1. Explain why researchers who are operating in theory-testing mode might not try using a random sample in their study. What validity are they prioritizing? What aspects of their research are they emphasizing (for now)?
2. Summarize the goal of cultural psychology. What does this field suggest about working in theory-testing and generalization modes?
3. For this assignment, you will incorporate the feedback provided to you from your Topic 6 Article Interrogation Rough Draft assignment to improve your final submission.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. Including a properly formatted reference page and in-text citations.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Importance of Non-Random Sampling in Theory-Testing Research
In the realm of academic research, particularly in theory-testing mode, the choice of sampling method plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes and conclusions of a study. While random sampling is often considered the gold standard for generalizability and representativeness, researchers operating in theory-testing mode may opt for non-random sampling methods for specific reasons. This essay delves into the rationale behind the preference for non-random sampling in theory-testing research, the validity being prioritized, and the key aspects emphasized by researchers utilizing this approach.
Rationale for Non-Random Sampling in Theory-Testing Research
Researchers in theory-testing mode may choose non-random sampling techniques such as convenience sampling, purposive sampling, or snowball sampling due to several reasons:
1. Accessibility: Non-random sampling methods allow researchers to access specific populations or groups that are relevant to their research questions. This targeted approach can provide more in-depth insights into the phenomenon under study.
2. Cost and Time Efficiency: Random sampling can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, especially when the target population is large or geographically dispersed. Non-random sampling methods are often more practical, particularly for studies with limited resources or tight timelines.
3. Specialized Populations: In theory-testing research, researchers may be interested in studying rare populations or individuals with unique characteristics. Non-random sampling enables the inclusion of these specialized groups, enhancing the study’s relevance and contribution to the existing literature.
Validity Prioritization and Emphasized Aspects
When researchers opt for non-random sampling in theory-testing research, they often prioritize external validity over internal validity. External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to other populations, settings, or contexts. By focusing on external validity, researchers aim to ensure that their results have broader applicability and relevance beyond the specific sample studied.
Additionally, researchers emphasizing non-random sampling in theory-testing mode may prioritize aspects such as:
1. Contextual Understanding: Non-random sampling allows researchers to delve deeply into specific contexts or subgroups, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms or relationships being tested.
2. Theory Application: By selecting samples based on specific criteria or characteristics related to the research hypothesis, researchers can effectively test and refine existing theories within real-world settings.
3. Practical Implications: Non-random sampling methods can generate findings that have direct implications for practice or policy, as they are often tailored to address practical concerns or issues within a given field.
In conclusion, while random sampling is integral to ensuring generalizability and reducing bias in research studies, non-random sampling holds significant value in theory-testing research by providing targeted insights, enhancing external validity, and facilitating a deeper understanding of complex phenomena. Researchers must carefully consider the trade-offs and implications of their sampling choices to maximize the robustness and relevance of their findings in theory-testing endeavors.
