Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Social sciences

A. Behaviorist Theory

The behaviorist theory, proposed by B.F. Skinner in 1957, explains the acquisition of language from the standpoint of operant conditioning.

• Classical conditioning is the association between a stimulus that reinforces certain behavior. Operant conditioning is the same response that serves as reinforcement.
• Skinner and his followers believed that the link between words and their meanings is a bond of association established through simultaneous perceptions and the repetition of certain sounds and objects.
• This reductionist interpretation of language and the process by which it is acquired fails to explain only some secondary and minor aspects. It does not clarify essential features such as the acquisition of grammatical structures

Corporate Philosophy and Values

The philosophy of an organization generates a priority scale of values, setting the criteria for internal behavior. It's the "being" of a company, the shared vision shaping its corporate culture. This culture manifests in actions addressing environmental issues, opportunities, and management changes. Core business values provide direction, guiding daily operations and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. They promote ethical behavior—professionally, personally, and socially—and a capacity to achieve common goals. Ethical professional conduct converges business and labor interests. When professionals act ethically and responsibly, aiming for effectiveness and productivity, it's reasonable they receive... Continue reading "Corporate Philosophy, Values, and Strategy for Business Success" »

Franco's Rejection of Democracy and the Rise of Organic Democracy

Franco rejected the democratic system, based on popular will, suffrage, and the separation of powers. For the construction of the new state, he was inspired by the Italian corporatist state, which organized popular participation from three basic units: the family, the town, and the union. These represented the natural elements of society, according to the regime, unlike political parties, which are the instrument of citizen participation in democratic systems.

The System of Organic Democracy

The system was named organic democracy, a name with which the regime wanted to give a certain legitimacy, but it clearly differentiated itself from representative democracy. Popular representation... Continue reading "Franco's Regime: Organic Democracy in Spain" »

Purpose and Objectives of Management

The purpose of management is to improve an organization's productive contributions. It is responsible from an ethical, social, and strategic standpoint. An administrative objective is a goal that requires a defined action. Orientation suggests extra effort for a leader.

Purpose of Administration

Achieving common goals through planning, organizing, directing, and controlling activities, and using resources to satisfy the needs of a society.

Importance of Administration

• Basics: Universality, simplification of work, productivity and efficiency, common good.
• It gives effect to human efforts.
• It helps to get the best staff, equipment, materials, money, and human relationships.
• It provides foresight and creativity.
• Continuous

Key Features of Colloquial Language

Suprasegmental Elements

Intonation, accents, tone, and rhythm are critical elements in conveying meaning.

Word Order Flexibility

Speakers often rearrange words to emphasize items of interest, leading to a more logical flow.

Statement Complexity

Colloquial language often involves elaborations, anacolutha (shifts in grammatical construction), mixed styles, and syntactic displacement. For example, "The keys, where did I put them?"

Contextual References (Deixis)

Frequent use of deictic elements like "I," "you," and "now" that rely on the shared context for interpretation.

Discourse Markers

Increased use of discourse markers such as "then," "well," "okay," and "man" to structure conversation.

Relaxed Enunciation

Characterized... Continue reading "Understanding Spoken Language: Key Features and Oral Genres" »

Self-Access Language Learning 1996

Newsletter of the Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning & Development.

Self-Access & Collaborative Learning

Hong Kong has the highest concentration of self-access language learning facilities in the world. Within this concentration, there is diversity in whether facilities cater to individual or collaborative work. The individual-group dimension of self-access aligns with some preoccupations in language learning theory, namely: individualization and collaborative learning, empowerment, cultural preferences, and the technologization of learning.

Individualization and Collaborative Learning

Self-access is often accused of promoting individualistic approaches to language learning. This is a result... Continue reading "Self-Access Language Learning in Hong Kong" »

ODA: Official Development Assistance

Official Development Assistance (ODA) is the economic contribution of states to development, free of charge, or better than those offered by the international market, even though it has many limitations, such as insufficiency.

Economic Globalization

This type of globalization implies global interdependence in the production, exchange, and consumption of goods.

Multinational Corporations

These are product/service companies based in one country with affiliates in various states across the globe. They act with a global strategy.

IGIEA: Index of Governance of the International Economy

This index measures the capacity and legitimacy of each country to participate in the governance of the global economy in the economic... Continue reading "Key Concepts in International Development and Economics" »

The Use of Galician

Galician's habitat is predominantly in rural areas and villages, where it is the majority language. However, it is a minority language in cities. Older Galician speakers predominate among the older generations, while its presence is reduced among the younger population.

Three Positive Aspects of the Use of Galician

• Official recognition: Galician is recognized as an official language.
• Attitudes and prejudices: Negative attitudes towards Galician have gradually reduced. Over 80% of the population has a positive view and welcomes its enhancement.
• Increased use: Its use has increased in public media, cultural life, education, and commercial activity.

Language Definitions

• Original language: The language a person learns to speak and

Media Saturation: Drill in Media and Entertainment

Life is a simulation influenced by media saturation and the inflation of media discourses within transnational capitalism. The proliferation of media companies subjects individuals to the media as the primary means of participating in public life. Events often feel beyond our control, compelling us to engage with media discourses that simplify reality.

We often mistake this simplification for reality, unaware that we are living in a simulation. The pervasive influence of media leads us to believe that everything presented is real, blurring the lines between authenticity and fabrication. Our social lives are increasingly shaped by media portrayals of social reality. The perception of reality... Continue reading "Media Saturation: Navigating Simulation and Spectacle" »