bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Instrument for Assessing the Learning Environment of a Computer Laboratory
Authors: Newby Michael , Fisher Darrell
Published: May 2005

Computers have been used in higher education for over thirty years both as a subject of study and as a tool to assist in the learning process within other disciplines. In that time, computer laboratory classes have played a major role in the teaching of computing subjects. Despite the perceived importance of laboratory classes little research has been done on computer laboratory environments and their effect upon learning. This article describes two instruments. One was designed to assess students' perceptions of various aspects of their computer laboratory environments and the other to measure attitudes toward computers and computing courses. These instruments were used to determine associations between laboratory environment and student attitudes.
Issues in the Training of Alcoholism Counselors
Authors: Skuja Andris
Published: May 2005

The advent of alcoholism counseling as a new profession has led to increased enrollment in and upgrading of alcoholism counselor training. This article discusses the counselors' emotional and ideological problems and their relationship to training. Factors which predispose and precipitate stress are examined including: personal recovery from alcoholism, treatment ideology, professionalism, bureaucratic and social issues, personal and home life, the transition to being a counselor and problems with supervision. Some recommendations are presented which would reduce the occurrence of counselor stress and strengthen alcoholism counselor training.
Social Support and Depression among Elderly Korean Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Lee Mee Sook , Crittenden Kathleen S. , Yu Elena
Published: May 2005

Based on the integrative concept of social support, we investigated the effects of quantitative, structural, and functional aspects of social relationships on the level of depressive symptoms among elderly Korean immigrants, taking into account their level of acculturation and life stress. Korean elders having more close persons and more frequent contacts with them exhibited fewer depressive symptoms. Networks providing instrumental support consisted mainly of family ties; networks for emotional support included diverse relationships as well as family members. Emotional support was found to moderate the harmful effect of life stress, and thus to be more relevant than instrumental support to the mental health of Korean elderly.
Neighborhood Relationships and Drug Involvement among Inner City Junior High School Youths: Implications for Drug Education and Prevention Programming
Authors: Dembo Richard , Burgos William , Babst Dean V. , Schmeidler James , La Grand Louis E.
Published: May 2005

Students in a New York City inner city junior high school were surveyed in 1976. They were asked their attitudes toward their neighborhood, the type of people youngsters their age esteem, and in which leisure-time activities they participate. A strong relationship was found to exist between these factors and the degree the youths were involved in substance (drug and alcohol) use. The youths' substance use reflects the manner in which they relate to their environment, rather than a sense of alienation. The findings imply that substance abuse prevention programs will be enhanced by a focus on life-style commitment, rather than such things as drug use per se.
Conceptions of Human-Computer Interaction: A Model for Understanding Student Errors
Authors: Rath Alex , Brown David E.
Published: May 2005

At this time, when many scholars are studying human-computer interaction, there is no dominant paradigm or model of students' conceptions of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This article presents an HCI conceptions model that proposes a division between operational errors and underlying conceptions. The two types of operational errors discussed are syntactic and algorithmic. The three types of underlying conceptions discussed are based on natural language reasoning, independent computer reasoning, and alternative or incomplete reasoning. The proposed categories and explanations may be the basis from which a detailed taxonomy of HCI literacy can be developed.
The Skills That Technical Communicators Need: An Investigation of Technical Communication Graduates, Managers, and Curricula
Authors: Whiteside Aimee L.
Published: May 2005

This study examines the skills that recent technical communication graduates and managers believe technical communication students need before entering business and industry as new technical communicators. Through questionnaires and interviews with recent graduates and managers of technical communication departments as well as an analysis of the participating schools' curricula, this study suggests areas where technical communication may need more preparation, including business operations, project management, problem-solving skills, and scientific and technical knowledge. Further research is needed at local, state, and national levels to analyze technical communication undergraduate curricula along with responses from recent graduates of technical communication programs and managers of technical communication programs. Only through continued research can we ensure that future technical communicators receive an education that eases their transition into the world of business and industry.
Being Single in Old Age
Authors: Gubrium Jaber F.
Published: May 2005

The routine, everyday life of single elders differs from that of other old people. On the basis of interview data both about themselves and some aspects of the quality of their everyday lives, it is proposed that single elders constitute a distinct type of social personality in old age. Interviews provide subjective and methodological evidence to support this. The “normal,” taken-for-granted social world of single elders is: relatively isolated; but not perceived in terms of loneliness, at present or anticipated; and considered an ordinary extension of their past. Death is conceived as “just another” event of their ongoing experiences.
Masculinity/Femininity of the Generations: As Self-Reported and as Stereotypically Appraised
Authors: Cameron Paul
Published: May 2005

Three hundred seventeen adults divided among the young adult, middle aged, and old generations were asked (a) to judge which of the three generations was most and least masculine/feminine in overall personality style, masculine/feminine in interests and possession of gender skills, and pressured by society to do masculine/feminine sorts of things; and (b) to rate self along each of these dimensions on a Likert scale.

Self-reports and beliefs about the generations did not vary as a function of membership in a generation. Young adults and middle aged were believed to be the most feminine and middle aged the most masculine in overall personality style. The middle aged were judged as possessed of the most feminine and masculine interests and the most skilled in feminine endeavors. Middle aged and young adults were judged equally possessed of masculine skills. Social pressure to do masculine and feminine activities was seen as falling equally heavily on young adults and middle aged. The old were judged as next-most possessed of feminine skills while judged least along the other dimensions.
Beyond Despair and Disengagement: A Transactional Model of Personality Development in Later Life
Authors: Glenwick David S. , Whitbourne Susan K.
Published: May 2005

It is argued that ego analytic, disengagement, and symbolic interaction theories of personality share an insufficient consideration of the dynamics of the interaction between developmental and social forces transpiring during the aging period. An alternative, transactional model is proposed, positing that the effects of the environment to which the elderly person is subject are the product of: (1) the people and settings comprising that environment and (2) the manner in which the individual acts upon and is acted upon by these people and settings. The model highlights the need for research in which present behavioral and environmental events assume as much importance as past ones.
Religion, Physical Disabilities, and Life Satisfaction in Older Age Cohorts
Authors: Guy Rebecca Faith
Published: May 2005

Concern here is with the relationship between religious affiliation and life satisfaction. Past research points to religion as an important factor in adjustment of the aged. However, there have been contradictory findings on aging and church attendance. Church attendance patterns are examined in relation to aging and personal adjustment. The intervening variable of the elderly person's physical disabilities is offered as an explanation for declining church attendance with age.
Drug Education: A Re-Evaluation
Authors: Miller Martin
Published: May 2005

The following is the description of an educational gamble. Even before Dewey, educators have wanted to involve students in the educational process.

Drug use by students has catapulted educators into the need to cooperate with students in the development and execution of meaningful curricula in health education.

Based on this need to re-evaluate health education methodology the Carmel Central Schools embarked on a student centered, created and executed program. Students were trained to develop a curriculum and teach it. These students also trained selected leaders in each health class to run their own micro-group discussion. The role of the teacher became that of a resource person.
A Community's Perception of a Treatment Project
Authors: Oki G. , Collier D.
Published: May 2005

Prior to the opening of a rurally located treatment program for public inebriates, a concentrated public relations effort was made to inform and reassure the inhabitants of the local and surrounding neighborhoods about the program. This was seen as essential in the face of some initial skepticism and even hostility on the part of some locals. Every effort was made thereafter, too, to encourage interaction between both staff and resident members of the program and the community. Four years later a survey of neighborhood householders showed 65 per cent had had no direct contact with the program. However, those who had expressed positive attitudes towards the facilities, the residents, the staff and the program were overwhelmingly positive
The Death of a Loved One: Impact on Health and Relationships in Very Old Age
Authors: d'Epinay Christian J. Lalive , Cavalli Stefano , Spini Dario
Published: May 2005

The death of a significant other is seen as a major life disruption. What are the consequences when such a loss occurs during advanced old age? Based on observation of an octogenarian cohort over a period of five years (1994–1999), this study investigates the impact of losing a significant other (close relative or friend) on the health of elders and on their family and social life. The bereaved are compared with two control groups: one declaring no significant change in their life and the other reporting a loss unrelated to bereavement. Results show that the death of a significant other has no impact on the measures of functional and physical health, nor is it a factor of isolation. However, the loss of a close relative is associated with more depressive symptoms while that of a relative or friend is related to the survivor's feeling of loneliness.
Community Access and Satisfaction: Racial Differences in Later Life
Authors: Ward Russell A. , Kilburn Harold
Published: May 2005

Community access can be expected to have an important influence on the life satisfaction of the aged because of age-linked restrictions in social life space. Such access may be less important for older blacks, however, as a consequence of lifelong “ghettoization.” These hypotheses are tested using national survey data. Community mobility is found to have a stronger association with life satisfaction for older whites, while having only an indirect effect through social interaction for older blacks. Directions for future research are suggested.
Patterns of Drug Use among Mexican-American Potential School Dropouts
Authors: Bruno James E. , Doscher Lynn
Published: May 2005

The following is a study of drug use, knowledge, and attitudes of drugs among a small sample of Mexican-American students in a large metropolitan area school environment. These students, identified by the school officials as potential dropouts, are characteristic of those usually underrepresented in most high school drug use surveys because of their absenteeism and lack of interest in school activities.

Results of the study suggest that cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol (hard as well as beer or wine) are used by the majority of students. Reported use of other drugs is considerably lower but still high enough to cause concern. The extent of “social drug” and marijuana use by these potential dropouts is higher than that reported in other studies; for instance, reported marijuana usage is about twice as high as reported by most other studies. In addition, among students who use drugs, social drugs and marijuana are being used more than during the preceding year. Boys and girls appear to be characterized by different patterns of drug use and attitudes, including use of LSD and amphetamines more by girls than boys and use of marijuana and alcohol more by boys.
Strengths and Needs of Working-Class African-American and Anglo-American Grandparents
Authors: Watson Jeffrey A. , Koblinsky Sally A.
Published: May 2005

This study examined gender and racial differences in the grandparenting strengths and needs of working class grandparents. A total of 192 African-American and Anglo-American grandmothers and grandfathers from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area were administered the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory. Grandmothers perceived themselves to be significantly more involved in teaching their grandchildren and significantly more successful in the grandparent role than grandfathers. African-American grandparents perceived themselves to be significantly more involved in teaching their grandchildren than Anglo-American grandparents, but were also significantly more likely than their Anglo-American counterparts to express frustration and need for information about the grandparenting role. A significantly greater percentage of African-American grandparents expressed interest in taking a grandparent education course than Anglo-American grandparents. Implications of the findings for grandparent education are discussed.
Gender Differences in a Computer Science Course: A Spearmanian Perspective
Authors: Hefford Nigel A. , Keef Stephen P.
Published: May 2005

This analysis of gender performance differences in a first-level New Zealand university course in computer science is predicated on the model of academic ability proposed by Charles Spearman, the eminent educational psychologist and statistician. The regression model is based on the theoretical constructs of general academic ability and specific academic ability. An attraction of this approach is that controls are effected for between-gender differences in these facets of academic ability. The analysis, which incorporates corrections to the standard errors to control for undesirable properties in the residuals, reveals a large, and unexpected, gender difference.
Age Differences in Dreams. II: Distortion and other Variables
Authors: Zepelin Harold
Published: May 2005

Age-related change in manifest dream content was assessed in dreams recalled from REM sleep by fifty-eight men aged twenty-seven to sixty-four and in dreams recalled from sleep at home. There was evidence of a small age-related decline in dream distortion (bizarreness) and family-related content, with family-related content most prominent from ages thirty-five to fifty-five. Overall the effect of increasing age on dream content is slight.
It Takes a Community to Retain a Student: The Trinity Law School Model
Authors: Frost Winston L.
Published: May 2005

This article is a look at the retention practices of a private faith-based law school in southern California. The article discusses how Trinity Law School retains its student body despite the fact that it faces the First Year Law Students' Exam, a test which in recent history has had a 10 percent pass rate. Combine this with a student body comprised of older, returning students that are predominantly from minority communities and who are attending law school while maintaining their jobs and families, and you have a seemingly impossible retention scenario. However, despite these obstacles, the school has an outstanding track record in keeping its students. The secret of their success is in a community-based retention model that will work for any institution of higher learning.
Ageism across Cultures and in Perspective of Sociobiologic and Psychodynamic Theories
Authors: Jensen Gordon D. , Oakley Fredericka B.
Published: May 2005

A review of data on behavior and attitudes towards the aged in a spectrum of preliterate societies indicates that the aged maintain meaningful roles and are not subject to the pervasive discrimination and negative stereotyping existent in America. Sociobiological and psychodynamic theories provide a perspective on and understanding of biologic and psychosocial causes of ageism.
A Flaw in Gerontological Assessment: The Weak Relationship of Elderly Superficial Life Satisfaction to Deep Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Euler Bryan L.
Published: May 2005

This study assessed the degree of relationship between superficial and deep psychological adjustment among elderly individuals. Eighty-six middle-class, Anglo persons averaging seventy-six years of age participated. Roughly one-half of the sample were “independent living,” with the other half “congregate apartment dwelling.” A similarly equal representation of both sexes was achieved. Superficial psychological well-being was measured using Cantril's Self-Anchoring Scale for life satisfaction, while deep psychological well-being was measured using portions of the Eriksonian-based Measures of Psychosocial Development. It was hypothesized that no more than a moderate correlation (.50) would be found to exist between shallow and deep psychological adjustment. This hypothesis was confirmed, suggesting that gerontologists need to cease relying on superficial psychological measures for elderly assessment, and implement more depth-oriented tests. It is argued that failure to do this promulgates an unfortunate tradition of shallow, inaccurate psychological measurement within gerontology.
The Social Ecology of Drug Treatment
Authors: Murdock Steve H. , McCoy Clyde B. , McBride Duane C. , Weppner Robert S.
Published: May 2005

The examination of clients and staff members perceptions of treatment environments is an area in which insufficient research has taken place. This study reports the results of an attempt to evaluate perceptions of treatment environments within the Comprehensive Drug Program of Dade County (Miami) Florida. The Moos Community Oriented Programs Environment Scale (COPES) was given in a self-administered form to a sample of 238 clients and fifty-five staff members in eight treatment programs. Analysis revealed that the perceptions of drug clients toward their treatment environments were generally more positive than those of clients in other types of medical and psychiatric treatment and that perceptions tended to vary directly with the extent and continuity of contact between clients and staff members. Finally, it is suggested that the evaluation of perceptions of treatment environments be made an essential aspect of treatment evaluation.
Computers and ‘The Mind’: An Intervention Study
Authors: Fletcher-Flinn C. M. , Suddendorf T.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between computer use and the development of social metacognition in young children by using an intervention design. Fifty-nine preschool children were given three false-belief tasks, and the results showed a significant and positive correlation between computer use and false-belief understanding. The children were then put into one of three groups. Those who did not have a computer at home and failed the false-belief tasks were matched on birth-order and number of siblings and put into either an intervention or control group. All of the other children formed an age-comparison group. Children in the intervention group were provided with a home computer for a period of two and one-half months and then both this group and the controls were re-tested on the false-belief tasks. The controls then received the computers for a period of six weeks, and both groups were again re-tested. Children in the intervention group did not make greater gains on false-belief tasks when compared with the controls. Analysis of the computer time-interval data showed that gains for both groups were associated with the average interaction time, which probably represents interactive quality. This suggests that it is the communicational requirements of computer interaction that may foster the development of false-belief understanding in young children.
Sex Role Identity and Self Esteem in Adulthood
Authors: Puglisi J. Thomas , Jackson Dorothy W.
Published: May 2005

Sex role identity (Bern Sex Role Inventory) and self esteem (Texas Social Behavior Inventory) were examined in a cross sectional sample of 2069 Ohio State University students, employees, and alumni between the ages of seventeen and eighty-nine. Both men and women displayed peak masculinity scores in the middle years of adulthood, with no significant differences in femininity scores across the age range studied. Among both men and women, psychologically “androgynous” individuals displayed the highest levels of self esteem, followed by masculine sex-typed, feminine sex-typed, and “undifferentiated” individuals, in that order. Masculinity was a far better predictor of self esteem than was femininity.
The World Health Situation
Authors: Navarro Vicente
Published: May 2005

This article, based on a speech given at the Sixth IUHP European Conference on Health Promotion and Education, describes the consequences of the concentration of economic, political, and cultural power in the world today (in the countries of both North and South) for the health and well-being of the world population. The author stresses that the current world disorder is based on a set of alliances between the dominant classes (and economic and financial groups) of the North and the dominant classes (and groups) of the South against redistributional policies that would adversely affect their interests. This situation hurts the health and well-being of the dominated classes and other social groups of both North and South.
The Broadening of Perspective over the Career Course: An Exploratory Study of Self-Reported Creative Research Acts
Authors: Haber David “A”
Published: May 2005

Data collected from questionnaires mailed to a systematic sample of full professors were used to test the hypothesis that as persons advance through career stages, they are granted greater latitude in, and have greater inclination for, the expression of creative research activity within a broader perspective. Empirical support was found for this hypothesis. Even stronger support was obtained from a more recent cohort whose members may be part of a more career oriented discipline. Knowledge about the processes of career development and the trend toward increased breadth can lead to continued satisfaction for an individual over his/her career course, and the accomplishment of organizational objectives.
Effects of Prescription Drug User Fees on Drug and Health Services Use and on Health Status in Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Lexchin Joel , Grootendorst Paul
Published: May 2005

Rising pharmaceutical expenditures have led to the use of cost-sharing measures. The authors undertook a systematic review of the effects of cost sharing on vulnerable populations (the poor and those with chronic illnesses). Virtually every article reviewed supports the view that cost sharing decreases the use of prescription drugs in these populations. Copayments or a cap on the monthly number of subsidized prescriptions lower drug costs for the payer, but any savings may be offset by increases in other health care areas. Cost sharing also leads to patients foregoing essential medications and to a decline in health care status.
Modes of Experiencing and Adapting to Retirement
Authors: Hornstein Gail A. , Wapner Seymour
Published: May 2005

Retirement is typically viewed as a monolithic event which affects all individuals in generally the same way. As a way of beginning to transcend stereotypic views and understand the complex reality of how individuals actually experience retirement, this study was directed toward identifying and describing diversity in modes of retirement adaptation. Twenty-four individuals, drawn from a range of occupational groups, were intensively interviewed one month prior to and six to eight months following retirement. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological method which generates systematic descriptions of the structure of an individual's experience. Comparisons among these analyses yielded four distinct ways of conceptualizing and experiencing retirement-as a transition to old age, as a new beginning, as a continuation of preretirement life structure, and as an imposed disruption. Features of each of these patterns of adaptation are described and implications of these findings for preretirement planning and counseling are discussed.
The Social Epidemiology of Alcohol Use by Urban Older Adults
Authors: Meyers Allan R. , Hingson Ralph , Mucatel Marc , Heeren Timothy , Goldman Eli
Published: May 2005

A sample survey of 928 Bostonians, aged sixty years or older, indicates that there are low levels of alcohol consumption: more than half report that they are abstainers; 6 percent indicate that they have two or more drinks daily. Levels of abstinence are particularly high among women, blacks, Jews, widows and widowers, the foreign-born, those with low levels of formal education, and those aged seventy-five years or older. Among social psychological variables, locus of control is most consistently associated with drinking: those who report little influence upon their futures—in terms of work, marriage, income, and leisure activities—are more likely to abstain. There is also an association with optimisim; those who are least optimistic about their prospects for work and leisure activities are most likely to abstain. Analysis of variance shows that gender, education, ethnicity, religion, age, and locus of control regarding work are independent correlates of alcohol use. The data suggest that older people drink mainly in social contexts and to facilitate social interaction.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Drug Counselling Training Program: Suggestions for a Validation Model
Authors: Freund Michael , Marton John , Marton Katherin
Published: May 2005

The study was designed to measure the effectiveness of a drug counselling program to achieve behavioral, attitudinal and informational change of the participants. Significant changes were found in their responses to the knowledge inventories on medical and legal aspects of drug abuse and on the behavioral dimensions of increased listening skills and ability to critically analyse performance of counsellors. No significant change was found in evaluating the counsellor's overall performance to offer affective responses. Subjects were highly cognitive prior to training, and remained so in their responses after completion of the program. Adoption of a validation model is suggested, which would provide a continuous feedback to the program developed.
Analyzing the Trait of Routinization in Older Adults
Authors: Reich John W. , Zautra Alex J.
Published: May 2005

This article reports on the development and validation of a scale designed to assess a postulated psychological trait in older adults—routinization. Some older adults are thought to be motivated to maintain the daily events of their lives in relatively unchanging and orderly patterns of regularity. Those older adults may resist change, rejecting attempts to alter patterns of daily living, and experience distress at events that require change. This trait of routinization was explored with a 20-item self-report scale. Factor analysis revealed two underlying factors: 1) Having Order and Routine in daily living, and 2) Disliking Disruption. Relationship of the instrument to other standard personality instruments was assessed; it was found that the instrument was only modestly related to other scales. Validity of the scale was tested by relating it to the frequency of occurrence of desirable and undesirable small, everyday events. Also, its relationship to two factors of mental health reported by participants in a multisession experimental intervention to increase personal control and mastery was assessed. Evidence for validity of the scale in both sets of tests was found. Further exploration of the properties of the trait measure appears warranted.
Racial Differences in Social Integration and Life Satisfaction among Aged Public Housing Residents
Authors: Deimling Gary , Harel Zev , Noelker Linda
Published: May 2005

The effects of social activity, social resources, health, and functional status on the life satisfaction of black and white aged were examined, based on interviews with 330 residents of age-integrated and age-segregated public housing estates in Cleveland, Ohio. The results of multivariate analysis call into question previous conclusions that age-segregation is conducive to greater life satisfaction. However, the findings do lend support to previous research indicating that social integration has a greater degree of importance in determining the life satisfaction of black than of white aged.
A Model of Eldercare in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Olson Philip
Published: May 2005

Rapid industrialization in the People's Republic of China (PRC) since the late 1970s offers a unique opportunity to explore the relation between the political economy and the social support systems for the growing proportion of the elderly. Four categories of aged are identified and assistance to the aged is provided through three support systems. Analysis reveals that the future of the elderly in the PRC will be greatly influenced by: 1) the political agenda, 2) the degree to which traditional values toward the aged are preserved, 3) the degree to which the eldercare support system continues to be built on the existing social structure, 4) the degree to which the eldercare program becomes institutionalized in the state budget, and 5) the degree to which the elderly continue to be integrated into society.
A Treatment Approach for Children of Alcoholics
Authors: Kern Joseph C. , Tippman Joan , Fortgang Jeffrey , Paul Stewart R.
Published: May 2005

Treatment agencies that ignore the needs of children of alcoholics are inadvertently breeding a second generation of alcoholics. This paper reports on an effort to mount an education/prevention effort with children of alcoholics and their mothers. Each session is described in detail and recommendations for programming in this vital area offered.
Exploration of the Relationship between Prior Computing Experience and Gender on Success in College Computer Science
Authors: Taylor Harriet G. , Mounfield Luegina C.
Published: May 2005

Current research shows that many American students are now entering college with substantial prior computing experience. Researchers studied a large group of non-computer science majors to determine the effects of this prior experience on success in college computer science courses. Specific relationships between prior experience factors and gender were studied. While only certain prior experiences correlated with success for males, virtually all prior experiences were beneficial for females. In the group studied, females compared favorably with males in all areas, including success rates and final grade percentages. The results show a significant correlation between early prior computing experiences and success by females in a college computer course and thus could indicate that pre-college computing can have an important role in achieving gender equity in college computer science courses.
The Relationship between Self-Reported Religiosity and Drug Use by College Students
Authors: Turner Carol J. , Willis Robert J.
Published: May 2005

As part of an extensive questionnaire on student drug use patterns at a small private college, this study was completed to determine the relationship between self-reported religiosity of college students and 1) the nature and incidence of current drug usage, 2) reasons for abstaining from drug use, 3) acceptable sources for referral in case of drug problems, and 4) persons with whom students would discuss their attitudes toward drugs. Statistically significant differences between religious and non-religious students at the 0.01 level were found in the current use of alcohol and marijuana, in reasons for abstaining from marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, and hallucinogens; in referral of drug problems to drug wise friends; and in discussing drug attitudes with parents and with college counselors.
Staffs' Interpretation of the Experience behind Vocally Disruptive Behavior in Severely Demented Patients and Their Feelings about it. An Explorative Study
Authors: Hallberg Ingalill R. , Norberg Astrid
Published: May 2005

This study illuminates the experience behind the vocally disruptive behavior in demented patients and their caregivers' reactions to it. Because of the communicative disturbances of the patients, caregivers were asked to act as their vicarious informants. Projective identification, transference, and countertransference were supposed to take place between the patients and their caregivers. Thus, a psychological framework was used. Seventeen experienced caregivers were interviewed after listening to tape-recordings of two patients exhibiting vocally disruptive behavior. Analysis revealed that caregivers regarded anxiety as the most common experience behind the behavior. Seven categories of explanations were obtained: anxiety over abandonment, dissolution, loss of autonomy, threats to integrity, an expression of bodily needs, reactions to disturbing environment, and automatic behavior. Caregivers wished to understand and help but felt powerless and insufficient. The results stress the importance of finding ways of interpreting severely demented patients exhibiting vocally disruptive behavior. The importance of supervision to support the caregiver in the extremely burdensome situation is also elucidated.
An Interpretative Review of Smokeless Tobacco Research in the United States: Part I
Authors: Glover Elbert D. , Schroeder Kathleen L. , Henningfield Jack E. , Severson Herbert H. , Christen Arden G.
Published: May 2005

The first part of a two-part series reviewing the published literature of smokeless tobacco in the United States and concomitant health effects associated with its use. This article delineates the current status of its prevalence, behavioral psychosocial factors associated with use, and review of the negative health effects associated with regular use.
The Virtues and Vices of Old People in the Late Middle Ages
Authors: Goodich Michael
Published: May 2005

The medieval perception of old age was based on the classical theory of the four humors, which balanced the vices of senescence with its virtues. The introduction of Aristotle to the West in the thirteenth century, combined with the translation of Arabic medical works, encouraged scientific discussion of the aging process. The Christian tradition stressed the opportunities for spiritual perfection which aging brings. As a result, a broader portrait of aging emerged, embodying both physical and emotional factors.
The Efficacy of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI): A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fletcher-Flinn Claire M. , Gravatt Breon
Published: May 2005

There has been a long-standing dispute about the efficacy of computer assisted instruction (CAI) with regard to the interpretation of effect size estimates in reviews using techniques of meta-analysis. It has been claimed that the data used to calculate these estimates come from studies which are methodologically flawed. The aim of this study was to provide an updated meta-analysis on the learning effect of (CAI) over a broad range of study features with particular attention focused on the effectiveness debate. Using standard procedures, the results and estimates were similar to previous reviews and showed a learning benefit for CAI. The mean effect size for CAI was (.24) for the years 1987–1992, with more recent studies showing an average of (.33). Although moderate, these estimates tended to raise the average student from at least the 50th and 60th percentile. However, studies which controlled for teacher and materials, and were of longer duration, and studies using pencil and paper equivalents of CAI showed no learning advantage over traditional forms of instruction. It is suggested that what accounts for the typical learning advantage of CAI in this meta-analysis and others is the better quality instruction provided by CAI materials. These materials seem versatile enough to be used effectively over a broad range of subjects and educational settings. While the materials did not seem to improve substantially over the past two decades as reflected by effect sizes, these estimates did not include the newer multimedia technology. It is concluded that educational approaches should be judged by a number of criteria including achievement gains and when this is done CAI may far surpass other forms of instruction.
The Role of Patent Medicine Sellers in Home Management of Childhood Malaria: A Situational Analysis of Experience in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi I. O. , Falade C. O. , Adeniyi J. D. , Bolaji M. O.
Published: May 2005

Patent medicine sellers (PMS) play an important role in supplying the medication needs of the community particularly antimalaria. A situational analysis of the role of PMS in home management of malaria was carried out in four rural local government areas in Southwestern Nigeria using both cross sectional and observational study methods. The results showed that patent medicine stores constituted 76.2% of the medicine shops in the areas. The PMS provided not only drugs but also consultation services. Malaria constituted the commonest fever for which drugs were purchased. The most commonly mentioned drug best for malaria was the 4 aminoquinolone. Many (55.4%) of the PMS have received some form of training on malaria treatment. However, this was carried out in many instances (41.9%) by the shop owners to the apprentice PMS or shopkeepers. Health personnel were mentioned as trainers by only 27% of the PMS. The use of guidelines provided by PMS was infrequent and only 13.8% could produce the guideline at the time of survey. PMS would like to have more training on causes and recognition of malaria and antimalaria dosages. These topics were least taught. The rural PMS is important to the management of malaria. If quality training and supervision is provided to them, home management of malaria should improve.
Factors Impacting the Assessment of Maternal Culpability in Cases of Alleged Fetal Abuse
Authors: McCoy Monica L.
Published: May 2005

These studies explored attitudes toward maternal culpability in cases of alleged fetal abuse. In experiment one, general culpability for the use of various substances during pregnancy was assessed as well as the impact of other potentially relevant factors. One hundred and twenty students completed the survey. Participants overwhelmingly supported treating drug use by pregnant women as a criminal offense. With regard to the assessment of more specific questions, the lack of consensus regarding what factors effect culpability is striking. Experiment two examined the possible impact of the mothers' race (White or Black) and social class (Poor or Middle class) on the assessment of culpability. One hundred and sixty-four community members responded to a survey sent to randomly selected persons in upstate South Carolina. The results indicate that at least in response to a brief, written, case scenario, neither race nor social class make a large impact on participants' sanction recommendations.
The Mediating Effects of Anonymity and Proximity in an Online Synchronized Competitive Learning Environment
Authors: Yu Fu-Yun
Published: May 2005

Since past studies showing that competition has negative effects on group process were primarily conducted in traditional classrooms involving face-to-face situations, this study extends past research by investigating whether the negative effects associated with face-to-face team competition can be mitigated with the support of networking technologies where opponents' identity or proximity can be manipulated and concealed. Three fourth-grade classes were randomly assigned to three different treatment conditions to participate in the study. A synchronous competitive learning system, named “Joyce,” was devised to have pairs of students compete by answering questions with another randomly assigned pair of opponents over three instructional sessions. Results from the study indicated that students in the face-to-face team competition condition rated significantly less favorably on inner-group processing than those in the decreased proximity and anonymity conditions at .009 level, and .067 level, respectively. Data analysis on students' perceptions toward classroom climate revealed that students in the anonymity condition rated significantly more favorably on classroom climate than those in the other two conditions (.000 level). The results of this study suggest that to promote effective interactions within learning groups and to cultivate a more regulated classroom learning atmosphere, networked team competition where opponents are not identified may be the preferred instructional strategy to adopt, as compared to face-to-face team competition. The findings also suggest that designers of competitive game-based learning systems should include the feature of anonymity in their system to support student learning.
Occupational Safety and Health on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Authors: Mireles Luis Ramon
Published: May 2005

A number of trade agreements were adopted in the 1990s that promised economic growth for Mexico. The most significant was the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which promotes open trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Like WTO, NAFTA focuses on the economic aspects of trade. Occupational safety and health issues were not specifically addressed by NAFTA. Despite the presence of domestic regulatory systems, concerns over working conditions persist on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and the workforces face similar health problems. The upsurge in trade between the United States and Mexico must be accompanied by an international commitment to occupational safety and health in border areas. If government agencies cannot or will not intervene to reduce rates of workplace injuries and illnesses, civil coalitions must assume this role.
Development of a Cannabis Education Program
Authors: Sheppard Margaret A.
Published: May 2005

Many educators have expressed a need for materials dealing with cannabis education. Three approaches have been developed and pilot-tested. This rambling discourse describes what has happened to date.
Gender Effects in the Stereotyping of those with Different Kinds of Computing Experience
Authors: Colley Ann , Hill Fiona , Hill Justin , Jones Anna
Published: May 2005

Stereotypes of male and female target figures who had experience of either computer programming, word processing or computer games were investigated. Male and female undergraduate respondents were asked to rate them as portrayed in brief descriptions, on the sixteen personality attributes previously used by Siann, Durndell, Macleod, and Glissov in an investigation of stereotypes of male and female computer science students [1]. As found previously, there was no evidence of negative stereotyping: few differences were found between the male and female target figures, and the pattern of ratings was similar for the three computer uses. The results indicated however, that irrespective of the sex of the target figure, stereotyping of the three uses differed according to the sex of the respondent. Females gave higher ratings on attributes reflecting autonomy and congeniality to the figures with programming experience, while males gave these the lowest ratings on the same attributes. The relationship between this finding, the previous computing experience of the males and possible future implications is discussed.
Learning Needs and Efforts of the Black Elderly
Authors: Ralston Penny A.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-perceived educational needs and activities of adults age sixty-five and older from varying backgrounds, with attention given to comparing black elderly ( N = 51) with white elderly ( N = 59) respondents. Sex, SES, and educational level differences also were investigated. Interviews were conducted using Tough's learning project procedure, Hiemstra's instrumental and expressive education instrument, and a general educational needs checklist developed by the investigator. Findings revealed significant race, sex, SES, and educational level differences in general educational needs. Significant race, SES and educational level differences were found in both learning projects and instrumental and expressive education. The number of significant race differences suggests that the cultural orientation of older blacks may have an affect on their interest and participation in educational endeavors.
Microcomputer-Based Computer-Assisted Instruction within Differing Subject Areas: A Statistical Deduction
Authors: Christmann Edwin , Badgett John , Lucking Robert
Published: May 2005

This meta-analysis compared the academic achievement of students in grades six through twelve who received either traditional instruction or traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) across eight curricular areas. From the forty-two conclusions, an overall mean effect size of 0.209 was calculated, indicating that, on average, students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with CAI attained higher academic achievement than did 58.2 percent of those receiving only traditional instruction. The comparative effectiveness of CAI may be seen in the following descending order mean effect sizes: science, 0.639; reading, 0.262; music, 0.230; special education, 0.214; social studies, 0.205; math, 0.179; vocational education, −0.080; and English, −0.420.
Benefits of Teaching Design Skills before Teaching Logo Computer Programming: Evidence for Syntax-Independent Learning
Authors: Fay Anne Louise , Mayer Richard E.
Published: May 2005

We compared two groups of twenty computer-naive college students as they received instruction and practice in writing Logo programs. The design group received pretraining in general design principles such as modularity (breaking a procedure into parts) and reusability (using the same subprocedure more than once) presented in English whereas the no-design group did not. On programming assignments during Logo learning, the design group generated more revision cycles, more test runs, more syntax errors, and more input lines than the no-design group; and the design group wrote final programs that were shorter, more modular, more efficient, and more flexible than the no-design group. However, the groups generally did not differ on cognitive tests such spatial cognition, instruction comprehension, and planning. These results are consistent with Dyck and Mayer's syntax-independent access theory—planning skills for programming can be learned independently of the syntax of the programming language [1].