Chi-Square Test

Chi-Square Test Chi-square is a statistical test commonly used to compare observed data with data we would expect to obtain according to a specific hypothesis. For example, if, according to Mendel's laws, you expected 10 of 20 offspring from a cross to be male and the actual observed number was 8 males, then you might want to know about the â€Å"goodness to fit† between the observed and expected. Were the deviations (differences between observed and expected) the result of chance, or were they due to other factors.How much deviation can occur before you, the investigator, must conclude that something other than chance is at work, causing the observed to differ from the expected. The chi-square test is always testing what scientists call the null hypothesis, which states that there is no significant difference between the expected and observed result. The formula for calculating chi-square ( [pic]2) is: [pic]2= [pic](o-e)2/e That is, chi-square is the sum of the squared differ ence between observed (o) and the expected (e) data (or the deviation, d), divided by the expected data in all possible categories.For example, suppose that a cross between two pea plants yields a population of 880 plants, 639 with green seeds and 241 with yellow seeds. You are asked to propose the genotypes of the parents. Your hypothesis is that the allele for green is dominant to the allele for yellow and that the parent plants were both heterozygous for this trait. If your hypothesis is true, then the predicted ratio of offspring from this cross would be 3:1 (based on Mendel's laws) as predicted from the results of the Punnett square (Figure B. ). Figure B. 1 – Punnett Square. Predicted offspring from cross between green and yellow-seeded plants. Green (G) is dominant (3/4 green; 1/4 yellow). To calculate [pic]2 , first determine the number expected in each category. If the ratio is 3:1 and the total number of observed individuals is 880, then the expected numerical value s should be 660 green and 220 yellow. [pic] Chi-square requires that you use numerical values, not percentages or ratios. [pic] Then calculate [pic]2 using this formula, as shown in Table B. . Note that we get a value of 2. 668 for [pic]2. But what does this number mean? Here's how to interpret the [pic]2 value: 1. Determine degrees of freedom (df). Degrees of freedom can be calculated as the number of categories in the problem minus 1. In our example, there are two categories (green and yellow); therefore, there is I degree of freedom. 2. Determine a relative standard to serve as the basis for accepting or rejecting the hypothesis. The relative standard commonly used in biological research is p ; 0. 05.The p value is the probability that the deviation of the observed from that expected is due to chance alone (no other forces acting). In this case, using p ; 0. 05, you would expect any deviation to be due to chance alone 5% of the time or less. 3. Refer to a chi-square distribution table (Table B. 2). Using the appropriate degrees of ‘freedom, locate the value closest to your calculated chi-square in the table. Determine the closestp (probability) value associated with your chi-square and degrees of freedom. In this case ([pic]2=2. 68), the p value is about 0. 10, which means that there is a 10% probability that any deviation from expected results is due to chance only. Based on our standard p > 0. 05, this is within the range of acceptable deviation. In terms of your hypothesis for this example, the observed chi-squareis not significantly different from expected. The observed numbers are consistent with those expected under Mendel's law. Step-by-Step Procedure for Testing Your Hypothesis and Calculating Chi-Square 1. State the hypothesis being tested and the predicted results.Gather the data by conducting the proper experiment (or, if working genetics problems, use the data provided in the problem). 2. Determine the expected numbers for each observation al class. Remember to use numbers, not percentages. [pic] Chi-square should not be calculated if the expected value in any category is less than 5. [pic] 3. Calculate [pic]2 using the formula. Complete all calculations to three significant digits. Round off your answer to two significant digits. 4. Use the chi-square distribution table to determine significance of the value. . Determine degrees of freedom and locate the value in the appropriate column. b. Locate the value closest to your calculated [pic]2 on that degrees of freedom df row. c. Move up the column to determine the p value. 5. State your conclusion in terms of your hypothesis. a. If the p value for the calculated [pic]2 is p ; 0. 05, accept your hypothesis. ‘The deviation is small enough that chance alone accounts for it. A p value of 0. 6, for example, means that there is a 60% probability that any deviation from expected is due to chance only.This is within the range of acceptable deviation. b. If the p value fo r the calculated [pic]2 is p < 0. 05, reject your hypothesis, and conclude that some factor other than chance is operating for the deviation to be so great. For example, a p value of 0. 01 means that there is only a 1% chance that this deviation is due to chance alone. Therefore, other factors must be involved. The chi-square test will be used to test for the â€Å"goodness to fit† between observed and expected data from several laboratory investigations in this lab manual. Table B. 1 Calculating Chi-Square    |Green |Yellow | |Observed (o) |639 |241 | |Expected (e) |660 |220 | |Deviation (o – e) |-21 |21 | |Deviation2 (d2) |441 |441 | |d2/e |0. 68 |2 | |[pic]2 = [pic]d2/e = 2. 668 |. |. | Table B. 2 Chi-Square Distribution |Degrees of | | |Freedom |Probability (p) | |(df) | | |   |0. 95 |0. 90 | Source: R. A. Fisher and F. Yates, Statistical Tables for Biological Agricultural and Medical Research, 6th ed. , Table IV, Oliver & Boyd, Ltd. , Edinburgh, by permissi on of the authors and publishers.Main Page | Introduction and Objectives | Scientific Investigation | Experimental Procedures | Writing Procedures | Mendelian Inheritance |   Monohybrid and Dihybrid Exercises | Reference | Miscellaneous | Scientific Writing | Chi-Square Test | Graphing Techniques Chi-Square Test Chi-square is a statistical test commonly used to compare observed data with data we would expect to obtain according to a specific hypothesis. For example, if, according to Mendel's laws, you expected 10 of 20 offspring from a cross to be male and the actual observed number was 8 males, then you might want to know about the â€Å"goodness to fit† between the observed and expected. Were the deviations (differences between observed and expected) the result of chance, or were they due to other factors.How much deviation can occur before you, the investigator, must conclude that something other than chance is at work, causing the observed to differ from the expected. T he chi-square test is always testing what scientists call the null hypothesis, which states that there is no significant difference between the expected and observed result. The formula for calculating chi-square ( [pic]2) is: [pic]2= [pic](o-e)2/e That is, chi-square is the sum of the squared difference between observed (o) and the expected (e) data (or the deviation, d), divided by the expected data in all possible categories. For example, suppose that a cross between two pea plants yields a population of 880 plants, 639 with green seeds and 241 with yellow seeds. You are asked to propose the genotypes of the parents.Your hypothesis is that the allele for green is dominant to the allele for yellow and that the parent plants were both heterozygous for this trait. If your hypothesis is true, then the predicted ratio of offspring from this cross would be 3:1 (based on Mendel's laws) as predicted from the results of the Punnett square (Figure B. 1). Figure B. 1 – Punnett Square . Predicted offspring from cross between green and yellow-seeded plants. Green (G) is dominant (3/4 green; 1/4 yellow). To calculate [pic]2 , first determine the number expected in each category. If the ratio is 3:1 and the total number of observed individuals is 880, then the expected numerical values should be 660 green and 220 yellow. [pic]Chi-square requires that you use numerical values, not percentages or ratios. [pic] Then calculate [pic]2 using this formula, as shown in Table B. 1. Note that we get a value of 2. 668 for [pic]2. But what does this number mean? Here's how to interpret the [pic]2 value: 1. Determine degrees of freedom (df). Degrees of freedom can be calculated as the number of categories in the problem minus 1. In our example, there are two categories (green and yellow); therefore, there is I degree of freedom. 2. Determine a relative standard to serve as the basis for accepting or rejecting the hypothesis. The relative standard commonly used in biological rese arch is p ; 0. 05.The p value is the probability that the deviation of the observed from that expected is due to chance alone (no other forces acting). In this case, using p ; 0. 05, you would expect any deviation to be due to chance alone 5% of the time or less. 3. Refer to a chi-square distribution table (Table B. 2). Using the appropriate degrees of ‘freedom, locate the value closest to your calculated chi-square in the table. Determine the closestp (probability) value associated with your chi-square and degrees of freedom. In this case ([pic]2=2. 668), the p value is about 0. 10, which means that there is a 10% probability that any deviation from expected results is due to chance only. Based on our standard p > 0. 05, this is within the range of acceptable deviation.In terms of your hypothesis for this example, the observed chi-squareis not significantly different from expected. The observed numbers are consistent with those expected under Mendel's law. Step-by-Step Proced ure for Testing Your Hypothesis and Calculating Chi-Square 1. State the hypothesis being tested and the predicted results. Gather the data by conducting the proper experiment (or, if working genetics problems, use the data provided in the problem). 2. Determine the expected numbers for each observational class. Remember to use numbers, not percentages. [pic] Chi-square should not be calculated if the expected value in any category is less than 5. [pic] 3.Calculate [pic]2 using the formula. Complete all calculations to three significant digits. Round off your answer to two significant digits. 4. Use the chi-square distribution table to determine significance of the value. a. Determine degrees of freedom and locate the value in the appropriate column. b. Locate the value closest to your calculated [pic]2 on that degrees of freedom df row. c. Move up the column to determine the p value. 5. State your conclusion in terms of your hypothesis. a. If the p value for the calculated [pic]2 is p ; 0. 05, accept your hypothesis. ‘The deviation is small enough that chance alone accounts for it. A p value of 0. , for example, means that there is a 60% probability that any deviation from expected is due to chance only. This is within the range of acceptable deviation. b. If the p value for the calculated [pic]2 is p < 0. 05, reject your hypothesis, and conclude that some factor other than chance is operating for the deviation to be so great. For example, a p value of 0. 01 means that there is only a 1% chance that this deviation is due to chance alone. Therefore, other factors must be involved. The chi-square test will be used to test for the â€Å"goodness to fit† between observed and expected data from several laboratory investigations in this lab manual. Table B. 1 Calculating Chi-Square    |Green |Yellow | |Observed (o) |639 |241 | |Expected (e) |660 |220 | |Deviation (o – e) |-21 |21 | |Deviation2 (d2) |441 |441 | |d2/e |0. 68 |2 | |[pic]2 = [pic] d2/e = 2. 668 |. |. | Table B. 2 Chi-Square Distribution |Degrees of | | |Freedom |Probability (p) | |(df) | | |   |0. 95 |0. 90 | Frequency DistributionsOne important set of statistical tests allows us to test for deviations of observed frequencies from expected frequencies. To introduce these tests, we will start with a simple, non-biological example. We want to determine if a coin is fair. In other words, are the odds of flipping the coin heads-up the same as tails-up. We collect data by flipping the coin 200 times. The coin landed heads-up 108 times and tails-up 92 times. At first glance, we might suspect that the coin is biased because heads resulted more often than than tails. However, we have a more quantitative way to analyze our results, a chi-squared test. To perform a chi-square test (or any other statistical test), we first must establish our null hypothesis.In this example, our null hypothesis is that the coin should be equally likely to land head-up or tails-up ev ery time. The null hypothesis allows us to state expected frequencies. For 200 tosses, we would expect 100 heads and 100 tails. The next step is to prepare a table as follows. |   |Heads |Tails |Total | |Observed |108 |92 |200 | |Expected |100 |100 |200 | |Total |208 |192 |400 |The Observed values are those we gather ourselves. The expected values are the frequencies expected, based on our null hypothesis. We total the rows and columns as indicated. It's a good idea to make sure that the row totals equal the column totals (both total to 400 in this example). Using probability theory, statisticians have devised a way to determine if a frequency distribution differs from the expected distribution. To use this chi-square test, we first have to calculate chi-squared. Chi-squared = ? (observed-expected)2/(expected) We have two classes to consider in this example, heads and tails. Chi-squared = (100-108)2/100 + (100-92)2/100 = (-8)2/100 + (8)2/100 = 0. 4 + 0. 64 = 1. 28 Now we have to c onsult a table of critical values of the chi-squared distribution. Here is a portion of such a table. |df/prob. | Types of Data: There are basically two types of random variables and they yield two types of data: numerical and categorical. A chi square (X2) statistic is used to investigate whether distributions of categorical variables differ from one another. Basically categorical variable yield data in the categories and numerical variables yield data in numerical form. Responses to such questions as â€Å"What is your major? † or Do you own a car? † are categorical because they yield data such as â€Å"biology† or â€Å"no. In contrast, responses to such questions as â€Å"How tall are you? † or â€Å"What is your G. P. A.? † are numerical. Numerical data can be either discrete or continuous. The table below may help you see the differences between these two variables. |  Data Type |  Question Type |Possible Responses | |  Categorical |  What is your sex? |male or female | |  Numerical |Disrete- How many cars do you own? |two or three | |  Numerical |Continuous – How tall are you? |  72 inches | Notice that discrete data arise fom a counting process, while continuous data arise from a measuring process.The Chi Square statistic compares the tallies or counts of categorical responses between two (or more) independent groups. (note: Chi square tests can only be used on actual numbers and not on percentages, proportions, means, etc. ) 2 x 2 Contingency Table There are several types of chi square tests depending on the way the data was collected and the hypothesis being tested. We'll begin with the simplest case: a 2 x 2 contingency table. If we set the 2 x 2 table to the general notation shown below in Table 1, using the letters a, b, c, and d to denote the contents of the cells, then we would have the following table: Table 1. General notation for a 2 x 2 contingency table. Variable 1   Variable 2 |   Data type 1 |  Data type 2 |  Totals | |  Category 1 |  a |b |a + b | |  Category 2 |  c |d |c + d | |  Total |a + c |b + d |a + b + c + d = N | For a 2 x 2 contingency table the Chi Square statistic is calculated by the formula: [pic] Note: notice that the four components of the denominator are the four totals from the table columns and rows. Suppose you conducted a drug trial on a group of animals and you hypothesized that the animals receiving the drug would show increased heart rates compared to those that did not receive the drug.You conduct the study and collect the following data: Ho: The proportion of animals whose heart rate increased is independent of drug treatment. Ha: The proportion of animals whose heart rate increased is associated with drug treatment. Table 2. Hypothetical drug trial results. |   |  Heart  Rate |  No  Heart  Rate |Total | | |  Increased |  Increase | | |  Treated |  36 |  14 |  50 | |  Not treated |  30 |   25 |  55 | |  Total |  66 |  39 |  105 | Applying the formula above we get:Chi square = 105[(36)(25) – (14)(30)]2 / (50)(55)(39)(66) = 3. 418 Before we can proceed we eed to know how many degrees of freedom we have. When a comparison is made between one sample and another, a simple rule is that the degrees of freedom equal (number of columns minus one) x (number of rows minus one) not counting the totals for rows or columns. For our data this gives (2-1) x (2-1) = 1. We now have our chi square statistic (x2 = 3. 418), our predetermined alpha level of significance (0. 05), and our degrees of freedom (df  =  1). Entering the Chi square distribution table with 1 degree of freedom and reading along the row we find our value of x2 (3. 418) lies between 2. 706 and 3. 841.The corresponding probability is between the 0. 10 and 0. 05 probability levels. That means that the p-value is above 0. 05 (it is actually 0. 065). Since a p-value of 0. 65 is greater than the conven tionally accepted significance level of 0. 05 (i. e. p  >  0. 05) we fail to reject the null hypothesis. In other words, there is no statistically significant difference in the proportion of animals whose heart rate increased. What would happen if the number of control animals whose heart rate increased dropped to 29 instead of 30 and, consequently, the number of controls whose hear rate did not increase changed from 25 to 26? Try it. Notice that the new x2 value is 4. 25 and this value exceeds the table value of 3. 841 (at 1 degree of freedom and an alpha level of 0. 05). This means that p < 0. 05 (it is now0. 04) and we reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis – the heart rate of animals is different between the treatment groups. When p < 0. 05 we generally refer to this as a significant difference. Table 3. Chi Square distribution table. probability level (alpha) |Df |0. 5 |0. 10 |0. 05 | |  A |  10 |  42 |  52 | |  a |  33 |  15 |  48 | |  Totals |  43 |  57 |  100 |The penotypic ratio 85 of the A type and 15 of the a-type (homozygous recessive). In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygotes, however, we would have predicted a 3:1 ratio of phenotypes. In other words, we would have expected to get 75 A-type and 25 a-type. Are or resuls different? [pic] Calculate the chi square statistic x2 by completing the following steps: 1. For each observed number in the table subtract the corresponding expected number (O — E). 2. Square the difference [ (O —E)2 ]. 3. Divide the squares obtained for each cell in the table by the expected number for that cell [ (O – E)2 / E ]. 4. Sum all the values for (O – E)2 / E. This is the chi square statistic. For our example, the calculation would be:    |Observed |Expected |(O — E) |(O — E)2 |(O — E)2/ E | |a-type |15 |25 |10 |100 |4. 0 | |Total |100 |100 |   |   | Suppose you have the following categorical data se t. Table . Incidence of three types of malaria in three tropical regions. |   |  Asia |Africa |South America |Totals | |  14 |  23. 04 |  9. 04 |81. 72 |3. 546 | |  45 |  36. 00 |  9. 00 |81. 00 |2. 5 | |  2 |  20. 64 |  18. 64 |347. 45 |16. 83 | |  5 |  15. 36 |  10. 36 |107. 33 |6. 99 | |  53 |  24. 00 |  29. 00 |841. 00 |35. 04 | |  53 |  34. 40 |  18. 60 |345. 96 |10. 06 | |  45 |  25. 60 |  19. 40 |376. 36 |14. 70 | |  2 |  40. 00 |  38. 00 |  1444. 00 |36. 10 | Chi Square = 125. 516 Degrees of Freedom = (c – 1)(r – 1) = 2(2) = 4 Table 3.Chi Square distribution table. probability level (alpha) Df |0. 5 |0. 10 |0. 05 |0. 02 |0. 01 |0. 001 | |1 |0. 455 |2. 706 |3. 841 |5. 412 |6. 635 |10. 827 | |2 |1. 386 |4. 605 |5. 991 |7. 824 |9. 210 |13. 815 | |3 |2. 366 |6. 251 |7. 815 |9. 837 |11. 345 |16. 268 | |4 |3. 357 |7. 779 |9. 488 |11. 668 |13. 277 |18. 465 | |5 |4. 351 |9. 236 |11. 070 |13. 388 |15. 086 |20. 517 | |Reject Ho because 125. 516 is greater than 9. 488 (for alpha ’ 0. 05) Thus, we would reject the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between location and type of malaria. Our data tell us there is a relationship between type of malaria and location, but that's all it says.Follow the link below to access a java-based program for calculating Chi Square statistics for contingency tables of up to 9 rows by 9 columns. Enter the number of row and colums in the spaces provided on the page and click the submit button. A new form will appear asking you to enter your actual data into the cells of the contingency table. When finished entering your data, click the â€Å"calculate now† button to see the results of your Chi Square analysis. You may wish to print this last page to keep as a record. Chi Square, This page was created as part of the Mathbeans Project. The java applets were created by David Eck and modified by Jim Ryan. The Mathbeans Project is funded by a gran t from the National Science Foundation DUE-9950473.

Aristotle Plato Essay

Aristotle was born on 384 BC in Stageira, Chalcidice 34 miles east of modern-day Thessaloniki. His father Nicomachus was the personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedon. Aristotle educated as a member of aristocracy and at the age of eighteen, he went to Athens to do his further studies in Plato’s Academy. He was there at the beginning as a student of Plato, and then became a researcher and finally a teacher. Aristotle married Hermias’s niece Pythias who died ten years later. After her death he married Herpyllis, who came from his birthplace, Stageira. By 335 BC he had returned to Athens, establishing his own school in there known as the Lyceum. This Academy focused more on biology than its predecessor that relied on mathematics. Aristotle not only studied almost every subject possible at the time, but made significant contributions to most of them. In physical science, Aristotle studied anatomy, astronomy, embryology, geography, geology, meteorology, physics and zoology. In philosophy, he wrote on aesthetics, ethics, government, metaphysics, politics, economics, psychology, rhetoric and theology. He also studied education, foreign customs, literature and poetry. His combined works constitute a virtual encyclopedia of Greek knowledge. It has been suggested that Aristotle was probably the last person to know everything there was to be known in his own time. He greatly admired Plato all the way to his death, despite the fact that he later opposed some of his most important points. Aristotle died in 322 BC at the age of sixty-two in Chalkis on the island of Euboea. He also said many sayings regarded to different topics or fields like other Philosophers. Once a person asked that â€Å"what is friend? † Aristotle answered as follows. â€Å"A single soul dwelling in Two Bodies†. Like other Philosophers, Aristotle too talked about friendship and the above quote is such one. When we talk about the friendship, it is a kind of internal bonding among two or more beings. Most of the time, this bonding does not depend on one’s caste, gender, age, occupation, wealth or any other. That is why even very best friend’s needs show a little difference from each other because our bodies are external and physical. The most valuable thing for a human life is the friendship because it is very difficult to live alone. Even the present Psychologists accept that concept. If we go deep into this particular relationship, this can be a good one or a bad one as this depends on their intentions and thoughts. Actually the friendship is a backup for a one’s life, when our self is down with a problem or sadness, our friend is the first person who identifies our situation. He/She may not be able to find a solution for us, but surely he/she will be there to cry with us. That is how best friends act at all. They never let the other down. One’s sadness will be the other’s sadness. That is why Aristotle clearly said that one sole dwelling in two bodies. Friendship will gives the same feeling for all the friends even that is a comedy, tragedy or a joy because friends are one in their souls. Friendship is not only within two persons but within a group of them. Education is the guider to a one’s life. Aristotle said that, â€Å"The roots of the education is bitter, but the fruit is sweet†. Education is received according to a specific order. That is why we can categorize it into primary education, secondary and higher education. Primary education or the very basic education is the important stage for a person because from that only he starts to think logically and effectively. Then only he can have a clear mind about his/her future. If the primary education is not strong, final result will be not a satisfactory one. If the root system is not well developed the tree will not be a good one. But the thing is our basic education is not a sweet one because there are many difficulties and hardships to undergo. Aristotle tried to tell that when we start something we must not judge its conditions from that point, we must think beyond that which means about its future. Because the fruit is our future. Although a tree is fully grown, it never is able to obtain nutrients and water from its top part. From root system only it will get those necessary nutrients. Likewise every new updating knowledge will come through our basic knowledge, if not we won’t be able to understand those. We must remember that there must be difficulties and unpleasant points in our life to make our future a brighter and comfortable one like the great Philosopher, Aristotle.

Identities of Cardiff, Wales, UK by quantitative evidence Essay

Identities of Cardiff, Wales, UK by quantitative evidence - Essay Example Of that total population two-thirds (210,000) are of working age and one-third (110,400) are dependents - children under fifteen, women over the age of 60 and men over the age of 65. In contrast, in Wales outside of Cardiff, a lower percentage of the population is still in the workforce. A mere 1,586,000 or 60% of the population is in the workforce, while 40% are classified as dependents. These means that there are more dependents per thousand workers in Wales than there are in Cardiff. Moreover, in Cardiff dependent children outnumber dependent adults while in the remainder of Wales dependent adults outnumber dependent children. Overall, therefor the population of Cardiff is younger than the population of Wales as a whole. In Cardiff a greater percentage of the population is still in the workforce and dependents about to enter the workforce outnumber dependents who have left the workforce. The general fertility rate in Cardiff is slightly lower than that in the remainder of Wales. The figure per thousand women in Cardiff is 57.2: Slightly less than the Welsh national figure which is 59.4. In the aggregate there are only limited differences between the two areas. However, if birthrate is analyzed by age distinct differences emerge. Simply put, women in Cardiff have children later than women in Wales as a whole. In Wales as a whole the birth rate exceeds that of Cardiff for all women under the age of 30. In Cardiff the opposite is true, the birth rate for women over the age of 29 is greater than the national average.. In terms of population movement and migration the city of Cardiff and Wales as a whole demonstrate similarities. Between 2003 and 2007 the population of Wales increased by 10,320 with 57,200 new arrivals and the departure of only 46,890. Similarly, in-migration increased the population of Cardiff during the same period by 820. While both study areas increased in

Introduction to the global economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Introduction to the global economy - Essay Example The WTO greements ssist the ctivities of trnsntionl enterprises, the principl plyers in globliztion, nd the Uruguy Round confirmed this liberliztion. From the Genev Round in 1947 to tht of the Uruguy Round in 1986-1994, the level of triffs pplied to industril products hs fllen from 40 per cent to 3.8 per cent, nd the reduced triffs tht hve been consolidted hve fcilitted the estblishment of trnsntionl economy. In the following pper I will further discuss the importnt of GTT nd WOT for interntionl trde. The nlysis will include historicl bckground of orgniztions followed by explntion of GTT replced by WTO nd generl results of such trnsformtion nd concluded by the short nd long term consequences of WTO's running. The GTT hs been clled "remrkble success history of post-wr interntionl orgniztion tht ws never intended to become one" (Grhm, 1983: 124). It strted out in 1947 s set of rules to ensure nondiscrimintion, trnsprent procedures, the settlement of disputes nd the prticiption of the lesser-developed countries in interntionl trde. To increse trde, GTT used triffs concessions, through which member countries greed to limit the level of triffs they would impose on imports from other GTT members. n importnt tool is the Most-Fvored Ntion (MFN) cluse, which clls for ech member country to grnt every other member country the sme most fvorble tretment tht it ccords to ny other country with respect to imports nd exports. (Brber, 1982: 9). MFN, in effect, provides for equl, rther thn specil, tretment. The GTT ws built on severl principles: 1. The Most Fvoured Ntion (MFN) cluse, which ensures non-discrimintory tretment. This principle, ccording to which ll dvntges, fvours, privileges or immunities grnted by one contrcting prty to product originting from or destined for ny other country shll, immeditely nd unconditionlly, be extended for the sme tretment to ny similr product originting or destined for the territory of ll other contrcting prties promotes the cuse of liberliztion. This principle reduced the trnsction costs of the negotitions for the members. ll countries hving n interest in product nd seeking to improve ccess to it in n exporting country nd hving negotited this concession, must ccord the sme to every other country. 2. The second principle of this system is tht of ntionl tretment nd is intended to complement the MFN cluse. It stipultes tht every imported product fter pyment of the customs duties must not receive less fvourble tretment thn locl product. Ech member stte is obliged to tret locl nd imported products in the sme wy. 3. The third principle is tht of trnsprency. The Mrrkesh greements reinforce trnsprency by djusting notifiction nd informtion procedures. ll lws nd regultions must be published, in order to enble other members to consult them nd ensure tht they conform to the previling legl texts in force. Trnsprency is lso the im of the review mechnism of trde policies. This enbles WTO members to exmine the implementtion of the trde policy of member stte or group of countries within regionl greement. It gives more trnsprency to trde policies. t present, the trde policies of the four biggest exporters - the United Sttes, the Europen Union, Jpn nd Cnd - re exmined every two yers, those of the sixteen other lrgest exporters every four yers, nd those of developing countries every six

Gender Disparities In Hamlet and The Importance of Being Earnest Essay

Gender Disparities In Hamlet and The Importance of Being Earnest - Essay Example Women such as Cecily, Gwendolen and Ophelia are a good example of that. It is clearly seen that those Women are being taken advantage of or are being forced to do something, in order to benefit other personage. This paper will review this statement. A common undertone of Victorian society was how women were seen as fragile and cowardly things and should be treated differently (more gently) than men. â€Å"My dear fellow, the truth isnt quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl. What extraordinary ideas you have about the way to behave to a woman!† (Wilde, 236). In this quote, Jack explains how women are incapable of handling the truth and thus justifies why he should not feel bad about lying to them. Jack constantly lies to Gwendolen, referring to her as a nice, sweet girl, putting her to a lower class than he is. He justifies this by thinking he is protecting her from the outside world. Gender disparity plays out with major undertones in marriage as demonstrated by Wilde. The ability to choose who and when to marry is a good example of the inequalities between the men and women in Victorian society. â€Å"I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.† (Wilde, 1) Jack sees the marriage as necessary for his social standings, impressing other members of the class. Marx sees society as only in classes, and he defines these classes by the amount of capital. The decision to marry is a normal aspect of a man’s life. â€Å"Lady Bracknell; Pardon me, you are not engaged to anyone. When you do become engaged to someone, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.† (Wilde, 172). When Cecily tells Lady Bracknell that she is engaged to Earnest, Lady Bracknell tells Cecily her vision. Lady Bracknell, like many in that society, puts woman lower in social class. From this statement, we see th at Lady Bracknell gives the man the main

Mid Term Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Mid Term - Essay Example 2. The novel is a book written in prose where the writer tries to sketch a picture of ordinary life. The novella is considered a shorter piece of prose, also referred to as a short novel. The difference between them is not the content which can range from the different genres of fiction: romance or history, but the size of the work. Thus, both the novel and novella seek to present a prose piece of work that is different only in its size. 3. Tolstoy presents his character in a light that is despicable for the reader. This character sketch can only be drawn because of the sequential turn of events in Ivan Ilych’s life. The momentum set up by the writer is vital in achieving the true goal of the story: a revelation into the life of Ivan Ilych. Had the story been written differently with the colleagues and wake scene being given last the epiphany that is reveal too Ivan would have been lost. The story allows for the reader to better understand the character’s change in opinion about life. 4. The suspense of the novel originates from the reader’s desire to better understand the reason behind Ivan’s death. As the story continues the reader notices the suffering in Ilych’s life. While the character had to understand his life’s failures now it’s coupled with physical pain which worsens with his loneliness and hatred. The suspense is created with because of the beginning which makes the reader wonder: will Ivan reconcile with his death or will the story end happily. 5. An instance of the torment Ivan puts his family through is evident in his widow’s description of his last days â€Å"He screamed unceasingly†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Oh what I have suffered!† A grieving widow should remember the good qualities instead she chooses to remember the relentless nights she suffered with her husband’s illness. Peter Ivanovich on the other hand is mortified by the idea of death itself â€Å"death was an accident natural to Ivan Ilych but certainly not to

Pepsi co Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pepsi co - Essay Example Later the company was purchased by an individual named Charles Guth who already owned a candy producing business recognized as Loft (Pepsico.com, 2015). Guth later merged both the companies and started selling Pepsi-Cola in his own stores that were developed to sell candy. The company’s name was once again altered to Pepsi Co. when the company experienced a merger with Frito-Lay. Pepsi Co. no longer only deals in the sale of soft drinks and has expanded its business in various areas of food production and processing. It sells several carbonated drinks under its name such as Pepsi and Mountain Dew and it even sells several soft drinks for people who are concerned with their weight and diet (Pepsico.com, 2015). It has even been producing and distributing energy drinks as well as sports drinks and is even serving the community with food items such as Lay’s potato chips as well as Cheetos. The company is operational throughout the world such as in European as well as Asian regions and is one of the most profitable

Literary Analysis on Hemingway's Soldier's Home Essay

Literary Analysis on Hemingway's Soldier's Home - Essay Example But very astonishingly the story â€Å"Soldier’s Home† has that charm, that enigma to captivate and engage the minds of the readers of all ages. Thesis Statement The contemporary content of the story, its relevant relative presentation reaches it beyond any particular frame of time and make it universal and timeless in its approach. Exploration of the Character of Harold Kerb to the Devices of Monologue and Dialogue The character portrayal of Hemingway’s protagonist of the short story, â€Å"Soldier’s Home† finds exploration through internal monologue and exchanges of dialogues between the various other characters of the story. For example, it is observed that Harold’s mother tries to restore the lost faith of Kerb over religion and she remarks, â€Å"God has some work for everyone to do.....We are all of us in His Kingdom† (Hemingway, â€Å"The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway†, Pg - 115). The revelation of the charac ter of Kerb finds its expression through the position of Kerb before and after the war in the society, his post-war trauma and depression and his relationship with his family members as well.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Assignment Example The addition of these two variables would then be divided by the original price the investor paid for the stock or lot of stocks. This calculation would give the gross return. The net return is calculated by subtracting the tax expenses associated with the investment from the numerator of the formula. It is important for investors to periodically calculate the return they would achieve if they sold a stock at a particular point in time. This can help investors determine when it is the best moment to sell their stock investment. 2. Contrast systematic and unsystematic risk. There are two types of risks that investors must pay close attention to. The two types of risks are systematic and unsystematic risk. Systematic risk is a risk factor that cannot be control by the investor or the firm due to the fact that it is a market inherent risk. These risk factors affect all firms. Some examples of systematic risks include recessions, wars, inflation, and the occurrence of natural events. In the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 earthquake in Japan the valuation of most Japanese stocks when down a lot. This risk could not have been predicted by an investor. Unsystematic risk is also referred to as firm specific risk or diversifiable risk. Unsystematic risks are risks that can be controlled by the firm. Some examples of these risks include employee strikes, lawsuits, unsuccessful product launches, and the quality of the labor force hired by the firm. A way to offset the effects of unsystematic risks is through diversification. A smart investor is able to reduce the unsystematic risk of their portfolio by purchasing a wide array of investments including blue chip stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Within the stocks selected by the investor they choose common stocks from firms from different industries. Both systematic and unsystematic risk must be considered by people that are contemplating investing in the stock market. 3. Explain why the total risk of a portfolio is not sim ply equal to the weighted average of the risks of the securities in the portfolio. Many people think because the expected return on a portfolio is calculated as the weighted average of the expected returns of individual stocks that the risk of a portfolio is calculated in the same. Well all those people that thought that way are wrong. Generally speaking the portfolio risk is usually smaller than the weighted average. This occurs because on many instances the risk of different stocks offset each other. A way to measure how the risk of the different stocks of a portfolio is affected is by using the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient measures the degree of relationship between two variables. It is possible for a portfolio of two stocks that both have risks to formulate a riskless portfolio if the risks of the two stocks cancel each other out. This can occur because the returns of each stock move in opposite directions. 4. State what beta measures and its uses. The be ta coefficient measures a stock’s sensitivity to fluctuations in the stock market. The normal beta is 1.0. A 1.0 beta implies that the common stock has the same risk as the market. When a company has a beta below 1.0 the common stock of the firm is not affected too much by the market risk. Stocks that have betas above 1.0 are very sensitive to fluctuations in the stock market. A stock that has a beta coefficient of 2.0 implies that the firm is twice as volatile or risky as

Ethics in Intelligence Essay Example for Free

Ethics in Intelligence Essay On a clear, late summer day in September of 2001, the hectic yet peaceful lower portion of Manhattan, New York City was turned into the site of one of the largest mass murders in world history when terrorist attacks turned the once imposing World Trade Center complex to a smoking pile of debris and left thousands of Americans dead, physically and psychologically scarred for life. In the aftermath of this act of aggression, the United States, with the cooperation of allies around the world, launched intelligence collection efforts on a scale that had never before been seen. Some nations would be able to do so as they wished without regard for the privacy or rights of their people, but for a nation conceived in liberty and human rights as the US was, issues of ethics and the preservation of individual rights had to be balanced against the dire need to protect the masses from further violence. This research will focus on the ethics of intelligence collection in the US, Constitutional implications of these efforts for American citizens, and the consideration of how much liberty US citizens should be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Ethics of Intel Collections, Means and Methods Intelligence gathering has always been an essential part of the preservation of American security, dating back to the days of the American colonies and beyond. In the late 1990s, for all of the violence brewing in other nations and the potential for domestic terrorism in the US, the intelligence gathering efforts of American officials consisted mostly of the analysis of data from the comfort of offices located in the US and some offices scattered across the globe. However, these efforts were initially proven to be weak by international terrorist acts against American military installations in other nations, and the original emergence of Osama Bin Laden as an international terrorist to be closely monitored. With such formidable enemies to consider, it became obvious that the old ways of gathering intelligence were badly in need of change, including the introduction of more field intelligence agents, enhancements to technology, better networking with other nations, and many clandestine activities. With the need to increase and improve all levels of intelligence gathering in the US, the question arises as to how far a nation like the US, which stands as a beacon of righteousness and safety in the world, will be willing to go to gain the level of security that is needed to protect American citizens at home and abroad? The child of this need emerged, known as the Department of Homeland Security, an organization which put on a public front of protection of the US in a manner that is illustrative of ethical behavior and forceful yet proper action. With the introduction of the Department, the public gained a higher level of confidence in the protection they would be receiving. However, many of the methods that were necessary, at least behind the scenes, were of the nature that the general public would frown upon at the very least, and rise up in heated protest against at worst if it were known the full extent of what the Department was forced to resort to in the interest of intelligence gathering. Among the steps that were taken, such actions as the monitoring of telephone and Internet communications, the detention of suspected terrorists and the like began to raise the issue of the appropriateness of such activities in line with the promises and obligations of the US Constitution. Constitutional Implications of United States Intel Collection on United States Citizens The war against terrorism is unlike any other war that the US has seen; fighting an enemy that does not wear a recognizable uniform or hails from any specific geographic location poses quite a challenge and makes the application of conventional warfare tactics all but impossible. Therefore, as with those conventional warfare methods, it is necessary for certain drastic measures to be taken. However, it is important to understand that there are Constitutional implications for such actions, especially in the areas of intelligence collection which require frequent intrusions into the privacy that Americans hold so dear and have fought and died to protect for hundreds of years. First, there are misconceptions about the Constitution that are necessary to point out. Specifically, there is a thin line between the investigation of criminal activity and suspected threats to national security, which of course are in and of themselves criminal but take on an added dimension when one realizes that the safety and future of the nation hangs in the balance. In the interest of national security, it is permissible for the surveillance of Americans, domestically and abroad without the obtaining of search warrants, which are usually the standard procedure when an American is being investigated as a possible criminal, under any ordinary circumstances. In this instance, permissible and acceptable are two entirely different things. While authorities may be allowed to basically spy on their fellow citizens so that the nation is protected, where does this leave those who are the target of the surveillance? The argument can fairly be made that if one is not doing anything wrong, if they are being monitored, they actually have nothing with which to be concerned. Further, if that surveillance yields information on other wrongdoers who are in fact a threat to America, the net result makes all of it worthwhile. The issue of habeas corpus also is a key element in the consideration of the rights the accused. In the past, this legal remedy, in place since the days of the Magna Carta, existed to protect the rights of the accused. Constitutionally speaking, it had been established in the early 1940s that habeas corpus would stand if: â€Å"(1) the conviction is void for lack o f personal or subject matter jurisdiction; (2) the statute defining the offense is unconstitutional, or the conviction was obtained in violation of a federal constitutional right; (3) the statute authorizing the sentence is unconstitutional, or the sentence was obtained in violation of a federal constitutional right; (4) the sentence is contrary to the applicable statute, in excess of the statutory maximum, or otherwise unauthorized by law; or (5) the conviction or the sentence is otherwise deemed subject to collateral attack. † In times of crisis, this right has been suspended in the interest of national security, and has been suspended in the age of terrorism due to the need to make terrorists who are evading capture by authorities accountable in courts of law for their crimes. This, also, however is one of those fine points of law that draw criticism and scrutiny in many cases because anytime a right is suspended, innocent people are affected and their rights are often sacrificed, albeit for the sake of the common good. A closer look at the underpinnings of the Constitution itself reveals some interesting powers that many do not realize exist. For example, the Constitution does in fact give Congress the right to make laws as necessary to allow the Constitution to function as it was intended. This right, however, is akin to a broad stroke of a paintbrush, when the finer details of the stroke are really where the beauty lies. In other words, on the surface, it is true that Congress possesses such power, but this is also a power that is open to interpretation and debate. Where one draws the line between permissible monitoring and the trampling of the rights of the majority is an issue with which the American people are currently wrestling and undoubtedly will continue to do so for many years to come. With this in mind, there surely must be a balance to be obtained between sacrificing for the common good and giving up everything that Americans are constitutionally guaranteed. How Much Liberty Should US Citizens Give Up Under the Notion of National Security? It has been said that liberty is something which can be gained all at once, but often is stripped away one small piece at a time, like the gradual erosion of a mighty mountain. If this is true, the question of how many small pieces the citizens of the US can give away before a landslide consumes them? After the horrible events of September 11, 2001, it became readily apparent that there was a need for American governmental agencies to gather additional power if they were to properly mount an offensive against terrorism and to avert a repeat of the horrible events of that tragic day. This need to gather additional power was viewed by many as a feeble excuse for those within the government who craved power to grab as much as they wished, regardless of the inevitable fallout. Still others saw the sacrifice of a small amount of liberty as the necessary toll that needed to be paid for a much larger amount of overall protection and the long-term survival of the US while others around the world plotted to destroy the most powerful nation on earth. Again, however, as was mentioned at the beginning of this passage, small surrenders can sometimes lead to large damage over a period of time.

The Agritourism Potential For Rural Development Tourism Essay

The Agritourism Potential For Rural Development Tourism Essay Development is critical and essential to the sustenance and growth of any nation. The main goal of each and every country is to reach overall development of the country. The term development encompasses the need and the means by which to provide better lives for people in a country. It includes not only economic growth, although that is crucial, but also human development providing health, nutrition, education, and a clean environment. However, in executing development is a complex issue and the basic perspective of it is equates development with economic growth. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2009) development is to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Gboyega (2003) captures development as an idea that embodies all attempts to improve the conditions of human existence in all ramifications. It implies improvement in material well being of all citizens, not the most powerful and rich alone, in a sustainable way such that todays consumption does not imperil the future, it also demands that poverty and inequality of access to the good things of life be removed or drastically reduced. It seeks to improve personal physical security and livelihoods and expansion of life chances.Thus, development aims at improving important aspects of peoples lives such as livelihood, security, environmental, physical and mental well being. Enhance in knowledge, experience and resources is helped people to build a better life. The goal of development is to expand the capabilities of people to live the lives they choose to lead (Amartya Sen 1999). It is most appropriately defined with their active participation. Development is different from growth. It has broader and deeper meanings. Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient condition for development and hence it can be viewed as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The major dimensions of it include the level of economic growth, standards of education, quality of housing, level of health, distribution of goods and services, and access to communication (World Bank, 2005). Ingredients for development and economic growth are capital formation, human resources, natural resources, and technology/entrepreneurship. Capital formation is essential to invest in sectors with high economic output, saving capital, investing in infrastructure creates jobs directly and indirectly by attracting investors. Human resources are a key to development in any country. There is need to develop a mechanism to address lack of health facilities, lack of education, poverty, malnutrition, and disease. Human resource development is important if people are to make use of ICT for development. Natural resources are crucial in development. Development activities need to be harnessed more of their natural resources. It is imperative that they should improve farming techniques and develop better land ownership methods. Technology and entrepreneurship are important to developing countries to improve the know-how and know-what. Openness to ideas is important if any economy is to develop. The formation of regional and international blocks encourages technology and entrepreneurship. Development should be a sustainable long-term condition for humanitys multidimensional well-being. It has been clearly explained in the Rio Declaration, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as; Human beings are at the center of concern for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. Sustainable development could probably be otherwise called equitable and balanced, meaning that, in order for development to continue indefinitely, it should balance the interests of different groups of people, within the same generation and among generations, and do so simultaneously in three major interrelated areas-economic, social, and environmental. Sustainable development is about equity, defined as equality of opportunities for well-being, as well as about comprehensiveness of objectives. Not all the countries in the world have same level of development. While developed countries have reached higher level of development or standard of living due to better standards in their societies, developing countries have faced several issues and challenges along their way towards development. Developed countries are countries whose lives are patterned industry and have some specific characteristics like higher level of average per capita income, level of education, life expectancy of the population and also low level of population growth rate and death rate. Life style is based on the market economy and economic activities are mostly related with industry sector as well as export oriented. Furthermore, majority of the population lives in cities and there is relatively higher level of health of the population. Countries that have Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.788 or over are in the category of developed countries. According to the IMF index of HDI released in 2011, there are 47 countries in the top quartile and classified as possessing a Very high human development. On the other hand several common negative characteristics can be seen among developing countries as well. These are preventing the development of those countries. Low levels of living are manifested qualitatively and quantitatively in form of low incomes, inadequate housing, poor health, limited or no education, high infant mortality, low life and work expectancy, and in many cases, a general sense of malaise and hopelessness are some of them. Moreover, low levels of productivity in many areas like labour productivity, agriculture or farm productivity. In addition, low level of industrial development, high unemployment, small domestic market, small amount of disposable income and uneven regional development, problems in institutional changes in land tenure, credit and banking structures, honest and efficient administrations and the restructuring of educational and training. Most of the developing countries possess high population growth potential characterized by high birth rate and high but declining death rate. Rural development in developing countries Rural development is an integral part of the national development of a country. Rural development actions are mainly and mostly to development aim for the social and economic development of the rural areas (Chigbu, 2012). Especially in developing countries, very high emphasis has been given to rural development, aiming to gain equitable and balance development throughout the country. Rural Development which is concerned with economic growth and social justice, improvement in the living standard of the rural people by providing adequate and quality social services and minimum basic needs becomes essential. The present strategy of rural development mainly focuses on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, provision of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities through innovative programs of wage and self-employment. Rural development generally refers to the process of improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas (Malcolm, 2003). Although rural development has traditionally centered on the exploitation of land-intensive natural resources such as agriculture and forestry, due to changes in global production networks and increased urbanization have changed the character of rural areas. Increasingly tourism, niche manufacturers, and recreation have replaced resource extraction and agriculture as dominant economic drivers (Neil and David, 2009). The need for rural communities to approach development from a wider perspective has created more focus on a broad range of development goals rather than merely creating incentive for agricultural or resource based businesses. Education, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructure, and social infrastructure all play an important role in developing rural regions (Conn, 1996). Rural devel opment is also characterized by its emphasis on locally produced economic development strategies (Malcolm, 2003). Furthermore, rural development aims at finding the ways to improve the rural lives with participation of the rural people themselves so as to meet the required need of the rural area. As such, general people themselves have to participate in their sustainable rural development. When rural development is concerned, in one point of view it can be explained as the development consists of a wide variety of new activities such as the production of high quality and region specific products, nature conservation and landscape management, agritourism and the development of short supply chains (Knickel Renting, 2000). These new activities in rural areas mean new income sources to local people. Therefore it is believed that, doing diversification and utilizing multi-functionality of agriculture and formation of agritourism can be used as a strategy to enhance rural development. Rural Development and national development in developing countries In developing countries, the  rural development is one of the most important factors for the growth of the national economy. Desai (2009) has recorded Rural Development is an important segment of national development. Developing countries are primarily agriculture-based countries and majority of the population are in rural areas. Agriculture contributes for a significant share of the gross domestic product (GDP) of those countries. Agriculture, mining, forestry, handicrafts, fisheries, poultry, diary and rural tourism are the primary contributors to the rural business and economy of developing countries. However, in many developing countries sufficient amount of investment in rural sector doesnt take place (United nation, 2011). The rural sector is not able to contribute its full potential for the national development. For example, in the Asia-Pacific region in many cases governments implement national development strategies, including fiscal and trade policies, which are biased against agriculture and the rural sector in general. These policies are seriously affecting the livelihoods and entrepreneurial development of small agricultural producers, the landless and other producers in rural areas (United nation, 2011). As a consequence of the biased policies and budget allocations government institutions in most countries concerned have been unable to effectively promote agriculture and rural development through the provision of timely and adequate social and production services in rural areas making lesser contribution for the national development (FAO, 2008) Not only in Asia-Pacific this problem exists in other regions of the world as well. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean need to invest more and better in rural communities as their economic contribution to national development is twice as large as officially believed, according to a new World Bank report released recently. The report evaluates the effects of the rural sector on national growth, poverty reduction, and environmental degradation both in rural areas and the rest of the economy, as well as the public policies that can enhance its contribution to overall national development (Viveros and Morrison 2005). A study of Onyemelukwe (1981) on the assessment of the performances of the rural sector of the typical African country Nigeria in national development contexts has found out the critical role of the sector and the system effects of inadequate equipment of the sector for such role. The Nigerian situation is used to illustrate the prospects and the problems of th e rural sector in most African countries. Rural sector in Sri Lanka is mainly consisted of farming community. The agriculture sector is the cornerstone in Sri Lankas economy with more than 70% of the population living in rural areas depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. Currently this sector contributes to about 18% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 30% of the employment (Central bank of Sri Lanka, 2011).  Therefore, without taking into consideration agricultural development, we cant even imagine rural development in this country. What is Agritourism? In general, agriourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes. In particular, it refers to farm enterprises and community events that showcase the activities and produce of rural families and the agricultural heritage of farming regions to travelers. Agritourism provides rural experiences to travelers with the goal of generating revenues for farmers and surrounding communities. These experiences typically include a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in agricultural areas. Important ingredients of agritourisms rural experiences include open spaces, low levels of urban or industrial development, and opportunities for visitors to directly experience agricultural, pastoral, and natural environments. Moreover, agritourism is a type of rural tourism. It is a combination of two complex industries; agriculture and tourism, to open up alternative income sources for the farmers as well as surrounding community (Wicks and Merrett, 2003). Brscic (2006) has explained agritourism as a special form of tourism which takes place within the family farm that symbolizes a specific form of business, giving a number of benefits to the families involved, with multiple impacts on the socio-economic relations and the space in rural areas. It is a form of farm diversification aiming some benefits from exiting farm resources. Agritourism can be also explained as an activity, enterprise or business that combines primary elements and characteristics of agriculture and tourism and provides an experience for visitors that stimulates economic activity and impacts both farm and community income. Relationship between agritourism and rural development Several research findings in many developed countries have shown that agritourism as a possible rural development strategy. For example, Haghiri and Okech (2011) discovered role of the agritourism in developing the economy of rural areas in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. According to Demirbas Topcu (2009), agritourism is a new element for rural development in Turkey. Agritourism as an effective vehicle for rural development in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan (Dernoi, 2002; Weaver and Fennell, 1998). Study of Hightower (2011) recorded that Agritourism is being used as a catalyst for additional income and triggering economic growth in rural areas. Disez, (1999) revealed that agritourism represents and innovative activity taking place within the framework of rural development in Massif Central region in France. In Romania, agritourism is the best way for the preservation of traditions and customs in the rural areas, supplying a sustainable rural development (Mo rtan, 2006). In some countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway it is a growing sector with the policies of the governments aiming to benefit from it as a regional development instrument (DemirtaÃ…Å ¸ Topcu, 2007; Frater, 1983). Rural tourism provides many benefits to local areas by bringing visitors to the region, increasing awareness for agricultural products and showcasing produce to the local and regional community. It can also provide incentives for local heritage and conservation groups to preserve unique heritage landscapes and built heritage. Most studies have highlighted the multiple benefits that agritourism brings to the farm, local communities, agriculture heritage and natural resources (Fleischer and Pizam, 1997; Busby and Rendle, 2000; Ventura and Milone, 2000; Sharpley, 2002; Wicks and Merrett, 2003; Hegarty and Przezbà ³rska, 2005; Fleischer and Tchetchik, 2005; Mitchell and De Waal, 2009). Agritourism Research conducted in developing countries A small number of researches have been conducted in some developing countries in Asia. Mayasia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and India are examples of such countries. When South Asian countries are concerned, the number of research is very few. India is the country leading in agritourism in this region. According to Tiraieyari and Hamzah (2011) in Malaysia, there are potential benefits of agritourism for farmers and local communities in general. It further indicated that  agritourism as an economic development instrument has great potential to contribute to rural development as Malaysia is one of the tourist countries with great potential to develop agritourism. As per the Council of Agriculture (COA) of Taiwan, after registering a decline of 1.9% of GDP in 2001, 173 Farms were established for tourism and this created huge impact in the development of rural areas of Taiwan such as chi-ching and Shwei-Li in Nantou County (Murangwa, 2010) A study on agritourism in Thailand notes that agritourism can utilize the agricultural holdings and products for the purpose of tourism such as scenery from paddy fields and vineyards, food and drink from agricultural products (vegetable, fruit, etc), souvenirs from local products (handicraft), and accommodations from redundant or vacated property to gain local development in area (Cynthiaord, 2012). As reported by the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in Manila Philippines, agritourism could be a nichà © tourism product that would help improve farm incomes provided a well-planned program is put in place. It will consolidate initiatives in agriculture and tourism sectors nationwide that contributed to poverty reduction, natural resources management, and rural development. (Aguiba, 2012) A research in Chitwan District in Nepal found out the importance of agritourism for the rural development in Nepal. Agritourism is the concept of diverting the tourists to those rural areas, where there is range of agricultural activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people attract both internal as well as international tourists in order to generate extra income for their business. The living standard of the farmers and rural poor can be raised by identifying high value-low volume crops, which have comparative advantages and by optimally utilizing the available resources for sustainable development (Maharjan, 2008). However, the available literature evidence that our neighboring country India has engaged in agritourism successfully. According to the research on Agritourism the potential for sustainable development and growth aiming to explore the scope for developing agritourism in India has been conducted by Raghunandan et al.,(2010). This research has conc luded that there is potential for Agritourism in India to grow into an important source of income for the rural population if the development is focused on integration and participation. Furthermore, Agritourism has been identified as a source of generation of alternative income for farmers and local community, employment opportunities, reduction of gender bias and accelerate growth rate by Chadda and Bhakare (2010) based on their research on Socio-Economic Implications of Agritourism in India. Agritourism in Sri Lanka Evidence on only one study related to agritourism and rural development of Sri Lanka was found as a result of the vigorous literature search during the study. One study is the research conducted by Senanayaka and Wimalaratna (2010) about agritourism and rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to Nuwara Eliya District. They have found that the economic problems as well as development potentials remain in agricultural areas side by side in the country. Only a small fraction of the vast rural agritourism resource base is being utilized by the industry now with little or no benefits to rural people. Dedicated research work on agritourism will promote the sector with the participation of policy makers, rural communities and private investors on a sustainable manner while trickling down a reasonable fraction of the benefits to the rural people. This would diversify their agricultural livelihoods and improve their income and living standards. As per the literature review, agritourism in most of the countries has a short history and it is at the developing stage (Maumbe, 2012; Choo, 2012; Bernardo et al., 2007). Several countries have the research findings mainly based on preliminary research and pilot studies. Therefore, there is definitely a need for future research to verify the preliminary findings of these researches especially in developing countries. Moreover, several researchers have shown that agritourism has lots of strengths and opportunities for the improvement of rural areas and rural development. However, those researches have been conducted in specific condition which is unique to that particular country itself. Therefore, generalization of the findings to other countries is not so valid specially, for developing countries having lots of variations in geographical, political, socio-economical and environmental conditions. Not only the differences among the developing countries, there are several regional lev el differences even within a country. Furthermore, in a country, rural areas are different from each other. Thus, testing the level of contribution of agritourism for the rural development at provincial level is the best way to identify the real potential of it. Since a very few number of research have been conducted at provincial level in developing countries, there is a need for lots of research of this kind. Even though in Sri Lanka there may be a potential in this regard, no sufficient research have been conducted in this field. Therefore, this kind of research is highly important. Problem statement Sri Lanka is a developing country and there is a need to enhance the living condition of the people by developing the total economy of the country. There is a gradual, but comparatively slow increase in GDP in the country for several years (Figure1.1). Figure 1.1: Improvement of the GDP from 2002 to 2012 in Sri Lanka Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2012 Sri Lanka tourism has contributed to the growth of total economy for several years. However, due to exist civil war during 2008-2009, tourism had being faced a declining trend. Along with ending the war in 2009, tourism industry restated to flourish and contribute for the national economy significantly. As a result, by now it is one of the main contributors of the national income of the country and expects to have further growth in future. The direct contribution of Travel Tourism to GDP in 2011 was LKR219.7bn (3.4% of GDP). This is forecast to rise by 5.6% to LKR232.0bn in 2012.This primarily reflects the economic activity generated by industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). The direct contribution of travel tourism to GDP is expected to grow by 5.7% per annum to LKR402.4bn (3.4% of GDP) by 2022 (Figure 1.2). Figure 1.2: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP from 2002 to 2022. Source: World Travel and Tourism council, 2012 Moreover, travel tourism generated 236,500 jobs directly in 2011 (3.0% of total employment) and this is forecast to grow by 0.2% in 2012 to 237,000 (3.0% of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists. By 2022, travel tourism will account for 293,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.2% per annum over the next ten years (Figure 1.3). Figure1.3: Travel and tourisms contribution to employment opportunities from 2011 to 2022 Source: World Travel and Tourism council, 2012 Rural sector performs a significant contribution for the national development in the country. About 70 percent of Sri Lankas population lives in its rural areas. In rural areas, main sectors that are helping for rural development are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, art and craft and rural tourism. Among these sectors, the most important one is agriculture. A large number of people in the rural sector engaged mainly in agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture sector can generate regionally equitable economic growth, rural livelihood improvement, and food security through efficient production of commodities for consumption for agro-based industries. Since agriculture sector has multi-functionality, it can link with other sectors like tourism and form new opportunities for local and regional development. Considering the experience of other developing countries in Asia, it can be assumed that there will be a potential for agritourism for the rural development in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study will answer the question does agritourism represent a significant and viable rural development tool in Sri Lanka? 1.3 Objectives of the study The broad objective of this research is to explore the potential of agritourism for rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to demand and supply issues. Specific objectives of this research are: To find out the current supply of agritourism in the country. To study the government policy interventions in tourism and agritourism sector of the country. To identify and assess the visitors needs and satisfaction of agritourism of the country. To find out the local residents attitude towards impacts of agritourism economic and contribution of agritourism for rural development. To find out the government officials attitude towards impact of agritourism to the rural development in the country and also national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector of rural development. To recommend ways and strategies to development of agritourism in Sri Lanka as a sector of rural development. 1.4 Conceptual Framework The aim of this research is to study the agritourism and its contribution for the rural development in the country. The main stakeholders of agritourism are agritourism providers, visitors, local residents and the government. Figure1.4 shows the relationship of the stakeholder in agritourism and how agritourism links with rural development. Agritourism providers supply the agritourism. They can be farmers, private sector companies or organizations. Agritourism supply can be conducted by adding tourism activities to the existing farm and arranging facilities for the visitors to come to the farm, see those activities and get some knowledge about them, spend leisure time at the farm. In supply agritourism three things are important. Things to see (farm animals, fruits, vegetables, Herbal plants) activities to do (feeding animals, milking cows, harvesting crops, climbing trees, picking fruits, threshing paddy) and farm products to buy (yogurts, curds, fruits, vegetable, jam jelly). Visitors can be local or foreign people those who are ready to buy the agritourism services. They make demand for agritourism. They come to visit the farm to see things, get a rest, enjoy farm activities and sometimes study on farming, Farm stay for few days, visit surrounding villages, buy local art and craft items, see cultural shows perform by local people and pay for the farm goods and services they consumed. In this way agritourism provider can earn extra income and other returns from agritourism which is the main aim of providing agritourism. Improvement of the level of income and living standard of the agritourism providers (especially farmers) is the main aspects of agritourism business. Other important point regarding agritourism is the presence of other tourism attractions in the area. Other tourism attractions can act as a motivational factor for visiting the agritourism operation. Moreover, proper government interference through correct rules and regulations are essential to operate the agritourism industry smoothly. Also, on the way, visitors can buy local products of nearby local residents, can visit other interesting places in the village like religious places, cultural sites, national parks, forests, waterfalls, traditional festivals, folk games. In this way, visitors can interact with local residents of the area. These interactions create economic, social-cultural and environmental that impacts for the rural development of the area. Furthermore, local residents can sell their products and labour to agritourism operation and earn some money. Enhancement of the level of income and living standard of local residents are the other aim of agritourism along the way to rural development. The other important factor is the government attitude towards agritourism and intervention to rural areas where agritourism operations are available. Especially provincial and local level governments have responsibility to enhance the condition of the area up to a good stand making it suitable for conducting tourism activities. So that, provision of infrastructure facilities such as road system, transport facilities, water, electricity, telecommunication to the area have to be taken place. Not only that, banking facilities, safety and security, medical facilities for the area are also needed to be provided. In this way, provisions of infrastructure facilities directly help for the rural develop of the area. Other Tourism Attractions of the Area -Mass tourism -Ecotourism -Nature tourism Agritourism Rural Development Other Sectors of Rural Development -Forestry, -Fisheries, -Mining, -Art and craft etc. National Development Visitors Demand and Supply of Agritourism Local Residence Government Policy -National Level -Provincial Level -Local Level Impacts of Agritourism Agritourism providers -Economic -Socio-cultural -Environmental Local Residents -Economic -Socio-cultural -Environmental Agritourism Providers Private Sector Medium and Large Scale Companies Local Foreign Farmers Figure 1.4 Conceptual Framework of the Study 1. 5 Scope and Limitations of the Study This study has covered important aspects such as the supply of agritourism (number of destinations, scale of operation, available facilities, number of visitors, length of stay etc). Demand for agritourism (demographic information of visitors, nature of their demand, visitors satisfaction towards agritourism, demand function) information of local residents (impacts of agritourism on them, their attitudes towards agritourism development) and policies related to agritourism development in the country. Agritourism is a business process. However, aspects like establishment, management, development, improvement, marketing and promotion of the operations are beyond the scope of this study. There were few limitations in this research. This is a small-scale research conducted at local level with four types of stakeholder; operators, visitor, local residents and government officials within only few districts without the whole country. In terms of operators, some financial analysis like benefit cost ratio, IRR of agritourism etc., could not be done as they did not want to disclose financial information d