Animal behavior - 1887 Words

Informational Interview Donna K. Lane Animal Behaviorist Psych3210 Summer, 2014 HYPERLINK mailtoDlane21@capellauniversity.edu Dlane21@capellauniversity.edu Dr. Celeste Hill Introduction When I started my courses in the field of Psychology, I had no idea how much it went side by side with the field of employment I hope to obtain in the future. Animals and Psychology have always been my two favorite studies. I didnt realize until after doing research and an informational interview, just how much Psychology is intertwined with the position of an Animal Behaviorist. After conducting an informational interview with Dr. Katherine Leighty, Science Operations Manager over Walt Disneys Animal Kingdom, and doing further research, I found that†¦show more content†¦She then realized that she was more interested in how and why animals act the way they do and just started concentrating on the Animal Behavior part through Psychology (Dr. K. Leighty, informational interview, September 2, 2014). Dr. Leighty also told me that when she was doing an internship working with Chimps, learning how to collect behavioral data, to have a comparative model she also worked with human children collecting the same types of data (Dr. K. Leighty, informational interview, September 2, 2014). Dr. Leightys interview gave me so much more to go on in my pursuit of becoming an Animal Behaviorist. She enlightened me on the courses I should be thinking about taking in college. She also told me I was on the right path with taking Psychology and continuing with the different Psychology courses in relation to Animal Behavior. I have always thought Psychology was needed in the study of animals. I just didnt realize just how much until this paper and interview. Psychology is the study of the mind..be it in humans or animals. Throughout my research I found many ways Animal Behaviorists and Psychologists use the same research methods and observational studies. One of the ways the two study /and or research is through Naturalistic Observation. As Charles Darwin used Naturalistic Observation on his journey aboard the HMSShow MoreRelatedAnimal Behavior : Animals And Animals1617 Words   |  7 PagesPeople have always been considered the epitome of sociality, among other behaviors, that separate them from animals. However, with recent research, these set of characteristics have now been widened to include animals as well. Animals are no longer considered totally mindless beings that act the way they do because they have been made that way and will continue to live within those defined behaviors. For instance, dogs were considered mindless as they seemed to have no will except to follow whatRead MoreLife of Pi Animal Behavior Essay2748 Words   |  11 Pagesmakes multiple references to animal behavior. Through this project we have researched each of the four animals: the zebra, Orangutan, Hyena, and the Tiger on their lifestyles and behavior. In order to write this book Yann Martel explained that he had to do a lot of research on zoo biology and animal psychology. In addition he spent 6 months doing research in India, where he visited every single zoo he could find in southern India. We will analyze the description of the animals in the book, to show youRead MoreAnimal Behavior2140 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿ Animal Behavior Table of Contents Animal Behavior 3 Introduction 3 Stress in Animal 3 Consequences of Stress 5 Fear and Measurement of Fear of Humans 6 Effects of human handling on animals 7 References 10 Introduction Animal behavior and welfare is very complex and not easy to measure. There are many contingencies that make measuring animal welfare difficult. First, the animals cannot verbally explain to humans what they would like. Second, each animal could have its ownRead MoreInvestigating The Behavior Of Animals1473 Words   |  6 PagesInvestigating the behavior of animals is essential to understanding the implications for why an animal may do things the way they do. It helps shine some light on a subject that is not heavily researched and give us a better understanding of the feeding behavior, reproductive patterns, seasonal movement and communication between other animals. As boring or bland as animal observation may be it gives us an increased outlook on the many reasons for an animal’s demeanor. I got the opportunity to observeRead MoreAnimals Exhibit Moral Behavior?1467 Words   |  6 PagesAnimals exhibit moral behavior. However, is it out of remorse, for example, or is it beca use of their owners’ display of disappointment (anthromorphism) – no answer is as definite as it seems (Horowitz and Bekoff; Rosenstand). Even when some animal researchers, such as primatologists, seem convinced that some primates (such as chimpanzees, elephants) share empathic capacity (that is, manifest understanding of others’ pain and joy), research evidences are neither generalizable to the whole of animalRead MoreApplication of Animal Behavior in Human Psychology549 Words   |  2 PagesApplication of animal behavior to human psychology The study of psychology requires an understanding the nature and dynamics of human behavior and how it interacts with its external environment. One might think that because psychology is the study of human behavior and thought, it would then be not surprising that study of animal behavior (other than human) would entail a different field of study a field of study mutually exclusive from human psychology. However, developments in the study of humanRead MoreExamples Of Determining Animal Behavior And Abundance In The Wild1002 Words   |  5 PagesDetermining animal behavior and abundance in the wild can be difficult and methods between researchers will vary. In many cases, different causes for preferences are found for similar groups due to the variety of methods. This is important because most models of animal abundance are based on previous findings on abundance and factors affecting area preference. With vulnerable animals these models are used to determine how to protect certain species by protecting particular areas. Therefore, trulyRead MoreEssay on Animal Behavior: Mimicry Lab Report2083 Words   |  9 Pages Dana Dipinto April 11,2012 Animal Behavior Mimicry Lab Report Taste Aversion Learning by Birds in Colchester, Vermont on the Saint Michael’s College Campus: A Study of Batesian Mimicry Abstract This study’s purpose was to learn and investigate the different aspects of Batesian mimicry, learn bird species common to the area, their different foraging behaviors, and investigate if a modification to their foraging behaviors can be implemented through learning. We will alsoRead MoreAnimal Behavior And Ethics : City College Of New York Essay728 Words   |  3 Pages Gerard Chan Canis Lupus Familiaris April 28, 2015 Professor Crain Animal Behavior and Ethics City College of New York Canis lupus familiaris, also known as man’s best friend. Man’s best friend has been around for many years. The dog, Canis familiaris, is a direct descendent of the gray wolf, Canis lupus: In other words, dogs as we know them are domesticated wolves. Not only their behavior changed; domestic dogs are different in form from wolves, mainly smaller and with shorter muzzlesRead MoreThe Relationship Between Animals And Their Behavior Fits With Labeling Theory2087 Words   |  9 Pagesrelations of the theory to the main character Nick and how his behavior fits with labeling theory. In addressing the movie Zootopia, something of great importance in relation to the movie to take into consideration is the relationship between animals. Something which used to be a problem between all animals until they all found a way to coexist peacefully. To illuminate to what, exactly, is the predator and prey relationship between the animals. However, it is made obvious throughout the movie that there

God, Religion, and Me Essay - 853 Words

God, Religion, and Me Christians believe that Jesus is both God and man, incarnation of God, and man -gives man two natures, physical and divined that they are united in one person. Thus the mystery of God becoming a human being, Jesus, and suffered and died, and Mary (Jesuss mother) was the mother of God. God resolved himself to mankind in 3 ways, as God the father, God the sun and the Holy Spirit. From this we can see that Christianity is based on the mystery of the doctrine of the trinity, which cannot be proven and requires Christians to have faith that this the root of Christianity is in fact true. In following a structured religion it seems that many people need to believe in a power greater than themselves, in order†¦show more content†¦As from here on ones life follows the Christian path to the sacraments of marriage, Holy orders, Reconciliation and extreme unction ( the sacrament of dying). These rituals form an important part of Christianity for the person who is attracted to a structured religion, his or her life is structured from birth to death, through, the sacraments weekly worship, daily prayer and the promise of eternal life. Ethical In any structured religion, particularly Christianity there is a price to pay for salvation and eternal life. One has a strict moral/ethical code to follow-which probably predates Christianity and has its roots in the Jewish religion, the Sudducees and Essenes. Based mainly on the Ten Commandments which are the ten laws handed down to Moses from God on Mount Sinai. Over the past two thousand years every possible atrocity has been committed in the name of Christianity from the crusades through the Spanish inquisition to the haulacast. Yet Christianity has survived, mainly due to the fact that human beings need a belief system and need to believe in eternal life. Today in the twenty and early twenty first century many people are arguing against a structured religion with all its restrictions and ethical dilemmas, eg; euthanasia, abortion, pre marital sex, contraception etc... Hence the interest in new age Christianity, Charismatic Christianity and the Christian cults, which are less structured. Will the main streamShow MoreRelatedReligion : What Is It?902 Words   |  4 PagesReligion: What is it? There are many different religions that people believe in today. When I think of religion I think of a group of people who believe in a god or gods that created the world and determine your faith. There are different forms of theist religions, some of these religions believe in many gods and some only believe in one. That to me was the main part about being religious, is that you had to believe in a god. I never believed or knew that religions could be non-theistic, so I alwaysRead MoreChristianity : The Best Way For Me1366 Words   |  6 PagesChristianity I didn’t really know a valid definition for Christianity. The best way for me to understand Christianity is that it is a religion based on the miracles and teachings of Jesus. People say that Christianity is a relationship with the true and living God through the person of Jesus Christ, which who has forgiven us for our sins and escape the righteous judgment of God. To help me better understand and comprehend how glorious Christianity is, I had the enjoyment of interviewing my goodRead MoreGod s Existence Of God936 Words   |  4 PagesDo Not Be Afraid to Explore More Than One Religion God’s existence sometimes does not exist to certain people. When it comes to the teaching and knowledge about God many people are not aware because they have never been taught about how God appeared on the earth. I choose this topic because I was one of those people who has never really been raised around certain religion nor about the teaching how God came to be. However, I have been taught that God does exist and that his son Jesus are the reasonRead MoreReligion And Its Impact On Society951 Words   |  4 Pages Religion to me is a set of beliefs and practices that can determine actions in everyday life by determining morals and deciding what is right and wrong in each society. This is a general idea that I believe has guided societies for centuries and has shaped today’s cultures. As we study cultures around the world, we can find significant influential factors dating back to a prominent religion that shaped the ideals of culture telling the people what is deemed acceptable practice and behavior and whatRead MoreThe Role and Function of Religion636 Words   |  3 PagesAccording to Henslin, religion is an element of faith (2012). My religion is Romanian Pentecostalism. I am the first generation born in America and my parents are from Romania. My religion is based on Pentecostal beliefs as well as Romanian culture. The book Essentials of Sociology talks about the functions and dysfunctions a religion, the symbols and categories of a religion, and the social class and tolerance of my religion. Henslin explains the different functions of religion and what they mean:Read MoreReflection Paper On Religion1363 Words   |  6 Pageshas allowed me to be more open to exploring different religions. Growing up in a conservative and Christian household, studying other religions was unthinkable. My parents believed that there was only one true theology which was the Christian theology, so understanding other religions was therefore pointless and sacrilegious. Each book I read this semester allowed me to rethink about religions in a new way. The two books that influenced me the most in this class was Malcolm X and When God talks backRead MoreBeliefs of the Nature of the Universe Change with Cultural Diversity607 Words   |  3 Pagesquestions. Thus, many of us want to have a religion because it gives us the impression that we are secure in the universe. It also provides guidance in our life. I presume it’s easier to live with some sort of explanation, even if it’s inco rrect. When asked, â€Å"What religion do you practice†? I reply, â€Å"I’m atheist†. I simply lack belief in deities. However, many people have preconceived ideas about what I am and what I am not. For instance, I don’t believe in God, I loathe Christians; I concur with theRead MoreReflection Paper On Religion And Religion861 Words   |  4 PagesWhen asked the question on my definition of religion, I decided to look at it in a way that goes beyond just my religion. Religion goes much deeper than being something that we just believe in, it is a relationship or a part of a person’s culture. My purpose of religion is something for me to try and understand what my goal in life is, as well as building a relationship with a higher being. Religion gives people that higher being that they can look to for guidance and comfort. I feel that you canRead MoreChanges in Religion1606 Words   |  7 PagesI believe that religion, as we know it has changed. I am unsure if we as a society have abandoned God or if he in turn have abandoned us. In a research conducted by â€Å"Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam on religion in American it was noted that between 30 to 40 percent of Americans within their 20s declares lack of religious affiliation†. (While faith and trust may still be present our younger generation is growing up away from the church. Within that same research some additional findingsRead MoreReligion : Religion And Religion Essay1496 Words   |  6 PagesReligion. Whenever I hear people talking about that word, I draw a blank. I start to question what really is religion, why is it so talked about, and why is it such a big deal to our society. Recently I learned that religion was a concept that was created by mankind a long time ago. Yet religion isn’t something that has one specific definition, because people have different religious constructs within their cultures around the world. Before taking this class, I never had a definition that I liked

Feminism in Jane Eyre Free Essays

Jane Eyre was written in a time where the Bildungsroman was a common form of literature. The importance was that the mid-nineteenth century was, â€Å"the age in which women were, for the first time, ranked equally with men as writers within a major genre† (Sussman 1). In many of these novels, the themes were the same; the protagonist dealt with the same issues, â€Å"search for autonomy and selfhood in opposition to the social constraints placed upon the female, including the demand for marriage† (Sussman). We will write a custom essay sample on Feminism in Jane Eyre or any similar topic only for you Order Now Jane Eyre fits this mould perfectly. Throughout the novel, the reader follows Jane Eyre on a journey of development from adolescence to maturity to show that a desire for freedom and change motivates people to search for their own identity. Jane begins to form her identity with the aid of many characters she encounters at Lowood, Thornfield, and Marsh End. Miss Maria Temple, who was Jane’s first significant female encounter at Lowood, functions as a role model and an influence for Jane. Miss Temple’s character displays the breakdown of the Great Chain of Being, but in a more gentle way than Rochester or Jane herself. She defies Mr. Brocklehurst and his hypocritical ways only as far as she will still retain shelter and her place as a teacher. To Jane, Miss Temple embodies all of the qualities that a woman should. Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar write, â€Å"Miss Temple, for instance, with her marble pallor, is a shrine of ladylike virtues: magnanimity, cultivation, courtesy – and repression† (Gilbert 344). While Miss Temple seems to show Jane what she should become, she also introduces her to control over her emotions. Unlike Jane, whose self-assertiveness permits her to give in to passionate confrontations, Miss Temple would â€Å"never allow `something’ to speak through her, no wings will rush in her head, no fantasies of fiery heath disturb her equanimity, but she will feel sympathetic anger† (Gilbert 345). Her influence in Jane’s adolescence and early adulthood teach her to have harmonious thoughts, and to give â€Å"allegiance to duty and order† (Gilbert 347). Here, Miss Temple teaches Jane to suppress her wild emotions and become compliant under the â€Å"superior† male, but still maintain an inward anger that can never be expressed. Jane, however, cannot conform to the lesson being taught to her; through Miss Temple, she learns that her journey into maturity and freedom requires her to be more independent and passionate than Miss Temple instructs. Miss Temple is not only like a mother figure to Jane, but she is also â€Å"encouraging of intellectual growth† (Rich 466). Temple’s impact on Jane’s education allows her to become stronger in character, which will eventually bring her to complete independence. Kathleen Tillotson finds in Miss Temple a sign of hope for Jane: â€Å"the warm fire and the cake from the cupboard in Miss Temple’s room are assertions of individual loving-kindness, though also of it’s limited power† (Tillotson 60) In spite of this, Tillotson writes that Jane at Thornfield is â€Å"submitting to virtue in lovable form, as she had once submitted to Miss Temple† (Tillotson 60). In other words, Tillotson argues that although Miss Temple may have positively influenced Jane in certain ways, ultimately her call for repression and submission instigates Jane’s realization that she must discover her own place in life, and no one can dictate it for her. While Jane attends Lowood, she encounters another character that will help her to shape her identity. When Helen Burns is introduced to the novel, she brings with her a kind of warmth and spiritual light that touches Jane and Helen aids her in developing into the woman that she will soon become. She has a devout faith in Christ, and using this, Helen is able to function as Jane’s main guide in building a strong character who is filled with forgiveness, hope and a strong sense of self. Helen allows Jane to peer into a world where â€Å"the values of endurance and obedience† (Singleton, 70) are visible. Jane often relies on Helen because she â€Å"is strong of will, awkward and blundering in the practical world yet intellectually and spiritually mature beyond her years . . . ithout pettiness, hysteria, or self-repudiation† (Rich 466). These qualities will help Helen in leading Jane down a path that will indefinitely make her shine amongst those who surround her. A sympathetic Helen Burns is seen lavishing emotions upon Jane that she has never felt before, let alone imagined. Helen assists Jane by being a mentor and a friend, a companion that Jane can confide in. â€Å"Helen and Miss Temple together represent two key facets of the feminist community: the need for companionship and mentors. These necessities are what the Reeds denied Jane† (Singleton 66). By showing Jane love and encouragement she teaches Jane that â€Å"primary importance is taming her rage and learning to forgive . . . that this is the model that Christ has set forth in the New Testament — to love one’s enemies† (Singleton 73). As Helen encourages Jane to strive to be her best, she acts a â€Å"moral and ethical force† (Rich 467), she provides Jane with â€Å"a sense of her own worth and of ethical choice† (Rich 467). Bronte introduces Helen Buns into the novel to aid Jane and to be a guiding light in the ethical and moral world by showing Helen to be a character who is strong and true to herself, even until the end of her life; by using Helen as an example, when Jane leaves Lowood, she finds herself and she is ready to face to world with her head held high, face shining in the light. Another representation of religion, and also a strong male influence in Jane’s life is that of St. John Rivers. The character of St. John is one of the final obstacles to Jane’s maturation and understanding of her role as an independent and free woman. St. John represents, like the character of Brocklehurst before him, the hypocrisy and unwavering patriarchy of organized religion and its many hypocritical keepers, but unlike Brocklehurst, St. John’s piety is more real and his misogyny somewhat more subtle, and, following his proposal, Jane comes to a better understanding of who she is and where her life is headed. St. John asks for Jane’s hand in marriage, but not out of love; rather, he intends Jane to be a missionary wife, someone who will be of use to him in the service of God. According to Adrienne Rich, there is a certain virtue in this kind of offer, especially for Jane: â€Å"What St. John offers Jane is perhaps the deepest lure for a spiritual woman, that of adopting a man’s cause or career and making it her own† (Rich 473). In this proposed marriage, there is the attraction of some of the things she has been searching for, namely a life of service and principle, and a way of overcoming the obstacles of patriarchy she has struggled with her entire life, by adopting a life in service to â€Å"male† cause. Therein lies a part of the problem, however, as service and principle are only part of what she desires in life, and, as she ultimately discovers, even beyond the attraction of taking on a more male role, that this will not fulfill her need for a life that is more complete. In the essay by Gilbert and Gubar, they explain, â€Å"In fact, as St. John’s wife †¦ she will be entering into a union even more unequal than that proposed by Rochester, a marriage reflecting, once again, her absolute exclusion from the life of wholeness toward which her pilgrimage has been directed† (Gilbert 366). With St. John’s proposal of marriage, Jane begins to comprehend more about herself and where her life is headed. She discovers that she cannot devote her energy and ambition towards fulfilling just a part of her life, such as the desire for service, but rather, she discovers that her life needs to be a life of â€Å"wholeness,† something that a marriage to St. John could never provide, because St. John, like Brocklehurst, is a â€Å"pillar of patriarchy† (Gilbert 366), a misogynist who is bent, consciously or unconsciously, on restraining Jane spiritually and emotionally. Rich points out in her essay that St.  John’s offer of marriage is a means in which â€Å"he will use her† (Rich 473), and fortunately, Jane sees through the superficial benefits of a union with the patriarchal St. John, and that her for her to be content, she needs a life of wholeness. Armed with these realizations, Jane is now able to return to her true love, Rochester, on her own terms. The character of Mr. Edward Rochester influences the spiritual and personal growth of Jane through his relationship with her as the master at Thornfield and later, as her husband. His self-proclamation as being equal to Jane shows the breakdown of the Great Chain of Being. Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar write that while in â€Å"one sense Jane and Rochester begin their relationship as master and servant, prince and Cinderella, Mr. B and Pamela, in another they begin as spiritual equals† (Gilbert 352). In his allowance of Jane to be his equal, he encourages her progression to a strong sense of her own identity and independence. In a more sexual light, Rochester is the one who will eventually awaken Jane to her own sexuality. This occasion exhibits Jane’s journey into adult maturation: â€Å"it is he who will initiate her into the mysteries of the flesh† (Gilbert 355). Adrienne Rich states that the episodes at Thornfield encompass three defining aspects: the house, Rochester, and Bertha. Rich writes, â€Å"Jane comes to womanhood and to certain definitive choices about what it means to be a woman† (Rich 468). In other words, during her stay at Thornfield and due to her interactions with its inhabitants, namely Rochester, Jane realizes what being a woman suggests. The break down of the Great Chain of Being is shown through Rochester even further, when Jane finds that he is married to another woman. As she leaves him because of her strength and of her own free will, Jane’s independence is reinforced. Critic Elaine Baruch contrasts this action to Romanticism, and states, â€Å"Unlike the lady of the chivalric romance who had merely to sit still in order to find a destiny in the form of some passing knight, modern woman must seek her own hero† (Baruch 157). Here, Baruch is commenting on how Rochester’s dark and haunting past results in a positive outcome for Jane, in that it strengthens her independence and desire for freedom and identity. Instead of deliberately wasting time waiting for destiny to find her, Jane seeks out the right destiny for herself. The various characters in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre provide the heroine with both role models and obstacles to her maturation into adulthood, and more importantly, womanhood. Jane’s experiences with these characters, and what she takes from each, show the importance of determining for oneself his or her own morals, ethics, goals, and by not allowing others to dictate how one lives his or her life, love, wealth, and ultimately happiness can be achieved. All people have their own unique set of traits, from their morality to their spirituality, their speech, and their faults. To be a person who is happy and truly successful on spiritual, emotional, and physical levels, one must draw from the good and decent people he or she meets that which will be ultimately beneficent; for example, emulating and learning from the spirituality of a person who is truly and passionately spiritual. Unfortunately, not all the people a person meets in his or her life will have qualities which a person will want to emulate; in a way, these people become obstacles to a person’s pilgrimage towards self-understanding and happiness. These people, the barriers to a person’s self-development, are just as important as the people who function as positive role models. Those who are consciously or unconsciously determined to stop those on the path to happiness and self-discovery can be destructive, but they can also be unintentionally helpful. All too often, these figures are successful in breaking other another person’s will and forcing their principles upon him, but when people like this, the hypocrites, the self-righteous, the misogynists, the arrogant aristocrats, and the like, fail, that previously oppressed person becomes significantly stronger by overcoming these barriers. Ultimately, nearly everyone has a life-long struggle with self-identity, and nearly everyone has encountered these influential people in his life, the role models and the obstacles. Unfortunately many become victims to the authority of those people who would force their will upon others, and ultimately, most people never complete their journey to independence; all too often they give up, and allow themselves to bent to the will of others. It is evident that this pilgrimage is a long and arduous one, a journey that few complete, and the author suggests that on top of the inherent difficulty of this journey, women have an even greater challenge before them. Because of the insidious and ubiquitous influence of patriarchy in the author’s society, the journey towards independence and self-understanding becomes significantly more difficult for women; it is a truly joyous occasion when a woman does succeed in breaking free from the chains of male dominated society, becoming independent, self-aware, and, hopefully, happy. How to cite Feminism in Jane Eyre, Essay examples

Effects of Noise Pollution on Mental Health of Students free essay sample

It is interesting that noises emanating from the various types of roadways of today are still among the most important sources of environmental noise, even though the types of noise are not those that existed in Rome, Medieval Europe, or 18th century Philadelphia. Our modern roadways (including road, rail, and air) and the products of modern technology produce increasing levels of unwanted noise of varying types and intensities throughout the day and night that disturb sleep, concentration, and other functions. (Lee Fleming ) This noise affects us without our being consciously aware of it. Unlike our eyes, which we can shut to exclude unwanted visual input, we cannot voluntarily shut our ears to exclude unwanted auditory input. Our hearing mechanisms are always â€Å"on† even when we are asleep. (Babisch 113:A14-15) 3 The noise problems of the past pale in significance when compared with those experienced by modern city dwellers; noise pollution continues to grow in extent, frequency, and severity as a result of population growth, urbanization, and technological developments. We will write a custom essay sample on Effects of Noise Pollution on Mental Health of Students or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, within the European Common Market, 65% of the population is exposed to unhealthy levels f transportation noise. (Carlos 318:1686-1689) In New York City, maximum noise levels measured 106 dB on subway platforms and 112 dB inside subway cars. These levels have the potential of exceeding recommended exposure limits given sufficient duration of exposure. (Gershon et al. 83:802-812) In 1991, it was estimated that environmental noise increased by 10% in the decade of the 1980’s. ( Suter ) The 2000 United States Census found that 30% of Americans complained of noise and 11% found it to be bothersome. Among those who complained, noise was sufficiently bothersome to make nearly 40% want to change their place of residence. (U. S. Census Bureau, Housing and Economic Statistics Division. ) That noise pollution continues to grow in scope, variety, and magnitude is unquestioned; it is only the extent of the growth that remains unknown. In comparison to other pollutants, the control of environmental noise has been hampered by insufficient knowledge about its effects on humans and about dose-response relationships, but this seems to be changing as more research is carried out. However, it is clear that noise pollution is widespread and imposes long-term consequences on health. (Committee on Environmental Health, American Academy of Pediatrics) In 1971, 4 3a World Health Organization (WHO) working group concluded that noise is a major threat to human well-being. That assessment has not changed in the intervening 30-plus years; if anything, the threat has intensified. The various sounds in our environment (excluding all those sounds that arise in the workplace) to which we are exposed can be viewed as being either necessary (desirable) or unnecessary (undesirable). One might consider the sounds produced in and around our homes by garbage disposals, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, furnaces, air-conditioners, yard maintenance equipment, and the many other mechanized time and labor saving devices, which we all use and enjoy, as being necessary. We are exposed to the noise of radio, television, and related technologies; children are exposed to a wide variety of noisy toys. (Axelson Jerson 76:574-578) The noise of internal combustion engines (modulated by legally required mufflers), jet engines (modulated by improved design and by altered flight paths), and train horns at grade crossings (modulated by new Federal Quiet Zone rules), might all be considered necessary. There are numerous other such examples of machines or activities that produce sounds that are tolerated because they accompany a desired activity or they serve an important societal purpose, such as the sirens of emergency vehicles. But what about sounds that accompany an undesired activity, that have no societal importance, or that we consider unnecessary? What about the sounds produced by the so-called boom-cars that are roving, pulsating noise factories? What about the uncomfortable sound levels at concerts, in theaters, and public sporting events? What 5 about the noise of slow moving train horns in urbanized areas or the early morning sounds accompanying garbage collection? What about all the noise on our streets to which buses, trolley cars, car horns, car alarms, motorcycles, and un-muffled exhaust systems contribute? What about the risks to children from noisy toys and from personal sound systems? What about the noise of barking dogs, leaf blowers, and recreational vehicles? What about the noise of low flying aircraft? In general, sounds that we deem unwanted or unnecessary are considered to be noise. Our society is beset by noise, which is intrusive, pervasive, and ubiquitous; most important of all, it is unhealthy. Most reasonable people would agree that much of the environmental noise to which we are subjected serves no useful purpose and is therefore undesirable. The variety of noise polluting devices and activities is large and seems to be growing on a daily basis, although there is no consensus about what items are useful and desirable or noise polluting and unnecessary. Domestic tranquility is one of the six guarantees in the United States Constitution, a guarantee that is echoed in some form or other in every state Constitution. In 1972, the Noise Control Act was passed by Congress, declaring, â€Å"†¦it is the policy of the United States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes health and welfare. In 1974, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that nearly 100 million Americans lived in areas where the daily average noise levels exceeded those identified as being safe. (Environmental Protection Agency) However, in 1982, the government abruptly terminated federal funding for the Office of Noise 6 Abatement and Control, the vehicle by which the public was to be protected from the adver se effects of noise. The lack of funds threw total responsibility for noise control to the states, which have had a spotty and generally poor record with respect to noise abatement. Shapiro ) Since the Act itself was not repealed, local and state governments may have been deterred from trying to regulate noise. Furthermore, failure to repeal the Act sent the message that noise was not an important environmental concern. As a result, in the United States, most police departments seem to be unwilling or unable to respond to noise-related problems in a way that provides any measure of genuine or timely control. Yet, in most cities, as noise pollution continues to grow some say as much as 6-fold in the past 15 years so do complaints about noise. Complaints to police and other officials about noise are among the most frequent complaints by residents in urban environments; in 1998, noise was the number one complaint to the Quality of Life Hotline in New York City. In 1996, the Federal Environmental Agency in Germany reported two out of three of its citizens had complained about excessive noise. (Bronzaft 2:1-8) The number of people exposed to unhealthy levels of noise in the United States is unquestionably greater than it was in 1974; the degree of oversight and control is unquestionably less. II. Research Body