Strategies for Market Research

Strategies for Market Research Marketing is a business discipline undertaken for one sole purpose, to enable sale of their product and service to consumers. The consumer behaviour is the study of how consumers interact with their surrounding environment when purchasing or disposing off the product. It forms the basis of marketing psychology i.e. why a person chooses one alternative over the other. The increasing competition and cultural shifts in societies across the globe have made marketing a challenging task. Therefore, marketers must strive to understand consumer’s behaviour and the drivers behind such behaviour in order to serve them well. Focus should be on varied factors like consumer attitude, buying habits, the colours they like, the tastes they prefer and so on. This study of consumer behaviour is critical to the success of businesses today and is the basic purpose of the practice of market research. As per advertising guru David Ogilvy negligence of research in business is like ignoring decodes of enemy signals in a war. He recognized that people who enter the market without proper research face the risk of their hard work being blown up by the winds of change. In his book he has discussed the value of market research which can get information on expected consumer response to a product way before they are launched in the market thus saving millions. Companies like proctor and gamble (PG) and Unilever realized this way before than others which added to their competitive advantage. Nowadays whether you are a manufacturer, a retailer, an MNC or a local store, consumer market research is inevitable in order for the business to succeed. This is the primary reason behind the phenomenal rise of market research agencies in the last few decades. Qualitative Market Research Talking about market research, the most emerging practice now days is qualitative market research. Qualitative market research is the technique of market research that involves observation, analysis and interpretation of behaviour of a small number of people in their natural setting. The researchers ask broad open ended questions and collect descriptive data from participants. Unlike quantitative market research, where the focus is on finding trends and doing prediction, qualitative market research focuses on explaining behaviour. It helps in providing more in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the reasons that govern such behaviour (why and how). The three most commonly used techniques are: Focus Group Discussions, In depth interviews (on one to one basis), and Observing participants in their natural environment i.e. Ethnography. Out of these, focus group discussions are of the most common type. So much so that they have become synonymous with the term qualitative market research. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Focus group discussion was one of the foremost qualitative research tools available to the practitioners. It involves group of people sitting in an interview like setting. A typical focus group consists of 6-10 people who are unrelated to each other. They are brought together by a moderator. In the field ofmarketing, focus groups are used as an important tool for acquiring consumer feedback. People are asked open ended questions about their attitude, values, beliefs and perceptions towards a particular product, brand, advertisement, concept or packaging. This technique capitalizes on the inter-personal communication amongst participants to generate data. This means that instead of asking one to one questions, the researcher throws the topic of discussion to the group and encourages them to share their ideas and opinions and counter question each other’s experiences. Following steps are involved in focus group discussions: Set the objectives: The purpose of the study needs to be clear and specific. The more well defined the objective, easier the execution and analysis. Identify information needs: It involves decision upon what clients already know and what questions needs to be answered, what hypothesis is to be set regarding attitudes and motives and on what topics feedback is required. Identify participants: This involves decisions as to number of participants required, preferred characteristics of the participants and the method of recruiting them. Generate questions: A list of open ended questions needs to be kept handy. For e.g. instead of asking â€Å"do you like this packaging?† the moderator shall ask, â€Å"What do you think about this packaging?† Select moderator: The moderator should be a knowledgeable person with regard to the issue in hand. Also, he should be able to deal tactfully with the participants, keep the discussion on the right track and free from any bias and preconceived notion. Select the venue: The venue for the focus group study should be able to accommodate 5 to 15 people easily. Also, it should be easily accessible for the participants. A well selected venue also helps in encouraging conversation (cozy, inviting etc). Moderate groups: The moderator will ensure the discussion keeps flowing in the right direction, probe respondents and draw out important questions. Analyze and prepare reports: After thorough review of tapes recorded and notes taken, a written summary of results is submitted to the clients. Focus group discussions as a technique is most suited in the situations where opinions and attitudes of consumers are conditional to the purpose of study. It is also suited in new areas of research. However, caution should be taken when the discussion could become emotionally sensitive or where confidentiality of information could be compromised. The advantages of focus group discussions are in abundance. This method is extremely useful for bringing out the unanticipated reactions from the participants giving information about not only what behaviour people execute, but also how and why people behave so. Due to this reason, it can also be used as an effective social research tool in case of children or adults who are less literate. Thus, focus groups help in providing information about why or how a person holds certain beliefs about a topic or program of interest. It is a powerful social research tool and can provide high quality and validated data from the real consumers and that too in a cost efficient manner than if individuals were interviewed separately. It also adds flexibility to the research process with research having control to take the discussion in the right direction .Thus focus groups help to improve planning, implementation as well as evaluation of marketing strategies. The technique also suffers from some limitations. First, groups may be difficult to assemble or may vary considerably. As the group interaction forms the basis for focus group discussions, the information so provided can only be used at group level and not individually. Also, the people representing the consumers in the focus group setting might not be an exhaustive representation of the population at large. There is also the risk of moderator being less knowledgeable or biased towards a particular opinion. However, with necessary precautions focus group studies act as one of the most efficient social research tools. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) In-depth face to face interviews use intensive one to one discussions with a small number of people. They are executed as confidential one to one conversations between researcher and participant. This method is suitable where the purpose of the study is to get exhaustive and precise answers from individuals regarding their motives and experiences which focus group studies and quantitative techniques cannot encompass. The method is also suitable where if the issue in hand is sensitive or controversial. Also, interviewing community leaders can provide a quick overview of needs and concerns of the respective communities. In the world of marketing, in-depth interviews are used usually in the initial strategies namelyto evaluate a new packaging, a new product concept, advertisement idea and so on. The in-depth interview is usually conducted in private surroundings of the participant so as to keep him comfortable in his or her natural settings. The average duration of the interview ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours and is usually recorded for post interview analysis. Following are the stages in the interview process. While focus group discussion is essentially a group behaviour technique, in depth interviews allow researchers to study opinions and behavior of participants individually. Also, in-depth interviews provide an opportunity to probe deeper into issues and get rich data. Ethnography Ethnography finds its origins in anthropology. In simple words ethnography is study of human beings in their natural environment and culture. The researcher submerges himself in the diverse and unfamiliar cultures and makes a rapport with the local population to understand their value system. This is done through active participation in day to day rituals such as cooking, eating, sleeping and shopping and close observation of people’s attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and customs. In marketing context, ethnography helps in understanding customer point of view. While focus group discussions and surveys provide self reporting data, ethnographic studies provide observational picture of consumers engaged in their day to day lives. It therefore, answers the latent reasons (why) behind consumer behaviour in particular communities. Once the facts are revealed, the information is then translated into marketing recommendations for the clients. The basic reasoning behind ethnography is that life and decision making process are more complicated than the marketing models. Ethnography can be undertaken at any time of the day in shopping malls, theatres, restaurants, stations, bus, colleges, schools or even on street. Now days, it can also be undertaken online by tracking down the images and posts shared by people on social media. Ethnography can be good to bring innovation in marketing strategies and foresee where a brand can expand into. For instance marketers of a well known brand of washing machines were surprised to find that their product was actually being used to make Lassi an Indian refreshing drink in state of Punjab, India. Another ethnographic study in Europe revealed that consumers use mobile to check their bank balance as a habit and not just in emergencies. This provided financial companies important stimuli to restructure their mobile banking marketing mechanism. Qualitative over Quantitative Market Research Quantitative market research is the mathematical part of the market research. It uses statistical models and theories to indicate results. They conduct research with the help of structured questionnaires and surveys and use a standardized set of questions for each individual. This facilitates accuracy and comparability in data sets. Qualitative research on the other hand aims at identifying factors that cannot be quantified such as culture , socio economic norms , role of gender , psychological barriers etc. it thus tries to fill the gaps left by quantitative market research. In short, while quantitative market research quantifies variations in data that determine varied consumer actions, qualitative research seeks to identify reasons behind such factors. When companies undertake qualitative market research, they usually expect a number of substantive advantages. Following are some advantages of qualitative market research over quantitative market research: They help in understanding the reasons (why and how) behind a certain behavioural action. Studies intangible factors that are responsible for changes in consumer behaviour thus providing a holistic view. For e.g. psychological factors such as perceptions, motivation and learning can only be understood using qualitative market research. They stimulate new dynamic thinking amongst participants and helps in evoking emotions and unadulterated latent reactions from the participants for better insights. It adds flexibility to the research process. There are no structured yes and no questions. Participants are encouraged to provide their opinions and understanding. Studies like ethnography are done in the natural environment of consumers, thus, providing a realistic picture and first hand information on issues concerned. The information from in-depth interviews is very rich and detailed. Thus, qualitative market research provides marketers with insights into drivers of consumer behaviour, purchasing habits and other opportunities for innovative product development and sustained competitive advantage. We can safely say that qualitative market research is surely here to stay and as the competition sores, is going to gain more importance. This is why there is an unprecedented rise in qualitative market research agencies. Also, many global companies like Unilever, PG, and ITC have already brought on board anthropologists in their marketing department. With growing innovation in the field, numerous other examples of qualitative research techniques available for practice in future are online focus groups, bulletin boards and so on. With the insights so gained using qualitative market research methodologies, marketers become well versed with the consumer behaviour patterns. The importance of understanding such consumer behaviour by marketers is that it enables them to gain knowledge about needs and attitudes of their target market. Infact, almost all the marketing decisions taken by the management are based on the knowledge and predictions about consumer behaviour. Conducting market research is a complicated and technical process. However, understanding it is critical for marketers in particular and business at large. It enables them to design efficient marketing strategies for particular market segment and it is more likely that the message developed for the target market will be delivered in a desired manner to the correct audience. For instance, by finding out that consumers are more receptive to food advertising when they are hungry, companies can schedule there advertisements in late afternoons. It thus hel ps to provide better product satisfaction, improve brand image and create competitive edge in the market. Hence, qualitative market research answers the threats posed by the uncertainties of consumer behaviour. It therefore provides solution to one of the biggest challenge of marketing in particular and of business management at large.

Asset Classes Paper Essay

Business – Finance Resources: Week One readings Select a mutual fund and a Dow 30 organization. Prepare a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you determine asset classes for your mutual fund and Dow 30 organization. Explain how such classifications and the current investment environment affect organizational decisions concerning portfolio composition. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. A healthy diet is extremely important during your time at college. The freshman 15 can make a negative impact on your life if you do not eat properly. Make sure you are careful about your intake. Stay away from fast food, junk food and other terrible choices. These foods are quick and easy, but they are very bad for you. This work comprises FIN 402 Week 2 Asset Classes Paper Business – Finance Resources: Week One readings Select a mutual fund and a Dow 30 organization. Prepare a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you determine asset classes for your mutual fund and Dow 30 organization. Explain how such classifications and the current investment environment affect organizational decisions concerning portfolio composition. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

The krishna grace

The Krishna Key centers around Ravi Mohan Saini, the protagonist and a historian who has been accused of the murder of his childhood friend Anil Varshney_ In an attempt to clear his name, Saini looks into the past of Indian Mythology's grey areas and uncover the truth about a serial killer who believes himself to be Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. Saini travels from the ancient ruins of the Lost City of Dwaraka to Vrlndavan temples In an attempt to discover one of Krishna's treasures and stop he killer from murdering his friends who are also under the threat.The plot involves different pieces of the seal which must be brought together to solve the puzzle. Each part of the seal is in the possession of four different people who are descendants of Yadava tribes. The tribes are Saini, BoJaraJ, Varshney and Chhedi. The author narrates a detailed version of the post-Mahabharatha history through the protagonist, a distinguished professor of history, who himself happens to be a linea l descendant of Krishna being from Saini tribe of Punjab. The book also contains the author's version of the Krishna Avatar at the start of each chapter from the birth to the death of Vishnu's 8th Avatar.Research[edlt] Sanghi stated that he â€Å"wanted to do a story in connection with the Mahabharata, but not retelling of the epic which has already been done† and undertook a month's research, saying that he â€Å"had to be extremely cautious In dealing with this topic as we put a premium on personal belief and faith† He chose Krishna as one of the book's themes because Krishna is a â€Å"perfectly grey See also[edit] Portal Icon Novels portal Ashwln sanghl The Rozabal Line Chanakya's Chant References[edit] Jump up to: a b â€Å"Ashwin's The Krishna key' is for thriller addicts†.

A Legitimate Argument Against Thoreau - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 531 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/05/05 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Civil Disobedience Essay Did you like this example? A legitimate argument against Thoreau would be how does one judge if a law is unconstitutional or not to bend or break. Thoreau never endorsed violence or breaking the law, his Civil Disobedience is a call to order to object unconstitutional laws. Merely not following the law of the land does not condone malice and rebellion. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Legitimate Argument Against Thoreau" essay for you Create order A classic example would be that of the government accepted to discriminate against LGBT people, but it still wouldnt be right. He made perfect sense with this proverb, Why give your neighbors this pain to treat you as they are not inclined to? But I think again, this is no reason why I should do as they do or permit others to suffer much greater pain of a different kind (193). Unjust laws exist: shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once? (184). What is the relationship between Thoreau and disobedience? Ironically, even though culture now firmly associates Henry David Thoreau with the concept of civil disobedience the truth is the author never used this phrase in his famous address. For Thoreau, the ideal government is the government that governs least. His ideal is of a limited government with limited functions, leaving the individual with as much freedom as humanly possible. A man disgraces cannot serve two masters as specified in the Bible of Christianity. The same can be attested for knowing what is right and wrong and still acting according to in fear of retaliation. Sympathy alone does not serve justice without action and change. Money is not the root of all evil, but greed for money because it binds men and women alike. The growing trades of cotton and tobacco heavily relied on the backs of slaves. Thoreau was calling for change, not an overthrow, I ask for, not at once no government, but as once a better government (178). Civil Disobedience went on in history to be the moral foundation for future passive resistance movements. Henry David Thoreau inspired the great minds of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Gandhi suffered ridicule and persecution for the tiresome deliverance of his native India from British colonial tyranny. Thoreau, who also influenced the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jrs Civil Rights Movement and the constant struggle to end the Vietnam War. Dr. King was also imprisoned and called a criminal for violating local statutes that instituted racial discrimination, but he also believed in a higher law as Thoreau. The lacking factor for todays society needs a prominent and courageous non-violent activist like Henry David Thoreau and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their efforts helped changed attitudes in the South and spur legislation that benefitted all Americans and quickly spread the message worldwide. By allowing unjust laws to deep-root like cancer and weaken our moral foundation makes us no better than the front-lined inciters. Both courageous men sought to overthrow unjust laws that promoted and condoned aggression, bigotry, hypocrisy, and segregation. A voice to be heard from the people, by the people to protest segregation, slavery, and prejudice and promote integration and equality for all, not some.

American Legalization of Marijuana Essay - 1248 Words

American Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana should be legalized nationwide because it can help many different walks of people with their medical issues and maximize revenue for the government. The legalization would positively impact the economy of not only individual cities, but of entire states as well. Medical marijuana is also constantly used as a painkiller in the place of Vicodin and other prescribed drugs. Pot, skunk, kush, mary jane, chronic, weed, grass, herb, hemp and ganga are just a few of the abundance of nicknames that marijuana has. Of Indian origin, the actual drug is green, brown and grey, with incorporation of seeds, leaves and stems. â€Å"Some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14†¦show more content†¦The THC in marijuana is the chemical that gives people the â€Å"high† that they pursue like madmen. The isomer can be used to treat pain, as a relaxant, alter vision, auditory and other senses, and minimize fatigue and appetite. Since medical marijuana is already legal in several states such as California and Colorado, why shouldn’t it become a legal and normal treatment across the United States? The numerous medical benefits clearly show that marijuana, when used correctly, will benefit the user tremendously and help him or her feel much better. Legally distributing marijuana will also make a large amount of annual revenue for the government through taxation of the drug. â€Å"According to a 2010 study from Cato, legalizing marijuana would generate $8.7 billion in federal and state tax revenue annually.† (Fairchild 1) The legalized circulation of the drug would also lead to a positive impact on the revenue of the state and the country due to the high sales tax on the drug. The U.S. government will most likely tax the drug the same way that they tax alcohol and cigarettes as well. The higher the demand for the product, the higher the tax is. Another reason why this drug should be sold nationwide is so that the government does not have to constantly regulate the drug anymore. â€Å"By one governmentShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?939 Words   |  4 PagesThe American people have been watching Reefer Madness since 1936 while reading the foreword: â€Å"Marihuana is that drug - a violent narcotic - an unspeakable scourge - The Real Public Enemy Number One!† Many Americans still believe that marijuana is a highly addictive and life threatening drug. However, there have been zero reported cases of cannabis overdose. Marijuana prohibition and propaganda have caused America to fail to benefit from marijuana legalization. The factors of the consequences of theRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1449 Words   |  6 PagesSince the first efforts to legalize marijuana in the 1960s, Americans have become progressively more accepting of requests to liberalize laws restricting possession and use of marijuana, but the shift has not been a straight line. After 11 states de criminalized marijuana possession in the 1970s, recoil led by suburban parents led too much harsher implementation of drug laws. But since California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, outlooks toward the drug have relaxed significantly.(A Brief HistoryRead MoreShould Marijuana Legalization Be Legal?1532 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana Legalization Marijuana legalization is an issue that the United States is currently facing. Through all branches and aspects of government, the concept of marijuana legalization can be applied and understood. In order to better frame the policy issue, the policy should be viewed through different lenses and all aspects of government. In this essay, it will be shown how marijuana legalization truly incorporates all areas of government interest. First, the politics of marijuana legalizationRead MoreLegalization of Marijuana: A Review of the Literature1843 Words   |  7 PagesCalifornia was the first state to pass a marijuana law in 1913 followed by the rest of the states in the nation until the year of 1937, when marijuana became completely illegal at the federal level. (Guither) Before then, marijuana and specifically hemp had many uses for colonists and farmers and was such a critical crop for a number of purposes, that the government even encouraged its growth. It was not until Henry J. Anslinger saw the Bureau of Narcotics as a fascinating career opportunity thatRead MoreMarijuana Decriminalization and Legalization636 Words   |  3 PagesThe validity of marijuana decriminalization (and even legalization) is illustrated in the following analysis of the social, fiscal, political, and medical attributes and conceptions associated with the drug. Marijuana has been used for thousands of years, in 2008; archeologists disco vered over two pounds of cannabis in a 2,700-year-old grave of a shaman found in Central Asia. (Armentano, 1) Should marijuana be legalized or at least decriminalized in America? The following information may give theRead MoreLegalization Of Marijuana Should Be Regulated987 Words   |  4 PagesThe use of marijuana in the United States used to be a rather taboo subject. The infamous slogans of â€Å"Just Say No† and â€Å"Reefer Madness† filled the ears of society and many listened. However, in recent years marijuana legalization has come to the forefront of politics, as more and more Americans are opening up to the idea of legalizing marijuana nation wide for medical and recreational purposes. With about half of adults in the United States in favor of legalizing marijuana it shows that this mayRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?922 Words   |  4 Pagesfor smoking marijuana? Do you know someone that is in jail for possession of marijuana? This is an issue that h as become prevalent in recent years. The whole country along with its citizen is divided on legalization of marijuana. ? How marijuana became illegal is by a tax act. The citizens that desired to consume marijuana had to pay a marijuana tax act. Most people didn’t pay the tax act and that led to prison time and hefty fines. A drug prohibition was initiated and targeting marijuana. AnslingerRead MoreMarijuana Should Be Legalized Essay1130 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana is a cannabaceae plant, which has always been associated with negative connotations until recently, when it has been discovered that this plant may be used to cure diseases and improve a country economy. Thus, the American opinion is split on the question of â€Å"Marijuana Legalization†. In fact, a survey undertaken by CNN/ORC International Poll states that 55 % of Americans believe that the use of marijuana should be legal, while only 44 % think it should be illegal (CNN). I also share theRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuan A Positive And Negative Effects On American Society849 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of marijuana can have many positive and negative effects on American society. State budgets are constantly looking for new avenues of revenue and ways to create new industry. The legal system in place is exhausted and unable to sustain the current rate of incarceration and enforcement. Our jails and prisons are overcrowded and law enforcement budgets are challenged every year trying to keep up with the enforcement of marijuana use, smuggling and production in addition to its otherRead MoreWeed Be Better Off Without Marijuana1728 Words   |  7 PagesLauren Leatherman Professor Dillon American Government 25 October 2015 Weed Be Better Off Without Marijuana Dope, Mary Jane, Pot, Grass, Weed, Blunt, Joint, and Nuggets are only a few of the countless names for marijuana, a narcotic drug used for recreational and sometimes medicinal uses across the world. Recently growing enough popularity among younger generations due to the glamorization of media, and the overwhelming financial gains through taxes and fees seen in Colorado, have caused Ohio legislators

Steroids And Its Effects On The Body - 985 Words

Unfortunately, the use of steroids can easily lead to many major health problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse â€Å"Steroids abuse may lead to serious, even irreversible, health problems. Some of the most dangerous consequences†¦kidney impairment or failure; damage to the liver; and cardiovascular problems†¦leading to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack (even in young people)† (NIH). Steroids can affect an athlete by increasing the heart rate and decreasing the stamina, a fact that can lead to heart failure. Steroids can also affect the body with acne, abdominal pains, insomnia, and anaphylactic shock. When men use steroids the consequences are more crucial than women. For example, men may experience falling sperm count, shrinking testicles, and increased risk of fertility. On the other hand, women may show signs of masculinity (male type musculature) but also an increased risk of certain illnesses such as breast cancer. In general, ste roids affect both of women and men by leading to terrible health problems. Dr. Larry Creswell, a well-known heart surgeon who studied the abuse of steroids, estimates that approximately 3 million Americans use steroids and he supports that the 70% of the athletes in the bodybuilding area, are steroid users. In addition, it is well known that steroids can also cause sudden deaths, sometimes in young athletes but most often occur within the ages of 35-50. In addition, Dr. Dickerman, a professor in the department ofShow MoreRelatedAnabolic Steroids And Its Effects On The Body1272 Words   |  6 Pagesremembered a friend telling him about what anabolic steroids had done for him and decided to try it, he would later regret that decision. Anabolic steroids are drugs that reciprocate certain natural hormones in the body such as the male hormone testosterone, which can improve endurance and performance and stimulate muscle growth. Even though anabolic steroids may provide the body image an d results some adolescents want, they can be harmful to the adolescent body and mind, it’s not fair to those who gainedRead MoreSteroid Hormones And Its Effects On The Body2137 Words   |  9 PagesThe term steroids are defined as, One of a large group of chemical substances classified by a specific carbon structure. Steroids include drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation, such as prednisone and cortisone; Vitamin D; and some sex hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol (medicine net, The Web). According to the medical source, Among them are male and female sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. Vitamins of the D group are steroids involved in calcium metabolism. CholesterolRead MoreThe Effects of Steroids on the Human Body and Steroid Abuse by Athletes1034 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Steroids on the Human Body and Steroid Abuse by Athletes For many years, the use and abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids have been linked closely to athletes. Steroids come in different forms. They can be taken in pill form or injected straight into the user’s muscles by a needle. There are many sports that are associated with steroid abuse like weightlifting, basketball, and track and field. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic forms of male sex hormonesRead MoreThe Effects Of Steroids On The Human Body, Steroids Sports, And Reasons Why People Use Steroids1251 Words   |  6 Pages Jared Hipsher Mrs. Sexton 3-26-15 English 10 Steroids Jared Hipsher 3-26-2015 English 10 Mrs. Sexton Steroids Thesis : The history of steroids, the affects of steroids on the human body, steroids in sports, and reasons why people use steroids, are all things I ve wanted to know for a long time now I am going to further my knowledge on this topic. Introduction About A. Types 1. Anabolic 2. Corticosteroids III. History A. 1954 1. WeightRead MoreThe Effects Of Gender And Steroid Use On Body Image Dissatisfaction And Distortion Among College Age Bodybuilders Essay1664 Words   |  7 Pagescritique of a Quantitative research article written by Mark Anthony Peters and Leadelle Phelps (2001) entitled: ‘Body Image dissatisfaction and distortion, steroid use, and sex differences in college age bodybuilders.’ Under the section ‘Steroid use’ it is made fairly clear towards the end of the paragraph that the main aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of gender and steroid use on body image dissatisfaction and distortion among college age bodybuilders. Based on my interpretation and overallRead MoreThe Negative Effects of Steriods799 Words   |  3 PagesSteroids Many people use steroids from athletes and body builders to just every day ordinary people trying to gain muscle. These users think they get a really big gain on other people, but do they really? Are all these steroids risky to take? Can you die or be in danger of being sick or seriously injured? Many of these users may use large doses to get ahead of others by gaining more muscle quicker. Overall has the overuse of these substances been the problem all along for the users? Steroids areRead More The History of Steroids: The Legal and Illegal Usage of Steroids1466 Words   |  6 PagesThe use of steroid by athletes has been a controversial issue for some time. One can argue that the usage is totally wrong and it is against the morals and the rules of the games. Although steroids boost up the process of muscle building and endurance, it also has complications in the long run. Those that cheat their way by using and or abusing such chemicals can have serious health defects. A real athlete should work his/her way with hard work and the correct training to build that endurance andRead MoreAnabolic Steroids Should Be Banned844 Words   |  4 PagesAnabolic Steroids are used to decrease inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. Steroid drugs are a class of synthetic compounds that act to mimic hormones that occur naturally within the human body. There are three types of steroids anabolic, androgenic and corticosteroids. Androgenic steroi ds and corticosteroids are used to treat many medical conditions. Anabolic steroids can also be used to treat medical conditions but those are also the kind that are often abused by some athletesRead MoreEssay on Anabolic Steroids1716 Words   |  7 Pages Anabolic Steroids nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Anabolic steroids are synthetic coumpounds formulated to be like the male sex hormone testosterone. Many athletes use anabolic steroids male and female alike, such as body builders , weightlifters, baseball players, football players, swimmers, and runners. They do so because they mistakenly believe that they will gain strength and size. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In a male testosterone is released by the leydig cells in the testes. The testosteroneRead MoreSteroids : The Most Exciting Season Ever Since Major League Baseball918 Words   |  4 Pagescheating by using steroids. Steroids are a drug that will help increase your testosterone levels which makes for better all-around performance. Steroids were developed in the 1930’s when the drug was invented to treat Hypogonadism in which the testes don’t produce enough testosterone for normal growth and development. Steroids were first tested on laboratory animals, and when scientist found out that steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle that’s when many athletes such as body builders and

Sports injury free essay sample

Injuries in sport are a very common occurrence and vary widely between athletes across the world. With different sports come different injuries specific to that sport, they can vary in severity that can be from small pains and aches keeping the athlete out for a very short period of time or an injury which may keep them out for many months, and on occasions years. Common injuries include bruises, sprains, strains, joint injuries and nose bleeds. â€Å"Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. Injuries that occur suddenly, like a sprained ankle caused by an awkward foot placement, is known as an acute injury. Chronic injuries are caused by overusing the same muscle groups or joints. Poor technique and structural abnormalities can also contribute to a chronic injury being developed. Medical investigation of any sports injury is important, because you may be hurt more severely than you think. For example, what seems like an ankle sprain may actually be a bone fracture. Even things like dehydration can upset the body’s ability to support itself and in the end up may cause some sort of injury, this may be more relevant in hotter climates. There are some injuries that crop up more than others and are common among most sports, for example a cuts and bruises which are minor injuries but come from direct impact to the body, concussion; which comes from a bang to head and can sometimes require a doctor and a number of days rest. Also knee joint injuries are common too; as this is a main joint needed to run and can take a lot of strain when taking part in an active sport. Wearing improper or damaged clothing or protective gear can have an effect on how safe you are when taking part in an activity and can result in there being an opportunity to become injured. For example shin guards in football are there to protect the shins from being hurt; they can prevent small injuries like cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like a broken leg. That’s why they are so important and over the years have been mandatory for them to be worn when taking part in competitive matches. So injuries can come from many areas, from trauma to overuse and can affect the body externally or internally. In order minimise these potential injuries athletes must prepare and look after their muscles in the correct way. There a number of methods to do this and one of the most important is the warm-up and cool-down procedures undertaken by the athletes. Warm up exercises prepare the body for exercising by increasing the blood flow to the muscles allowing them to loosen up, which can raise the flow of oxygen to the muscle cells. Doing this gradually increases the body’s temperature. This then increases the speed and force of the muscular contractions. They then become more pliable and less stiff, there decreases the risk of injury greatly. The warm-up’s intensity should cause some perspiration but not cause any fatigue. The type of warm-up needs to be appropriate for the sport or activity ahead. It also needs to be appropriate for the age range and fitness level of the participants, usually lasting for 5-10 minutes in duration. The cool down period is just as important as the warm-up. The aim is to decrease the intensity of the session and return the body to resting state. â€Å"The key here is ‘gradual’. Use the first 3-5 minutes by walking, or jogging if you have been running, which will bring your breathing under control and back to normal. †. After these individual muscle groups should be stretched, this will bring them back to normal length and elasticity, and reduce muscle soreness. Other ways of minimising injury are to ensure that equipment for that particular. From cycling to boxing, skateboarding to soccer, each sport requires its own safety equipment to prevent sports injuries. Depending on the sport, this could mean special shoes that grip the ground, pads to protect wrists, shins, and knees, or mouth guards to shield the tongue and teeth. For cycling, as well as many other sports, the most common piece of sports safety gear is a helmet. Shin pads are also a main part of safety gear in many sports, wearing shin pads can help to prevent injuries such as fractures and sprains as well as reducing the likelihood of suffering from bruising and swelling. Shin pads are commonly worn in football, hockey and ice hockey. The environment can also have big part to play on safety. Weather, temperature, clothing and facilities can all have an effect on an athlete’s safety. Temperature in hotter countries especially can cause dehydration which can creep up on athletes unexpectedly. Facilities also might not be fully checked over with risk assessments and therefore leave the opportunity for an accident to happen. For example, loose flooring is a common fault within games halls and arenas if they are not commissioned  properly. This can cause a trip or fall resulting in a range of minor to major injuries. Football has many injuries which occur on regular bases. One in particular is the hamstring strain. This is very common with footballers and should be extensively stretched before and after playing. During sprinting activities in football the Hamstring muscles can be forcibly stretched beyond their limits and the muscle tissue can be torn. A tear in a muscle is referred to as a strain and, depending on its severity, it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain. Prevention is always better than cure and there are a few ways to help prevent it happening which from that may increase flexibility in the hamstring and also help performance. A warm up, prior to matches and training, is thought to decrease muscle injuries because the muscle is more extensible when the tissue temperature increases to a temperature good for the activity ahead. A good warm up should last at least 20 minutes, starting gently and finishing at full pace. Heart rate should increase dramatically which will get the body ready for the game or training session to come. The stretching routine should be thorough, whether it be static, PNF or any other form of stretching. If unfortunately this injury does happen there some different treatments, some more effective than others but they do react differently on different people. More than anything it needs rest. Avoiding putting weight on the leg is crucial. Sometimes if the pain is severe, crutches may be needed until it goes away. This is normally only the case if it is third degree and quite severe. Icing the leg to reduce pain and swelling is also very good but has been debated in recent years. This should be done on and off for 20-30 minutes every 3 or 4 hours for 2-3 days after the injury or until the pain is relieved. Compression is also good for the hamstring as it is good for holding in swelling, the use of an elastic bandage would be the best dressing to use along with elevation when resting or lying down. Nine times out of ten the injury will require some physiotherapist work to manipulate the muscle and increase the rate of recovery as well as making the hamstring stronger once fully recovered. Recovery time depends on how badly the hamstring was injured. It must never be rushed as rushing to recovery can end up back to square one and sometimes doing the injury even worse than it was in the first instance, and this can create a permanent weakness within the muscle. Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs were two professional footballers who suffer from a weakness in their hamstrings and had to work hard to maintain flexibility in order to prevent repeated strains and tears. Ryan Giggs took up yoga which helped him dramatically and also improved his overall game. This is partly the reason why he is still playing professionally at the level and age he is. To conclude, it is evident that in order to avoid injury in sport the correct preparation of the muscles must be carried out. Warm-ups and cool-downs must be implemented into every session or game. Failure to do so will result in muscle weakness, stiffness and tightness which in the end up can cause an injury when the muscles are pushed to the limits. If the right muscle preparation is done then the benefits are endless when performing and the risk of injury is minimal.