bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme re-listening: Songs people love . . . and continue to love
Authors: Conrad Frederick , Corey Jason , Goldstein Samantha , Ostrow Joseph , Sadowsky Michael
Published: January 2018

Despite the lack of surprise each time they listen to their favorite song, people re-listen to these songs many times. We explored “extreme re-listening” by conducting a survey about the song to which participants were “listening most often these days.” We questioned participants about their listening experience, e.g., the deepness of their connection to the song, which aspects of the song draw them back, how much of the song they were able to hear in their heads, and how (in their own words) the song made them feel, which we classified as “happy,” “calm,” and “bittersweet.” More participants whose favorite song made them feel happy reported being drawn back because of its beat/rhythm. Participants whose favorite song made them feel bittersweet reported having a deeper connection to the song than those whose favorite song evoked other feelings. These patterns held irrespective of musical training. Finally, we found that the more times they listened to their favorite song, the more of the song listeners could hear internally. People’s affection for songs to which they voluntarily listen at high rates appears not to wane as it does for songs to which their exposure is ambient as is the case with the hit parade.
The new watchdogs’ vision of science: A roundtable with Ivan Oransky (Retraction Watch) and Brandon Stell (PubPeer)
Authors: Didier Emmanuel , Guaspare-Cartron Catherine
Published: January 2018

On March 3rd, 2016, the authors of this note hosted a conference entitled ‘Destabilized Science’ at the University of California, Los Angeles, to which we invited two representatives of core actors within the new science watchdog pack: Ivan Oransky, co-founder in 2010 of Retraction Watch, and Brandon Stell, co-founder in 2012 of PubPeer. After the formal conference, we organized a roundtable to discuss these invitees’ experience and their vision of contemporary science. Mario Biagioli (University of California, Davis), Michael Chwe (UCLA) and Aaron Panofsky (UCLA) participated to the conversation. An edited transcript of the discussion and a short podcast version are being published on Transmissions ( ssstransmissions.org ) the new blog associated with Social Studies of Science.
Development of the Saskatchewan Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Driving Screen
Authors: Carey Alicia , Burton Carolyn , Grochulski Aleksandra , Pinay Paige , Remillard AJ
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Screening driving ability is challenging in psychiatry due to the fluctuating nature of psychiatric diagnoses, psychosocial factors, and the impact of medications. An examination of best practice and a literature review yielded few results, highlighting the need for the development of a driving screening framework. The goal was to develop a clinical reasoning guide, agreed upon by psychiatric occupational therapists, to improve systematic driving screening for this population.

Method

A series of surveys distributed to occupational therapists examined the key components to consider, utilizing a modified Delphi technique. Data from 94 completed questionnaires over three rounds were filtered, analyzed, summarized, and redistributed. Survey distribution and guideline amendment continued until consensus was achieved.

Findings

The Saskatchewan Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Driving Screen (SPOT-DS) has been developed as the first comprehensive clinical reasoning guide for screening drivers with psychiatric conditions.

Conclusion

The SPOT-DS can assist in protecting clients’ driving privileges, while ensuring public safety on the roads by providing a systematic approach to screening drivers. Further testing on its validity is warranted.
Mechanical and thermo-mechanical peculiarity of functionally graded materials-based glass fiber-filled polybutylene terephthalate composites
Authors: Singh Akant K , Siddhartha
Published: January 2018

This article proposes to develop novel functionally graded materials-based thermoplastic composites and present investigations on their mechanical and thermal properties. An especially designed mold and punch are used to fabricate functionally graded materials and homogeneous composites. Punch is a rotating member of the mold with a cavity at the center along the axis where the material is filled to produce desired samples. The punch rotates for 2 min at 1800 r/min for the gradation of fibers in functionally graded materials towards the outermost zone of the punch cavity. The punch is placed stationary for the fabrication of homogeneous composites. Functionally graded materials and homogeneous composites are fabricated with 15 wt.% and 30 wt.% glass fibers-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate. Neat polybutylene terephthalate is also fabricated for comparative study. The gradient of fiber distribution in functionally graded materials is verified by ignition loss test, hardness measurement, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Mechanical, fracture toughness, and thermo-mechanical peculiarity of functionally graded materials are investigated and compared with neat polybutylene terephthalate and homogeneous composites. Functionally graded materials outperform neat polybutylene terephthalate and homogeneous composites. This manufacturing technique shows a promising potential for fabrication of thermoplastics-based functionally graded materials which otherwise is difficult to produce because of their inherence characteristic to solidify at fast rate.
Underwater acoustic properties of graphene nanoplatelet-modified rubber
Authors: Yuan Baihua , Jiang Weikang , Jiang Heng , Chen Meng , Liu Yu
Published: January 2018

A series of graphene nanoplatelet-modified acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber-based underwater acoustic absorbing materials were prepared. The dynamic mechanical properties, underwater sound absorption properties, differential scanning calorimetry, vulcanization property, and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites were studied theoretically and experimentally. The results indicated that graphene nanoplatelet-modifiedacrylonitrile-butadiene rubber-based underwater acoustic absorbing materials exhibited excellent damping and underwater sound absorption properties. The storage modulus ([Formula: see text]) and loss modulus ([Formula: see text]) of graphene nanoplatelets/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites were increased significantly with increasing graphene nanoplatelets content. At a graphene nanoplatelets content of 25 phr, the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at 15°C improved by 1201 and 603%, respectively. The obvious improvement in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were mainly attributed to the extremely high interfacial contact area between graphene nanoplatelets and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber chains and the ultrahigh mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets. The underwater sound absorption coefficient ([Formula: see text]) was increased obviously as the graphene nanoplatelets were incorporated. The optimal [Formula: see text] of the nanocomposites was achieved as the graphene nanoplatelets content was 10 phr, and the average value of [Formula: see text] was improved from 0.35 to 0.73—an increase of nearly onefold. The notable improvement in [Formula: see text] was due to the marked increase in damping properties and thermal conductivity of graphene nanoplatelets/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites. The merits of graphene nanoplatelet-modified underwater acoustic absorbing materials were higher damping, better underwater sound absorption, and better mechanical properties with unaffected density in comparison to other inorganic and rigid fillers or porous fillers.
Access to Showers and Change Rooms at Work Associated With Active Commuting Among Older Workers: Findings From a National Population Survey
Authors: Biswas Aviroop , Smith Peter M. , Gignac Monique A. M.
Published: January 2018

Access to workplace showers and change rooms (WS/CR) has been found to be associated with active commuting (AC). Yet it is unclear whether this extends to older workers. We examined the association between WS/CR and AC (walking, cycling) comparing older and younger workers. Data came from 53,294 respondents to the 2007-2008 Canadian Community Health Survey. Associations between WS/CR and walking and cycling were analyzed for main effects and by age and sex using logistic regression. Compared with younger ages, workers 50 to 75 years old were more likely to cycle to work if WS/CR were available (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.13, 2.58]), though the overall and sex-related associations between WS/CR and AC were nonsignificant. WS/CR may be a promising strategy to promote AC particularly among older workers. With large numbers of middle- and older-aged adults working longer, the implications of AC for sustaining good health may be considerable.
Community Service-Learning in Graduate Planning Education
Authors: Levkoe Charles Z. , Friendly Abigail , Daniere Amrita
Published: January 2018

Community service-learning (CSL) has gained popularity over the past decades in universities across North America. Although planning programs tend to involve more graduate-level community-engaged learning than other professional disciplines, learning outcomes have not been sufficiently examined. Based on a review of existing literature and analysis from four years of a CSL course at the University of Toronto’s Department of Geography and Planning, this article describes the implications of CSL for graduate planning education. We argue that CSL in graduate planning programs has a series of unique characteristics and thus requires distinctive pedagogical approaches.
Experimental research on pumping losses and combustion performance in an unthrottled spark ignition engine
Authors: Sun Tingting , Chang Yingjie , Xie Zongfa , Zhang Kaiyu , Chen Fei , Li Tao , Yan Shuai
Published: January 2018

A novel fully hydraulic variable valve system is described in this paper, which achieves continuous variations in maximum valve lift, valve opening duration, and the timing of valve closing. The load of the unthrottled spark ignition engine with fully hydraulic variable valve system is controlled by using an early intake valve closing rather than the conventional throttle valve. The experiments were carried out on BJ486EQ spark ignition engine with fully hydraulic variable valve system. Pumping losses of the throttled and unthrottled spark ignition engines at low-to-medium loads are compared and the reason of it decreasing significantly in the unthrottled spark igntion engine is analyzed. The combustion characteristic parameters, such as cyclic variation, CA50, and heat release rate, were analyzed. The primary reasons for the lower combustion rate in the unthrottled spark ignition engines are discussed. In order to improve the evaporation of fuel and mix with air in an unthrottled spark ignition engine, the in-cylinder swirl is organized with a helical intake valve, which can generate a strong intake swirl at low intake valve lifts. The effects of the intake swirl on combustion performance are investigated. Compared with the throttled spark ignition engine, the brake specific fuel consumption of the improved unthrottled spark ignition engine is reduced by 4.1% to 11.2%.
Building consensus: Design media and multimodality in architecture education
Authors: Nicholas Claire , Oak Arlene
Published: January 2018

This article explores multimodal communication and social interaction in university-level architecture education. Drawing on ethnography of North American programs of ‘design-build’ architecture, we consider how the judgment of a ‘good’ (or ‘bad’) design is as much a result of how it is communicated as what is communicated. In settings like the design ‘review’, students endeavor to persuade an audience of the merits of their proposed design. This is ideally accomplished through the ‘convergence’ of multiple design media on the same ‘idea’ or design gestalt. ‘Convergence’ involves not just technical competency; it is also a social achievement: an effect of composing and coordinating multimodal semiotic media according to shared representational and communicative conventions. Failure to recognize convergence is often an effect of intersemiotic dissonance. This is also the risk of a design’s failure in the eyes of the faculty jury, who often direct their critiques toward communicative inconsistencies.
Adults’ Conceptualisations of Children’s Social Competence in Nepal and Malawi
Authors: An Danming , Eggum-Wilkens Natalie D. , Chae Sophia , Hayford Sarah R. , Yabiku Scott T. , Glick Jennifer E. , Zhang Linlin
Published: January 2018

Adults in Nepal ( N = 14) and Malawi ( N = 12) were interviewed about their views regarding social competence of 5- to 17-year-old children in their societies. Both Nepali and Malawian adults discussed themes consistent with those expected in collectivistic societies with economic challenges (e.g., respect and obedience, family responsibilities, and social relationships). There were also unique themes emphasised in each country, which may correspond with country-specific religious beliefs or social problems (e.g., rules and self-control, and sexual restraint). Results provide novel information regarding adults’ perceptions of children’s social competence in Nepal and Malawi, and may help guide the development of measures of social competence.
Investigating and Communicating the Uncertainty of Effects: The Power of Graphs
Authors: Schwab Andreas
Published: January 2018

Entrepreneurial activities are inherently risky and related outcomes uncertain. Consequently, empirical studies to build entrepreneurship theory need to investigate not only the direction and average size of effects but also the uncertainty of these effects. Current research published in academic entrepreneurship journals tends to focus on dichotomous likelihood evaluations employing statistical significance tests. This editorial argues that graphs communicating the distribution of observed effects offer a far more useful way to communicate, evaluate, and discuss uncertainty. Publishing such graphs will support theory building and offer more meaningful guidance to practitioners and policy makers.
Mindfulness and Transformation in a College Classroom
Authors: Martin Moira
Published: January 2018

Community college classrooms afford students from a variety of backgrounds the possibility to engage and inform one another with respect to their unique perspectives and life experiences. Unfortunately, in many of these situations, students find themselves self-critical, and their internal comparisons with others may impede the potential of a transformational educational experience. This article discusses the benefit of utilizing mindfulness meditation as a way of bringing students more in touch with their internal processes, which in turn allows them greater availability to others in the classroom and thus creates more transformational learning experiences for these community college students.
Effect of the Connecting People Intervention on Social Capital: A Pilot Study
Authors: Webber Martin , Morris David , Howarth Sharon , Fendt-Newlin Meredith , Treacy Samantha , McCrone Paul
Published: January 2018

Objective:

This pilot study evaluated the effect of the Connecting People Intervention (CPI) on access to social capital, social inclusion, and mental well-being.

Method:

A prospective one-group pretest –posttest preexperimental study of 155 people with a mental health problem or a learning disability receiving care and support from health and social care practitioners trained in the CPI was used.

Results:

Participants exposed to practice with high fidelity to the CPI model had significantly higher access to social capital ( p = .03, partial η2 = .05) and perceived social inclusion ( p = .01, partial η2 = .07), and lower service costs (−£1,331, 95% confidence interval = [−£69, −£2593]), posttest than those exposed to low fidelity to the model. All participants had significantly higher mental well-being posttest ( p < .001).

Conclusions:

These preliminary results suggest that when fully implemented, the CPI can improve social outcomes for people with a mental health problem or learning disability.
Three Student Engagement Strategies to Help Elementary Teachers Work Smarter, Not Harder, in Mathematics
Authors: Hirsch Shanna E. , Ennis Robin Parks , Driver Melissa K.
Published: January 2018

Many students with and/or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders have academic deficits that affect their performance in mathematics. In addition, these students’ behavioral issues may interfere with their academic achievement. For these students, it makes sense for teachers to consider implementing research- and/or evidence-based practices that simultaneously promote mathematics fluency and increased academic engagement. The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with three instructional practices that we believe can easily be integrated into mathematics instruction. The practices are opportunities to respond, token economy, and self-monitoring.
Rewriting Lolita in fashion photography: Candy, consumption, and dying flowers
Authors: Laing Morna
Published: January 2018

Since the release of Kubrick's film in 1962 visual representations of Lolita have proliferated. Yet, such visualisations tend to re-signify ‘Lolita’, departing significantly from the way she is constructed in Nabokov's novel. This article considers why the figure of ‘Lolita’ fits so seamlessly into the logic of the fashion media in the West. It points to the fashion industry's fixation with the ‘woman-child’ and infantilisation, as well as the centrality of clothing and consumption in Nabokov's novel. Particular attention is paid to Marc Jacobs’ advertisement for Oh, Lola!, banned in the UK by the Advertising Standards Agency in 2011. Methodologically, the article presents visual analysis alongside findings from audience studies conducted with female participants.
‘I want that power back’: Discourses of masculinity within an online pornography abstinence forum
Authors: Taylor Kris , Jackson Sue
Published: January 2018

This article examines the ways that men actively construct masculinity within an online pornography-abstinence reddit forum, NoFap. Of central interest is how members of NoFap negotiate possible contradictions between abstinence and presenting themselves as masculine subjects. Utilizing discourse analysis, we illustrate the ways in which forum members employ idealized discourses of innate masculinity and the need for ‘real sex’ to justify their resistance to pornography use and masturbation. However, we also highlight the paradox of having to perform ostensibly innate characteristics, and the outright rejection of feminist critiques of pornography use as it pertains to masculine conduct. As such, this article offers an alternative approach to the popular ‘user effects’ paradigm that suggests that users reject pornography because of internal biological drives interfering in their lives. Instead, we suggest that some users reject pornography to reconcile pornography use with particular expectations of normative masculinity.
Response and responsibility: Mainstream media and Lucy Meadows in a post-Leveson context
Authors: Gupta Kat
Published: January 2018

In this article, I focus on misgendering through pronoun use through a case study of news reporting on Lucy Meadows. I collect two corpora of newspaper articles and use these to identify keywords – words that occur more frequently in the Lucy Meadows texts than might be expected from examining the collection of general news texts. I explore patterns of pronoun use in the media representation of Lucy Meadows, and argue that press misgendering can take more subtle forms than the reporter’s use of ‘inappropriate pronouns or placing the person’s identity in quotation marks to dismiss the veracity of the subject’s identity’ (Trans Media Watch, 2011: 11). This article offers a detailed examination of strategies accounting for the majority of male pronoun use: selective quotation of key interviewees, repetition and metacommentary.
‘Boying’ the boy and ‘girling’ the girl: From affective interpellation to trans-emotionality
Authors: Moon Igi
Published: January 2018

Once a body is named or interpellated as either ‘boy’ or ‘girl’, they will be expected to convey, communicate, relate and/or display a social gender that co-ordinates with the labelled sex. This is part of the process known as cis-gendering. 1 I propose that emotions are also socialized during this process and are expected to be communicated and displayed to co-ordinate with the named social gender. This ensures that bodies remain uncontestably cis-gendered and heterosexual. The interpellation of emotion for feeling is thus a major part of the socialization process used to construct cis-gendered bodies. In comparison, those people who feel uncomfortable doing their named social gender because it is at odds with their labelled sex may claim a trans 2 gender identity. This incorporates a wide range of self-identities including a gender-queer or non-binary 3 identity (neutrois.me; transmediawatch.org). This article aims to explore how feelings are experienced in relation to a trans-gendered identity and what these mean for understanding and doing gender as ‘non-binary’. Using quotes from genderqueerconfession.com written by those who identify as members of a non-binary gendered community, I present a contemporary analysis of how gender is being re-interpreted and performed so that people may experience feelings they describe as either, both or neither ‘male’ or ‘female’. Findings show how gender becomes dis-orientated and takes up a liminal space where bodies and emotions are re-negotiated according to an emerging paradigm of trans-emotionality. 4 No longer confined to a restrictive binary system, I argue that gender is an affectively embodied process that is constantly imagined, embodied, re-imagined and re-embodied.
The effect of chronic conditions and multi-morbidity on self-assessed health in Russia
Authors: Kaneva Maria , Gerry Christopher J. , Baidin Valerii
Published: January 2018

Aims: Chronic disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes, are the leading cause of mortality globally, representing 68% of all recorded deaths. The incidence of chronic disease and multiple chronic disease is rising across the world, but relatively little is known about the impact of multi-morbidities on the life experiences of those individuals who encounter them. In this paper, we examine and quantify the relationship between chronic illness, multi-morbidity and the individual self-assessed health of the Russian population using individual-level Russian data and a novel quantitative technique. Methods: We apply a partial proportional odds framework to a rich data set incorporating demographic, socio-economic and health indicators in Russia. Results: We find that individuals with chronic conditions report significantly lower levels of health than those without chronic conditions, but that the strength of the effect is much more pronounced for males than for females (e.g. neurological disease: odds ratio [OR]=4.81 for men; OR=1.86 for women)). As the number of co-morbidities increases, there is a dramatic decrease in the likelihood of reporting good health for both males and females, but for males there is a greater increase in the likelihood of reporting bad health (OR=49.31 for males with ≥5 diseases; OR=28.05 for females). Conclusions: More than 40% of Russians currently live with multi-morbidity, and this group is at the highest risk of reporting poor self-rated health. This research adds to the body of evidence demonstrating the challenges facing health-care systems as new patterns of disease take hold in contemporary society.
How should we manage a delayed presentation of blunt splenic injury?
Authors: Philip Sunu , Hoesel Laszlo M , White Michael
Published: January 2018

A delayed presentation of a blunt splenic injury can refer to either an initially missed injury that manifests later with symptoms or latent insignificant injury that then becomes clinically symptomatic. This is a small patient group and there is some controversy about how these injuries should be managed. We present a case of a patient with an initially missed blunt splenic injury who represented two weeks later with hemorrhage and pain. He was treated non-operatively but returned with persistent symptoms and eventually required a difficult splenectomy. Through this case, we raise the question of whether patients who present with rebleeding in a delayed fashion from an initially missed blunt splenic injury are best treated with surgery and a splenectomy.
Automating Questionnaire Design and Construction
Authors: Jenkins Stephen , Solomonides Tony
Published: January 2018

When devising survey questionnaires it is often useful to reuse questions and other questionnaire objects from previous, similar surveys. The notion of reuse leads us to consider the creation of searchable libraries of standard questions. However, a major problem is how to represent routing and specialisation information in a question outside the scope of the original questionnaire. This paper describes a set of representations and methods that have been conceived to aid in the construction of libraries of standard questions and other questionnaire components. The computational inspiration behind these arose in work on object orientation and reusable components. The library components contain embedded knowledge of particular survey domains and our method simplifies the management of that knowledge. This paper introduces the notion of context tokens to provide a mechanism for encapsulating knowledge about the applicability of individual question objects. In so doing, context tokens form flexible links between the stock questions which may be used to direct the construction of questionnaires. Furthermore, they ensure that the questionnaires constructed are well organised and that the conditional routing paths within them are both complete and correct.
A Test for Hit Rate in Binary Response Models
Authors: Franses Philip Hans
Published: January 2018

Binary response models are often applied in empirical marketing research where, for example, individuals or households can be classified as buyers and nonbuyers of certain products or as respondents and nonrespondents to direct mailing. One way to evaluate such models amounts to calculating the fraction of correctly classified cases, that is, the hit rate. This paper brings to the attention a simple test for the statistical significance of this hit rate. An application to a binary brand choice case serves as an illustration.
A Cross—cultural/cross national Study of Influencing Factors and Socially Desirable Response Biases
Authors: Keillor Bruce D. , Owens Deborah , Pettijohn Charles
Published: January 2018

Questionnaires are a frequently employed method of data collection and construct measurement in cross-cultural/cross-national marketing research. While offering many advantages, the use of questionnaires in such research often encounters factors which have a negative impact on measurement reliability and validity. One of these common problem factors is a social desirability bias. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in underlying influencing factors which contribute to the social desirability bias reported by respondents across different cultural/national samples. The results show that the influencing factors which contribute to the existence of a social desirability bias also vary across countries and cultures. Based on these findings, implications for international research and business decision-making are discussed.
Informed Eclecticism: A Research Paradigm for the 21st Century
Authors: Barker Andy , Spackman Nigel , Nancarrow Clive
Published: January 2018

The authors build on their paper presented at the MRS Conference 2000, reporting on a large-scale study among MRS members and their vision of the future for the marketing research industry. The authors start by examining the major research paradigms within the market research industry. The reality of the reported shift away from positivism to the interpretivist paradigm is discussed and emergence of a new paradigm - informed eclecticism - is postulated within the changing context of the marketing research industry. This new paradigm requires a greater knowledge and appreciation of how different disciplines, theories, models and metaphors can bring different perspectives and so greater insight to marketing issues. Informed eclecticism is one way of adding value to the research process. While past papers have discussed the nature of new para digms few discuss how a paradigm education revolution can be implemented. This paper spells out some key human resource management issues. The paper represents the authors’ thinking based on an extensive literature review, personal experience, exploratory depth interviews with clients and practitioners and a sample survey of MRS members (n=339).
Perceived Reasons for the Success of the UK Market Research Industry
Authors: Boddy Clive
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the reasons for the success of the UK market research industry, as perceived by the market research industry itself. The main body of the paper is based on findings from primary research of a qualitative nature using in-depth interviews with leading industry figures from a selection of the largest research companies in the UK. The exploratory nature of the research means that many areas for further investigation are suggested by the findings of this research.
Decoding Competitive Propositions: A Semiotic Alternative to Traditional Advertising Research
Authors: Evans Malcolm , Harvey Michael
Published: January 2018

Describes how a semiotic analysis tool, the Competitor Advertising Decoding Kit, was used by Guinness to gain a new depth of insight into competitor marketing. The system, supplied by Added Value, guides marketers and planners in the analysis of likely consumer take-outs from current competitive ads, and helps them to decipher for each competitor the proposition that could ultimately drive these take-outs. By the mapping competitor propositions, marketers obtain a much clearer picture of the marketplace, and the main challenges and opportunities facing their brand. The method is described in some detail, in the context of the Guinness project. Winner of the Best Paper Award, 2001.
The Record of Internet-Based Opinion Polls in Predicting the Results of 72 Races in the November 2000 US Elections
Authors: Terhanian George , Siegal Jonathan W. , Overmeyer Cary , Bremer John , Taylor Humphrey
Published: January 2018

The authors describe the use of internet-based surveys to predict the results of 72 races in the U.S. elections of November 2000. The authors describe their results, the methods they used, including the use of both demographic and ‘propensity score’ weighting to correct for substantial biases in the raw, unweighted data, and the investments which were needed to achieve these results. They also caution readers not to assume that identical methods can be used with equal success in other countries or to measure all other variables, and stress the need for continuing research to improve online research methods in the future.
‘We Cannot Diagnose the Patient's Illness…But Experience Tells us What Treatment Works’
Authors: Willson Eric , Wragg Tim
Published: January 2018

Having spent a lot of money collecting data to better understand the satisfaction of their customers, many clients want to know, with some certainty, what will happen if…? The traditional statistical techniques used to answer this question frequently struggle to cope with the complexity of real survey data, and in particular the interrelationships that exist between the various measures which make up ‘satisfaction’. In providing a solution, some analysts venture where others fear to tread, and many clients are obliged to follow whether they know the risks or not. The authors have developed a practical and intuitive solution to building ‘what if scenarios using an empirical approach, which overcomes many of the technical problems associated with analysing complex customer satisfaction data. Results are transparent to the client and can be explained without compromising the truth. As a consequence, the authors feel that clients will make better investment decisions. This paper describes the analytical approach to creating ‘what if scenarios and provides case studies, using real datasets, which had previously proved trouble some. Implications for the ubiquitous key driver analysis are also discussed.
An Innovative Unified Brand and Market Measurement System for Strategic Investment Decisions
Authors: Callingham Martin , Baker Tim
Published: January 2018

Describes experimental work by Whitbread aimed at creating a research system to facilitate board decisions about brands. Companies like Whitbreads are constantly faced with decisions whether to enter or exit a market (illustrated). Brand research is less helpful than it might be, because it tends to be too much focused on the brand's product category competition; brand image data is often too rational and ‘obvious’. Two markets were studied: beer (Stella Artois) and Coffee Shops (Starbucks). First, the markets were considered in terms of two key factors: how far they are commoditised (are brands important?), and the market dynamics (is the market getting more interesting?). The pattern of answers to these questions helps managers to look at the market more broadly, in terms of its value to the business. Brand measures were then sought in terms which cross category boundaries. Two brand models (both described in detail) are used: a ‘mechanical metaphor’ (a combination of ‘motivators’, what the brand promises, and ‘hygiene factors’, required for its fitness to do its job, but where increases above the required level add no value), and an ‘organic metaphor’, in which the brand is viewed as a person to whom the consumer relates. These models are described operationally and illustrated from the Guinness and Starbucks research. The value of thinking about brands in both these ways, and their integration, is discussed. The approach helps management to think about brands strategically and make strategic decisions, such as market entry or exit, increasing or reducing brand support, etc., in time to take the necessary actions.
Drivers of Intention to Revisit the Websites of Well-Known Companies: The Role of Corporate Brand Loyalty
Authors: Supphellen Magne , Nysveen Herbjørn
Published: January 2018

Due to the increasing importance of the internet as a channel of marketing and distribution, companies are now concerned with the question of how to design attractive websites. Correspondingly, market researchers have started to examine the determinants of attitudes towards websites and potential reasons for consumers visiting or rejecting to visit the sites of companies. Several drivers of attitudes and intentions have been identified. In this article, we focus on the importance of the corporate brand in studies of websites for well-known companies. The underlying assumption is that the intention to revisit a website is decided on much broader a basis than the attributes of the site. Specifically, we hypothesise that affective brand loyalty is a powerful determinant of intentions to revisit the website of an airline company besides attitudes towards the site per se. This contention is empirically tested and supported by a study of the SAS company.
The Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Study of Young People
Authors: Brooker Sue , Kelly Graham , Cawson Pat , Wattam Corrine
Published: January 2018

Describes a survey among young people about experience of abuse or neglect, conducted by BBMRB Social Research for the NSPCC in connection with their Full Stop campaign. It was known that crimes against children tend to be underreported. A key objective was to provide robust and reliable benchmarks for the measurement of child abuse and neglect and public attitudes to them. Research challenges which had to be resolved were: how abuse should be defined; context, approach and presentation of the study; how to maximise response rate and minimise/account for bias; data collection method; size, type and composition of the sample (a crucial issue, discussed in some detail); questionnaire design; memory and recall; interviewer briefing and fieldwork issues; confidentiality and ethics. The very sensitive questionnaires had to be well piloted. CAPI was essential because of the complexity of potential interviews. Key results are summarised (a full report is available: ‘Child Maltreatment in the United Kingdom’, Cawson, Wattam, Brooker and Kelly, 2000), under the following heads: physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional or psychological maltreatment, sexual abuse. The results have suggested that the present child protection system in the UK is inadequate in several respects, and raises important questions for public policy, and for the need for continuing research in this area.
A Comparison of Mail, Fax and Web-Based Survey Methods
Authors: Cobanoglu Cihan , Moreo Patrick J , Warde Bill
Published: January 2018

This study compares mail, fax and web-based surveys in a university setting for response speed, response rate and costs. The survey was distributed to 300 hospitality professors randomly chosen from the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education members listed in the organisation's online directory as of April 2000. It was found that the fastest method was fax, with an average of 4.0 days to respond, followed by web surveys with 5.97 days. The slowest method, as expected, was mail surveys, with 16.46 days to respond. On average, the response rate was 28.91%: 26.27% for mail, 17.0% for fax, and 44.21% for web surveys. An LSD-type z-test shows significant differences between mail and email/web and between fax and email/web, but no significant difference between mail and fax. In addition, data were analysed for data consistency and cost.
Respondent Co-Operation in Focus Groups: A Field Study using Moderator Ratings
Authors: Wood Michael , Tuckel Peter
Published: January 2018

This research links the quality of respondents’ participation in focus groups as judged by moderators with an array of respondents’ background characteristics. This array includes: previous experience with focus groups; attitudes towards and motivation for attendance; age, sex, employment status, level of education; and different measures of civic involvement. The findings show that respondents who place less emphasis on the monetary incentive as a reason for attendance, who are better educated and who have a stronger civic orientation are judged by moderators to be more invested in the research process.
I Hear you Knocking … Can Advertising Reach Everybody in the Target Audience?
Authors: Brace Ian , Edwards Louise , Nancarrow Clive
Published: January 2018

Discusses the role of audience involvement in achieving advertising effectiveness. A literature review shows that the role may not be straightforward, especially taking into account factors built into planning grids such as the FCB or Rossiter-Percy grids. An analysis is given of influences on an audience's predisposition to become involved, and of advertising features which encourage involvement. Advertising involvement, both general and with specific ads, is examined in depth, with special reference to the group of ‘rejectors’ (who are too big a group in most markets to be ignored). A research study (described) finds that quantitative ad pre-testing includes rejectors, who are less likely to become involved and therefore less likely to recall the advertising in tracking research. This lower recall among rejectors is a real phenomenon, not an artefact. However, rejectors of one medium (e.g. television) are usually not rejectors of (say) press or radio advertising, suggesting that mixed media planning may often give a much greater reach among a receptive audience. Winner of the ISBA Award at the 2002 Market Research Society Conference.
What ‘Healthy Living’ Means to Consumers: Trialing a New Qualitative Research Technique
Authors: Marsden Paul
Published: January 2018

A new qualitative research technique of ‘associative meaning mapping’ is used to understand what the term ‘Healthy Living’ means to consumers. The technique extends the method of associative group analysis, and uses a Darwinian ‘survival of the fittest’ rationale to build a group-level summary map of meaning from individual chains of associations. This is done by a special iterative computer programme. The usefulness, validity and reliability of the technique are discussed. It is suggested that such ‘meme maps’ may be useful in providing insight and creative stimulus for marketing initiatives that ‘connect’ with consumers.
Development and Validation of a Brand Trust Scale
Authors: Munuera-Aleman Jose Luis , Delgado-Ballester Elena , Yague-Guillen Maria Jesus
Published: January 2018

To enrich the limited and recent work in existence on relational phenomena in the consumer-brand domain, the authors focus on the concept of brand trust. The non-existence of a wider accepted measure of this concept is surprising given that: (1) trust is viewed as the cornerstone and one of the most desired qualities in a relationship; and (2) it is the most important attribute a brand can own. In this context, this research reports the results of a multi-step study to develop and validate a multidimensional brand trust scale drawn from the conceptualisation of trust in other academic fields. Multi-step psychometric tests demonstrate that the new brand trust scale is reliable and valid. Both theoretical and managerial implications are presented.
Genetic Algorithms for Product Design: How Well do They Really Work?
Authors: Steiner Winfried , Hruschka Harald
Published: January 2018

Recently, Balakrishnan and Jacob (1996) have proposed the use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) to solve the problem of identifying an optimal single new product using conjoint data. Here we extend and evaluate the GA approach with regard to the more general problem of product line design. We consider profit contribution as a firm's economic criterion to evaluate product design decisions and illustrate how the genetic operators work to find the product line with maximum profit contribution. In a Monte Carlo simulation, we assess the performance of the GA methodology in comparison to Green and Krieger's (1985) greedy heuristic.
The Kohonen Self-organising Map as an Alternative to Cluster Analysis: An Application to Direct Marketing
Authors: Curry Bruce , Davies Fiona , Evans Martin , Moutinho Luiz , Phillips Paul
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the potential of the Kohonen self-organising map (SOM) in a marketing context. It deals specifically with consumer attitudes towards direct marketing. The SOM belongs to the general class of neural network (NN) models, but differs from the now orthodox way in which NNs are implemented. The major difference is that network learning is ‘unsupervised’, in which case the SOM is related to clustering methods. The result of an SOM is a two-dimensional grid of related ‘prototypes’ rather than non-overlapping clusters. The method involves iterative adjustment of the prototypes in such a way as to capture and preserve the properties of the data. We show how the resulting maps offer useful new perspectives.
The Science of the Brands: Alchemy, Advertising and Accountancy
Authors: Tasgal Anthony
Published: January 2018

This paper explores whether there are any guiding reasons for the loss of heart that seems to have afflicted Marketing and its various sub-disciplines over the last few years. Just witness the outpouring of dismal negativity that is unleashed on podia and in books with greater and greater frequency. Marketing practitioners bemoan the failure rates of new products, or the glacial speed of developing new products to market; agencies lament that they are not producing cutting-edge ideas for their clients, who are in turn putting their best ideas to the sword of research; Creatives, most usually at the sharp end of this sword, turn to their Planners to get them out of this Research and Destroy Culture. Planners then pass the buck to the Market Researchers accusing them of bringing nothing new to creative development or brand measurement since whenever. What lies beneath this malaise, it is believed, is a rearguard belief in the science of management and marketing which is deeply flawed in two ways as discussed in the paper.
Exploitation to Engagement
Authors: Brooks Victoria
Published: January 2018

This paper uses a case study of an advertising campaign for a basketball brand to argue that applying a holistic involvement model to all participants in the marketing process produces the best results when targeting niche markets. This paper was winner of the Best Presentation award at the 2003 Market Research Society conference.
The Use of Combined Conjoint Approaches to Improve Market Share Predictions
Authors: Bowditch Allan , Gurrieri Gustavo , Henry Beverley
Published: January 2018

Within the pharmaceutical prescription sector, just like many other markets, maintaining competitive advantage has become increasingly difficult. In the healthcare arena, the period of time that a new chemical entity has on the market before a key competitor emerges has been significantly reduced. If a company has already developed an important market franchise in a given sector or disease area, it is essential that that company understands the potential threats it is likely to face in the future from new product entries and also to appreciate what, if anything, could be done to protect or enhance the product franchise in the light of market developments.
Determinants of Internet Advertising Effectiveness: An Empirical Study
Authors: Baltas George
Published: January 2018

This paper considers the structure of advertising effectiveness on the internet. It investigates empirically the importance of creative and media factors for banner effectiveness. Econometric modelling of actual data on banner ads demonstrates that creative factors such as banner size, animation, message length and logos, as well as media factors such as campaign length, number of host web sites, use of off-line media, and campaign cost, may influence the direct response of the target audience as measured by click-through rates. The results lead to important practical implications for internet advertising.
Improving Email Response in a Permission Marketing Context
Authors: Kent Ray , Brandal Hege
Published: January 2018

Obtaining a reasonable level of response from email surveys and direct marketing via email is usually seen as notoriously difficult. This paper argues that ‘response’ is a complex concept and reports the results of an email survey in Norway into the effects on a range of response characteristics of email use patterns, perceptions about technology, campaign elements and seeking different levels of permission from potential responders. The results challenge many of the assumptions about email response characteristics.
The Effect of Incentives in Web Surveys: Application and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Cobanoglu Cihan , Cobanoglu Nesrin
Published: January 2018

Although researchers use internet-based surveys more often than ever in their research, there is little research on the effect of incentives on response rate, speed and cost. This study attempts to fill in some of the blanks by comparing the different incentives offered to respondents of web-based surveys. The results indicate that offering a luggage-tag to each respondent and including them in a draw for a bigger value prize (a personal digital assistant) yields the highest response rate. In terms of response speed, there are no significant differences among each incentive group. The most expensive group in terms of costs was the combination of luggage tag and prize draw.