Thursday, October 31, 2019

Authentication of Individuals in E-exams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Authentication of Individuals in E-exams - Essay Example Fingerprint recognition systems are considered to be the most commonly deployed biometric systems, due to their precision, ease and performance [10]. Arista Knowledge Systems(TM) and DigitalPersona(TM) claim to develop the first e-Learning management system to verify students by their fingerprints [14]. Arges et al proposed a hybrid approach in which an electronic token or e-card was used along with the fingerprint verification to increase the authentication performance of the e-exam security system [11]. The system involved a process of enrolment- to capture the user’s fingerprint for the database and generate a specific e-token for the user. Authenticated users were provided access by verifying their fingerprints and e-tokens with the stored database.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hand geometry recognition systems require a small sized data to uniquely identify a user from its stored database or templates [12]. A system is proposed by Jain et al. [13] in which there exist processes of image acquisition, enrolment and verification. One commendable approach in this system to enhance the accuracy of the acquired hand geometry image is that two samples are taken from the user. Average is taken for these samples so that an accurate image can then be compared with stored database of enrolled users. This system can easily be deployed for e-learning environments because of its ease and accuracy. ProAccess FaceOK developed a system for the recognition of human face image [15]. They claim it to be the first system with the face learning capability.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Jim Crow laws Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Jim Crow laws - Essay Example Jim Crow laws It was reported that the racial economic gap between the blacks and whites tripled in the year 1984. At the same time slave trade was reported to increase significantly whereby, the blacks were overworked in the plantations, construction of American railway lines and in the mines. This made African Americans in the south to launch a civil war on April 1865, civil war continued to fight slavery and mistreatment of blacks by the whites. Before 1865 the civil war was successfully able to end slave trade. In above connection, the civil war was reported to be successful because it helped the African Americans to accumulate wealth. However, their efforts failed in the year 1874 due to their higher commitment on risky loans that were initially advanced to them by the whites. In addition, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendment were further established and approved by the congress after the civil war. The Thirteenth amendment was established to abolish slavery while the Fourteenth amendment was established to protect human rights that were adversely affected by racial segregation. However, the two amendments continued to experience challenges because even after the enforcement they were altered by the majority whites to suit their needs and prevent equality between the whites and the blacks. In the year 1890 the state passed laws that were aimed at increasing racial segregation against the black people. One of the examples of these laws is the Jim Crow statute. This law was established after the civil war movement was over. ... In addition, they were not satisfied with the amendment in the laws which asserted passed that all people were to be treated equally and with dignity despite discrepancy in racial and ethnic set up. The above amendments made the southern state to become dissatisfied whereby, instead of implementing the resolutions made, they started making further amendments of the law. The first amendment was made in 1980 by the legislature and was supported by the U.S Supreme Court together with American whites in the southern parts. The Jim Crow system segregated blacks in all aspect of life. For example, in Birmingham, Albama, 1930, Jim Crow Law asserted that, it shall be unlawful for the white and Negro to accompany each other or play any game together. In Nebraska, 1911, Jim Crow Laws stated that marriage between a white person and any other race such as Japanese, Chinese and Negro shall be void. In Missouri, 1929, Jim Crow Law stated that separate school shall be established and it shall be un lawful for Childs of Negros to attend any white school and vice versa. In Tennessee, 1891, Jim Craw laws stated that it separate accommodation shall be provided for the white and colored people in all railroads that carry passengers in the state. Access to health care was also faced with racial discrimination by which, blacks were not supposed to attend the same hospital. For example, it was illegal for a white nurse to attend a black man irrespective of whether the patient is in critical condition. Racial segregation under Jim Crow Laws may further be observed in the case of Plessey vs. Ferguson (1896). In this case, 30 years old Plessey sat on a white car of East Louisiana Railroad and identified himself as a

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Future Products Influenced By Gianni Versace Fashion Essay

Future Products Influenced By Gianni Versace Fashion Essay Summary The main purpose of this report is to give some useful advice to develop future product ranges through researching the design of the late Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. Firstly, as the founder of Versace fashion house, Gianni Versace was an extremely powerful designer who had won a great number of nobles and awards. Because of his glamorous design, many celebrities were his fans. Versace nurtured a group of supermodels who plays an essential role in his fashion empire. Secondly, Gianni Versace s design principles are sexiness, luxury and detail, his design philosophy is representing the energy of human body. Thirdly, through the contrast and compare the designs of Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli, it is clearly to see the similarities and differences between these Italian fashion hierarchs. In addition, it is impossible to avoid discussing the great influence Gianni Versace had on contemporary fashion and the reason his design is still relevance today which is the spirit of innovation and luxury. Finally, there are several suggestions may be useful to develop future product ranges such as applying luxurious materials, sexy cut and exquisite decorations. Findings About the Designer Among the first-class fashion brands in Europe, Versace from Italy is undoubtedly an iconic flag which is emitting radiant and luxuriant sparkles. It presents the pioneering culture of contemporary fashion, interprets the full-bodied humanistic emotion from South Italy through a strong perception of aesthetic. The founder of the brand, Gianni Versace, dedicated his entire life into pursuing of the beauty of fashion, has been honored as one of the greatest fashion designers on the planet. At the very beginning, Gianni Versace s design did not cause a worldwide impact, until he met the famous American photographer, Richard Avedon who captured successful collections with innovative pictures of sultry male and female models interlocking their sprawling bodies. Versace s unique and stylish works began to appear on covers of world s most famous fashion magazines. His extremely avant-garde artistic characteristics, attractive style of the Renaissance and imaginative patterns have gradually been accepted and appreciated by fashion insiders. He has won numerous awards such as Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana , Grande Medaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris and the Maschera DArgento prize for his huge professional contribution to the theatre, the most significant one is the much-coveted CFDA International Award which is known as the Oscar in fashion industry presented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. ( Gianni Versace , 2007) Followers of Gianni Versace have a wide range of identities from royal members to rock stars; glitterati such as Elton John, Madonna and Bon Jovi are devotees of him. He successfully combined great passion for art, high-level fashion design and top models he cultivated became one of the most energetic organizer and participant of international luxury fashion show. Tragically, at the peak of his life, Gianni Versace was shot dead in front of his mansion in Miami, Florida. The bullet terminated a romantic legend from Mediterranean. Design philosophy and principles Pursuing of innovation, luxury and detail was always the design principles of Gianni Versace. If consumers found some garment which made them feel ablush with shame because of the bold luxury and fearless reveal, at the same time could not help themselves trying it on. That must be Versace s work, because the philosophy of Versace is: Don t destroy body s energy, do not . Versace s design combined classical and trendy spirit, wondering around between elegant and vulgar style. His works were symbol of avant-garde fashion which has extremely unique beauty, emphasized cheerful and sexy. The most glamorous ones are those presenting characteristic of the Renaissance which fulfilled with imagination at the same time. These patterns are beautiful, sexy, feminine and colourful, combine dramatic luxury, wearing comfort and body fitness. Speaking of classical, royal luxury is an essential element in his design, including graceful smooth linellae, bright colourway, noble and luxurious fabric and bias-cut style. (Martin, 1997) Actually speaking, Versace s design is not as tough as it appears. Trousers with metal mesh and shiny decorations, dresses made of animal skin created a female image between warrior and enchantress. Embroidery and metal mash tones is a recurrence of deco art. The variation of black and white linellae makes individuals recollect 1920s style. A variety of tie-up dressing is a reflection of North African feeling. Bias-cut is the most powerful and precious nature of Versace s design, bonding with gem colourway and smooth linellae, generated infinite glamorous of asymmetric. He adopted luxuriant fabric, crossed over tough geometric linellae and curves of soft body through bias-cut. (Casadio, 1998) Speaking of men s wear, Versace created a bold, magnificent even sultry style by applying of animal skin and the size is slight loose and comfortable, but the keynote is still bias-cut technique. Wide shoulder and extremely detailed treatments hint some kind of science fiction, people named it futurist design. Linellae is an essential factor of Versace s design, suits, dresses and overcoats were all marked by smooth linellae, presented sexy image of female body. Luxury, sexiness and bright colour are his style and the reason celebrities love his design. In the fiercely competitive industry of luxury, the inherent mystique of Versace is unparalleled. Sexy, coquettish and contrasty design uniting with iconic snake-headed Medusa from ancient Greek mythology sublimed his design into legend. Contrast to other contemporary designers Giorgio Armani Comparing to Versace s unique and sexy style, Giorgio Armani s design is much more unobtrusive and never trendy. He could create a perfect and marvelous balance between market demand and glamorous fashion, neutral colourway, elegant tailoring make consumers have no need to flaunt. Removing irrelevant and redundant details is a great contribution of him to fashion tailoring. Armani s concise style always roamed between classical and modern sense, blurred the boundary, expressed the unique showily temperament of European traditional garments. At the same time he masterly interweaved modern feeling into classical imagery, gave garments boundless prospect. People may find it ordinary at the first sight, but afterwards they will feel high-spirited modern passion and the pure dignity without complexity. (Armani, 2003) Giorgio Armani s design style is mostly different from Gianni Versace s, but these two powerful Italian designers certainly have some similarities. Firstly, luxury is the common pursuit of them, regardless of the specific style; Armani and Versace are both symbols of luxury fashion. Secondly, they have great passion adopting high-quality fabrics in order to create excellent texture. In addition, Mediterranean glamour is the core spirit of their design. Roberto Cavalli Speaking of Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, the style of his design is similar to Gianni Versace s in some ways; he is also a pioneer and innovator in the fashion world just like Mr. Versace. From 1960s when Roberto Cavalli founded his company, the wild and sexy style has always been the label of his design, the wildest design in Milan. In 1990s, Cavalli s works became a unique symbol apart from the fashion main stream, contradictions and conflicts were everywhere in his design: two very different kinds of fabric combining together, mixture of concise and luxury, wandering around between formal grace and free style completely collapse the inflexible fashion theory. Double-faced characteristic representing both mild and tough, steady and wild, has become the aesthetic standard of new generation. Roberto Cavalli, the hierarch of wild fashion only design following his own method. Luxury furry coat, traditional embroidery and knitwear with luxuriant pattern are well-known chic items; turning simple elements into luxuriant design, drawing materials from nature are his frequently-used technique. However, the most attractive element of his style is apparently the scent of hormon e. (The Independence, 2010) Striking colourway, sexy cut and luxuriant fabrics are the common pursue of Mr. Cavalli and Versace. Animal print, chiffon, velvet, silk, fur, leather, jewel, and baroque embroidery are highlighted words in their design dictionary. Although their designs are similar, there are apparently some differences. Roberto Cavalli s design emphasized elements drawing from nature, so it is slightly wilder than Versace s. On the other hand, Versace focused on the elegant tailoring and bias cut therefore it is more glamorous to a certain extent. Influence in contemporary fashion After Mr. Versace s gone, Donatella his sister has handled the torch and managed to keep Versace in the centre of fashion industry, inheriting her brother s spirit, impressing fashionistas and the fashion critics. It is impossible to neglect the great influence Gianni had on the fashion industry. His signature style was bold, maybe too bold for some critics so that they declared Versace s garments were shallow, flashy and narcissistic. He often took inspiration from the blocks, suggesting wild sexiness and even bondage. It is still easy to find some elements which are very similar to Gianni s style in recent years collections such as animal print, sexy cut and even metal mesh. Today, most individuals believe that the style of minimalism is the main stream of fashion industry, less is more is a popular saying, even some people s favorite quote. It is true that minimalism is an elegant style through concise cut and simple colourway. However, fashion is never a monotonous world but a multifarious wonderland, and this is the reason people love it more than anything else. The artistic influence of Gianni Versace in the fashion world and stage was actually unparalleled, because his design is extremely unique, innovative and luxury. Conclusions From 1972 he started his career in Milan as a fashion designer when he was 25 to 1997 tragically been shot to death in front of his house in Miami, Gianni Versace had received a great number of honours and awards for his great contribution to fashion industry. His fascinating design was known by colourful printing, sexy cut, exquisite decorations and luxuriant materials. Pursuit of innovation, esthetic and luxury is always his design philosophy. As independent avant-garde design, his works express innovative elements and boundless imagination, at the same time has characteristic of the Renaissance. Through comparing to other contemporary fashion designers, it is clear to see Gianni Versace s design is comparatively unique. It is totally the opposite of concise design and style of minimalism, striking colourway and luxury are his labels. On the other hand it has its own special glamour of Mediterranean such as elegant tailoring, exquisite decorations and smooth linellae. Although Mr. Versace had been gone for more than a decade, his design is still relevance; people can easily find his impact to today s designs. No one can deny the artistic influence of Gianni Versace s design to contemporary fashion. Recommendations Through above research, it is clearly to see the great value in Gianni Versace s design. Although today s main stream of fashion may be minimalism, there are still numerous of applicable elements in his works. There are several recommendations below may be useful to develop future product ranges: 1. Design should be more luxurious. Although it is unnecessary to use too many exquisite decorations and avant-garde materials, at least high quality fabrics should be applied. Not any individual would pay for garments made of paper. 2. Tailoring should be sexier. Sexy and bias cut should be applied into future products, the reason is simple: everyone likes to be sexy. 3. Selectively apply some decorations. There is no need to use too many of them, a few exquisite decorations could be the finishing touch to the picture of a dragon. Bibliography: Armani, G. (2003) Giorgio Armani, Royal Academy of Arts, London. Casadio, M. (1998) Versace, Thames and Hudson Ltd, London. Celant, G. (1997) Gianni Versace: the art of being you, Abbeville Press, New York. Ghosh, D. Versace: Gianni s Legacy and Donatella s Chutzpah , (2009) Life in Italy, Available: http://www.lifeinitaly.com/fashion/versace.asp (accessed: 2010, October 17) Gianni Versace , (2007) ABT, Available: http://www.abt.org/education/archive/designers/versace.html (accessed: 2010, October 23) Gianni Versace , Fashion Model Directory, Available: http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/designers/gianni-versace/ (accessed: 2010, October 17) Gianni Versace, fashion designer , (2007) Fashion Infomat, Available: http://www.infomat.com/whoswho/gianniversace.html (accessed: 2010, October 20) I love a woman, I love to judge how beautiful she is, how beautiful I can make her (2010) The Independence, 30 Oct, p. 24. Martin, R. (1997) Versace, Thames and Hudson Ltd, London. Special: A Tribute To Gianni Versace , Fashion Design, Available: http://www.made-in-italy.com/fashion/fashion_houses/versace/intro.htm (accessed: 2010, October 17) Versace, G. (1996) Do not disturb, Abbeville Press, New York. Versace, G. (1994) Men Without Ties, Abbeville Press, New York. Versace, G. (1997) Rock and Royalty, Abbeville Press, New York. Versace, G. (1992) Versace Signature, Abbeville Press, New York. White, N. (2000) Reconstructing Italian Fashion, Berg, Oxford, UK. Wilcox, C. (2002) The art and craft of Gianni Versace, VA, London. Illustrations A Legend In Fashion: Gianni Versace , (2010) The Vintage Independent, Available: http://thevintageindependent.blogspot.com/ (accessed: 2010, November 11) Couture Fashion Week in New York , (2010) Manhattan Style, Available: http://www.manhattanstyle.com/arts-entertainment/celebrities/couture-fashion-week-in-new-york/ (accessed: 2010, November 13) Giorgio Armani 2009 spring/summer , (2009) Fzengine, Available: http://b.fzengine.com/pic/4360_3D0B.html (accessed: 2010, November 12) Giorgio Armani back to 80s , (2009) Ifeng, Available: http://fashion.ifeng.com/video/wqsssc/detail_2009_12/04/178132_0.shtml (accessed: 2010, November 12) Gianni Versace , (2010) Swotti, Available: www.swotti.com/people/gianni-versace_17551.htm (accessed: 2010, November 11) Gianni Versace Madame X evening gown, 1980s-90s , (2010) Vintage Textile, Available: http://www.vintagetextile.com/new_page_637.htm (accessed: 2010, November 12) NE?Tiger 2010 Spring/Summer Fashion Show , (2010) Wedding Inspirsi, Available: http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2010/01/27/ne-tiger-2010-spring-summer-fashion-show/ (accessed: 2010, November 12) Roberto Cavalli , (2010) Photobucket, Available: http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/michelita_martinez/?action=viewcurrent=cover_roberto_cavalli_2006_.jpg (accessed: 2010, November 12) The Fabulous House of Versace Donatella Versace Exclusive Interview by Colin McDowell , (2010) Luxe-Gifts, Available: http://luxegifts.blogspot.com/2010/03/fabulous-house-of-versace-donatella.html (accessed: 2010, November 10)

Friday, October 25, 2019

Role of US Military Action in President Bushs War Essay -- September

Role of US Military Action in President Bush's War      Ã‚  Ã‚   An observant 12 year old told the New York Times Magazine not long ago that, "War is not like one attack; it's a big deal." On September 11, 2001, America was the target of an attack that left over five thousand people dead and many more wounded. President Bush has since declared a war on terrorism, but unlike conventional wars, this one has no discrete enemy and must be fought on a number of different "fronts." Fighting a war on terrorism cannot be fought in the traditional sense, by the very definition of terrorism. Various fronts are necessary in America's fight against terrorism, taking the form of economic, political, and military actions. Worldwide cooperation against terrorism has proven to be unreliable, and it will be shown here, that America's insistence on military action, in light of faltering international cooperation, makes the use of force the most important front in President Bush's war on terrorism.    (2) President George W. Bush has said that the "war" against global terrorism is a matter of "good and evil." Evil is presumably to be characterized by "those who conduct terrorist acts against the United States, those who sponsor them, those who harbor them, and those who challenge freedom wherever it may exist." Terrorism however, is not war. War is a confrontation on clear lines between identified parties, where there is sustained and concerted military action by military personnel who use the material, weaponry and military tactics of war. According to President Bush's executive order, number 13224, the term terrorism is defined as:    (3) An activity that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastru... ...k Times Magazines." New York Times 23 Sept. 2001: 77. 2. US Embassy Website. http://www.usembassy.bg/asset.html 3. Yahoo News. http://us.news2.yimg.com/f/42/31/7m/dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010912/wl/attack_usa_pakistan_dc_4.html 4. Israeli Government Site. http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0k4q0 5. Terrorism. Executive Order 13224 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or support Terrorism 23. Sept. 2001: 2. 6. Terrorism Website. http://www.terrorism.com/terrorism/sloan.shtml 7. White House Website. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010920-8.html 8. Lexis Nexis. "Zambia; Abdullah Justifies India's Support of US Action against Afghanistan." Africa News Service, Inc. October 25, 2001. 9. Yahoo News (2). http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20011029/wl/attacks_saudi_1.html

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Othello and Oedipus Essay

Othello: the Moor of Venice and Oedipus are masterpiece tragedies that were written by great authors of yesteryear including William Shakespeare and Sophocles. These books are laden with varied themes which are still applicable today as they are still played in both community and professional theatres worldwide. Othello was a renowned general in the Venetian army whose military exploits were widely acclaimed whereas Oedipus was the new sovereign of the city of Thebes. While these two great men share a lot in common, the differences between them also abound. The most significant trait that both characters share is that they are heroes. The deeds they carry out are great and daring and they both possess tremendous strength. Case in point is when Othello vanquishes the enemies of Venice and Oedipus defeats the Sphinx and frees Thebes from the tyranny of the gods and the heavy taxation that they had endured for eternity. This has earned them a lot of admiration and respect from their communities. For example, Oedipus was considered a savior to his people who turned to him for solace and answers to their suffering. This is described in the following quote from the priest, â€Å"You are a man, not a god–I know. We all know this, the young kneeling here before you know it, too, but we know how great you are, Oedipus, greater than any man. When crisis struck, you saved us here in Thebes; you faced the mysterious, strange disasters hammered against us by the gods. This is our history-we paid our own flesh to the Sphinx until you set us free. You knew no more than anyone, but you knew. There was a god in it, a god in you. †( â€Å"Qtd in†Berg & Clay,1988,25) Othello is regarded highly by the Venetian senate which calls for his leadership when the state is faced by the threat of imminent aggression. This is illustrated when the Duke of Venice ordered Othello to prepare for immediate deployment against the Ottoman enemy. â€Å"The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you: you must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition. †(Othello , 1. 3. 56) Both Oedipus and Othello have the enviable character of making duty their main concern. They both derive honor from fully committing to the personal quests in their lives, regardless of the repercussions. Oedipus’ consuming quest for instance, is the tracking down and punishing of the murderers of his predecessor. In the process of chasing his quest, Oedipus wrongs his brother- in- law, Creon, branding him a traitor. He also succeeds in alienating his twin sons and all of Thebes. On the other hand, Othello’s’ overriding mission is the sacredness of his marriage vows and there is no end he will not go to protect their sanctity. Othello is depicted as naive. Throughout the play, Iago takes every opportunity to exploit Othello’s naivety. Iago tells Roderigo, â€Å"O, Sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him†. (Othello,1. 1. 38) This means that Iago will readily use Othello to achieve his ends and dump him when he achieves his desires. Othello on his part readily believes Iago each time even when Othello could have exercised better judgment. For instance, he heeds the deception of the wicked Iago and ignores Desdemona’s oaths and the small still voice in his heart and conscience. Othello’s’ naivety is in stark contrast with Oedipus who trusts his own wisdom in arriving at any decision. This fact is illustrated when he pays a visit to the Oracle who confirms the worst. He still believes so much in his own reason and determines that he was the one to blame for his fate and thus accepted the consequences of his actions. Oedipus is depicted as very adamant and rigid since he will not compromise once he has decided on a course of action regardless of the cost and what any other person may think. The two legends destroy their lives courtesy of their incurable natural flaws. Their Achilles heel comes in the form of their overwhelming pride and obsession which is driven by their overinflated egos and personalities. Oedipus on one side is so proud of his intelligence, which is considerable, that he tries to run from a dreadful fate. Othello on the other hand prides himself as the paragon of courage and integrity and thus fails to recognize his violent temper which proves fatal in the end. Throughout the play, Othello is portrayed as a man who is calm under pressure and therefore in control of every situation. This trait comes out clearly when Brabanito goes to his house with the intent to kill him. However, before anything grave happens Othello exclaims, â€Å"Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight I should have known it without a prompter†(Othello,1. 2. 80-3) Oedipus is very dramatic and emotional in crisis and cannot compare to Othello’s calm under pressure. When King Lauis dies he is quoted as saying, â€Å"I fight for Apollo, I fight for the dead man. You see me, you hear me, moving against the killer. My words are his doom. Whether he did it alone, and escaped unseen, whether others helped him kill, it makes no difference-let my hatred burn out his life, hatred, always. Make him an ember of suffering† (â€Å" qtd in†Arrowsmith&Golder,1988,34,) By any standards, Othello and Oedipus were truly great men. However, in spite of all the exceptional accomplishments and awesome qualities that they were gifted with, their very nature ended up consuming them in the end. Indeed, these two men give life to the old truism that pride comes before a fall. Works Cited Arrowsmith William and Golder H. The Greek tragedy in new translations. New York,NY, 1988 Berg, Stephen and Clay, Dickins. Sophocles’ Oedipus the King New York,NY, 1988 McCauley Janie. Shakespeare’s Othello An educational outreach of Bob Jones University, 2002. Shakespeare, William. Othello; The Moor of Venice Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library, http://etext. virginia. edu/etcbin/toccer-new2? id=MobOthe. sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=all

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Examine The Advantages Of Unstructured Interviews In Sociological Research

In this essay I will be examining the advantages of unstructured interviews; unstructured interviews gain qualitative data, which is data which cannot be analysed for patterns or trends. One advantage of unstructured interviews is it produces valid data; valid data is data that is true to life, opinionated and cannot be analysed. This is an advantage because qualitative data is received, anti-positivists prefer qualitative data as it gives motives behind actions. However, valid data is not reliable as if you repeat the interview; you will not get the same results as human behaviour is unpredictable.Another advantage of unstructured interviews is it gives the researcher access to sensitive topics, for example domestic abuse. It’s an advantage because anti-positivists get access to emotions the participant is feeling and can build a rapport with them and they will therefore be more open. An example of this is Dobash and Dobash’s study, in which they interviewed a woman ab out her experience with domestic violence. However, the participant talking about their sensitive information can cause emotional distress to either the participant or the researcher especially in the case of domestic violence.A third advantage is the fact that unstructured interviews the participant can be interviewed with their friends or family, which is known as a group interaction. This is an advantage because the participant will be more relaxed and at ease when answering the researchers questions. However, group interactions can lead to demand characteristics in which the participant behaves unnaturally and may even lie during the interview, therefore reducing the validity of the interview.A final advantage is that unstructured interviews can be flexible, in which the researcher has no set questions and as the interview progresses more questions are answered. This is an advantage because the interview will be unique and provides new data which hasn’t been reshaped by a hypothesis. However, it’s unreliable as you can’t repeat the whole interview word for word when there are no set questions. To conclude, four advantages of unstructured interviews are they’re flexible, the participant can be interviewed with friends or family members, it allows access to sensitive topics and it produces valid data.