American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Len-Kuo Hu, Daniel C. Lee*

This paper introduces prompt engineering using large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, as a groundbreaking method for enhancing critical thinking and promoting equity in education. Critical thinking is crucial to student success in today’s rapidly evolving, information-rich world. By training students to write effective prompts for AI systems, this paper engages learners in inquiry, hypothesis testing, and iterative problem-solving, fostering essential critical thinking skills. Furthermore, prompt engineering democratizes education by providing underprivileged students with free or low cost access to advanced AI tools, helping bridge educational disparities. Integrating prompt engineering into general education promotes both cognitive development and social equity. This approach addresses the challenge of embedding critical thinking skills into curricula while ensuring inclusivity. Prompt engineering, defined as the process of crafting AI prompts, leverages ChatGPT—a widely accessible and cost-effective tool that aligns with modern educational objectives. The cognitive processes involved mirror those of programming, encouraging active, reflective learning that significantly enhances students’ critical thinking abilities. The availability and affordability of ChatGPT ensure that all students, regardless of socio-economic background, can access high-quality educational resources, thus leveling the playing field for diverse learners. This paper, supported by a comprehensive literature review spanning cognitive psychology, educational psychology, instructional design, computer science education, and sociocultural theory, demonstrates strong evidence that programming and interactive learning environments improve cognitive skills, logical reasoning, and creativity. Incorporating AI-driven active learning strategies further enhances student engagement and educational outcomes. This paper proposes prompt engineering as a key component of the general education curriculum. It outlines a transformative, inclusive educational model that combines theoretical lessons, hands-on activities, and discussions on ethical AI usage. This innovative approach equips students with the critical thinking skills required for success in a technology-driven world while ensuring equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for all.

Yilin Zhang

The bulling behaviors among adolescents has become a serious issue in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 22% of students from 12-18 years old are the victims of bullying and about 28% of middle schools, 15% of high schools, and 10% of elementary schools reported bullying at least once a week.Victims of bullying suffer from issues like anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance, while bullies are more prone to future violence or substance abuse. Thus it is important to find the factors causing school bullying and prevent it from happening. In this research, we investigated possible risk factors for bullying behaviors at school among adolescents. We used the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey data with features ranging from demographic information to the adolescents’ family condition. The response variable is whether an adolescent has been bullied at school during the past 12 months. After processing the dataset, we built a logistic regression model to identify possible factors associated with school bullying. The logistic regression model has achieved an AUROC score of 0.76, with 74.5% true positive rate (TPR) and 11.2% false positive rate (FPR). The findings reveal that students who experience electronic bullying and racial discrimination are at a heightened risk of physical bullying, while those carrying weapons or having strong social connections in school are less likely to be bullied. From the findings, the research proposes some recommendations for teachers and parents to identify and support the victims of school bullying, preventing the happening of school bullying.

Sophia Nam

This research paper examines the evolution of string chamber music, specifically focusing on the transformative journey of string quartets from the Baroque to the Classical period. Commencing with an in-depth exploration of Baroque stringed instruments, bows, their consequential influence on music style, and the distinctive forms they birthed, such as Sonata a Tre, Sonata da Camera, and Sonata da Chiesa, the paper traces the evolutionary path into the Classical era. The Classical period witnessed pivotal advancements in instrument craftsmanship, technical prowess, and the emergence of esteemed composers such as Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, catalyzing profound shifts in chamber music. Central to this evolution were significant changes, notably the ascendancy of the string quartet, innovations in musical structures, and the integration of expressive techniques by composers. By thoroughly exploring the characteristics of techniques, forms, and seminal compositions of these distinct eras, this paper illuminates the nuanced evolution and endures significance of chamber music across centuries.

Daniel Pak

In February 2022, a significant escalation of the Russia-Ukraine War occurred in the form of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. This event was widely covered by all major national media outlets in the United States. In addition to television broadcasts and online live website feeds, media outlets also posted videos on YouTube analyzing the conflict. With these analyses came the proliferation of both peace journalism and war journalism, terms coined by Johan Galtung to separate language that promotes de-escalatory and humanizing approaches to the conflict, which is peace journalism, and language that promotes violence and further escalation, which is war journalism. In this study, a content analysis was performed on YouTube videos posted by the three American national media outlets with the most YouTube subscribers (CNN, Fox News, and ABC News). These videos were coded for instances of peace journalism and war journalism, as well as subcategories of both, with these instances being totaled for each media outlet being analyzed. It was determined that war journalism was used to a significant extent more often than peace journalism, though different media outlets don’t have a significant difference in usage of peace and war journalism compared to each other. These findings indicate that, while war journalism is more prevalent than peace journalism in American national media outlets, the media outlets themselves don’t have significant differences in reporting between each other

Mohammed Yassin Abesha

The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains one of the most critical geopolitical crises of the 21st century, significantly affecting global power dynamics and international relations. This article employs a dual theoretical framework Realism and Liberalism to explore the motivations and actions of Russia and Ukraine. Realism focuses on Russia’s state-centric power politics, driven by national security concerns and territorial ambitions. In contrast, Liberalism highlights Ukraine’s diplomatic engagements and international cooperation through institutions like NATO and the EU. By comparing these perspectives, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the conflict, contributing to the broader discussion of international relations theory and conflict resolution strategies. This analysis ultimately calls for a hybrid approach that leverages both the power politics of Realism and the cooperative mechanisms of Liberalism to address modern geopolitical crises.

Mohammed Yassin Abesha

The Israel-Palestine conflict, enduring for more than a century, is deeply intertwined with political communication and violence, which serve as both drivers and consequences of the ongoing struggle. This paper delves into the competing narratives, media strategies, and forms of violence used by both Israeli and Palestinian actors, particularly during the recent escalation beginning in October 2023. Through the lens of comparative politics, this study examines how both sides utilize propaganda and violence to shape domestic and international opinions while perpetuating cycles of hostility and repression. Furthermore, the study proposes recommendations aimed at addressing these dynamics and offers potential pathways for conflict resolution. This paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of media, propaganda, and violence in shaping the future trajectory of this conflict and the prospects for peace.

Mohammed Yassin Abesha

A combination of multilateral and bilateral cooperation frameworks shapes Ethiopia’s journey toward sustainable development. This paper explores Ethiopia’s engagement with various international development partners, assessing their role in facilitating socio-economic advancements across key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, health, and education. Drawing upon projects led by multilateral organizations like the United Nations (UN), and the African Union (AU), and bilateral relationships with countries such as the United States and China, the study evaluates the successes and challenges of these partnerships. By employing a thematic and content analysis approach, the paper identifies areas for enhancing the effectiveness of these collaborations, particularly in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and the diversification of partnerships. Furthermore, the article situates Ethiopia’s development strategies within the context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the alignment between international cooperation and Ethiopia’s long-term goals. 

Wilson Kiprono

This study examines the complex dynamics of child protection in Uganda, exploring the various factors that contribute to the vulnerability of children to abuse and exploitation. Through a multi-dimensional analysis, the research seeks to identify the root causes of child protection issues in Uganda, as well as the effectiveness of current interventions and policies in addressing these challenges. Drawing on primary data collected through interviews with key stakeholders and secondary data from existing literature, the study aims to provide insights into how best to improve child protection systems in Uganda.

Dr. Daniel Shorkend

In this essay I outline a theory where knowledge and the broad categories of culture as defined by religion, art, science, philosophy and mysticism are described as expressions of an underlying cause, namely sexual lust and urges. I argue that it is this natural disposition that is at the heart of the search for truth and knowledge and cultural formations, as well as the creative impulse for new ideas and thus it is no surprise that it is this “act” that is the circuitry that enables life to continue and generate over time and space. Nature thus is never conquered as it were but commits itself to a dance where mind and body are necessarily related and thus connecting our highest human pursuits with copulation, pleasure, joy and ecstasy.