Hi, How Can We Help You?
  • Address: 1251 Lake Forest Drive New York
  • Email Address: assignmenthelpcentral@gmail.com

Author Archives: AssignmentHelp

April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol

Evidence-based practices are the core of treatment protocols for mental health disorders for justice-involved individuals. As a human services professional, you need to be able to analyze evidence-based practices for mental health intervention and treatment.

You are continuing in your role as a human services professional working at a psychological treatment center in a local correctional facility. You will be assisting your supervisor to research and determine an appropriate treatment protocol for the client in your chosen scenario.

Create a 10-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation regarding evidence-based treatment protocols for these two disorders ( Major Depressive Disorder – recurrent, severe, with psychotic features. DSM-5 296.35, ICD-10 (F33.3) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). DSM-5 300.02, ICD-10 (F41.1)

Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol

If necessary details are missing from the case study, fill in the gaps with information from your research. For your presentation, you must:

  • Describe 3 possible evidence-based treatment protocols for the justice-involved individual. Include the following for each:
  • What interventions are common in this treatment protocol?
  • What is necessary for this treatment to be successful?
  • What are the benefits of this treatment?
  • What are the drawbacks of this treatment?
  • Propose 1 treatment protocol for the client.
  • Use the research you conducted to support your proposal.
  • Provide support for your reasons for choosing this treatment protocol for this client.

Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol

Evidence-based practices are the core of treatment protocols for mental health disorders for justice-involved individuals. As a human services professional, you need to be able to analyze evidence-based practices for mental health intervention and treatment.

You are continuing in your role as a human services professional working at a psychological treatment center in a local correctional facility. You will be assisting your supervisor to research and determine an appropriate treatment protocol for the client in your chosen scenario.

Create a 10-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation regarding evidence-based treatment protocols for these two disorders ( Major Depressive Disorder – recurrent, severe, with psychotic features. DSM-5 296.35, ICD-10 (F33.3) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). DSM-5 300.02, ICD-10 (F41.1) APA.

If necessary details are missing from the case study, fill in the gaps with information from your research. For your presentation, you must:

  • Describe 3 possible evidence-based treatment protocols for the justice-involved individual. Include the following for each:
  • What interventions are common in this treatment protocol?
  • What is necessary for this treatment to be successful?
  • What are the benefits of this treatment?
  • What are the drawbacks of this treatment?
  • Propose 1 treatment protocol for the client.
  • Use the research you conducted to support your proposal.
  • Provide support for your reasons for choosing this treatment protocol for this client.
April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

Prospectus Defense Presentations

Your previous Residency concluded with you presenting a defense of your topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology. Those components should have undergone some degree of revision, and you have now moved them to the prospectus template to continue developing them. You have also added the purpose statement and an explanation of the significance of the study (how the study advances scientific knowledge). In this assignment, you will present a refined defense of your choices of topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology as revised since your first residency and an initial defense of the purpose and significance of your study.

Prospectus Defense Presentations

General Requirements: 

Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:

Locate the appropriate Prospectus Template on the DC Network:https://dc.gcu.edu/research/residency/rsd884

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.

Prospectus Defense Presentations

Refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for specific guidelines related to doctoral level writing. The Manual contains essential information on manuscript structure and content, clear and concise writing, and academic grammar and usage.

This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at least one in-text citation from each source be included.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Directions:

Using the appropriate Prospectus Template found in the DC Network and the most current versions of your topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology, prepare a presentation to defend your choices or proposed research design, target population and sample, data collection plan, and data analysis plan. Your choices must be defended with relevant current research. APA.

April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

Ethics Essay II

[1]        Carefully explain Singer’s argument for the claim that we have a duty to contribute to famine relief. Critically evaluate his argument in light of the objections raised by Kant, Hardin and Wolf. Do you think any of these objections undermine Singer’s argument?

Part I: Introduction

Topic Sentence + Introduce the Philosophers and their Positions + Thesis Statement

Thesis: Do you think any of the objections undermine Singer’s argument?

Part II: Singer’s Argument

You may quote the argument from my lecture notes.

[1]        If we can prevent something very bad from happening without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance, we ought to do it. (premise)

Ethics Essay II

Ethics Essay II

[2]        Absolute poverty (not having enough money to purchase the basic necessities of life—clean water, food. Immunizations for children) is very bad. (premise)

[3]        We, the absolute wealthy, are in a position to prevent absolute poverty without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance—after all, Singer says he’s not asking you to give up your last bowl of rice. (A person is absolutely wealthy just in case that individual has enough money to purchase the basic necessities of life and has a surplus left over—that’s just about all of us.)  (premise)

[4]        Therefore, we ought to contribute to famine relief. (conclusion)

Draw Quotes from Singer’s article that reflects each premise and the conclusion.

Part III: Hardin’s Objection

Hardin is rejecting premise [3]—that by contributing to famine relief we do sacrifice something of comparable moral significance. Overpopulation is a major threat to planet Earth. Singer responds to this objection by saying that if you think overpopulation is the problem, then donate condoms, not food.

Add analysis: Do you think Hardin’s objection undermines Singer’s argument or do you think Singer’s reply shows Hardin’s objection is flawed.

Part IV: Kant’s Objection

Kant targets Premise [1] of Singer’s argument—our duty is done if we refrain from using others merely as a means to an end. I only have a duty to help if I am the direct cause of their plight—e.g., Kant puts great weight on the difference between reparations and charity. Singer argues that there is no such distinction.

Analysis: Whose concept of duty do you find more convincing?

Ethics Essay II

Part V: Wolf’s Objection

Do you think Singer’s view on our duties to others requires that we serve as moral saints?

Part VI: Conclusion

[2]        Carefully explain Singer’s argument in support of animal rights. Critically evaluate his argument in light of the objections raised by Steinbock and Cohen. Do you think either of these objections undermines Singer’s argument?

Part I: Introduction

Topic Sentence + Introduce the Philosophers and their Positions + Thesis Statement

Thesis: Do you think any of the objections undermine Singer’s argument?

Part II: Singer’s Argument

You may quote the argument from my lecture notes.

[1]        Speciesism is failing to consider the interests of nonhuman animals, or deeming the interests of nonhuman animals as less significant than the interests of human beings. (premise)

[2]        If a being can feel pain (and pleasure), its interests must be considered. (premise)

[3]        Nonhuman animals can feel pain (and pleasure), therefore we must consider their interests. (from 1 & 2)

[4]        To say that the interests of nonhuman animals merit consideration, but not equal consideration, is a prime example of speciesism. (premise)

[5]        Like racism and sexism, speciesism is morally wrong. (premise)

Ethics Essay II

[6]        Therefore, morality requires that we consider the interests of animals on par with the interests of human beings. (from 3, 4 and 5)

Part III: Kant’s Objection

Kant’s objection targets premise [2]. Analysis: Do you think Kant’s objection undermines Singer’s Argument? (If you support Singer’s argument, you need a principled reason for rejecting Kant’s objection.)

Part IV: Steinbock’s Objection

Steinbock targets premise [5]. Analysis: Do you think Steinbocks’ objection undermines Singer’s argument. (If you support Singer’s argument, you need a principled reason for rejecting Steinbock’s objection.)

Part V: Cohen’s Objection

Singer’s argument can be extended to cover animal research. His argument is that if we wouldn’t do it to a newborn child, we shouldn’t do it to an animal. Cohen thinks Singer has the utilitarian calculus wrong. Yes, we do need to consider the suffering of animals, but the benefits of animal research outweigh the pain and suffering of the animals.

Cohen also takes the Kantian line that rights apply only to human beings. Analysis: Do you think Cohen’s objections undermine Singer’s argument? (If you support Singer’s argument, you need a principled reason for rejecting Cohen’s objections.)

VII: Conclusion

[3]        Carefully explain the arguments advanced by arguments presented by Noonan, Thomson and Warren. Noonan argues abortion is permissible only when necessary to save the life of the mother. Thomson argues that abortion is permissible to save the life of the mother, in the case of rape and if reasonable precautions (birth control) was used. Under what conditions do you think abortion is morally permissible?

Ethics Essay II

Part I: Introduction

Topic Sentence + Introduce the Philosophers and their Positions + Thesis Statement

Thesis: Your thesis for this essay should indicate whether you side with Kass or Brock, and why you hold this position.

Pay attention to the question: Do you think cloning would be morally permissible once the technology has advanced to the point where it is safe and effective.

Part II:  The Argument from Risk of Genetic Deformity

Explain Kass’s Argument. Parfit is one of the few philosophers who disagrees with this argument. If you want to reference Parfit, here’s the link. I actually think next term I will have students read this article.

https://rintintin.colorado.edu/~vancecd/phil308/Parfit1.pdf

Part III: The Argument from Psychological Harm

Explain Kass’s argument. Explain Brock’s objection. Analysis: Do you think Brock’s objections undermine this argument?

Part IV: The Argument from the Perversion of the Parent-Child Relationship

Explain Kass’s argument. Explain Brock’s objection. Analysis: Do you think Brock’s objections undermine this argument?

Part V: The Argument from Commodification

Explain Kass’s argument. Explain Brock’s objection. Analysis: Do you think Brock’s objections undermine this argument?

Part VI: Brock’s Arguments in Support of Human Reproductive Cloning.

Included a different paragraph for each of the following arguments.

The Argument from Procreative Liberty

Human Cloning may be the Only Way Some Couples Can Reproduce

Human Cloning may Permit Individuals with Known Genetic Risk    to Reproduce without Harm to their Offspring

Therapeutic Benefits of Human Cloning

Ethics Essay II

VII: Analysis

Do you think the pros of of human reproductive cloning outweigh Kass’s second, third or fourth arguments? Note that one person in the class found cloning problematic, but not for the reasons advanced by Kass. Here you would need to advance your own argument for opposing cloning.

VIII: Conclusion

[5]        Carefully explain Pojman’s arguments in support for retributivism. Reiman objects that from the fact that one deserves to die it does not follow that the state is justified in killing that individual. Carefully explain both the Best Bet Argument (BBA) and the Common Sense Argument (CSA). Pojman notes that BBA depends on CSA. Reiman and Bedau seek to undermine CSA, and thereby undermine BBA. Critically evaluate Pojman’s arguments in support of capital punishment in light of the objections raised by Reiman and Bedau. Do you think capital punishment is justified? Defend your answer.

Part I: Introduction

Topic Sentence + Introduce the Philosophers and their Positions + Thesis Statement

Thesis: Your thesis for this essay should indicate whether you side with Kass or Brock, and why you hold this position.

Part II: Pojman’s Retributivism

P1: Explain Pojman’s retributivist position.

P2: Explain Reiman’s objection.

Part III: Pojman’s Deterrence Theory

P1: Explain BBA

P2: Explain CSA

Part IV: Reiman’s Objections to the CSA

P1: Reiman’s Objection to premise [1] of (the Law of Diminishing Utility)

P2: Pojman’s Reply to this objection (lighthouse example)

P3: Reiman’s Objection to premise [2] of CSA (Criminals don’t plan on getting caught)

P4: Pojman’s Reply to this objection

Part V: Bedau’s Objection to CSA

P1: Bedau’s Objection to premise [3] of CSA (the death penalty is inhumane)

P2: Pojman’s reply to this objection

Part VI: Analysis

Do you think any of the objections raised by Reiman or Bedau undermine Pojman’s arguments in support of capital punishment?

Conclusion

APA.

April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

INFO1265 User Experience

Scenario:

This is fictional. As a result of recent events, the province of Alberta wishes to be better prepared for fighting fires in its province.  The province would like to have an online system that would have the following useful features:

  • Recruiting firefighters and equipment from around the world
  • Soliciting equipment, vehicles and aircraft
  • Notifications about locations and severity of fires
  • Generate alerts for local citizens

Here are some personas in order to help you with the rest of the test.

  • Tuan, an administrator, who uploads information about fires and their severity. Tuan can perform his duties well but may have seizures if he uses software or websites that are not compliant with Accessibility regulations.
  • Manpreet, an administrator who uploads information on recruiting people and equipment that will be needed to fight the fires.

INFO1265 User Experience

INFO1265 User Experience

Part I – Use Cases (20 marks)

Prepare a use case diagram for the application that includes all of the use cases listed in the scenario. (10 marks)

Develop a use case description (using the two-column format) (10 marks):

for the following use case (so you do not have a choice of which use case to implement):

  • Recruiting firefighters and equipment from around the world

You will need at least two forms (screens) in order for the use case to be performed:

  • In one screen, the admin searches information on current and developing fires for to get an estimate of upcoming people and equipment needs
  • In the second screen, the admin develops a posting listing those needs that will be posted on the website. It should include a proposed window of time in which they will be needed, numbers of people and types of equipment with quantities..

NOTE: For your designs you may make simplifying assumptions about sample data. 

INFO1265 User Experience

Part II – Content Plans (20 marks)

Develop content plans for the use case description you developed in Part I. Assume that these are for a laptop design (not a phone).

Part III – Prototypes (20 marks)

Develop prototypes (screens) using JustInMind for the content plans developed in Part II. Assume that these are for a laptop design (not a phone).

Part IV – Accessibility, WCAG 2.0 and AODA (5 marks)

For the prototypes you have developed, explain a strategy for making the use case developed above more accessible for Tuan – who may have seizures. What are two things that could be done to make the use case more accessible? (You do not need to implement these items – simply explain them). Please refer specifically to the WCAG 2.1 Guidelines.

INFO1265 User Experience

Part V – User Experience, Interaction Design and Cognitive Psychology (5 marks)

Here is a short list of Dr. Susan Weinschenk’s principles of software design:

  1. People Have Limitations
  2. People Make Mistakes
  3. People are Social

How might you address two of them in your prototype designs for the scenario specified above? Note that an insightful explanation is expected for this question. It is not necessary to actually incorporate your ideas into the prototypes.

*** Note: To submit your exam, you must incorporate all materials, including charts, diagrams and prototypes into a single Word document and submit it to the Final Exam folder on eConestoga. No other format or type of document will be accepted. Include:

  • Cover sheet
  • Table of contents
  • Page numbers
  • Brief introduction
  • All the deliverables

Brief Conclusions. APA.

April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

The Symbolic Frame

Case Assignment

After you have reviewed the contents of the Walt Disney Company website, read the materials included at the Background page of Module 4, and performed additional research from the library and the internet, write a 1800 words minimum paper paper in which you do the following:

Using the following five assumptions of the Symbolic Frame, complete an in-depth assessment of the Walt Disney Company:

  1. What is most important is not what happens but what it means.
  2. Activity and meaning are loosely coupled; events have multiple meanings because people interpret experience differently.
  3. In the face of widespread uncertainty and ambiguity, people create symbols to resolve confusion, increase predictability, find direction, and anchor hope and faith.
  4. Many events and processes are more important for what is expressed than what is produced. They form a cultural tapestry of secular myths, heroes and heroines, rituals, ceremonies, and stories that help people find purpose and passion in their personal and work lives.
  5. Culture is the glue that holds an organization together and unites people around shared values and beliefs.

The Symbolic Frame

The Symbolic Frame

The key aspects of this assignment that are to be covered in your 1800 words minimum paper include the following:

  1. Briefly describe the theory underpinning Bolman and Deal’s Symbolic Frame, discussing its usefulness in organizational analysis, and its utility in our understanding of organizations.
  2. Using Bolman and Deal’s Symbolic Frame, choose 3-4 examples of symbolic characteristics of the Walt Disney Company (you may choose some aspect of the organization’s culture – e.g., artifacts, stories, values, belief systems, etc). Then, examine your chosen examples using the above assumptions of Bolman and Deal’s Symbolic Frame.
  3. Of the 3-4 examples you have discussed above, which do you believe is the most salient mechanism or process by which the Walt Disney Company creates meaning for its members? Is this mechanism or process made explicit or tacit (or both) for Disney’s members?
  4. What conclusions can you draw from your use of the Symbolic Frame as it is applied to the Walt Disney Company? In other words, what have you learned about the company? How is use of the Symbolic lens helpful relative to informing outsiders as it concerns the organization’s approach to leadership?
  5. In the final section of Chapter 4, conclude by commenting on which of the Four Frames (or combination of frames) you believe is most useful to our evaluation and understanding of the Walt Disney Company. Explain.
  6. The background readings will not give you all the answers to the Case. Therefore, you are required to perform some research in the library, and use a minimum of 3-4 scholarly sources from the library to support and justify your understanding of the case.
  7. Your paper must demonstrate evidence of critical thinking (if you need tips on critical thinking, this is an excellent resource). Don’t simply restate facts – instead, be sure to interpret the facts you have accumulated from your research.

The Symbolic Frame

USE AND CITE THE FOLLOWING SOURCES:

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2003). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (3rd ed.). San Francisco: John Wiley.

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. In Reframing organizations: artistry, choice, and leadership (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Available in the Trident Online Library [Proquest eBook Central database].

Jacobs, R. M. (n.d.). Theories of practice: The symbolic frame. Villanova University. Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://www83.homepage.villanova.edu/richard.jacobs/MPA%208002/Powerpoint/8002%20MPA/symbolic.ppt

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (1996). Might and magic. Leadership Excellence, 23(6), 15. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2009). Battles and beliefs: Rethinking the roles of today’s leaders. Leadership In Action, 29(5), 14-18. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete. APA.

April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

Hero’s Story Analysis

  1. Choose one of the questions below to focus your response, or you can come up with your own question after consulting with me.
  2. Make sure you have a point to make about the text before you start. How does your answer to the question change how we should understand the story?
  3. Once you’ve decided, go back to the text and look for proof. You’ll need to use sufficient proof in your response to make your point. Keep in mind, though, that block quotes will hurt your response more than they help it. Focus on short, direct quotes from the test instead. Remember to cite your textual evidence in your response.
  4. Both your introduction and conclusion should grab and keep the attention of your readers; the introduction should roadmap the paper, and the conclusion should answer the important question: “so what?”.

Hero’s Story Analysis

Hero’s Story Analysis

Possible Questions/topics

  1. What is the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza? Is Sancho just another victim of Don Quixote’s crazed imaginings, or does he benefit in some way? What’s important about the difference in their social classes?
  2. What is the role of the imagination in this story? What do you think is the relationship between the imagined and the “real” world?
  3. How does this story take on the same type of hero’s journey that we’ve seen in other stories in this class? How does it do things differently?

Hero’s Story Analysis

Possible Questions/topics

  1. What is the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza? Is Sancho just another victim of Don Quixote’s crazed imaginings, or does he benefit in some way? What’s important about the difference in their social classes?
  2. What is the role of the imagination in this story? What do you think is the relationship between the imagined and the “real” world?
  3. How does this story take on the same type of hero’s journey that we’ve seen in other stories in this class? How does it do things differently? APA.
April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024

ULMS370 Competitiveness in Football

First Half: Reading

This week’s core reading is:

Buraimo, B., & Simmons, R. (2008). Do sports fans really value uncertainty of outcome? Evidence from the English Premier League. International Journal of Sport Finance3(3)..

Please pay particular attention to the concept of match outcome uncertainty and how it is measured.

Please annotate, make notes, prepare any questions for class. What do we learn from the article regarding the following?

How probabilities for outcome are constructed?

How is match uncertainty of outcome measured?

What is the relationship between the different measures of match outcome uncertainty used in the paper?

Put forward at least one alternative measure of match outcome uncertainty.

ULMS370 Competitiveness in Football

ULMS370 Competitiveness in Football

Second Half: Data Analysis

The source of data for this exercise is www.football-data.co.uk. Complete the following steps and report your analysis and finding.

Download data for the 2022-23 season for the Premier League, the Championship, League One, League Two and the Conference from  https://www.football-data.co.uk/englandm.php.

Using the data for the betting company B365 (note that there are many others), generate unadjusted probabilities for a home win, a draw and an away win in each match. This can be done by taking the reciprocal of the betting odds data in each of the columns: ‘B365H’, ‘B365D’, and ‘B365A’.

The reciprocal of is

In a separate column, add the values of the three reciprocals. On average, what is the sum? Why is the sum greater than 1? What are the implications of values less than 1?

In new columns, generate adjusted probabilities for the home win, the draw and the away win for each match. The sum of the adjusted probabilities for each match should sum to 1. The adjusted probabilities for the home win, the draw and the away win respectively are where is the adjusted probability for a home win and is the unadjusted probability for a home win. The other variables can be interpreted accordingly.

ULMS370 Competitiveness in Football

Now based on the adjusted probabilities, compute measures of match outcome uncertainty. These may follow those in the literature, but these could equally be of your own design. For example, a measure might be Based on 5 above, which of the five leagues delivers the highest levels of match uncertainty across the season?

Stoppage time: Other ways of measuring competitiveness

What are the fundamental flaws of match outcome uncertainty as a measure of competitiveness in football?

What alternative approaches and measures might overcome the flaws identified? APA.

April 19, 2024
April 19, 2024

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Introduction

The relationship between sports and culture is intriguing, with various debates regarding the intertwined ties between societal dynamics and athletic endeavours. Therefore, multiple theories explain sports culture and social interaction, including critical, linguistic (post) structuralism, and cultural studies approach models. These frameworks exhibit common characteristics like emphasis on consumerism, social distinction, hegemony, semiotics, representation, articulation, and bricolage. These traits can help explain how society perceives crucial activities like James’ sneakers, the Lakers game broadcast, and James’s social welfare activities. Although the sports and culture industries have a complex relationship, the connection can be understood better using theories relevant to sports and cultural commodities.

Theories

One of the most crucial theories relevant to sports cultural commodities is the critical theory (one of the theories that could be used, Theory (A) known for consumerist one-dimensional culture characteristics. The critical theory uses arguments from scholars like Pierre Bourdieu and Theodor Adorno to critically evaluate the interconnection and dynamics between culture, society, and power structures (Joseph, 2021, p.71). One of its key characteristics is the critique of the consumerist one-dimensional culture promoted in sports. Sports activities are shifting focus from the players and games and emphasizing merchandise advertisement, like how LeBron James’ sneakers are always intertwined with his success. Nowadays, every player has a partnership with a major company to market products, making sports activities less ideal because of the emphasis on promotional messages always targeted to fans. Therefore, this theory evaluates the consumerist nature of sports by critiquing the idea that sports have become a hub for using cultural products like James’ sneakers to drive consumer purchases and promote sports. Cultural products are successfully becoming significant in the promotion of sports because as more fans purchase the promoted items, the targeted sports activities become more widespread.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

According to this theory, modern societies are characterized by consumerist cultures where people are primarily passive consumers. When one item or pattern trends, others quickly consume the marketed commodity or practice (Chiu et al., 2022, p.4). In sports, this approach includes creating a false need to drive the consumption of sponsored merchandise, exercises, or practices. Teams, athletes, and events have been commoditized by shifting attention from the activities to profitability and marketability (Herbold et al., 2020). Generally, the consumerist one-dimensional characteristic is common in sports cultural theories because industrial capitalism has capitalized on sports to emphasize passive consumerism.

In addition, critical theory is relevant to sports cultural commodities because of its characteristics that emphasize social distinction and hegemony for power relations. Sports theories are used to create a sense of belonging by focusing on social distinction, where cultural resources and capital are used to promote social inequality (Van et al., 2020, p.4). For instance, sports cultural commodities like polo and golf are often categorized as rich people activities, while soccer or basketball is usually associated with lower-income groups (Esteban-Guitart, 2021, p.172). Moreover, these theories are known for using hegemony to show how sports have become a tool for power relations control (Chersulich et al., 2020). These dynamics are still evident in sports, where specific corporate sponsors and media conglomerates influence sports narratives and coverage. Sports-related theories are known for their unique characteristics associated with social distinction and hegemony for power control.

Another common characteristic of theories used in sports cultural commodities, like the linguistic (post) structuralism theory (the other culture industry theory) (Theory B), is the emphasis on semiotics. Renowned scholars like Jacques Derrida and Ferdinand de Saussure argue that there is always a relationship between language, signs, and meaning (Zhigang et al., 2022, p.4). Similarly, theories relevant to sports cultural commodities emphasize the use of symbols and signs and their importance in constructing meaning or value. Uniforms, gestures, logos, and other common visual elements linked to famous teams or athletes have a symbolic significance. These insights are further supported by post-structuralist thinkers who believe that meaning cannot be fixed because it is derived from the interplay of multiple signs within a particular language system (Dubourg and Baumard, 2022). For example, the phrases comeback and underdog have gained new meaning when used in tournaments to indicate triumph or resilience. Moreover, the targeted theories are known for their emphasis on the deconstruction of texts and words (Zhou et al., 2020). Generally, theories that address sports cultural commodities are known for their characteristic of emphasizing semiotics because signs and language are used to shape meaning when interpreting sporting messages or narratives.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

                        The last crucial theories associated with sports cultural commodities are cultural studies approaches (Theory C), known for their unique characteristics of examining representation, articulation, and bricolage. Culturally sensitive theories improve understanding cultural texts’ production, sharing, and reception dynamics (Woods et al., 2020, p.5). Therefore, in sports, messages and narratives are constructed to provide meaning that represents particular groups, individuals, and events. For instance, women athletes in sports media are often used to question gender stereotypes and dominant narratives about femininity. Moreover, theories in this industry emphasize articulation, where activities are connected to broader political, social, and economic contexts (Ratten, 2020). Sports have been used to intersect issues related to class, race, nationalism, and gender disparities. Everything focuses on bricolage, where cultural elements are reconstructed to produce new meanings and identities. Theories in this field are characterized by representation, articulation, and bricolage.

Evaluating the characteristics of theories relevant to sports cultural commodities is essential because they explain how the interpretation of sports texts is actualized. Based on the presented theoretical traits, principles that focus on sports often emphasize consumerism, social distinction, hegemony, semiotics, representation, articulation, and bricolage (Abeza and Sanderson, 2022). These provisions are applied to sports texts to generate meaning or a sense of belonging. For instance, interpreting sports texts using a critical theory lens can show how culture, social hierarchies, or inequalities drive funding, media coverage, sponsorship, and merchandise commercialization. Linguistics and post-structuralism theories show how texts, languages, and images are used to portray athletes, athleticism, and excellence, like how the Nike swoosh is often used to imply prowess (Tinsley, 2023). Cultural approaches are applied to connect fans and provide a cultural context for sports texts. Sport cultural commodities can be understood better using theories with unique characteristics like emphasis on consumerism, social distinction, hegemony, semiotics, representation, articulation, and bricolage.

The Rationale for the Choice

Three primary cases were evaluated to understand how sports actively contribute to cultural and societal elements: LeBron James’ signature sneakers, broadcasting the Lakers games, and James’ social welfare activities. These three events have a thematic and industrial connection by showing how media entertainment, sports culture, and branding firms promote social interaction and shape societal narratives (NBA.com, 2023, 00:01:02). LeBron James is the focal point of these events based on his excellence, social responsibility, and cultural impact as a Lakers team member. Choosing these three cases was strategic to show how sports are essential in shaping societal provisions.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Case 1: LeBron James Signature Sneakers

For a more detailed understanding of sports culture and its intersection with social contexts, I chose LeBron James signature sneakers to illustrate how they have become a cultural product that promotes success and sports activities. Sports personalities have occasionally been used to market particular products and promote passive consumerism, as critical theory explains (Greif, 2020). Similarly, James is a famous basketball player known for wearing his signature Nike sneakers. According to an article posted by The Root in 2020, LeBron James is one of the top 100 most influential African Americans with his roles as an entrepreneur, basketball player, and philanthropist. Therefore, his sneakers have been used to illustrate James’ cultural impact, career success, and social significance (Bryant, 2023). LeBron James sneakers are ideal examples of understanding sports culture.

Evaluating LeBron James’ signature sneakers is crucial because of its multifaceted impacts, especially in the sports branding and advertising industry. Sports culture is about the social interaction of athletes, athleticism, and sports events with the community (Suciu, 2020). Therefore, when people watch James winning in his career wearing Nike sneakers, fans view his footwear as a crucial aspect of his life and success journey. Thus, the shoes symbolize an international icon everyone wants to associate with. People who seek similar styles, achievements, and personalities in the sports industry purchase sneakers, making them desirable sports commodities that further promote sports through product advertisement.

Moreover, this activity is a unique partnership between James and Nike, emphasizing athlete activism, social justice, and corporate responsibility (Abdul-Jabbar, 2020). This structure is common in sports branding and advertising since companies use influencers or athletes’ popularity to increase brand awareness and market products (Beck, 2020). The accompanying industry is the entertainment and fashion sector because James’ sneakers are more than athletic gear. They are a form of lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion trend. This case is crucial because of its diverse impacts on the sports branding, advertising, entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle industries.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Case 2: Lakers Game Broadcast and Documentary

The second illustration showing the intersection between sports and social culture is the extensive coverage of the Lakers game in broadcasts and documentaries. The most convenient way to make society connect with sports is by availing sports events on broadcast shows where more people can participate in the activities even without attending the game (Helin, 2020). Therefore, watching the Lakers game has become a cultural commodity that promotes sports. Generally, the broadcasting and filming of the Lakers games is a crucial example that can illustrate how sports, culture, and society interconnect.

Besides understanding the link between sports culture and social interaction, analyzing this case is crucial because it shows its overarching impacts on the sports broadcasting industry. Large sports activities are often broadcast live or recorded (Kirkland, 2022). As a result, revenue is generated using subscription models and advertising (BET News, 2021). The accompanying industry is the Media and Communication sector because platforms like ESPN and Netflix play a pivotal role in producing and sharing the team’s content (Duarte, 2020). Broadcasts and documentaries featuring the Lakers game are common on broadcast platforms, and studying them is essential because of their impacts on the sports broadcasting industry.

Case 3: LeBron James Social Welfare Activities

The final activity that can adequately show how sports, culture, and society are intertwined is LeBron James’ social welfare activities. As reported by Schneider in a New York Times post on 10th March 2021, James is one of the most influential professional basketball players because he consistently uses his prominence to advocate change and influence public opinion. Discussing James’ social welfare activities is crucial because of their impacts on sports leagues, major sporting events, and information service industries ((Bunn, 2020). According to a post published by NBC News, LeBron James is an internationally recognized voice that leads people to social justice in a racially divided country. He uses his platform to discuss social and political challenges, like in his recent movement, “More Than a Vote ” (Reynolds, 2023). These social welfare activities show sports’ transformative and influential potential in promoting social engagement and community change. The industry that intersects with these activities is the information service industry (Roth and Riley, 2023). The player works with non-profit firms, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance resource access and address social needs (Liu, 2023). James’ social welfare activities are crucial because they impact vital industries like sports leagues, major sporting events, and information service sectors.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Discussion

Case 1 Discussion

The cases discussed can be evaluated theoretically using the theories discussed earlier to show how the characteristics of the theories apply to interpreting these real-life scenarios. Starting with LeBron James’ signature sneakers, his marketing and how fans perceive them and respond to their purchase can be explained using the characteristics of critical theory. This model argues that sports and culture are linked with a consumerism approach where famous athletes or sports events create passive consumers (Kawashiri, 2020, p.3). Similarly, because of the admiration that LeBron James gains from fans, his purchase of Nike sneakers has pushed other people to buy the commodities, too. People respond to his sneaker marketing positively and purchase the items. By watching him, other younger players or individuals seeking to attain high accomplish levels and social status buy Nike sneakers. This trend is prevalent among younger Blacks or African Americans who often participate in basketball. As a result, the promotional goals of James’ sneakers lead to more consumer purchases, further increasing basketball sports activities as supported by critical theory.

The Nike sneakers are more than functional because they have been made a symbol of identity and status, as explained by the characteristics of the cultural studies approaches. Moreover, the shoes are used as a form of social distinction because most passive consumers are usually African American fans (Hunnicutt and Renshaw, 2020). The sneaker shoe game is common among Black people who want to emulate their hero’s style. As much as every motivated Black person wants to get the shoes, in most cases, only those with absolute power, money, and resources can afford the legitimate Nike sneakers. Therefore, from all angles, James’ sneakers and their impacts illustrate the characteristics of consumerist one-dimensional culture, social distinction, and hegemony for power.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

              In addition, these sneakers have been used as a commodity with a symbolic meaning and various representations. According to the linguistics approach, signs and language are used to create meaning (Cohen, 2020). Similarly, James’ design and the Nike swoosh are often used to illustrate athleticism and sports style, further promoting sports. Different individual and cultural contexts give varying meanings to these commodities. Cultural approaches argue that sports are used for representation, articulation and bricolage (Imbo, 2023). Similarly, James’ footwear is more than a pair of sneakers because it represents coverage of celebrity culture, athlete prowess, and consumerism. Moreover, it is articulated with masculinity and a high-class African American style, making it a tool for celebrity endorsements, design trends and marketing strategies. This case is a perfect example of how linguistic and cultural studies approaches are used to understand sports and culture commodities.

Case 2 Discussion

The Lakers game broadcasts and documentaries are perfect examples of the theories that have been explained. For instance, consumerism, hegemony, semiotics, and articulation can explain how the works have been used to attract more viewers, sponsorships, and funding (McMenamin, 2020). These entertainment provisions make viewers speculate and reflect, leading to mass content consumption. Moreover, the focus on this team is strategically used to reinforce the dominant idea that this group is one of the best in basketball, helping it maintain its status quo. The audience and fans respect and admire the coaches and players in this team because of how they have been broadcasted as superior performers. This case provides examples demonstrating the characteristics of theories relevant to sports cultural commodities.

Similarly, one of the most franchised histories in basketball is the journey of the Los Angeles Lakers. Various documentaries and game broadcasts have been aired to captivate audiences and fans to gain more followers and support (Kennedy and Knight, 2023). The videos, clips, and films have been provided to offer a deeper understanding of the team’s influence and legacy. Through the stories, more people increasingly watch the game and follow the team, ultimately creating more followership, funding and sponsorships that promote sports.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Case 3 Discussion

The last case was James’s social welfare activities, which can be explained using the discussed theories. James prioritizes collective well-being by using his platforms to promote social well-being, challenging materialism or individualism promoted by consumerist approaches discussed in the critical theory (Lockhart, 2023). Moreover, his campaigns demonstrate hegemony because they often argue against discriminative and oppressive dominant powers that harm marginalized populations, as explained by the cultural studies approaches (Sarmiento, 2020). James’ activism emphasizes empathy, social responsibility, and solidarity using strategic philanthropic messages that illustrate semiotics (Nagpal, 2023). Lastly, his messages represent structural reforms for minorities, indicating articulation and bricolage. The case can show how theories addressing sports, culture, and societal representations can be applied to James’ social welfare activities.

The player uses his four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) championship identity to improve social and education assistance as illustrated by the cultural studies approaches. He has participated in various developmental projects in the West Market Street neighborhood involving the construction of residential buildings and sports and entertainment centers (Editors, 2023). He has occasionally partnered with activists to promote sustainability and responsible social development ((Tinsley, 2022). He is always bargaining for affordability and energy efficiency in recreation, healthcare, and education. Generally, the society-oriented activities that James participates in can illustrate how sports, culture, and society intertwine.

The player uses his four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) championship identity to improve social and education assistance (Tinsley, 2022). He has participated in various developmental projects in the West Market Street neighborhood involving the construction of residential buildings and sports and entertainment centers (Editors, 2023). He has occasionally partnered with activists to promote sustainability and responsible social development. He is always bargaining for affordability and energy efficiency in recreation, healthcare, and education. Generally, the society-oriented activities that James participates in can illustrate how sports, culture, and society intertwine.

Conclusion

The critical, linguistic (post) structuralism and cultural studies approach theories help individuals understand the complex relationship between the sports and culture industries. The main theories used to analyze sports activities and texts exhibit common characteristics like emphasis on consumerism, social distinction, hegemony, semiotics, representation, articulation, and bricolage. These frameworks explain why James’ signature Nike sneakers are loved, why the Lakers game broadcast and documentary have many followers, and why James is commended for actively engaging in social welfare activities. Due to the influential power of sports in modern society, relevant authorities should track how they influence societal norms, behaviors, and decisions to ensure that they have a positive influence.

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Reference List

Abeza, G. and Sanderson, J., 2022. Theory and social media in sport studies. International Journal of Sport Communication15(4), pp.284-292.

Abdul-Jabbar, K. 2020. Amid uncertainty and upheaval, LeBron shows us what an American should be. The Guardian. Available at https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/12/lebron-james-nba-finals-social-impact

Beck, H. 2020. LeBron Speaks, and the NBA follows. Bleacher Report. Available at https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2899766-lebron-speaks-and-the-nba-follows

BET News. 2021. NAACP image awards: 10 times LeBron James delivered for social justice. BET.com Available at https://www.bet.com/article/2ovluy/10-times-lebron-james-delivered-for-social-justice

Bryant, H. 2023. Beyond the points and winning, LeBron James’ legacy – for better or worse- will be his empire. ESPN. Available at https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35653907/beyond-points-winning-lebron-james-legacy-better-worse-empire

Bunn, C. 2020. How LeBron James has become a leading voice for social justice in a racially divided nation. NBC News. Available at https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/how-lebron-james-has-become-leading-voice-social-justice-racially-n1231391

Chersulich Tomino, A., Perić, M. and Wise, N., 2020. Assessing and considering the wider impacts of sport-tourism events: A research agenda review of sustainability and strategic planning elements. Sustainability12(11)

Chiu, W.H., Shih, Y.S., Chu, L.S. and Chen, S.L., 2022. Merger and acquisitions integration, implementation as innovative approach toward sustainable competitive advantage: a case analysis from Chinese sports brands. Frontiers in Psychology13, p.4.

Cohen, S. 2020. LeBron James rejects wearing “woke” message on his jersey- sends powerful message instead. Forbes. Available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/sethcohen/2020/07/12/lebron-james-powerful-message/?sh=36c4122d3708

Duarte, M, J. 2020. LeBron James continues to be a leader and activist off the basketball court. NBC Los Angeles. Available at https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/lebron-james-continues-to-be-a-leader-and-activist-off-the-basketball-court/2379233/

Dubourg, E. and Baumard, N., 2022. Why and how did narrative fictions evolve? Fictions as entertainment technologies. Frontiers in Psychology13

Editors. 2023. LeBron James: Two decades of dominance on and off the court/ Editorial. The Daily Free Press. Available at https://dailyfreepress.com/2023/10/31/lebron-james-two-decades-of-dominance-on-and-off-the-court-editorial/

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

Esteban-Guitart, M., 2021. Advancing the funds of identity theory: A critical and unfinished dialogue. Mind, Culture, and Activity28(2), pp.169-179.

Greif, A. 2020. LeBron James and Lakers take lead in NBA activism for social justice. Los Angeles Times. Available at https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-10-13/lakers-lebron-james-nba-social-justice-activism

Helin, K. 2020. LeBron James believes he can play in Orlando, still impact social justice. NBC Sports News. Available at https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-believes-he-can-play-in-orlando-still-impact-social-justice-change

Herbold, V., Thees, H. and Philipp, J., 2020. The host community and its role in sports tourism—Exploring an emerging research field. Sustainability12(24), p.10488.

Hunnicutt, T. and Renshaw, J. 2020. NBA star LeBron James emerges as potent political force ahead of U.S. election. Reuters. Available at https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN25O1B9/

Imbo, W. 2023. LeBron James: Shaping a legacy in his 21st season. Olympics. Available at https://olympics.com/en/news/lebron-james-shaping-a-legacy-in-his-21st-season

Joseph, D., 2021. Battle pass capitalism. Journal of Consumer Culture21(1), pp.68-83.

Kawashiri, K. 2020. The Societal Influence of the NBA. Santa Clara University. Available at https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1054&context=engl_176

Kennedy, P. and Knight B. 2023. LeBron James has staked his legacy on an ambitious social experiment. Is it working? Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Available at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-21/lebron-james-i-promise-schools-akron-ohio/102873106

Kirkland, T. 2022. LeBron James: Ten reasons why the basketball superstar is loved on and off the court. Olympics.com. Available at https://olympics.com/en/news/lebron-james-ten-reasons-why-basketball-star-is-loved

Liu, J. 2023. On the unseen court: LeBron James’ activism. Medium. Available at https://medium.com/@yanchenliu05/on-the-unseen-court-lebron-james-activism-9f3c9654b986

Lockhart, M. 2023. What does LeBron James do for charity? Sportskeeda. Available at https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/what-lebron-james-charity

McMenamin, D. 2020. LeBron James calls Black Lives Matter a walk of life, advocates for Breonna Taylor. ESPN. Available at https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29528067/lebron-james-calls-black-lives-matter-walk-life-advocates-breonna-taylor

Nagpal, R. 2023. The king’s legacy: how LeBron James transformed the sport of basketball. Available at https://rapidleaks.com/sports/how-lebron-james-transformed-the-sport-of-basketball/

NBA.com. 2023. LeBron James’ global influence evidence of American imprint on rising international stars. NBA.com. Available at https://www.nba.com/watch/video/lebron-james-international-influence-next-generation

Ratten, V., 2020. Sport technology: A commentary. The Journal of High Technology Management Research31(1).

Reynolds, T. 2023. LeBron James’ off-court legacy complements NBA success. NBA.com. Available at https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-off-court-legacy-complements-nba-success

Roth, R., and Riley, H. 2023. How LeBron James has inspired change on and off the court. Ask.com. Available at https://www.ask.com/lifestyle/lebron-james-inspired-change-on-off-court-6#:~:text=But%20his%20contributions%20to%20society,whose%20families%20face%20economic%20challenges.

Sarmiento, J. 2020. The impact & influence of LeBron James. The Tack Online Available at https://bvtack.com/33563/uncategorized/the-impact-influence-of-lebron-james/

Schneider, K. 2021. How LeBron James uses his influence to improve community development. The New York Times. Available at https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/09/business/lebron-james-community-development.html

Suciu, P. 2020. LeBron James is the most influential celebrity this election cycle, but will that sway voters on social media? Forbes. Available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2020/11/01/this-celebrity-is-most-influential-during-this-election-cycle-but-will-that-sway-voters-on-social-media/?sh=5333b7e13e62 

Examining Sport Cultural Commodities

The Root. 2020. The Root 100: The most influential African Americans in 2020. Available at https://interactives.theroot.com/root-100-2020/

Tinsley, J. 2022. LeBron James redefined player empowerment- but not the way you think. ANDSCAPE. Available at https://andscape.com/features/lebron-james-redefined-player-empowerment-but-not-the-way-you-think/

Tinsley, J. 2023. How LeBron James is smashing stereotypes around black fatherhood. Available at https://andscape.com/features/how-lebron-james-is-smashing-stereotypes-around-black-fatherhood-fathers-day/

Van der Veken, K., Lauwerier, E. and Willems, S.J., 2020. How community sport programs may improve the health of vulnerable population groups: a program theory. International journal for equity in health19, pp.1-12.

Woods, C.T., McKeown, I., O’Sullivan, M., Robertson, S. and Davids, K., 2020. Theory to practice: performance preparation models in contemporary high-level sport guided by an ecological dynamics framework. Sports medicine-open6, pp.1-11.

Zhigang, W., Kai, G., Chao, W., Hongyan, D., Lei, Z. and Zhao, X., 2022. How can social needs impact on meaningful sports consumption? Frontiers in Psychology13, p.4

Zhou, F., Mou, J., Su, Q. and Wu, Y.C.J., 2020. How does consumers’ Perception of Sports Stars’ Personal Brand Promote Consumers’ brand love? A mediation model of global brand equity. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services54

April 19, 2024
April 19, 2024

Annotated Bibliography and Reflection

Instructions

During the last seven weeks of class, you have been asked to read several journal articles. You have been asked to reflect on your cultural identity as you consider the many levels that constitute your identity. You also considered attribution, dialectics, and how all of this is applied to intercultural communication.

For our final assignment, you will choose four articles from the articles you have been asked to read in class and/or from the article list provided for the Week 6 assignment to create an Annotated Bibliography. You will complete three items for each of your four sources:

Annotated Bibliography and Reflection

  1. Reference: Complete an APA reference for each article
  2. Annotation: Complete an annotation for each article.
  • The annotation is not a summary or paraphrase. In this paragraph, you will interpret and evaluate the contents of the article itself. It is a narrative paragraph of about 100 words providing information and assessment about the article.

Annotated Bibliography and Reflection

  1. Reflection: Write a reflection for each article. The reflection should connect your intercultural communication experience(s) with information from the article as it applies to you personally (This section only can be written in first person).
  • In this paragraph of about 100 words, relate the information that you have evaluated in the article to your own cultural identity and intercultural communication. This is a reflective piece where you are able to connect the information in theory to an understanding of your own identity.

Disclaimer:

Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Annotated Bibliography and Reflection

  1. Reflection: Write a reflection for each article. The reflection should connect your intercultural communication experience(s) with information from the article as it applies to you personally (This section only can be written in first person).
  • In this paragraph of about 100 words, relate the information that you have evaluated in the article to your own cultural identity and intercultural communication. This is a reflective piece where you are able to connect the information in theory to an understanding of your own identity.

Disclaimer:

Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results. APA.