Are We Free to Make Our Own Choices free essay sample

Are We Free to Make Our Own Choices? Pre-destination can often bring up the question as to whether we as humans control our own actions. Are we free to make our own choices, or is everything we do pre-determined by a supernatural being of some sort? Is it safe to say that we are responsible for our own choices? Do we own a free will that allows us to choose our life path, or are our actions pre-determined, making our exertions useless? In a society that believes in a God who is in control of our lives, this is a difficult question and problem to discuss. But through a series of questions, arguments, and examinations I ope to influence you that we do have a free will and are quite able to make our own choices. To begin to answer the questions stated in my introduction, we must first cut the fat off the widely used definition of choice. We will write a custom essay sample on Are We Free to Make Our Own Choices? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Defining choice in this situation can be a difficult task. One must be careful in using this word. A popular definition of choice could be a mental process through which an individual weighs the consequences of their actions to create an ideal image of their preference to the outcome of their actions. But, when you look at this definition you see that it suggests that omeone who fails to carefully analyze their actions doesn? actually make choices. Can we assume by this definition that choices are free? I believe we can say yes because according to this definition if we do carefully analyze our actions we create the outcome that we choose. On the other hand some people may say no. They may say that if we do not reflect carefully on our actions, we are not taking responsibility for them, leaving the cause of the action to some other force. So, in essence, I believe that answering yes to the definition above is valid? ut wait a minute. When looking at the word responsibility in the ? ? side of the argument, one may still draw up a few questions that need to be explained and answered. If we are ignorant of our own responsibility in taking a course of action, how are we to know that we are not reflecting carefully on our actions? What are the standards of responsibility when reflecting on our actions? What if we do something wrong that we do not know is wrong? To answer these criticisms I believe that ignorance of our actions is natural and cannot affect our ability to rationalize to the best of our ability. In a given situation where it is impossible to know what is best, we have he ability to do what we think is best in that given situation. Assuming that an individual has the power to think about and carefully consider choices, I can theorize that they do have a free will within them that they can bring out in any situation, even if the person has no knowledge of what to do in that certain situation. Some people may not be ready to believe my conclusion as stated above. Is this a reasonable response to believe? Let me elaborate. I believe it is safe to say that most people around here, and even across the nation, were brought up to believe in an omnipotent, omniscient God. I also believe that most people around here believe they have a free will. Does this make sense? Can we put these two things together? I don? think anyone can really meet halfway in this situation. But it seems that a lot of people choose to do this anyway. It seems to me that the people that ? it the fence? tend to think that they have total power and control in making small, insignificant choices and that God has total control of large, meaningful choices. They may say that they chose to eat Cheerios for breakfast this morning, but then they praise God that he led them to a certain job opening. Now, if God were omnipotent and omniscient, he would have made both of those choices, right? If God chooses to pre-determine only certain events in our lives, we must have some power as individuals to choose our own paths in life. Now, as confusing as this is, how does one go about choosing between the idea that God pre-determines all choices and the popular belief that he only seems to be involved with the significant ones? Is this a battle of free will? I think so. Now, in arguing for my belief that we do have a free will, I can accept the possibility that God determines only certain events in our ife, but I must shoot down the idea that he actually does pre-determine everything we do. Plus I must touch on the perspective that we may be in total control of everything that we choose to do. Well, here goes nothing. Consider these situations. Wouldn? it be silly to assume that God chooses which cereal we eat for breakfast in the morning? Wouldn? it be hard to imagine that God would choose if we would wear a white shirt or a black shirt on a given day? Don? you think that it would be easier if God gave us some sort of a free will so we would be able to determine these things on our own? One may argue hat God can pull this sort of feat off, that He can make every choice in our lives. But, one must consider this. If you think of how many choices you make in a day, there is no way to even count them. I must have already made hundreds of thousands of choices just typing this paper! Now, when you multiply these choices a single person makes in a single day by the 6 billion people that live on the earth, you come up with just about an infinite number. In a humorous manner, t his even seems like too big a task for God! In all reality, one must consider the fact that this feat could be likely for God. I mean, hey, he? God, he can do anything. But in this philosophical argument, one must also consider that this takes on a more improbable case. Is the above case a good enough argument to assume that we do have our own free will? Is the argument above stable enough to assume that we can throw pre- determination out the window? Probably not. I believe that we must go one step deeper into the issue. Here is a well thought out argument that may come up when arguing about free will. If one accepts the idea that we do make some of our own choices in life, one may state that God knows the outcome of our lives. They may argue that He does not need to make the choices in our lives because he already knows how things are going to turn out. We may have a free will, but we can also ask God for help on issues, having Him take control of our lives. So what this argument is saying is that God can be omnipotent and omniscient without making our everyday choices for us, unless we ask Him to. This argument states that God may have valued our freedom enough to discard the need for him to pre-determine everything for us on earth. He may have just decided to have everything end up the way he wanted things to end. There is one major question though. If God knows how everything will end, doesn? he know about everything that happens on the way to the end, therefore pre-determining the choices that we make? My response to that question would be that with our gift of free will from God, we have the choice to choose Him. If we do not, we don? get to the end with Him, and then He would not know us, or what choices we made on earth. Is this essay of arguments good enough to satisfy a critical reader on the issue of a free will? Let? re-cap my main points. If we do carefully analyze our actions we create the outcome that we hoose, therefore supporting the idea of a free will. We do have a free will within us that we can bring out in any situation, even if we have no knowledge of what to do in a certain situation, because our ignorance can be classified as natural. It would be improbable to say that God is in control of every action we take because the sheer mathematics of that fact is mind boggling. A free will seems possible to understand because God may value our freedom and free will enough to let us choose whether or not we want Him in our lives or not. Even though He knows what will happen in the end, he lets us choose hen we can ask us for help, if any time at all. We can choose Him, and live until the end that he knows, or we can not choose Him and live to no end at all. It seems as though there are still questions to be answered, but in the case of free will, no one could ever know the right answers to all of the possible questions on this topic. The ideas I stated above are ones I thought would answer the question as to whether we are free to make our own choices. I hope that the solutions I came up with were clear and that I proved that they were the correct ones to answer the question. Bibliography:

Free Essays on Yoga

1.) The first of the eight limbs of yoga is Yama (restraints), Ahisma: nonviolence, Satya: commitment to truth , Asteya: non-stealing, and Bramacharya: redirecting sexual energy. The second part of the limbs is Niyama (observances), Shauca: purity, Santosha: contentment, Tapas: discipline, enthusiasm, Svadhaya: scriptural/literal study, and Ishvarapranidhanad: surrender. The third limb is Asana, which are the postures. Fourth is Pranayama, which is breath control or control of life force. Fifth is Pratyahara, the withdrawing from the mind from sense of perception. Sixth is Dharana (concentration). Seventh is Dhyana, which is meditation. The eighth and final one is Samadhi, the superconsciousness. For the time being, I intend to practice asana because I find it easier to focus on the physical benefits that the asanas provide. If I said that I practice yoga rather than asana I would be wrong because to practice yoga fully, I feel that I would have to have a better understanding of yoga philosophy and breathing techniques. When I am in my postures, I still find it hard to breath in a slow controlled way; especially when I’m in a challenging pose. 2.) The Yamas are Ahisma, Satya, Asteya, and Bramacharya. Ahisma is non-violence, kindness and no harm in your action. There should be awareness or gentleness in our actions, thought and speech. Satya is the commitment to truth in our speech, thoughts and deeds. Asteya is non-stealing, not coveting, not being jealous. Bramacharya is moderation in all things, channeling emotions, self-containment and control of sensual feelings. The Niyamas are Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhaya and Ishvarapranidhanad. Shaucha is purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits and an orderly environment. Santosha is contentment, accepting what is and making the best out of everything. Tapas is the willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline. Svadhaya is self-education, studying, refle... Free Essays on Yoga Free Essays on Yoga 1.) The first of the eight limbs of yoga is Yama (restraints), Ahisma: nonviolence, Satya: commitment to truth , Asteya: non-stealing, and Bramacharya: redirecting sexual energy. The second part of the limbs is Niyama (observances), Shauca: purity, Santosha: contentment, Tapas: discipline, enthusiasm, Svadhaya: scriptural/literal study, and Ishvarapranidhanad: surrender. The third limb is Asana, which are the postures. Fourth is Pranayama, which is breath control or control of life force. Fifth is Pratyahara, the withdrawing from the mind from sense of perception. Sixth is Dharana (concentration). Seventh is Dhyana, which is meditation. The eighth and final one is Samadhi, the superconsciousness. For the time being, I intend to practice asana because I find it easier to focus on the physical benefits that the asanas provide. If I said that I practice yoga rather than asana I would be wrong because to practice yoga fully, I feel that I would have to have a better understanding of yoga philosophy and breathing techniques. When I am in my postures, I still find it hard to breath in a slow controlled way; especially when I’m in a challenging pose. 2.) The Yamas are Ahisma, Satya, Asteya, and Bramacharya. Ahisma is non-violence, kindness and no harm in your action. There should be awareness or gentleness in our actions, thought and speech. Satya is the commitment to truth in our speech, thoughts and deeds. Asteya is non-stealing, not coveting, not being jealous. Bramacharya is moderation in all things, channeling emotions, self-containment and control of sensual feelings. The Niyamas are Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhaya and Ishvarapranidhanad. Shaucha is purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits and an orderly environment. Santosha is contentment, accepting what is and making the best out of everything. Tapas is the willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline. Svadhaya is self-education, studying, refle...

David L. Miller Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

David L. Miller - Case Study Example His characteristics made him difficult to detect because of hypocrisy and deceit in presenting himself. Miller is an innovate fraudster and extensive used various elements of opportunity triangle to steal funds. First, he committed fraud before concealing his record through falsification of records. Notably, he used to concealment techniques of rationalization, opportunity, and motive to commit fraud. Different pressures motivated Miller to embezzle such as the need to buy a car and pay for mortgages. He, therefore, rationalized his actions by starting a family and providing for them as a cover-up ploy.The framing of the T-shirt indicates Miller’s obsession with material possessions as a means of proving his integrity. This compels him to engage in fraud. One of the red flags that could have tipped off company includes Miller’s flashy lifestyle and expensive taste. Companies hesitate to prosecute white-collar criminals because it is expensive for the organization. Howev er, the consequence of not prosecuting such persons entails tainting of the company's image. Law enforcement officials, thus, should encourage more prosecution through in-depth investigating and put fraud deterrence mechanisms. Victimized companies had the opportunity to sue Miller and demand for compensation for their losses.

Fleet Risk Management and Nigerias Transport System Dissertation

Fleet Risk Management and Nigerias Transport System - Dissertation Example The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of this country, along with recommendations for which the firm Risk Frisk Ltd. can introduce its software, the FleetRiskProfiler, which can help in the effective management of the transport system. Risk Frisk aimed to help organisations solve management problems and provide avenues for normal self-management. Before it makes its entry, the firm has to conduct a detailed study of the country that will touch on the risks, the causes of failures, possible costs, and find solutions for the problems. There are a number of transport firms operating in Nigeria in which Risk Frisk can conduct a joint venture in the implementation of the software FleetRiskProfiler. This paper used secondary research in acquiring data and information about Nigeria, ABC Transport, the local firm in which Risk Frisk Ltd. can conduct joint venture and other aspects of internationalisation and small-and-medium enterprises. Nigeria has many problems with its trans port system. Analyses of some lo

PESTLE Analysis of Qatar

PESTLE Analysis of Qatar (P)OLITICS Qatar has an emirate -type government. Qatar claims that it is developing into a constitutional monarchy but it doesnt allow political parties nor hold elections on a national level yet.Suffrage is currently limited to municipal elections (for both males and females aged 18 years or more). Expatriate residents are excluded, as are the vast number of residents who are prevented from applying for citizenship. The elected Municipal Council has no executive powers but may offer advice to the Minister. Qatar is divided into ten municipalities,also occasionally or rarely translated as governorates or provinces: Ad Dawhah Al Ghuwariyah Al Jumaliyah Al Khawr Al Wakrah Ar Rayyan Jariyan al Batnah Ash Shamal Umm Salal Mesaieed Since 2004, Qatar has been divided into eight municipalities. A new municipality, Al Daayen, was created under Resolution No. 13 formed from parts of Umm Salal and Al Khawr; at the same time, Al Ghuwariyah was merged with Al Khawr; Al Jumaliyah was merged with Ar Rayyan; and Jarayan al Batnah was split between Ar Rayyan and Al Wakrah. (E)CONOMY Basic Economic Facts GDP: US$71.2 billion (2007 est, Qatar Statistic Authority) GDP per capita: US$74,000 Annual Growth: 14.2% Inflation: 13.73% Major Industries: Petrochemicals, Financial Services, Construction Major trading partners: Japan, US, UK, Singapore, South Korea, Italy, Germany, UAE, France, Saudi Arabia Exchange rate: Â £1 = QR 5.97 (October 2009) US$1 = QR 3.64 (fixed) AVERAGE OIL PRODUCTION Global economy expected to grow 3.9% in 2010, emerging economies to expand 6.0%.US economy registered 5.6% growth in Q4 2009, fastest since third quarter of 2003.Global composite PMI indicates continued expansion of manufacturing and services industry activity. Qatars real GDP is expected to expand by 18.1% in 2010 Continued government support and increased hydrocarbon revenues to boost the economy.Central Banks net reserves estimated at US$ 19.3 bn (2009), up from US$ 9.8 bn in 2008. Business optimism in the non hydrocarbon sector has stabilized in last two quarters.Drop in selling price optimism becomes a drag on the hydrocarbon sector outlook. Global construction sector currently driven by infrastructure spending as commercial property undergoes correction.Demand outlook for Qatars construction sector shows signs of improvement with increasing optimism on new orders.Profitability levels are expected to stay muted due to higher raw material costs.While income from oil, currently pr oduced at around 800,000 barrels per day, accounts for most of the governments revenue, Qatars future economy will depend increasingly on gas. Qatar has invested heavily in world class Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities including a deep-water port at Ras Laffan to exploit the North Dome gas field. This field is the worlds largest non-associated gas field, holding 14-16% of world reserves. At current planned rates of extraction the field will last for over two hundred years. Qatar is already the leading global supplier of LNG and output is expected to increase to 77 million tonnes per year by 2012. There are two national gas companies, Qatargas and RasGas. Through the South Hook LNG terminal in Wales, Qatar is capable of supplying up to 20% of the UKs gas needs. Government efforts to diversify the economy have led to the establishment of petrochemical, oil-refining, and fertiliser industries, as well as the establishment of Qatar Airways, the Qatar Science and Technology Park and the growth of Doha as a regional conference centre. Qatar pursues a vigorous program of Qatarization, under which all joint venture industries and government departments strive to move Qatari nationals into positions of greater authority. Growing numbers of foreign-educated Qataris, including many educated in the U.S., are returning home to assume key positions formerly occupied by expatriates. In order to control the influx of expatriate workers, Qatar has tightened the administration of its foreign manpower programs over the past several years. Security is the principal basis for Qatars strict entry and immigration rules and regulations. (S)OCIAL Nationality: Noun and adjectiveQatari(s). Population (May 2008 est.): 1,448,446; males 1,096,815 (75.7%); females 351,630 (24.3%). Population growth rate (May 2008 est.): 59.6%. Ethnic groups: Qatari (Arab) 20%; other Arab 20%; Indian 20%; Filipino 10%; Nepali 13%; Pakistani 7%; Sri Lankan 5%; other 5%. Religion: Islam (state religion, claimed by virtually all of the indigenous population). Languages: Arabic (official); English (widely spoken). Education: Compulsoryages 6-16. Attendance98%. Literacy (2004 est.)89% total population, 89.1% male, 88.6% female. Health (2007 est.): Infant mortality rate17.46/1,000 live births. Life expectancy74.14 years. Work force (2006): 508,000. Private sector61.2%; mixed sector28.5%; government5.6%. Public health services and education are provided free by the state through the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which also provides help to orphans, widows, and other Qatari nationals in need of assistance.Both law and Islamic customs closely restrict the activities of Qatari women, who are largely limited to roles within the home. Women are not allowed to obtain a drivers license without the permission of her husband. Shariah law governs inheritance and child custody matters and favors men. However, growing numbers of woman are receiving government scholarships to study abroad, and some women work in education, medicine, and the media. Women comprise two-thirds of the student body at Qatar University. Although domestic violence occurs, it is not a widespread problem. Non-Muslims and Shia Muslims experience discrimination in employment and education. They are also unable to bring suits as plaintiffs in Shariah courts. Noncitizens make up 75% of the workforce yet are discriminat ed against and sometimes mistreated. A constitutional committee convened in 1999 to draft a permanent constitution that would allow for parliamentary elections. Corporal punishment is allowed by law, although amputation is not. In 1995, an American received 90 lashes for alleged homosexual activities. (T)ECHNOLOGY Qatars strength is derived from its oil and gas revenues which have made it one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of per capita income. The Government of Qatar has ownership interests in several economic sectors, including oil and gases production, petrochemicals, and the steel and fertilizer industries. Impressive Technology is the main reason for Qatar winning bid for 2022 FIFA world cup.Qatar may not have the largest IT market but in 2010 it appeared better than many other markets. The IT services market is forecast to be the fastest-growing segment of the Qatari IT market between 2010 and 2014, outperforming the hardware and software sectors. Indeed, it has steadily increased for the last 10 years. With IT services spending estimated to grow to US$151mn by 2014, the next period promises to see more opportunities in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education and communications. Nanotechnology in fields helping to make best quality products at lower c ost. IT companies collaborating to access the market. Inventions and innovation rate. Mechanization trend in the country. (E)NVIRONMENTAL Environmental responsibility is vested in the Ministry of Industry and Agriculture. An Environmental Protection Committee was created in 1984 to monitor environmental problems. Conservation of oil supplies, preservation of the natural wildlife heritage, and increasing the water supply through desalination are high on Qatars environmental priority list. Air, water, and land pollution are also significant environmental issues in Qatar. In addition to smog and acid rain, the nation has been affected by the air pollution generated during the Persian Gulf War. Pollution from the oil industry poses a threat to the nations water. The nations soils have been damaged by pesticides and fertilizers, and its agricultural land is in danger of desertification. Endangered species include the hawksbill turtle, green sea turtle, and white oryx. Limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities. The State of Qatar is a peninsula located between 24o 27- and 26o 10- N latitude and 50o 45- and 51o 40- E longitude. It is about 180 km long and 85 km wide, covering an area of 11,437 km2. Qatar is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Gulf and connected to the south by land to Saudi Arabia. As Qatar is subjected to an arid climate, it mainly possesses an arid soil, with coarse texture, shallow depth and low retention low of soluble substances. (L)EGAL Qatar has a discretionary system of law controlled by the emir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters. When contrasted with other Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, for instance, Qatar has comparatively liberal laws, but is still not as liberal as some of its neighbours like UAE or Bahrain. Qatar is a civil law jurisdiction. However, Sharia or Islamic law is applied to aspects of family law, inheritance and certain criminal acts. Women can legally drive in Qatar, whereas they may not in Saudi Arabia and there is a strong emphasis in equality and human rights brought by the HRA. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction. On February 24, 2010, Qatar and Iran signed a defense co-operation agreement in which the two countries stressed the need to expand their defense cooperation. Iran and Qatar will:- exchange specialized and technical committees expand cooperation in training conduct joint campaigns against terrorism and insecurity in the region March 10, 2010. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani has given his support to Irans right to nuclear technology, and considers Irans nuclear project to be for peaceful nuclear energy purposes. ANALYSIS If we evaluate Qatar on the basis of Porters diamond model:- RELATED AND SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES Qatar is one of the richest country of the Arab. Mostly it is dependent on its Oil and Gas resources. It is improving in IT sector and emerging as great threat to many markets because it performed exceptionally well in 2010. Oil and Gas industries are the major industries.Vodafone also entered the telecomm market. FACTOR CONDITION Qatar may look small, but in commercial terms it is a rising giant. This Persian Gulf Emirate is just larger than Connecticut and its population is less than 1 million.But its reform-minded government has ambitious plans to transform this peninsula into an international hub for tourism, finance, and education. U.S. companies interested in international opportunities should consider current trends and future projects in Qatar. CONSIDER THIS Qatar has the third largest reserves of natural gas in the world. Qatars per capita GDP is one the highest in the world at around $30,000. Multi-billion dollar projects in numerous sectors in the coming years. Pro-American business climate and strengthening U.S.-Qatar relations. Business-friendly commercial procedures and political stability. Strong general government balance sheet.Substantial external liquidity.Good economic prospects and high per capita income.There is great optimism and excitement among the business community in Qatar.By transforming hydrocarbon wealth into modern health facilities, tourism infrastructure, and western-style education institutions, the Qatari Government aims to engender a forward-looking and highly-skilled population. The Qatari Government has established credibility among the population and the business community.When plans and projects are announced, they are usually realized, and contracts are awarded in a generally efficient and transparent manner.Qatar is very amenable to western visitors, and security experts consider Qatar to have one of the lowest crime countries on earth. U.S. firms also report that industrial standards that are applied in Qatar are favorable to U.S. exports. Also, Qatar has a stable currency and the country imposes no foreign exchange controls. There are well- capitalized financial institutions in Qatar, most notably Qatar National Bank. Furthermore, Qatar allows up to 100% of foreign ownership in agriculture, manufacturing, health, education, tourism, power, and projects involved in the development and exploitation of natural resources, pending approval from the Qatari Government. DEMAND CONDITION Qatar demand condition is not so good.Qatars trade and hospitality sector expect better demand conditions in the second quarter. Sales volume and new orders seen declining .Most real estate businesses expect a decline in sales.It is the worlds largest LNG exporter of more than 31 million metric tons per year this shows the huge demand for QATARS natural gas in the world. STRATEGY AND RIVALRY Qatar pursues a vigorous program of Qatarization, under which all joint venture industries and government departments strive to move Qatari nationals into positions of greater authority.The biggest rivalry is in telecomm sector between Qtel and Vodafone.

Private Schools vs. Public Schools :: Private Schools vs. Public Schools

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people in today’s society believe it’s wise to send their children to private schools. In making the decision on whether to put children in public or private schools, they look to four main factors: curriculum, class size, the graduation rate, and cost. When people have to pay for something, their first thought is, â€Å"Will I be getting what I’m paying for?† With a private school education, the amount you have to pay is usually well worth it. Public schools offer diversity. Here students can find people who are just like them and can associate better. Wherever you live, you have to send your child to the closest school. There’s no choice on what public school you can send your child to, whereas for private schools you can pick to send your child there. It’s not an easy choice for parents to decide, but many factors point toward a guarantee that a good education would be achieved, which is most important.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In general, private schools are more focused and dedicated to the education of children. Teachers in private schools often earn more and can be more dedicated when working with parents who are as equally dedicated to their children. Your school is an investment in your child’s future and not a decision to be made lightly. ( http://scsc.essortment.com) In public schools, students are inclined to misbehave because they feel that teachers don’t care about them anyway so they go in thinking that they can do whatever they want and get away with it. Private schools have their own curriculum and if it’s not being followed they don’t have to keep you in their school. With this curriculum come certain rules one must follow while being there. For teachers, some rules that apply are that they set their own standards. Teachers here don’t have a guideline that they all must follow. Each teacher is different and has their own way of teaching that doesn’t have to follow the other teachers way of teaching. In public schools, teachers have a certain curriculum to follow based on the school district in which they teach in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Class Size is another issue. In private schools there’s usually smaller classes, so students are getting more attention. This makes it better for the students because if they need help, then it’s easier to get help from the teachers and to be more focused because of less noise and easier for teachers to control their classrooms.

Skill Acquisition Volleyball

The term ‘skill acquisition' Is used to describe the ability to learn a new skill. There Is no specification as to what Is classified as a skill, a skill can be anything from intellectual activities to physical activities, a skill can even be something as a simple as listening. The objective of skill acquisition is to select a new skill and study that skill until you have learnt it.Skill acquisition is an extremely important part of sport making it a heavily researched and investigated topic and therefore there are many efferent theories on the best way to acquire a skill. According to (Skill acquisition and performance Improvement, Abernathy B, 2005) with practice, skills become less consciously controlled and more automatic, this provides highly-skilled performers with the ability to perform multiple tasks relating to that skill concurrently and therefore for efficiently.This report will outline the stages of learning a skill, open and closed skills, types of practice, how fe edback can improve the process of skill acquisition and skill acquisition relating to volleyball. There are three stages of skill learning: cognitive stage, associated stage and autonomous stage, the aim of progressing through each stage Is to coherently understand the level that the player is at and therefore create a better understanding of what type of practice is needed to improve.The first stage of learning, the cognitive stage involves mental understanding, watching a demonstration and then having a coach to provide feedback as stated by (M Broadcloth, stages of skill acquisition, 2008). The aim of the cognitive stage is to be educated on the dynamics of the skill for example, a basketball player might watch a demonstration of the basic technique Involved In shooting a free throw, examining the technique they would then try to mimic It and If unsuccessful a coach or someone with a better understanding could then provide ways to improve the result.The next stage, the associated stage involves trial and error, tuning and honing and lots of practice, the basketball player once given feedback would adjust their technique and then practice it over and over according o (A Gibson, Perez, 2011) for example, shooting one hundred free throws one after the other In order to gain repetition and confidence. The final stage of skill calculations, the autonomous stage involves automatic execution of the skill and then the ability to focus on tactics and decision making.The autonomous stage of learning is extremely difficult to advance to, once the skill has been successfully learned, the autonomous stage enables the player to execute that skill consistently as stated by (Bored of studies, stages of skill acquisition, 2006) for example the basketball player, once able to shoot free throws every time, would have to execute this skill under pressure with another player trying to block or execute It with a time limit.Currently, I am at the associative stage of learning in terms of the ‘digging' skill in volleyball as I understand the skill and I have been given feedback in order to improve; I am focusing on repetition of the skill by doing continuous practice with simple digs. Each stage can be supported through the use open and closed skill knowledge. An Open Motor skill Is a skill which Is performed In an unstable environment, where reformed in a stationery environment where the performer chooses when to start the skill according to (Hubcap's, closed motor skills vs.. Open motor skills, 2012).Sports that involve the use of open skills include: netball, soccer and hockey as the environments in these sports are constantly changing and therefore movements have to be continually adapted. Closed motor skills include: serving in tennis and squash as the environments of these sports are stable and predictable, the players know which movements to make and when (Abashes, P. ND Taylor, J. 1996). The skill I am studying in volleyball is the dig, this sk ill is an open motor skill as it is performed in an unstable environment, the ball can be placed in my area at any time and the required skill may not always be a dig.There are different methods of practice when acquiring a skill, the quality and quantity of practice plays an important role in this process and is defined as massed and distributed practice by (NEWS HAS, The practice method). Massed practice occurs when one skill is continuously practiced in a session with only brief rest periods or none at all whereas, distributed practice requires a skill to be practiced through a variety of training drills with moderate rest periods as stated by (NEWS HAS, The practice method).The distributed practice method would be the far more effective method as the stage of learning I am currently at is the associative stage and the associative stage requires massed practice. Each training session I used massed practice to focus on digging; this was achieved by completing at least fifty digs f rom a set point each session. Through eased practice I have reached a consistent level in terms of accuracy when digging the ball and I have been able to take this skill into each game situation. The use of feedback has also contributed to improving each training session.Feedback is information that is given about a certain activity after it has performed in order to provide a better understanding. There are two types of feedback, descriptive feedback and prescriptive feedback according to (Craig Wringers, Human Kinetics). Descriptive feedback is when someone describes to the player what they did when reforming the skill whereas prescriptive feedback is when the player is given an explanation on what they can do to improve that skill (Craig Wringers, Human Kinetics).For example, during each volleyball training session after completing my skill, my partner wrote down descriptive and prescriptive feedback. In doing so, I was able to gather an understanding of how I was achieving the s kill and what was needed to improve (See Appendix 1). Through this feedback, finding the weak point of my skill was made easier and I discovered that the preparation needed to be improved when digging the ball; from here I was able to change from focusing on the execution to the preparation.