Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing

Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing Nuchelle Atkinson, M.A. Research Article Critique Qiu, L., Lin, H., Leung, A. K. (2013). Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing  Behavior between an American (Facebook) and a Chinese (Renren)  Social Networking Site. Cross-Cultural Psychology, 44(1), 106-121. Emma J. Barnes Abstract Culture is often mirrored by or perceived through shared practices in a community. The different shared practice on users’ national culture represents their host cultures. Facebook is the main social network site (SNS) in Singapore, thus, the partakers was considered bicultural online users, because of the widespread experiences to two culturally different online environments. The authors studied cultural differences and behavioral switching in the context of the fast emerging, naturally occurring online social networking, using both self-report measures and content analyses of online activities on two highly popular platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Furthermore, the study considered indications of the extent to which characteristics described perceived cultures. These results set the stage for further investigations on flexible switching of actual sharing behaviors. The results also provided the basis that users’ behavioral differenc es in online sharing are due to their culturally shared practice as opposed to differences in technical capabilities. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Second, to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. This would eliminate the possibility that behavioral differences in the two online communities are attributable to technical differences between the two platforms. Methodology: . The study was conducted using a 5-Point Likert-type scale event on the News Feed page of the participants’ accounts. Participants completed a set of questionnaires on perceived characteristics and various technical capabilities of Facebook and Renren. We created a survey to examine the perceived cultures of Facebook and Renren using characteristics that are related to either a collectivistic or an individualistic orientation in the context of online social networking. We used the scale developed by Tuunainen, Pitkanen,and Hovi (2009) to assess user perception of information security on Facebook and Renren. Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory (WAMMI). WAMMI (www.wammi. com) is a measure widely used in industry for assessing the overall system performance Results: The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. Conclusions: first, our studies demonstrate that SNSs are interesting cultural environments on their own. our research suggests that SNS users can actively participate in multiple online cultures and acquire multicultural experiences through social interactions in the virtual world. Culture is often mirrored by or perceived through shared practices in a community. The different shared practice on users’ national culture represents their host cultures. Online culture has been considered as a knowledge system formed by constellations of shared practices, expectations, and structures that members choose to follow with the help of networked computer technology (Fuchs, 2008). However, little work has been approached from a cultural psychological perspective; there is a need to examine the emergence of online culture. Studying different online cultures will expand the possibility of cultural psychology by providing new evidence to support existing cultural theories or challenge established ones. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to understand the behavioral ramifications of exposure to multiple online cultures. The problem and statement of importance is clearly stated. The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†) and to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. The authors hypothesized that Renren (vs. Facebook) culture is relatively more collectivistic, whereas Facebook (vs. Renren) culture is relatively more individualistic. The second hypothesis is that Renren and Facebook differ in their cultural orientations, with Renren being more collectivistic and Facebook being more individualistic. The authors hypothesize that in-group sharing is a shared practice more prevalent on Renren than on Facebook. All key terms are well d efined. The literature review is very comprehensive in that it covers all of the mechanisms associated with the current study. The authors identify different forms and interpretations of this study. The review concludes with a brief summary of relevant literature and the reasoning for this study. The author intent of the study was explained with words that reflect higher order thinking skills. The participants are mentioned, the setting of the study is explained and words are well chosen; free of jargon and no unnecessary words are used. Thus the purpose was clearly stated. The hypothesis was provided in the literature review and logical. The justification of why the study is important was stated and convincing. It explained the purpose of the study and provided a compelling foundation, enabling the work to be set in the context of both existing evidence and its practical applications. All of the references are pertinent to the problem and help to inform the reader of the study’s purpose. The author used a systematic methodology involving the construction of theory through the analysis of data. The study was conducted using a scale developed by Tuunainen, Pitkanen and Hovi (2009), Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory (WAMMI), and a 5-Point Likert-type scale event. Participants completed a set of questionnaires on perceived characteristics and various technical capabilities of Facebook and Renren. The authors created a survey to examine the perceived cultures of Facebook and Renren using characteristics that are related to either a collectivistic or an individualistic orientation in the context of online social networking. This was an original study as the authors seek to step further in examining if similar cultural switching behavior would occur in natural online environments.Previous research has shown that attributes such as sharing-oriented (Berry et al., 1997; Triandis, 1995), conformity-oriented (Bond Smith, 1996), hierarchical (Triandis, 1995), and supportive (Miller, 1997) pertain to collectivistic cultural characteristics, and attributes such as self-expressive (Kim Sherman, 2007), assertive (Church Lonner, 1998), egalitarian (Triandis, 1995), and competitive (Triandis, 1993) pertain to individualistic cultural characteristics. What are the variables? Participants completed a set of questionnaires’ in Chinese, the participants’ native language. In this study, the authors counterbalanced the order of questionnaires that asked about Facebook and Renren. The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. The study demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. Study 1 confirmed that system performance, security, and the usability of sharing functions are similar across Facebook and Renren, the two SNSs differ in their language medium. Facebook’s user interface is in English, whereas Renren’s is in Chinese (although users can communicate in Chinese on Facebook and English on Renren). From the author’s viewpoint, language is part of the cultural systems on SNSs. Indeed, considerable evidence suggests that language constitutes a part of the larger culture such that the use of Chinese can activate the Chinese cultural system and the use of English can activate the Western cultural system (as sited in Bond, 1983; Trafimow, Silverman, Fan, Law, 1997). Thus, it is reasonable not to consider the effect of language as a rival explanation of the current finding, but to view language as an important element of the online culture in which the users are participating. Another alternative account concerns how different degrees of closeness of friendship on the two SNSs might have affected individuals’ sharing behaviors. Our participants joined the Renren community when they were in China, and later became Facebook users after they arrived in Singapore. One might argue that these friends’ online activities constitute only a small sample of activities that may not accurately represent what other users generally do and therefore the shared practices of the SNS cultures. We contend that, however, it is the practices and activities nominally engaged by their friends that are most likely to reflect the immediate cultural environment in which the participants are actively involved. Conclusions and Implications (2-3 paragraphs)3 points Are the conclusions of the study related to the  original purpose? The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. The study demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. We highly encourage other researchers to capitalize on this valuable resource and study the cultural dynamics of their own interest. The conclusion of the present study is related to the original purpose. The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Second, to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. Were the implications discussed? The current findings have important implications, both theoretically and methodologically. In  terms of theoretical significance, first, our studies demonstrate that SNSs are interesting cultural environments on their own. Their technological capabilities enable them to afford new norms and practices that are not previously observed offline. For example, instant in-group sharing of information such as videos and pictures can be easily done online but not offline. Nevertheless,  the use of new media may not alter the fundamental essence of a culture—the newly emerged  norms and practices online may evolve from and later reinforce the shared norms and imperatives prevalent in the culture where the online community is hosted. Thus, SNS practices could be important manifestations of cultural products that contribute to a sense of â€Å"cultural consensus† (Lamoreaux Morling, in press). Second, our research suggests that SNS users can actively participate in multiple online cultures and acquire multicultural experiences through social interactions in the virtual world. Whom the results and conclusions will effect? With millions of people engaging in online communities What recommendations were make at the conclusion? SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. We highly encourage other researchers to capitalize on this valuable resource and studythe cultural dynamics of their own interest.

Nutrition leads to Academic Success and better life

All of us have an amazing gift, have you ever considered how incredible the human body is? Just look at what the brain is capable of doing and how it deals with our daily classroom requirements. Our brain needs several very important ingredients to make it more efficient with our academic success. Shockingly, fats are critical, our brains need good fats. We also need proteins, carbohydrates and water. These ingredients are really necessary for us to process information effectively. We will now look at the way our brains work. Within your brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience. Making connections, finding meaning, and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain It's 5:30pm. You just arrived for your class after a long day at work. You have prepared yourself for this learning experience of visual input, hands-on activities, reading and experimentation – to absorb as much as possible (Norman). You look around your class room, do you see bright eyes and positive, expectant expressions, or do you see squirming, sleeping, or distracted fellow students. Do you notice if your peers are stressed, depressed and anxious? According to experts, the internal environment of the brain is an integral part of learning, just as important as the classroom environment. You may find in some cases students are not able to learn due to poor nutrition or inadequate hydration (Norman). A balance diet is critical to health, and physicians are concerned about today’s increased marketing of junk food and fast food. A trend that so alarming that some have termed it the next â€Å"tobacco† (Jenkins). Within your brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience. Making connections, finding meaning, and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain. Formation of memory requires physical growth and reshaping of networks of brain cells. So that wonderful experience – when the lights go on and you say, â€Å"I get it! † – is a neurochemical process as well as an academic one. By nourishing the brain with healthy food and water, you will optimize the internal environment, enabling you to truly engage in the classroom environment and achieve your potential by knowing what your brain needs (Norman). The nutrients that help our brains work well are found in high concentration in the Mediterranean diet (Jenkins). Place your two fists together, with your inner wrists touching. Your brain is about this size and shape. Most of us have seen the rubbery pink models which aren’t a good representation; the brain is amazingly soft, composed primarily of fat and water. It is grayish and pudding-like – composed of 100 billion brain cells – called neurons that drive our thinking, learning, feeling and states of being. Neurons need good fats, protein, complex carbohydrates, micronutrients – vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and water. These nutrients are necessary to power the learning functions of neurons. It’s amazing how our neurons connect (Norman). Just imagine your neurons are shaped like an outstretched hand, with fingers spread. Dendrites (fingers) receive information from other neurons, which is then sent through the axon (arm) to another neuron. The connection between two cells is called a synapse, where the dendrite of one cell nearly touches the body or axon of another cell. Neurons can connect multiple times with the same cell; grow extensions to connect with distant cells, and connect with many different cells at once by growing more dendrites. The brain is dynamic, responsive, and efficient: new connections will be made to record and integrate new information learned. Old, unused connections will be pruned away. This process of building and pruning is not confined to the time of the classroom experience, but continually evolves with all learning that occurs in your life, integrating what is learned within and outside the classroom, integrating life's experiences into the knowledge base and personality we have. The raw material for building and pruning of these connections comes from the food we eat. The big question is what should we feed our brains and body (Norman)? In past years fat was considered an unhealthy part of your diet, now we know that good fats are essential. Our solid matter of the brain is 60% fat, being that our brain consists largely of fatty membranes. Most brain fats are polyunsaturated, meaning their structure contains few or no double bonds which makes the molecules flexible. These fats help maintain flexible, dynamic membranes that are able to transmit and receive information, and maintain other cell functions such as energy production and stores water. Cholesterol is a saturated fat that is often linked Adkisson 4 ith heart disease, but the right cholesterol is an important part of a healthy brain. Sufficient quantities of cholesterol are manufactured in the body without dietary sources. Fat provides energy for the brain as well as a transformation using B-vitamins and other trace nutrients within the neuron to produce pure ATP. The best fats to consume are omega-3 oils from fish, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens. The next ingredient provides the building blocks of our entire body (Norman). Protein provides amino acids that are used to form our neurotransmitters (NT) and support structures in neurons. Tryptophan from turkey and milk is used to produce serotonin, an NT creating feelings of well-being. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in almonds, an avocado, bananas and meat, is used to make dopamine, associated with enthusiasm (Norman). Our bodies produce about half of the twenty amino acids it needs the other ten are obtained from the foods we eat (Jenkins). Amino acids are also reassembled into powerful antioxidants that are used to protect DNA and other cell components from damage. Proteins also form receptors; structures embedded in membranes that aid in cell communication. All of us need energy and the best was to get it is through the following (Norman). Carbohydrates are the number one energy source for our brain. Sugar is the main fuel for the brain. Most of us have noticed a boost of energy when we eat something that provides sugar. Keep in mind that consuming excessive sugar for breakfast, causing bursts of energy followed by headaches, trouble concentrating, or drowsiness. When our sugar levels rise in our bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin, which directs sugar into cells, to keep our blood sugar at a stable level. The more sugar we eat causes more insulin to be released, which leads to drowsiness. Many persons instinctively reach for more sugar to boost their energy, thus initiating this cycle again. People, who begin their day with a large donut and sugary juice drink, have a candy bar for a snack, followed by a soda afterwards. This becomes an addiction that’s very difficult to overcome the awful rollercoaster effect of the sugar-insulin response. The best way to overcome it is to make sure your meals contain complex carbohydrates – i. e. whole grains or products made with whole grain flour, rather than refined sugars. Nonetheless, the absorption rate of refined sugar is generally higher, causing a greater release of insulin. One must not forget the next very important ingredient that 60% of our bodies are made up of (Norman). I’m so amazed with the way our neurons store water in tiny balloon-like structures called vacuoles. Water is necessary for optimal brain health and function. Water maintains the tone of our membranes for normal neurotransmission. It improves our circulation and helps in removing wastes. It also keeps our brain from overheating; lack of water could cause serious damage. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration and reduced cognitive abilities. Even mild levels of dehydration can impact learning performance. It is interesting to note that hydration has been found to affect exercise tolerance. People who are dehydrated tend to feel tired during exercise and avoid activity, a risk factor for obesity. When you are hydrated well before exercise and drink water while exercising leads to an enjoyable experience with less fatigue. It’s encouragement to keep a water bottle at you desk to sip throughout your classes to achieve the recommended intake of water throughout the day. Nutrition and hydration make a difference that helps the foundation for healthy learning. Making healthier choices is an essential part of your education and well-being. Keep water bottle at your desk throughout your class periods. Eat healthy treats such as whole fruit, whole grain crackers, and veggies. Learn how to choose the healthiest foods from the menus at the mall or carry a lunch. Incorporate healthy nutrition at work and home. By making these small changes you’ll be more attentive, and able to enjoy learning and improve you and your families’ lives (Norman). We all have a gift from God, our bodies are temples. We need to take care of it by feeding it properly, exercising and keeping it healthy. Some of us do not do that, unfortunately. We live in an unhealthy nation. There are steps we can take to make changes that can improve our academic success and lives. Sixty percent of our brain is made up of good fats that we should ensure we get. Proteins support structures in neurons. Carbohydrates are the number one energy source for our brain and water is necessary for optimal brain health and function. A person should have enough respect for their bodies to feed it and make it healthy.

Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay Secrets

Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay Secrets Top Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay Secrets Folks always tend to safeguard their opinions on distinct topics. The actual individuals highly praise our essay help site. The individual can't quit using marijuana although it gets in the manner of day-to-day life. Marijuana is an issue of utmost significance in public discussion in the usa, particularly because it's tough to find the latest research information on the drug to answer issues regarding state or federal laws. The Upside to Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay In addition, it's not toxic when compared to the 2 drugs. Cannabis legalizing has a negative effect on the behavior of those who smoke it. Along with its non-addictive properties it's practically impossible to suffer from a fatal marijuana overdose. Marijuana should have fair legal policies just like the rest of the drugs that are believed to be in the exact same category as it. 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As a consequence, patients are denied effective medication that's supplied by marijuana. Pregnant women using marijuana might be more inclined to have babies with developmental and behavioral issues. These individuals can't quit using marijuana though it causing problems in their lives. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay Cannabis sativa, more commonly called Marijuana, is one of the most abused drugs on the planet. The marijuana plant contains at least 100 unique chemicals called cannabinoids. If you smoke marijuana many times, you're most likely to cough and generate a lot of phlegm. Overall, marijuana ought to be legalized and the policy needs to be changed immediately. Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay for Dummies Responsible marijuana smokers aren't the problem and it's time to quit arresting them. In many places marijuana usage is deemed illegal for practically any objective. Possession of small amounts of marijuana isn't punish ed the very same way as possession of large quantities. Marijuana also needs to be legal since it has a medicinal price. There are lots of studies that state that by using drugs lot of health-related problems could be caused. You're able to use foreign information too. Additionally, when applying the positive facets of medical marijuana usage, an individual must also be sure consider the negative side results and the way it will affect the user. The impacts of marijuana differ from user to user. There are lots of misconceptions about marijuana existent in today's world. Though there are certain downsides to marijuana usage, it shouldn't be illegal to utilize it in the united states. The majority of people will concur that Congress should think about legalizing marijuana due to its medical price. When you take a look at the benefits, there's absolutely no question that marijuana ought to be legal throughout the whole nation. There are numerous, many means of referring to marijuana. If you or somebody you know wants to quit using marijuana but has trouble quitting, it can help speak to a counselor. In fact, the health benefits are among the 3 reasons why marijuanas ought to be legal, as stated by the proponents of the idea. The number of individuals pointing out to the quite a few explanations for why marijuana ought to be legal is growing daily. There's a continuous tension between the belief that marijuana effectively treats a wide selection of ailments and the argument it has far-reaching bad health effects. The sensible and adult temperament of the education does not have any doubt been the reason behind its success. Here's What I Know About Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay The drug was used in the United Kingdom to deal with MS patients, and it has been shown to work effectively. The recognition of the marijuana can be good for the nation. Additional the legalization procedure can bring different benefits for the usa. In america, marijuana was not widely employed for recreational purposes until the early 1900s. Various compounds in marijuana have various actions in the body. THC and other compounds in marijuana may also impact the way that your body works. Marijuana was known to damage many sections of the human body. Marijuana can impact the pieces of the brain that play a function in our capacity to consider, multitask, and pay attention. Choosing Good Samples of Legalizing Marijuana Essay Legalizing marijuana usage can be helpful to society when it regards the money which can be made from it legally. Users would have the capability to understand what they exactly get in exchange for the cost they give. Heal th is obviously a big concern for the government and that's the reason why they might hesitate to legalize it.

The Better Refrigerator Maker John Standards Biography

John Standard (born June 15, 1868) was an African-American inventor from Newark, New Jersey who patented improvements both to the refrigerator  and the oil stove. Overcoming racial division in the United States at the time, Standard revolutionized the modern kitchen and was granted intellectual property rights to two patents throughout his lifetime. Standard is commonly attributed with  creating the first-ever refrigerator, but the patent issued on June 14, 1891, for his invention (U.S Patent Number 455,891) was a utility patent, which is only issued for  an improvement on an existing patent. Although there is not much known about the early life of John Standard other than that he was born in New Jersey to Mary and Joseph Standard and even less known about his death in 1900, Standards improvements to kitchen appliances eventually lead to more innovations in both refrigerator and stove designs that would change the way people around the world stored and cooked their food. Kitchen Improvements: the Refrigerator and Oil Stove Throughout his career, Standard defied the racial norms of his time by delving into scientific pursuits of research into cooling devices and stove constructions—a pursuit that was usually very limited to the African-American community. In his patent for the refrigerator, Standard declared, this invention relates to improvements in refrigerators, and  it consists of certain novel arrangements and combinations of parts. John Standard was saying that he had found a way to improve the design of refrigerators—a non-electrical and unpowered design, Standards refrigerator made in 1891 used a manually-filled ice chamber for chilling and was granted a patent on June 14, 1891 (U.S. Patent Number 455,891). A few years later, Standard continued working on innovations to improve the home kitchen, and his 1889 oil stove was a space-saving design that he suggested could be used for buffet-style meals on trains. He received U.S. Patent Number 413,689 for this improvement on the standard stovetop on October 29, 1889.