the sba-social studies

7/28/2019 THE SBA-Social Studies

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Topic:

An investigation as to how technology impacts on families in the community of

Good Hope Westmoreland

Name: Loushana Campbell

Teacher: Mr. Smith

Institution: Supreme Educational Institute


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PG

Acknowledgement .1

Section 1

Introduction.. ..........2

Statement of the Problem......3

Section 2

Method of Investigation....4

Instruments used to Collect Data5-9

Procedures used to Collect Data..10

Section 3

Graphical Representation of Data11-15

Interpretation of Data.......16-17

Section 4

Findings..18

Recommendations..19


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The Good Hope Community is located in the Negril, Westmoreland Jamaica. The Good Hope

community consists of approximately 300 households ranging from low income to high income

families. I have been residing in the Good Hope community for the past ten (10) years. During

this tenure, I became concerned as I observed how families used technological devices and I

realized that while technology has been playing an integral role in every aspects of our lives, it

also created problems or have a negative impact on families.

Technology has been defined as the extension of our human capacity in order to satisfy our

needs or wants. Technological devices can be defined as those devices that are designed to be

used by humans to make life easy and or for pleasure. Some of these includes and are not limited

to cellphones, computers, satellite TV, washing machines, microwaves etc. these devices have a

multitude of functions ranging from the ability to heat frozen foods to the capability of

transferring messages by just a click of a button. Take the cellphone for example, this device

provides an affordable way ro communicate with family and friends across borders; provides the

user with the ability to store information such as contacts etc.

As a result, I have decided to conduct a research to determine the effects technology on the

families in the community of Good hope, Negril.


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Statement of the Problem

How technology impacts on the families in the community of Good Hope, Westmoreland?

Reason for Research

The reason for this research is to disclose the effects that technology have on the families in

Good Hope. The Researcher realized that the overuse of technology has negatively affected the

personal and professional lives of residents in the Good Hope Community. Also, the Researcher

recognizes several issues with how families in the Good Hope Community uses technology and

therefore, seeks to provide recommendations as to how these issues can be dealt with.

Research Questions

1. What is technology?2. What are the different technological devices used by families in the community of Good

Hope, Westmoreland?

3. What causes families to use technology in the community of Good Hope, Westmoreland?4. What impact does technology have on the families in the community of Good Hope,

Westmoreland?


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In order to accumulate information for the research, printed questionnaires were

used as a tool for data collections. Questionnaires have a lot of advantage which

includes:

The format is familiar to most respondent It can be done at the convenience of respondent It also guarantees confidentially to respondents, as no one will know who

completed the form.

It facilitates easy data analysis through the use of structured question It is not time consuming

Additionally, the Researcher utilized the observation method of data collection

which provided more objective and accurate information on the research topic.

Also, the Researcher utilized secondary sources such as the internet, books,

periodicals etc. The internet as a data collection tool has allowed the user to

immediate access to a considerable amount of information with reference to a

particular topic. It also provides easy access to information as well as flexibility.The use of books and periodicals benefits the Researcher in that they already exist;

therefore the time spend to collect info from them is less, as well as they provide

meaningful information.


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Dear Residents,

This survey is being conducted in the Good Hope vicinity to discover the impacts

that technology has on the family. This School Based Assessment (SBA) Project

represents prerequisite of the Caribbean Examination Council for a Social Studies course

I am currently undertaking. I am therefore requesting your assistance to successfully

complete this project.

In order to present an accurate and realistic project, you are therefore requested to answer

these questions truthfully. The information you provided will be confidential as you will

not be required to append your names.

Thank you.

Yours truly,

L. Anglin


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Topic:

An investigation as to how technology impacts the family in the community of

Good Hope Westmoreland

1. To which gender: do you belong? Male Female2. To which age group do you belong?

10-15

16-25

26-35

35 and over

3. Define the term Technology?____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Computers and Cell phones are the most popular technological devices.Which of the two do you use most frequently?

Computers

Cell phones

5. Which technological device do you have at home?Computer and internet

Computer

Game console (psp)

IPods or Mp3

Smart phones or mobile phones


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6. What do you use computers to do?For entertainment

For surfing the internetFor checking emails

For storage of information

Communicate with family and friends

Others

7. What do you use cell phones to do other than making and receivingcalls?

Texting messaging or pingingTaking pictures

Keep a calendar

Others

8. Does technology make your life easier?Yes

No

9. Is it costly to take advantage of these technological devices?Yes

No

10.Does technology provide consumers with choice of feature to suit theirlifestyle?

Yes

No

11.Do you allow your children the access to technological devices?Yes

No


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12.Which technology device would you allow your child to use?Cell phones

Computer and Internet

IPods

Others

13.Do you monitor the way your children use technology?Yes

No

14.Do you believe technology increase crime violence?_____________________________________________________________

15.Do you believe that the increase of technological devices is having anegative impact on family life?

Yes

No

16.How do you view the world without technology?____________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

17.Would you blame technology for our children behavior?Yes because they are exposed to a lot at their fingertipsNo, technology has not affected their behavior

18.If you get the chance to change something about how you usetechnological devices what would it be?


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19.How technology do Impacts you? Explains.Negatively__________________________________________________Positively__________________________________________________


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Good Hope community consists of an estimated 300 households. A total of 30 respondents were

selected from a sample distribution. The selected group comprised of 17 males and 13 females,

ranging from ages 17-35. The questionnaires were printed and were hand delivered to

households within the community. The questionnaires were issued on October 11, 2012 and

would be collected on the 25, 2012, giving the respondents ample time to complete them

properly.

The respondents who replied represent a percentage of 75% male and 35% female.


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Figure 2: Technological Device that is Used Frequently

Figure 2 shows the two most common technological devices and how often they are used by

residents of Good Hope. The Pie-chart indicates that 75% of the residents use cell phone, while

only 15% uses computers.

Does Technology causes Crime and Violence to increase?

OPTIONS PERCENTAGES

YES 90%

NO 5%

Not Sure 5%

Table 1: Refers to Question 14

The table shows that 90% of the respondents alleged that technology has caused an increase in

crime and violence, 5% says no to the question; while 5% says they were unsure.

15%

75%

Computer

Cellphone


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Figure 3: What residents Use Computer to do

Figure 3 indicates the reasons why residents of Good Hope use the computer. It can be seen

that 20% uses the device for entertainment, 40% for surfing the internet, 10% uses it for check

Emails, 5% uses for storing information, 15% for communicating with others while 10% uses it

to do other things.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Entertainment Surf Internet Check Emails Store Information Communicate

with others

Others


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When asked do you allow your children access to technological devices, 95%

replied yes while a minimal 5% replied no.

How technology impact family life?

OPTIONS PERCENTAGES

Negatively 80%

Positively 20%

Table 2: Refers to question 15

The table indicates that 80% of the respondents says technology has a negative impact on the

family as it steals family togetherness and create barriers of interpersonal communication; while

20% states that technology affect the family positively as it makes our lives easier.

95%

5%

Yes

No

Figure 3: Refers to Question 11


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Is it costly to take advantage of these technological devices?

Option Percentages

Yes 65%No 35%

Table 3: Refers to question 9

The table illustrates that 65% of the respondents believe that it is costly to take

advantage of technological devices while 35% states that its not costly because

when you realized something is useful youll go all out to get it.

Does technology provide consumers with choice of feature to suit their lifestyle?

The Pie-Chart indicates that 90% of the respondents agree to the fact that technology provides them

with choice of features to suit their lifestyle while 10% disagrees.

90%

10%

Yes

No

Figure 4: Refers to Question 10


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The age group of persons in the Good Hope Community varies. 55% of the respondents

represent the age group of 16-25, while 25% represents age groups of 26-35. This significant

amount helps us to recognize that its a fairly young generation thats using technology devices.

Figure 2 shows the two most common technological devices and how often they are used by

residents of Good Hope. The Pie-chart indicates that 75% of the residents use cell phone, while

only 15% uses computers. This is so as it has been observed that cellphones are used by

residents for a variety of reasons. Some of these include texting, talking, playing games, sending

picture messages etc.

Based on the advancements in technology, every day we find that a new devices is placed

on the market with features and benefits that can make an even easier life style for individuals.

As a result, devices such as game console, iPods, smart phones etc. are popular in the households

of Good Hope residents; with functions that varies from entertainment to simple storage of

information. Many of these high-end multiple featured devices are very expensive; however,

table 4 illustrates that 65% of the respondents believe that it is costly to take advantage of


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technological devices while 35% states that its not costly because when you realized something

is useful youll go all out to get it. As a result, persons are spending for instance, 50,000 JMD on

a Blackberry cellphone because it has multiple features. Figure 3 indicates the reasons why

residents of Good Hope use the computer. It can be seen that 20% uses the device for

entertainment, 40% for surfing the internet, 10% uses it for check Emails, 5% uses for storing

information, 15% for communicating with others while 10% uses it to do other things. In Figure

4, the Pie-Chart indicates that 90% of the respondents agree to the fact that technology provides

them with choice of features to suit their lifestyle while 10% disagrees. Many believe that

technology has relieved them of hard work and changes the way they operate. Indeed this is so

when taking into consideration the fact that you can type instead of hand write, you can

microwave etc. However, 10% of the respondents states that technology has drastically affect our

way of life , in that, it has provided devices that disrupts normality. While those devices are

functional in making lives easier; according to Table 1, with reference to Question 14, 90% of

the respondents believe that technology has aided the increase in crime and violence. These

respondents stated that scamming was derived due to technological advancements and that it

makes scamming even easier. 5% of the respondents say no to the question while 5% says they

are unsure. This is so as scamming is becoming very popular among individuals within the

community.

Additionally, based on observation technology has affected family life both positively

and negatively. Many respondents (20%) have stated that due to the increase in technology and

the affordability of these devices that provides the opportunity to communicate with family

members abroad. However, based on Table 2, 80% of the respondents stated that technological

devices have negatively affected their relationships. They outlined that these devices has taken


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over family time, that is, instead of having a traditional round table talk, they would used instant

messenger to communicate. A survey by BBC in 2011 showed that television and the ability to

be online have all but wiped out the need for families to interact. Furthermore, many marriages

have been broken and partners have been due to the use of technological devices such as the

internet, cellphones etc. A number of females have complained of their partners being

preoccupied with using their cellphones or social networks. Also, others have explained that

even their professional lives have been disrupted due to overuse of technology. Many have lost

jobs due to taking companies time to Skype, send instant messages or even cheat systems. A

personal experience was given by an individual who used technology to sell from the customers

he served. This led to immediate dismissal and a prison sentence.


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This research has unveiled a number of insufficiencies in regards to the effects of technology on

the families of Good Hope District. These include:

1. The use of technological devices such as cell phones has created an environment wherefamilies only communicate using these devices. Statistics show that in 2011, there were

approximately 2,971,000 cell phones in Jamaica. This figure has increased over the last

year. As a result, it was discovered that people who lives in the same house do not

communicate interpersonally but rather by way of cell phones, especially Blackberry with

its multiple features.

2. Technological devices play a major role in the lives of people to the extent that humansseem helpless without them. People feel uncomfortable or nervous when they cant

access the internet or use their cell phone for eve n a short period of time. Studies show

that in 2012 an estimated 75% of the world populace uses on cellphone; 93.6% are using

various types of technological devices.
http://cia-world-fact-book.findthedata.org/d/d/2011http://cia-world-fact-book.findthedata.org/l/375/Jamaicahttp://cia-world-fact-book.findthedata.org/l/375/Jamaicahttp://cia-world-fact-book.findthedata.org/d/d/2011


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3. Technological devices, though positioned as tools that makes work easier for humans hassome disadvantages such as addiction and technology overload. Technology overload

refer to overusing technology to the extent that it negatively impacts health, personal and

professional life. Technology overuse has report to cause loss of jobs, separation in

marriages and even dysfunctional families.

4. Some popular technological devices have violated the privacy of many people. Devicessuch as computers is a storage for many life events and confidential information of

individuals and when these are not protected, the lives of many are put at risk.


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Technology plays an integral role in every aspects of our everyday life. We all enjoy the benefits

that technology brings to our lives such as increased productivity, entertain and faster

communication etc.

One of the most important recommendations is the need to balance the use of technology

in ones life and actively listen to others if they suggest that the overuse of technology is causing

personal problems. By exercising self-control and assessing the main aspects of life can the wasy

to maintain a balance. One have to begin to prioritize i.e. know whats important and put the

focus there.

Additionally, while parents cannot totally monitor watch their children do outside of the

home, they can monitor them inside the homes. Therefore, placing some amount of restrictions

on how they use their devices can help to produce better children. This can be done by talking to

the children about rules and expectations, and explain the consequences for breaking the rules;

install monitoring softwares on computers used by children to monitor their instant messaging,

chat sessions, view where they surf online and what pictures they download or share.


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Also, I would recommend that the working class person thats uses technological devices

manages their time wisely. Many companies now have a policy about cellphone use during

office hours or using the internet for personal use. If these persons adhere to these policies and

do not allow these devices to control how they operate they will be able to keep their jobs longer.

This can be done by reserving the use of these devices to the home. This may seems difficult as

many have become dependent on their devices but in order to take control of the addiction, one

have to start trying to do without these devices.


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Bajpal, N. (2011). Business Research Methods . Dorling Kindersley Pvt. LTD.

Gary B. Shelly, M. E. (2011). Discovering Computers . Cengage Learning.

Harrington, J. L. (2009). Technology and Society. Jones and Bartlett Publishers LCC.

Silva, E. B. (2010). Technology, Culture and Family: Influences on Home Life . Palgrave Macmillan.

Internet sites

http://techrony.com/imagine-a-world-without-technology/

http://yilb.com/editorial-the-effect-of-technology-on-romance-and-relationships

http://en.wikipedia.org
http://techrony.com/imagine-a-world-without-technology/http://techrony.com/imagine-a-world-without-technology/http://yilb.com/editorial-the-effect-of-technology-on-romance-and-relationshipshttp://yilb.com/editorial-the-effect-of-technology-on-romance-and-relationshipshttp://en.wikipedia.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/http://yilb.com/editorial-the-effect-of-technology-on-romance-and-relationshipshttp://techrony.com/imagine-a-world-without-technology/


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