Examining the theory of mind hypothesis for autism

Examining the theory of mind hypothesis for autism The Theory of Mind (TofM) hypothesis for autism has been investigated extensively in the last 30 years. This essay will review the literature which examines this theory, considering a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches. It will be argued that whilst there are several strengths of the theory, the TofM hypothesis cannot account for the non-social symptoms of ASD, and therefore cannot be considered to provide a comprehensive account of the disorder. Cognitive evidence (including a range of TofM tests), theoretical issues, and alternative hypotheses of autism will be considered. What is the Theory of Mind Hypothesis for Autism? The TofM hypothesis of autism was first proposed by Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith in 1985. It proposed that individuals with autism lack a TofM, leading them to have specific deficits, such as an inability to partake in pretend play and impairment in social skills. The theory has been controversial since its proposal, with several alternative hypotheses being suggested. Cognitive Evidence The earliest tests of TofM ability often relied heavily on tests of false belief, in which participants are required to understand that other people do not necessarily know (or believe) the same as them. For example, Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith (1985) investigated TofM ability in children with autism and children with Downs syndrome, and found those with autism were significantly impaired in their understanding of false belief, suggesting a deficit in TofM ability in autism, and thereby supporting the TofM hypothesis for autism. Similar tests involving false belief, such as those carried out by Happe (1995), have supported findings by Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith (1985), providing strong support for the TofM hypothesis of autism. The principle problem in using false belief tests is their reliance on language use. (Bloom and German, 2000). Colle, Baron-Cohen and Hill (2007) investigated concerns that a potential inability to understand language associated with false belief tasks may result in individuals with autism failing these tasks, despite have the TofM ability required to pass tests (e.g. Bloom and German, 2000). They used a non-verbal false belief test to compare the TofM understanding of children with ASD to children with SLI, and found that autistic children have specific deficits in TofM which were not present in the SLI control group. They concluded that previous findings of a TofM deficit by research using standard tests of false belief (e.g. Surian and Leslie, 1999) were unlikely to have been confounded by language ability, thereby revalidating claims made by this research. However, there are other issues associated with the reliability of false belief tasks. For example, Bloom and German (2000) have suggested that a single test of TofM is unlikely to comprehensively test all elements of TofM ability in an individual. Furthermore, whilst research in the field shows the majority of autistic participants fail tests of false belief, a small minority of high-functioning autistic individuals pass the test (e.g. Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith, 1985). This has raised questions regarding the ability of false belief tests to recognise subtle deficits in TofM ability potentially shown in the high-functioning autistic population (Rutherford, Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright, 2002). As a result, new research in the field has often focused on using alternative tests of TofM. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) is an alternative to false belief tasks, in which participants are required to recognise emotions based on images of a persons eyes. To pass this test, participants must rely on subtle cues indicated in the eyes, thereby indicating ability in mental state understanding, or TofM. Baron-Cohen et al. (2001) used this test to show that individuals with ASD are significantly impaired in their ability to recognise emotions using subtle cues, thereby indicating a deficit in TofM ability. A similar test was used by Rutherford, Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright (2002) and Golan et al. (2007) in which participants were required to establish how a person was feeling after listening to a phrase spoken by that person. This test also indicated social impairments caused by a deficit in TofM ability in ASD, as participants with ASD were significantly impaired in their ability to recognise emotions using vocal cues. Research into TofM ability using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test is particularly beneficial in supporting the TofM hypothesis. Methodologically, the test does not rely on language comprehension, and therefore passing or failing the test is based purely on TofM ability. Both the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and the Voice variation are able to detect subtle differences in participants social sensitivity, allowing for deficits to be identified in populations that often pass false belief tasks (such as individuals with high-functioning Autism, Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith, 1985), and thereby suggesting the TofM hypothesis is generalisable and universal across the highly varied autistic population. The Faux Pas test was also developed by Baron-Cohen et al. (1999), and assesses recognition of faux pas (defined as being when something is said without consideration of whether the information may be something that the listener does not wish to hear or know, Baron-Cohen et al., 1999). In 2009, Zalla et al. investigated faux pas recognition ability in individuals with Aspergers syndrome using the Faux Pas test, and found these individuals made significantly more errors in detecting faux pas than typically developing individuals, were unable to correctly justify the speakers behaviour and were unable to comprehend the impact of this behaviour. Zalla et al. (2009) concluded that this showed a specific deficit in TofM ability in individuals with ASD. Methodologically, research using tests of faux pas lend strong support for the ToM hypothesis for autism by using an alternative test to false belief tasks. Using faux pas tests helps to revalidate claims made by the theory, which could have been considered questionable if relying purely on false belief tests. As a result, these tests provide strong support for the theory that individuals with autism have deficits in TofM. The TofM hypothesis for autism is also strongly supported by research into joint attention ability in autism (Baron-Cohen, 2009). Evidence suggests that joint attention and TofM ability are linked, such that early joint attention ability is a precursor to TofM ability (e.g. Charman et al., 2000). Furthermore, research has indicated that joint attention skills are significantly impaired in infants with ASD. For example, Charman (2003) investigated joint attention ability in infants (aged 20 months) with autism, and found significant deficits. Charman then assessed the social and communication symptoms of these infants at 42 months, and found that symptom severity was correlated with joint attention disability indicated at 20 months. Colombi et al. (2009) also found that young autistic children show joint attention deficits. As joint attention ability is considered to be a precursor for TofM ability, this suggests that TofM deficits are present from infancy or birth in individuals with ASD. This thereby provides support for the TofM hypothesis as a causal account of autism, by suggesting that a TofM deficit may be a primary deficit. This concept is supported by research into symptom severity and TofM ability. In 2003, Tager-Flusberg et al. used a battery of tests to assess TofM ability and symptom severity in autistic participants, and found that severity of social and communication symptoms was partially explained by TofM impairment. These conclusions imply that TofM deficits are causal in producing the social and communication impairments shown in ASD, thereby supporting claims made by the TofM hypothesis that a deficit causes symptoms associated with the condition. In 2007, Tager-Flusberg presented one of the most comprehensive reviews of the hypothesis to date. She assessed evidence which addressed key issues associated with the theory (for example, why some children pass false belief tasks, and whether a TofM deficit can account for all deficits associated with autism), evaluating a wide range of evidence (including cognitive testing and neurological evidence). She concluded that whilst there is a TofM deficit in autism, the hypothesis cannot account for all deficits in social-affective information processing associated with the condition. The issue raised by Tager-Flusberg (2007) is perhaps the most important weakness in the TofM hypothesis. Whilst the theory provides an explanation for social and communication deficits typically found in ASD (as successful communication skills require TofM ability, Baron-Cohen, 2009), there is no evidence to suggest that a TofM deficit may account for symptoms such as repetitive behaviour, obsessively pursued interests, and dislike of change (Baron-Cohen, 2009). Joseph and Tager-Flusberg (2004) investigated TofM deficits and repetitive behaviour in ASD, and found no correlation between deficits and severity of repetitive symptoms, thereby supporting the suggestion that the TofM hypothesis cannot account for repetitive behaviour. As a result, the theory cannot be considered comprehensive in terms of explaining all possible symptoms associated with autism. Another issue associated with the TofM hypothesis is that individuals with other disorders have also shown deficits in TofM. For example, Brune (2005) found that individuals with schizophrenia showed significant impairment in TofM, and associated impairments in social behaviour and emotion recognition, similar to deficits shown by individuals with autism. The TofM hypothesis for autism provides no explanation for how autistic individuals are unique in their symptoms, when other conditions exist which show similar TofM impairment. A theoretical constraint associated with the TofM hypothesis is the potentially ambiguous nature of the term TofM. The hypothesis is complicated by debates surrounding the nature of TofM ability in typical individuals. The two principle theories of TofM (Theory Theory and Simulation Theory) explain autism in terms of an inability to form thoughts, representations, and hypotheses about the social world (Theory Theory), or alternatively in terms of an inability to simulate the mental states of others (Simulation Theory) (Currie, 1996). Until an absolute theory of TofM can be established, any evidence in support of a TofM hypothesis for autism remains ambiguous in terms of exactly what deficits individuals with autism have (i.e. deficits described by Theory Theory or deficits suggested by Simulation Theory). When considering the literature investigating the TofM hypothesis, it is worthwhile acknowledging the wide body of neurological research. Research in this field provides strong support for a TofM deficit in ASD, with studies such as those by Kana et al. (2009), Mason et al. (2008), and Dapretto et al. (2006) suggesting abnormal brain activation in autistic participants in brain regions associated with TofM. However, research into a neurological basis for autism has also emphasised the issues associated with the TofM hypothesis. For example, Hadjikhani (2007) state that it is unclear whether dysfunction in brain regions associated with TofM could explain behavioural symptoms shown in autism (such as repetitive behaviour and concrete thought), or how structural and functional brain abnormalities originate in autistic individuals. This research highlights the key strengths and weaknesses associated with the TofM hypothesis as a cognitive account of autism, and reinforces cognitive resea rch suggesting the hypothesis cannot be considered as a comprehensive account of the condition. Summary The preceding review provides strong evidence to support a deficit in TofM in autism, which is likely to be present from birth. The review also suggests that symptom severity can be at least partially accounted for by degree of TofM deficit. However, there are significant issues when considering the TofM hypothesis for autism. These issues include an inability of the hypothesis to explain how non-social symptoms can be accounted for by a TofM deficit, a lack of explanation of the significant symptom variability shown in the autistic population, as well as theoretical constraints. Until these issues are addressed, the TofM hypothesis cannot be considered as a comprehensive account of autism. Alternative Theories of Autism The issues associated with the TofM hypothesis led to a range of alternative theories of autism being developed, which must be considered when reviewing literature investigating the TofM hypothesis. One of the first theories to be proposed since the TofM hypothesis was the Executive Dysfunction theory (Ozonoff, Pennington and Rogers, 1991). This theory contradicted the TofM hypothesis, in that it proposed that individuals with autism have deficits in executive function ability (Yerys et al., 2006). This theory became popular in autism research, as the theory appeared to provide more comprehensive accounts of the autistic traits (both social and non-social) presented in these individuals daily (Hill, 2004). Furthermore, a large number of investigations found executive dysfunction in autistic individuals. For example, Ozonoff and McEvoy (2008) examined cognitive development in autistic individuals over a three-year period, and found significant deficits in executive functioning. McEvoy , Rogers and Pennington (2006) also found a deficit in executive functioning in autism. However, recent research has suggested that executive dysfunction may be secondary to the autism. Yerys et al. (2006) investigated executive function in young children with ASD and found no evidence of dysfunction, suggesting that executive dysfunction in adults with ASD has developed gradually and is not a causal factor of the condition. Dawson et al. (2002) also found evidence for normal executive function ability in young autistic children, and concluded that dysfunction found at a later age was a consequence of living with the disorder. As a result, whilst this theory initially appeared to provide a valid and reliable alternative to the TofM hypothesis for autism, there is now strong evidence to refute executive dysfunction as a causal account of autism, and this research cannot be considered to provide evidence to invalidate the TofM hypothesis. A more successful theory was proposed by Baron-Cohen (2008) as a development of the TofM hypothesis of autism. The Empathizing-Systemizing theory proposes that individuals with autism have deficits in understanding others mental states and responding appropriately (empathy), but have an average or above average systemizing ability (i.e. using rules and regularities to analyze and construct systems). As a result, autistic individuals show deficits in social ability (caused by empathy deficits) and non-social symptoms such as repetitive behaviours, obsessively pursued interests, and dislike of change (caused by average or above systemizing ability) (Baron-Cohen, 2009). This theory is particularly successful for several reasons. From a methodological perspective, the theory provides an explanation for both social and non-social symptoms of autism, a key issue in the TofM hypothesis. The theory also explains the uniqueness of autism, such that whilst other conditions may show deficits in empathy (e.g. schizophrenia, Montag et al., 2007), no other condition also shows average or above average systemizing ability (Baron-Cohen, 2009). The theory is also strongly supported by research. For example, Lawson et al. (2004) investigated empathizing and systemizing in participants with ASD and typically developing controls, and found those with ASD were significantly worse at empathizing than controls, but were not significantly different in their ability to systemize. Wakabayashi et al. (2007) found individuals with ASD were impaired in their ability to empathize, but significantly better than typical controls in their ability to systemize. This theory has therefore become a valid and reliable alternative to the TofM hypothesis for autism. Conclusions This essay has reviewed the literature which critically examines the TofM hypothesis for autism. It is clear that whilst there is adequate evidence to suggest a TofM deficit in autistic individuals, the hypothesis cannot account for non-social elements of ASD. New theories of autism must incorporate the concept of TofM deficits, whilst aiming to account for all social and non-social symptoms, as well as symptom variability and severity. A greater emphasis on the understanding how cognitive deficits associated with autism generate the symptoms shown in the condition would have important implications for the development of interventions aimed at improving social skills and symptom management in individuals with autism.

The Plug-In Drug by Marie Winn Essay -- essays research papers

In an article ' The Plug-In Drug ' the author Marie Winn discusses the bad influence of television on today's society. Television is a ' drug ' that interfere with family ritual, destroys human relationships and undermines the family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marie Winn claims that television over the years have effected many American family life. Since television is everyday ritual, many American tend to spent more time with television than they do with their family and this result in unhealthy relation in family. She also acknowledge that television destroy family unique quality that they carry, such reading, cooking, games, songs and other special rituals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The author claims television also destroys a human relationship. During free time instead working our difference with conversing each other, we are absorbed by imaginary world of television. Therefor we fail to interact through the real world leading to the ' distortion of real life relationship.' Television gives an escape root for people who need to be spending time on relationships with their family as well as others. Because children have ' one way relationships ' with the television, they fail to fully develop their communication and social skills. This further intensifies the decline of the family relationships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Author also point out television undermines the family. Most parents are now relying on outside sources such... The Plug-In Drug by Marie Winn Essay -- essays research papers In an article ' The Plug-In Drug ' the author Marie Winn discusses the bad influence of television on today's society. Television is a ' drug ' that interfere with family ritual, destroys human relationships and undermines the family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marie Winn claims that television over the years have effected many American family life. Since television is everyday ritual, many American tend to spent more time with television than they do with their family and this result in unhealthy relation in family. She also acknowledge that television destroy family unique quality that they carry, such reading, cooking, games, songs and other special rituals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The author claims television also destroys a human relationship. During free time instead working our difference with conversing each other, we are absorbed by imaginary world of television. Therefor we fail to interact through the real world leading to the ' distortion of real life relationship.' Television gives an escape root for people who need to be spending time on relationships with their family as well as others. Because children have ' one way relationships ' with the television, they fail to fully develop their communication and social skills. This further intensifies the decline of the family relationships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Author also point out television undermines the family. Most parents are now relying on outside sources such...

Privilege: Racism and Jim Crow Laws Essay

The essay â€Å"White Privilege and Male Privilege† written by Peggy McIntosh was enlightening and controversial. It was enlightening because she shows you how certain groups of people can have privilege over other different groups, and be unaware or in denial over it. Peggy’s story was controversial because it talked about the privilege that very few have the courage to talk about. The white and male privilege and the fact that it is looming over our heads as a society. Throughout history there’s a superior and inferior race and sex. The superior race is the white race, opposed to the African Americans who are considered the inferior. Additionally men are the superior sex opposed to women. Race is a sensitive subject when discussed due to the painful history of our country, most notably the plight of African Americans. African Americans have had a painful background of slavery and inequalities along with unjust rights they had to endure. They were not considered humans, but were property of their white slave owners. Racism has been social constructed for many decades. It is possible that the racial hierarchy can control many aspects of the human life. It can control what kind of jobs you receive, politics, media, insurance, and even your place of residence; this is reminiscent of the Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow laws were not only anti black laws but a way of life predominantly for southern people. The Jim Crow laws were constructed to keep African Americans from climbing higher on the social ladder. Education, transportation and work were kept at a bare minimum for African Americans. Under no means necessary was any African American to act as if they were equal to the white race. It ultimately controlled where they were allowed to go and what they were allowed to do. If for any reason this law was broken, consequences were normally enforced by physical force consequences for challenging whites and their authority. This was a way for the whites to maintain dominance and ensure the African Americans stayed at the bottom of the racial hierarchy. This was the cost for being born black. For being born into a society where your race was the ultimate factor in your social status, and rather than being born into a world of acceptance, you were born into a world of exile. This portrays in the United States the black and white color lines that have been imbedded into our minds and enforced due to the dominance of the white race for so long. Men also have advantages over women, especially politically. Even though times have changed and women are able to vote, men still are the dominating force in politics. Women have to fight longer, harder and be three times more qualified than a man to get some positions or to even qualify for jobs over a man. When some women are appointed higher positions over men they get criticized and sometimes even degraded because of it. Some men don’t even see or recognize when this occurs. Many white people are in denial of preconceived notions that they might have on a certain person or group because of their race. I myself have been a victim of racism at work. People choose to believe the color of your skin indicates your worth. Some expect you to fail and not succeed because of this. They expect you to meet the standard of the person they have seen on TV, in a movie, or on the radio. However, what they don’t realize is that these are stereotypes that the media portray of a certain group and that perception is not always accurate. They also take a bad experience with one individual, and deem an entire race that way. No one knows why we come in so many shades sizes and variations. However, we do know that the social concepts of race deprives from the history that one has come from. Race as well as the sex of a person was once used as a tactic of fear, fear that was instilled in a person to make them powerless and inferior to another race. Although many things have changed for the better in our society, racism and the sex of a person is still a dominate factor.

An Introduction and Guide to Real Business Cycle Theory

An Introduction and Guide to Real Business Cycle Theory Real  business cycle  theory (RBC theory) is a class of macroeconomic models and theories that were first explored by American economist John Muth in 1961. The theory has since been more closely associated with another American economist, Robert Lucas, Jr., who has been characterized as â€Å"the most influential macroeconomist in the last quarter of the twentieth century.†Ã‚  Ã‚   Intro to Economic Business Cycles Before understanding real business cycle theory, one must understand the basic concept of business cycles. A business cycle is the periodic up and down movements in the economy, which are measured by fluctuations in real GDP and other macroeconomic variables. There are sequential phases of a business cycle that demonstrate rapid growth (known as expansions or booms) followed by periods of stagnation or decline (known as contractions or declines). Expansion (or Recovery when following a trough): categorized by an increase in economic activityPeak: The upper turning point of the business cycle when expansion turns to contractionContraction: categorized by a decrease in economic activityTrough: The lower turning point of the business cycle when contraction leads to recovery and/or expansion Real business cycle theory makes strong assumptions about the drivers of these business cycle phases. Primary Assumption of Real Business Cycle Theory The primary concept behind real business cycle theory is that one must study business cycles with the fundamental assumption that they are driven entirely by technology shocks rather than by monetary shocks or changes in expectations. That is to say that RBC theory largely accounts for business cycle fluctuations with real (rather than nominal) shocks, which are defined as unexpected or unpredictable events that affect the economy. Technology shocks, in particular, are considered a result of some unanticipated technological development that impacts productivity. Shocks in government purchases are another kind of shock that can appear in a pure real business cycle (RBC Theory) model. Real Business Cycle Theory and Shocks In addition to attributing all business cycle phases to technological shocks, real business cycle theory considers business cycle fluctuations an efficient response to those exogenous changes or developments in the real economic environment. Therefore, business cycles are â€Å"real† according to RBC theory in that they do not represent the failure of markets to clear or show an equal supply to demand ratio, but instead, reflect the most efficient economic operation given the structure of that economy. As a result, RBC theory rejects Keynesian economics, or the view that in the short run economic output is primarily influenced by aggregate demand, and monetarism, the school of thought that emphasizes the role of government in controlling the amount of money in circulation. Despite their rejection of RBC theory, both of these schools of economic thought currently represent the foundation of mainstream macroeconomic policy.

Chromatography and Solvents Essay Example

Chromatography and Solvents Essay Example Chromatography and Solvents Paper Chromatography and Solvents Paper Chromatography is a method of separating compounds and mixtures so that they can be identified and analyzed. The word chromatography means color writing. There are many kinds of chromatography such as the thin layer chromatography, Partition chromatography, Column chromatography, and Paper chromatography. Chromatography is important in the analysis of processes and materials such as environmental contamination, food, drugs, blood, petroleum products, and radioactive fission products. It has many uses in the rapidly evolving biotechnology industry. The chromatography sorbents help purify problems in the production of drugs. Equipment used for chromatography is essential for chemical laboratories today. With these devices, scientists can identify chemical compounds in complex mixtures such as smog, cigar smoke, and even coffee aroma. Chromatography could be used to show how much of one substance there is in a mixture. Solvents are used to separate mixtures. Some solvents that we see every day are nail polish remover, water, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar. In chromatography, the components go through 2 phases called the mobile phase and stationary phase. The stationary phase may be solid, liquid, liquid supported on a solid, or gel. They may be packed in a column, spread as a layer, or distributed as a film. The mobile phase may be gaseous or liquid. In paper chromatography, the filter paper is the stationary phase and the solvent is the mobile phase. The separation is achieved when the solutes in the mobile phase and stationary phase results in different retention lines for the different chemical compounds. The chromatographic system consists of 3 components which are solvents, soluble, and sorbents. Solvents are used to dissolve solutes to form a solution. Not all solvents have to be liquid and not all solutes have to be solid. Higher temperatures of the solvent usually increase the dissolving of the solute. One exception to this is that the solubility of gas in liquid usually decreases with temperature. If the components of this system react chemically with each other than the inert substance dispersing the reactants is the inert solvent. Chemical reactions will also dissolve more solutes. Water is an excellent solvent for ionic substances. It breaks down the ionic crystals and separates the component ions form each other. The water molecules form shells around the ions and keep them far apart. Covalently bonded molecules like organic compounds don’t dissolve well in water. They dissolve well in organic solvents. Some alcohols have hydrogen bonds so they dissolve in water. Rubbing Alcohol is useful as an antifreeze compound and solvent. It contains methanol which is produced from natural gases. Methanol is made from mixing hydrogen and carbon monoxide at high temperatures and pressure. The boiling point increases due to hydrogen bonding that occurs between hydroxyl groups. Acetone is a colorless, flammable, explosive liquid that contains a characteristic odor that can be detected at very low concentrations. 2008). (Chemical compound: CH3COCH3) Used for making nail polish remover, model airplane, and glue. It belongs to a family known as ketones. Ketones are a compound with carbonyl group (carbon and oxygen bonded together) attached to 2 carbon atoms, made of two propane molecules. Acetone may be present in the human body but only in small concentrations. Diabetic patients may have larger amounts. Exposure to Acetone should be avoided because it causes irritation in the eyes and throat. The vinegar is an organic compound that contains up to 5% Acetic Acid (has chemical compounds CH3COOH) and 95% water. Acetic acid is a clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is soluble in alcohol, acetone, water, and other organic compounds. Vinegar has been used as a cleaning agent, printing of textiles, and as an acidifier to improve the flow of oil from wells. Neil Schlager (2006). Acetic acid is corrosive and prolonged exposure can cause irritation to throat, nose, and eyes. It can also cause headaches, confusion, chest tightness, and coughs. Salt (another name for NaCl sodium chloride) is made from a chemical reaction of an acid and a base. During this reaction, the acid and base are neutralized producing salt, water and heat. Lerner (2008). Table Salt (also NaCl) only has one positive ion. Salt is an important compound for preserving food and making soap. It is also very important in the making of chlorine and sodium. Water (H2O) is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen held together by polar covalent bonds. Its polarity causes it to form hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are an attraction between slightly positive H atoms in a polar molecule with the slightly negative side of another polar molecule. Water molecules form 5 hydrogen bonds and have a high specific heat. Water has a wicking property called capillary action. Capillary action is the force that draws water out of the roots of plants and into the stems and leaves. Analyzing ink is important questioned documents that might be forged. It could be used to identify inks in forged checks, wills, or altered records. Ink may look the same but they have very different chemical compositions. Ink is made up of a combination of pigments and dyes, oils, and resins. Some inks are even made of soybeans. Inks may be analyzed by a destructive or nondestructive test. The nondestructive is analyzed first and is better because it keeps the paper intact. Micro spectrophotometry is the main method of nondestructive testing. It scans the ink in infrared and ultraviolet light to record its wavelengths of light it absorbs. Thin layer chromatography is used for destructive testing. A tiny sample of ink paper is punched out and placed on a strip of paper with other ink samples. Then the strip is placed into a solvent but it’s placed where the sample ink is dry. The solvent is drawn up through capillary actions and the sample spots move up with it. The end result is a pattern of colored spots where you can compare it with others to make identification.

Summery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Summery - Essay Example However, people who fall in the minority group category still face discrimination even in a democratic society. In most cases, discrimination happens on grounds of sex, race, and religion. The American society gives the best-learnt lesson of discrimination based on race. Although the blacks and whites now have the same freedoms and rights, discrimination according to race is still an issue of urgency. This is because many people still suffer from the effect of racial discrimination. Discrimination comes in forms including indirect discrimination, direct, victimization and harassment. The article â€Å"Two Muslim religious leaders sue airlines for discrimination† written by Jim Barnett, shows a classical example of discrimination according to race at present. In this case, the two imams sued the Delta Airlines for the discrimination meted on them. The Muslim leaders underwent checking three times before the plane took off (Barnett 2011). Even after boarding, and the plane had left the gate where they had undergone a second checking by the security, the pilot felt uncomfortable with the imams and took the plane back to the gate for the imams to undergo checking. The essay sums it all by emphasizing the need to phase out discrimination in all its forms. All people are equal as per the Declaration of Independence. Legislation, education, and promotion of inter group contacts can help in reducing discrimination and

Government Fiscal Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Government Fiscal Policy - Essay Example One of the segments of the economy that benefited the most was the banking industry. The banks in the United States had been acting unethically giving out loans to people that did not quality in order to boost their profits. A lot of Americans lost their homes in the middle of this fiasco. The stimulus package helped save over 3.5 million jobs in America particularly jobs in the manufacturing and construction sector. The Big 3 Auto makers also received financial help from the federal government. The reduction in taxes helped put more money in to the hands of American citizens. Classical economy theory states that the economy is always capable of achieving natural level of real GPD or output (Cliffnotes, 2013). I do not think that classical economy theory would have applied to the economic issues the nation was facing. The United States needed governmental intervention back in 2007-2009 to recover from the recession it was facing. The impact of the economic stimulus package on the governmental budget was that it increased the national debt in the long run and in the short run it increased the yearly budget of the