Author Archives: Steven Okelley

CAPSTONE PROJECT EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH

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Ethnography is a valuable method that can provide deep insights if implemented correctly. Allow me to share some perspectives based on scholarly sources and my own experience conducting ethnographic work.

The first step is to clearly define the research question or problem. Ethnography is not simply observing a culture but asking specific questions that the fieldwork aims to investigate. Take time to thoughtfully craft research questions that can be meaningfully explored using ethnography versus other methods. Well-defined questions will focus the research design and analysis.

Once the research question is formulated, the next key step is to determine the research setting and participants. The context of the research needs to align logically with the research problem. For example, if studying cultural values within a professional community, that specific community would be the appropriate research setting versus a broader cultural study. Identify participant criteria that can purposefully inform the research question through their perspectives and experiences. Use purposeful sampling strategies to select information-rich participants versus random or convenience sampling.

Developing rapport and trust with research participants is paramount for success. Spending significant time in the field is necessary to gain familiarity with the cultural context and develop relationships. Be fully present, listen without judgment, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity from the start. This lays the foundation for participants to openly share without fear of misrepresentation. Maintaining strict confidentiality is also imperative to protect participants and the integrity of the research. Consider securing informed consent and ethical approval if needed.

Beyond initial observation, employ appropriate qualitative data collection methods for an ethnographic study. Combining techniques such as interviews, focus groups, cultural artifacts, and field notes allows for triangulation that enhances credibility. For example, photos or videos could capture physical spaces and behaviors while interviews add context and meaning. Field notes are the backbone, so take detailed, consistent notes and record reflexive thoughts. Audio record interviews to allow for verbatim transcription. Throughout data collection, simultaneously analyze to inform ongoing data collection.

Analysis requires immersing deeply in the vast amounts of qualitative data. Assemble all data sources in one centralized place for organization. Read, re-read, and annotate data to gain intimate familiarity. Develop codes and categories both deductively from the research question and inductively from the data. Search for patterns, insights, and cultural themes across the various data sources. Consider using qualitative data analysis software to systematically organize and retrieve data during coding and analysis. Integrate relevant literature throughout to situate findings within the broader context and to build interpretive frameworks.

The discussion and conclusion sections both synthesize key findings as well analysis. Discuss how findings answered the original research question but also identify any new insights or questions that emerged. Relate interpretation of findings back to revisiting literature and theoretical frameworks. Limitations, trustworthiness strategies employed, and implications should also be thoroughly discussed. Submit the completed study adhering to required ethical standards and formatting guidelines of your capstone project or intended publication. Follow guidelines for protecting confidentiality of participants and cultural context.

The above incorporates strategies for effective ethnographic research design, data collection and analysis, that can produce a rigorous and impactful capstone project if meticulously implemented. While these components take significant time and effort, completing high-quality ethnographic work has the potential to generate substantive understanding of cultural phenomena. I hope these perspectives are helpful as you design your own capstone research project. Please let me know if any part of the process requires further explanation or strategies. I am happy to discuss and provide additional resources as needed.

9 SIGNS SOMEONE SECRETLY LOVES YOU ACCORDING TO PSYCHOLOGY

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Here are 9 signs that someone secretly loves you according to research in psychology and based on my experience advising people:

  1. They pay attention to details about you.

Someone who is secretly in love with you will pay close attention to even small details about you. They will remember things you mention in passing about your interests, dislikes, friends, hobbies and preferences. This is because they find you fascinating and want to impress you by demonstrating they were really listening when you spoke.

When you’re with them, they maintain strong eye contact and focus intently on what you say. They also might casually drop into conversation details about you to show they were really paying attention. This subconsciously conveys to their crush that they view them as a priority.

  1. They value your opinions above others.

If someone loves you secretly, they will genuinely care about your thoughts, views and perspectives on various matters. Even if others disagree with you, they will still see value in your opinion. They want to understand how your mind works and will refrain from outrightly dismissing your views, instead considering them thoughtfully.

At times, they may even pretend to agree with your stance on issues just to avoid an argument that could risk upsetting you. They are keen to maintain your good opinion of them at all times, so your words carry special weight in their mind.

  1. They feel nervous and awkward around you.

Strong feelings of love that are still hidden can translate to anxiety in your presence. As someone secretly pines for your affection, being with you makes them nervous about concealing their true motives. Their heart races and they get flustered, struggling to act natural.

Signs of this include fidgeting, rambling unnecessarily when speaking, making clumsy gestures or prone to blushing easily around you. Maintaining eye contact may feel challenging as shy glances are often thrown your way. This is due to an influx of feel-good hormones like cortisol and adrenaline released in their system by their pent-up emotions for you.

  1. They copy your mannerisms and habits.

Have you noticed the person acting strangely similar to you lately – from adopting your unique phrases to mimicking the way you laugh or tilt your head? Imitating your traits is a covert tactic used by those secretly in love. It makes them feel closer and more familiar to their crush.

By emulating your body language, facial expressions, tone of voice or other habits, they hope to form an unconscious bond and feel more emotionally aligned with you. You become their role model as copying your manner helps them read your character better and understand you on a deeper level. It’s an attempt at winning your approval through resemblance.

  1. They go out of their way to help and support you.

Someone with a hidden romantic yearning will offer unusually enthusiastic assistance whenever you require it. From carrying your bags to volunteering for tasks just to spend more time in your presence, their motivation will surpass social obligations. Rather than seek rewards, their kindness stems from a place of true care and affection.

Whether it’s listening to your worries for hours, running errands or helping you achieve your goals, they derive quiet joy from your happiness and progress. Generosity of spirit without expecting returns is a powerful sign they possess deep feelings which they aren’t yet owning up to.

  1. They keep finding excuses to be around you.

Rather than being direct about their interest, someone secretly crushing will contrive reasons to interact with you frequently. From casual workouts together to intense study sessions at odd hours, everyday activities become opportunities for closeness. They may join similar community events just to see you there.

While speaking to others, your name often surfaces casually in their stories. Spending precious free moments wherever you are becomes their priority despite a busy schedule. Subconsciously, every shared moment feels meaningful to them as their heart yearns for your company constantly.

  1. They prioritize your needs over hanging out with friends.

If plans with friends conflict with commitments to you, someone with well-hidden feelings of romance will readily pick you. They might even invent an obligation coming up to decline others whilst ensuring availability for you. Missing social events is worthwhile if it means bonding privately with their crush instead.

Helping you takes precedence over various responsibilities or personal desires. Your happiness and comfort rank high on their list as suppressed infatuation simmers beneath the surface. They are motivated to offer help selflessly just to evoke fondness and gratitude from you.

  1. They remember special occasions and buy thoughtful gifts.

Paying attention to birthdays, achievements and meaningful dates in your life reveals the level of care someone harboring a secret crush has for you. They take time out to prepare heartfelt gifts, greeting cards, care packages or mix tapes tailored to your interests and inside jokes.

Thought replaced commercial value as they pour emotional investment into presents hoping to bring a smile. Being recognized on personal milestones feels special to them and strengthens their private connection, even without admission of underlying sentiment. It’s a subtle way of expressing affection within acceptable social norms.

  1. Unplanned physical touches linger longer than usual.

When laughter, excitement or accidental proximity results in skin contact, someone repressing fond feelings will experience electric chemistry and struggle to separate immediately. A helping hand might linger on the small of your back longer than socially appropriate. The thrill of intimacy, however brief, is meaningful to them on an unconscious level.

Even casual side hugs or soft brushes feel more intimate than intended. While respecting boundaries, covert attraction influences their need for these fleeting yet vivid moments which fuel vivid daydreams later on. Pheromonal responses are further ignited by delightful proximity to their secret object of desire.

Secretly nursing feelings for someone generates a cocktail of emotions difficult to hide completely. While words aren’t spoken, little actions and behavioral tics might betray the amorousYearnings of somebody not ready to be fully vulnerable yet. With patience and empathy, we can decoding these unconscious clues to understand human nature on a deeper level. Healthy communication is key once trust is gained.

TOP 10 SIGNS THAT YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS NEED TO BE REFINISHED

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Here are the top 10 signs that your hardwood floors need to be refinished:

  1. Dull appearance. Over time, hardwood floors lose their shine and gloss as the finish wears down from foot traffic and other factors. If your floors have lost their luster and now look dull and tired, it’s a clear sign the finish is worn out and needs to be refinished to restore the shine and beauty.
  2. Visible scratches and scuffs. Heavy use over the years will inevitably lead to scratches, scuffs, and dents appearing on the floor’s surface. While minor scratches can sometimes be repaired, if the scratches and damage are numerous and wide-spread, it’s best to refinish the entire floor to remove scratches and restore a unified appearance.
  3. Dings and dents. In addition to scratches, hardwood floors can develop deeper dings and indentations from furniture legs, dropped objects, pet claws, and more. Refinishing is often needed to fully remove dings and fill in any low spots in the wood.
  4. Stains and discoloration. Spills, moisture, and other sources can cause localized stains and discolored spots that won’t come clean. Refinishing is required to completely remove ingrained stains by stripping off the damaged finish.
  5. Floor doesn’t “feel” smooth. Over time, foot traffic can cause the hardwood finish to develop a roughened, sandpapery feel that detracts from the smoothness. Refinishing restores a smooth satin or glossy feel underfoot.
  6. Edges and corners look worn. High-traffic areas like edges and corners tend to show wear first as the finish breaks down from shoes scuffing against the floor. Refinishing restores integrity to worn edges and corners.
  7. Finish is peeling or flaking. Exposure to excess moisture or other factors can degrade the finish to the point it begins peeling up or flaking off in places. Refinishing is required to replace the compromised finish.
  8. Visible wear rings. Furniture patterns like table or chair “wear rings” become visible as the finish breaks down in heavily used spaces. These ring marks necessitate refinishing the entire floor.
  9. Floor feels uneven. Over many years, heavy traffic patterns may cause the flooring to cup, crown, or develop dips and hollows from compacting. Refinishing can substantially level out uneven wear.
  10. Floor just looks “old” and tired. Even if no other noticeable signs of wear are evident, if a hardwood floor simply has an overall dull, aged look after 10-20 years, refinishing will dramatically renew and revive its appearance.

If your hardwood floors show several of these common signs of finish degradation and wear, it’s highly recommended to have them professionally refinished. Refinishing restores floors to “like-new” condition and can add 10-20 more years of beauty and lifespan to your investment in hardwood.

SWIMMING ON A BEACH – USE INFORMAL DICTION IN YOUR ESSAY

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Wassup dude? Beach time is the best time to do some swimmin’ and get amped on those waves. Nothin’ cooler than hittin’ the sand and sea on a hot day. I’m always lookin’ to take a dip when the sun is high and bop around in the azure water. The beach is where it’s at for gettin’ your swim on.

Now I live pretty close to the coast so I’m lucky to have the ocean right there whenever I feel like doin’ some laps or floating around. All my homies are always down to go too so we get a wicked crew together for aqua fun in the sun. Doesn’t matter if it’s the mornin’ or afternoon, we’ll take any chance we get to soak in those surf vibes. I’ll chuck on my boardies and a rashie then grab my towel, sunnies and a speaker to get the tunes pumpin’.

When we roll up, it’s all about finding a sweet spot to set up camp. Can’t be too close to the water line or your stuff will get washed away for sure. But you also don’t wanna be so far back that you miss out on the waves. I like to scout for a nice open patch of sand with plenty of room to lounge around. Once our gear is sorted, it’s time for the main event. Nothin’ gets the adrenaline buzzin’ like that first splash into the ocean.

The water is always chilly at first but it feels so refreshin’ on a hot day. I’ll usually wade in slowly to acclimate before doin’ some warm up strokes. It’s important to get your body prepared so you don’t cramp up later. Once I’m properly wet, that’s when the fun really starts. I love messin’ around close to shore, tryna catch the smaller rollers and see how long I can ride em’ in. It’s a total rush. You gotta be careful not to slam your head on the bottom if you wipe out though!

If the waves are decent, you’ll probably see everyone trying to hang ten. It looks so gnarly when people catch a wave and shred along, perfectly balanced. Though between you and me, I’m not the best surfer. Still working on my popping up and catching skills haha. No shame in that, I’m happy just to boogie board most days. Laying on the board and coasting in is a vibe. Further out is where the bigger swell is at, which attracts all the hardcore boarders and bodysurfers. I’ll admire them from a safe distance!

After gettin’ my blood pumpin’ in the breakers, it’s time for some chill relaxation. Nothin’ better than floating on your back and gazing at the sky while the ocean gently rocks you. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast or tunes if my speaker is still dry. Other times it’s nice to just zone out and feel one with the brine. You can spend hours drifting around like that if you want. But eventually the hunger hits and it’s time for a feed. There’s nothin’ better than chowing down a burger straight after some aquatic fun in the sun.

Once you’ve refueled, it’s usually time for round two in the surf. I’ll venture back out for more boogie boarding or see if the waves have improved for surfing. Rinse and repeat as many times as you can before it starts getting late. No day at the beach is complete without a calming stroll as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s so meditative walking beside the shoreline as the orange glow paints the sky. You take it all in and feel grateful for the ocean vibes that recharge your soul. By the time I pack up to head home, I’m on cloud nine from all the beach time shenanigans.

Hittin’ the beach for swimmin’ and good times in the surf is totally righteous. There’s no better feeling than emerging refreshed after letting the waves pummel ya. The ocean is a magical place where you can zone out, rev up, and feel alive. It’s easy to see why beaches are such a staple summer destination. So next time you wanna kick back and enjoy God’s great blue gym, rally some homies and go get wet! The beach awaits to replenish your soul with some waves, sun and stoke. Later days my friend, see you out there in the brine!

KIDNEY DISEASE: 10 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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  1. Fever – A fever is one of the most common signs that something isn’t right with your body. A fever is defined as a body temperature that is higher than normal. For adults, a fever is usually considered 100.4°F (38°C) or above. Fevers occur when the body’s temperature regulating system is working hard to fight an infection or illness caused by bacteria or viruses. Fevers help the immune system work better by speeding up chemical reactions in white blood cells that fight infection and illness. Fevers can also cause unpleasant symptoms like shivering, chills, body aches, weakness, and fatigue. Seek medical advice if fevers are very high above 102°F (39°C) or last longer than 3 days.
  2. Fatigue – Feeling excessively tired and lacking energy is something we all experience from time to time. Ongoing, extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest could signal an underlying medical condition. Fatigue can be a symptom of a wide variety of illnesses from infections to cancer, anemia, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and more. It’s important to see your doctor to determine the cause if fatigue suddenly comes on or disrupts your daily activities and sleep does not help improve fatigue over several weeks. Treats may include medications, lifestyle changes, addressing stress or sleep issues, or treating the underlying cause.
  3. Shortness of breath – Being short of breath or feeling like you cannot get enough air is never normal. Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, may indicate problems with the lungs, heart, or other medical conditions. It can be a chronic or acute symptom depending on the cause. Acute shortness of breath that comes on suddenly may signal a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, asthma attack, or anaphylaxis. Chronic shortness of breath is more gradual and may arise from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, obesity, lung tumors or fibrosis. Seeking prompt medical care is important since the causes can range in severity from minor issues to life-threatening emergencies.
  4. Headache – Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints. Most headaches are benign and related to tension, stress, or sinuses. New onset headaches or changes in usual headache patterns should not be ignored. Headaches could potentially signal underlying issues like tumors, bleeding in the brain, strokes, aneurysms, meningitis or encephalitis. Pay attention to location, quality, severity, triggers and other symptoms like visual changes, nausea, dizziness. Seek urgent care if headaches are the worst ever or accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness or seizures. Recurring headaches or ones not relieved with over-the-counter medications also warrant an evaluation by a doctor.
  5. Cough – An occasional cough is normal and helps clear the lungs/airways. But persistent coughs deserve medical attention to check for potential causes including conditions affecting the lungs, airways and heart. Coughs are categorized as either acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 8 weeks). Common causes of acute coughs include colds and seasonal respiratory infections. Chronic coughs may signal underlying lung diseases like bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer or heart failure. Heavy coughing that produces colored mucus or sputum could indicate pneumonia. Persistent nighttime coughs may be a sign of GERD. When coughing is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood, emergency evaluation is necessary as it could point to a pulmonary embolism or other serious condition.
  6. Changes in bowel habits – Most people develop a regular pattern of bowel movements depending on diet and lifestyle. Significant changes from your normal routine like diarrhea or constipation persisting longer than a few days could be a red flag necessitating medical evaluation. Diarrhea is typically harmless if caused by viruses or a change in diet/medication. But it could potentially indicate infectious diseases like C. difficile, E.coli and parasites. Persistent diarrhea accompanied by fever or bloody stools demands immediate medical assessment as this could signify inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infection or cancer. Constipation, on the other hand, can be attributed to low-fiber diet, inadequate hydration or medications. Severe constipation unresponsive to lifestyle measures may indicate underlying issues like thyroid disorders, neurological conditions and intestinal blockages that require medical treatment. Therefore pay attention when regularity is disturbed for more than 2 weeks.
  7. Skin rashes or changes – Skin is the largest organ of the body and functions as a barrier against infection and environmental damage. Breaks in the skinbarrier or changes in skin appearance can signal underlying conditions. New or changing moles or lesions could indicate skin cancers and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Rashes with specific characteristics may signify medical issues like measles (red raised bumps and spots), chickenpox (blisters), drug reactions, autoimmune disorders, infections etc. Rashes accompanied by fever, joint pain or swelling could point to illnesses like Lyme disease and need prompt treatment. Other skin changes indicating medical attention include ulcers that do not heal, swelling, jaundice, pallor, bruising easily or reddish skin lesions. Prompt evaluation by a doctor is prudent for identifying treatable conditions causing skin symptoms to prevent progression or complications.
  8. Pain – Pain is a protective mechanism that alerts us to potential injury or damage. But persistent or unexplained pain also deserves timely evaluation by a healthcare practitioner. Sudden severe pain may indicate serious medical emergencies like heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, appendicitis and pancreatitis. Evaluating any new areas of pain is prudent to determine serious causes like fractures, hernias, muscle tears, nerve impingement and vascular issues. Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months also needs assessment to rule out etiologies like arthritis, tumors, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. Determine if pain is localized (to one area) or diffuse, made worse by movement/position change or unrelated to physical activity. Note factors relieving/aggravating pain. This history gives clues to the cause when describing to your doctor. Promptly seek care as appropriate to prevent avoidable complications or damage.
  9. Unexplained weight changes – Losing or gaining significant weight without trying requires investigation. Sudden weight loss could signify medical issues affecting appetite and absorption like cancers, ulcers, thyroid abnormalities and infections. On the other hand, sudden weight gain could be related to overeating due to emotional reasons or could point to medical causes like Cushing’s syndrome, medications or underlying illnesses affecting hormones. Even a 5-10% change in body weight over a period of 6 months in either direction should prompt evaluation. Monitor changes in weight, appetite and your intake over a 1-2 week period. Share your observations with your doctor to identify root causes requiring treatment. Appropriate assessment leads to timely intervention for potentially serious conditions before significant harm is caused.
  10. Bleeding or bruising easily – Blood acts as a transport system within our bodies, circulating nutrients, oxygen, wastes and defenses. So observing unexplained bleeding or bruising demands consideration. Some causes for this can be minor like medication side effects or vitamin deficiencies. But it may also represent serious underlying medical issues such as blood clotting disorders, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease or cancer. Look out for excessive bleeding from minor cuts, heavy menstrual periods, bloody or black stools, blood in urine, nosebleeds, tooth extractions or injuries that bleed profusely or do not stop. Appearance of unexpected bruises or collections of blood under skin also need checking. Evaluation by a doctor via basic blood tests helps identify correct causes and provide proper treatment or management as needed before worsening occurs. Neglecting bleeding problems can lead to serious health consequences over time.

Being attuned to your body’s signs and symptoms helps recognize when something is amiss, catching diseases early. But try not to worry unnecessarily as many symptoms have harmless explanations too. When in doubt about any new or persistent symptom/s, consult a healthcare provider promptly to determine causes and receive appropriate management. Also mention any related symptoms, personal or family medical history which can assist in arriving at accurate diagnoses. Catching conditions early offers the best chances of receiving effective treatment, avoiding complications and maintaining well-being.