HW3: Sample Survey Cover Letter

November 22 2012

Dear Sir/Madam

I am an undergraduate student under the direction of professor Dustin Celestino in the English Resource Center Department at Asia Pacific College. I am conducting a research study entitled Effects of the drinkable form of alcohol to social relationship. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of alcohol to a person’s social relationship.

Your participation will involve answering survey questions that will be provided and should only take about five to ten minutes. Your involvement in the study is voluntary, and you may choose not to participate or to stop at any time. The results of the research study may be published, but your name will not be used. Your identity will not be associated with your responses in any published format.

The findings from this project will provide information on other researchers with no cost to you other than the time it takes for the survey. 

If you have any questions about this research project, please feel free to call me at 09262866132 or send an e-mail to gsgamboa@apc.edu.ph. Questions about your rights as a research participant or concerns about the project should be directed to the English Resource Center Department of Asia Pacific College.

By returning this questionnaire in the envelope provided, you will be agreeing to participate in the above described project.

Thanks for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Gabriel Joseph S. Gamboa
BSBA-BM Student, Asia Pacific College

HW2: Ideal Friend

Last night while I was riding a bus on my way home, I saw Baron Geisler in the news. He got involved in another alarming scandal. The complainant said that Baron, under the influence of alcohol, suddenly entered their store and grabbed something to eat without even paying for it. The store owner tried to stop him but Baron got mad, grabbed a chair and then smashed it to the wall. The authorities eventually came and imprisoned him that very night. After staying inside the cell for about fourteen hours, Baron was then released the following day..

I wonder what the complainants felt after the incident. Are they personally mad at Baron, knowing that he already got involved in several issues before or are they trying to understand him just because he was under the influence of alcohol that time? Could it still be possible for them to forgive Baron for his misbehavior?

While surfing the net, I came across an article about an ideal friend entitled: How to become an ideal friend. written by TheHolidaySpot. It was stated there that "Its not easy becoming a friend or making one because a friend is not a state of mind. Its real and its in your face. A friend is someone who makes your life worth its while a little more than yesterday."

The author included seven ways to help you become an ideal friend

-Honesty is the best policy

-Give more than you take

-Be supportive

-Forgiveness

-Keep the faith

-Express yourself clearly

-Have fun

I noticed that most of the steps stated were basic values that we learn from our parents. Becoming a good friend cannot be learned in an instance but a person can be shaped to be one. Our environment can dictate the type of person that we will be. It only means that you do not have to exert extra effort just to be a good friend to others. These are just simple things that we should do to be accepted as a good friend.

HW1: Survey Questions

The first part of my research paper is already done. I have already given a brief background of alcohol and how our body responds to it. I have also enumerated the different effects of alcohol abuse. Now that I already know the physical effects of alcohol, I would like to know how other people thinks about a drunk person.

I would like to know how ordinary people see an alcoholic person, I would also like to know their different reactions towards a drunk person. Since I am trying to know what are the socially accepted behavior and how it is being affected by the influence of alcohol, other people's opinion will give me more ideas with regards to my topic.  

People around me could help giving me the answer. I will be conducting a survey to      give me a deeper look of my topic and to help me understand more about the effects of alcohol to personal relationships. Using the answers from the respondents, I will be able to have knowledge of what other people thinks of the effects of alcohol in a person's behavior. That way it would be easier for me to write my research paper. 

My survey questions could be easily answered by anyone for about three to five minutes. Choices will be included in some of my questions so it could be answered easily while the other questions will need the respondent’s personal opinion. I will be asking my family, relatives, friends, classmates and probably some of my schoolmates. My survey will be printed in a sheet of paper which I will be giving to whom I will be conducting a survey. I may also use the help of the internet and conduct surveys in social networking sites such as facebook.  

This survey would help me understand other people's point of view with regards to the effect of alcohol to personal relationship. I think people who does not drink would be likely to say that drinkers are less acceptable in the society while in the other hand, people who drinks will say that it is fine to drink as long as you can control yourself. Although there are some articles and studies which could help me do my research paper, a firsthand survey is still better. Hopefully I will be able to write a better research paper since I will be using not only my personal opinions but also other people's opinions. 

Chapter1 (INTRODUCTION)

EFFECTS OF THE DRINKABLE FORM OF

ALCOHOL TO SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

A Research Paper Presented to

Mr. Dustin Celestino of The English Resource Center

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Course

RESWRIT-Research Writing

Gabriel Joseph S. Gamboa

October 2012

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Alcohol has a great impact on a person's behavior. Studies shows that the main reasons of drinking are parties, family celebration, the holidays, sporting event, an after work meeting with friends or co-workers or even having a favorite beverage to join a meal. Drinking  alcohol is "generally" associated with a personal gatherings. Drinking isn't necessary for such circumstances, but they make the occasion a celebration while not being used to as a crutch. 

       A liquid that is taken orally, alcohol is often taken in large quantities. Surveys shows that adolescent and young adult drinkers indicate that they are particularly likely to drink heavily with the intention of getting drunk - often every time people drink.Teenagers who abuse alcohol increase their risk of negative health effects because their organs, brain and mental capabilities are still growing. (http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/the-effects-of-alcohol-abuse-on-teens/)

Our brain can detect alcohol intake, it alarms us every time the alcohol level in our body reaches a certain level. James Madeiros said in his article entitled “Why Drinking Can Make You Throw Up” that there is a “vomiting center” of the brain; that’s right, a whole place dedicated to letting you know in quick order when it’s time to get rid of whatever has gotten into your body, or whatever you've been putting into your body. This area of the brain can be triggered by signals coming from the stomach, intestines, bloodstream, balancing systems (ears) or the brain itself. (http://thehealthydrinker.com/)

By the time a person starts drinking, alcohol will start affecting not just his body but also his mind. After one or two drinks the person can eventually feel better, confidence will improve and he will become more sociable but drinking too much will make walking and talking become much harder for him. People might also start to say things which they don’t mean and start behaving wild. Some of alcohol’s effects may disappear overnight but others can stay with the mind of your friends, and become permanent.

Social Acceptance is being transparent, authentic, friendly, talking about them more than us however, it is more than that. What makes people socially accepted is being seen by others and being seen means being open to public.Being open is not just about showing up, it is about self-acceptance of our imperfections and allowing people to see them. Acceptance of our imperfections and embracing them makes us vulnerable. 

One rejection can make people lose their self-confidence and has the tendency to shut down. Losing self-confidence tells people that we're not yet prepared to accept our imperfections that lead us to hide them. We always find a way to hide the shame which creates the feeling of being rejected by finding people to help us overcome the blame. Sometimes, we are unable to admit to it because the shame becomes too overwhelming.

There are lots of effects in our body that can be caused by alcohol. Many people think heavy drinking causes promiscuity, violence and anti-social behaviour. That's not necessarily true, argues Kate Fox .

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15265317)

      Since there have already been researches done about the negative effects of alcohol, this study will focus on the effects of alcohol on a person’s personal life specifically the person’s social relationship.

B Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.   What are the effects of alcohol in social relationship?

C. Significance of Study

Drinkers.

This paper would help people who consume alcohol to understand the bad sides of drinking alcohol. It would also aware them about the health risk that they might suffer if they will continue drinking alcohol.

Non-drinkers. For those people who does not drink alcoholic beverages. This paper will encourage them to stay as a non-drinker and make them understand the advantage of  those people who does not drink.

Students and young ones.

Almost 80 percent of high school students report drinking alcohol and over 40 percent of students report trying alcohol by the eighth grade. This would help them to understand that drinking should be done at the age of 18. At that age they will be responsible enough to make decisions by themselves such as choosing to drink or not to drink.

Self-Confessed Alcoholic.

For those people who have problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing.

D. Scope and Delimitation.

This study will focus on the effects of alcohol on a person’s personal life specifically the person’s social relationship.

This study will no longer focus too much on the effects of alcohol in our internal organs due to time constraints. Also because there are already lots of researches done about the bad effects of alcohol in our body.

E. Materials and Methods.

This study will use research since the researcher aims to know more about the effects of alcohol on social relationships.

 Information relevant to the study was gathered from various reference materials such as web sites and on-line journal articles.

F. Definition of Term.

Alcohol -  A drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. These are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption.

Alcoholism - A broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing.

           

Drinker – A person who consumes drinkable form of alcohol regularly, usually during parties, family celebration, the holidays, sporting event, an after work meeting with friends or co-workers or even having a favorite beverage to join a meal.

Ethanol. –  The drinkable form of alcohol,  also known as Ethyl Alcohol. Ethanol is an addictive, powerful, central nervous system depressant produced by the action of yeast cells on carbohydrates in fruits and grains.

Social Relation - refers to a relationship between two (i.e. a dyad), three (i.e. a triad) or more individuals (e.g. a social group). Social relations, derived from individual agency, form the basis of the social structure.

Self-Confidence

While I was watching a collegiate basketball game on TV, I was amazed by the performance of Letran Knight's Kevin Alas. He seem to have the highest confidence level on all of the arena. He made almost every single shot that he threw. He scored his career high 43 points and it's mainly because of his self-confidence.

Self-confidence really help a person improve his life. It makes him more effective and more productive on his job according to Self-Confidence Aids in Move Up Workplace Ladder. It was stated here that self-confidence is a key determinant of workplace success. And there is a strong correlation between confidence and occupational success.

But how can we improve our self-confidence? It starts with a smile. A smile is the best accessory a man could wear during a job interview or business conference. A smile could  make a very good impression on part of the person in front of you.  It sends a message that you are comfortable with yourself and with what you are saying or doing.

Next is by making an eye-contact. Eye contact makes a connection between you and the person that you are talking to. It shows your sincerity about the things that you are saying and makes you more believable. This really helps a lot specially on those people who are related to sales.

Another is by believing in yourself. How could others believe you if you can not even believe in your self? Forget what the other people are saying and focus on how you do your job. It would help you be more productive and effective. Never mind the standards of other people, you are the one who will be presenting and not them.

Dressing properly is also a key factor on building a strong self-confidence. It makes you look more powerful and creates a very good impression specially if you are going in a business related situation. It could carry your performance and make people forget about the little flaws on your presentation. 

 Talking very fast is one of the common sign of being nervous. Talking slowly but clearly will help you minimize your error and lets you point out your ideas. It would also help you watch your grammar. People will also have the chance to listen carefully.

And last but not the least, praying. If you believe in a higher power, whether God, or another spiritual force, it can be a real boost to self-confidence to say a silent prayer. This helps you to take a step back from your immediate situation, to see the wider picture and to seek help from something or someone greater than yourself. 

Alcoholic Parent

Parents are the ones responsible for raising their child, they are the reason why the child existed in the first place. Responsible parenting includes supporting of the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child from the time it is born until it reaches adulthood.

I wonder how could parents do such thing if they are alcoholic.

While reading my past blog posts, a question entered my mind: "How could a person deal with his parents if his parents are alcoholic?" I then started searching for cases where in the parents are the ones who are alcoholic. I encountered an article entitled How to Deal with an Alcoholic Parent. There are more than one author and their names were not stated.

The authors listed down 12 steps on how to deal with an Alcoholic Parent

1.Understand the causes of alcoholism.

2.You be the reason,you be the cause,& you be the motivation for abstinence.

3.Try talking to your parent when she or he is sober.        

4.Avoid arguing with a drunk parent.            

5.Stay consistent.        

6.Realize that your parent's alcoholism is not your fault

7.Let your feelings out.

8.Don't depend on your parent or trust what she or he says she or he will do unless your parent has proven that you can depend on him or her. 

9.Do things that will take your mind off the situation at home. 

10.Do not start drinking yourself

11.Get out if your parent becomes abusive.

12.Do not be afraid to tell someone

Understanding the main cause of alcohol abuse is the first step to know the reason behind alcoholism. According to the article depression is the most common reason why people drink. People tend to forget their problems while under the influence of alcohol. Another factor that would help prevent alcohol abuse is communication. Talking to your parents would really improve your relationship and helps you become open to each other. That way you could attract their attention and pull them away from alcohol. Next is by doing things that would help you focus on other stuffs and not on your situation at home. Thinking about the problem will not solve it, it will just make you less productive. Drinking will also make the situation worst, you can not solve a problem through another problem. And last, Don't be afraid to tell someone. Hiding your problems by yourself will not help you at all, it will just affect you even more. Telling someone about it will lessen the burden. That person might also help you solve your problem.

Socially Accepted Behaviour

Yesterday we had an activity in one of my Marketing class. The professor divided the class into five groups, composed of seven members each. We are then asked to assign the positions to each of the members and divide the tasks.

In the middle of the activity one of my group mate,the leader , asked our opinion about a certain scenario where in we are asked to solve a given problem. He then asked everyone to give suggestions or ideas on how to solve the said problem. We take turns on saying what we think will be the right way of approaching the problem while our leader listens and gives reactions to our suggestions.

 While I was giving my suggestion, without him hearing my whole idea, the leader suddenly interrupted and disagreed with my idea. I got mad when he did that because he should have just listen to me or at least let me finish my suggestion. I felt like I was rejected big time. 

The professor said that each group shall pass at least three suggestions and he will be the one to choose which among the suggestions is the best. Our leader wrote four suggestions, he included mine. The professor announced the top five suggestions, one each group, that he has chosen. Guess what, my suggestion was one of the chosen.

Being judgmental sometimes does not help on social relationship. The tendency is that the person will judge another by just merely looking at him. The person being looked at will not have the chance to defend his side because he was already judged by his looks. Rejection already took place even before acceptance.

While I was trying to add something in my blog, I came across an article entitled Clarington defines socially acceptable behaviour. by Tara Hatherly. It mainly talks about the do's and the don'ts to be socially accepted.

It was said there that The bylaw dictates that when in public, Clarington residents are expected to refrain from begging, urinating, vomiting, defecating, spitting, fighting, screaming, shouting, abusive or offensive communication and damaging or destroying public or private property, including knocking over, defacing or removing mailboxes, newspaper boxes, street signs, garbage containers and utility poles.

Based on my understandings, the authorities wants their people to behave accordingly to what is known to be socially acceptable when they are in public. 

But why do people need to be socially acceptable? Will that help them in their personal life? Studies shows that people who are socially accepted tend to be more happy and more productive than those people who always feel rejection.

Social relationship, according to Abraham Maslow, is one of our basic needs in order for us to survive. Acceptance really helps a lot in social relationships. It is the first step in creating a personal relationship to others. 

It takes two to build a friendship but needs only one to brake it.