economics has instituted the adoption of experiments to explore different outcomes (Gowdy 2007). For example, as explained in earlier sections of this paper, traditional axioms of human behaviour have been tested by the adoption of behavioural economics and the findings have shown that traditional models fall short of human behavioural outcomes. Consequently, it is untenable for economists to claim that human behaviour is specifically motivated by rational choice. Similarly, it is even more difficult for economists to claim that human behaviour follows the law or any other tenet of rational behaviour (Loewnstein 2004). Behavioural economics bears a strong u nderstanding of how climate change and energy policies can be properly formulated because it touches on the very premise that influences climate change – human behaviour (Shogren and Taylor 2008). Therefore, there is no better basis for understanding energy policies than through the comprehension of human behaviour. For example, the influence of social norms on understanding household economic behaviour has been studied by researchers to explain the influence of behavioural economics on energy consumption (Pollitt 2011). The practicability of such studies has been witnessed through efforts by certain global organisations to change household energy consumption by availing information regarding the consumption of other people as an indicator of the influence of social norms on household energy demands. The results of such studies have been largely successful. In a study done by Nolan (2008) on Californian households in the US, it was established that placing door hangers descri bing various energy conservation messages had a stronger impact on the reduction of energy demand as opposed to placing door hangers, which shared energy conservation tips. The difference in the reduction of energy demand between these two experiments was reported at 10% (Pollitt 2011, p. 12). These findings mirror similar findings by an American company known as OPOWER. OPOWER did an experiment on 600,000 American households where it posted reports showing the differences in energy consumption among neighbourhoods. In the same study, the households were given energy conservation tips. The study included the participation of 23 utilities in the US. Six of these utilities were deemed the largest in the country. After completing the study, it was reported that there was a 1.11% to 2.78% reduction in energy consumption among the households. The reduction in energy demand (cited in the above studies) shows the true effect of behavioural economics on energy conservation and energy demand . These parameters have a stronger impact on mitigating the impact of climate change. Costa and Kahn (2010) did a follow-up study on the OPOWER experiment and found out that the results were heterogeneous among the households included in the study. The true effect of the experiment was, however, seen to be more effective for liberal households that conservative households. Nonetheless, it was evident from the experiments that the true effect of behavioural economics on motivating viable policy alternatives was undisputable. Arguments against the Use of Behavioural Economics Some of the arguments levelled against the use of behavioural economics in influencing energy policies stem from the extent of influence behavioural economics have on energy policy. Some researchers such as Loewenstein and Ubel (2010) observe that it is not right to rely on policy interventions, which are purely based on behavioural economics because the energy savings generated from such interventions are dismal . For example, concerning the OPOWER experiment, Loewenstein and Ubel (2010) observe that it would probably be more beneficial to introduce carbon tax as a measure to reduce the impact of global warming. There have also been some conceptual weaknesses of behavioural economics, which have been identified to strengthen arguments against it. For example, Pollitt (2011) observes that the greatest weakness of behavioural economics literature is its violation of the rational actor model as an â€Å"anomaly†. Researchers explain that the rational mind is often embroiled in a tag of war with the emotive mind (Ostrom 1998, p. 1). Proponents of behavioural economics rely on this view to explain the influence of the methodology on economic issues. However, biologists and neurobiologists oppose this view by explaining that the human brain is a unified system that is characterised by complementary parts as opposed to conflicting parts (Glimcher 2005). Therefore, the â€Å"anomalies† presented above are in fact, what distinguishes human beings from other animals. Interestingly, the rational actor model is deemed appropriate for other animals but not human beings (Arkes 1999, p. 591). Conclusion Effective energy and climate change policies have been very elusive for most policymakers. This paper proposes that, perhaps, the problem has been the ignorance of behavioural economic factors in the entire debate of climate talk. Behavioural economics is shown to be more effective in predicting human behaviour when compared to other models of predicting human behaviour (advanced by neo-classical theories). Based on this strength alone, it has been much easier to adopt behavioural economics when trying to influence climate change positively. This paper cites studies, which have shown that behavioural economics have a positive impact of reducing energy levels among communities. Its accuracy stems from the fact that it correctly predicts human behaviour. However, the stre ngth of behavioural economics in influencing energy and climate policies hail from the fact that the methodology touches on the centre of climate change – human behaviour. Therefore, influencing human behaviour is bound to have a strong effect on influencing positive human behaviour to realise positive environmental outcomes. Going forward, more studies need to be done to ascertain the extent that behavioural economics can have on realising the goal of having an environmentally consciousness society. References Amir, O 2005, ‘Psychology, behavioural economics, and public policy’, Marketing Letters, vol. 16, pp. 443-454. Arkes, H 1999, ‘The sunk cost and concorde effects: Are humans less rational than lower animals?’, Psychological Bulletin, vol. 125, pp. 591-600. Camerer, C 2004, Advances in Behavioural Economics, Princeton University Press, Princeton. Costa, D Kahn, M 2010, Energy Conservation â€Å"Nudges† and Environmentalist Ideology: Evi dence from a Randomized residential electricity Field Experiment, National Bureau of Economics research, Massachusetts. De Martino, B 2006, ‘Frames, Biases, and rational decision-making in the human brain’, Science, vol. 313, pp. 684-687. Glimcher, P 2005, ‘Physiological utility theory and the neuroeconomics of choice’, Games and Economic Behaviour, vol. 52, pp. 213-256. Gowdy, J 1998, Limited Wants, Infinite Means: A Reader on Hunter-Gatherer  Economics and the Environment, Island Press, New York. Gowdy, J 2007, Behavioural Economics and Climate Change Policies. Web. Gunther, M 2009, When Behavioural Economics Meets Climate Change, Guess What’s Coming for Dinner? Web. Hanser, P 2010, ‘On dynamic prices: a clash of beliefs?’, The Electricity Journal, vol. 23 no. 6, pp. 36–38. Loewnstein, G 2004, Out of control: visceral influences on behaviour, Princeton University Press, Princeton. Loewenstein, G Ubel, P 2010, Economics behavi ng badly, Times, New York. Newell, R Stavins, R 2004, The Economics of energy efficiency, Elsevier, Amsterdam. Nolan, J 2008, ‘Normative Social influence is under detected’, Personality and Psychology Bulletin, vol. 34 no. 7, pp. 914-923. O’Donoghue, T Rabin, M 2000, ‘The economics of immediate gratification’, Journal of Behavioural Decision Making, vol. 13 no. 2, pp. 233–250. Ostrom, E 1998, ‘A behavioural approach to the rational choice theory of collective action’, American Political Science Review, vol. 92 no. 1, pp. 1–22. Pesendorfer, W 2006, ‘Behavioural economics comes of age: a review essay on Advances in Behavioural Economics’, Journal of Economic Literature, vol. 44 no. 3, pp. 712–721. Pollitt, M 2011, The Role of Behavioural economics in Energy and Climate policy. Web. Reiss, P White, M 2008, ‘What changes energy consumption? Prices and public preasures’, Journal of Economics, vol. 39 no. 3, pp. 636†663. Shogren, F Taylor, L 2008, ‘On behavioural†environmental economics’, Review of  Environmental Economics and Policy, vol. 2 no. 1, pp. 26†44. This essay on The Role of Behavioural Economics in Energy and Climate Policy was written and submitted by user Kimber A. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essay on Several Different Papers

Essay on Several Different Papers Essay on Several Different Papers Essay on Several Different PapersThe introduction of the new product, like mp3 player, involves the marketing research which has to be conducted to determine prospects of the new product and elaborate the marketing strategy which is the most efficient for the particular product in the particular market environment. in this regard, two methods of research may be applied, the primary research and the secondary research which are quite different and therefore can be applied for different purposes.The primary research is normally conducted to identify the target customer group and conduct the study of the target market, customer behavior and other issues relevant to the first introduction of the new product, such as mp3 player.The secondary study is grounded on the data obtained in the course of the primary study and allows conducting the in-depth analysis of the target market and customer group (Breneman Taylor, 2006). In contrast to the primary research of the market, when the company conducting the research does not have any evidence-based data and has to make sheer assumptions about the market potential, the secondary research involves the use of the data that has been already collected by the company about the target market.In such a way, the results of the secondary research and its findings are more reliable and accurate, whereas results and findings of the primary research prepare the ground for the further secondary research. At the same time, the primary research is essential to determine the general marketing strategy and the concept of the new product, its positioning and further policies that the company will conduct to promote its product successfully.At the same time, another important distinction of the primary and secondary research is the source of data collected in the course of either study. The primary search focuses on the data collected within the company mainly and aims at the revelation of potential directions for its further business deve lopment (Masterson Picton, 2004). For instance, the primary research concerning the development of the new mp3 player will involve the study of the company’s potential and capability to launch the production of the new player, including the study of the production facilities of the company, its research and development activities, the readiness of employees to start the production of the new mp3 player and other factors that may affect the marketing policy and marketing plan of the new product.In this regard, the secondary marketing research relies on more extensive data obtained not only in regard to the company manufacturing the new mp3 player but also other companies, for instance, rivals, which manufacture the same or similar products, suppliers and other companies and stakeholders. The secondary research focuses on the detailed study of the competitive position of the company and the behavior of the target customer group. As customers are concerned with the quality and reliability of the new product, they are likely to set high requirements that the new mp3 player should match. In such a situation the analysis of the information concerning rival products may be helpful. The secondary research may involve the use of diverse information, such as the analysis of statistical information issued by government agencies, such as statistics on the level of income in target areas or spending of consumers within the definite timeline.Therefore, the primary and secondary researches are both important but they should be applied respectively to goals of the marketing research, which the company wants to achieve.Week 4 Market research planThe introduction of the new lip balms for men and women will need conducting the primary research to find out the target customer group accurately and find out their inclinations and preferences to make the new lip balms successful. In this regard, the primary research will be effective because it will involve the collection of primary data from primary sources. In this regard, the involvement of such tools as surveys, focus groups and interviews will be the most efficient because these tools allow involving the potential target customer group into the study to find out how participants of the study respond to the introduction of the new lip balm (Masterson Picton, 2004). Focus groups may be divided on the ground of gender as well as they may be mixed but data collected from men and women should be processed separately because their responses are likely to be different and they comprise two different groups of customers, who may need different marketing strategies.Focus groups will help to find out whether there is such difference, the extent to which the difference is significant and other important details. At the same time, focus groups should be balanced that means that if focus groups include both men and women, then the number of men and women should be close to avoid disparity in the representatio n of the viewpoint of either men or women.In this regard, the introduction of surveys into the study may also be helpful because the research may utilize a set of clear questions that help to find out expectations and reaction of men and women on the new lip balms as well as their customer behavior. For instance, questions concerning the frequency of using lip balms can help to forecast the potential consumption of the lip balms by men and women respectively.Interviews will also help to collect the concise information about the target customer group and their possible reaction on the introduction of the new lip balms. Moreover, the use of interviews will complement findings made after the completion of survey and work in focus groups. For instance, interviews will help to find out more detailed information and personal opinion of participants of the study about the new product. In such a way, the research will provide the extensive information on the target customer group, their pre ferences and give insight into features which the new product should have to reach the target customer group. For instance, if responses of men will be totally different from that of women, then the company should consider the possibility of launching two products under one brand for men and women to position it according to expectations of each group of customers.Hence, the primary research will help to obtain detailed information on the customer response to the introduction of new product but this information may be subjective (Masterson Picton, 2004). This is why the research should be enhanced by the analysis of the experience of other companies that means the use of the secondary research method to complement the primary one. The analysis of similar products and the customer behavior in relation to them will help to find out the extent to which data collected in the course of the primary analysis were accurate.Essay on Several Different Papers part 2

Pro gun control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Pro gun control - Essay Example The essay dwells upon pro gun control, its advantages and disadvantages. To ensure that the regression models used for the study were valid, diagnostics were employed on the regression statistics used. In particular, the LIML regression models used for the study were tested for â€Å"multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, outliners, normally distributed errors, and non-linearity† and were deemed to have adequately passed the test. In other words, the LIML regression model used was tested for possible conditions that may invalidate the results and was deemed to have passed the applicable tests or regression diagnostics. The LIML regression was applied on 39 cities covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and countries on other continents. The sample of cities in Altheimer’s 2010 study includes cities from developing, as well as developed countries. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether the sample of 39 cities used was a random sample, purposive, or a convenient sample. Further, no US city was included in the sample. However, the data covered by Altheimer in 2010, was â€Å"the most far reaching comparable crime victimization data† as of 2010. Based on the foregoing, what appears reasonable to conclude is that the case for gun control continues to rest on good merit. First of all, the latest research provides scientific and statistical evidence to the merit of the view that gun control can reduce violent crime. Further, the statistical tool employed to assess data related to the correlation between violent crime and ownership.

Election speach to student reptresentative Speech or Presentation

Election speach to student reptresentative - Speech or Presentation Example As this new approach to renovate the activities and achievements of the previous Council can be best demonstrated by first-year students, I'd request you to offer me the opportunity to represent Level 1 law students of our institution. As a candidate for this year's student representative election, I'd like to highlight my experience of working as the vice chairman of the Student representative council of my high school where I was also the football team captain for 5 years. I also take this opportunity to express my positive strategy to represent the common feeling of my friends to the management in a genuine manner. I'll try my best to communicate the student voice to the university management and work to achieve the student needs as a true representative of their feeling. I also promise never to be biased with a group of students against the others nor to be blind or deaf to the burning issues of my friends.

To what extent is internet banking safe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

To what extent is internet banking safe - Essay Example Hackers look for online retailers with large customer base and poor security to obtain their usernames and passwords to access their financial information. Most customers fall prey to emails that appear to be send by their bank but steal the customers’ passwords by leading them to fraudulent websites. Keylogging is a process through which all strokes of a password are tracked by a virus while the password is being entered. It can breach personal computers’ defences. Ordinary web users can fend off such software with having latest versions of anti-virus software installed and extra-thick internet firewalls. Hackers use latest technology to surpass their barriers and many users overlook regular computer checks. In order to deal with these threats, online banks avoid connecting to the internet directly. Instead, they use firewall technology to protect their computer system from unauthorized access. Many online banks hire outside security experts so as to ensure that their systems are secure internally and externally against the experts’ attempts to make unauthorized attacks. If a user forgets logging off while the banking session has been inactive for a certain duration which is usually few minutes, the online bank ends the session for the user. The information can thus not be accessed in the terminated account. The user needs to give the User ID and Password to resume the banking session again. Security systems commonly employed by online banks can be categorized into two types; software based systems and hardware based systems. In the software based systems, information is coded and decoded with the help of specialized security software. These systems are in abundance in the market because of their ease of distribution and portability. Security systems based on software employ encryption as the main method. Encryption modifies information so that it becomes unreadable till the process is reversed. Online banks use Secured Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to provide their users with safe online transaction services. Messages in each session are encrypted with a unique master key. Encryption is a process of communication in which the private information is scrambled to deter unauthorized access during the transmission of information from the user’s browser to the bank. The master key used for a particular session is wasted once the user has signed off because it was only meant for one session. Users need an internet browser which supports the encryption of 128 bits before they can login to the internet banking (FirstBank, 2013). This ensures use of the highest security level. Some examples of the current encryption technology include digital signature, pretty good privacy (PGP), and Kerberos (Yang, 1997). A digital signature transforms a signed message so that the sender is recognizable to the reader. A private key is used to sign the messages which are then verified with a public

Watson and the Shark Painting Analysis

Watson and the Shark Painting Analysis John Singleton Copley (1738 1815), was an American painter born in Boston, Massachusetts. From the time Copley began to paint at the age of fifteen, many people throughout Massachusetts admired his paintings; also, people from other colonial cities recognized his portrait paintings. A big inspiration and benefit to him was his stepfather, Peter Pelham, a successful English engraver, painter, and teacher[1]. At the age of twenty-one Copley left Boston to travel around Europe to learn more about the art of painting. First, he went to London where he met Benjamin West, a respected painter around Europe and an established painter in the Royal Academy. While in London, he learned different techniques from West. These techniques seemed common in London, but were unknown in America. Copley wrote in a letter back home to his stepfather telling him about a simple technique he had learned â€Å"†¦Before painting, make drawings.†[2] From there Copley moved on to Paris where his confidence grew even more as he saw firsthand paintings from the best known painters in Europe at the time. As he got the chance to see works from his two favorite artists, Poussin and Rubens, Copley started sketching every time he saw something he thought was a beautiful form.3] When he arrived in Rome, Copley would rise early in the morning and sketch reliefs and antique statues at the French Academy. Although confident about his abilities to sketch and paint, he worked humbly on all the details of his painting projects. At the end of his stay in Rome, Copley faced a hard decision; return to America, the country he was born in and loved, or move to London where his art career would flourish. At this time, the American Revolution had started and he feared for the wellbeing of his family back in Boston. Although the fear for his family was strong, Copley decided that moving to London would be the only place where he could sell his historical paintings, for which he had been working on tirelessly around Europe. While he was trying to make this hard decision, his family was already on a ship to London unbeknownst to him.[4] This painting is the story of Brook Watson, which took place in Havana harbor, Cuba around 1749 when he was only fourteen years old. Watson, an orphan was working as a crewmember on a trading ship. While he was swimming alone out in the harbor early in the morning, a shark attacked him. His shipmates ran to his rescue, but not before the shark attacked him at least two times. According to tales, Watson and Copley met while they were traveling from Boston to England in 1774. However, history says that Watson never traveled that year. Copley must have heard the story and its details from Londoners who might have been Watsons political followers.[5] Watson and the Shark is a large oil painting on canvas measuring 183.51 x 229.55 cm (fig. 1). Copley decided to depict the dramatic scene where Watson was about to be attacked for the third time by a shark. This painting is a work during Copleys English period; it was such a great success from the beginning that it was put on display at the Royal Academy in 1778. Watson, who is naked in this painting and the shark attacking him are in the foreground (fig. 1). The shark has already devoured Watsons right leg, as we can see from figure 1 Watsons right leg is missing from the knee down. The shark is turning toward Watson, with its mouth wide-open and sharp teeth suggests that he is not satisfied, and is returning to finish what he has started.[6] Besides Watson, in a small boat, two of his shipmates are reaching to grab him and pull him on the boat. One of them is trying to fight off the shark by plunging a harpoon at the monster from the bow of the boat. A rope thrown at him is dangling useless in the water. This painting has captured a moment of fear and sadness in the faces and eyes of every man on that boat. The quiet waters of the harbor serve Copley in the composition of the painting to bring the viewers attention to the action. Copleys placements of elements in the painting allow the viewer to trace the action. The boat is coming from the harbor toward the shark. The movement of the shark that is taking a turn and a part of his body is outside the painting. We can clearly follow the movement of the harpoon that the sailor is plunging toward the shark. In addition, the movement of the men toward the boy makes the scene even more tragic. (Fig. 1). Watson and the Shark, even though off center, are the focal points in this painting. The artist has successfully made this a tragic scene, by making Watson appear as he is frozen in the moment, portraying him exactly the way he was in those moments struggling for his life. The shark with his mouth wide open and his sharp teeth painted in detail make the scene even more dramatic to the viewer. The artist has portrayed Watson naked in the water helpless on his back, which shows him as very vulnerable. His has a freighted look in his face, with his mouth and eyes wide open looking directly at the shark, which seems to represent the evil predator, and one hand up as if he is reaching for help from the heavens. The artist has painted the sun rising in contrast with the situation, but has also put the light on Watson the shark and the crewmembers trying to get him out of there. The predominant color is sea green with some brighter colors in the background. These somber colors contribute in depicting these tragic moments in this scene. Sadness is all over the faces of men in the boat. The composition is centered at the man in the middle of the boat. All around him there is action. Lines seem to be less important than shapes for the artist in this painting. The artist has been very careful in painting the men on the boat and depicting their actions, so that the story and individual actions of each man in this scene would be very clear to understand to the viewer. However, the most details have gone to portray the situation in which Watson is in, and to show his vulnerability. While most reviews around this painting describe it as a painting that is describing a historical event, Irma Jaffe mentions in her journal, John Singleton Copleys ‘Watson and the Shark,† that people have missed one very important aspect of Copleys life; his religious life. As Jaffe points out, Copley was a very religious man, he went to church every Sunday and religion had played an important role in Copleys view of himself as well as an artist. She says that this painting is about â€Å"resurrection and salvation†[7] In her journal, she takes on the symbolism of the shark as a monster as described in the Bible and the symbolism of water as a life-giver and a trial in the Bible. Jaffe then analyzes all the other elements. It is noticeable that Copley has taken poses from earlier sculptures and put them in his painting. He has taken them and put them in different positions to accomplish his final painting. Copley made the effort to paint every detail. The shark has very detailed features; his teeth and eyes were painted in detail to show the true nature of this evil creature. Watsons hair, his eyes, and his facial expression were painted in detail. Copley really wanted the viewer to get involved in the tragic story that had happened to his patron, Brook Watson. [1] Rebora, Carrie.John Singleton Copley in America. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1995. p. 79. [2] Plate, Robert.John Singleton Copley Americas First Great Artist. United States of America: David McKay Company, Inc., 1969. p. 100. [3] Plate, Robert.John Singleton Copley Americas First Great Artist. United State of America: David McKay Company, Inc., 1969. p. 101. [4] Plate, p. 105-109 [5] Jeffery, Margaret. A Painting of Copleys English Period.Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New Series1.4 (1942): 148. Web. 03 Mar 2010. [6] Jeffery, p. 148 [7] Jaffe, Irma B. John Singleton Copleys Watson and the Shark.American Art Journal9.1 (1977): 15-25. Web. 03 Mar 2010.

Charles Dickens Oliver Twist Essay -- Charles Dickens Oliver Twist Es

Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist The novel Oliver Twist is a criticism of the cruelty that children and poor people suffered at the hands of 19th century society. It was Dickens first novel written under his own name when he was 24 years old and in it he already reveals his sharp, but comic comments and criticism. From the start Dickens makes it clear to the reader that poor people and the children of poor people; most especially a baby born illegitimately; were of no consequence in the 1900s. The first person narrator feels he need not â€Å"trouble† himself â€Å"as it can be of no possible consequence† to tell us the place or date of Oliver’s birth. This concept is further revealed when he refers to Oliver as an â€Å"item of mortality† and then later on in the chapter â€Å"it†. The child deserves no name as he is not a legitimate member of society so he has no place or importance: he starts life at the bottom of the Victorian food chain. By having the narrator address Oliver as a â€Å"it† instead of a â€Å"him† Oliver is dehumanised and so Dickens draws this to our attention. Born into â€Å"this world or sorrow and trouble† our narrator seems to believe that Oliver’s chance of survival are extremely slim, so we are surprised when Dickens has him say; â€Å"it was the best thing for Oliver Twist that would by possibility have occurred† (being born in a workhouse), he also tells us the baby â€Å"lay gasping on a little flock mattress rather unequally poised between this world and the next†. All the odds are against Oliver yet this neglect saves him life! With amusing sarcasm Dickens suggests that if Oliver had been â€Å"surrounded by careful grandmothers, anxious aunts, experienced nurses and doctors of profound wisdom, he would most inevit... ...ses Oliver’s â€Å"solitary incarceration† he says enemies of the system claim that â€Å"Oliver was denied the benefit of exercise, the pleasure of society or the advantages of religious consolation† Dickens then defends this statement by sarcastically saying â€Å"as for exercise it was nice cold weather, and he was allowed to perform his ablutions every morning under the pump, in a stone yard, in the presence of Mr Bumble, who prevented his catching a cold and causes a tingling sensation to pervade his frame, by repeated applications of the cane† Dickens sarcastically addresses exercise as being beaten, a physical punishment for Oliver. Oliver is also abused mentally, at evening when the boys went to pray, Oliver was â€Å"kicked into the same apartment every evening† and there he listend to the other boys â€Å"ask god to guard them from the sins and vices of Oliver Twist†.

Anthropology interview

My uncle is the oldest son in his family. His name is Long Do and he is forty years old. He is a businessman and he owns the liquor store. Mr.. Long is a successful person in the family that everyone in the family admires him. He was born in Vietnam so he is Vietnamese. Mr.. Long came to America when he was twenty-one years old. His major was Business Administration and he went to De Anza College. He came to Northern California with his family and his siblings. HIS family and he was the first one that came to the United State.The reason they came here because they didn't want to live in Vietnam because the life over there was hard and deficient of all necessities. My uncle's father who is my grand father had to work for extremely hard and got poorly paid. His parents, my grandparents, decided to come here so that my uncle and his siblings could have a better life, better education to archive their goals easier. According to what my uncle said, † It was a difficult and tough tim e when I first come here. I didn't know any English and It was very hard for me to communicate with other people.Also he shared that he had to help his parents take care all the paperwork and take after his younger siblings since his siblings were very young back then. So he was the only one who was mature and knowledgeable enough to take care of the whole family. I can see that language is his first challenge that he has to overcome. Mr.. Long said that when they first come here they TLD have a lot of money so that everyone In the family had to work to make money. Mr.. Long had to work two Jobs and he had to go school at the same time. He started out with SSL class iris, then English class later on.He shared that it was a hard time when he first attended to college because at that time he didn't know any English and going to school was something that made him really scared of. He always nervous in his classes because he didn't understand what his teacher were saying and he totally lost In the class. At night, when he got home he always turned on the radio to listen to FM or AM, he tried to listen how American people talked and he learned from there. His parents and his siblings also had to go to the SSL classes as well because hey didn't know how to speak English at that time.He shared his tip to learn English that you should make friend with native speakers because you can learn very fast. His advice is also similar to what I did when I first came to America. I tried to make friend with native speaker so that I could learn English faster and it was really help me to Improve my English skill. HIS family and he also had to learn how to adapt to is freedom. Everyone has his or her own freedom in religion or politics. As time passed by, he gradually learned English very fast and he could speak and monomaniac with his teachers and friends in his classes more fluently.He says that the more difficulties that you go through in your life the more you become a stronge r and a better person and you will be successful in your life. They still keep in touch with people from Vietnam by phone and they go to Vietnam whenever they have a chance because they are now very busy with work. He said that he like talking to people from different ethic groups because he can learn new things from them. Even he used to suffer a hard time, he says that his life wouldn't be like this if his Emily and he stay in Vietnam.So being here is a better off for his family. They can earn money and help his relatives in Vietnam. The global process economic and politics have planed out in his family life. It was a wonderful time interviewing my uncle. I can see that he is a very successful man due mostly to his hardworking characteristics. I want to be like him and I have learned that there is nothing easy in life so I have to try hard in order to be successful like my uncle. The more you try the better off you will get later in your life.

The Best Personal Experience

Everyone have experiences in their life. These experiences could be the incidents which was happened in someone else life or in our life. Some people learn lessons from their experiences and some experiences change the peoples life automatically. Who am I? is my best personal experience I have ever had in my life . During all of my primary school times, I seemed as if I were hiding behind a mask. When I was at home I was a totally different person. At school I was trying to be a person who could fit in, but the more I tried the more it didn’t seem to work. Everywhere I went I would censor what I said depending on my surroundings and the people that were with me. Most of the time I would not say anything at all because I was afraid of being embarrassed. I would always have to change my mode when different people were around me. It was horrible; I hated it. I was getting sick and tired of always being someone I was not. It was about the middle of the summer of 1998, when I was at grade nine, that I realized that being two different people was the worst thing that I could done to myself and that I did have other options. Around that time, a major influence on my life was my cousin, Thilani. She taught me that I would only live once and that I should be the person that I was and not some one that just tries to fit in. We were sitting a in a coffee shop, one evening, when she asked me the one question than changed my life. â€Å"Who are you? † When I first heard this question I hesitated to answer. This question opened a new door in my mind that had never been opened before. This was the first question that had actually made me think about myself and who I was. The more I thought about her question the more I realized that I had a decision to make; to be the person who tried to fit in and cared what other people thought or to be myself. For the past 15 years I had tried to fit in, and I had cared what other people thought and this hadn‘t seemed to work. So, for the first time, I was going to be myself. When I started to be myself, it seemed as if everything was different. I used to look at was only on the surface. I would not normally look deeply into a particular subject. When I was myself, the environment seemed as if it had a deeper meaning. Every thing I saw, heard, smelled, and felt I would perceive it in a extremely different way than ever before. Because of this, I was able to take what I had learned and apply it to many different things. When I went back to school, things were completely changed, my view toward life had changed, the people around me changed and my relationship with my family was changed. For example, before I realized this, my grades at school were decent but not the best that could be because I was lazy. After I got to school everything kind of fell together, it all made sense. I realized that if I did the work first I could be lazy later and not have to worry about it. As a result, my grades sky-rocketed in my senior year. In school, my circle of friends were people that I had been going to school with since sixth grade. I also had friends that were not in my circle. When I went back to school I decided to be one person, myself. After the first month, I realized that most of my friends were all single serving friends. That is, they were friends only during good times and that’s all. Most of my friends slowly parted from me because I went my own way. I didn’t try to fit in. At this time in my life I found out who my real friends were and who I really was. As my attitude changed so did my relations with my family. My sister and I fought all the time. It was always about small stupid stuff that was not really relevant. One day while we were having a small quarrel, I stopped and took a step back and looked at the big picture. It hit me, I realized that I shouldn’t sweat for small stuff. People are not perfect, they do make mistakes. After this day it seemed as if my sister and I had the perfect relationship. I was also able to really connect with the people in my family. The bond between my family and I has grown stronger ever since. Through what I have learned, I was able to put myself into other peoples shoes and see their point of view as well as my own, giving me new perspectives and insight in all areas of life. Everyday is a new day, and I take one day at a time. So, who am I? I am not a person who tries to fit in, I am not a person who cares what other people think, I am Anuththara, an individual, I am my own entity. So far, this has been, without a doubt, the best personal experience I had in my life.

Summary And Analysis of Miss Brill †Literature Essay

Summary And Analysis of Miss Brill – Literature Essay Free Online Research Papers Summary And Analysis of Miss Brill Literature Essay The protagonists of two stories constantly face the challenge of isolation. Miss Brill in Katherine Mansfields Miss Brill and Zoe in Lorrie Moores Youre Ugly Too both face a similar circumstance of isolation, but both women deal with their isolation in very different ways. The protagonists of Miss Brill and Youre Ugly Too share common occurrences related to their isolation. Both women are educators that are displaced from their place of origin: Miss Brill teaches English in France but is originally from New Zealand, and Zoe Hendricks is a history teacher in rural Illinois originally from the Northeast United States. Neither Miss Brill nor Zoe are able to build any kind of meaningful relationships with their students or peers. It is ambiguously illustrated in Miss Brill that Miss Brill does not relate to her students: She had a queer, shy feeling at telling her English pupils how she spent her Sunday afternoons (137). It is more directly stated how Zoe relates to her students. Once she had pampered her students, singing theme songs, letting them call her at home, even, and ask personal questions. Now she was losing sympathy. They were beginning to seem different (306) It is only implied in Miss Brill that the protagonist does not have any close friends, as all of her activities are done alone and with great attention to self. For Zoe, however, it is made very clear that she has no meaningful relationships. She had gone out on dates with local men, but they all ended in astrangement as she came teo realize that all men, deep down, wanted Heidi, (308) the ideal woman. The isolation caused by displacement and the lack of connection with the locals is the basis for isolation that both characters share, but the manner in how each character copes with isolation is completely different. Miss Brill copes with her isolation by completely deluding herself and ignoring that she is isolated. Every Sunday, Mis Brill emerges from her room like a cupboard (138) to involve herself in as many lives as she possibly can. Miss Brills routine involves her strolling through the Jardins Publiques, listening to the band that plays under the gazebo, watching people, eavesdropping, and returning home after buying an almond cake. Miss Brills primary activity on these Sunday walks is eavesdropping on people, as she had become really quite expert, she thought, at litening as though she didnt listen, at sitting in other peoples lives just for a minute while they talked around her (135). The only contact Miss Brill has with people besides her pupils is through eavesdropping. Though there is no communication directly to the individuals she observes, Miss Brill convinces herself that she has a significant relationship with them. To Miss Brill, it was exactly like a play They were all on stag e. They werent only the audience, not only looking on; they were acting. Even she had a part and came every Sunday. No doubt somebody would have noticed if she hadnt been there; she was part of the performance after all (137) . This is the essence of Miss Brills delusion. There is absolutely no meaningful contact with the people she is actually very detached from, but she convinces herslef that she is an important feature in their lives. Miss Brill not only ignores her isolation, but she creates an escapist fantasy to validate her life. Zoe Hendricks copes with her isolation in a very different manner. She is keenly aware of her isolation, as she realized that she lived for the mail, for the postman, for the handsome blue jay She also watched television until all hours and had her set in the bedroom, a bad sign (307) She repeated Zoe is very confrontational with her isolation and uses her sense of humor to make light of the situation. Unlike Miss Brill, she is very aware how detached she is from her surrounding world. Her classroom behavior is an important illustration of the way she uses humor to cope with her detachment. A student once asked her what perfume she was wearing, and Zoe replied room freshener (305) Another time, she skipped into her lecture hall singing Getting to Know You both verses (304-305). Living in Illinois makes [her] sarcastic to be here (305). Zoe is completely detached from her students, acting like [her opinion is worth more than everbody elses in the class (306). Zoe had involved herslf in three romantic relationships since coming to Illinois. Each time, when Zoe realized that she had nothing in common with her suitors, she escaped from them by using humor to sabotage the relationship. Once, during a double date, Zoe told an absurd story about a talking dog. After that date, the man she was dating never called again. When Zoe is at her sisters Halloween party, she has a conversation with a man that her sister arranged for her to meet. When Zoe realizes that she does not want to have anything to do with this man, she pushes him away. Her final act of pushing Earl against the balcony railing is little more than a physical manifestation of what she had been doing to him the entire evening through dialogue: pushing him, pushing him, and pushing him some more until he metaphorically and literally has no place left to go (White). Zoe cannot connect with her students, and she cannot connect with men she dates. Still, she is aware of her isolation and confronts it, howeve r unsuccessful. In effect, Hendricks is a character who suffers from loneliness but does not have the communication or social skills to escape that state, a predicament that is, of course, self-generating: the more she fails to communicate, the lonelier she gets (White). Neither Mansfields Miss Brill nor Moores Zoe Hendricks can escape their isolation that is caused by similar circumstances: Both women, displaced from their place of origin, find themselves in a plae where they cannot connect to their students nor to their peers. The circumstances are the same, but the women cope with isolation in opposite ways. Miss Brill creates a delusion that she is an important part of the lives of the people she observes. She is completely unaware of how others view her until she has an epiphany at the end of the story. Zoe, on the other hand, is well aware of how she is viewed and copes with her isolation in a very confrontational way. In effect, she magnifies the cause for her isolation by using humor and sarcasm to distance her students and peers from her. Thesis Statement: Miss Brill in Katherine Mansfields Miss Brill and Zoe in Lorrie Moores Youre Ugly Too both face a similar circumstance of isolation, but both women deal with their isolation in very different ways I. There are similarities between the two characters. A. Both women are displaced from their place of origin Miss Brill lives in France and is originally from New Zealand, and Zoe Hendricks lives in Illinois but is originally from Maryland. B. Both women are teachers and cannot connect with their students C. Neither women form or sustain any meaningful personal relationships. II. Miss Brill deals with isolation by deluding herself A. She eavesdrops on people in the park and comes to believe that she has a place in their lives B. She believes that everyone is acting on stage and that she is an integral part of the performance. C. Miss Brill is initially unaware of her detachment from her students. III. Zoe Hendricks deals with her isolation by using sarcasm and humor to magnify her isolation A. Zoe is very aware that she is detached from her students and peers. B. She does not have anything in common with her students so she takes an aloof, sarcastic attitude in the classroom. C. She ends her romantic relationships by sabotaging them with humor. Mansfield, Katherine. Miss Brill Perrines Story and Structure Ed. Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson. 10th edition. Boston: Thomson Heinle, 2002. Moore, Lorrie. Youre Ugly, Too Perrines Story and Structure Ed. Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson. 10th edition. Boston: Thomson Heinle, 2002. White, Mark. Critical Essay On Youre Ugly, Too'. Short Stories for Students, Vol. 19, Gale, 2004. Literature Resource Center. Gale. Citrus College Lib., Glendora, CA. 8 Nov. 2003 Research Papers on Summary And Analysis of Miss Brill - Literature EssayStandardized TestingThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsThree Concepts of PsychodynamicHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyHip-Hop is ArtInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2The Spring and Autumn

Differences and similarities between the British and the Norwegian Term Paper

Differences and similarities between the British and the Norwegian school system from a perspective of social structure - Term Paper Example Norway, a limited monarchy with a parliamentary democracy has adopted an education system that is reflective on its social ideals and the nature of administration in the country. In this paper, the education structures of England and Norway will discussed from a social perspective, providing the significance of each, the similarities and the differences (Aldrich, Dean & Gordon, 2013). Schools provide an exemplary example of a social setting made up of the teachers, the students and the school administrators together with the parents whose roles are to shape the educational experience of students. As a result, the structure of schools in England and wales attempt to understand the social dynamics of the learning environment and the roles of the key stakeholders. The informal organisations of schools in these countries are influenced by the size of the students’ population and its homogeneity. The social structure of schools is therefore influenced by a number of factors which are dependent on the social arrangement within the countries. Factors such as age, the grade levels taught and the training program for educational and the roles of the parents influence the nature of the structure (Kehm, Michelsen & Vabo, 2010). England and Norway have different school structures with both beginning from early childhood education all the way to universities with different years in between. In England, the education structure is divided into five with early years, primary, secondary, further education and finally higher education, taking at least 15 years to complete. Since 2010, England introduced a compulsory early childhood education for kids aged three and four years, a program that is coordinated and funded by the government. As a result, the kids are entitled to at least 15 hours free nursery education for 38 weeks in every year until they are ready and

What is the significance of parthenogenesis in her underground Term Paper

What is the significance of parthenogenesis in her underground - Term Paper Example From the biological point of view this is a significant word that defies scientific principles and highlights the processes created naturally. The biological situation about Jesus during embryological development is the issue to be taken note of and all the process till His birth are known as parthenogenetic. God arrived to the human race, not through the normal sexual processes. Parthenogenesis is reproduction by a virgin. This supports the natural processes happening in the world though the physical aspects of Incarnations. Virgin births among the animals are known for centuries, but parthenogenesis is occasional amongst human beings. Knowledge about parthenogenesis has developed extensively and it covers most of the groups of multicellular animals and they reveal unisexual reproduction of one type or another. â€Å"But parthenogenesis is genuine sexual reproduction because it also uses sex cells,† (Kessel) yet is different from the normal union of