RJA #15: Reflection

I learned a lot in this class. Not only about my topic, Age Discrimination in Employment, but also about essay writing. I have been out of school for five years now, and this wasn't an easy class to jump back into. Overall, I feel much more comfortable writing again. I was very rusty, and now I'm back in the groove. I can write in different formats, and I now can use multiple scholastic research tools. This class will prove to be very useful in the future!

RJA #14b: Application Project References

(2004). Ageism in America: as boomers age, ageism in America becomes a hot topic. MSNBC. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5868712/

Schmid, R. (2010, April 6). For Resolving Conflicts, go to Grandma. MSNBC. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36191339/ns/health-behavior/

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Retrieved from http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adea.cfm

Skadany, B. What you can and can't do about age bias. AARP. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/what_you_can_do_about_age_bias.html?

Joachim, M. Pros and cons of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Retrieved from http://m.www.helium.com/items/1485689-prejudice-in-the-workplace-employer- rights-discrimination-against-employers-equal-opportunity

RJA #14a: Application Project Progress Report

For my application project, I plan to write an editorial asking the question: Is Ageism in Employment Avoidable? I think this is a great question, considering all of the varieties of work available to us. I will refer to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 of course, but question the reality of the law in today's society.

So far, I have accomplished all of my research, and begun the framework of the editorial. I like to map out my writing before I jump in so it all fits together in the end. I have not yet created an APA-style references list, so the second part of today's journal entry (RJA #14b) will take care of that.

Since I have collected all of my information, I need to put it together in an APA-style references list. I also need to finish mapping out the editorial so I can finish wriing it. I will have the editorial finished by Wednesday night, and proofread by Thursday afternoon.

RJA #11: Annotated Bibliography, Part 2

Associated Press; Ageism in America; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5868712/
This article is based around the opinion that America's humor at the expense of the older population is becoming an issue. It cites a 74 year old man that will challenge all opinions of "old." The article is biased from the senoir's point of view.

Schmid, Randolph; For Resolving Conflicts, go to Grandma; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36191339/ns/health-behavior/
This article is about older people being wiser. A study was conducted by the University of Michigan. It showed that older people have a more open mind and listen to others point of view's better. This is semi-related to Age Discrimination in Employment, because it shows that older people are still valuable.

Jesperado; Ageism and Employment; http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/discussion/ageism-and-employment/1206484/
This is a blog written by a younger girl who sees ageism in her job. It will be useful because she sees it first hand. She sees no advantages to ageism in the workplace. She also talks about younger people being discriminated against.

RJA #10c: Ideas for Application Project

I think I would like to write an editorial related to my topic. My four ideas are:

Age Discrimination in Employment Act- The Employer's Point of View
Age Discrimination in Employment Act- The Effect on Manual Labor Jobs
Is Ageism in Employment Avoidable?
Age Discrimination in Employment Act- Does it Hinder or Help the Economy?

RJA #10b: Progress Report for Argumentative Paper

Accomplished:
75% of Research
Outline
Thesis Statement
Field Research

To Do:
Finish Research
Begin composing paper according to outline
Complie Bibliography/Works Cited

Schedule:
Finish Research by 4/11/2010
Finish Rough Draft by 4/16/2010

RJA #10a: Annotated Bibliography

Sargent, Malcolm. "Age Discrimination in Employment." Gower Publishing Limited 2006

This will be my most useful source. It can be used to better educate the reader on what age discrimination is. It also explains employment equality regulations (as of 2006.) This book is reliable and unbiased. It's goal is education, not politically motivated.

M.J. Joachim. "Pros and Cons of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act."  http://m.www.helium.com/items/1485689-prejudice-in-the-workplace-employer-rights-discrimination-against-employers-equal-opportunity
This source will be useful, although it is a very biased opinion. It brings up good points from the employer's point of view. The goal is to raise awareness about the situation the ADEA puts the employer in.

Skladany, Bob. "What You Can and Can't do About Age Bias." httm://www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/what_you_can_do_about_age_bias.html?
This source will be useful from the opinion of the older worker.  It reviews the rights of the older employee. The opinion is biased, but useful. The goal is to make the older population aware of their rights to employment.

RJA# 9c: Presentation Plan

I. Age Discrimination in Employment is Illegal
A. Paraphrase the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
B. Understanding the reason the law is in place
II. Age Discrimination in Manual Labor Jobs
A. Outdoors
1. Landscaping jobs
2. Construction sites
3. Mechanic
B. Indoors
1. Logistics
2. Millwork
III. Technology Based Jobs
A. Computer Science
1. Computer Programmer
2. Website design
3. IT Positions
B. Entertainment Production
1. TV/Radio Producer
IV. The Employee Becomes a Liability
A. Health Insurance
1. Claims cost
2. Prescription cost
B. Awareness in the workplace
1. Hearing
2. Vision
3. Underlined health conditions
V. Closing

RJA #9b: Argument

Research Question- Should age descrimination be allowed in employment?

• Employers hiring manual labor positions have to descriminate by age to ensure a more productive employee.
• In manual labor jobs, it will be more difficult for an older employee to stay physically healthy than a younger employee.
• In a computer-based job, a younger new-hire will take less time and effort to train than an older employee.

RJA #9a: Thesis Statement

Research Question-Should age descrimination be allowed in employment?

Precise Claim-In some industries, age descrimination has to be allowed.

Reasons/Blueprint-In manual labor jobs, most older people will not be able to produce as effectively as a younger person. Also, they become a health insurance liability. For most employers, health insurance is one of their biggest costs. Finally, in more technological industries, the older population probably won't be as computer-savvy as a younger employee.

Complete Thesis-The challenges posed by some jobs and industries may require employers to descriminate by age.

RJA #8b: Evaluation Check

http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/03/rja-7a-evaluation-of-sources_2269.html#comment-form

http://playersyrita.blogspot.com/2010/03/rja-7a-evaluation-of-sources.html#comment-form

RJA #8a: Quotation, Passage, and Summary

"The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits any employer from refusing to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against any individual because of age. The act covers compensation, terms, conditions and other privileges of employment including health care benefits. This act specifically prohibits age-based discrimination against employees who are at least 40 years of age. The purpose of the act is to promote the employment of older persons and to prohibit any arbitrary age discrimination in employment."

http://www.answers.com/topic/age-discrimination-in-employment-act

• The Age Discrimination in Employment act specifically protects employees against, "Any employer from refusing to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against any individual because of age."
• The ADEA protects employees from employers discriminating against an individual because of age. The ADEA covers compensation, terms, conditions and health care benefits. It's purpose is to promote employment of older individuals, and protect their rights in the workplace.
• The ADEA specifically protects older persons in the workplace from discrimination due to age. It protects compensation, terms, conditions, and health care benefits. It is specifically in place to promote the employment of older persons.

Internet Research Project: Zakta

http://zakta.com/zakta/view_1_1135_3114_Age_Discrimination_in_Employment

RJA #6c: Field Research

Field Research Options:

1- Person to person interview- I will find a reliable source (either a manager or a human resources rep.) I will discuss the pros and cons of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

2- Survey- I will conduct a survey of 6 employees (2 in their 20's, 2 in their 40's, and 2 in their 60's) to find out if they have experienced age discrimination in their lifetime.

3- Video Research- I found a lot of relevant and interesting videos on blinkx.com. I will use one of them as a research tool.

RJA #6b: Social Media and Multimedia

Social Media

Resource: addictomatic
Keywords: age discrimination
Date: 3/5/10
Hits: 17
Relevance: 3

Resource: wiki.com
Keywords: age,discrimination,employment
Date: 3/5/10
Hits: 2000
Relevance: 11

Multimedia Search Tool

Resource: blinkx
Keywords: age discrimination employment
Date: 3/5/10
Hits: 309
Relevance: 24

RJA #6a: Websites

Resource: Google
Keywords: age+discrimination+employment
Date Searched: 3/5/2010
Number of Hits: 1,910,000
Relevance: 4

Resource: AltaVista
Keywords: ageism+employment
Date Searched: 3/5/2010
Number of Hits: 748,000
Relevance: 5

Resource: Google Scholar
Keywords: age,discrimination,employment
Date Searched: 3/5/2010
Number of Hits: 1,250,000
Relevance: 8

RJA #5b: Periodical Articles

• John Preston Kohl
• The Impact of the Age Discrimination Employment Act on Employee Benefit Plans in the United States
• International Journal of Hospitality Management
• Volume 2, Issue 4
• 1983
• Pages 203-206

• sciencedirect.com.skyline.cudenver.edu
• age+discrimination+employment
• I started with the Auraria database, then after a few links, I found what I wanted in Sciencedirect.com
• 3 Hits
• 2/3 were relevant

RJA #5a: Books

• Malcolm Sargeant
• Age Discrimination in Employment
• Burlington, VT
• Ashgate Publishing Company
• 2006
  
• To tell you the truth, I don't think I've stepped foot in a library for at least five years. I went to the Auraria Campus Library and immediately saw the research table. I was helped by Lorrie. She directed me the computer and showed me how to find related books and articles. It was a very helpful visit to the library.

RJA #4c: Research Question Check

http://melindaatmetro.blogspot.com/2010/02/rja-3c-research-questions.html

http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/02/rja-c-research-question.html

RJA #4b: Search Strings

Search Engine Math:
+age+descrimination+employment
+descrimination+age+law
+court case+age descrimination
+age+descrimination+claims

Boolean Searching:
Age descrimination law OR age descrimination facts
Employment law OR employer laws
Employee rights OR employee descrimination

Phrases:
"Employer descrimination"
"Employer age descrimination"
"Employer hiring laws"

RJA #4a:Keywords

Forest Log

FO: Age descrimination law, employment law, age descrimination facts, age descrimination in employment act, age descrimination hiring, age descrimination court case, age descrimination lawyers, descrimination of age, age descrimination harassment, age descrimination claims.

RE: Age law, employer hiring requirements, employee rights.

ST: Employment descrimination, legal descrimination, descrimination law, job descrimination.

LOG: Employment law, employer law, employer hiring requirements, employee rights, descrimination, age descrimination.

RJA# 3c: Research Question

Is age descrimination in employment tracked well enough?
Are there enough employee advocates to keep employers from descriminating by age?
Is age descrimination a real issue?
Should age descrimination in employment be allowed according to type of work?

RJA #3a: Research Topic Exploration

Today I began researching my topic, Age Descrimination in Employment. I Began by using common search engines such as Google and Yahoo. I made sure to bookmark my most common web hits in my Delicious account. I didn't look too far into the information, but I looked more into the source to be sure it is credible. I tried to find some sort of stats regarding my topic on the Census Bureau website, but found none. I bookmarked it anyways so I can look into it further later.

Research Journal Assignment 2B

The topic I have chosen for my research assignment is Age Discrimination in Employment. I find this very interesting for a few reasons. I think it's interesting because it is a legitimate issue in all fields of work. Also, age discrimination not only hits older people, but young people too. I think this will be very interesting to research the history, the laws and the statistics of age discrimination in employment.

I do not know too much about this topic. I have been working since I was fifteen, but from nineteen to twenty-four years old, I was in the Navy. Age discrimination isn't much of an issue there, just seniority. My opinion on the subject is: if the employee can get the job done right, then they are the right person for the job. Employees should not be judged, under any circumstances, by anything other than their job performance. I know some employers feel otherwise, so that is why I think this will be a great research topic.

I am definitley not very informed on age discrimination in employment. I do not know the laws, or any historical court decisions regarding this topic. I would love to learn age statistics in different work environments, different parts of the country, and even age statistics in the big American corporations like Wal Mart and Home Depot. Most of all, I want to know the age discrimination laws- state and federal. I know in the end I will not be an expert on the topic, but hopefully I will be able to consider myself informed.

Research Journal Assignment 1

Areas of Academic Interest:

1. Politics
2. Military
3. Mass Media
4. Head Injuries in Sports
5. Athlete's Salaries

Research Journal Assignment 2A

Five interests to base my research assignment on:

1. Healthcare
2. Global Warming
3. Age Descrimination in Employment
4. Sex in Advertising
5. Illegal Aliens