Joshua G.

Agbalo

9-Pythagoras

Examples of abstract:

Humanities Abstracts

“Margaret C. Anderson’s Little Review”

Sophia Estante and Lorrie Moore (Mentor), English

This research looks at the work of Margaret C. Anderson, the editor of the
Little Review. The review published first works by Sherwood Anderson,
James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, and Ezra Pound. This research draws
upon mostly primary sources including memoirs, published letters, and a
complete collection of the Little Review. Most prior research on Anderson
focuses on her connection to the famous writers and personalities that she
published and associated with. This focus undermines her role as the
dominant creative force behind one of the most influential little magazines
published in the 20th Century. This case example shows how little
magazine publishing is arguably a literary art.

United States government.

Examples of Related Literature

To many, nonverbal communication may take a back seat to verbal

communication. It is often overlooked and may be deemed unimportant.
However, this aspect of communication speaks volumes. Nonverbal
communication may consist of looking, smiling, frowning, touching, or
expressions of surprise as seen in Weisfeld and Stack’s research study
(2002). Women have been found to exhibit these forms of communication
more often than men. Weisfeld and Stack studied nonverbal behaviors
related to the closeness of a couple and found that women looked at their
partners for a significantly longer amount of time as compared to men. The
average length of a wife’s look was 7.5 seconds while the husband’s was
4.5 seconds. However, while men express less emotion and nonverbal
communication, this may not necessarily mean that they are not listening
when their wives speak to them. For instance, Weisfeld and Stack
theorized that men may show less emotion because they have been taught
to dampen emotions such as anger. When a husband and wife have a
disagreement, the situation can escalate quickly if the husband fully
expresses his emotions by becoming violent. Therefore, it was suggested
that many men fail to show emotion in general because they have trained
themselves to be “emotionless” in these conflict situations. Sabatelli,
EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION ON MARITAL SATISFACTION 5 Buck,
and Dyer (1982) also suggested that this is true. In their study focusing on
nonverbal communication and its relationship to marital complaints, they
found that wives who had husbands who were good communicators tended
to have more complaints about their husbands. Their hypothesis was that
because men are expected to tone down their emotions, having good
nonverbal communication skills may be seen as socially unacceptable to
their wives. It is important to consider who the more effective communicator
is so that we can learn from each other on how to communicate better.
Noller (1980) found that there is a connection between a couple’s marital
adjustment and their skill at communication. She had each participant first
take the Marital Adjustment Test (Locke & Wallace, 1959) to determine
their overall marital satisfaction. Then, after the couples’ communication
was studied, the results showed that those with low marital adjustment
demonstrated considerably fewer good nonverbal communications than
those with high marital adjustment. However, the question must be raised:
Do couples have a higher marital adjustment because they have good
communication, or do couples have good communication because they are
happy within their marriage? Women were found to be better nonverbal
communicators across several studies (Noller, 1980; Sabatelli et al., 1982).
However, being an effective communicator involves both encoding and
decoding messages. Women have a natural tendency to be more
expressive. Therefore, men were found to make more errors than women
when encoding messages (Noller, 1980). However, it was also found that
women were not better decoders, or receivers of messages, than men.
Though it is quite possible that this was due to the husbands’ poor ability to
encode messages effectively. The same EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION
ON MARITAL SATISFACTION 6 was found in other studies (Sabatelli et
al., 1982; Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002). Additional findings by Sabatelli et al.
and Koerner and Fitzpatrick also suggest that familiarity plays a role in how
effective nonverbal communication is. In both of their studies, participants
encoded and decoded messages to their partners. The interaction was
recorded and evaluated by judges who attempted to decode the same
interactions. Both studies revealed that the spouses were significantly more
skilled at decoding their partners’ messages, implying that couples may
become more successful at interpreting their spouses’ nonverbal
communication over time.

Examples of Methodology:

3.1 Introduction

As it is indicated in the title, this chapter includes the research

methodology ofthe dissertation. In more details, in this part the author
outlines the researchstrategy, the research method, the research approach,
the methods of datacollection, the selection of the sample, the research
process, the type of dataanalysis, the ethical considerations and the
research limitations of the project.

3.2 Research strategy

The research held with respect to this dissertation was an applied one,
but notnew. Rather, numerous pieces of previous academic research exist
regardingthe role of DMOs in promoting and managing tourist destinations,
not
onlyfor Athens in specific, but also for other tourist destinations in Greece
and otherplaces of the world. As such, the proposed research took the form
of a newresearch but on an existing research subject.

3.3 Research method

Qualitative versus Quantitativetechniques

In order to satisfy the objectives of the dissertation, a qualitative research

washeld. The main characteristic of qualitative research is that it is
mostlyappropriate for small samples, while its outcomes are not
measurable andquantifiable (see table 3.1). Its basic advantage, which also
constitutes itsbasic difference with quantitative research, is that it offers a
completedescription and analysis of a research subject, without limiting the
scope of theresearch and the nature of participant’s responses (Collis &
Hussey,

2003).

However, the effectiveness of qualitative research is heavily based on

theskills and abilities of researchers, while the outcomes may not be
perceivedas reliable, because they mostly come from researcher’s
personal judgmentsand interpretations. Because it is more appropriate for
small samples, it isalso risky for the results of qualitative research to be
perceived as reflectingthe opinions of a wider population (Bell, 2005).

3.6 Sample selection

The method of purposive sampling was used to develop the sample of

theresearch under discussion. According to this method, which belongs to
thecategory of non-probability sampling techniques, sample members
areselected on the basis of their knowledge, relationships and
expertiseregarding a research subject (Freedmanetal , 2007). In the current
study, thesample members who were selected had special relationship with
thephenomenon under investigation, sufficient and relevant work
experience inthe field of tourism, active involvement in several tourism
initiatives andpartnerships, as well as proven research background and
understanding ofraw data concerning destinations. Within this context, the
participants of thisstudy were executives of 6 famous DMOs operating both
generally in Greeceand specifically in Athens, namely:

1)

Greek National Tourism Organization (G.N.T.O)

2)
City of Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB)

3)

Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDM)

4)

Athens Hotel Association - Attica (EXAA)

5)

Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)

6)

Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE)

3.7 Research process

Meetings were held during April and June of 2014 with the executives of
theDMOs mentioned above, so as to gain acceptance of their participation
in theresearch. More specifically, the researcher came in touch with and
askedthem to participate in the research after explaining the nature and the
scopeof the study. In general terms the respondents were willing to
participate in theresearch and the interviews were conducted between May
and June of 2014.The discussions took place at the offices of the
executives and lastedapproximately 20 to 25 minutes. During the interviews
were mainly kept notes,in order to help the researcher to analyze the
gathered data.

During the conduction of the interview, respondents were free to express

theirviews even in topics which were not included in the discussed areas
whichwere mentioned in paragraph 3.5. Finally, it should be noted that
theconversations flowed smoothly and pleasantly.

3.8. Data analysis

Content analysis was used to analyze the data which was gathered
frompersonal interviews. According to Moore & McCabe (2005), this is the
type ofresearch whereby data gathered is categorized in themes and sub-
themes, soas to be able to be comparable. A main advantage of content
analysis is thatit helps in data collected being reduced and simplified, while
at the same timeproducing results that may then measured using
quantitative techniques.Moreover, content analysis gives the ability to
researchers to structure thequalitative data collected in a way that satisfies
the accomplishment ofresearch objectives. However, human error is highly
involved in contentanalysis, since there is the risk for researchers to
misinterpret the datagathered, thereby generating false and unreliable
conclusions (Krippendorff &Bock, 2008).

3.9 Ethical considerations

The current study was subject to certain ethical issues. As it was

mentionedearlier, all participants reported their written acceptance
regarding theirparticipation in the research, through a signed Consent and
BriefingLetter. At the same time, sample members were asked to sign a De
briefing andWithdrawal Letter. The aim of both letters was to reassure
participants thattheir participation in the research is voluntary and that they
were free towithdraw from it at any point and for any reason.

Next to this, participants were fully informed regarding the objectives of

thestudy, while they were reassured that their answers were treated
asconfidential and used only for academic purposes and only for the
purposesof the particular research. Except from the above, participants
were notharmed or abused, both physically and psychologically, during the
conductionof the research. In contrast, the researcher attempted to create
and maintaina climate of comfort.

3.10 Research Limitations

As it is for every study, this dissertation had the following limitations:

The size of the sample was relatively small - 6 participants. A biggersample

would probably enhance the reliability of the research

Qualitative research is not allowing the measurement of the

examinedproblems
The analysis of the role of the DMOs in the promotion of Athens as atourist
destination may be influenced by factors which were notmentioned in this
project

In some cases participants may refused to speak against theirorganizations

Examples of Results:

Organization and Approach

For most research papers in the social and behavioral sciences, there are
two possible ways of organizing the results. Both approaches are
appropriate in how you report your findings, but choose only one format to
use.

Present a synopsis of the results followed by an explanation of key

findings. This approach can be used to highlight important findings. For
example, you may have noticed an unusual correlation between two
variables during the analysis of your findings. It is appropriate to point this
out in the results section. However, speculating as to why this correlation
exists, and offering a hypothesis about what may be happening, belongs in
the discussion section of your paper.

Present a result and then explain it, before presenting the next result then
explaining it, and so on, then end with an overall synopsis. This is the
preferred approach if you have multiple results of equal significance. It is
more common in longer papers because it helps the reader to better
understand each finding. In this model, it is helpful to provide a brief
conclusion that ties each of the findings together and provides a narrative
bridge to the discussion section of the your paper.

NOTE: Just as the literature review should be arranged under conceptual

categories rather than systematically describing each source, organize your
findings under key themes related to addressing the research problem.
This can be done under either format noted above [i.e., a thorough
explanation of the key results or a sequential, thematic description and
explanation of each finding].

Content

In general, the content of your results section should include the following:

An introductory context for understanding the results by restating the

research problem underpinning your study. This is useful in re-orientating
the reader's focus back to the research after reading the literature review
and your explanation of the methods of data gathering and analysis.

Inclusion of non-textual elements, such as, figures, charts, photos, maps,

tables, etc. to further illustrate key findings, if appropriate. Rather than
relying entirely on descriptive text, consider how your findings can be
presented visually. This is a helpful way of condensing a lot of data into one
place that can then be referred to in the text. Consider referring to
appendices if there is a lot of non-textual elements.

A systematic description of your results, highlighting for the reader

observations that are most relevant to the topic under investigation. Not all
results that emerge from the methodology used to gather information may
be related to answering the "So What?" question. Do not confuse
observations with interpretations; observations in this context refers to
highlighting important findings you discovered through a process of
reviewing prior literature and gathering data.

The page length of your results section is guided by the amount and types
of data to be reported. However, focus on findings that are important and
related to addressing the research problem. It is not uncommon to have
unanticipated results that are not relevant to answering the research
question. This is not to say that you don't acknowledge tangential findings
and, in fact, can be referred to as areas for further research in the
conclusion of your paper. However, spending time in the results section
describing tangential findings clutters your overall results section.
A short paragraph that concludes the results section by synthesizing the
key findings of the study. Highlight the most important findings you want
readers to remember as they transition into the discussion section. This is
particularly important if, for example, there are many results to report, the
findings are complicated or unanticipated, or they are impactful
or actionable in some way [i.e., able to be acted upon in a feasible way
applied to practice].

NOTE: Use the past tense when referring to your results. Reference to
findings should always be described as having already happened because
the method of gathering data has been completed.

Problems to Avoid

When writing the results section, avoid doing the following:

Discussing or interpreting your results. Save this for the next section of
your paper, although where appropriate, you should compare or contrast
specific results to those found in other studies [e.g., "Similar to Smith
[1990], one of the findings of this study is the strong correlation between
motivation and academic achievement...."].

Reporting background information or attempting to explain your

findings. This should have been done in your introduction section, but don't
panic! Often the results of a study point to the need for additional
background information or to explain the topic further, so don't think you did
something wrong. Revise your introduction as needed.

Ignoring negative results. If some of your results fail to support your

hypothesis, do not ignore them. Document them and then state in your
discussion section why you believe a negative result emerged from your
study. Note that negative results, and how you handle them, offer you the
opportunity to write a more engaging discussion section, therefore, don't be
hesitant to highlight them.
Including raw data or intermediate calculations. Ask your professor if you
need to include any raw data generated by your study, such as transcripts
from interviews or data files. If raw data is to be included, place it in an
appendix or set of appendices that are referred to in the text.

Be as factual and concise as possible in reporting your findings. Do not use

phrases that are vague or non-specific, such as, "appeared to be greater
than other variables..." or "demonstrates promising trends that...."
Subjective modifiers should be explained in the discussion section of the
paper [i.e., why did one variable appear greater? Or, how does the finding
demonstrate a promising trend?].

Presenting the same data or repeating the same information more than
once. If it is important to highlight a particular finding, you will have an
opportunity to emphasize its significance in the discussion section. Do not
repeat it in your results section.

Confusing figures with tables. Be sure to properly label any non-textual

elements in your paper. Don't call a chart an illustration or a figure a table.
If you are not sure, go here.

Example of Conclusion:

The problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated. It will, however, take
time, money, and a combined effort on the part of many people. Organized,
free, after-school programs such as: sports teams and games; art, music,
and drama activities; internships in local area businesses and professional
organizations; and interesting volunteer activities in the community would
help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits outside of school hours. More job
opportunities for teens, especially those funded by state and local
programs, would offer income for teens as well as productive work for the
community. Outreach to families through schools, community
organizations, and places of worship would help promote inter-generational
activities that could improve family closeness, helping teens to work on
their problems at the family level, instead of taking them to the streets. If
these programs can be implemented, we will surely see a decrease in teen
gang activity and safer streets and neighborhoods for us all.
Reference:

 https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/presentations_abstracts_examples
.html
 https://libguides.uwf.edu/ld.php?content_id=42292186
 http://www.academia.edu/10092020/CHAPTER_3_-
_RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY_Data_collection_method_and_Res
earch_tools
 http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/results
 http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/18_Writing_Conclusion.asp