Language+for+concepts.doc

Language for conceptsLynne EarlsA concept is an abstract idea which is formed by comparing similar characteristics of many different individuals in the same class. For example, dogs can look quite different from one another. Each has its own characteristics such as long or short legs, growling or yapping barks, or responsive or unfriendly dispositions. Yet when considering or thinking about their similarities: the shape, sound and personality of each animal, we arrive at the concept “dog”. Each field of study or major in university creates concepts. These concepts may or may not be consistent among people within or outside the same occupation.Exercise 1:A.In groups of 3 or 41.How would you define a family?2.What does family mean to you?3. What do your classmates think?4.Can you think of one definition that would put all of these ideas together? B.Read the following Statistics Canada concept for a “census family”. Concept: Census FamilyDefinition:All members of a particular census family live in the same dwelling. A couple may be of opposite or same sex. Children may be children by birth, marriage or adoption regardless of their age or marital status as long as they live in the dwelling and do not have their own spouse or child living in the dwelling.Grandchildren living with their grandparent(s) but with no parents present also constitute a census family.Statistics Canada. (2006). Definitions, data sources and methods: Variables. Retrieved May 7, 2012 from Statistics Canada: Definitions, data sources and methodsVariableshttp:/www.statcan.gc.ca/concepts/definitions/cfamily-rfamille-eng.htmC.Answer the following questions: 1.What does the word “couple” mean in this definition?2.What does “children by birth, marriage or adoption” mean?3.How old might children be?4.Who besides parents can be considered part of a census family?5.What is the common situation that all families, no matter how they are defined or composed, share in a census family?Concepts that we are all familiar with include time management, teamwork and leadership. Notice some of the different contexts for each of these concepts.ConceptContextstime management school work, giving a presentation, business productivityteamwork school classwork, sports teams, business officesleadership school leaders, sports teams, businessesExercise 2: Choose one of the following concepts and in one page, show what you believe it means.Economics Fundamental incentives, technologyMacroeconomics GDP, unemploymentMicroeconomics consumers, entrepreneursInternational economics exchange rates, emerging marketsBusiness conceptsSmall business Franchise, packaging,