Book Review: An introduction to Scientific Research by E. Bright Wilson

An introduction to Scientific Research by E. Bright Wilson gives an overview of the modern scientific method. The book focuses more on experimental laboratories, useful formulas, and commonly used instruments than on social research. The book seeks to collect in one place the general principles, techniques, and guides for proper procedures. It is a necessary read for those interested in conducting hard-core research.

The book is written through the eyes of a physical chemist and this helps to explain its detailed and hard scientific approach. The concepts offered in the book are valid and it is worth reading even if one is not working in a physical laboratory. It will provide an understanding for graduate students that may work in biology, medicine or other physical sciences. 

It also provides a strong overview of pure science and some of the issues it faces. It moves into other concepts such as cost, morality, scientific literature, observation, cause and effect, hypothesis, deduction, models, mathematics and the very process of designing experiments. Likewise, one will find apparatus design, sampling, analysis, and general errors. 

You may be interested in the chapter on the analysis of experimental data. The interpretation of data is a critical step in the experimental process. If done poorly the wrong conclusions are realized and improper scientific discoveries found. The facts are not always facts. When considering all of the data it may be necessary to go back and ensure the information drawn is accurate and not a result of extraneous variables outside of the study. 

Generally, once the hypothesis is proposed the researcher will design an experiment to test it in a systematic way. This can create a psychological effect whereby one is attempting to validate something they already believe in drawing likeminded conclusions without thinking about the alternatives. It is necessary to review all possible explanations to create the highest level of critical thinking and accuracy. 

It is important to remember that validity comes through the testing of concepts in other places and times. Researchers will attempt to find the same conclusions by either running the same or similar research. The more times researchers come to the same conclusions, the stronger the validity of the study. Science is a social affair that works within a body of knowledge.

Wilson, E. (1990). An introduction to Scientific Research. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

The Seaside Breeze of Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Wharf

The white sandy beach, buzzing boardwalk, fishing, concerts, golf, and redwood parks are just some of the history and activities that Santa Cruz has to offer. The boardwalk and wharf are main attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the ocean air. From renting boats to watching the high tide sea lions you will be amazed by this quaint yet broad tourist attraction. It is a place where history can come alive as three countries once owned this seaside paradise in an attempt to secure new resources. 

Santa Cruz is a resort town of approximately 60,000 residents. It was colonized by the Spanish in 1791 and started the Santa Cruz Mission to convert the local natives. These small band natives have all disappeared in modern times. In 1866 it became a city and supplied gunpowder, agriculture, lime and lumber products. During the Spanish Colonization period Santa Cruz, Los Angeles and San Jose were the only cities in California. In 1820 Mexico became independent and took over the area until the U.S. won it in the Mexican-American war.  

After WWII the board walk had a mini insurgence of visitors but then declined as the new wealth in the middle class matched with television to keep people at home. By the 1950’s places like Disneyland became popular and provided some renewed interest. The backroom bazaars of Santa Cruz took on new life once again as the area was cleaned up. New attractions were added to keep the place interesting and continue to draw visitors from around the world.

The Santa Cruz boardwalk is one of the only board walks on the West Coast and was started in 1907. Traditional offerings still include the Giant Dipper roller coaster which is a world example of wooden roller coasters and the 342 pipe organ for the carousel built in 1894. Other features include video games, stores, places to eat, laser tag, other rides and a haunted house. Each provides a level of excitement and opportunity for families that desire to vacation in the area. 

The boardwalk is completely free to enter. There are fees associated with parking. One can pay per ride or buy a season pass for $72 and ride all day long as much as they want.  Day passes are around $30+ and work fine for most visitors. Other events such as the Zombie bash are separate and are not included. During the winter months rides are open on the weekends and closed during the week. 

Along the North side of the beach is the wharf. The wharf is home to a number of stores, sea lions and attractions. It is a popular destination for people to eat surf and turf after renting a boat to ride around the bay. You may want to pick up a few trinkets for family members and eat a sandwich while watching the sea lions fuss on the plants in high tide.

http://beachboardwalk.com/

The Implementation of Critical Thinking Skills in Business Education

Research by Anderson and Reid (2013), delve into the issue of developing critical thinking skills among college students. These skills are particularly important for college of business graduates who may someday need to develop and implement their own strategies.  Such skills are also important in their daily lives as they make the hundreds of miniscule decisions that lead to career success. 

Critical thinking can be defined as the use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the likelihood of positive outcomes (Halpem, 1998). It may also be defined as the knowledge, skills and strategies that improve rational decision making, problem solving and improve creativity (Reid, 2009). Such skills afford people the opportunity think about the factors that go into making a decision and finding more rational conclusions. 

A 2008 report of business colleges found that 87% had no critical thinking components (Devore, 2008). Likewise, business managers were also disappointed in the critical thinking skills that graduates gained upon graduation (Woods-Bagot, 2012).  The lack of critical thinking skills within colleges and the general disappointment of mangers mean there is a misalignment between education and the needs of employers.

Employers are able to expand upon graduates skills and abilities through further job knowledge and training. College graduates should come with the fundamental broad understandings that employers can further for effectiveness. Critical thinking is an essential and fundamental aspect of successful business management and should not be ignored in the educational process.

The authors put a critical thinking component within capstone courses and evaluated them with the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). They incorporated business case studies that helped to enhance these skills and help students find rational alternatives. The use of case studies is believed to further help students solidify the material.  

The researchers used sixteen-question questionnaires to assess student’s use of critical thinking. The pedagogical methodology of teaching critical thinking skills as a class appeared to have high transference from college to work life. In addition, students viewed after graduation the experience of learning about critical thinking as a positive experience. The authors contend that such critical thinking aspects are beneficial for the students as well as the employers.

The findings of the authors indicated that having a course or two on critical thinking brings about positive results in the students learning process. Even though the study focused on separate course components it is possible to develop critical thinking throughout the college experience in a way that is incorporate into the majority of the course. A single course on methodology may solidify the processes used but it is the critical thinking aspects within courses that creates a pattern of thinking and behavior that students may rely on in their jobs.

Anderson, P. & Reid, J. (2013). Critical thinking in a college of business administration. Southern Business Review, 37 (3).

DeVore, N. (Ed.). (2008). Critical thinking and better decisions. Portland, OR: Verge Consulting.

Halpern, D. (1998). Teaching critical thinking for transfer across domains: Dispositions, skills,

structure training, and metacognitive monitoring. American Psychologist, 53, 449-455.

Reid, J. (2009b). A quantitative assessment of an application of Halpern's teaching for critical thinking in abusiness class. DeKalb, IL: Proquest Publication No: 340486.

Woods-Bagot. (2012). Research study: University graduates don't make the grade. San Francisco, CA:

Woods-Bagot.

Wine Review: Santa Cristina's Toscana

Santa Cristina’s Toscana offers a dark ruby red wine that tastes of berries and flowers; touch of tobacco. Alcohol content, tannin levels, acidity and residual sugar is well balanced. There are legs on this wine. For a red wine, it is light tasting with a medium body making it versatile. You will not be disappointed by the quality and price of this affordable table wine.

This wine is a bend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah giving it an interesting taste to the palate. It pairs well with meat, steak, meat sauces, grilled foods, burgers, and other greasy and high tasting foods. Poignant cheeses, such as brie, would work well with this flavor.

Santa Cristina is bottled on a hill near Tuscany near the town of Cortona. The winery is relatively new and established in 2006 under the tradition of an older wine. The first Santa Cristina was produced in 1946. The town of Cortona is ancient and was discussed in literature by people ranging from Herodotus to Dionysius.

The city is so old and part of history that it was expanded by the Etruscans, became a Roman colony, and was sacked in the Gothic War (535–554). Legend has it that even Noah’s son liked the area so much that he built the town 273 years after the great flood. There is even two famous churches’ that represent the Renaissance styles. Cortona is still a major tourist attraction for history buffs from all around the world. 

Winery