909 words

B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning and reinforcement

According to Dr. C. George Boeree (2006), B.F. Skinner first promoted the theory of operant conditioning as an alternative to Pavlov's classical conditioning. The term "operant" is derived from the organism "operating" on the environment.

~5 min read

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879 words

Edward Bernays' propaganda system and public opinion control

In 1928, the American business community was in the process of undergoing a transformation. This transformation included a higher level of participation by the American public. Until his time, American business represented an upper class that conducted its affairs in private.

~5 min read

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638 words

Social learning and the swastika's contrasting cultural meanings

Social learning is one of the most important determinants of the way that human beings interpret behavior and symbolism and is capable of inspiring completely opposite responses to identical experiences (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2007; Myers & Spencer, 2004).

~4 min read

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666 words

Peter Brooks's radical adaptation of Bizet's Carmen opera

La Tragedie de Carmen is a reworking of the French composer Georges Bizet's famous opera by the great, radical theater director Peter Brooks. The Chicago Opera Theater staged Brook's production at the Harris Theater in a modern-dress adaptation, set during the Spanish Civil War.

~4 min read

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461 words

Trust and security in online auction sites: eBay, Priceline, and Skyauction

The essences of online auctions are their ability to serve as an open, trusted trading exchange for buyers and sellers of goods and services.

~3 min read

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479 words

Colorblindness and open dialogue in addressing racial prejudice

Race is a sensitive issue in the United States, because of the tumultuous history of the nation. Normalizing race relations depends in large part on coming to terms with how race and identity are linked. Race relations have also led to strained interpersonal communications.

~3 min read

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566 words

Hubris and overcompensation: low self-esteem in high achievers

Julius Caesar is considered to have been a military genius and an efficient public administrator in Ancient Rome. However, his imperial hubris caused him to become a permanent dictator which ultimately resulted in his assassination by Brutus and Cassius.

~3 min read

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827 words

Polygamy and the limits of religious freedom in American law

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution specifically prohibits the government from either establishing or restricting the free exercise of religious worship.

~5 min read

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461 words

Balanced scorecards for human resource management and performance measurement

The intent of balanced scorecards is to translate strategic objectives into tactical strategies and actions.

~3 min read

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581 words

Joshua Davis's "Blind": prosopagnosia and human connection

Blind by Joshua Davis is an introduction to prosopagnosia, the neurological condition responsible for the inability of some people to recognize human faces or distinguish one from the next.

~3 min read

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