bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromechanical Properties of Smart Materials
Authors: Newnham R.E. , Ruschau Gregory R.
Published: March 2007

A smart material is one that can perform both sensor and actuator functions. This definition allows for some flexibility in deciding how to qualify a material as "smart", since the fun damental mechanisms of operation may differ greatly between types of smart materials. From the point of view of an electroceramist, piezoelectric materials, which show reversible electromechan ical coupling, may be thought of as "naturally" smart materials since the same piezoelectric material may act as a sensor and/or an actuator. Piezoelectric single crystals, polymers, and poled poly crystalline ceramics all show good electromechanical coupling. In addition, they may be combined in a composite material that exaggerates their beneficial properties by eliminating their detrimental properties. Some common piezoelectric materials are reviewed, along with some examples of smart materials that incorporate piezoelectric ceramics.
Design Approaches for Shaping Polyvinylidene Fluoride Sensors in Active Structural Acoustic Control (ASAC)
Authors: Clark Robert L. , Burdisso Ricardo A. , Fuller Chris R.
Published: March 2007

A design methodology is presented for shaping structural polyvinylidene fluoride sensors for active structural acoustic control applications. A structural PVDF sensor yielding a con trolled response equivalent to that obtained when implementing a microphone error sensor perpen dicular to the surface of a simply supported beam was designed and tested. In addition, the equiva lent PVDF sensor design approach for the simply supported plate is presented; however, practical limitations in achieving the desired three-dimensional polarization profile prevent physical imple mentation. Results from tests conducted on the simply supported beam demonstrate that PVDF structural sensors can be designed to achieve directional acoustic control of structure-borne sound. While this design approach is currently limited to structures whose response can be described as a function of one dimension, the potential for applications in more complex structures is readily achieved upon determining a practical method of varying the polarization profile of the material as a function of two dimensions.
Compression Strength of Composites Containing Embedded Sensors or Actuators
Authors: Case S.W. , Carman G.P.
Published: March 2007

A theoretical linear-elastic model is used to study the effect of embedded sensors and actuators on a composite's compression strength. An existing analytical model is employed to predict the local undulations in the plies which result from the presence of the embedded devices. Using these results in conjunction with a micromechanical model for compression strength, prediction, are made for the reduction in this property due to sensors or actuators. Comparisons are made with ex penmental data for graphite epoxy systems, and the model is shown to accurately predict the trends in such data. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the effect of embedded semor/actuator diameter, laminate thickness, laminate stiffness, and laminate shear strength on the compression strength of composites containing these embedded sensors/actuators. It is shown that degradations in a composite's compression strength is as Severe for sensors/actuators embedded at 30° as those embedded at 90° to the structural fiber,
B-Learning: A Reinforcement Learning Variant for the Control of a Plant
Authors: Langlois Thibault , Canu Stéphane
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a new reinforcement learning scheme called B-Learning. This approach leads to an estimate of the expected benefits provided by each action with respect to the current policy. This algorithm performs a one-step ahead exhaustive search in the action space and allows the introduction of additional constraints. The method is successfully applied to the control of a water production plant.
Scratching the Surface of Intelligent Materials: Characterisation Methods for Conducting Polymer Films
Authors: Zhao Huijun  , Mirmohseni Abdolreza , Price William E. , Talaie Afshad , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: March 2007

One essential aspect of an intelligent material is that it has some properties which are dynamic which can be utilised and controlled. It is well known that a number of polymeric materials are inherently dynamic. In order to utilise the full potential of polymers for use as intelligent materials it is imperative that processes occurring at the polymer interface are well understood. A large range of surface and other techniques are available to characterise this. At IPRL we has devel oped over a number of years intelligent material systems based on conducting polymers such as polypyrrole. This range of materials has been used as coated films, particles or stand-alone mem branes in systems designed either to sense/monitor the environment or to effect a separation. Poly pyrrole based systems are able to perform sophisticated functions because the polymer is a dynamic material which can change its chemical and physical properties by application of an electrical poten tial (thereby altering the oxidation state of the polymer). This change is accompanied by movement of ions in and out of the material. The paper presents results for a number of characterisation tech niques which elucidate what is happening at the polymer-solution interface such as cyclic voltametry and quartz crystal microbalance, together with other surface techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and the atomic force microscope which provide a microscopic picture of the polymer surface. It is shown that only by using a wide range of techniques is it possible to gain a full understanding of the unique properties of intelligent material such as polypyrrole. Only then can it be said that one is truly more than just scratching the surface.
Helping Characteristics of Self-Help and Support Groups
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Bargal David
Published: March 2007

This article deals with outcomes of self-help and support groups, based on the relationships between the groups’ helping characteristics (i.e., instilling hope, caring and concern) and two variables: participants’subjective well-being and general satisfaction with the group. It was hypothesized that the contribution of the helping characteristics to the participants’subjective well-being would be mediated by the extent of their overall satisfaction with the group. The study also compared 12-step self-help groups to other support groups. The research sample consisted of 117 participants belonging to 11 groups meeting in Israel. The results supported the mediation hypothesis. Comparison of the 12-step groups and the other support groups revealed that 12-step group members were far more satisfied with the group and gave higher evaluations for most of the helping characteristics. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Peer Culture Development
Authors: Hoover Todd
Published: March 2007

A peer culture development program implemented in three Chicago public high schools is described. The program uses peer influence in group meetings (classes) as means for reduction of adolescent problem behavior. An evaluation study providing generally positive findings is reported, showing reductions in destructive or detrimental behavior.
The Effects of Gender Composition and Task Structure on Small Group Interaction
Authors: Mabry Edward A.
Published: March 2007

It was hypothesized that gender composition variations and task structure would significantly interact to affect communicative behavior in small groups. Groups of college-aged men and women were composed to vary in the number of men and women serving as group members. Each group was assigned to complete two tasks: One task was a highly structured ranking assignment; the other task was a human relations case study with relatively low outcome structure. Results of Interaction Process Analysis data obtained during group discussion supported the hypothesized interaction onlyfor dominance acts of giving suggestions. Small groups composed solely of men were significantly higher in this category under structured task conditions, whereas groups composed predominantly of men were significantly lower in dominance acts under unstructured task conditions. Two subsidiary hypotheses concerning the separate effects of composition and task variables were partially supported. Results are discussed in regard to make situational adaptation tendencies and the influence of task variables on group communication behaviors.
Implications of Group Dynamics for Small School Leadership
Authors: Iorio John E.
Published: March 2007

An analysis of interdisciplinary research and theory relating to group dynamics is undertaken in terms of implications for small school leadership. The transferability of research and theory from sociology, psychology, and business management to educational administration is demonstrated. Concepts are operationalized to generate ideas that can be of use both to the practitioner and to the student of educational administration. The analysis includes ideas based on a principal's observational experiences that should be useful to the researcher in developing theoretical constructs for study.
Groups for the Development of Friendship
Authors: Gurdin J. Barry
Published: March 2007

Qualitatively summarizing a longer piece of research also based on quantitative methods, the author analyzes small group, videotaped discussions of friendship in which graduate and undergraduate students participated. Through these sessions the therapeutic and educational values of discussion groups on "closest friendship" are evaluated. In these groups the peak experience coincided with the discussion of the possibility for true friendships between men and women. To illustrate the verbal and nonverbal content of this phase, a section of the transcripts is recorded. The potential and limitations of groups for the development offriendship are elaborated in terms of the functions and the constraints placed on them in particular sociocultural contexts.
Small Group Interaction and Outcome Correlates for Structured and Unstructured Tasks
Authors: Mabry Edward A. , Atiridge Mark Duke
Published: March 2007

This study reports tests of the input-process-output model of small group systems. Regression statistics analyzed associations between interaction process variables and measuresofgroup task products under two task conditions: an unstructured outcome case study problem and a structured outcome rank-order decision task Results for the unstructured task showed positive relationships between specific process (independent) and output (dependent) variables: Agreeing and Optimism; Gives Opinion and Issue Involvement; Disagrees and Originality; Asks for Information and Length (of written product). Nonsignificant results for the Structured task indicated that ranking-task products were positively associated with messages of positive regard for others and requests for opinion and negatively related to personally disconfirmatory messages sent to others. Findings are discussed in terms of the general model's conceptual adequacy and methodological limitations associated with small group inquiry.
Group Termination
Authors: Keyton Joann
Published: March 2007

A critical aspect of organizational work groups-the ending and termination stage-has been ignored by both group and organizational communication researchers in favor of a research focus on the assigmnent, development, and maintenance of groups. How work groups process the conclusion of their task and the personal and professional relationships developed in the group are important to examine and understand because individuals are continually assigned and recycled to various work groups, taskforces, andproduction teams. Rather than looking forfaulty group process or interaction deterioration to explain group termination, here the focus is specific to group relationships thiat terminate as part of the group's natural life cycle (e.g., completionz of task) or terminate due to organizational or systemic causes (mergers, acquisitions, tranisfers, promotions, reassignments).
What (Little) We Know about Formal Group Discussion Procedures
Authors: Pavht Charles
Published: March 2007

Communication educators have long recommended the use offormal discussion procedures by members of small decision-making groups. However, most of the research that has been performed examining the value offormal procedures has been ambiguous or inconsistent. The goal of this article is to examine a series of questions concerning the use of formal procedures, interpret research relevant to these questions, and describe what needs to be determined before the use offormal procedures can be defended on empirical grounds.
Physical Proximity Effects on Computer-Mediated Group Idea Generation
Authors: Valacich Joseph S. , George Joey F. , Nunamaker J. F. , Vogel Douglas R.
Published: March 2007

An experimental study measured the idea generation performance of groups offour and eight members in both proximate and distributed conditions using the same synchronous computer-mediated communication system. Proximate groups worked with all members in the same room. Distributed groups worked with all groups in separate, distributed offices. In terns of the total number of unique, total quality, and number of high-quality ideas generated, distributed groups outperformed proximate groups. A group size by proximity interaction was predicted to result in a higher rate of performance gainsfor increased group size within distributed groups, yet no interaction wasfound. The implications ofthese results for researchers and organizations contemplating the adoption of computermediated support technologies is discussed.
You Can Go Home Again
Authors: Worchel Stephen
Published: March 2007

Much of the research on group behavior, especially that involving social cognition, has been conducted outside the group setting and devoid of social interaction. Some of the reasons for this include the view that group factors (especially developmentalfactors) are unimportant, the difficulty of conducting group-based research, and the lack of compatible group theories to guide the research. This is an unfortunate oversight because the practice fails to include many group variables that are important to the behaviors under study, and the research fails to contribute to our understanding of group dynamics. One of the variables overlooked when research is removedfrom the group setting is influence of group development. A model of group development is presented suggesting that development occurs through the cyclical stages of Discontent, Precipitating Incident, Identification, Group Productivity, Individuation, and Decay. The model offers specific hypotheses abouta host of social behaviors and cognitions. Some of these predictions are identified, and a research program testing these predictions is briefly reviewed. It is argued that these developmentalfactors are important for understanding and predicting group behaviors and cognitions about groups. Methodology for conducting group research is discussed, and a call for more descriptive research is made. Overall, it is argued that the most productive approach to studying groups is a balanced one that includes efforts to examine behaviors both within and outside the group setting, and uses both analytical methodologies as well as descriptive methods.
"Social" Cognition and Social Cognition
Authors: Ickes William , Gonzalez Richard
Published: March 2007

Following Kuhn, it is proposed that there are two major paradigms for the study of social cognition. The first and most traditional paradigm relies on single-subject designs, and is therefore limited to the study of subjective phenomena. It prescribes that subjects 'responses be kept independent, and treats any interdependence in these responses as a statistical nuisance. In contrast, the second paradigm relies on dyadic and small group designs and addresses both subjective and intersubjective phenomena It prescribes that the naturally occurring interdependence in the subjects' responses be preserved and studied as an important set of phenomena in their own right. This second, intersubjective paradigm may be especially conducive to the integration of research on social cognition with research on social interaction and group dynamics.
Functional Approaches to the Study of Group Discussion
Authors: Hirokawa Randy Y.
Published: March 2007

The functional perspective represents one of three dominant theoretical influences on the study of group communication. Howeve, problems inherent to the application of structural-functional models to the analysis of group communication processes are formidable and in need of address. One of the most serious problemsfacing researchers is the need to reconcile the multifunctional nature of communicative acts. This essay addresses this concern and offers several alternative approaches to dealing with it.
Gender Differences in Reward Preference
Authors: Wagner David G.
Published: March 2007

Extensive research has explored apparent differences in task group members'preferences for reward allocation. Some seem to prefer distributions based on equity, others a distribution based on equality. At one time, the research strongly suggested that men tended to prefer equity and women tended to prefer equality. However, in recent years that result has only been inconsistently found Using the conceptual tools of Berger, Fisek, Norman, and Wagner's reward expectation theory, an account of differences in reward preferences based on status positions in the group is developed and tested experimentally. Basically, the reward expectation argument is that group members differentiated by status will prefer equity allocations and members equated (or never differentiated) by status will prefer equality allocations. The results strongly support the reward expectation interpretation.
Attitudes toward Work in Project Groups as Predictors of Academic Performance
Authors: Freeman Kimberly A.
Published: March 2007

The use of groups has become an integral part of management education as a mechanism to help students learn through interaction with others as well as to become accustomed to working in a group environment that emulates the work place. The present study examined the amountof time spentworkingas a group and individuals 'attitudes toward work ingroups, and how these may affect academic performance. Both the time involved in group work and attitudes toward group work explained significant amounts of variance in grade point average (GPA) beyond that due to background variables such as previous grade point average, standardized test scores, and work experience. Exploratory analyses using aggregate group GPA measure revealed differences in attitudes toward group work between high-performing and low-performing groups, with time involved in group work as the main predictor of group GPA.
Wishful Thinking
Authors: Hare A. Paul , Hare Sharon E. , Blumberg Herbert H.
Published: March 2007

In Fiedler's theory of leadership, two types of leaders, relationship oriented and task oriented, are identified by their ratings of the least preferred coworker (LPC) that they have known. The rating scale primarily measures the extent to which the coworker is friendly or unfriendly plus some items that measure the degree of task orientation. Data from 20 groups of managers in the United States suggest that Fiedler had his types reversed. The manager whose ideal is relationship oriented gives low ratings on friendliness. Ratings by university students in England, where few have an ideal that is extremely task oriented, suggest that Fiedler may have been gathering datafrom leaders who combine a task and relationship orientation, because these people, using Fiedler's LPC scale, do give lower ratings to their least preferred coworker than relationship-oriented people.
One in the Eye is Worth Two in the Ear!
Authors: Pedersen Paul
Published: March 2007

An autobiographical description of how simulations and structured exercises have been important in the author’s educational career is presented in a three-point framework. First, experiential activities have led to remembered learning among participants in his classes. Second, simulations and structured exercises have provided a safe context to rehearse real-world strategies and discover real-world consequences for his students. Third, simulations and structured exercises have reflected the culturally learned patterns of assumptions, providing the starting point of thinking in the author’s workshops. The importance of simulations and structured exercises to his learning/teaching activities is highlighted.
Evaluating Computer Games for Language Learning
Authors: Hubbard Philip
Published: March 2007

The success of games in second language teaching and the success of computers as game machines have led to the increasing use of computer games in foreign language classes. For teachers and software developers interested in this application, two crucial questions arise for a given program: How do we determine whether students will consider it a game? How do we determine whether it helps students learn language? These questions are explored and some recommendations for answering them are provided.
An Interpolation Approach to Developing Mathematical Functions for Business Simulations
Authors: Goosen Kenneth R. , Kusel Jimie
Published: March 2007

Simulation designers are often required to define the precise nature of functional relationships with only vague guidelines from theory or practice. This article presents a methodology for the easy implementation of self-designed functional relationships. The approach presented does not require any special parameters or exponents, but it is capable of generating results almost identical to sophisticated curvilinear functions. The method presented relies on the conversion of graphically represented functions to a series of lines and then the use of interpolation as the means of obtaining dependent variable values.
Counseling, Artificial Intelligence, and Expert Systems
Authors: Illovsky Michael E.
Published: March 2007

The models and approaches to applying artificial intelligence and expert systems to counseling are discussed. The limitations of artificial intelligence and expert systems use in counseling are explored. Appropriate candidates for counseling versus those for expert systems are presented, and programming considerations are offered. Techniques to deal with rational, nonrational, and irrational thoughts and feelings are also discussed.
Recollections from a Country Where Freedom was Simulated
Authors: Rybalskiy Victor
Published: March 2007

The creation and use of simulation and gaming in the former USSR, unlike of countries in the free world, was hampered and gamers had to struggle against deception and lethargy, which were endemic to the Communist party-state system. Under these unfavorable conditions, gaming developed with a sharp break in its acceptability before and after the mid-i 980s. New gaming movement problems have arisen since the overthrow of totalitarianism and the splitting of the Soviet empire into numerous republics. Former Communist-bloc scientists need help to create or adapt for CIS business games, which simulate the modern market-based economy and thereby improve the implementation of the country's complicated economic reforms. Also needed are games which help to conserve the environment and develop the human personality.
The Use of the Gamma Probability Distribution: A Critique of Carvalho's Demand Simulator
Authors: Gold Steven C. , Pray Thomas F.
Published: March 2007

The article by Carvalho (1995, this issue) advocates the use of a stochastic demand simulator based on the use of the gamma probability distribution. He argues that this simulator is an improvement over existing demand models because it is consistent with the theoretical properties of demand and is considerably more flexible than those currently available. Our critique focuses on four major points: (a) Carvalho's assumptions are too restrictive, (b) the parameters of the Carvalho model are difficult to set and thus lack flexibility in classroom use, (c) the demand function may be unstable when used in a dynamic simulation environment, and (d) the model does not have the unique property of independence between consumers and suppliers claimed by the author
The Software Management Game
Authors: Garratt Paul W.
Published: March 2007

The SOFTWAREMANAGEMENTGAME simulates a project to develop a generic computerized information system. The players take the roles of Software Engineering Managers responsible for the cost of the project, its duration, and the quality of the resulting software. They compete in making decisions about personnel, development environment, and software methodologies. The game teaches programmers the value of teamwork and the concepts of professional software engineering.
Designing Qualitative Simulation Systems for Business
Authors: Nissen Mark E.
Published: March 2007

In the business domain, qualitative simulation offers many advantages over quantitative methods. However, the design of qualitative simulation systems (QSS) represents a difficult problem in the organizational context, for which extant design methods are ill-equipped. In this article, Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT) is employed for the design of organizational QSS, and a working prototype is developed. Using a focused example of agent performance in the context of an organizational process, the results demonstrate the use and utility of qualitative simulation for business, in addition to the efficacy of ISDT for QSS design. Additionally, I argue how ISDT will scale well to guide the design of information systems classes other than QSS and identify many elements of the QSS design that are inherently reusable. The article concludes with an outline for future research along these lines.
A Computerized Simulation for ESL Composition Students: Building a House
Authors: Dordick Michael
Published: March 2007

This article presents a simulation, the purpose of which is to provide international graduate students of composition an opportunity to practice writing reports of experimental research under relatively stress-free conditions. It is built around a fictitious housing authority that invites bids for architects to design a model housing unit for a new and ambitious project in accordance with a few simple specifications. Participants actually construct a house, using Claris Works software, by duplicating and dragging into place pseudomaterials already provided. This house serves as their plan, which is submitted with their full written report. Briefing and debriefing activities are described, and materials used at each stage of this simulation are presented in the appendices. The pedagogical advantages of student-centered experiential learning, working in pairs, and using this simulation as the subject matter for writing are discussed. The classwork and homework assignments in this simulation provide positive motivation, interest, and an appropriate context for writing. The simulation allows participants to focus their attention on the writing task rather than on the demands of research.
Crisis Simulation and Health Care Systems
Authors: Wood Colin J. B. , Foster Harold D. , Hardy Norman E.
Published: March 2007

The worldwide impact of disasters is increasing. Dealing with them effectively is beyond the scope of local emergency response. This situation requires organizations to formulate and test disaster preparedness plans. Simulation games are a valuable approach for preparation and training in this context. Their design should reflect current thinking on decision-making behavior and valuation methods. Two types of simulation games were used to train managers and improve the disaster plan of the Ministry of Health in British Columbia. Desktop exercises raised program awareness. A 1-day exercise, Operation Oracle, tested the system. Both types generated a significant number of modifications and raised managers' expertise.
Teaching Business Ethics with Management and Marketing Games
Authors: Wolfe Joseph , Fritzsche David J.
Published: March 2007

Because of an apparent decrease in the business world's sense of ethics and an increase in illegal activities by many executives, America's business schools have taken steps to correct the situation through the education process. Management games, which are played in many schools and simulate the types of competitive conditions faced by real-world executives, may be useful devices for teaching ethics and helping managers to deal with the moral and ethical dilemmas they will face in their careers. A review of the games available, however, reveals that few directly deal with ethical issues or punish firms for engaging in illegal activities within their simulation models. Because of this general deficiency, this article describes how vignettes created by the game administrator can correct these inadequacies.
Discrete Event Simulation Software Selection: An Empirical Framework
Authors: McHaney Roger , White Doug
Published: March 2007

A selection process for discrete event computer simulation (DECS) software is discussed from a theoretical perspective. A survey of practitioners is conducted to examine identified components of simulation software and identify which attributes are considered to be of primary importance in the software selection process. The results of the study indicate a numberoffactors relevant to a decision on which type of software might be selected to conduct a given project. Based on data obtainedfrom practitioners, a set of recommendations that are generalizable to a variety of DECS package evaluation procedures are made by the authors.
What Happens when Students Design and Run their Own Simulations?
Authors: Jones Ken
Published: March 2007

It sometimes happens that pupils/students who participate in simulations spontaneously design follow-up simulation events, usually based on the format of the one they have just experienced. The author has found that these initiatives can be encouraged by exercises which allow the whole class to participate in simulation design. These exercises concentrate on four practical aspects of simulation design-the problem, the roles, the tasks, and the materials.
Enhancing the Effectiveness and Excitement of Management Education: A Collection of Experiential Exercises Derived from Children’s Games
Authors: Wheatley Walter J.
Published: March 2007

Is there truly any difference between the games we enjoyed as children and some of the more dynamic and energizing experiential exercises used today for management education, training, and development? The author of this article presents a collection of such experiential exercises, with roots that can be traced to a variety of games that are still being played by our children. Although not totally novel and unique, many children’s games containing music, magic, and other fun activities are becoming more and more widely used to enhance the dynamism and excitement of management education, training, and development. They can also easily be customized to be used as icebreakers and/or energizers or used as complete interactive exercises to enhance the management education process. The old proverb that “a lesson taught with an entertaining facet is a lesson retained” is still alive and well.
NASAGA in the Early Days
Authors: Nichols W. Thomas
Published: March 2007

This article is a reflection on the first 10 years of the North American Simulation and Gaming Association (NASAGA) by its first secretary-treasurer Tom Nichols. This is the story of the way he drafted the constitution of NASAGA, got it incorporated in Delaware, and wrote the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings for its first 10 years.
Structured Group Work for the Management of Chronic Pain: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Subramanian Karen
Published: March 2007

This study evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week structured group treatment for the management of chronic pain by randomly assigning 39 clients to the group treatment or wait list. The primarily female clients ranged in age from 22 to 90 and had suffered chronic pain for an average of 14 years. Chronic pain complaints were varied, including low-back pain, headaches, degenerative arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Clients in treatment improved significantly in the areas of physical and psychosocial dysfunction and negative mood states. Severity of pain was not significantly reduced by treatment. Treatment gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. An interesting finding was that older adults did as well, and at times even better, than younger subjects. This treatment provides a way for individuals to improve and maintain their coping skills in spite of medical disability and pain.
The Effectiveness of Outreach Counseling and Support Groups for Battered Women: A Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Rubin Allen
Published: March 2007

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an outreach counseling and support group intervention for battered women who are not staying in a shelter. The intervention, provided by social workers and other staff members, is relatively unstructured. AB single-case designs are aggregated across 6 women participating in the program. Outcome is assessed via daily telephone moni toring of the frequency of specified thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the women and of abusive behaviors by their partners. Findings do not indicate consistent beneficial intervention effects. Alternative explanations are postulated for the findings, and implications are drawn to enhance future applications of single-case evaluation to this problem area.
Social Group Work With the Family Members of Elderly Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Controlled Evaluation
Authors: Dziegielewski Sophia F.
Published: March 2007

The effects of three current social work treatments to improve the relationship between family members and their relatives who suffer from dementia were examined in a pretest-posttest control group experimental design. The interventions provided for family members were an educational approach, a supportive approach, and a combined approach. Relationship satisfaction was measured by a modified version of the Child's Attitude Toward Mother/Father Scale. The treatments, in order of effectiveness, were education, combination, and support. The use of these treatments as therapeutic modalities are discussed and implications for social work practice are considered
Defining and Measuring Social Support: Guidelines for Social Work Practitioners
Authors: Streeter Calvin L. , Franklin Cynthia
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the literature on social support and presents the theoretical foundations and basic concepts of social support. A framework is presented for assessing measures of social support, and eight measures are reviewed using the framework. The framework focuses on basic conceptualizations of social support, the psychometric characteristics of the measures, and their clinical utility. Suggestions are made for both using and improving existing measures of social support in social work practices.
Bias Among African-Americans Regarding Skin Color: Implications for Social Work Practice
Authors: Hall Ronald E.
Published: March 2007

It is often assumed that skin color bias occurs primarily among Whites and is directed against Blacks. The present study was undertaken to determine whether or not A frican-Americans them selves experience a skin color bias directed against fellow African-Americans. Using a sample of African-American college students, it was found that these students evaluated darker skin color in a negative manner and viewed lighter skin tones as more desirable. The apparent pervasiveness of a bias against persons with darker complexions adhered to by both White and Blacks suggests that this issue should be addressed within social work education and practice.
Developing an Instrument to Measure the Spanish-Speaking Client's Perception of Social Work Intervention in Prenatal Care
Authors: Julia Maria
Published: March 2007

This article describes a project designed to develop and test a bilingual instrument to measure Spanish-speaking clients' perceptions of social work interventions in prenatal care programs. The Likert method of scaling was employed in constructing three alternate forms of an instrument to measure consumers' perception of the following subdimensions: (a) attitudes toward prenatal services in general, (b) attitudes toward the institution providing the services, (c) attitudes toward the social work profession and practice, and (d) attitudes toward the social work inter vention experienced. The first three subdimensions were considered as possible influences that could affect the perception of the clients on the fourth and main dimension of concern.
Evaluating the Reliability of Oral Examinations for Licensure of Clinical Social Workers in Virginia
Authors: Biggerstaff Marilyn A.
Published: March 2007

The oral examination used in licensing clinical social workers in Virginia was revised by the Board of Social Work in 1991. This article describes the process used to evaluate the oral examination and reviews research on testing and clinical judgment as background to the discussion of the validity and reliability of the revised oral examination. The article reports statistical analyses of interrater reliability for two administrations of the exam. Using kappa (a stringent test of interrater reliability), moderate interjudge ratings were obtained. The oral exam was eliminated as a method of testing in 1993. Recommendations for evaluating licensure tests in general are discussed
Development and Validation of an Adult Children of Alcoholics Tool
Authors: Hawkins Catherine A. , Hawkins Raymond C.
Published: March 2007

We describe the development and validation of a 25-item Adult Children of Alcoholics Tool (ACAT) in three separate studies: (a) The ACAT was administered to a normative student sample and a clinical outpatient sample to develop a scale with satisfactory reliability and criterion validity; (b) these findings were replicated with a sample of social work students and another clinical sample, providing further construct validation with other measures of current mental health functioning (e.g., depression, internalized shame), and family of origin characteristics; (c) using a third student sample, the ACATwas found to be significantly correlated with the Adult Children of Alcoholics Index, suggesting measurement of a similar but not identical construct. We discuss the implications of using the ACAT in social work practice as a measure of internalized negative attributes associated with familial alcoholism, particularly, the need to determine the cross-cultural generalizability of the "adult children of alcoholics" syndrome.
Effects of a Two-Parent Welfare Program: Factors Associated With Time to Employment
Authors: Taylor Mary Jane
Published: March 2007

This article describes a study of time to employment for 502 randomly sampled participants in an experimental two-parent public assistance program. The study analyzed participant charac teristics, work-related program components, and labor market conditions as related to length of time to participant employment. Event history analysis was used to regress a proportional hazard rate of employment onto the explanatory vanables. A multivanate model of factors associated with the hazard rate for employment mcluded weeks unemployed prior to program apphcation, age in years, semirural district, Native American race, weeks employed at last job, years of education, and hourly wage of last employment. Findings support long-held assumptions regarding ties between two-parent families and the labor market. Implications for practice include caution against arbitrary program time limits and encouragement of policies that support and enable education and employment for families at risk of poverty.
The Effectiveness of Child Welfare Services for Poor, Neglected Children: A Review of the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Smokowski Paul R. , Wodarski John S.
Published: March 2007

This article attempts to formulate a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of child welfare services. First, factors that would put a family at risk of child welfare service intervention are examined. Then various levels of service intervention, including family preservation, foster care, group care, and residential treatment, are analyzed. Because they are arguably the fastest growing population with the greatest needs, neglected and abused children whose family backgrounds involve multiple problems are focused on as the yardstick for judging program effectiveness. Finally, social work research and practice applications are discussed and recommendations are given.
Immigrant Women: Making Connections to Community Resources for Support in Family Caregiving
Authors: Neufeld Anne , Harrison Margaret J. , Stewart Miriam J. , Hughes Karen D. , Spitzer Denise
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to understand how immigrant women caregivers accessed support from community resources and identify the barriers to this support. The study included 29 Chinese and South Asian women caring for an ill or disabled child or adult relative. All experienced barriers to accessing community services. Some possessed personal resources and strategies to overcome them; others remained isolated and unconnected. Family and friends facilitated connections, and a connection with one community service was often linked to several resources. Caregivers who failed to establish essential ties could not initiate access to resources, and community services lacked outreach mechanisms to identify them. These findings contribute new understanding of how immigrant women caregivers connect with community resources and confirm the impact of immigration on social networks and access to support.
Empowerment in Primary Health Care: The Challenge for Nurses
Authors: Wuest Judith , Stern Phyllis Noerager
Published: March 2007

The experience of families of children with persistent middle ear problems supports the notion that when families become empowered, they manage their own health more effectively. Findings from the present study indicate that families engage in predictable processes of acquiescing, helpless floundering, and becoming experts in their efforts at learning to manage the course of their child's disease symptoms within the context of an often cavalier health care system. Questions are raised about the nature of empowerment and the changing role of the nurse.
Comment: Concerns in the Analysis of Focus Group Data
Authors: Carey Martha Ann
Published: March 2007

The most frequent concern in qualitative research is an inadequate description of the analysis process, and the consequent limitation on credibility and usefulness of the results. Of all the aspects of using the focus group technique—advantages and limitations, logistics, implementation, and interpreting and reporting of results—the process of analysis is the least agreed on and the least well developed. There is little guidance for researchers, journal editors and reviewers, graduate students and their advisors. A frequent question is "how to do" analysis of focus group data, especially analysis worthy of federal-level funding or acceptable at the level of an academic dissertation. Definitive, mutually agreed on technique does not exist. Decisions in analysis depend on many factors, and this article will discuss considerations in planning and implementing analyses of focus group data.
Approaches to Self-Care in Late Life
Authors: Berman Rebecca L. H. , Iris Madelyn A.
Published: March 2007

The preponderance of research on self-care examines behaviors and attitudes while overlooking individual conceptualizations of this domain. Qualitative analysis of open-ended interviews regarding health beliefs explored ways of taking care of oneself among 50 older people. The dialogue of individuals was categorized into three overall approaches to self-care. Although one approach dominated the narratives of most individuals, participants referred to more than one way to take care of themselves. Variations in approaches depended on setting or social context. Participants' approaches to self-care were also explained in terms of their perceptions of aging and their past experiences, as expressed in their images of themselves as self-carers.
Practical Strategies for Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Applications to Health Research
Authors: Morgan David L.
Published: March 2007

This article describes a series of research designs for combining qualitative and quantitative methods, using a Priority-Sequence Model that relies on the principle of complementarity. First, a decision about the priority of the two methods selects either a qualitative or a quantitative approach to be the principal method. Second, a decision about sequencing determines whether the complementary method will serve as either a preliminary or a follow-up to the principal method. These two decisions yield four basic research designs: (a) preliminary qualitative methods in a quantitative study, (b) preliminary quantitative methods in a qualitative study, (c) follow-up qualitative methods in a quantitative study, and (d) follow-up quantitative methods in a qualitative study. The conclusions consider further research designs and the expertise necessary for multiple-methods research.
Negotiating Managerial Legitimacy in smaller Organizations: Management Education, Technical Skill, and Situated Competence
Authors: Taylor Scott , Thorpe Richard , Down Simon
Published: March 2007

This article explores the negotiation of managerial legitimacy in smaller organizations, considering managerial competence as a situated process. The central issue addressed is how employees and line managers use formal education, management development, and experiential or cultural competence as resources in defining the managerial role. The authors suggest that managerial legitimacy and authority are negotiated along two axes: local, technical expertise and nonlocal, abstract knowledge. The material effects of the negotiation of manager-managed relations are analyzed in relation to determining employee payment levels based on judgments of skill. The authors explore the implications of this for understanding the social construction of competence in smaller organizations.
Navigating between Finite and Infinite Games in the Managerial Classroom
Authors: Wyss-Flamm Esther D. , Zandee Danielle P.
Published: March 2007

Presenting games as a metaphor for group interactions in the managerial classroom, the authors distinguish between finite and infinite games and introduce the notion of transitional play. Whereas the finite game emphasizes competition and adherence to roles and rules, the infinite game invites relationships and engages the whole person. The article specifically explores the movement between these two games through transitional play, in which groups question and experiment with multiple ways of being together. The authors argue that transitional play is pivotal for learning and identify specific learning opportunities wherein management educators can play an active role in promoting the infinite game.
Bicultural Team Teaching: Experiences from an Emerging Business School
Authors: Napier Nancy K. , Hang Ngo Minh , Mai Nguyen Thi Tuyet , Van Thang Nguyen , Van Tuan Vu
Published: March 2007

Team teachingcan be difficult even when partners come from the same background. Teaching with someone from a different culture can be truly daunting. In this article, the authors describe experiences and challenges of bicultural teams teaching in an emerging graduate business program in Vietnam and build on literature from unicultural team teaching. In addition, they offer general suggestions about how to develop good bicultural teaching teams. They also discuss implications for individual teachers.