bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture Care of Iranian Immigrants in New South Wales, Australia: Sharing Transcultural Nursing Knowledge
Authors: Omeri Akram
Published: March 2007

Discovery and analysis of care meanings, expressions, and practices of Iranian Immigrants in New South Wales, Australia was the focus of this ethnonursing qualitative research. The purpose of the study was to systematically discover, describe and analyse the values, beliefs, and practices of Iranian immigrants in New South Wales, Australia. The aim of the investigation was to discover transcultural nursing knowledge to guide nurses and health professionals to provide culturally congruent nursing and health care to Iranians. Leininger's theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality (Leininger, 1991) was used as the conceptual framework for the study. It was predicted that care meanings and expressions of Iranian immigrants would be influenced by their worldview, social structure features, language, and cultural values rooted in their long ethnohistorical past and reflected in their lifeways in Australia. Using the ethnonursing qualitative research method, key and general informants were purposefully selected among Iranian immigrants residing in New South Wales. Three care themes supported by a number of universal and some diverse patterns were identified for Iranian immigrants. The three themes were: (1) Care meant family and kinship ties (hambastegie) as expressed in daily lifeways and interactions with family, friends, and community; (2) Care as expressed in carrying out traditional urban gender roles (role-zan-o-mard) (Azadie zan) as well as in fulfilling emerging new role responsibilities related to equality for female Iranian immigrants; and (3) Care as preservation of Iranian identity (inhamoni, hamonandi) as expressed in traditional cultural events and health care practices. Leininger's (1991) three modes of actions and decisions were used to develop appropriate and culturally meaningful nursing care actions and decisions which were in harmony with the cultural beliefs of Iranian immigrants.
Nurse Anesthetists' Perspectives on Improving the Anesthesia Care of Culturally Diverse Patients
Authors: Horton Betty J.
Published: March 2007

This paper reports the findings from a study which investigated whether the personal experiences of graduate and student nurse anesthetists could provide information on ways to improve the anesthesia care of culturally diverse patients. The study was designed as an exploratory descriptive qualitative investigation involving interviews with informants who were nurse anesthetists from cultural groups other than the dominant group of Anglo-Americans in a large midwestern city in the United States (US). Information emerged from the data that provided pertinent considerations for the provision of culturally congruent nursing care.
Infant Feeding Styles of West Indian Women
Authors: Corbett Karen S.
Published: March 2007

An ethnographic field study design was used to explore infant feeding among 20 West Indian women on the island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Two styles of infant feeding emerged from the data, “older style” and “contemporary style.” Three patterns of combined breast and bottle feeding were identified: day/night, supplemental, and random. Older style mothers followed a day/night pattern, whereas contemporary style mothers used a supplemental pattern. A folk explanatory model of infant feeding was constructed and included why infants were fed in certain ways, as well as the meaning of feeding practices. The health care system had an impact on both styles of infant feeding through hospital practices and provision of formula through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
Correlates of Internet Software Piracy
Authors: HINDUJA SAMEER
Published: March 2007

Software piracy has become a significant problem for businesses and educational institutions, and as computer crime continues to proliferate in our Information Age, its causes and roots merit academic inquiry. This exploratory piece establishes the correlative and contributory factors in software pirating, specifically concerning types of Internet access and past experience with the unlawful duplication of computer CD-ROMs. An independent samples t test and a bivariate correlation matrix were used to empirically evaluate relationships between variables. The results of this study suggest policy aimed at combating the onset and perpetuation of unethical and illegal computing activity among students.
Supervising Persons with AIDS: A New Liability for Probation and Parole Officers
Authors: Lowenberg Janice M.
Published: March 2007

Probation and parole officers are obligated in their duty to warn specific third parties of a probationer who is a prospective source of harm, or physical or financial risk to them or to the community. However, with the arrival of the deadly AIDS disease, probation and parole officers are faced with a new issue of third party risk and the protection of the public. Various key issues are raised within this article pertaining to the legal authority to disclose information on the AIDS carrier, the enforcement of disclosure of information, and to whom the information should be disclosed.

Various states have adopted laws on disclosure of medical information while legislators are continuously attempting to control and set policies that would protect both the public from AIDS infection and the AIDS carriers themselves from discrimination. Until firm policies and conditions are established, seven general rules have been offered for probation and parole officers to follow in order to avoid lawsuits.
Electronic Monitoring: A Review of The Empirical Literature
Authors: Rogers Robert , Jolin Annette
Published: March 2007

In the past few years, a number of books and articles have been published on electronic monitoring. Most of these works have dealt primarily with theoretical, legal, or economic issues. There has been no published account of a field experiment specifically designed or conducted to measure effectiveness in empirical terms. The studies which have provided quantitative data tend to suggest that electronically monitored offenders have generally fared neither better nor worse than similar offenders sentenced to more restrictive sanctions. This conclusion is tentative at best because the studies which have been conducted to date have all suffered, to a greater or lesser extent, from methodological inadequacies. The following work reviews these studies, summarizes their findings, and critiques their methods.
Selecting Juveniles for Death: The Kentucky Experience, 1976-1986
Authors: Vito Gennaro F. , Keil Thomas J.
Published: March 2007

The universe of cases in this study includes all persons charged and indicted for murder and convicted and incarcerated for murder (or a lesser included offense) in Kentucky between December 22, 1976 (the date of the current Kentucky capital punishment statute) and October 1, 1986 (N = 864; Adults = 830; Juveniles = 34). The purpose of this analysis was to compare the offense and victim characteristics of the adult und juvenile cases in the population. Our aim was to make a determination of the comparative "seriousness" of the cases. Put simply, "Did the juveniles commit more heinous homicides than adult offenders?" The findings indicate that the juvenile murder cases were more severe than the adult cases. However, juveniles were not sentenced to die at a higher rate than adults. The Kentucky experience may provide evidence that the public is unwilling to sentence juveniles to death even when the circumstances warrant such a penalty.
Dissociation and Violent Criminal Behavior
Authors: Carlisle A.L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this paper is to examine a range of dissociative phenomena that occurs with violent offend ers. Two studies were conducted to assess the dissocia tive experience in a criminal act. The first assessed the variety of dissociative experiences an offender had be fore, during and following a criminal act. The second study evaluated, more particularly, the Multiple Person ality Disorder (MPD) and its relationship to criminal behavior.
Are Victimless Crimes Actually Harmful?
Authors: Veneziano Louis , Veneziano Carol
Published: March 2007

A victimless crime is an illegal act that is consensual and lacks a complaining participant, including such activities as drug use, galnblina, pornography, and prostitution. No one is harmed, or if harm occurs, it is negated by the informed consent of willing participants. It has been suggested that harm can take on various forms, but that since the harmed individual consented to participate in one of these acts, the attribution of victimization is nullified. In order to determine whether this position coincided with the sentiment of the public, a questionnaire was administered in which 944 respondents were asked to rate how much harm. if any, exists for participants engaging in four traditional victimless crimes along the dimensions of frequency, extent, and nature of involvement. The results indicated that the majority of respondents felt that these acts were harmful. The results were discussed in terms of theoretical and policy implications.
An Analysis of Attitudinal Change and Community Adjustment among Probationers in a County Boot Camp
Authors: ETHRIDGE PHILIP A. , SORENSEN JONATHAN R.
Published: March 2007

The effectiveness of a newly developed correctional facility operated by the Hidalgo County (TX) Community Supervision and Corrections Department is analyzed. To gauge boot camp effectiveness, 6 measures were used: (a) target population, (b) program completion, (c) service delivery, (d) attitude change, (e) community adjustment, and (f) recidivism. The findings suggest that the boot camp has succeeded in targeting and delivering services to a population in need. Caution is suggested in the selection process so that only those who are truly prison-bound are sentenced to the boot camp.
Crime and Crime Prevention in China
Authors: FRIDAY PAUL C.
Published: March 2007

Since China's new open door policy, major economic and social changes have occurred as well as a demonstrated increase in official and victim survey reports on crime. The patterns of crime and characteristics of offenders parallels that of Western societies, but the rate of crime is still very low. A major increase in crime is not necessarily an outcome of development, where cultural and social history and philosophy have established strong prevention roots. The most recent literature on changes occurring in China are reviewed within theoretical perspectives linking development and crime: Durkheimian Modernization, Marxist, and Victimological. Chinese programs and crime-prevention policies are discussed and evaluated based on individual and systemic correlates of crime and the theoretical needs for prevention. Chinese culture and tradition are seen as preventive mechanisms in and of themselves and, therefore, need to be reinforced as China experiences major social change.
Trussarm—A Variable-Geometry-Truss Manipulator
Authors: Hughes P.C. , Sincarsin W.G. , Carroll K.A.
Published: March 2007

An overview is given of recent work done in Canada on "trussarms"—truss structures of high aspect ratio and variable geometry, suitable for use as manipulator arms. Four possible truss topologies are compared, and the "standard" octahedral topology is shown to be superior, largely on the basis of simplified hinge design. A preliminary com parison is also made between the Canadarm (the current Shuttle manipulator arm) and two trussarms. Some of the key issues in the kinematics, dynamics and control of truss arms are discussed, and the paper closes with a brief description of laboratory trussarm models currently under development.
Adaptive Active Control of Instabilities
Authors: Billoud Guy , Galland Marie Annick , Can Huynh Huu  , Candel Sébastien
Published: March 2007

This article reports the results of an experimental investigation in which adaptive methods are applied to various situations of active control of flow instabilities: combustion instabilities, flow-excited cavity oscillations, and compressor surge. The pres ent work draws attention especially to the adaptive controller behaviour and capacities. The main results are as follows: 1) The adaptive controller manages to automatically find its optimal characteristics in order to cancel the instability in the three experiments under consideration; 2) It is able to cope with time-dependent changes in the operating condi tions such as flow velocity sweeps for the oscillating cavity and air and propane mass flow rate variations in the combustion instability experiment; and 3) In the case of the Helmholtz cavity resonator, the algorithm has also exhibited capacity to recover effective control even when initially set such that artificial closed-loop instabilities induced by the control system occurred.
Constitutive Laws for Pseudo-Elastic Materials
Authors: Brandon Deborah , Rogers Robert C.
Published: March 2007

In this paper a new model of pseudo-elastic materials based on experimen tal observations of one-dimensional motions of SMA materials is introduced. The model incorporates phase fractions as an internal variable and allows for both reversible (elastic) and irreversible (plastic) modes inside the hysteresis loop. As such, the model accounts for a wider range of physical phenomena than the traditional plasticity theories. The consti tutive equations predict transitions between elastic and plastic modes through a de pendence on the time history of strain and phase fractions. These history effects are in cluded in a way that allows for easy computation.
Modelling and Mechanical Characterization of Thin Fibers of Contractile Polymer Hydrogels
Authors: Chiarelli Piero , De Rossi Danilo
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this work is to propose a methodology for characterizing the dynamic mechanical properties of thin fibers of hydrogel. Analytical solutions of mo tion equations of charged gels, based on a continuum model, whose internal consistency is demonstrated, are compared with experimental results in two paradigms: free-swelling and stress-relaxation. In addition we present a new method to estimate the gel shear and bulk moduli and its hydraulic permeability.
Multiple Phases of Gels and Biological Implications
Authors: Tanaka Toyoichi , Annaka Masahiko
Published: March 2007

Synthetic polymer gels are known to exist in two phases - swollen and collapsed [1,2]. Volume transition occurs between the phases either continuously or discontinuously. More than two phases are found in gels consisting of copolymers of randomly distributed positively and negatively charged groups. They are characterized by distinct degrees of swelling; the gel can take one of a set of swelling values, but none of the intermediate values. The number of phases depends on the composition of positively and negatively charged monomers: the number decreases from a maximum of seven at a particular composition to one at pure cationic or anionic gel compositions. In these gels, polymer segments interact with each other through attractive or repulsive electrostatic interactions and through hydrogen bonding. The combination of these forces appears to result in multiple phases.

The multiple phases seem to have important biological implications. The finding demonstrates that a polymer system can take a stable state other than swollen and collapsed phases, which were known only to proteins. Studying them may lead us to the principle with which linear chains of amino acids form unique and stable structures—a question of protein folding—and how they create marvelous functions such as molecular recognition, catalysis, and motion. The main portion of this article was previously published in Nature [3]. This article is the same as the lecture note given at the 34th IUPAC International Symposium on Macromolecules held in Prague, 1992.
Software Design for Neurocontrol Code
Authors: Peterson James K.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses software engineering aspects of neurocontrol algorithm design. Cutting edge algorithm development often outstrips the capability of routinely available software packages. Hence, it is difficult to perform adequate algorithm validation and verification (algorithm V & V). The basic building blocks of a software neurocontroller (data sampling, state prediction and control selection) are developed. The underlying artificial neural architecture used here is the CMAC, although much of the discussion is fairly generic. Code fragments are provided that illus trate implementation details for the CMAC architecture, the sampling of the data stream, local con troller estimates and so forth.
Nano-Structure Fabrication by Using Self-Organizing Properties of Materials
Authors: Hayashi Takayoshi , Maruno Tohru , Ish Yoshikazu
Published: March 2007

Self-organizing properties of materials can be used to fabricate well-ordered nano- structures on a large scale and also to develop new advanced materials. Three examples of self- organized nano-structures are described in this paper. A unidirectionally ordered metallo phthalocyanine thin film was formed over the entire surface of a sapphire (1102) substrate by using a newly synthesized dibenzo[ b,t] phthalocyaninato-Zn(II), which has a unique two-fold symmetrical molecular structure. A buried SiO2 layer with atomically abrupt Si/SiO2 interface was formed by oxygen ion implantation into silicon and subsequent annealing. A nano-particle consisting of outer graphitic shells and a core nano-crystal of LaC2 was formed in a self-organizing manner when a hot carbon-langhanum particle was cooled on an arc-discharge electrode in a He atmosphere.
Magnetostrictive Solids: Macroscopic Response and Microstructure Evolution under Applied Magnetic Fields and Loads
Authors: Desimone Antonio
Published: March 2007

The macroscopic behavior of magnetostrictive materials results from domain evolu tions occurring at a microscopic scale. We show how to compute virgin magnetization and magneto striction curves by appraising the behavior of the underlying microstructures. Our method hinges on an averaging device (Young measures), which allows us to pass from the microscopic to the macro scopic scale. We take into account the kinematical constraints on the accommodation of elastic effects, and we highlight the role of material symmetry in the selection of energetically optimal microstructures. Finally, we analyze the influence of applied surface tractions on the magnetoelastic response of a magnetostrictive specimen.
Computer-Mediated Negotiation of an Escalated Conflict
Authors: Dorado Miguel A. , Medina Francisco J. , Munduate Lourdes , Cisneros Inmaculada F. J. , Euwema Martin
Published: March 2007

This study analyzed style of handling an escalated conflict in a computer-mediated negotiation context. Literature focusing on negotiation and media evidenced two contradictory perspectives. One of them asserted that negotiators are less integrative when interacting in a computer-mediated context. The other perspective affirmed that a barrier in the communication enhances integrativeness. These contrary perspectives motivated the present study. In a computer-mediated negotiation setting a confederate escalated the conflict with the participants in a standardized way. Interactions were recorded and two groups of coders assessed the use of avoiding, compromising, problem solving, accommodating, and forcing. Results showed a higher use of avoiding and a decrease in forcing behavior along the computer-mediated interaction. Results from revised literature regarding face-to-face context show a different pattern consisting of an increase in forcing behavior and compromising along the encounter. Practical implications of results are discussed.
Interpersonal Problems and the Perception of Therapeutic Factors in Group Therapy
Authors: Macnair-Semands Rebecca R. , Lese Karen P.
Published: March 2007

Fifteen therapy and support groups in university counseling centers were studied to assess shift in therapeutic factors over time and the relationship between therapeutic factors and interpersonal problems. The levels of therapeutic factors tended to increase over time. Furthermore, significant associations were formed between certain interpersonal problems and perceptions of the therapeutic factors in group therapy. Implications for the conceptualization of clinical dynamics in group therapy and theoretical understanding of group development are discussed.
Methods for Diagnosing Interaction Strategies
Authors: Becker-Beck Ulrike
Published: March 2007

Methods for the analysis of group processes at the behavioral and content level of social interaction are demonstrated using group interactions in conflict situations. A conceptual framework for behavioral strategies in conflict interactions is presented. Index variables for these strategies are defined on the basis of sequential interaction patterns. An experimental study is conducted on how interaction strategies in conflict situations vary with aspects of group composition. Four groups with two male and two female members each were formed varying the dimensions “gender” and “attitudes toward the male and female gender role” (traditional versus progressive). The groups were given a discussion task in which the differences in attitudes create a conflict situation. An analysis of interaction strategies indicated a more pronounced polarization in subgroups in the first condition. A detailed single case study illustrates the diagnostic power of the analytic methods in revealing different strategies of conflict management.
A Partially Ordered Scale of Influence in Violent Group Behavior
Authors: Porter Louise E. , Alison Laurence J.
Published: March 2007

The present study examined how decisions, actions, and orders combine to act as influence strategies that occur throughout different stages in gang rape. Thirty-nine gang rape cases, yielding 120 offenders, were coded according to each individual’s level of involvement at each stage in terms of decisions, actions, and orders. The various combinations of these were examined using a multidimensional scaling procedure. This revealed that the behaviors form a partially ordered scale of influence in which involvement in the approach and/or disposal of the victim were the most significant stages of the offense. Individual scores on this scale revealed that in 37 of the cases, one individual scored significantly higher on the scale than his co-offenders. The scale successfully identified leaders in 37 of the 39 groups, with leaders scoring significantly higher on the scale than followers (other group members). The results and implications are discussed.
Do Smarter Teams Do Better
Authors: Devine Dennis J. , Philips Jennifer L.
Published: March 2007

This study reports the results of several meta-analyses examining the relationship between four operational definitions of cognitive ability within teams (highest member score, lowest member score, mean score, standard deviation of scores) and team performance. The three indices associated with level yielded moderate and positive sample-weighted estimates of the population relationship (.21 to .29), but sampling error failed to account for enough variation to rule out moderator variables. In contrast, the index associated with dispersion (i.e., standard deviation of member scores) was essentially unrelated to team performance (-.03), and sampling error provided a plausible explanation for the observed variation across studies. A subgroup analysis revealed that mean cognitive ability was a much better predictor of team performance in laboratory settings (.37) than in field settings (.14). Study limitations, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Transitory Emotional States and Encounter Group Training
Authors: Shadish William R.
Published: March 2007

A review of literature about effects of encounter group training on state affect suggests that positive affect increases and negative affect decreases during training. Volunteer subjects were assigned randomly to encounter groups and were administered the Affect Rating Scale before, during, and subsequent to the groups. Results generally support the hypothesis.
Communicative Correlates of Perceived Leaders in the Small Group
Authors: Schultz Beatrice
Published: March 2007

This study addresses the issue of the sensitivity of communicative variables for predicting leadership emergence in long-term, nonlaboratory groups. Seventeen potential leaders were predicted for nine groups, with the expectation that one or both of the predicted leaders would be chosen by their respective groups. One of my choices was confirmed by eight of the nine groups. The findings in this study suggest that communicative functions allow for the selection of potential group leaders. Addi tionally, leaders are chosen for their positive qualities, but appear to embody negative values as well.
Behavior Changes in Psychotherapy Groups
Authors: Brower Aaron M.
Published: March 2007

Methodological problems in charting phases of group development have created a tendency to overgeneralize existing theories in the field. An extensive review of the statistical methods used to chart group phases notes two methodological traps that reduce the utility of prevailing methods. A statistical methodology is suggested to avoid these traps. The model proposed allows description of the natural unfolding of behavior phases without destroying the multivariate richness of a group's activity. Using a Bales-type observational system to code behaviors of two psychotherapy groups, sessions were statistically clustered according to their behavioral similarity. These clusters were compared to identify distinct phases of development. A clinical description was prepared for each group using only the results obtained from the statistical model. Although similarities were found, it was shown that different groups develop differently, according to their own particular sets of internal and external pressures, and that unique configurations of systematically specified factors characterize group development.
The Group Emotionality Rating System
Authors: Karterud Sigmund , Foss Torberg
Published: March 2007

In the early 1950s, Herbert Thelen and his coworkers developed a behavior al rating system based on the group dynamic theory of Bion. The methodological work with this system was incomplete. The authors have revised the system and in this article report the new criteria and assessment procedures. A reliability study based on act-by-act scrutiny of 4,343 verbal statements revealed an overall agreement of 77. The range for the emotionality subcategories on specific agreement was from 57 to .67. Mean correlation coefficient for the emotionally charged statements was .80 (n = 12 group sessions). Finally, the validity of the emotionality categories is discussed according to the scientific ideals of logical empiricism and hermeneutics
The Measurement of Cohesion and its Relationship to Dimensions of Self-Disclosure in Classroom Settings
Authors: Rosenfeld Lawrence B. , Gilbert Joanne R.
Published: March 2007

It is the purpose of this investigation to assess the relationship between cohesion and dimensions of self-disclosure in small classroom groups. Highly cohesive groups were characterized by individuals' perceptions of other group members' self-disclosures as unintentional, positive, and less than honest and by perceptions of their own disclosures as honest. Results, which contradict findings of studies using therapy groups, are explained with reference to appropriate self-disclosure in nontherapeutic settings.
Discussion and Imagery
Authors: Francis Eileen
Published: March 2007

An experiential learning program to meet teachers' needs as a model of appropriate membership and leadership roles in discussion is described. The use of imagery and its influence on the methodology of the program are described, and evidence from teacher transcripts is discussed. It is concluded that effective discussion is the external evidence of having learned to communicate with others in a group and that the use of imagery is an indicator of discussion at its deepest level of communication.
Toward a Two-Track Model of Leadership Training
Authors: Anderson Lynn R.
Published: March 2007

The personality typology of high versus low self-monitoring is presented as a possible moderator of leadership training. The behavior of high self-monitoring individuals is guided by situational factors; these individuals are capable of accurate modifications of their behavior to correspond to social situations, and they are especially skilled in diagnosing social situations. Hence, high self-monitoring leaders should benefit most from leadership training requiring leaders'behavior to change as a function of group contingencies (Track I training). In contrast, the behavior of low self-monitoring individuals is displayed in accordance with internal, dispositional traits and values. These leaders should profit most from training that instructs leaders to alter organizational structures (relationships with boss or with the subordinate group) to produce an effective match between the leader's intrinsic behavioral style and group contingencies (Track I training).
Implicit Theories of Leadership and Judgments of Leadership among Group Members
Authors: Pavitt Charles , Sackaroff Pamela
Published: March 2007

An inferential approach to the study of group members' judgments and evaluations of leadership proposes that members'implicit theories of leadership serve as the basis for such ratings. Members of zero-history and standing groups made judgments of the prototypic good, average, and poor leader on a list of leadership-relevant traits and behaviors, and one month later judged other group members on the same list. Judgments of the three prototypic leaders were similar in covariational structure. Judgments and evaluations of the group members were generally similar to the prototypes as expected, but differences between judgments made by zero-history and standing group participants reveal the effect of group history and experience in small group discussion classes.
Intergroup Differentiation and Reduction of Intergroup Conflict
Authors: Thalhofer Nancy N.
Published: March 2007

An integrative interpretation identifies three fonns of intergroup differentiation within the small group research literature and specifies how each may reduce or prevent informal conflict between groups. Two forms of evaluative intergroup differentiation can provide formal and symbolic substitutes for this conflict. Nonevaluative niche differentiation, in which groups enact equally valued, separate roles that may be similar qualitatively distinct, or interdependent, is identified as especially important in reducing or preventing informal intergroup conflict. Niche differentiation is viewed as differing according to the intergroup role relationships occurring in intergroup environments of varying maturity levels. In all settinigs, niche differentiation can reduce poteiitial and existing conflict by emphasizing larger intergroup concerns. Support for parts of this interpretation is found in the classic studies on intergroup conflict by Sherif atid in related work. Applications are briefly discussed, including the possible developmenit of niiche differenitiationi through intervenition.
Group Therapy Client Outcome and Satisfaction as a Function of the Therapists' Use of Rapid Assessment Instruments
Authors: Flowers John V. , Booraem Curtis D. , Schwartz Bernard
Published: March 2007

Group therapists were encouraged to use Rapid Assessment Instruments (RAls), to assess the course of the group therapy and make therapeutic decisions on empirical grounds under three experimental conditions. In Condition 1, group therapists had 140 different RAIs and scoring instructions available and had been instructed in theiruse. Condition 2 was identical except that group therapists had computer-scoring programs available for each RAI. Condition 3 differed in that group therapists had computer administration and scoring programs available. Clients itn Condition 3 were administered more RAls than clients in Condition 2 who were administered more RAls than clients in Condition 1. Employing reductiont in DSMIII-R symptoms as an outcome measure, clients in Conditions 2 and 3 improved more over the course of the 16-week cognitive-behavioral groups thant clients in Conidition 1, and these same clients were also more satisfied with their group therapy experience. Thus greater computer assistance leads to greater RAI use, which in turn leads to great outcome and client satisfaction.
On the Effectiveness of Group Brainstorming
Authors: Connolly Terry , Routhieaux Robert L. , Schneider Sherry K.
Published: March 2007

Recent studies suggest that group brainstorming, in its electronic form, can be an effective method of generating ideas, if the group is sufficiently large. We report here an experiment probing the mechanism underlying this good performance. Because larger groups are more likely than small ones to generate rare ideas, we hypothesized that rare ideas might be especially stimulating to further idea generation, and thus boost the performance of large, interacting groups. Experimental subjects working alone generated ideas while exposed to streams of either rare, common, or no stimulus ideas. No support for the hypothesized stimulating effect of rare ideas was found. We suggest several alternative mechanisms worth exploring.
Power and Status
Authors: Lovaglia Michael J.
Published: March 2007

The complex relationship between power and status requires clarification. Why does power seem to confer more status in some situations than in others? Theoretical ideas used to answer this question come from three major areas of social psychology: exchange theories ofpower, the status characteristics and expectation states theoretical research program, and attribution research. Results of an experiment provided partial supportfor the main hypothesis derivedfrom the theory: Differences in status will result consistent with power differences between actors. Power differences produced differences in expectations of ability on selfreport measures but not on a behavioral measure of interpersonal influence. Although knowledge about the power structure was predicted to reduce the status derivedfrom power, no effect of knowledge wasfound. During the experiment, participants'emotional reactions were observed to play a role in the relationship between power and status.
Structure and Struggle in Egalitarian Groups
Authors: Glaser Hollis F.
Published: March 2007

This study looks closely at how inequality operates in egalitarian groups. It is wellestablished in the literature that some type of unequal power dynamic always occurs in democratic organizations, but there is little information on the structure of those dynamics. By using a multiple case study participant observation approach, it was discovered that democratic groups have a fluid orientation toward equality that moves them across two dimensions of power: structure, the extent to which the power relationships are formalized, and struggle, the extent to which the relationships are contested.
Changing the Guard
Authors: Worchel Stephen , Jenner Stephen M. , Hebl Michelle R.
Published: March 2007

Nearly all groups face a change of leaders at some point in their existence. However, there is little agreement about the impact of leadership turnover on the group or the conditions that create the most positive transition. In a 2 x 2 factorial design, groups that had worked on one task under one leader were assigned a new leader who either came from within the group (origin of new leader) orfrom outside the group. The ex-leader either remained as a member of the group or exited (fate of ex-leader). The groups then worked on a second task under the new leader The results indicated that leadership turnover per se did not have a significant effect on group performance. However, when turnover occurred, performance was highest when the new leader camefrom within the group and the ex-leader remained. Members indicated that the internal leader adopted a more people-oriented approach when the ex-leader remained in the group than when he orshe left. However, the presence (or absence) of the exleader had no e.ffect on the perceived style of the outside leader Although members were more attracted to the group when leadership turnover occurred than when it did not, there was no difference in attraction between the various turnover conditions.
Modeling Cognitive Interactions During Group Brainstorming
Authors: Brown Vincent , Tumeo Michael , Larey Timothy S. , Paulus Paul B.
Published: March 2007

Despite laboratory evidence that group brainstormers produce fewer ideas than individual brainstormers, brainstorming groups remain popular in business and industry. Here the authors present a model of the cognitive factors involved in group idea generation. Simulations suggest that group interaction should be beneficial when one group member primes another into thinking of ideas they would not have considered alone, at least not in the context of the task at hand. Many concepts relevant to group cognition can be defined within the model framework (stochastic transition matrices) including fluency, flexibility, category accessibility, convergent/divergent thinking, attention to partners, and the relationship between the knowledge structures of the brainstorming participants. Attention plays a crucial role in the model, linking together individuals in a brainstorming group. Simulations also suggest that convergent group behavior may be the result ofcognitivefactors in addition to the socialfactors outlined by a number of researchers.
Understanding Groupthink from a Self-Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Flippen Annette R.
Published: March 2007

In the years since Janis first identified the group pathology he termed groupthink, researchers have attempted to discover why groupthink occurs and what can be done to prevent it. Although most researchers have worked within Janis’s original framework, the finding of McCauley that there seems to be two different social influence processes at work indicates that there may be a more complicated process at work. This article uses a self-regulatory model of motivation as a unifying framework to show how differing initial motivations on the part of group members combined with other antecedent factors can result in various processes that lead to groupthink. Based on this motivational approach, interventions were suggested.
Therapist Perceptions of Important Therapeutic Factors in Psychotherapy Groups for Male Inmates in State Correctional Facilities
Authors: Morgan Robert D. , Ferrell Sean W. , Winterowd Carrie L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate group therapists’perceptions of therapeutic factors in psychotherapy groups for incarcerated male inmates. Participants (159 group therapy providers from 78 adult male state correctional facilities) completed a survey designed to assess their perceptions about (a) the relative importance of therapeutic factors as group goals, (b) the amount of group time spent discussing and/or processing therapeutic factors, and (c) the level of progress group members made on therapeutic factors. Interpersonal learning, universality, and imparting information appear to be highly valued by group therapists across the three questions mentioned above. Existential factors and corrective recapitulation of the primary family group were consistently rated significantly lower on the three questions of interest as compared to the other therapeutic factors. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are highlighted.
Global Modeling: Origins, Assessment, and Alternative Futures
Authors: Chadwick Richard W.
Published: March 2007

This essay reviews the origins of key concepts used in most global models. Philosophical preconditions for validity are examined. A framework for critically evaluating existing global models is suggested. A philosophy for global modeling is outlined. Global modeling is a much deeper enterprise than its critics seem to be aware. However, because global modeling lacks an academic or institutional home, key issues that have arisen with early global models are left essentially untouched. To critique global models or global modeling meaningfully, at least three perspectives are essential: those of science, philosophy, and practical application (praxis). A firm foundation for global modeling requires that its practitioners adopt an academic paradigm (i.e., university research institutes, schools and departments, a professional association, and a professional peer-reviewed journal). Global modeling is the only methodology capable of helping humanity to self-consciously envision itself and its environment in a time frame long enough and a scale large enough to provide an effective guide in its transition from a global to an interstellar species.
The Coalition Game
Authors: Norton Robert W.
Published: March 2007

The coalition game focuses on techniques for identifying coalitions or subgroups within larger social systems. The binding force in the game is the participant's perceptions of attractive others. The game generates a wealth of data that not only serve to dramatize social dynamics, but can also be used to identify the structure of coalitions and the degree to which particular individuals exert interpersonal influence.
Prejudice-Reduction Simulations: Ethics, Evaluations, and Theory into Practice
Authors: Byrnes Deborah A. , Kiger Gary
Published: March 2007

This article examines ethical issues in the use of prejudice-reduction simulations, with specific reference to evaluation research conducted on the BLUE EYES-BROWN EYES activity. Risks to participants, such as coercion, informed consent, and stress, were weighed against the individual and collective benefits of simulation participation. It was concluded that, given specific precautions (e.g., appropriately designed debriefing sessions), it is ethically defensible to have simulation participants experience emotional discomfort in the short term if it is reasonably believed they will achieve grater compassion for others in the long term. Problems arising in the evaluation of prejudice-reduction simulations are discussed. Finally, a research agenda is proposed that calls for addressing intergroup-relations theory in the design of prejudice-reduction simulations.
A Forecast of Business Gaming in the Year 2010
Authors: Wolfe Joseph
Published: March 2007

A panel of prominent authors and researchers were queriedvia the Delphi technique to determine the future nature of business gaming. Although the future's typical computer will be more flexible and more powerful, most business schools will not possess "cutting edge" technology. The typical game will simulate more issues and interactions, and the game's administrator will have more playing options available. Many decision-making aids will supplement game play within global rather than domestic competitive situations. The division between computer-based games and paper-based experiential exercises will be blurred through the use of game-generated exercises and case analysis software.
Simulations for Elementary and Primary School Social Studies: An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: Muir Sharon Pray
Published: March 2007

This article updates a 1980 annotation of simulations appropriate for use in elementary or primary school social studies. It briefly describes close to 200 activities, and it provides bibliographic information so users can readily locate each simulation's source. In order to accommodate a typical classroom, the list identifies simulations that can be played with large groups. It does not include electronic simulations, board games, quiz competitions, or unstructured role-play.
A New Role for Computerized Simulation in Social Science: Summary Thoughts on a Case Study
Authors: Tsuchiya Shigehisa
Published: March 2007

Computerized simulation can now play a new, crucial role in the ambiguous real world as a facilitator of communication. One of the most serious problems with which organizations are now confronted is incommensurability, defined roughly as communication breakdown. This is a problem because, to cope with ambiguity, it is essential to share knowledge in the organization. Even when the same natural language is used, communications within and among the organizations are often extremely difficult. Computerized simulation can provide effective metaphors, shared fields, and appropriate processes for the legitimization of knowledge so that individual knowledge may become organizational knowledge, and thus overcome the problems of incommensurability.
An Ongoing Study of the Practice of Simulation in Industry
Authors: Eldredge David L. , Watson Hugh J.
Published: March 2007

This study constitutes the third in a series of ongoing surveys of the use of computer simulation in US industry. It explores such issues as which organizational groups develop and use simulations, the computer hardware and software used, and the level of usage of advanced simulation techniques. The benefits, effectiveness, and future of simulation in industry is also examined. A comparison of these findings with those of the previous two surveys identifies trends in simulation practice.
Computer-Based Role-Playing for Interpersonal Skills Training
Authors: Holsbrink-Engels Geralien A.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the design and evaluation of computer-based role-playing. For novices, a conventional role-play is a very complex learning situation. Computer-based role-playing is designed to simplify role-playing so that students can more effectively develop interpersonal skills. It is a gradual lead-in to, not a replacement of, conventional role-playing. An experiment is reported in which 41 students participated. The students were randomly distributed over two groups. Two instructional programs were compared, one with and one without computer-based role-playing. One major finding is that computer-based role-playing enhances interpersonal skills development by (a) practicing the use of a conversational model, (b) offering opportunities for reflection, (c) performing four protagonist roles, and (d) capturing individual contribution and learning.
Susclime: A Simulation/Game on Population and Development in a Climate-Constrained World
Authors: de Vries Bert
Published: March 2007

The simulation/game SUSCLIME is introduced as a tool to explore long-termfutures. The model world of SUSCLIME is briefly described. It is a simple world with a goods-producing and a service-providing capital stock, the latter including consumption. There are two countries. The players of each country allocate the industrial output between these two stocks and three energy capital stocks: oil, renewable, or efficiency. The two countries can trade oil and make loans. The major goal is to go through the demographic transition by increasing the welfare per person and making the transition from oil to renewable energy. The latter is needed to avoid negative impacts on the economy due to rising C02 concentrations. Some illustrative outcomes and game experiences are discussed.
Who's Who, Who Sits Where
Authors: Jones Ken
Published: March 2007

In the field of language learning, the technique of simulations is relatively new. However, it is a growth area and is demanding attention from teachers, authors, and publishers. For the language teacher, the best type of simulations to choose are those that are fully participatory, provoke talk and controversy, and do not involve a long read-in before the action begins.
Interactive Events: National Differences in Participation and Categorization
Authors: Jones Ken
Published: March 2007

National cultures might not only influence behavior within simulations, they might also influence the way simulations and games are categorized. This article examines some of the literature, architecture, and philosophy of Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and gives examples about how this could influence the concepts and categories of games and simulations.