Four Asian Tigers

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Four Asian Tigers

The Four Asian Tigers: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan

The Four Asian Tigers, Four Asian Dragons or Four Little Dragons, are the economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, which underwent rapid industrialization and maintained exceptionally high growth rates (in excess of 7 percent a year) between the early 1960s (mid-1950s for Hong Kong) and 1990s. By the early 21st century, all four had developed into high-income economies, specializing in areas of competitive advantage. Hong Kong and Singapore have become world-leading international financial centres, whereas South Korea and Taiwan are world leaders in manufacturing electronic components and devices. Their economic success stories have served as role models for many developing countries, especially the Tiger Cub Economies of southeast Asia.

A controversial World Bank report (The East Asian Miracle 1993) credited neoliberal policies with the responsibility for the boom, including maintenance of export-oriented policies, low taxes, and minimal welfare states; institutional analysis also states some state intervention was involved. However, others argued that industrial policy and state intervention had a much greater influence than the World Bank report suggested.

Emergence of the Four Tiger Governments

The world economy growth began to pick up during the early 1960’s after the World War II and the Korean War in the early 1950’s. Major leaps in air telecommunications and air travel coupled with probable world peace indicated that world countries were opening up their borders and thus the Four Tigers took advantage of this opening. The four countries had viable trade economies, established ports, high literacy levels and advanced infrastructure inherited from their colonial masters.

Asian tiger Singapore

Singapore is one of the smallest nations but has the highest GDP between the four asian tigers.

Owing to this development, the Asian Tigers took advantage of the situation since they were quite poor in the 1960s; these countries had plenty of inexpensive labor. Combined with educational restructuring, they were smart to leverage this amalgamation into a low-priced, yet industrious labor force. The Asian Dragons devoted to social equality in terms of land reforms, promotion of property rights and welfare of agricultural workers. In a little while, products and services from these nations were in high demand.

A booming stock exchange had already begun in 1891 in Hong Kong; thus it was reasonable when it drifted to financial services from the export market. Hotly followed by Singapore the two tiny nations are currently important global financial centers. During that interval South Korea and Taiwan were propelling the 1980’s -1990’s tech boom, nowadays Taipei and Seoul are leaders in cutting-edge technology and also home to the biggest names in electronics. These advancements happened so quickly hence the nickname ‘The Asian Miracle‘.

The economy growth of the Four Asian nations enabled them to sail through the local 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and also 2008 World Economic Crisis. At present these four nations significantly get enlisted in IMF’s global list of top 40 advanced economies.

Anthropology Vs. Sociology

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Anthropology Vs. Sociology

Sociology and Anthropology are social science disciplines that focus on studying the behavior of humans within their societies. Students interested in researching civilizations -- past and present -- as they relate to social hierarchies should consider studying anthropology and sociology. Many institutions combine both disciplines into one department due to the similarities between the two. The key difference between the two social sciences is that sociology concentrates on society while anthropology focuses on culture.

Definitions

Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Columbia University notes that sociological thinking involves the relationships among people -- or more specifically, the associations between people and the products of human interaction such as organizations, technologies, economies, cities, culture, media and religion.

The American Anthropological Association defines anthropology as the study of humans, past and present. Anthropological viewpoints are inspired by observing cross-cultural differences in social institutions, cultural beliefs and communication styles.

Focus Areas

Anthropologists are concerned with four concentration areas that include cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology and biological anthropology. Anthropologists often integrate the perspectives of several of these areas into their research, teaching and professional lives. Anthropologists are interested in researching issues such as the ritual of female genital mutilation in Sudan.

The American Sociological Associations describes the work of sociologists as interesting and complex because sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious traditions, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.

Careers in Anthropology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for anthropologists should increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020. Due to the small number of positions expected to be available, the BLS warns that competition among applicants will be extremely stiff. Most anthropologist positions require a master's or doctoral degree. Anthropologists occupy positions in a variety of academic and nonacademic environments. Anthropologists serve as college faculty, program directors with government and nonprofit agencies or museum curators. Some anthropologists secure jobs working with police departments to assist with identifying mysterious or unknown remains. A study commissioned by The American Anthropological Association titled, "The Changing Face of Anthropology," indicated that 30 percent of the anthropology majors surveyed revealed they are working in positions that require education related to the discipline.

Careers in Sociology

Employment for sociologists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020. The number of available jobs will far exceed applicants. Most sociologist positions require a master's degree or Ph.D. Most sociologists work as professors, policy analysts, urban planners, program supervisors, research directors or human resources managers. The American Sociological Association has continuously reported over the last couple of years that the job market for sociologists is one the rise. At one point over the course of the last couple of years, the ASA observed a 32-percent increase in positions available in its job bank.

Non-Probability Sampling

• Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the population equal chances of being selected. In any form of research, true random sampling is always difficult to achieve. Most researchers are bounded by time, money and workforce and because of these limitations, it is almost impossible to randomly sample the entire population and it is often necessary to employ another sampling technique, the non-probability sampling technique. In contrast with probability sampling, non-probability sample is not a product of a randomized selection processes. Subjects in a non-probability sample are usually selected on the basis of their accessibility or by the purposive personal judgment of the researcher. 
• The downside of the non-probablity sampling method is that an unknown proportion of the entire population was not sampled. This entails that the sample may or may not represent the entire population accurately. Therefore, the results of the research cannot be used in generalizations pertaining to the entire population.
• The difference between nonprobability and probability sampling is that nonprobability sampling does not involve random selection and probability sampling does. Does that mean that nonprobability samples aren't representative of the population? Not necessarily. But it does mean that nonprobability samples cannot depend upon the rationale of probability theory. At least with a probabilistic sample, we know the odds or probability that we have represented the population well. We are able to estimate confidence intervals for the statistic. With nonprobability samples, we may or may not represent the population well, and it will often be hard for us to know how well we've done so. In general, researchers prefer probabilistic or random sampling methods over nonprobabilistic ones, and consider them to be more accurate and rigorous. However, in applied social research there may be circumstances where it is not feasible, practical or theoretically sensible to do random sampling. Here, we consider a wide range of nonprobabilistic alternatives. We can divide nonprobability sampling methods into two broad types: accidental or purposive. Most sampling methods are purposive in nature because we usually approach the sampling problem with a specific plan in mind. The most important distinctions among these types of sampling methods are the ones between the different types of purposive sampling approaches.
• Sampling is the use of a subset of the population to represent the whole population or to inform about (social) processes that are meaningful beyond the particular cases, individuals or sites studied. Probability sampling, or random sampling, is a sampling technique in which the probability of getting any particular sample may be calculated. Nonprobability sampling does not meet this criterion and, as any methodological decision, should adjust to the research question that one envisages to answer. Nonprobability sampling techniques cannot be used to infer from the sample to the general population in statistical terms and thus answer "how many"-related research questions. Thus, one cannot say the same on the basis of a nonprobability sample than on the basis of a probability sample. The grounds for drawing generalizations (e.g., propose new theory, propose policy) from studies based on nonprobability samples are based on the notion of "theoretical saturation" and "analytical generalization" (Yin, 2014) instead of on statistical generalization. Researchers working with the notion of purposive sampling assert that while probability methods are suitable for large-scale studies concerned with representativeness, non-probability approaches are more suitable for in-depth qualitative research in which the focus is often to understand complex social phenomena (e.g., Marshall 1996; Small 2009). One of the advantages of nonprobability sampling is its lower cost compared to probability sampling. Moreover, the in-depth analysis of a small-N purposive sample or a case study enables the "discovery" and identification of patterns and causal mechanisms that do not draw time and context-free assumptions. From the point of view of the quantitative and statistical way of doing research, though, these assertions raise some questions —how can one understand a complex social phenomenon by drawing only the most convenient expressions of that phenomenon into consideration? What assumption about homogeneity in the world must one make to justify such assertions? Alas, the consideration that research can only be based in statistical inference focuses on the problems of bias linked to nonprobability sampling and acknowledges only one situation in which a non-probability sample can be appropriate —if one is interested only in the specific cases studied (for example, if one is interested in the Battle of Gettysburg), one does not need to draw a probability sample from similar cases (Lucas 2014a).

Types of Non-Probability Sampling

Convenience Sampling

Convenience sampling is probably the most common of all sampling techniques. With convenience sampling, the samples are selected because they are accessible to the researcher. Subjects are chosen simply because they are easy to recruit. This technique is considered easiest, cheapest and least time consuming.

Consecutive Sampling

Consecutive sampling is very similar to convenience sampling except that it seeks to include ALL accessible subjects as part of the sample. This non-probability sampling technique can be considered as the best of all non-probability samples because it includes all subjects that are available that makes the sample a better representation of the entire population.

Quota Sampling

Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique wherein the researcher ensures equal or proportionate representation of subjects depending on which trait is considered as basis of the quota.

For example, if basis of the quota is college year level and the researcher needs equal representation, with a sample size of 100, he must select 25 1st year students, another 25 2nd year students, 25 3rd year and 25 4th year students. The bases of the quota are usually age, gender, education, race, religion and socioeconomic status.

Judgmental Sampling

Judgmental sampling is more commonly known as purposive sampling. In this type of sampling, subjects are chosen to be part of the sample with a specific purpose in mind. With judgmental sampling, the researcher believes that some subjects are more fit for the research compared to other individuals. This is the reason why they are purposively chosen as subjects.

Snowball Sampling

Snowball sampling is usually done when there is a very small population size. In this type of sampling, the researcher asks the initial subject to identify another potential subject who also meets the criteria of the research. The downside of using a snowball sample is that it is hardly representative of the population.

When to Use Non-Probability Sampling

This type of sampling can be used when demonstrating that a particular trait exists in the population.

It can also be used when the researcher aims to do a qualitative, pilot or exploratory study.

It can be used when randomization is impossible like when the population is almost limitless.

It can be used when the research does not aim to generate results that will be used to create generalizations pertaining to the entire population.

It is also useful when the researcher has limited budget, time and workforce.

This technique can also be used in an initial study which will be carried out again using a randomized, probability sampling.

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What is Meta-theories?

• A metatheory or meta-theory is a theory whose subject matter is some theory. All fields of research share some meta-theory, regardless whether this is explicit or correct. In a more restricted and specific sense, in mathematics and mathematical logic, metatheory means a mathematical theory about another mathematical theory. Any physical theory is always provisional, in the sense that it is only a hypothesis; you can never prove it. No matter how many times the results of experiments agree with some theory, you can never be sure that the next time the result will not contradict the theory. On the other hand, you can disprove a theory by finding even a single observation that disagrees with the predictions of the theory.      ”
• Meta-theoretical investigations are generally part of philosophy of science. Also a metatheory is an object of concern to the area in which the individual theory is conceived.
• Metatheory, which deals with methods of evaluating theories, has traditionally been the province of philosophers of science, although psychologists implicitly use metatheories whenever they evaluate theories. The original figure below is a taxonomy of metatheories. Click on any approach to knowledge below the figure to learn more about it.
• A metatheory is a set of interlocking rules, principles, or a story (narrative), that both describes and prescribes what is acceptable and unacceptable as theory - the means of conceptual exploration - in a scientific discipline. For example, the prevailing metatheory might prescribe that change of form (transformational change) is, or is not, a legitimate way of understanding developmental change. If the prevailing metatheory accepted the legitimacy of transformational change, then theories of development would include some type of stage concept, because "stage" is the theoretical concept that is used to describe transformational change.
•      A methodology is a set of interlocking rules, principles, or a story, that describes and prescribes the nature of acceptable methods -- the means of observational exploration - in a scientific discipline. For example, the prevailing methodology might prescribe that the assessment of sequences is, or is not, critical to understanding developmental change. If deemed critical to methodology, sequential assessment methods would assume a central place as a tool of empirical inquiry.
•      Metatheory and methodology are closely interrelated and intertwined. Metatheory presents a vision of the nature of the world and the objects of that world (e.g., do you accept a picture of persons as "active agents" "constructing" their known world, or as "recoding devices" that "process" information). Methodology presents a vision of the tools we can use to explore that world.

Domestic Abuse In Public

Domestic Abuse In Public! (Social Experiment)

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Research methodology

Relationship among methodology, theory, paradigm, algorithm and method

The methodology is the general research strategy that outlines the way in which research is to be undertaken and, among other things, identifies the methods to be used in it. These methods, described in the methodology, define the means or modes of data collection or, sometimes, how a specific result is to be calculated. Methodology does not define specific methods, even though much attention is given to the nature and kinds of processes to be followed in a particular procedure or to attain an objective.

When proper to a study of methodology, such processes constitute a constructive generic framework, and may therefore be broken down into sub-processes, combined, or their sequence changed.

A paradigm is similar to a methodology in that it is also a constructive framework. In theoretical work, the development of paradigms satisfies most or all of the criteria for methodology. An algorithm, like a paradigm, is also a type of constructive framework, meaning that the construction is a logical, rather than a physical, array of connected elements.

Any description of a means of calculation of a specific result is always a description of a method and never a description of a methodology. It is thus important to avoid using methodology as a synonym for method or body of methods. Doing this shifts it away from its true epistemological meaning and reduces it to being the procedure itself, or the set of tools, or the instruments that should have been its outcome. A methodology is the design process for carrying out research or the development of a procedure and is not in itself an instrument, or method, or procedure for doing things.

Methodology and method are not interchangeable. In recent years however, there has been a tendency to use methodology as a "pretentious substitute for the word method".  Using methodology as a synonym for method or set of methods leads to confusion and misinterpretation and undermines the proper analysis that should go into designing research.

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How to Select a Research Topic

Selecting a Topic

The ability to develop a good research topic is an important skill. An instructor may assign you a specific topic, but most often instructors require you to select your own topic of interest. When deciding on a topic, there are a few things that you will need to do:

• brainstorm for ideas
• choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature
• ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available
• make a list of key words
• be flexible
• define your topic as a focused research question
• research and read more about your topic
• formulate a thesis statement

Be aware that selecting a good topic may not be easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information. Before selecting your topic, make sure you know what your final project should look like. Each class or instructor will likely require a different format or style of research project.

Use the steps below to guide you through the process of selecting a research topic.

Step 1: Brainstorm for ideas

Choose a topic that interests you. Use the following questions to help generate topic ideas.

• Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy
• Did you read or see a news story recently that has piqued your interest or made you angry or anxious?
• Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about?
• Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
• Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in learning more about?

Look at some of the following topically oriented Web sites and research sites for ideas.

Are you interested in current events, government, politics or the social sciences?

Try Washington File

• Are you interested in health or medicine?
• Look in Healthfinder.gov, Health & Wellness Resource Center or the National Library of Medicine
• Are you interested in the Humanities; art, literature, music?
• Browse links from the National Endowment for the Humanities
• For other subject areas try:
• the Scout Report or the New York Times/ College Web site

Write down any key words or concepts that may be of interest to you. Could these terms help be used to form a more focused research topic?

Be aware of overused ideas when deciding a topic. You may wish to avoid topics such as, abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, or suicide unless you feel you have a unique approach to the topic. Ask the instructor for ideas if you feel you are stuck or need additional guidance.

Step 2: Read General Background Information

• Read a general encyclopedia article on the top two or three topics you are considering. Reading a broad summary enables you to get an overview of the topic and see how your idea relates to broader, narrower, and related issues. It also provides a great source for finding words commonly used to describe the topic. These keywords may be very useful to your later research. If you cant find an article on your topic, try using broader terms and ask for help from a librarian.
• For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica Online (or the printed version of this encyclopedia, in Thompson Library's Reference Collection on Reference Table 1) may not have an article on Social and Political Implications of Jackie Robinsons Breaking of the Color Barrier in Major League Baseball but there will be articles on baseball history and on Jackie Robinson.
•  
• Browse the Encyclopedia Americana for information on your topic ideas. Notice that both online encyclopedias provide links to magazine articles and Web sites. These are listed in the left or the right margins.
•  
• Use periodical indexes to scan current magazine, journal or newspaper articles on your topic. Ask a librarian if they can help you to browse articles on your topics of interest.
• Use Web search engines. Google and Bing are currently considered to be two of the best search engines to find web sites on the topic.

Step 3: Focus on Your Topic

Keep it manageable

A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad or narrow. One way to narrow a broad topic such as "the environment" is to limit your topic. Some common ways to limit a topic are:

• by geographical area Example: What environmental issues are most important in the Southwestern United States
• by culture Example: How does the environment fit into the Navajo world view?
• by time frame: Example: What are the most prominent environmental issues of the last 10 years? 
• by discipline Example: How does environmental awareness effect business practices today?
• by population group Example: What are the effects of air pollution on senior citizens?

Remember that a topic may be too difficult to research if it is too:

• locally confined - Topics this specific may only be covered in these (local) newspapers, if at all. Example: What sources of pollution affect the Genesee County water supply?
• recent - If a topic is quite recent, books or journal articles may not be available, but newspaper or magazine articles may. Also, Web sites related to the topic may or may not be available.
• broadly interdisciplinary - You could be overwhelmed with superficial information. Example: How can the environment contribute to the culture, politics and society of the Western states?
• popular - You will only find very popular articles about some topics such as sports figures and high-profile celebrities and musicians.

If you have any difficulties or questions with focusing your topic,discuss the topic with your instructor, or with a librarian

Step 4: Make a List of Useful Keywords

Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic.

• Look for words that best describe your topic
• Look for them in when reading encyclopedia articles and background and general information
• Find broader and narrower terms, synonyms, key concepts for key words to widen your search capabilities
• Make note of these words and use them later when searching databases and catalogs

Step 5: Be Flexible

It is common to modify your topic during the research process. You can never be sure of what you may find. You may find too much and need to narrow your focus, or too little and need to broaden your focus. This is a normal part of the research process. When researching, you may not wish to change your topic, but you may decide that some other aspect of the topic is more interesting or manageable.

Keep in mind the assigned length of the research paper, project, bibliography or other research assignment. Be aware of the depth of coverage needed and the due date. These important factors may help you decide how much and when you will modify your topic. You instructor will probably provide specific requirements.

Step 6: Define Your Topic as a Focused Research Question

You will often begin with a word, develop a more focused interest in an aspect of something relating to that word, then begin to have questions about the topic.

For example:

• Ideas = Frank Lloyd Wright or modern architecture
• Research Question = How has Frank Lloyd Wright influenced modern architecture?
• Focused Research Question = What design principles used by Frank Lloyd Wright are common in contemporary homes?

Step 7: Research and Read More About Your Topic

Use the key words you have gathered to research in the catalog, article databases, and Internet search engines. Find more information to help you answer your research question.

You will need to do some research and reading before you select your final topic. Can you find enough information to answer your research question? Remember, selecting a topic is an important and complex part of the research process.

Step 8: Formulate a Thesis Statement

Write your topic as a thesis statement. This may be the answer to your research question and/or a way to clearly state the purpose of your research. Your thesis statement will usually be one or two sentences that states precisely what is to be answered, proven, or what you will inform your audience about your topic.

The development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the thesis statement.

For example, a thesis statement could be: Frank Lloyd Wright's design principles, including his use of ornamental detail and his sense of space and texture opened a new era of American architecture. His work has influenced contemporary residential design.

The title of your paper may not be exactly the same as your research question or your thesis statement, but the title should clearly convey the focus, purpose and meaning of your research.

For example, a title could be: Frank Lloyd Wright: Key Principles of Design For the Modern Home

Remember to follow any specific instructions from your instructor.

Practical Exercises to Extend Your Learning

Identify three narrower aspects of the following broad topics. In other words, what are three areas you could investigate that fit into these very broad topics?

Sports

Pollution

Politics

Identify a broader topic that would cover the following narrow topics. In other words, how could you expand these topics to find more information?

Menus in Michigan prisons

Urban planning in Flint

Imagine that you have been assigned the following topics. Think of 5 keywords you might use to look for information on each.

How does air quality affect our health?

What are the barriers to peace in the Middle East?

Should snowmobiling be allowed in wilderness areas?

How can welfare reform help poor children?

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