This is a dissertation chapter on Vroom Expectancy Theory:

There are some theories that suggest motivation is thoughtful and rational decision-like process. One of the major theories from this type of approach is expectancy theory (e.g., Vroom, 1964). Expectancy theory basically says that people choose their behaviors based on the subjective estimation that such behaviors lead to the valued outcomes. Vroom’s valence-instrumentality-expectancy theory (VIE theory) states that there are three main components that affect human motivation. Valence is the degree in which the outcome the person will have is valuable for him/her. Instrumentality represents the degree in which the first outcome (e.g., performance) leads to the final valued outcome. Expectancy refers to the subjective probability that a certain effort or behavior leads to the first outcome or performance. VIE theory suggests that the multipricative function of valence, instrumentality and expectancy represents motivational force, which predicts a person’s choice (e.g., goal choice). Continue reading →

This is a dissertation chapter on Dream Interpretation:

Dream interpretation is used by many to help better understand the thoughts and feelings of the unconscious as well as the conscious and the aspects of repression. However, it is a field of psychology not highly regarded in western societies as an extremely important aspect of psychoanalysis or the entire field itself. Dream interpretation first entered into psychology with Freud’s masterpiece The Interpretation of Dreams in 1899. The book received prompt, respectful, and widespread attention and signified the immergence of a new aspect of psychology. Another character who contributed enormously to this field was Carl G. Jung, he and Freud are the two who are widely characterized as the major contributors to the study of dreams. Continue reading →

This is is a dissertation chapter on Sigmund Freud:

Sigmund Freud is regarded as one of the greatest minds of the 19th and 20th centuries. He revolutionized our ideas on how the human mind works. Freud began the discipline of Psychoanalysis, which is still associated with his name (1). Freud’s influence, although contained during his early years, spread at the start of the 20th century, and most people in western society view human behaviour at least partially in Freudian terms (2). Although some of his ideas were met with abhorrence (3) and disagreement, it is safe to say that Freud is the most important and influential psychiatrist and cultural philosopher (4) of the last 150 years.

Question 1:
Sigmund Freud was born on 6th May 1856, in Freiberg, Moravia, (now Pribor, Czechoslovakia) and died on the 23rd September 1939, in London (5). Continue reading →

This is a dissertation chapter on Smoking:

Wall paint stripper, ant poison, toilet cleaner, lighter fluid, car exhaust gas, insecticide, NASA fuel, mothballs, insecticide/weed killer, PVC pipes added to 4000 other chemicals. Better known as Acetone, Arsenic, Ammonia, Butane, Carbon Monoxide, DDT, Methanol, Naphthalene, Nicotine and finally vinyl chloride. Also known as the components of the modern day cigarette.

The constituents of a cigarette are far from appealing, yet 11.1 billion people have taken to smoking worldwide. The cigarette trade is a billion pound commerce, enticing 52.45% of high school students each year. Youths remain the prime consumers of the cigarette industry. As cigarettes become more commercial the effects are emphasised more, especially to students. Yet 3.5 million deaths, worldwide, each year, occur due to smoking. This figure is significantly high, considering the fact that over 70% of smokers are trying to quit. Sales in cigarette purchase are far from declining but accelerating each year. The question remains, ‘What prevents individuals from discarding an unwanted habit such as smoking?’ Continue reading →

1.0 Introduction to Breast Cancer
Genetic diseases are widespread. Cancer is a genetic disease and is a major cause of death. Cancer is caused by mutations within the genome that result in the development of oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes which both cause the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in opposed ways. The oncogenes are mutated genes that in their pre-mutated state, promote cell replication. However, due to the mutation, these oncogenes cause either enhanced expression or altered nature of protein products. Tumour suppressor genes (‘TSG’) are mutant genes that normally restrain cell growth. It is the most common cause of death for women with statistics showing one in 13 Australian women who live to the age of 74 will be diagnosed with it sometime during their lifetime.

This dissertation will discuss the nature of breast cancer, the factors causing breast cancer with an emphasis on familial inheritance, methods for testing for breast cancer and available treatments. The prevalence of breast cancer and the high mortality rate especially for women above the age of 70 signifies a need for increased awareness in the community both for prevention and support for those affected by this destructive disease. Continue reading →

This is a dissertation chapter on Poverty:

“When we touch the sick and the needy, we touch the suffering body of Christ.” In the World we live in today, many things go unnoticed that really should be focussed on to a greater degree. The history of Jesus Christ proves to Christians around the World that life in his time was much less complicated and people spent their time doing things for others rather than concentrating on themselves. Contrary to that time, today in Twenty First Century society, high tech advancements and technology have become the focus of most of the population and many people have forgotten the importance of lending a hand to someone who needs it. During Jesus’ time, the people had very little, yet they were able to help each other out better than citizen’s today seem to. One might believe that because of the booming technological advancements and economy today, the needy people would be receiving more help during this era, but sadly this is not the case. Yes, there is some aid to families of the Third World, but how much of that are the governments issuing? If the governments are issuing funding, how much is actually going to the direct necessities of the poor families, needs such as clean water, and shelter? There are many issues that revolve around poverty, specifically Third World poverty, but it is in analyzing these issues that will help lead to solving some of the problems – one step at a time. These many issues range from understanding what Third World poverty and absolute poverty is, where it occurs, what causes it, the stereotypes of the poor people and how the Third World helps out the First World. Continue reading →

This is a dissertation chapter on Karl Marx:

Throughout the writings of Karl Marx he spoke of society moving towards communism. Communism to Marx is an economic and social system where we have a life of freedom and everybody in society is equal. Communism would allow the government to determine the value of the product being produced. Then in turn make the economic structure safer for the workers. To do this society would have to abandon capitalism, which we are currently living under. In capitalism there is no government control. The markets are controlled by the humans, which determine the value of the products. Since there is no government control the workers (proletariat) have no stability. Marx said the social movement would have to start with a theory, then once the people accepted that theory there could be a social movement. Marx spoke of the ways society should be that of communism, but he never really says how we are suppose to get there. To Marx society was more than just people; it is the whole society that matters. Then it is the forces within society that shape who we are. Continue reading →