Tuesday, August 25, 2020

MP3s Benefit both Consumers and Record Companies Essay -- Argumentati

You read the most current meeting of your preferred band conversing with Rolling Stone. In that talk with, they are asked whom they are tuning in to nowadays. The appropriate response isn't what you anticipated. The remainder of the meeting is about this new band they are raving about. Who is this new band, and for what reason do they appear to be so extraordinary? You rapidly sign onto your PC and begin downloading a melody from this secretive band. The download finishes, and the melody is marvelous! Presently you know why this gathering is regarded musically by the ones you regard in the business. All gratitude to the mind blowing MP3! MP3 is a little packed configuration that permits music to be downloaded rapidly with almost no penance in the sound quality. Moving Picture Experts Group, Audio Layer III is a big motivator for MP3. This came to fruition in the 1980's the point at which a German Institute needed to code music an alternate way. They did as such and got a patent for the MP3. Around 20 years after the fact, there were numerous applications making MP3's an ordinary thing. Individuals around the globe were downloading copyrighted music for nothing (Jones). In 1999, there were 60,000 MP3 sites and 6,000,000 individuals downloading a day (Knab). Nobody was concerned, yet then Napster showed up (Jones). Napster will likely consistently be recognized as the MP3 programming that permitted pretty much any tune to be downloaded whenever by any individual who had a web association. The music business was fruitful in changing Napster from a free source to a charging membership. Others like Napster still exist since they have discovered methods of getting around the entirety of the issues, however they are as of now being sought after by the music business regarding closing down. Record names are disturbed on account of the control they are losing. A... ...ranti, Marc and Guth Rob. Downloadable-Music Wars Intensify. CNN.com 25 Mar. 1999. 5 Dec. 2002. . Jones, Christopher. MP3 Overview. Hotwired. 27 Jul. 2000. 12 Dec. 2002. . Knab, Christopher. MP3. Fourfront Media and Music. 1999. 7 Dec. 2002. . Lazarus, David. Downloadable Music Ready to Rock. Wired News. 11 Sep. 1997. 7 Dec. 2002. . Petreley, Nick. Sentiment: How record organizations could grasp Napster and look after benefits. CNN.com. 20 Mar. 2000. 19 Dec. 2002. . The Future of Downloadable Music. Indian-Music.com. 5 Dec. 2002. . Â

Saturday, August 22, 2020

The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai Essay Example For Students

The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai Essay The Japanese artful culmination, The Great Wave, was made by Katsushika Hokusai, when he was around 70 years of age. It was a piece of his mainstream ukiyo-e arrangement Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, which was made somewhere in the range of 1826 and 1833. The print was made utilizing shading woodblock printing called ukiyo-e. Hokusai ukiyo-e changed the fine art one concentrated on individuals, to one that investigated scenes, plants, and creatures. Ukiyo-e implies photos of the coasting scene in Japanese. It is a type of woodblock printing and painting that was well known in Japan from the seventeenth through nineteenth hundreds of years. Making woodblock prints was a three-phase process as follows: (1) The craftsman would paint the plan with ink (2) The structure would then be cut onto wooden squares, lastly (3) Colored ink would be applied to the squares after which pieces of paper could be gone ahead them to print the plan. When the squares were finished, it was simpler to make multiplications of a similar structure. Framework for the most part what you see occurring in the picture Hokusai catches a sensational second in his work of art by differentiating a mammoth and tempestuous wave in the frontal area going to expend three angling vessels, against the little and stable Mt Fuji out of sight. We will compose a custom exposition on The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai explicitly for you for just $16.38 $13.9/page Request now The pontoons tumble in accommodation to the power of the wave. The little anglers in the vessels cluster and stick to the sides, as the cusp of the wave twists its paws downward on them. The sky is shockingly pale. The white ice of the wave top mirrors the snow secured top on Mount Fuji. The waves are huge, transcending, fierce and threatening. They look amazing and overwhelming and going to come roaring down to expend the three angling vessels. They are dim blue and twist with shades of lighter blue and stretch out to white foamy wave tips. They are encircled by milder splashes of white fog. The intensity of the waves is caught in the wave tops that seem as though threatening paws, adding to the effect of the quality and prevailing intensity of the waves. The twisting down of the paws causes the waves to seem like they are prepared to cull the angling vessels and their tragic mariners out of the ocean. Clustered, little, immaterial, terrified, confident, supporting one another, frightened, alarmed, sticking, squatted in dread, fear, defenseless, vulnerable. The hues and tones are purposeful and serious. The threatening wave is dull blue and spooky in shading shaping twists of white foam and paws of light blue and white. The sky is a shocking pale tan shading differentiating against the striking blue of the wave. The white ice of the wave top copies the snow secured top on Mount Fuji. The scope of hues is constrained to reflect nature. The lines of the wave are clear and exact. The shade of the vessels is light earthy colored and this shading fortifies their irrelevance against the splendid blues and white of the waves. The anglers in the pontoons are dull blue with white heads. The air pockets of water fog are white and shining. The skyline is a sloppy earthy colored shading with obscured tones proposing fate. The wave appears to be threatening and spooky. The scene is emotional with nature’s power being applied against the defenseless anglers. There is a component of worry in the catch of the mammoth incredible and fierce wave as it twists toward the little, agreeable vessels. The waves directing nearness in the forefront, overshadowing the pinnacles of Mount Fuji, features the wave’s quality and predominance. The little anglers are practically helpless, clustered and sticking to the sides of their pontoons. .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .postImageUrl , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .focused content region { min-tallness: 80px; position: relative; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:hover , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:visited , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:active { border:0!important; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .clearfix:after { content: ; show: table; clear: both; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b { show: square; change: foundation shading 250ms; webkit-progress: foundation shading 250ms; width: 100%; murkiness: 1; change: mistiness 250ms; webkit-change: haziness 250ms; foundation shading: #95A5A6; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:active , .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:hover { darkness: 1; progress: obscurity 250ms; webkit-progress: darkness 250ms; foundation shading: #2C3E50; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .focused content territory { width: 100%; position: rela tive; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .ctaText { fringe base: 0 strong #fff; shading: #2980B9; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: intense; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; content beautification: underline; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .postTitle { shading: #FFFFFF; text dimension: 16px; text style weight: 600; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; width: 100%; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .ctaButton { foundation shading: #7F8C8D!important; shading: #2980B9; outskirt: none; outskirt sweep: 3px; box-shadow: none; text dimension: 14px; text style weight: striking; line-stature: 26px; moz-fringe range: 3px; content adjust: focus; content design: none; content shadow: none; width: 80px; min-tallness: 80px; foundation: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/modules/intelly-related-posts/resources/pictures/straightforward arrow.png)no-rehash; position: total; right: 0; top: 0; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:hover .ctaButton { foundation shading: #34495E!important; } .uadd604 5062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b .focused content { show: table; tallness: 80px; cushioning left: 18px; top: 0; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b-content { show: table-cell; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; cushioning right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-adjust: center; width: 100%; } .uadd6045062fa6af4090c743d1793cf4b:after { content: ; show: square; clear: both; } READ: Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition EssayTheir uneasiness, dread and frenzy rings out from this work of art. The lines, bearing and size of the fine art makes a feeling of development. Hokusai positions the watcher gazing upward into the threatening twist of the goliath wave. What's more, this is as opposed to the anglers who dismiss and are too alarmed to even consider facing nature’s anger. This makes a feeling of development of the wave slamming downwards. Furthermore, the typically transcending Mount Fuji is set out of sight, little, still and confined by the mammoth wave in the closer view. The difference of Mount Fuji so still out of sight features the loud development of the wave. The situation of Mt Fuji nearly in the middle, yet consummately adjusted in the edge, and the away from of its triangular pinnacle causes the watchers to notice the development going on around it. The lines are clear, overwhelming and strong. This adds to the development of the work of art. The line arch of the wave and twists of the cusps, features the ascent, twist and clear of the moving wave, making a feeling of development.

Sunday, August 9, 2020

What Im Watching

What I’m Watching I was walking down Mass Ave yesterday under an umbrella with a friend, the streets after a day of rain reflecting colors in the sky, and I said If I could start my life over, I would. and he said, What would you do differently? - I guess I must have been thinking about that a while when we were walking and later eating at a quiet thai restaurant and even after when we were just getting some ice cream, because when walking home, feeling happy and full with a sunset hot at our backs, I felt like it wasnt about that. I said, if I just came into this world today, or I was blind and now suddenly I can see, and everything was new and strange and wonderful and I was never told what beauty was or should be, what would I think was the most striking thing? Would it be the motion of things? Cars and people and hands and raindrops. Would it be learning to trust shapes and colors to be the real thing? Like a faraway window in a high rise or a friend or a tree. Would it be the things I cant see? Things sitting on top of things, things inside of things, heat and voice and music and beats? Would it be the sky in its blueness and greyness and blackness and vastness? I thought it might be the sky. If someone gave me the opportunity to find out, would I? Im thinking if I could I would. Being at such a crossroads in my life, approaching my last year as a wandering undergrad, Im spending way more time than ever before just stressing out. Trying with all the delay tactics in the world to ease the pressure of having to choose a direction for my life. Looking around me at all these people: how can they be so sure and how do you make it feel like you matter. Well, thats my problem. Yet you might get something out of this lecture I stumbled onto, also. This is a lecture about achieving childhood dreams. I dont know you may have heard it in the news the guy who gave this speech died 3 days ago. I never had many specific childhood dreams, at least none that were well documented, and only a couple of baby pictures altogether. So achieving them has never really been a concern of mine. But I assume living life is something everyone can relate to, and listening to one man look back on the life he has lived I think has a natural fascination for all of us.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Negro League Baseball Research Paper - 2341 Words

Negro League Baseball When the topic of baseball comes up in a conversation, what do you think of? The field, a bat, the ball, or amazing plays, crucial games, and game winning performances. What about American history? Does World War II come to mind; most likely not. According to an article called â€Å"Food for Thought: Baseball and American History,† John P. Rossi quotes Jacques Barzun saying, â€Å"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.† Negro League Baseball can be used to shed light on the historical experience of African American’s in the United States. The first record of baseball in the United States began in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1791. Its popularity spread quickly through the town and the†¦show more content†¦Even though most of the committee members were from the North, many of them shared the same beliefs as the South. They believed that the African American was inferior and not meant to play baseball in the presence of white men. As the NABBP slowly faded away, another association took a strong hold over the game. The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players was formed in1871.The NAPBBP took over with flying colors and was geared for a more professional type league. With the color line still in place the NAPBBP never had a written rule against African Americas players. Instead, the association enlisted a â€Å"gentleman’s agreement† that barred African Americans from playing in this league and its eventual successor, the National League. Even though baseball was unchanged about Afri can American participation, they were slowly being accepted in society. The fifteenth amendment of the constitution was put into effect just a year before the formation of the NAPBBP. This was extremely critical for African Americans at the time because this meant that they would now have the right to vote. The amendment was designed to prohibit discrimination against voters on the basis of race or previous condition of servitude. Prior to this, the states had had full responsibility for determining voter qualifications. As baseball grew, so did the African American ambitions to play against other white teams. Moses â€Å"Fleetwood† Walker,Show MoreRelatedThe Rise and Fall of the Negro Baseball League Essay670 Words   |  3 PagesThe Rise and Fall of the Negro Baseball League For the better part of the 20th century, African American baseball players played under unequal opportunity. On one side of the field, European descendants were given a license to play this childrens game for money and national fame. While on the other side of the field, African slave descendants were also given a license to play - as long as they didnt encroach upon the leagues of the Caucasians. What was left over for African American playerRead MoreBaseball s Favorite Pastimes Since The First League1417 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction†¯ †¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Baseball has been one of America’s favorite pastimes since the first league was formed, all the way to the present day.†¯The first section in this research paper will explain some of the games baseball was based on, the places they are from, how they are played, and the people who came up with the game. In the second section, some of the leagues will be listed, with some of the teams, who established the league, and when they were established. In the third section, famousRead MoreThe Integration Of Sports And Its Impacts3264 Words   |  14 Pages Research Paper Rough Draft: The Integration of Sports and its Impacts Following the Civil War in the United States, African-Americans still faced extreme forms of racism and troubles all the way up until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. African-Americans were excluded from nearly all forms of participating in society including the ability to participate in professional sports and be paid at the same level as white athletes. The segregation of sports in this country was never declared byRead MoreFences : A Play That Revolves Around The Times Of The United States Essay2290 Words   |  10 Pages Alex Cano 11/20/16 EN 113 Research Paper Assignment August Wilson, Fences Fences is a play that revolves around the times of the nineteen fifties in the United States focusing in the city of Philadelphia. This was a time where a number of issues occurred going about the social problems facing the African American community. Many African Americans were denied a number of opportunities within the nation due to the color of their skin. ThisRead MoreJackie Robinson5168 Words   |  21 Pagesstories. Since 1947, American history has portrayed Jackie Robinson as a hero, and he has been idolized as a role model to the African American baseball community. It is an unarguable fact that he was the first to tear down the color barriers within professional baseball. The topic of Robinson’s role in integration has long been a point of discussion amongst baseball historians. Researchers have accumulated thousands of accredited documents and interviews with friends and team mates such as short stop,Read MoreJim Crow Laws On The South Of The United Sta tes1557 Words   |  7 Pagesstatus for African Americans. For this research paper, I want to focus on the origins and the content of Jim Crow Laws and how did this law influence blacks’ lives and be removed from the South of the United States. Firstly, the origin of the phrase â€Å"Jim Crow† was attributed to â€Å"Jump Jim Crow†, a song-and-dance caricature of blacks performed by white actor Thomas D. Rice. (Woodward, C. P.7) Then, â€Å"Jim Crow† by 1838 became a derogatory expression meaning for â€Å"Negro.† The original history of Jim CrowRead MoreAfrican Americans And The Civil Rights Movement3995 Words   |  16 PagesMitchell Thomas Ms. Conley English 12 3 March 2015 Research paper Many Americans try to pretend that just because slavery has come to an end and the Civil Rights movement occurred that racism has just suddenly vanished, but that s not the case. A person is not born racist, it is taught while growing up in a racist environment. It is a learned behavior of hate towards someone not you. Racism is very evident in men s professional sports today but also had an even greater effect in the past. ThereRead More Brown v Board of Education Essay2327 Words   |  10 Pagesagreed with the Browns; saying that: â€Å"Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children...A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn† (The National Center For Public Research). On the other hand, the precedent of Plessy v. Ferguson allowed separate but equal school systems for blacks and whites, and no Supreme Court ruling had overturned Plessy yet. Because of the precedent of Plessy, the court felt compelled to rule

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Psychological Factors That Shaped My Childhood And...

â€Å"To be successful you need to face your hardest opponent†¦ yourself.† –Dillon Boucher. In order to face ourselves, we must know who we are and why we do certain things. Psychology allows us to do this. It is the study of people. This science allows us to look into who we are and what we are. By understanding what and how everything you do can help you make improvements. This allows the body and mind to work together, so it can give you the knowledge to help make better decisions and avoid stressful situations. It can help you achieve goals and you live comfortably with others. As I move on in life and get to the point of independence, it is important for me to understand why I do the things I do, so I can make important changes to adapt to†¦show more content†¦Permissive parents watch their children less closely and are more free with their child’s actions (Rathus, p.288). Both of my parents have always been very loving and given me everything I needed, but at least to me, they always seemed to be more on the strict side with me than they were with my brother. I was never allowed to many of the things my brother was allowed to do and when I tried to make the argument that their rules were unfair, they always looked at me and said, â€Å"He’s a boy, you’re a girl.† This inequality in treatment put a tremendous strain on me and what the expectations I felt that I had to live up to. I feel like my parents strict and cold style effected me in both negative and positive ways. I feel that it made me become a much harder worker who was more motivated to achieve certain goals but it also caused a lot of insecurities when I failed at something. Moving on into my adolescent years wasn’t any easier. I had no idea who I was. In fact, I changed my wardrobe and what I was into doing quite often throughout middle school. One month I’d wear a dress in hopes to be a â€Å"girly girl† and the next, I’d be dressed in all shirts with black schools pretending I knew how to skateboard. In addition to that, my friend group changed dramatically within a very short period of time. I was very confused and new to all of the things this new group of peers enjoyed doing. At one point, I was so desperate to find out who I was and get the sense of belonging thatShow MoreRelatedGeneral Reflection And Social Factors That Influenced The Relationship Between Time And Human Behavior Essay939 Words   |  4 Pageshome front†- Phil Klay. The essence of these profound words speaks volumes about who I am as I reflect on my own life and family as it relates to the life course perspective, life trajectories, life events, and transitions. I have had my own exposure to extremes of human behavior and unimaginable tests of integrity and courage growing up with an absentee father, separated at a young age from my family, and simply challenged by unfavorable situations. However, I have learned that people are resilientRead MoreChild Development And Childhood Development1877 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Childhood development encompasses the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional changes from birth until the end of adolescence (White, Hayes Livesey, 2013). Throughout childhood, environment and genetics promote or discourage growth and development. This essay will analyse the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional domains in relativity to my own development from the prenatal stage until adolescence. Psychological and environmental theories are used to develop theRead MoreThe Role of Risk Factors and Protective Factors on Mental Health and Well-Being2086 Words   |  9 Pagestreatment of those who do, does not decrease the number of psychological problems in a population. Instead, the number of mental disorders remains the same and/or possibly increases. It is therefore crucial to practice and use preventative approaches to control and possibly eliminate biological, psychological and social stressors that are detrimental to one’s psychological health. As a result, the use of promotional and protective factors thereby improves the overall mental health and well-being ofRead MoreErik Erikson s Personality And Sense Of Self878 Words   |  4 Pages From the day we are born to the day they die, development is a continuous process in which we grow as an individual and develop our sense of self. The various factors that contribute to shaping us into the way we are, such as our memories, experiences, the way we were raised, even our culture has the strength to impact who we are to become. Throughout a person’s lifespan, there are many obstacles one must face in order to acquire certain skills that will be of use as we transitions from one stageRead MoreTraum A Deeply Distressing Or Disturbing Experience?925 Words   |  4 Pagesmany factors contribute to the understanding of trauma. There are many definitions that correlate with trauma; however, for the purpose of this paper, trauma will be defined as â€Å"a deeply distressing or disturbing experience† (Oxford dictionary). Enduring trauma can affect an individual. This essay discusses how trauma affects development as well as attachment throughout a child’s l ife using the texts The Lost Boy and Shame, along with additional readings, focusing specifically on childhood traumaRead MoreAdolescence As A Young Age Essay1726 Words   |  7 PagesAdolescence is considered to be the years between 13 and 19. It is known as the transitional period from childhood to adulthood. Adolescence experiences a good deal of physical and psychological changes. These changes can appear as early as pre-teen ages and last until adulthood. During Adolescent stage, Adolescence is discovering their independence and self-identity. They face making though peer choices and decision in regards to drugs, alcohol, social life, and school work. Teens show a high focusRead MorePersonality Characteristics Of Personality Traits1235 Words   |  5 PagesPersonality characteristics Introduction Personality psychologists define personality as the psychological traits that contribute to an individual’s enduring and distinctive patterns of feelings, thinking, and behavior, (Cervone Pervin, 2013). Now, this statement can denote that personality might be somehow fixed. Perhaps the most obligatory questions to ask in this regards are: is personality inherited or acquired. Can individual’s personality be altered? For decades, these and many other questionsRead MoreSocial Development And Journey Towards Autonomy876 Words   |  4 PagesIn 2009, I decided I wanted to be on birth control, even though I did not fully know my body or complete family history. Soon after, I suffered from a Pulmonary Embolism, a blood clot in my lung. The shortness of breath and severe agonizing chest pains were almost too horrible to bare. My life almost came to a screeching halt. It was then I found out my family suffered from a genetic disorder and my mother realized we needed more ope n communication. Having open communication with in the family positivelyRead MoreMy First Year School Experience1694 Words   |  7 Pagesfamily that values relationships has a significant impact in my personality and my educational success. In my early childhood, I have learned how to be responsible, caring, sharing and independent, which shaped who I am today. In my home environment, we appreciate social and personal relationships. However, my first year school experience wasn’t successful as my home environment. To illustrate, the first year of school was the hardest stage in my educational experience. I had a class where I had experiencedRead MoreDevelopmental Analysis Essay3291 Words   |  14 PagesUniversity Abstract This paper serves to apply the knowledge learned throughout the course, COUN 502, to the development and growth in my lifespan. I will aim to demonstrate a working knowledge of the theories, terminology, and concepts of human growth and development. I will show how these disciplines apply to my own life experiences and how I did throughout my key life events, through the use of empirical studies. Developmental Analysis Although I would like to believe I have led a fairly normal

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Web Server Attacks Free Essays

Web Server Attacks Aaron G. Flaugh Strayer University Dr. Patricia White April 15, 2013 Web services are the most frequently attacked services of the modern network. We will write a custom essay sample on Web Server Attacks or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are three common attack types. They are all mitigated in different ways, this paper will discuss the means of protecting against them. The most effective attacks are call Denial of Services or DoS attacks. No organization is save from a denial of service attack even the federal government has been successfully attacked. How corporations can reduce the risk of these attacks will also be discussed. Web Application Vulnerabilities Web services have become one of the most frequently used technologies in business today, therefore it is no surprise, which are among the most frequently targeted applications. There are five common types of attacks for web services: SQL injection, remote file inclusion, local file inclusion, directory traversal and cross site scripting. Those were just the technical type attacks there are also two other business layer attacks, they are email extraction and comment spamming. According to a survey group iMPERVA; cross-site scripting (XSS) accounts for twenty-nine percent of sampled attacks, directory transversal (DT) accounted for twenty-two percent, local file inclusion was fifteen percent of the attacks, SQL injections were fourteen percent of the malicious traffic, business logic attacks accounted for another fourteen percent and finally remote file inclusion only accounted for six percent of the traffic. The business logic attacks were split as follows email extraction was nine percent and comments spamming accounted for five percent of the section. Cross-Site Scripting In this attack type the attacker attempts to hijack a user session then steal the information that they need to log on to the site. Sometimes they hijacker inserts hostile content or redirect the user to a malicious site to steal information. The final flaw that is used is not properly validating and escaping that content. Directory Traversal Directory traversal is attacking parts of a web site that are not typically exposed to the public viewers. This an exploit of the security of the web server. It is also possible to use this attack by not properly removing user-supplied file names to the file API’s. SQL Injection Attacks against the background database server is called SQL injection attacks. Using this type of attack the attacker is able to steal the data contained on the page or site. This attack is most viable when user input is either incorrectly filtered for escaped characters in the SQL statements or the user input is not typed appropriately. Combating Web Server Attacks There are several things that users can do to protect themselves from web server attacks. First they can patch their operating systems up-to-date. Second, install a personal firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware tools. Use complex usernames and passwords, and change passwords regularly. Finally, turn off client-side scripting such as JavaScript or ActiveX. On the web server side, there are some suggested fixes. First of all implement SSL connections however, it used to be that 128-bit encryptions was sufficient according to Saumil Shah from Net Square. Now it is not uncommon to utilize 1024-bit RSA encryption on SSL certificates. Second, run a best practices analyzer or threat analyzer and implement security fixes. Another, security method to protect internal resources through the use of reverse proxy servers. The final solution to these web attacks is the human element, verify code written by developers and correct any errors discovered. Denial of Service Attacks The most feared attacks on a network is denial of service attack or a distributed denial of service attack. In both attacks the objective is very simple as the name implies it is to disrupt the flow of information into a network, generally the objective is not to steal data or release confidential information. Denial of service attacks are performed usually by a single attack thus, are much easier to defend against. Distributed denial of service attacks are much more difficult to detect and thus much more difficult to defend against. They are generally coordinated amongst many individuals or through automation using botnet malware. Defending and halting denial of service type attacks can be very easy to stop since they are from one threat. The first defense against this type of attack is the use of access control lists on either the firewall or on the border router. Cisco uses the following syntax in its IOS enabled devices: permit tcp source ip address destination ip address eq port number. Within Cisco’s firewall products the PIX or the current Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) the syntax is similar to that of the IOS devices. Cisco’s ASA platform has a much more diverse set of features to block attacks at the border of the network. The ASA con also be configured to detect and block ICMP flood attacks. The more sophisticated web servers can be configured the block http attacks. Cisco also offers products that are designed to detect and block single origin attackers. Most operating systems have firewall functions that are built into them. Third party security companies such as Symantec, Sophos, McAfee, and Zone Alarm offer personal firewalls to potentially block an incoming threat. This is the best alternative if a person or group doesn’t have control of their border devices. There are two other means by which a single attacker can be stopped. They are interrupting the communication between a hacked machine through the use null routes on a pc or device its, however this is sometimes very difficult to accomplish and only works on some Operating Systems. The final means by which to slow an attacker down is to enable web server security to block connections from the particular ip address. In a distributed denial of service attack there is generally no clear indication of which ip addresses are causing the event. This make the DDoS attack extremely difficult to detect and defend against. Most the time DDoS traffic looks like ordinary network traffic, which makes detection difficult if not impossible in some cases. DDoS attack can be used against many different protocols used in network including TCP, UDP, ICMP and DNS, using flooding techniques to overwhelm a victim’s network. One of the best ways to prevent http or https flooding attacks is the incorporation of reverse proxy servers into the mix. The proxy server sits outside of the network and acts like a traffic cop in many ways. It doesn’t allow packets through that it deems at threat. It also breaks up or fragments the requests from the outside world. Department of Justice attacks Many organization has fallen victim to web server attacks. In October 2002, a DDoS attack was used to cripple the internet in the United States. This was done by simultaneously attacking eight of the thirteen root DNS servers. The Federal Government has fallen victim to DDoS a number of times, the Department of Justice has been attacked twice in the last eighteen months. In the last two notable events in January of 2012 and just this past January, the hacker group Anonymous has claim responsibility for the attacks. They were targeted in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act and most recently in support of Aaron Swartz who had recently committed suicide. The only possible way that DDoS attacks could be carried out against the government’s servers is either enlisting thousands of people to assist by flooding the webservers with http requests or by the use of malware and the use of botnets. In either case the, it would take a lot of time to detect the attack and even more time to stop the attack. DDoS attacks on the Federal Government would need to be extremely complex and would take a long time to plan and carry out. I do not believe that they are as easy to carry out as some make it out to be. In order to mitigate attacks in the future the Government needs to do several things. Implement reverse proxy server in front of the web servers. Make sure that all security fixes are up-to-date on all servers. Implement policies and procedures tracking changes to the web server security settings. Verify all user supplied information through the use of security images or the use of services like capture. Use of web services are common these days. Corporations, users and Government all need to take steps to protect themselves from web server attacks. This can be done in a variety of ways and is the responsibility of the information services to help management understand and prevent these attacks. References Geiger, William (2001). SANS Security Essentials GSEC Practical Assignment 1. 2f Practively Guarding Against Unknown Web Server Attacks Murphy, David (26 January, 2013). Pro-Swartz Hackers Attack U. S. Department of Justice Website retrieved from http://www. pcmag. com O’Keefe, Ed (20 January, 2012). How was the Justice Department Website Attacked? Retrieved from: http://www. washingtonpost. com Romm, Tony (19 January, 2013). After Anonymous claims hack, DOJ site back. Retrieved from: http://www. politico. com Shah, Saumil (2002). Top Ten Web Attacks Presentation at BlackHat Asia Thatcher, Greg. How to Stop a Denial of Service Attack? Retrieved from: http://www. gregthatcher. com Weiss, Aaron 02 July, 2012). How to Prevent DoS Attacks Retrieved from: http://www. esecurityplanet. com Cisco Systems (2004). Defeating DDOS Attacks White Paper Citrix Systems Protecting Web Applications from Attack and Misuse Imperva (2012). Imperva’s Web Application Attack Report Government of Hong Kong (2008). Web Attacks and Countermeasures How to cite Web Server Attacks, Papers

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Nursing Client Education Plan

Question: Discuss about the Nursing for Client Education Plan. Answer: Education plan for Caroline Morris would revolve around the appropriate application of stoma management strategies to ensure that the client is provided with holistic care. The education plan would act as the pathfinder for guiding the patient towards a better quality of life. A number of challenges may be faced while educating the patient, however, as a nurse specialist, it would be the duty to successfully carry out the transition between poor and good patient outcomes by overcoming the psychological and physical barriers. A partnership is to be formed with the client in order to foster a therapeutic relationship (Cherry and Jacob 2016). Medication Pharmacology Enoxaparin 40mg SC daily - Caroline wishes to self-administer the medication, therefore, the first step would be to educate her on how to self-inject the medicine. The steps of self-injecting the medication would include washing the hands at e first place and then sitting or lying in a comfortbale position so that the abdomen can be seen. An area is to be chosen on left or right side of the abdomen at least keeping a distance of 2 inches from the belly button. The injection site is to be cleaned with alcohol. The syringe is to be held like a pencil. With the other hand, an inch of the cleaned area is to be pinched for making a fold in the area. The plunger is to be pressurised with the thumb till the syringe is empty. The needle is to be pulled straight out. The important patient safety information is to be explained to the client. The patient is to be informed that seeking medical attention is necessary if there are severe side effects including severe allergic reactions, difficulty in walking, fever, weakness or reddish stool (Lehne and Rosenthal 2014). Oxycodone (Endone) 5-10mg QID PRN- The patient is to be informed that seeking medical attention is necessary if there are severe side effects including vomiting, nausea and sweating. The most crucial patient information would be that Oxycodone might prove to be habit forming. In addition, the medication is not to be used with any narcotic pain medication. The medication is also not to be taken in large amounts (Lilley, Collins and Snyder 2014). Paracetamol 1gram QID PRN- The patient is to be educated that the maximum dose recommended is not to be exceeded. Alcohol is not to be drunk while taking paracetamol. However, it can be taken on an empty stomach (McCuistion, Kee and Hayes 2014). Application of Theories of Teaching and Learning Relevant to Simulation Experience Fundamental principles derived from teaching and learning theories are to be used for the present patient education. Humantistic learning theory would be applied for the patient in the present case. The theory is based on the belief that each patient is autonomous, unique and would need to be taken care of in a positive way. Individual life experiences and self-direction would be the motivating factors towards learning. Internal motivation, self-evaluation and self-discovery would be given the focus while educating the patient (Zaccagnini and White 2015). Best Practices in Patient Education Communication with the patient in a suitable manner is the means of transaction and creation of the message. The entire process would need to take place by considering the social, cultural and religious values of Caroline. Verbal communication- The patient would first be made comfortable with the nurse. A peaceful environment needs to be created for imparting the education as there would be no distractions. Communication would be done in a culturally safe manner so as to avoid offending the patient. Each patient may have his own pace and own way of communicating. This aspect is to be understood for Caroline and communication would thereby be aligned with it. The language used while communication is crucial. The patient is to be explained the information in a simple language. The language would be at the level of the patient (Riley 2015 ). Non-verbal communication- The four elements that would be given attention while educating the patient are body posture, eye contact, facial expression and touch. It is necessary for a nurse to be relaxed and not impatient while communicating. Eye contact is to be maintained with the patient that emphasises the need of making the patient feel valued and important. Facial expression would be appropriate and wherever necessary sympathy is to be expressed. Touch can prove to be a powerful tool of communication, and therefore appropriate touches would enable the nurse to convey the affection and concern for the patient. Vital cultural issues would be considered while touching the patient (Kourkouta. and Papathanasiou 2014). References Cherry, B. and Jacob, S.R., 2016.Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, management. Elsevier Health Sciences. Kourkouta, L. and Papathanasiou, I.V., 2014. Communication in nursing practice.Materia socio-medica,26(1), p.65. Lehne, R.A. and Rosenthal, L., 2014.Pharmacology for nursing care. Elsevier Health Sciences. Lilley, L.L., Collins, S.R. and Snyder, J.S., 2014.Pharmacology and the nursing process. Elsevier Health Sciences. McCuistion, L.E., Kee, J.L. and Hayes, E.R., 2014.Pharmacology: A patient-centered nursing process approach. Elsevier Health Sciences. Riley, J.B., 2015.Communication in nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences. Zaccagnini, M. and White, K., 2015.The doctor of nursing practice essentials. Jones Bartlett Learning.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

My Body is My Own Business free essay sample

Naheed Mustafa’s is speaking to her sisters of Islam to pull away from western thought process of what is beautiful. She does this through using racially divisive hook, â€Å"I OFTEN wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jean jacket†. Her tone is a sharp frustration of western culture. This literary style will most definitely attract people of her race and gender. â€Å"My Body is My Own Business† and â€Å"Chicken-Hips† discloses western cultures fallacies on what is beautiful. Naheed states that, â€Å"WOMEN are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness†. Catherine states, â€Å"I come from a culture in which it is almost unseemly for a woman to eat too heartily. It’s considered unattractive†. Both authors succeed in pointing out western cultures values on what is beautiful. Pigott’s write in a manner which is easier to digest for public reading. We will write a custom essay sample on My Body is My Own Business or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If it were to be placed in a national newspaper it would printed on liberal and conservative papers. You feel you’re discovering what she is has learnt through her experiences in Africa. She does this my making her ironic state (being overweight but still under sized) delightfully humorous. Naheed’s essay if you were to place hers in a national newspaper it would only be print in a liberal paper. Her tone would be considered too brash for other racial groups. It was written not for the average person to understand. Her essay is more of a statement of, â€Å"who I am and I don’t care what you think of me†. She speaks in great detail how the hijab is a lightning rod for ridicule by others who are less enlighten. â€Å"I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances†. However, it is her source of freedom to disengage from the physical values press upon women within western society. â€Å"My appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed†. How I personally view this, she chose to carry a different cross of objectification for another. I see her hijab as a bunker from western values she bombarded with.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Power and Evocation of Horror The Macbeth Witches Chant

Power and Evocation of Horror The Macbeth Witches Chant The witches’ chant in Macbeth is powerful poetry and powerful drama. It derives its power from several features. Among them are the rhymes, the rhythm of the words, the interpolation of a chorus, the increasing complexity of the lines as the poem progresses, and the vivid and horrifying imagery. Shakespeare may have had many aims in this play, some of them as deep as the Protestant/Catholic conflict that was roiling in Elizabethan England, but this particular piece of poetry stands on its own, apart from its historical context.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Power and Evocation of Horror: The Macbeth Witches’ Chant specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The most striking characteristic of the poem upon first reading is the rhyming. As Clugson points out, most of the personae of the play speak their parts in blank verse for most of the time (Clugston, 2010). The appearance of these definite, assertive, unsubt le rhymes in the midst of the heroic declamation sets it apart instantly. The character of the rhymes is heavily constrained. Each line taps out a â€Å"four-beatrhythm†(Wilson, 2002, p. 126). Wilson describes the result as a â€Å"‘drumming insistence’ with a musical effect which is irresistibly conspiratorial, ‘hovering between a ritual and a threat’† (Wilson, 2002, p. 126). This wonderful description captures the feeling of a dance that this poem has evoked for many young people, even if they did not know what issues or events the play addresses. These lines are largely monosyllabic, a feature which, as Kranz notes, makes the iambic pentameter very obvious (Kranz, 2003, p. 346), almost a caricature of itself. The words that Shakespeare chooses for these lines also display what Kranz accurately describes as â€Å"fricative alliteration† (Kranz, 2003, p. 346). This gives the poem a hissing sound, which reinforces the nearly inhuman nat ure of the speakers and the spectral activities they pursue. A poem of equivalent power in using rhythm might be Vachel Lindsay’s The Congo(Lindsay, 1917). The chorus lines demarcate the verses, providing a welcome relief from the insistence of the ingredients list. The chorus also includes all the participants, transforming the poem from a recitation to an incantation, a shared, almost sacramental activity. This pattern is very reminiscent of the versicles/responses in the Christian mass, or the call-and-response of African music. In light of Wilson’s contention that the witches symbolized the Elizabethans’ suppressed and rebellious Catholic gentry (Wilson, 2002, p. 129), the chorus also seems more than a rhythmic change of pace. The altered rhythm makes the lines around the chorus stand out in greater relief. The imagery is where the poem really packs a massive punch. Shakespeare has assembled a collection of ghastly items that retain their power to shock and make us squeamish. This is true even in an era when the reader is quite likely to have a poison tree frog or an endangered tiger on their t-shirt.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Shakespeare manages this by selecting animals that are not our cuddly barnyard friends. These creatures mostly hail from other taxonomic groups and distinctly different modes of life. There are examples of reptiles (adder, blindworm, snake, and lizard), amphibians (newts, toads, and frog), nocturnal mammals (bat), nocturnal birds (owl, or howlet), notochord (shark), and mythical (dragon). The cat appears as a herald of mischief, and the dog appears in the form of its tongue. This latter is one of the most alien body parts of man’s best friend; dogs, after all, only sweat through their tongues. The goat, perhaps the least sympathetic of domestic animals, is represented by its gall, a bitt er and mysterious organ. The reader moves from the more revolting portions of the animal kingdom to the misfits of the human world. The poem lists the offal of the witch, Jew, Tartar and Turk, all despised groups. Jews were discriminated against severely (Campos, 2002), scapegoated even more severely than Catholics (who were in active, violent rebellion (Wilson, 2002, p. 139), and ghettoized. The Tartars were a name to evoke terror, for their ravages, all over Europe. The Turks had threatened Europeans in the Holy Land for centuries. These choices by Shakespeare for his poem, then, were among the most frightening boogeymen of Elizabethan England. Witches were another emerging fear, in an era of religious conflict. The most disturbing image that of the body parts of a poor, demoralized girl’s roadside infanticide being used in witches’ potions is distressing on many levels. Just in this one image, the reader is reminded of the issue of sexual exploitation of women (Wh y is the girl pregnant out of wedlock in the first place?), class oppression (If the father was of the same social class, why did they not simply get married? If the father is of a different social class, what gave him the right to victimize?), hypocrisy in attitudes about sexual behavior (Would a wealthy girl be consigned to this position?). Thus, Shakespeare caps off a gallery of horrors. These imagesmake readers and viewers think of all the things that made people shudder and cringe, from slimy or predatory animals to the Elizabethan world’s version of terrorists. Shakespeare has woven together rhymes that pound, a rhythm that evokes the slow, foreboding dance of the witches, a chorus that brings everyone into the action, and images that retain their power to disturb after all these centuries. I am struck by all, but especially by his deeply upsetting imagery.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Power and Evocation of Horror: The Macbeth Witchesâ€⠄¢ Chant specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Campos, E. V. ( 2002, Fall). Jews, Spaniards, and Portingales: Ambiguous Identities of Portuguese Marranos in Elizabethan England. Englis Literary History, 69(3), 599-616. doi:E-ISSN:1080-6547. Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into Literature. NY: Bridgepoint. Kranz, D. (2003, Summer). Sounds of Supernatural Soliciting in Macbeth. Studies in Philology, 100(3). Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/4174762?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Lindsay, V. (1917). The Congo. In H. Monroe (Ed.), The New Poetry: An Anthology. Retrieved from https://www.bartleby.com/265/193.html Wilson, R. (2002). The Pilots Thumb: Macbeth and the Jesuits. In T. L. Stories, R. Poole (Ed.), The Lancashire Witches (pp. 126-145). Manchester: Manchester Universiity Press.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Gendered Landscapes Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gendered Landscapes - Coursework Example In the image above, the woman is left to make sure that the children have completed their homework, dressed and have everything ready for school as well as clean the house and conduct other household chores (Carubia, Dowler, & Szczygiel, 2005). The husbands or the father figures fail to take into consideration that the same women have day jobs that also need their attention thus leaving the women just as exhausted as their male counterparts. The barriers â€Å"stops† experienced by most working women is that the male gender still embraces the cultural way of division of labor where they are expected to fend for their families as the females take care of the families. Due to the hard economic times most families are unable to afford hired help, and so all the chores are left to the woman. The male elements are privileged whereas the female elements are marginalized. The males have time to unwind upon leaving their jobs while the women have more work awaiting them at home just as shown in the image above. Despite the prominent sectors of feminists being institutionalized and professionalized, they should still fight for the womens welfare (Carubia, Dowler, & Szczygiel, 2005). The domestic duties should be equally divided between the male and the female counterparts of the family to promote equality in all parts of life. My husband has heard my plea â€Å"destination† and is currently helping with a few things. Though he doesn’t do much at least he makes an effort. The fight for equality for women should not only end in the workplace, industrial world, and the political world but should also be extended to homes (Baugher, 2010). (AdriHead,

Monday, February 3, 2020

Kairos moment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Kairos moment - Essay Example My kairos moment Growing up I was passionate about being a medical doctor. I believed that I would serve the community better if I was able to attend patients. This caused me to win support from my parents who urged me to be the best performer in related studies. My childhood experience let me to appreciate the need to have a stable family. My parents separated when I was still a teenager. This affected my academic performance and shook my goals to the core. I realized that part of the reason for the separation was because of the long working hours my father was having in his career. My father was an accomplished medical doctor whose achievements caused him to be extremely busy. One evening, when I was in school I took time to think over and understand the pain I was going through arising from the separation. I was feeling helpless, vulnerable and deserted. I took time to relook at my career aspirations and consider the implications they would have in future. This period coincided th e school schedule set to determine the future career as a pupil. That became my defining moment in career. I opted to change my career with an expectation to spend adequate time with my family. This explains why am in this class. It later turned out that my actual flair was in linguistics and oratory skills. I almost succumb to my father’s pressure to join his profession. My reaction was urgent and opportune although it was triggered by metal anguish. I was in an ideal place to determine my career and did it in the right time. Ancient thinkers considered the kairos moments to be important. Success is dependent on the ability to balance particular within a given situation (Crowley and Hawhee, 37). Greeks had two words that were used to describe time. These were kairos and chronos. The impression created is that when these moments are missed, incredible opportunities are lost. The awareness and timing of an opportunity or situation affects the achievements to be expected. Kairo s is about balancing the various aspects of a situation (Hambrick, 7). People are expected to be watchful for the opportune moment to achieve a desired result. This moment is seized with a sense of urgency, self-awareness and with precisions. According to ancient Greek thinkers, there was an ideal time for doing something no matter how difficult. The willingness to take a chance can be the difference between successful people and failures (Crowley and Hawhee, 38). The currency and urgency of a situation is linked to the ability of the beneficiary to have prior information of the moment. This urgency demands action. Kairos moments teach us that it is possible for people to lose the immediacy of a moment. This causes the relevance of the issue to appear misplaced. Kairos moments justify the fact that we live in a dynamic world where the appropriateness of a moment is dependent on the current audience, prevailing views, time and place of the rhetoric (Crowley and Hawhee, 42). Kairos po ints indicate the situatedness of an argument at a particular place in time. Why this was a karotic moment The timeliness of the decision action helped to me to appreciate the need to change my career aspirations. The decision happened in an opportune moment, the ideal time to pick a career of right time. I had the courage and the strength to take the bold step that became a blessing which

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Measures of Central Tendency

Measures of Central Tendency The one single value that reflects the nature and characteristics of the entire given data is called as central value. Central tendency refers to the middle point of a given distribution. It is other wise called as ‘measures of location. The nature of this value is such that it always lies between the highest value and the lowest value of that series. In other wards, it lies at the centre or at the middle of the series. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD AVERAGE: Yule and Kendall have pointed out some basic characteristics which an average should satisfy to call it as good average. They are: Average is the easiest method to calculate It should be rigidly defined. This says that, the series of whose average is calculated should have only one interpretation. One interpretation will avoid personal prejudice or bias. It should be representative of the entire series. In other wards, the value should lie between the upper and lower limit of the data. It should have capable of further algebraic treatment. In other wards, an ideal average is one which can be used for further statistical calculations. It should not be affected by the extreme values of the observation or series. DEFINITIONS: Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. Gupta (2008) in his work has narrated Lawrence J. Kaplan definition as ‘one of the most widely used set of summery figures is known as measures of location, which are often referred to as averages, measures of central tendency or central location. The purpose of computing an average value for a set of observation is to obtain a single value which is representative of all the items and which the mind can grasp simply and quickly. The single value is the point of location around which the individual items cluster. This opinion clearly narrates the basic purpose of computing an average. Similarly, Croxton and Cowden define the concept as ‘an average is a single value within the range of the data that is used to represent all of the values in the series. Since the average is somewhere within the range of data, it is sometimes called a measure of central value. TYPES OF AVERAGES: Following five are frequently used types of an average or measure of central tendency. They are Arithmetic mean Weighted arithmetic mean Median Mode Geometric Mean and Harmonic Mean All the above five types are discussed below in detail. THE ARITHMETIC MEAN: Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. It can be computed in a several ways. Commonly it can be computed by dividing the total value by the number of observations. Let ‘n be the number of items in a case. Each individual item in a list can be represented in a relationship as x1, x2, x3, ,xn. In this relationship, ‘x1 is one value, ‘x2 is another value in the series and the value extends upto a particular limit represented by ‘xn. The dots in the relationship express that there are some values between the two extremes which are omitted in the relationship. Some people interprets the same relationship as, which can be read as ‘x-sub-i, as i runs from 1 upto n. In case the numbers of variable in list is more, then it requires a long space for deriving the mean. Thus the summation notation is used to describe the entire relationship. The above relationship can be derived with the help of summation as: , representing the sum of the ‘x values, using the index ‘i to enumerate from the starting value i =1 to the ending value i = n. thus we have and the average can be represented as The symbol ‘i is again nothing but a continuing covariance. The readers should not be confused while using the notation , rather they can also use or or any other similar notation which are of same meaning. The mean of a series can be calculated in a number of ways. Following are some basic ways that are commonly used in researchers related to management and social sciences, particularly by the beginners. However, the readers should not be confused on sample mean and population mean. A sample of a population of ‘n observations and the mean of sample is denoted by ‘. Where as when one measure the population mean i.e., the entire variables of a study than the mean is represented by the symbol ‘Â µ, which is pronounced as ‘mue and is derived from the Greek letter ‘mu. Below we are discussing the concepts of sample mean. Type-1: In case of individual observation: a. Direct method- Mean or average can be calculated directly in the following way Step-1: First of all the researcher has to add all the observations of a given series. The observations are x1, x2, x3, xn. Step-2- Count how many observations are their in that series (n) Step-3- the following procedure than adopted to get the average. Thus the average or mean denoted as ‘and can be read as ‘x bar is derives as: Thus it can be said that the average mark of the final contestants in the quiz competition is 67.6 marks which can be rounded over to 70 marks. b. Short-cut method- The average or mean can also be calculated by using short-cut method. This method is applicable when a particular series is having so many observations. In other wards, to reduce calculations this method is generally used. The steps of calculating mean by this method is as follows: i. The research has to assume any one value from the entire series. This value is called as assumed value. Let this value be denoted here as ‘P. ii. Differentiate each a value from this assumed vale. That is find out individual values of each observation. Let this difference value be denoted as ‘B. Hence B=xn-P where n= 1,2,3,n. iii. Add all the difference value or get sum of B and count the number of observation ‘n. iv. Putting the values in the following formula and get the value of mean. Type-2: In case of discrete observations or series of data: Discrete series are the variables whose values can be identified and isolated. In such a case the variant is a whole number, but is form frequency distribution. The data set derived in case-1 above is called as ungrouped data. The computations in case of these data are not difficult. Where as, if the data set is having frequencies are called as groped data. a. Direct method: Following are some steps of calculating mean by using the direct method i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective frequencies (f). ii. Calculate the sum of the frequencies (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*f values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula b. Short cut method: Arithmetic mean can also be calculated by using the short cut method or assumed mean method. This method is generally used by the researchers to avoid the time requirements and calculation complexities. Following are the steps of calculating mean by this method. i. The first step is to assume a value from the ‘X values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) ii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘X to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = X-A iii. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df iv. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. v. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as Type-3: In case of continuous observations or series of data: Another type of frequency distributions is there which consists of data that are grouped by classes. In such case each value of an observation falls somewhere in one of the classes. Calculation of arithmetic mean in case of grouped data is some what different from that of ungrouped data. To find out the arithmetic mean of continuous series, one has to calculate the midpoint of each class interval. To make midpoints come out in whole cents, one has to round up the value. Mean in continuous series can be calculated in two ways as derived below: a. Direct method: In this method, mean can be calculated by using the steps as i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Multiply the mid points of each class interval (m) with its respective frequencies (f) i.e., find out mf iii. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. iv. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as b. Short cut method: Mean can also be calculated by using short cut method. Following are the steps to calculate mean by this method. i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Assume a value from the ‘m values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) iii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘m to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = m A iv. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df v. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. vi. Put the values in the following formula to get mean of the series THE WEIGHTED ARITHMETIC MEAN: In real life situation in management studies and social sciences, some items need more importance than that of the other items of that series. Hence, importance assigned to different items with the help of numerical value as per the priority basis in a series as called as weights. The arithmetic mean on the other hand, gives equal weightage or importance to each observation of the series. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. Following is the procedures of computing mean of a weighted series. By the way, an important problem that arises while using weighted mean is regarding selection of weights. Weights may be either actual or arbitrary, i.e., estimated. The researcher will not face any difficulty, if the actual weights are assigned to the set of data. But in case, if actual data is not assigned than it is advisable to assign arbitrary or imaginary weights. Following are some steps of calculating weighted mean: i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective weights (W) ii. Calculate the sum of the weights (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*W values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula Advantages of Arithmetic mean: Following are some advantages of arithmetic mean. i. The concept is more familiar concept among the people. It is unique because each data set has only one mean. ii. It is very easy to compute and requires fewer calculations. As every data set has a mean, hence, as a measure mean can be calculated. iii. Mean represents a single value to the entire data set. Thus easily one can interpret a data set its characteristics. iv. An average can be calculated of any type of series. Disadvantages of Arithmetic mean: The disadvantages are as follows. i. One of the greatest disadvantages of average is that it is mostly affected by the extreme values. For example let consider Sachin Tendulkars score in last three matches. Let it be, 100 in first match, 2 in second match and 10 in third match. The average score of these three matches will me 100+2+10/3=37. Thus it implies that Tendulkars average score is 37 which is not correct. Hence lead to wrong conclusion. ii. It is not possible to compute mean for a data set that has open-ended classes at either the high or low end of the scale. iii. The arithmetic average sometimes gives such value which cannot be found from the data series from which it is calculated. iv. It is unrealistic. v. It cannot be identified observation or graphic method of representing the data and interpretation. THE MEDIAN: Another one technique to measure central tendency of a series of observation is the median. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. In other wards, it is the exactly middle value of the series. Hence, fifty percent of the observations in the series are above the median value and other fifty or half observations are remains below the median value. However, if the series are having odd numbers of observations like 3,5,7,9,11,13 etc., then the median value will be equal to one of the exact value from the series. On the other hand, if the series is having even observations, then median value can be calculated by getting the arithmetic mean of the two middle values of the observations of the series. Median an a technique of measuring central tendency can be best used in cases where the problem sought for more qualitative or psychological in nature such as health, intelligence, satisfaction etc. Definitions: The concept of median can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Connor defined it as ‘the median is the value which divides the distribution into two equal parts, one part comprising all values greater, and the other values less than the median. Where as Croxton and Cowden defined it as ‘the median is that value which divides a series so that one half or more of the items are equal to or less than it and one half or more of the items are equal to or greater than it. Median can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Median in Individual Series Computation of Median in Discrete Series and Computation of Median in Continuous Series Computation of Median in Individual Series: Following are some steps to calculate the median in individual series. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. Than the median value can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the series. Where, N= Number of observation in that series. When N is odd number (like 5, 7,9,11,13 etc.) median value is one of the item within that series, but in case N will be a even number than median is the arithmetic mean of the two middle value after applying the above formula. The following problem can make the concept clear. Computation of Median in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Following are the steps of computing the median when the series is discrete. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies of the series. Computation of Median in Continuous Series: Continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of median is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get median in continuous series of data. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies column of the series. Form the cumulative frequencies, one can get the median class i.e., in which class the value lies. This class is called as median class and one can get the lower value of the class and the upper value of the class. The following formula can be used to calculate the median We have to get the median class first. For this, median class is N/2 th value or 70/2= 35. The value 35 lies in the third row of the table against the class 30-40. Thus 30-40 is the median class and it shows that the median value lies in this class only. After getting the median class, to get the median value we have to apply the formula . Advantages of Median: Median as a measure of central tendency has following advantages of its own. It is very simple and can be easily understood. It is very easy to calculate and interpret. It Includes all the observations while calculation. Like that of arithmetic mean, median is not affected by the extreme values of the observation. It has the advantages for using further analysis. It can even used to calculate for open ended distribution. Disadvantages of Median: Median as a means to calculate central tendency is also not free from draw backs. Following are some important draw backs that are leveled against median. Median is not a widely measure to calculate central tendency like that of arithmetic mean and also mode. It is not based on algebraic treatment. THE MODE: Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. Like that of median, mode is also more useful in case of qualitative data analysis. It can be used in problems generally having the discrete series of data and particularly, problems involving the expression of psychological determinants. Definitions: The concept of mode can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Croxten and Cowden defined it as ‘the mode of a distribution is the value at the point around which the items tend to be most heavily concentrated. It may be regarded as the most typical of a series of value. Similarly, in the words of Prof. Kenny ‘the value of the variable which occurs most frequently in a distribution is called the mode. Mode can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Mode in Individual Series Computation of Mode in Discrete Series and Computation of Mode in Continuous Series Computation of Mode in Individual Series: Calculation of mode in individual series is very easy. The data is to be arranged in a sequential order and that value which occurs maximum times in that series is the value mode. The following example will make the concept clear. Computation of Mode in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Hence directly, mode will be that value which is having maximum frequency. By the way, for accuracy in calculation, there is a method called as groping method which is frequently used for calculating mode. Following is the illustration to calculate mode of a series by using grouping method. Consider the following data set and calculate mode by using the grouping method. The calculation carried out in different steps is derived as: Step-1: Sum of two frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2=3, then 4+3=7, then 2+1=3 etc. Step-2: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4=7, then 3+2=5, then 1+2=3 etc. Step-3: Sum of three frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2+4=7, then 3+2+1=6 etc. Step-4: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4+3=9, then 2+1+2=5 etc. Step-5: Sum of three frequencies excluding the first and second i.e., 4+3+2=9, then 1+2+1=4. Computation of Mode in Continuous Series: As already discussed, continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of mode is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get mode in continuous series of data. Select the mode class. A mode class can be selected by selecting the highest frequency size. Mode value can be calculated by using the following formula Advantages of Mode: Following are some important advantages of mode as a measure of central tendency. It is easy to calculate and easy to understand. It eliminates the impact of extreme values. It is easy to locate and in some cases we can estimate mode by mere inspection. It is not affected by extreme values. Disadvantages of Mode: Following are some important disadvantages of mode. It is not suitable for further mathematical treatment. It may lead to a wrong conclusion. Some critiques criticized mode by saying that mode is influenced by length of the class interval. THE GEOMETRIC MEAN: Geometric mean, as another measure of central tendency is very much useful in social science and business related problems. It is an average which is most suitable when large weights have to be assigned to small values of observations and small weights to large values of observation. Geometric mean best suits to the problems where a particular situation changes over time in percentage terms. Hence it is basically used to find the average percent increase or decrease in sales, production, population etc. Again it is also considered to be the best average in the construction of index numbers. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. For example, if a series is having only two observations then N will be two or we will take square root of the observations. Similarly, when series is having three observations then we have to take cube root and the process will continue like wise. Geometric mean can be calculated separately for two sets of data. Both are discussed below. When the data is ungrouped: In case of ungrouped series of observations, GM can be calculated by using the following formula: where X1 , X2 , X3, XN various observations of a series and N is the Nth observation of the data. But it is very difficult to calculate GM by using the above formula. Hence the above formula needs to be simplified. To simplify the formula, both side of the above formula is to be taken logarithms. To calculate the G.M. of an ungrouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the log of individual observations i.e., calculate log X. Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate Then use the above formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. When the data is grouped: Calculation of geometric mean in case of grouped data is little bit different from that of calculation of G.M. in case of ungrouped series. Following are some steps to calculate the G.M. in case of grouped data series. To calculate the G.M. of a grouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the mid point of the continuous series. Take the log of mid points i.e., calculate log X and it can also be denoted as log m Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate or Then use the following formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. Advantages of G.M.: Following are some advantages of G.M. i. One of the greatest advantages of G.M. is that it can be possible for further algebraic treatment i.e., combined G.M., can be calculated when there is availability of G.M., of two or more series along with their corresponding number of observations. ii. It is a very useful method of getting average when the series of observation possess rates of growth i.e., increase or decrease over a period of time. iii. Since it is useful in averaging ratios and percentages, hence, are more useful in social science and business related problems. Disadvantages of G.M.: G.M., as a technique of calculating central value is also not free from defects. Following are some disadvantages of G.M. i. It is very difficult to calculate the value of log and antilog and hence, compared to other methods of central tendency, G.M., is very difficult to compute. ii. The greatest disadvantage of G.M., is that it cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. THE HARMONIC MEAN: The last technique of getting the central tendency of a series of data is the Harmonic mean (H.M.). Harmonic mean, like the other methods of central tendency is not clearly defined. It is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. H.M., is very much useful in those cases of observations where the nature of data is such that it express the average rate of growth of any events. For example, the average rate of increase of sales or profits, the average speed of a train or bus or a journey can be completed etc. Following is the general formula to calculate H.M.: When the data is ungrouped: When the observations of the series are ungrouped, H.M., can be calculated as: The step for calculating H.M., of ungrouped data by using the derived formula is very simple. In such a case, one has to find out the values of 1/X and then sum of 1/X. When the data is grouped: In case of grouped data, the formula for calculating H.M., is discussed as below: Take the mid point of the continuous series. Calculate 1/X and it can also be denoted as 1/m Make the sum of all 1/X values i.e., calculate Then use the following formula to calculate the H.M. of the series. Advantages of H.M.: Harmonic mean as a measure of central tendency is having following advantages. i. Harmonic mean considers each and every observation of the series. ii. It is simple to compute when compared to G.M. iii. It is very useful for averaging rates. Disadvantages of H.M.: Following are some disadvantages of H.M. i. It is rarely used as a technique of measuring central tendency. ii. It is not defined clearly like that of other techniques of measuring central value mean, median and mode. iii. Like that of G.M., H.M., cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. CONCLUSION: An average is a single value representing a group of values. Each type of averages has their own advantages and disadvantages and hence, they are having their own usefulness. But it is always confusing among the researchers that which average is the best among the five different techniques that we have discussed above? The answer to this question is very simple and says that no single average can be considered as best for all types of data. However, experts opine two considerations that the researchers must be kept in mind while going for selecting a technique to determine the average. The first consideration is that of determining the nature of data. If the data is more skewed it is better to avoid arithmetic mean, if the data is having gap around the middle value of the series, then median should be avoided and on the other hand, if the nature of series is such that they are unequal in class-intervals, then mode is to be avoided. The second consideration is on the type of value req uired. When there is need of composite average of all absolute or relative values, then arithmetic mean or geometric mean is to be selected, in case the researcher is in need of a middle value of the series, then median may be the best choice, but in case the most common value is needed, then will not be any alternative except mode. Similarly, Harmonic mean is useful in averaging ratios and percentages. SUMMERY: 1. Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. 2. Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. 3. The best use of arithmetic mean is at the time of correcting some wrong entered data. For example in a group of 10 students, scoring an average of 60 marks, in a paper it was wrongly marked 70 instead of 65. the solution in such a cases is derived below: 4. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. 5. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. 6. Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. 7. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. 8. Harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. QUESTIONS: 1. In a class containing 90 students following heights (in inches) has been observed. Based on the data calculate the mean, median and mode of the class. 2. In a physical test camp meant for selection of army solders the following heights of the candidates have been observed. Find the mean, median and mode of the distribution. 3. From the distribution derived below, calculate mean and standard deviation of the series. 4. The following table derives the marks obtained in Indian Economy paper by 90 students in a class. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 5. The monthly profits of 180 shop keepers selling different commodities in a city footpath is derived below. Calculate the mean and median of the distribution. 6. The daily wage of 130 labourers working in a cotton mill in Ahmadabad cith is derived below. Calculate the mean, median and mode. 7. There is always controversy before the BCCI before selection of batsmen between Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman. Runs of 10 test matches of both the players are given below. Suggest who the better run getter is and who the consistent player is. 8. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 9. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? How far it helpful to a decision-maker in the process of decision making? 10. Define measure of central tendency? What are the basic criteria of a good average? 11. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? Compare and contrast arithmetic mean, median and mode by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages. 12. The expenditure on purchase of snacks by a group of hosteller per week is Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Central Tendency The one single value that reflects the nature and characteristics of the entire given data is called as central value. Central tendency refers to the middle point of a given distribution. It is other wise called as ‘measures of location. The nature of this value is such that it always lies between the highest value and the lowest value of that series. In other wards, it lies at the centre or at the middle of the series. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD AVERAGE: Yule and Kendall have pointed out some basic characteristics which an average should satisfy to call it as good average. They are: Average is the easiest method to calculate It should be rigidly defined. This says that, the series of whose average is calculated should have only one interpretation. One interpretation will avoid personal prejudice or bias. It should be representative of the entire series. In other wards, the value should lie between the upper and lower limit of the data. It should have capable of further algebraic treatment. In other wards, an ideal average is one which can be used for further statistical calculations. It should not be affected by the extreme values of the observation or series. DEFINITIONS: Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. Gupta (2008) in his work has narrated Lawrence J. Kaplan definition as ‘one of the most widely used set of summery figures is known as measures of location, which are often referred to as averages, measures of central tendency or central location. The purpose of computing an average value for a set of observation is to obtain a single value which is representative of all the items and which the mind can grasp simply and quickly. The single value is the point of location around which the individual items cluster. This opinion clearly narrates the basic purpose of computing an average. Similarly, Croxton and Cowden define the concept as ‘an average is a single value within the range of the data that is used to represent all of the values in the series. Since the average is somewhere within the range of data, it is sometimes called a measure of central value. TYPES OF AVERAGES: Following five are frequently used types of an average or measure of central tendency. They are Arithmetic mean Weighted arithmetic mean Median Mode Geometric Mean and Harmonic Mean All the above five types are discussed below in detail. THE ARITHMETIC MEAN: Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. It can be computed in a several ways. Commonly it can be computed by dividing the total value by the number of observations. Let ‘n be the number of items in a case. Each individual item in a list can be represented in a relationship as x1, x2, x3, ,xn. In this relationship, ‘x1 is one value, ‘x2 is another value in the series and the value extends upto a particular limit represented by ‘xn. The dots in the relationship express that there are some values between the two extremes which are omitted in the relationship. Some people interprets the same relationship as, which can be read as ‘x-sub-i, as i runs from 1 upto n. In case the numbers of variable in list is more, then it requires a long space for deriving the mean. Thus the summation notation is used to describe the entire relationship. The above relationship can be derived with the help of summation as: , representing the sum of the ‘x values, using the index ‘i to enumerate from the starting value i =1 to the ending value i = n. thus we have and the average can be represented as The symbol ‘i is again nothing but a continuing covariance. The readers should not be confused while using the notation , rather they can also use or or any other similar notation which are of same meaning. The mean of a series can be calculated in a number of ways. Following are some basic ways that are commonly used in researchers related to management and social sciences, particularly by the beginners. However, the readers should not be confused on sample mean and population mean. A sample of a population of ‘n observations and the mean of sample is denoted by ‘. Where as when one measure the population mean i.e., the entire variables of a study than the mean is represented by the symbol ‘Â µ, which is pronounced as ‘mue and is derived from the Greek letter ‘mu. Below we are discussing the concepts of sample mean. Type-1: In case of individual observation: a. Direct method- Mean or average can be calculated directly in the following way Step-1: First of all the researcher has to add all the observations of a given series. The observations are x1, x2, x3, xn. Step-2- Count how many observations are their in that series (n) Step-3- the following procedure than adopted to get the average. Thus the average or mean denoted as ‘and can be read as ‘x bar is derives as: Thus it can be said that the average mark of the final contestants in the quiz competition is 67.6 marks which can be rounded over to 70 marks. b. Short-cut method- The average or mean can also be calculated by using short-cut method. This method is applicable when a particular series is having so many observations. In other wards, to reduce calculations this method is generally used. The steps of calculating mean by this method is as follows: i. The research has to assume any one value from the entire series. This value is called as assumed value. Let this value be denoted here as ‘P. ii. Differentiate each a value from this assumed vale. That is find out individual values of each observation. Let this difference value be denoted as ‘B. Hence B=xn-P where n= 1,2,3,n. iii. Add all the difference value or get sum of B and count the number of observation ‘n. iv. Putting the values in the following formula and get the value of mean. Type-2: In case of discrete observations or series of data: Discrete series are the variables whose values can be identified and isolated. In such a case the variant is a whole number, but is form frequency distribution. The data set derived in case-1 above is called as ungrouped data. The computations in case of these data are not difficult. Where as, if the data set is having frequencies are called as groped data. a. Direct method: Following are some steps of calculating mean by using the direct method i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective frequencies (f). ii. Calculate the sum of the frequencies (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*f values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula b. Short cut method: Arithmetic mean can also be calculated by using the short cut method or assumed mean method. This method is generally used by the researchers to avoid the time requirements and calculation complexities. Following are the steps of calculating mean by this method. i. The first step is to assume a value from the ‘X values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) ii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘X to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = X-A iii. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df iv. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. v. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as Type-3: In case of continuous observations or series of data: Another type of frequency distributions is there which consists of data that are grouped by classes. In such case each value of an observation falls somewhere in one of the classes. Calculation of arithmetic mean in case of grouped data is some what different from that of ungrouped data. To find out the arithmetic mean of continuous series, one has to calculate the midpoint of each class interval. To make midpoints come out in whole cents, one has to round up the value. Mean in continuous series can be calculated in two ways as derived below: a. Direct method: In this method, mean can be calculated by using the steps as i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Multiply the mid points of each class interval (m) with its respective frequencies (f) i.e., find out mf iii. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. iv. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as b. Short cut method: Mean can also be calculated by using short cut method. Following are the steps to calculate mean by this method. i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Assume a value from the ‘m values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) iii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘m to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = m A iv. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df v. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. vi. Put the values in the following formula to get mean of the series THE WEIGHTED ARITHMETIC MEAN: In real life situation in management studies and social sciences, some items need more importance than that of the other items of that series. Hence, importance assigned to different items with the help of numerical value as per the priority basis in a series as called as weights. The arithmetic mean on the other hand, gives equal weightage or importance to each observation of the series. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. Following is the procedures of computing mean of a weighted series. By the way, an important problem that arises while using weighted mean is regarding selection of weights. Weights may be either actual or arbitrary, i.e., estimated. The researcher will not face any difficulty, if the actual weights are assigned to the set of data. But in case, if actual data is not assigned than it is advisable to assign arbitrary or imaginary weights. Following are some steps of calculating weighted mean: i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective weights (W) ii. Calculate the sum of the weights (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*W values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula Advantages of Arithmetic mean: Following are some advantages of arithmetic mean. i. The concept is more familiar concept among the people. It is unique because each data set has only one mean. ii. It is very easy to compute and requires fewer calculations. As every data set has a mean, hence, as a measure mean can be calculated. iii. Mean represents a single value to the entire data set. Thus easily one can interpret a data set its characteristics. iv. An average can be calculated of any type of series. Disadvantages of Arithmetic mean: The disadvantages are as follows. i. One of the greatest disadvantages of average is that it is mostly affected by the extreme values. For example let consider Sachin Tendulkars score in last three matches. Let it be, 100 in first match, 2 in second match and 10 in third match. The average score of these three matches will me 100+2+10/3=37. Thus it implies that Tendulkars average score is 37 which is not correct. Hence lead to wrong conclusion. ii. It is not possible to compute mean for a data set that has open-ended classes at either the high or low end of the scale. iii. The arithmetic average sometimes gives such value which cannot be found from the data series from which it is calculated. iv. It is unrealistic. v. It cannot be identified observation or graphic method of representing the data and interpretation. THE MEDIAN: Another one technique to measure central tendency of a series of observation is the median. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. In other wards, it is the exactly middle value of the series. Hence, fifty percent of the observations in the series are above the median value and other fifty or half observations are remains below the median value. However, if the series are having odd numbers of observations like 3,5,7,9,11,13 etc., then the median value will be equal to one of the exact value from the series. On the other hand, if the series is having even observations, then median value can be calculated by getting the arithmetic mean of the two middle values of the observations of the series. Median an a technique of measuring central tendency can be best used in cases where the problem sought for more qualitative or psychological in nature such as health, intelligence, satisfaction etc. Definitions: The concept of median can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Connor defined it as ‘the median is the value which divides the distribution into two equal parts, one part comprising all values greater, and the other values less than the median. Where as Croxton and Cowden defined it as ‘the median is that value which divides a series so that one half or more of the items are equal to or less than it and one half or more of the items are equal to or greater than it. Median can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Median in Individual Series Computation of Median in Discrete Series and Computation of Median in Continuous Series Computation of Median in Individual Series: Following are some steps to calculate the median in individual series. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. Than the median value can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the series. Where, N= Number of observation in that series. When N is odd number (like 5, 7,9,11,13 etc.) median value is one of the item within that series, but in case N will be a even number than median is the arithmetic mean of the two middle value after applying the above formula. The following problem can make the concept clear. Computation of Median in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Following are the steps of computing the median when the series is discrete. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies of the series. Computation of Median in Continuous Series: Continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of median is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get median in continuous series of data. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies column of the series. Form the cumulative frequencies, one can get the median class i.e., in which class the value lies. This class is called as median class and one can get the lower value of the class and the upper value of the class. The following formula can be used to calculate the median We have to get the median class first. For this, median class is N/2 th value or 70/2= 35. The value 35 lies in the third row of the table against the class 30-40. Thus 30-40 is the median class and it shows that the median value lies in this class only. After getting the median class, to get the median value we have to apply the formula . Advantages of Median: Median as a measure of central tendency has following advantages of its own. It is very simple and can be easily understood. It is very easy to calculate and interpret. It Includes all the observations while calculation. Like that of arithmetic mean, median is not affected by the extreme values of the observation. It has the advantages for using further analysis. It can even used to calculate for open ended distribution. Disadvantages of Median: Median as a means to calculate central tendency is also not free from draw backs. Following are some important draw backs that are leveled against median. Median is not a widely measure to calculate central tendency like that of arithmetic mean and also mode. It is not based on algebraic treatment. THE MODE: Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. Like that of median, mode is also more useful in case of qualitative data analysis. It can be used in problems generally having the discrete series of data and particularly, problems involving the expression of psychological determinants. Definitions: The concept of mode can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Croxten and Cowden defined it as ‘the mode of a distribution is the value at the point around which the items tend to be most heavily concentrated. It may be regarded as the most typical of a series of value. Similarly, in the words of Prof. Kenny ‘the value of the variable which occurs most frequently in a distribution is called the mode. Mode can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Mode in Individual Series Computation of Mode in Discrete Series and Computation of Mode in Continuous Series Computation of Mode in Individual Series: Calculation of mode in individual series is very easy. The data is to be arranged in a sequential order and that value which occurs maximum times in that series is the value mode. The following example will make the concept clear. Computation of Mode in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Hence directly, mode will be that value which is having maximum frequency. By the way, for accuracy in calculation, there is a method called as groping method which is frequently used for calculating mode. Following is the illustration to calculate mode of a series by using grouping method. Consider the following data set and calculate mode by using the grouping method. The calculation carried out in different steps is derived as: Step-1: Sum of two frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2=3, then 4+3=7, then 2+1=3 etc. Step-2: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4=7, then 3+2=5, then 1+2=3 etc. Step-3: Sum of three frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2+4=7, then 3+2+1=6 etc. Step-4: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4+3=9, then 2+1+2=5 etc. Step-5: Sum of three frequencies excluding the first and second i.e., 4+3+2=9, then 1+2+1=4. Computation of Mode in Continuous Series: As already discussed, continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of mode is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get mode in continuous series of data. Select the mode class. A mode class can be selected by selecting the highest frequency size. Mode value can be calculated by using the following formula Advantages of Mode: Following are some important advantages of mode as a measure of central tendency. It is easy to calculate and easy to understand. It eliminates the impact of extreme values. It is easy to locate and in some cases we can estimate mode by mere inspection. It is not affected by extreme values. Disadvantages of Mode: Following are some important disadvantages of mode. It is not suitable for further mathematical treatment. It may lead to a wrong conclusion. Some critiques criticized mode by saying that mode is influenced by length of the class interval. THE GEOMETRIC MEAN: Geometric mean, as another measure of central tendency is very much useful in social science and business related problems. It is an average which is most suitable when large weights have to be assigned to small values of observations and small weights to large values of observation. Geometric mean best suits to the problems where a particular situation changes over time in percentage terms. Hence it is basically used to find the average percent increase or decrease in sales, production, population etc. Again it is also considered to be the best average in the construction of index numbers. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. For example, if a series is having only two observations then N will be two or we will take square root of the observations. Similarly, when series is having three observations then we have to take cube root and the process will continue like wise. Geometric mean can be calculated separately for two sets of data. Both are discussed below. When the data is ungrouped: In case of ungrouped series of observations, GM can be calculated by using the following formula: where X1 , X2 , X3, XN various observations of a series and N is the Nth observation of the data. But it is very difficult to calculate GM by using the above formula. Hence the above formula needs to be simplified. To simplify the formula, both side of the above formula is to be taken logarithms. To calculate the G.M. of an ungrouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the log of individual observations i.e., calculate log X. Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate Then use the above formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. When the data is grouped: Calculation of geometric mean in case of grouped data is little bit different from that of calculation of G.M. in case of ungrouped series. Following are some steps to calculate the G.M. in case of grouped data series. To calculate the G.M. of a grouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the mid point of the continuous series. Take the log of mid points i.e., calculate log X and it can also be denoted as log m Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate or Then use the following formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. Advantages of G.M.: Following are some advantages of G.M. i. One of the greatest advantages of G.M. is that it can be possible for further algebraic treatment i.e., combined G.M., can be calculated when there is availability of G.M., of two or more series along with their corresponding number of observations. ii. It is a very useful method of getting average when the series of observation possess rates of growth i.e., increase or decrease over a period of time. iii. Since it is useful in averaging ratios and percentages, hence, are more useful in social science and business related problems. Disadvantages of G.M.: G.M., as a technique of calculating central value is also not free from defects. Following are some disadvantages of G.M. i. It is very difficult to calculate the value of log and antilog and hence, compared to other methods of central tendency, G.M., is very difficult to compute. ii. The greatest disadvantage of G.M., is that it cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. THE HARMONIC MEAN: The last technique of getting the central tendency of a series of data is the Harmonic mean (H.M.). Harmonic mean, like the other methods of central tendency is not clearly defined. It is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. H.M., is very much useful in those cases of observations where the nature of data is such that it express the average rate of growth of any events. For example, the average rate of increase of sales or profits, the average speed of a train or bus or a journey can be completed etc. Following is the general formula to calculate H.M.: When the data is ungrouped: When the observations of the series are ungrouped, H.M., can be calculated as: The step for calculating H.M., of ungrouped data by using the derived formula is very simple. In such a case, one has to find out the values of 1/X and then sum of 1/X. When the data is grouped: In case of grouped data, the formula for calculating H.M., is discussed as below: Take the mid point of the continuous series. Calculate 1/X and it can also be denoted as 1/m Make the sum of all 1/X values i.e., calculate Then use the following formula to calculate the H.M. of the series. Advantages of H.M.: Harmonic mean as a measure of central tendency is having following advantages. i. Harmonic mean considers each and every observation of the series. ii. It is simple to compute when compared to G.M. iii. It is very useful for averaging rates. Disadvantages of H.M.: Following are some disadvantages of H.M. i. It is rarely used as a technique of measuring central tendency. ii. It is not defined clearly like that of other techniques of measuring central value mean, median and mode. iii. Like that of G.M., H.M., cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. CONCLUSION: An average is a single value representing a group of values. Each type of averages has their own advantages and disadvantages and hence, they are having their own usefulness. But it is always confusing among the researchers that which average is the best among the five different techniques that we have discussed above? The answer to this question is very simple and says that no single average can be considered as best for all types of data. However, experts opine two considerations that the researchers must be kept in mind while going for selecting a technique to determine the average. The first consideration is that of determining the nature of data. If the data is more skewed it is better to avoid arithmetic mean, if the data is having gap around the middle value of the series, then median should be avoided and on the other hand, if the nature of series is such that they are unequal in class-intervals, then mode is to be avoided. The second consideration is on the type of value req uired. When there is need of composite average of all absolute or relative values, then arithmetic mean or geometric mean is to be selected, in case the researcher is in need of a middle value of the series, then median may be the best choice, but in case the most common value is needed, then will not be any alternative except mode. Similarly, Harmonic mean is useful in averaging ratios and percentages. SUMMERY: 1. Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. 2. Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. 3. The best use of arithmetic mean is at the time of correcting some wrong entered data. For example in a group of 10 students, scoring an average of 60 marks, in a paper it was wrongly marked 70 instead of 65. the solution in such a cases is derived below: 4. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. 5. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. 6. Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. 7. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. 8. Harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. QUESTIONS: 1. In a class containing 90 students following heights (in inches) has been observed. Based on the data calculate the mean, median and mode of the class. 2. In a physical test camp meant for selection of army solders the following heights of the candidates have been observed. Find the mean, median and mode of the distribution. 3. From the distribution derived below, calculate mean and standard deviation of the series. 4. The following table derives the marks obtained in Indian Economy paper by 90 students in a class. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 5. The monthly profits of 180 shop keepers selling different commodities in a city footpath is derived below. Calculate the mean and median of the distribution. 6. The daily wage of 130 labourers working in a cotton mill in Ahmadabad cith is derived below. Calculate the mean, median and mode. 7. There is always controversy before the BCCI before selection of batsmen between Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman. Runs of 10 test matches of both the players are given below. Suggest who the better run getter is and who the consistent player is. 8. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 9. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? How far it helpful to a decision-maker in the process of decision making? 10. Define measure of central tendency? What are the basic criteria of a good average? 11. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? Compare and contrast arithmetic mean, median and mode by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages. 12. The expenditure on purchase of snacks by a group of hosteller per week is