Market Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Market Economy - Essay Example Therefore, the market will only depend on the pricing, which affects their frequency for demand of some products. For instance, when some prices of some goods are reduced, the customers could insist on increasing the quantity in demand. This technique could be used by markets to shape their demand for products in the market, depending on the market perception of the products and pricing (Gregory & Robert 2004).   In part A, there is need to have a focus on the provided data, which would be used in plotting the demand curve. Given the equation P = 10 – 0.5 Q, there should be a stated acceptable pricing and quantity that will be used by the consumers. The pricing will have a direct effect on the quantity in demand, as they are closely related. Using the current price of ? 6.50, the equation will be denoted as follows; P = 10 – 0.5 Q This will be followed by a substitution of the price, which is P ? 6.50 = 10 – 0.5 Q 6.50 – 10 = - 0.5 Q -3. 50 = - 0.5 Q 3. 50 = 0.5 Q 2 *3. 50 = 0.5 Q *2 7=1Q Q = 7 When the pricing of the moonshine club is at ? 6.50, the attendance according to the above mentioned equation will be seven. This means that, the attendance will be at 7, when the pricing is at ? 6.50. Using the above equation, there is a possible curve that could be derived, given the pricing range from ? 0 to ? 10. The pricing and attendance will have change, depending on the curve and preference of the demand. For instance, many people will increase their attendance when the pricing is low. pricing quantity 0 20 1 18 2 16 3 14 4 12 5 10 6 8 7 6 8 4 9 2 10 0 In plotting a demand schedule, there are various considerations that should be factored. The First factor is the pricing of the moonshine club. The second consideration is the demand for the services of the moonshine club. When the price of the club is at 10, there would be a possible zero attendance. However, when the price of the club is at 0, the attendance is likely to be at 20. Th e elasticity of the moonshine club is evident in their pricing. The highest pricing is denoted at 10, which brings a zero attendance. However, when the club decides to reduce its pricing to zero, the attendance will be full at 20. To make a better reflection on the elast5city of the club in pricing, there is need to focus on the equilibrium point. The equilibrium point is where the lines intercept. This is when the price is at ? 6, and the attendance will be denoted at 8. In part B, there are several considerations that could be used to make the favourable changes in the pricing and demand for the services of moonshine club. In the first instance, when a substitute club initiates a reduction of the pricing from ? 5 to ? 4.50, there are possible changes that could be discovered. Since moonshine is charging ? 6.50. With two visits to moonshine club, the customer will be spending ? 13.00. However, going to the substitute charging ? 4.50 will be favorable as the customer would make thre e visits which will be charged a ? 13.50. ? 5.00 ? 4.50 2 3 In this graph, it is evident that a person would prefer three visits to a substitute club, than spend the equivalent on two visits top moonshine club. In the second scenario, there is a change in the annual income which is a 10 percent increase. With such an increase, there is a possible increase in the

Local Community Participation In Eco Tourism

Local Community Participation In Eco Tourism Many factors play a big role in determining community participation in ecotourism planning initiatives. In addition community participation differ in their needs, 2.8.1 Social benefits The theoretical roots of social benefits of community participation in eco-tourism are date back to the social exchange theory. The social exchange theory assumes that social relations involve exchange of resources among groups seeking mutual benefits from exchange relationships. The central idea of social exchange theory is that the exchange of social and material resources is a fundamental determinant of human interaction. Research on residents reactions to tourism development based on the theoretical constructs of the Social Exchange Theory has examined the relationship between and among the perception of the benefits, costs, impacts, and support for tourism (Gursoy et. al.2002, Lindberg Johnson 1997, Jurowski et al. 1997). The present study is focusing on two social benefits of community participation named by awareness of changing way of life and satisfaction level of promoting local traditional and culture. As a study by Hunter and Green, (1995) defined Interaction between cultures and hosting visitors may lead to a decline in the local culture, therefore, it may lead to the neglect of the local population of their heritage and tradition of tourists, especially young people. This concept is recognized as a demonstration where the local population to modify their behavior and aspirations and by following the example of tourists. Therefore Shaw and Williams (1994), emphasized the social benefits that influence a positive impact on society, particularly those who seek to improve education and standard of living or to seek equality between the genders, demonstration effect and usually occurs among young people the host population. The consequence of this effect is the conflicts within the community among young people modern and the elder traditional. According to Ceballos-Lascurà ¡in (1996), tourism may offer employment to host residents, presenting women and youths the opportunity to earn a wage, which before was not possible, this may also cause conflict within homes, where the incomes of women or the youths may empower them, allowing them to challenge their traditional roles at home and in society. The challenging of traditional roles will also lead to changes in the culture. Concealed pre-existing divisions between communities members may be enhanced as certain individuals may benefit from tourism while others could be excluded from participating. As tourism develops there may be many economic potentials, where the first to capitalize may be quick to dominate the market. This may erupt in issues of fairness, jealousy and resentment within the community. However, in recent years social and cultural aspects have become increasingly important in the sustainable tourism debate, especially in the context of developing countries where poverty is a widespread problem (Strasdas, 2005). Garrod (2003) identified Social aspect to the ability of the local community to determ ine the social impacts of ecotourism development. Social empowerment will result in ecotourism making a contribution to the social cohesion and integrity of the local community, rather than detracting from it. it is most likely to be found in those communities where part of the net returns from ecotourism are recycled back into the local community in the form of investment in local infrastructure of the founding of social projects. According to Pongponrat Pongquan (2007) that social relations and interactions within the community became stronger among various stakeholders involved in this fair. In addition, visitors learned local traditions and culture which will help the community to solicit their support on local cultural promotion and preservation in future. Even though the idea of ecotourism already contains social and cultural compatibility as well as the generation of benefits to local people as important elements, the focus is more on nature conservation. Awareness of changing way of life Tanya , Piyaphan and Suwipa ( 2009) conducted a study to investigate the need and readiness of community in managing community-based ecotourism; and to gather and assemble local knowledge to develop guideline for community-based ecotourism management The Hmong and Karen stakeholders from 14 villages of Mae Wang and Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai Province, within responsible area of the Mae Hae Royal Project Development Station, were involved in this study Northern Thailand, the authors investigate relationship between awareness of changing way of life level of community participation the authors fund the result of Attraction of culture and way of life satisfied, In addition, visitors learned local traditions and culture which will help the community to solicit their support on local cultural promotion and preservation in future. A study conducted by Assefa and Olav (2005) to examine the local peoples participation in the management and development of ecotourism projects in the Adwa district, Northern Ethiopia, the authors investigate the relationship between awareness of impacts of tourism on local life level of community participation, the authors found a negative relationship, arguing that people are more aware of the negative effects on their life and their culture of tourism more than what is on the natural environment. Ceballos-Lascurà ¡in (1996), believed that the challenging of traditional roles will also lead to changes in the culture. Therefore, Hunter and Green, (1995) refers Interaction between cultures and hosting visitors may lead to a decline in the local culture, therefore, it may lead to the neglect of the local population of their heritage and tradition of tourists, especially young people. Satisfaction level of promoting local traditional and culture Tanya Promburom, et.al 2009 conducted a study to investigate the need and readiness of community in managing community-based ecotourism; and to gather and assemble local knowledge to develop guideline for community-based ecotourism management The Hmong and Karen stakeholders from 14 villages of Mae Wang and Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai Province, within responsible area of the Mae Hae Royal Project Development Station, were involved in this study Northern Thailand the authors investigate the relationship between promote their culture and level of community participation the authors fund the result high percentage of the village leaders and villagers had positive attitude toward tourism because it could promote their culture. (2009) recent study found that the level of participation is high, namely the relationship is significantly related between level of community participation and preservation of culture, and this study conducted by Hasnol, to interpret and develop the indicators for success of local community participation and ecotourism sites in Sabah, the author investigated the relationship between level of community participation and preservation of culture. Pongponrat and Pongquan, (2007), conducted a study to explores various aspects of community participation in local tourism development planning on Samui Island in the south of Thailand and identifies factors associated with intensity of participation of local people in the planning process organized by the Nathon community on Samui Island, the authors investigate the relationship between satisfaction level of promoting local traditional and culture among all factors- level of community participation in all phases, the authors found relationship between this factor implementation phase to be associates with the intensity of peoples participation in this stage. According to Piyaphan and Suwipa (2009), visitors learned local traditions and culture which will help the community to solicit their suppo rt on local cultural promotion and preservation in future. Economic benefits The social exchange theory is widely used for theorizing the economic benefits of community participation in eco-tourism. The social exchange theory argues that tourism development comes with economic benefits (Claiborne, 2010). The present study is focusing on three benefits of community participation on eco-tourism named by household income, creating employment opportunities, and creating investment input. Wang and Tong (2009) emphasizes that the economic Aspects of vulnerability in improving the standard of living of the local population, and income from eco-tourism should not be used only to protect the ecological environment but also benefit the local population. Aref and Maarof (2008) defined that the community participation in tourism development is necessary if they are to provide equitable distribution of benefits of local economic. Therefore the concept of community participation is regarded as a tool to assist in ecotourism and local economic development in rural communities (Sebola and Fourie, 2006). Brandon (1993) highlights the fact that many ecotourism projects have adopted the generation of economic benefits for the local community as one of their major aims. However, it is significant that only a handful of such projects have opened up the decision making process by which the scale and distribution of these economic benefits are determined to local people. According to Brandon (1993), ecotourism projects that generate a lot of economic benefits to the community, however, these projects have opened the process of decision-making and distribution of these economic benefits to the local population. Brandon (1993) refers the linkage between economic benefits and conservation can be made more direct. One way of doing this is to ensure that any access fees that are changed are channelled directly into efforts concerned with the management of ecotourism activity and the conservation of its resource base. A good example where this already takes place is in the management of whale shark tourism in the Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia (Davis and Tisedell, 1998). Whale shark tourism began in the 1980s and, while the initial volume of visits was relatively small, the industry grew so rapidly that by the mid-1990s deep concerns were being expressed about the adverse impacts of tourism on the whale shark population. In a study by Garrod (20 02) involving the use of the Delphi technique to gather expert opinion on how ecotourism might best be defined, the principle that locals should benefit in economic terms from ecotourism was included in over 81 per cent of the final selection of definitions. In contrast, the principle that local people should participate in the decision-making processes through which the scale and distribution of those economic benefits are determined was included in only 27 per cent of the final selection of definitions. Butler (1999) refers that, tourism is an industry generating rapid growth of capital flows to the destination location. Diversified economies are more vulnerable to the integration of tourism in their economy, compared to the least developed (single or double-export) economies, where the effects can be severe and unexpected. Key issues relevant to the local economy and employment, and the quantity of local goods and services used to run the tourism. Lea, (1988) emphasizes that the employment provided to local communities are less skilled and lower wage earning jobs, such as cleaners, bartenders, waiters, and transport operators, cooks and this impacts negatively on society and the local population feel they are not benefiting from tourism. Lockhart and Drakakis-Smith (1997) are often imported from outside the community, such as managers and workers in two languages. Tour operators usually import skilled labour because they do not have to invest in the training of the local population. Moreover, employment in the tourism industry, seasonal, and therefore may not be secure income. As a study by Fennell (1999) emphasized import that substitute labour and/or goods cause leakage in economic benefits to the host economy. Mowforth and Munt (1998) considered that the real estate market in the destination location is a driving force for the growth of the tourism industry and as a tool to enable investors to Earth has lifted the market value of land by purchase from the local population and development. The local population profit from the sale of land in the beginning, but in the long term, they recognize the sovereignty of the new owners of the land and therefore the new owners of the land access to energy in the development process. Archer and Cooper (1998) believe investment in tourism infrastructure that could benefit the community through improvements in telecommunications networks, roads and ports. This may allow for other economic opportunities for the local area. Household income Hoque and Itohara. (2008), conducted a study to know the present status of rural womens participation and decision making role in economic activities in Bangladesh, the author found relationship between household income among others- and level of participation in decision making phase, contribution of womens personal income on their role in family decision making they are being capable to contribute in household income which is improving their status in the family even some cases they are playing active role in taking decision regarding some family issues. Thus it is proved that due to participation in EAs women in the rural areas are contributing in household income that has also improved their role in family decision making than before. Ye Zhang (2010) conducted a study to investigate the preferences of residents in the Midwestern United States on how they would like to be involved in tourism planning and development, and the personal factors that influenced their preferences, the author fund people who preferred spontaneous participation had higher household income than those who preferred induced participation. Robert S. Pomeroya, Enrique G. Oracionb, Richard B. Pollnacc, Demberge A. Caballes 2005 conducted a study to examines factors influencing the sustainability of ICM projects in the Philippines, specifically, the study focused on two locations in the country, Bais Bay area of Negros Oriental Province and Mabini-Tingloy (known as Anilao), the author investigate relationship between household income and level of community participation this relationship positive relate. Tanya Promburom, Piyaphan Klunklin and Suwipa Champawalaya 2009 conducted a study to investigate the need and readiness of community in managing community-based ecotourism; and to gather and assemble local knowledge to develop guideline for community-based ecotourism management The Hmong and Karen stakeholders from 14 villages of Mae Wang and Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai Province, with in responsible area of the Mae Hae Royal Project Development Station, were involved in this study Northern Thailand the authors investigate the relationship between promote their culture level of community participation the authors fund the result high percentage of the village leaders and villagers had positive attitude toward tourism because it could generate additional income, promote their culture, and improve infrastructure. Pongponrat. K. Pongquan.S, (2007), conducted a study to explores various aspects of community participation in local tourism development planning on Samui Island in the south of Thailand and identifies factors associated with intensity of participation of local people in the planning process organized by the Nathon community on Samui Island, the authors found relationship between household income among others- and level of local community participation in all phases and specifically in decision making and implementation phases, this mean that local people who had relatively better- off income tended to participant intensively, this implies that these people had more time to be involved in planning activities than those in the low income category, who are busy earning their living and contributed less time in planning and implementation activities. Brandon (1993) believed that the ecotourism projects have adopted the generation of economic benefits for the local community as one of their major aims. However, it is significant that only a handful of such projects have opened up the decision making process by which the scale and distribution of these economic benefits are determined to local people. Creating employment opportunities Robert S. Pomeroya, Enrique G. Oracionb, Richard B. Pollnacc, Demberge A. Caballes 2005 conducted a study to examine factors influencing the sustainability of ICM projects in the Philippines specifically, the study focused on two locations in the country, Bais Bay area of Negros Oriental Province and Mabini-Tingloy (known as Anilao), the authors investigate relationship between the employment opportunities and level of community participation the authors fund this relationship positive relate. Liu Tao, Xu Fuying, 2005 conducted a study to summarize the community participation model of rural tourism, and then analyzes the benefit appeals and the contradictories of main stakeholders of community participation in rural tourism from the following five aspects: government, community collective agency, community resident, rural tourism enterprises and rural tourists in China, the authors argued local government hopes creating more employment opportunities, driving the development of relate d industries, promoting the current new rural construction, and enhancing the popularity of the destination and so on through the development of rural tourism. Assefa T. Olav Oyhus A. 2005, conducted a study to examine the local peoples participation in the management and development of ecotourism projects in the Adwa district, Northern Ethiopia, the authors investigate the relationship between employment opportunities level of community participation the authors fund the relationship positive relate, argued that the majority of the population can be sober beneficiaries of job opportunities and get a direct benefit and that members of society must be sober-the direct beneficiaries. Denman, (2001) conducted a study to identify some general principles, and highlight some practical considerations for community-based ecotourism, the author investigated the relationship between creating employment opportunities and level of community participation, the author found that variable increas e from degree of community participation. Lea, (1988) emphasizes that the employment provided to local communities are less skilled and lower wage earning jobs, such as cleaners, bartenders, waiters, and transport operators, cooks and this impacts negatively on society and the local population feel they are not benefiting from tourism. Environment benefits Similarly to social and economic benefits, the social exchange theory can be used to theorize the environmental benefits of community participation in tourism such as increasing conservation of local environment and increasing management skills in resources utilization. The theory provides the basis for recognizing people`s need to engage in an interaction process where they seek something of value, be it material, social, or psychological. The present study is focusing on two benefits of community participation on eco-tourism named by increasing conservation of local environment and increasing management skills in resources utilization. The study by Hunter and Green, (1995) to determine the impacts of tourism on the environment, they reported that these impacts are negative and may not always be clear, since it takes a lot of time before it appears. However the consumption of resources, built environment, land use, behavior of tourists and amount of tourism will affect the host destinations environment (Swarbrooke, 1999). According to Hunter and Green (1996), environmental degradation may occur in the form of: Overexploitation of natural resources Biodiversity loss Disruption of species breeding habits Soil erosion land reclamation Soil contamination from waste disposal Coastal and ground water pollution from waste, sewage and oil disposal. Consumption of tourists will increase demand on local natural resources, which in many cases has led to environmental degradation. As the demand for wood for cooking, heating increased in parallel with the increasing number of hikers in mountainous areas. Thus, this demand has led to further deforestation and soil erosion to be so negative impact on the environment and society (Ceballos-Lascurà ¡in, 1996). Miller (1999) noted that land reclamation is often a result of the pressures on coastal areas affects the local environment and population, leading to negatively impact the environment and local residents, particularly mangrove forests are typical targets due to their shallow waters. In addition to they are also the nursery ground for a wide range of marine life and prevent coastal erosion. In addition to local people reported a very high degree of benefit regarding increased management skill in resource utilisation relating to environmental aspects; all other aspects relating to social, and economic benefits were rated at a high level. Likewise, local people were satisfied with the community participation in local tourism development in various social, economic, and environmental aspects (Pongponrat Pongquan, 2007). People reported a very high degree of benefit regarding increased management skill in resource utilisation relating to environmental aspects; all other aspects relating to social, economic and environment benefits were rated at a high level. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and objectives of a participation approach are key factors associated with the intensity of peoples participation leading local people to participate in group meetings, identifying problems and needs and plan for their groups activities (Pantong 1996). In other studies, age, length of membership, favourable attitude towards the group, income, and perceived benefits obtained from the group were found substantially associated with the intensity of their participation (Sirisongkram et al. 1999 and Pattarnarakha 2003). In addition, the willingness to participate in a development activity is another factor to be considered as this will be greater when the people could see immediate benefits to be obtained from a project in which they are going to participate (Gurung 1981:34). Likewise, local people were satisfied with the community participation in local tourism development in various social, economic, and environmental aspects. Setty (1994) and Garrod (2003) identified certain factors inhibiting peoples participation. Those factors comprise self-interest, encouragement provided by local leaders, knowledge and skills, availability of time, resource and materials, interest in welfare of community, costs-benefits of participation, quick results, gender, age, pattern of local internal communication and influence of culture and religion. Garrod (2003) found Social aspect refers to the ability of the local community to determine the social impacts of ecotourism development. Social empowerment will result in ecotourism making a contribution to the social cohesion and integrity of the local community, rather than detracting from it. it is most likely to be found in those communities where part of the net returns from ecotourism are recycled back into the local community in the form of investment in local infrastructure of the founding of social projects. Garrod (2003) Economic aspect refers to the local communitys ability to make and take opportunities for economic development through the development of ecotourism. It may also refer to the local communitys access to the productive resources that are being targeted by ecotourism. A community that is economically empowered is one where incomes are being enhanced and lasting employment is generated, where the economic benefits of ecotourism development are shared equitably among the community as a whole, and where the local community retains access rights to communitys resources base. Conservation of the environment Hassnol (2009) conducted a study to interpret and develop the indicators for success of local community participation and ecotourism sites in Sabah, the author investigated the relationship between level of community participation conservation of the environment the author found that the level of participation is high, namely the relationship is significantly related. Denman (2001) conducted a study to identify some general principles, and highlight some practical considerations for community-based ecotourism the author investigate the relationship between level of community participation and conservation , the author found that conservation enabling the community to influence activity and earn income from tourism namely that relationship significantly relate. Himoonde (2007) conducted a study to examine what local benefits accrue to the community and the level at which they participate in ecotourism, the author investigate the relationship between conservation of environment and le vel of community participation, and found the relationship high and significant. Degree of benefits gained in the increase of management skills in resources utilization Pongponrat. K. Pongquan.S, (2007), conducted a study to explores various aspects of community participation in local tourism development planning on Samui Island in the south of Thailand and identifies factors associated with intensity of participation of local people in the planning process organized by the Nathon community on Samui Island, the authors investigate the relationship between degree of benefits gained in the increase of management skills in resources utilization among all factors- and level of community participation in all phases the authors found relationship between this factor decision making and implementation to be associates with intensity of community participation in this phases and decision making phase in particular Researcher in this factor need to know the response of society to participate in the planning of eco-tourism in a country such as Yemen is one of the third world countries. Abdullah (2008) conducted a study to investigates the problems that affe cted natural resources and local community involvement in management to mitigate such problem in Bangladesh, the author investigate the relationship between management skills resources utilization and level of community participation the findings show relationship significant relate. Sebola (2005) conducted a study to investigate the ecotourism potential of the Maleboho Nature Reserve, and the manner in which such potential may be utilised to benefit the local communities around the nature reserve, the author investigate relationship between management skills and level of community participation, the findings show that relationship significant relate. 2.9 Hypotheses development 2.9.1 Social benefits There are several studies provide empirical evidence of the positive relationship between social benefits and level of community participation in ecotourism (see for example, Shaw and Williams (1994), Strasdas (2005) and Pongponrat Pongquan, (2007) In recent years social and cultural aspects have become increasingly important in the sustainable tourism debate, especially in the context of developing countries where poverty is a widespread problem. Hence, that social relations and interactions within the community became stronger among various stakeholders involved in this fair. In addition, visitors learned local traditions and culture which will help the community to solicit their support on local cultural promotion and preservation in future. 2.9.1.1 Awareness of changing way of life Theoretically, Michael (2009) argued that tourism development contributes positively towards poverty alleviation and improvement of services, employment and training projects and increase awareness of the changing way of life, which increases in participation by the community. Piyaphan and Suwipa (2009) Believed to change the way of life to attract culture in addition to teaching visitors local traditions and culture which helps the community to get support for the promotion of local culture and maintain in the future and that encourages community participation in tourism. Schulenkorf (2008) argued that there are positive effects of change the way of life and this leads to improvement of general living conditions in communities and increase the quality of life of the people. However, the way of life, are ideally suited to become tourism products because they encompass the features that make a community unique and are experiential in nature (McKercher and Ho 2006). Piyaphan and Suwipa (2009), McKercher and Ho (2006), Schulenkorf (2008). all provide empirical support of the positive relationship between employment opportunities and level of community participation in ecotourism. Thus, it is interesting to reexamine the relationship between Awareness of changing way of life and level of community participation in ecotourism in Yemen context that differ significantly in its economic, social, and environmental conditions from the countries in which this relationship was tested. This may help improve our understanding of the impact of this factor on level of community participation in ecotourism. Therefore, based on the above argument, the following hypothesis is proposed: H1: there is a positive relationship between Awareness of changing way of life and level of community participation in ecotourism in Yemen. 2.9.1.2 Promoting local traditional and culture Theoretically, Promburom, et.al 2009 argued that promote culture and traditional the village leaders and villagers had positive attitude toward tourism because it could promote their culture. Piyaphan and Suwipa ( 2009), believed visitors learned local traditions and culture which will help the community to solicit their support on local cultural promotion and preservation in future. Promburom, et al, (2009), Hassnol (2009), Pongponrat. K. Pongquan.S, (2007), all provide empirical support of the positive relationship between promoting local traditional and culture and level of community participation in ecotourism. Thus, it is interesting to reexamine the relationship between Promoting local traditional and culture and level of community participation in ecotourism in Yemen context that differ significantly in its economic, social, and environmental conditions from the countries in which this relationship was tested. This may help improve our understanding of the impact of this factor on level of community participation in ecotourism. Therefore, based on the above argument, the following hypothesis is proposed: H2: there is a positive relationship between Promoting local traditional and culture and level of community participation in ecotourism in Yemen. 2.9.2 Economic benefits Brandon (1993), Butler (1999), Sebola and Fourie, (2006), Wang and Tong (2009), all provide empirical support of the positive relationship between economic benefits and level of community participation in ecotourism. It is argued that economic benefits; To get different benefits to improving the standard of living of the local population. Moreover, that many ecotourism projects have adopted the generation of economic benefits for the local community as one of their major aims. In addition ecotourism projects that generate a lot of economic benefits to the community, however, these projects have opened the process of decision-making and distribution of these economic benefits to the local population. As well as tou

Legalizing Marijuana :: Marijuana Illegal Drugs Weed Essays, hemp

Abraham Lincoln once stated that, â€Å"Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man’s appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes†¦ A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.† In today’s society, this statement still applies in reference to the illegal use of marijuana. Marijuana prohibition causes far more harm than marijuana itself. Keeping marijuana illegal is expensive and causes crime. Out of four possible connections between drugs and crime, at least three would not exist if drug prohibition laws were repealed. First, crimes which occur billions of times a year are producing, selling, buying, and consuming strictly controlled and banned substances. If drug prohibition laws were repealed, these activities would obviously cease to be crimes. Next, many users commit crimes, such as robbery, dealing, prostitution, and running numbers to earn money to support their habits. If marijuana was less expensive and easier to obtain, which would be the case if it were legalized, the crimes committed under these circumstances would dramatically decline. The third drug-crime link I drug trafficking. Without prohibition laws, those people trying to make a living by selling and distribution would not be thrown in jail. Support for legalizing marijuana is at its highest level in 30 years, according to the USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll. Since 1996, voters in eight states have passed initiatives supporting marijuana for medical purposes at least. Polls show more than 70% of voters support medical marijuana. Polls in Canada and England show half the population now supports legalization. The USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll found support for legalization â€Å"highest among 18 to 49 year olds, people in the West, and independent voters. Opposition was greatest among the elderly, those who attend church weekly, and Republicans.† Those people generally do not accept change or want anything to be different. Marijuana should be legalized, if not completely then at least for medicinal purposes. Many argue that legalizing marijuana allows anyone to grow, smoke, and use the herb. The Lakeland Pol ice Department calls marijuana â€Å"a psychoactive drug which increases anxiety, depression, paranoia, delusion, lack of motivation, aggression, risky behavior, and depersonalization† (Marijuana Legalization Issues 1). Opposers of legalization say that marijuana can cause physical harm if ingested in great amounts for a long enough time. They argue that passing an amendment to legalize marijuana under the pretense of medicinal purposes gives all people, including children, felons, and prison inmates, a constitutional right to grow and smoke it for a headache, cold, or any other common ailment.

Annotated Bibliography Essay

Bibliography Gastaldo, E. (n.d.). New on FBI’s Most Wanted. Retrieved from http://www.newser.com/story/169670/new-on-fbis-most-wanted-ex-usc-prof Walter Lee Williams faces charges of sexual exploitation of children. He taught anthropology, gender studies and history and now is one (police headquarter, 2013)of FBI’s 10 Most Wanted fugitives. Williams, 64, became the 500th name added to the list in its 63-year history. The extensive traveler and Fulbright Award winner is accused of sexually exploiting at least 10 children between ages 9 and 17 while abroad. Because of his status he has the means and access to children is what makes him dangerous man. Bibliography police headquarter. (2013, july 23). Sex crimes. Retrieved from http://www.kcmo.org/police/crime/sexcrimes/sexcrimes/index.htm Sex Crimes are about power and control and are often reported later because the victim feels scared or ashamed. Sex Crimes are one of the most under-reported crimes. The Sex Crimes Section handles all reported ADULT (17 years of age and older) sex crimes whose victims are heterosexual or same sex. These crimes include: Rape is sexual intercourse with another person by the use of forcible compulsion. Sexual Assault is sexual intercourse with another person knowing that the victim is unconscious, drugged, intoxicated or sleeping. Sexual Misconduct- is any form of sexual activity or sexual contact including harassment, which is unwanted that occurs as a result of intimidation, threat of force, use of force or other coercive behavior or which occurs without consent. Sodomy which is deviant sexual intercourse with another person by the use of forcible compulsion. Stalking which is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, harassment and contact. All these acts are forms of sexual crimes. Bibliography Lelis, L. (2012, January 7). Retrieved from Orlando Sentinel: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-01-07/news/os-carol-sheridan-obituary-20120107_1_crime-victims-victim-compensation-and-assistance-crime-act Carol Lee Sheridan was among the first to serve as advocate for victims of crime the late 1970s. She worked with victims of crime, helping victims of rape or domestic abuse with their questions about the law-enforcement investigations and court cases. She was part of the first team for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office of what would be called victims’ advocates, Victims sometimes don’t know what to do and are often lost. When you’re traumatized and have lost your daughter to a heinous, you need guidance and information. Bibliography Matsota, O. (n.d.). Sex Crimes. Retrieved from Helping Human Trafficking Victims: http://ezinearticles.com/?Sex-Crimes:-Helping-Human-Trafficking-Victims&id=5656185 Human trafficking involves trafficking of human beings across borders. There are several ways a person can be trafficked. One is the by kidnapping and selling. A person may be deceived with a false promise for job and lured into crossing international border. There the person may be forced into forced slavery or indentured servitude. A person may accept prostitution due to lure of drugs. In USA for instance a minor (below 18 years) is considered as a trafficking victim, although no movement has taken place. This is in accordance to the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 Bibliography Noceda, K. (2013, February 19). Police. Retrieved from Victim in Hummer Mom’ Sex Crimes Target of Cyberbullying: http://livermore.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-investigating-report- Hubbs a 44 year old woman, was recently released from prison after serving two and a half years behind bars for sexual relationships she had with two teen boys. The former Livermore resident is now back in jail after a suspected parole violation, according to court records. Hubbs violated terms of her parole when she was found with possession of pornography in Hayward, according to a KPIX report .Hubbs got the nickname â€Å"Hummer mom†Ã‚  because of the vehicle she drove around, sometimes with her victims accompanying her. Bibliography Reuters. (2013, July 19). Virginia: Charge Against Air Force Oficer. Retrieved from Alteredhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/us/virginia-charge-against-air-force-officer-is-altered.html? A charge of sexual battery against an Air Force officer was dropped on Thursday, and the prosecutor instead will pursue a charge of assault and battery. The officer, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski, was chief of the Air Force sexual assault prevention and response branch when he was arrested in May and accused of groping a woman in a parking lot. After a closer investigation of the facts and a review of the status of the case law, the more appropriate charge is the assault and battery, not the sexual battery charge,† said Theo Stamos, the prosecutor. She declined to comment about the evidence in the case. Bibliography Travis, A. (2013, January 10). One in Five Womaen Are Victims of SExual Offense. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/10/sex-crimes-analysis-england-wales The first joint statistical overview of sexual offending in England and Wales by the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Office of National Statistics confirms that only a very small proportion of sexual offences lead to a conviction. In the last three years court statistics show an average of 5,620 offenders convicted each year for all types of sexual offences, with 1,070 convicted for rape. The estimate that there are 473,000 victims of sexual offences every year, of whom 400,000 are women, is drawn from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. It estimates that there were 97,000 victims of the most serious sexual offences last year, of which there were around 69,000 female victims of rape. The analysis adds that 90% of such victims knew the perpetrator. Bibliography Ward, C. (2013, July 18). Scout Leader Accused of Sexual Assault at Wisconsin Camp. Retrieved from http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/glen_ellyn/chi-scout-leader-accused-of-sex-assault-at-wisconsin-camp 20130718,0,897229.story A Boy Scout leader from DuPage County has been charged with sexually assaulting a Scout at a Wisconsin camp according to Wisconsin law enforcement officials. Marquette County sheriff’s police identified the man as Jeffrey L. Borneman, 54, of the 22-W-000 block of Stratford Court in unincorporated DuPage County near Glen Ellyn. He was charged with sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age and was released after posting a $5,000 cash bond Thursday, Marquette County District Attorney Chad Hendee said. The assault is alleged to have taken place on July 5 at Camp Freeland Leslie, a Boy Scout facility near Oxford, about 25 miles from the Wisconsin Dells. Bibliography West, C., & M. (2013, March). Sexual Violence in the Lives of African American Women. Retrieved from http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/articles/sexual-violence-lives-african-american-women This Applied Research paper reviews the sociohistorical context of Black women’s sexual victimization, the characteristics of Black rape survivors and their experiences, and the risk factors that elevate Black women’s vulnerability to rape and consequences thereof. Culturally sensitive techniques to promote resilience are offered. The institutional pattern of rape was well established before the newly enslaved Africans reached the Americas. During the transatlantic voyage, crew members routinely raped and impregnated Black women. In preparation for sale, enslaved women were stripped naked and placed on auction blocks. African American women’s economic value. Bibliography Woo, J. (2013, June 18). South Korea Toughens SEx Crimes Law. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2013/06/18/south-korea-toughens-its-sex-crimes-law/ South Korea took a big step toward clearing legal hurdles in the fight against sex crimes against women and minors. The government has made more than 150 revisions to the current law related to sex crimes that will take effect on Wednesday. One of the biggest changes is the abolishment of a 60-year-old law under which a prosecutor can’t pursue a sexual assault case if a victim and an attacker reach an agreement on not taking legal action.  Critics have said the law often led to situations where attackers bully victims into dropping legal complaints. Works Cited Gastaldo, E. (n.d.). New on FBI’s Most Wanted. Retrieved from http://www.newser.com/story/169670/new-on-fbis-most-wanted-ex-usc-prof Lelis, L. (2012, January 7). Retrieved from Orlando Sentinel: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-01-07/news/os-carol-sheridan-obituary-20120107_1_crime-victims-victim-compensation-and-assistance-crime-act Matsota, O. (n.d.). Sex Crimes. Retrieved from Helping Human Trafficking Victims: http://ezinearticles.com/?Sex-Crimes:-Helping-Human-Trafficking-Victims&id=5656185 Noceda, K. (2013, February 19). Police. Retrieved from Victim in Hummer Mom’ Sex Crimes Target of Cyberbullying: http://livermore.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-investigating-report-of-cyber-bullying-to-victb3d8e9589b police headquarter. (2013, july 23). Sex crimes. Retrieved from http://www.kcmo.org/police/crime/sexcrimes/sexcrimes/index.htm Reuters. (2013, July 19). Virginia: Charge Against Air Force Oficer. Retrieved from Alteredhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/ 07/19/us/virginia-charge-against-air-force-officer-is-altered.html? Travis, A. (2013, January 10). One in Five Womaen Are Victims of SExual Offense. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/10/sex-crimes-analysis-england-wales Ward, C. (2013, July 18). Scout Leader Accused of Sexual Assault at Wisconsin Camp. Retrieved from http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/glen_ellyn/chi-scout-leader-accused-of-sex-assault-at-wisconsin-camp-20130718,0,897229.story West, C., & M. (2013, March). Sexual Violence in the Lives of African American Women. Retrieved from http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/articles/sexual-violence-lives-african-american-women Woo, J. (2013, June 18). South Korea Toughens SEx Crimes Law. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2013/06/18/south-korea-toughens-its-sex-crimes-law/

Physiological and psychological responses Essay

Attainment tests are an important aspect of measuring knowledge demonstrated or the outcomes that following instructions in a specific program. Intelligence tests determine an individual’s abilities being a reflection of experience gained in other means not necessarily part of school curriculum. However, examinee performance in these tests has been noted to vary from one kind of environmental setting to the other due to a number of both environmental and examinee factors (Pinku & Birenbaum, 1997).. For instance, environmental factors such as climatic stress due to global warming have over time impacted greatly on the conditions under which psychological tests are taken. Test environments vary substantially from place to place and also due to the cognitive demands of an assessment task. Recently, there have been extensive studies conducted to analyze the impact of test environments on mental performance. Much emphasis has especially been laid on the test environments that impact negatively on performance in tests and which are responsible for the misrepresentation of the competence of one’s mind. Test anxiety Test anxiety encompasses the behavioral, physiological and psychological responses that reflect apprehension regarding a possibility of failing during an evaluative test. Studies have indicated that there is a direct correlation between test anxiety and poor test scores (Gregory, 1996). However, there are two categories of test anxiety: (1) those who suffer from interfering thoughts during an exanimation and which compromise performance; and (2) those who suffer from the inability to learn by organizing the necessary information for recall when taking a test. The first category is referred to as the interference model while the second is referred to as the skill deficit model. According to research, test anxiety due to the inability to organize and learn essential information could be enhanced by inadequate study behaviors. This leads to poor scores since the examinee never learns the necessary material and which is the most basic requirement for good performance. Thus, test anxiety in such an occasion is usually exacted by unpreparedness and not performance decline per se (Holahan & Culler 1980). With reference to the condition of interfering thoughts, high anxiety leads to responses and thoughts that are not relevant to the test and these occupy much of the processing space in the mind. Competition for processing space by these responses affects the test related responses that are important for succeeding in an evaluation test. This leads to poor performance as test anxiety causes problems in recalling test-relevant information learned due to the maladaptive responses associate with irrelevant thoughts. Studies have shown that the test examiner can help the examinees in handling test anxiety by encouraging and helping them to relax before administering the test. Preparing adequately before a test can help learners to avoid studying at the last minute which increases anxiety. Being at the examination room quite on time and thinking about what ones knows about the subject being tested rather than what one does not know also helps reduce anxiety. Concentrating on the positive rather than negative and irrational thoughts can help in maintaining the mind at peace and hence reducing anxiety. It is also necessary that stressful tasks or situations are not scheduled just before one takes a test. Climatic Stress The physical conditions in which an examinee takes a test has an immense impact on the test’s score. For instance the environmental conditions such as high temperatures and humidity in the tropical region where close to two-thirds of the whole world population take their tests are unfavorable. It is important to note that systems that can correct such imbalances are not always available to every examinee. In the tropics for instance, examinees take tests in an environment with high and uncomfortable heat and high humidity. Current studies indicate that environmental stressors like high humidity and temperate can by impairing mechanisms such as selective attention and short-term memory affect performance negatively. According to Auliciems (1972), the short-term memory is paramount for the basic processing of information during a test. On the other hand, selective attention is a requisite for performing successfully in a psychological test. These aspects of the mind are essential in enabling the examinee to rule out stimuli that is irrelevant to the test task especially when an examinee ought to think laterally (Gregory, 1996). Given their importance in influencing test scores, these two domains: selective attention and auditory short-term memory have been studied through the Stroop and Digit span tests respectively and found to impact negatively on performance if distorted. Incase of uncomfortable environmental stress, the administration can ensure a conducive environment by installing the appropriate corrective measures such as air conditioning systems. Other factors such as hostility between the examiner and examinee which can significantly distract the two domains or block concentration can be effectively handled by seeking help from a mentor or a counselor. This helps the examinee to relax and take the test positively. It is indeed important that the mind as well as the body work in the most conducive environment for impressive test results to be attained. References Auliciems, A. (1972). Some observed relationships between the atmospheric environment and Mental work. Environmental Research, 5, pp. 217-240. Gregory, R. J. (1996). Psychological testing: History, principles, and applications (2nd Ed. ). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Holahan, C. J. , & Culler, R. E. (1980). Test anxiety and academic performance: The effects of study related behaviors. Journal of Educational Psychology, 72, pp. 16-20. Pinku, P. , & Birenbaum, M. (1997). Effects of test anxiety, Information organization, and testing situation on performance on two test formats. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 22, pp. 23-38.