bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the purposes and outcomes of probation in European jurisdictions
Authors: Durnescu Ioan
Published: August 2008

The theme of this article was developed at a conference organized by Conférence Permanente Européenne de la Probation (CEP) together with the Ministry of Justice of Estonia which took place in Tallinn, September 2007. The title of the conference was `Unity and Diversity in Probation'. Within this context, this article aims to examine issues and dilemmas in evaluating probation effectiveness in different jurisdictions. According to the published aims of various probation services, probation systems in EU countries could be divided into four main types: probation services based on promoting community measures and sanctions; probation services based on the model of assisting the judiciary; probation services based on the rehabilitation model/public protection; and probation services based on a punishment or enforcement model. These different types require different criteria for evaluating probation effectiveness, but each criterion has some important risks, which need to be carefully assessed. The article's focus therefore is on the methodological dilemmas and not on the ethical aspects of defining probation's purposes and objectives.
People First: Probation Officer Perspectives on Probation Work
Authors: Annison Jill , Eadie Tina , Knight Charlotte
Published: August 2008

The Probation Service has experienced massive changes during the past 10 years, including the way in which its probation officers are trained. Whether or not the espoused intention of this latter change was to introduce a `new breed' of officer more versed in control than care, the three studies reported here all demonstrate the same finding, namely that individuals enter the training to work with people, and that they continue to achieve most satisfaction from this. The studies focus variously on newly qualified officers, those in training, and those applying for training. This article reviews these studies and offers a critical analysis of their key findings.
`“Prove me the bam!”: Victimization and agency in the lives of young women who commit violent offences' — Practitioner response 1
Authors: Wood David
Published: August 2008

This article is a practitioner's response to Susan Batchelor's article `“Prove me the bam!”: Victimization and agency in the lives of young women who commit violent offences' published in the December 2005 edition of Probation Journal. Batchelor undertook a research study comprising in-depth oral-history interviews with 21 women convicted of violent offences aged between 16 and 24 years who were detained in HMPYOI Cornton Vale in Scotland, interviews with adults who work with `such young women' (p. 361) and an analysis of available documents (such as relevant social work reports, prison narratives, programme records, etc). The focus of Batchelor's article was to explore the background and characteristics of female offenders convicted of violent offences and to use this to develop a `what works' discourse on how to respond to such behaviour.
The Fate of Equality in a Technological Civilization
Authors: Stivers Richard
Published: August 2008

The meaning of equality has been radically altered since the Enlightenment. In the 18th century, equality acquired political and economic meanings specifically in the contexts of democracy and capitalism. Today, the context in which equality is understood and practiced is technology as our most immediate and compelling environment. Moreover, the reality of equality contradicts the ideology of equality within this technological context: The ideology of equality as pluralism and cultural and communicative equality is contradicted by the reality of group conformity and group competition on the one hand and uniformity on the other hand.
Understanding Marital Violence in the Black Community
Authors: LOCKHART LETTIE , WHITE BARBARA W.
Published: August 2008

The limitations of theory and the dearth of well-controlled, empirical research on the relationship of race and race-by-class differences to the incidence of marital violence has resulted in an insufficient data base with which to construct useful and valid conclusions regarding the Black community. Consequently, the effects of social class, violence in the family of origin, and sources of conflict were examined in a comparative study of marital violence experienced by 155 Black women across three social class positions who lived in a southeastern metropolitan city. In contrast to previous characterizations of marital violence among Black couples, the results of this study revealed some significant differences between the proportion of Black women and men by social class who were victims of marital violence. The data did suggest that when social class positions were controlled, Black middle-class women experienced more violence than their lower- and upper-class counterparts. This investigation highlights implications for theory development and future research.
Treatment and Service Interventions for Lesbian and Gay Male Crime Victims
Authors: WERTHEIMER DAVID M.
Published: August 2008

This article describes the development of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) since 1980. After a brief historical overview of the emergence of the victims' modern crime movement and a discussion of how the gay and lesbian victims' movement is related to it, AVP's treatment and service interventions are described. These include crisis intervention immediately after an attack and a wide variety of follow-up services, including short-term professional counseling, peer counseling, and group counseling. The AVP also provides advocacy services, including police advocacy, court monitoring, and advocacy with other human service organizations. In describing the AVP's activities, the article highlights unique problems faced by lesbian and gay survivors of assault.
Primary and Secondary Victimization in Anti-Gay Hate Crimes
Authors: BERRILL KEVIN T. , HEREK GREGORY M.
Published: August 2008

Lesbian and gay male targets of hate crimes face multiple levels of victimization. In addition to suffering the effects of being a crime victim, they also face secondary victimization (i.e., additional victimization after a crime that results from societal heterosexism). Examples of secondary victimization include losing one's job, being evicted from housing, or being denied public services or accommodations once one's sexual orientation is disclosed as the result of an anti-gay attack. The inadequacies of government response to anti-gay hate crimes are discussed, and the secondary victimization perpetrated by the criminal justice system is described. A broad-based governmental response to anti-gay hate crimes is advocated. Specific policy recommendations are offered for formulating appropriate legislation, reforming the criminal justice system, and developing widespread community education programs.
Factors That Influence Professionals' Perceptions of Behavioral Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: KENDALL-TACKETT KATHLEEN A. , WATSON MALCOLM W.
Published: August 2008

The research examined factors that might influence interviewers' perceptions of convincingness of behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse. As predicted, professionals who believe that children do not lie about sexual abuse were more convinced by various behavioral indicators that sexual abuse occurred than were those professionals who approach children neutrally. For symptoms such as depression, aggression, and fear of the perpetrator, law enforcement professionals were more convinced than were mental health professionals, and women were more convinced than were men, as predicted. Contrary to prediction, there were no effects based on purpose of the interview (investigative vs. therapeutic). In addition, age of the child affected perception of indicators. As predicted, children under age 6 were more convincing than were children ages 6-9 or 10-12 when they demonstrated adult-level knowledge of sexuality. There were no age-of-child effects for symptoms that did not involve children's knowledge of sexuality. The results indicated that interviewer factors and age of the child can influence perceptions of indicators of sexual abuse. Therefore, interviewers should be sensitized to possible sources of bias in their judgments.
Male Adolescent Sexual Assaulters
Authors: AWAD GEORGE A. , SAUNDERS ELISABETH B.
Published: August 2008

Clinical assessments of 49 male adolescent sexual offenders who had sexually assaulted females their age or older showed that the majority were recidivists, had a history of antisocial behavior predating and coinciding with their sexual offenses, and came from a disturbed family background. Thirty-three percent of the offenders had a history of physical abuse in childhood, but, surprisingly, a history of sexual abuse could be confirmed in only two cases. The assaulters were less likely to be socially isolated than a comparison group of child molesters and more likely to socialize with older peers than a comparison group of delinquents. There was known sexual pathology in about 25% of the parents. Alcohol and drugs were not found to play a prominent role in the sexual assaults. Sexually deviant impulses and antisocial traits were found to be motivating factors for the majority of the assaults.
Outcomes of Physical Abuse and Observation of Marital Violence Among Adolescents in Placement
Authors: CARLSON BONNIE E.
Published: August 2008

Self-reported indicators of well-being, attitudes toward violence, use of violence, substance abuse, and running away were studied among 101 male and female 13-to 18-year-olds from residential or youth shelter settings. The respondents come from predominantly White, low-income, multiproblem backgrounds. It was hypothesized that experiencing physical abuse and observation of marital violence would be positively associated with and have an additive effect on the measures studied. Analysis of variance was employed to compare four groups composed on the basis of exposure to physical abuse and/or marital violence. Males were found to have a significantly higher sense of well-being and were more likely to approve of violence, whereas females were more likely to have run away. Only one outcome variable was associated with abuse status: Well-being was significantly lower among those who had been abused and had witnessed spouse abuse, compared to the other three groups.
Characteristics of Child Molesters
Authors: SIMON LEONORE M. J. , SALES BRUCE , KASZNIAK ALFRED , KAHN MARVIN
Published: August 2008

This study attempted to empirically validate the fixated-regressed typology used in the child sexual abuse literature. The sample consisted of 136 consecutive cases of convicted child molesters tried in Pima County, Arizona, over a 2-year period (1984-1985) for whom case history, MMPI, presentence reports, and police report data were collected prior to sentencing. Application of the criteria defining fixated versus regressed status yielded a unimodal and continuous distribution of child molesters rather than the bimodal distribution predicted by theory. In a multiple regression analysis, two independent variables (i.e., whether the victim and offender were related and an offender's prior non-sex-criminal record) significantly predicted an offender's degree of regression, and a third independent variable (i.e., offender age) approached significance. Alternative conceptualizations to the fixated-regressed typology are described, and implications for understanding child molesters are discussed.
The Abusive Behavior Inventory
Authors: SHEPARD MELANIE F. , CAMPBELL JAMES A.
Published: August 2008

Researchers have identified the need to develop instruments to measure domestic violence that include both physical and psychological abuse. Drawing from feminist theory, the Abusive Behavior Inventory (ABI) was developed to address a range of abusive behaviors. A validation study included a sample of 100 men and 78 women divided into groups of abusers/abused and nonabusers/nonabused. The study included the evaluation of three types of validity: criterion related, construct, and factorial. Significant differences in scores on the ABI were found between the abuser and nonabuser groups. These differences provide evidence to support the scale's validity in each of these areas.
Discussion of Violence in Psychiatric Evaluations
Authors: GONDOLF EDWARD W.
Published: August 2008

Psychiatric practitioners and family violence specialists expect that violence will be substantially discussed during the course of psychiatric evaluations in order to assess potential dangerousness. Research on medical discourse implies that violence is likely to be minimized by medical staff, but the actual psychiatric discussion of violence has not been empirically investigated. This study examines the major transactions regarding violence during the course of transcribed psychiatric evaluations for 92 recently violent patients from a population of 382 psychiatric patients. The severity of the reported violence, the introduction of the violence, the clinician follow-up, the case presentation, the psychiatrist follow-up, and treatment options are each categorically coded for their mentions of patient violence. The transactions are also cross-tabulated to identify significant contributors to subsequent mention of violence. The findings substantiate a progressive decrease in the discussion of violence and apparent breaches in the flow of information regarding violence. Protocol innovations to assure adequate discussion of violence are recommended.
Psychotherapy Outcome of Sexually Abused Boys
Authors: FRIEDRICH WILLIAM N. , LUECKE WILLIAM J. , BEILKE ROBERT L. , PLACE VICTOR
Published: August 2008

A treatment intervention program was developed for young sexually abused boys, and of the 42 boys who began treatment, 33 completed therapy. The treatment approach included a combination of group, individual, parent training, and family therapy. At follow-up, clinical and statistically significant improvements were noted in a number of areas, including overall behavior problems and sexual behavior problems. Therapy outcome was related to a number of family and abuse factors, including maternal depression and social support, family conflict, and severity of abuse.
Women's Attitudes and Fantasies About Rape as a Function of Early Exposure to Pornography
Authors: CORNE SHAWN , BRIERE JOHN , ESSES LILLIAN M.
Published: August 2008

Although much has been learned about how social forces such as pornography can shape or direct men's sexual violence against women, few empirical data exist on how these forces impinge on women's attitudes and behavior. In the present study, 187 female university students responded to a questionnaire regarding childhood exposure to pornography, current sexual fantasies, and endorsement of rape-supportive attitudes. Early exposure to pornography was related to subsequent “rape fantasies” and attitudes supportive of sexual violence against women. Findings were interpreted in the context of women's socialization to accept sexual aggression as a sexual/romantic event.
The Combined Effects of Coordinated Criminal Justice Intervention in Woman Abuse
Authors: SYERS MARYANN , EDLESON JEFFREY L.
Published: August 2008

During the past 2 decades, the criminal justice system has significantly changed its response to battered women and their assailants. These changes are, in part, being encouraged by newly established community intervention projects (CIPs) across the United States. This study reports the findings of victim interviews and archival data concerning incidents of woman abuse that came to the attention of the Minneapolis police and were referred to a CIP. The results for samples monitored over a 6- to 12-month period tend to support the use of arrest on first police visits to the home and subsequent action by the courts that includes ordering perpetrators into treatment.
Public Attitudes and Behaviors With Respect to Child Abuse Prevention
Authors: DARO DEBORAH , GELLES RICHARD J.
Published: August 2008

This article examines public attitudes toward specific parental discipline practices, the incidence of specific parental practices, the public's support for and involvement in child abuse prevention efforts, and the public's perceptions of the causes of child maltreatment. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1,250 adults each year between 1987 and 1992. The majority of the public view physical punishment and repeated yelling and swearing at children as harmful. Slightly more than half (53%) of the parents report spanking or hitting their children. Less than half of the parents surveyed reported yelling or swearing at their children in the last year. The rates of reported yelling and swearing declined between 1988 and 1990 but rose slightly in the past 2 years. The rate of spanking or hitting has declined since 1989, whereas the rate of hitting or trying to hit with objects has remained stable. The public has a strong commitment to preventing child abuse. Although the belief that individuals can do a great deal to prevent abuse declined between 1989 and 1991, it rose in 1992. Public involvement in actions to prevent abuse remains high. The public sees domestic violence as the major cause of elevated rates of child abuse.
Abuse in Adult Relationships of Bulimic Women
Authors: KANER ANGELICA , BULIK CYNTHIA M. , SULLIVAN PATRICK F.
Published: August 2008

The presence of abuse (repeated physical battery) was investigated in the adult relationships of 20 bulimic women and 17 control women. Significantly more bulimic women than controls reported having been in relationships in which repeated physical battery occurred. Both battered and nonbattered bulimic women scored significantly higher than controls on measures of eating and self-esteem-related pathology. Battered bulimic women were significantly more depressed than controls. Battery was also associated with self-blame. It is proposed that these women represent a more severely distressed subgroup of bulimic women. Further, similarities between these women's destructive relationship to both food and the batterer are considered. There has been substantial focus on childhood physical and sexual abuse in bulimic women, but in this study the focus is on the need for heightened sensitivity to the presence and implications of recurrent abusive experiences in their adult interpersonal relationships.
Characteristics of Fathers in Incest Families
Authors: HANSON ROCHELLE F. , LIPOVSKY JULIE A. , SAUNDERS BENJAMIN E.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess whether differences in family functioning and psychological adjustment would be related to a previous history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in perpetrators of incest. It was hypothesized that perpetrators with a history of CSA would be more likely to report dysfunctional families of origin, more problems in their current family systems, and more psychological symptoms than nonabused perpetrators. Subjects in this study were 74 acknowledging father/perpetrators referred from community agencies. Results indicated that father/perpetrators with a history of CSA reported significantly more dysfunctional families of origin than nonabused fathers. However, no significant differences were obtained on measures assessing functioning in the family of procreation, personality profiles, or psychological symptoms. Comparisons of the father/perpetrators against norms revealed that the perpetrators differed significantly from the norms in nearly all areas of interest. Thus childhood trauma history appears to be related to more chaotic families of origin, but not to functioning within the family of procreation, personality profiles, or self-reported psychological symptoms. Additionally, regardless of abuse history, father/perpetrators report more dysfunctional families and more psychological symptoms in comparison to normative data.
Research Paradigms, Values, and Spouse Abuse
Authors: MURPHY CHRISTOPHER M. , O'LEARY K. DANIEL
Published: August 2008

This article invites dialogue on qualitative research strategies for understanding the social contextual and subjective complexities of interpersonal violence. The epistemological assumptions and practical challenges of qualitative methods are contrasted with traditional quantitative approaches. The authors assert that (a) the differences between the two approaches are not paradigmatic, in the Kuhnian sense of scientific revolutions; (b) there are important links, yet no necessary connections, between a feminist ethos in the social sciences and qualitative methods; (c) both qualitative and quantitative methodologists wish to increase the credibility of research findings, and may benefit from conceptual cross-fertilization; and (d) questions of values and politics in research on spouse abuse cannot be reduced to questions of methodology. Throughout, the article advocates both methodological diversity and rigor in the effort to understand spousal violence.
Comparison of the Effects of Sexual Abuse on Male and Female Latency-Aged Children
Authors: YOUNG RODNEY E. , BERGANDI THOMAS A. , TITUS THOMAS G.
Published: August 2008

The psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse on latency-aged children was investigated by the combined use of self-report instruments and parent/caretaker reports. In the study, 20 males and 20 females who were in treatment at clinics in two large Southeastern cities comprised the abused groups, and a matched number of children from the same areas comprised a control group. The hypothesis that sexually abused children differ from nonabused peers was supported by the results. Abused children identified themselves as having more problems in peer interactions and saw themselves as more depressed than the nonabused children. Caretakers reported that the abused children had more problems with aggression, social interactions, and being overly sensitive to peers' negative statements; lacked appropriate social skills; and demonstrated more sexual acting-out behaviors. A second hypothesis, that within the abused children's group there would be significant differences between males and females, was not supported by the results. The direction of the group means on all the dependent variables for the abused male and female groups was, however, in the expected direction. Possible explanations for these results as well as future research needs are discussed.
Why We Should Study Subabusive Violence Against Children
Authors: GRAZIANO ANTHONY M.
Published: August 2008

This article argues that although it is important to study child abuse, it is also important to study and understand ordinary, everyday, subabusive violence against children. Five reasons for studying this issue are discussed; pervasiveness of subabuse, questioning the “natural” protectiveness of human parenting, possible relationship with child abuse, learning and interference of children's learning, and humanitarian concerns. Research in this area is difficult to carry out. New research strategies are needed, and researchers are urged to explore this area.
The Role of Social Support in the Lives of Women Exiting Domestic Violence Shelters
Authors: TAN CHERIBETH , BASTA JOANNE , SULLIVAN CRIS M. , DAVIDSON WILLIAM S.
Published: August 2008

The present study investigated an intervention designed to increase battered women's social support and make their existing supports more responsive to their dire needs. It is part of a larger project that utilizes a longitudinal, experimental design to examine the effects, over a 2-year period, of an advocacy intervention on battered women's overall psychological well-being and ability to remain free of abuse. Study results (a) describe the social support of 141 women who have used a domestic violence shelter, (b) relate social support variables to psychological well-being and experience of further abuse, and (c) investigate the immediate effects of the intervention, as well as a 6-month follow-up. Key findings substantiate the strong relationship between social support and psychological well-being of battered women.
A Sentencing Alternative for Sex Offenders
Authors: BERLINER LUCY , SCHRAM DONNA , MILLER LISA L. , MILLOY CHERYL DARLING
Published: August 2008

Society has been uncertain about how best to respond to sex offenders. One policy option is a community supervision and treatment alternative such as the Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative (SSOSA) enacted in Washington State in 1984. This study examines variables associated with the sentencing decision and compares recidivism rates of offenders granted the alternative and those who received the standard punishment (N = 646 convicted adult sex offenders). It also reports the results of a survey of key professionals regarding the sentencing alternative. Recidivism rates of the two groups were equivalent for sex offenses, while recidivism rates for other crimes were significantly higher among offenders who did not receive the sentencing alternative. Overall, the results provide support for the availability of a sentencing alternative for certain sex offenders.
How Do Chinese College Students Define Sexual Harassment?
Authors: TANG CATHERINE SO-KUM , YIK MICHELLE S. M. , CHEUNG FANNY M. C. , CHOI PO-KING , AU KIT-CHUN
Published: August 2008

This study aimed to delineate the definitions of sexual harassment and their relation with various subject characteristics. Results showed that Chinese students demonstrated a high level of consensus in regarding overt unwelcome physical contact and coercive sexuality as sexual harassment. Only a small percentage of the students classified sexist and misogynistic behaviors, pressure for dates, and unsolicited disclosure of personal and emotional feelings as sexually harassing. Factor analyses indicated that faculty-student sexual harassment was composed of three factors: sexual coercion, physical seduction, and gender harassment. Peer sexual harassment, on the other hand, included four factors: sexual coercion, physical seduction, nonphysical seduction, and gender harassment. Individuals' intolerance toward sexual harassment was related to their support for gender equality and flexible gender roles. Compared to men, women had broader definitions of sexual harassment and were less tolerant of these behaviors.
Computing in the Home: A Research Paradigm
Authors: Dutton William , Kovaric Peter , Steinfield Charles
Published: August 2008

Personal computers are being acquired by increasingly larger percentages of the public. However, their integration into the home remains an unresolving issue. Research on other media un derscores the importance of investigating not only the adoption of computing but also the ways per sonal computers are used within particular social contexts in order to better understand their implica tions. A typology is suggested as an initial frame work for the study of patterns of computer use in the home, along with four sets of independent fac tors—social status, technical features, sociocultural setting, and personal attributes. This approach inte grates patterns of computer utilization with techno logical, social, and psychological factors to account for the implications of computing in the home.
The Political Character of Computerization in Service Organizations: Citizen Interests or Bureaucratic Control
Authors: Kraemer Kenneth L. , Kling Rob
Published: August 2008

This article explores the provocative question; Are computerized systems at the local government level bringing about new services and more equitable distribution of service benefits and costs, or are they more likely to be instruments of political elites, reinforcing the traditional distribu tion of values and services? An empirical examina tion of computing investments by American local governments supports the second alternative: com puting investments appear to be oriented toward governmental efficiency and enhancing the choices of top-level administrators, rather than toward direct service delivery and increasing the choices of citizens.
Intellectual Assembly Lines: The Rationalization of Managerial, Professional, and Technical Work
Authors: Perrolle Judith A.
Published: August 2008

This paper examines recent trends in computer technology in the context of the theoretical argument that intellectual labor is being subjected to the same processes of rationalization and control that affected manual labor during the industrial revolution. It is argued that expert systems and other products of knowledge engineering are being developed as mechanisms to rationalize and mechanize the mental labor of individuals in technical, professional, and managerial occupations. Because there are at present very few applications of "intelligent" software, empirical evidence of their effects is meager. However, debates about the impact of computerization on the labor process must take into account the theoretical potential for automating expert knowledge, professional judgment, and managerial decision-making.
Technological Determinism in Social Data Analysis
Authors: Levin Martin L.
Published: August 2008

In reviewing the history of social data processing, it is argued that, with the exception of Herman Hollerith's watershed invention of the punched card in the late nineteenth century, most social science computation involved adapting technologies developed for other disciplines to the needs of social science computing. During the 1950s and early 1960s, when social researchers had to rely upon very slow and cumbersome unit record equipment, the analysis had to be very carefully thought out or risk being very inefficient. As general-purpose computers began to become widely diffused, general-purpose statistical packages aided immensely in processing survey research data. Because they were designed to take advantage of computational efficiencies, however, they tended to facilitate, if not encourage, somewhat mindless cross-tabulation strategies of computing "everything by all." It is argued that the nature of the microcomputer may again encourage researchers to be more reflective in designing their data processing.
Software Reviews : ECONOMICS: Academic Hallmarks/Knowledge Master
Authors: Wallace Don
Published: August 2008

This program is designed for high school and community college economics instruction. It is applicable to microcomputer "learning labs" for economics students interested in reviewing basic concepts and facts. Community college economics faculty might use the program for review and tutorial "lab" exercises.
Software Reviews : The Confidence Factor: The Decision-Maker's Tool Kit
Authors: Portney Kent E.
Published: August 2008

Techniques of rigorous prescriptive analysis are increasingly finding their way into the practice and curricula of public policy and management analysis. For those who are interested in critical path planning, simple lexicographic decision-making techniques, linear programming, decision-tree analysis, or risk simulation, THE CONFIDENCE FACTOR may well constitute a refreshing alternative to existing software. Overall, I have found THE CONFIDENCE FACTOR to be useful in preparing materials for class, and for personal analyses. It has been very helpful when combined with one of the more popular public policy analysis texts, the Stokey and Zeckhauser Primer for Policy Analysis.
Book Reviews : Programming with dBASE II
Authors: Prague Cary N. , Hammitt James E.
Published: August 2008

This book is most useful for the moderately experienced programmer who is taking an initial foray into dBASE II. It provides both a well-conceived approach to thinking through basic problems in constructing and using a database and a generally valid model for dBASE II programs. Its most significant flaws lie in attempting to reach too varied an audience and in failing to provide a completely valid programming model. Nonetheless, supplemented with access to an experienced dBASE II programmer, it can be the right guide to begin using dBASE II as a programming language. (Reviewed by Larry S. Luton, Eastern Washington University)
Software Reviews : Simulation Cons Tr Uction Kit
Authors: McCaskill James H.
Published: August 2008

SIMULATION CONSTRUCTION KIT gives the secondary teacher one more way of involving students in class projects, this time in developing computer-based simulation programs.

Teachers using the process approach will find this package a helpful new tool. It is probably best for students who can work in small groups. They will need to investigate all options of an issue thoroughly in order to do branching.
Software Reviews : Lotus Hal
Authors: Zeugner Charles
Published: August 2008

HAL is a front-end addition to LOTUS 1-2-3 that uses English-like commands instead of regular LOTUS commands. HAL seems ideally suited for the inexperienced computer user or LOTUS novice. The most useful feature is the "undo" command, which can be used to fix mistakes. The program also allows advanced users to link spreadsheets and check cell references. HAL can build macros to simplify the writing of complex programs. The promise of HAL is illusory. The time spent learning HAL'S syntax and grammar could as easily be spent with a good LoTUS tutorial, and the more advanced capabilities are already available to any creative, experienced user. HAL does what Lotus advertises, but doesn't really simplify data analysis. Social science money would be better spent elsewhere.
Book Reviews : Essential Guide to Bulletin Board Systems
Authors: Dewey Patrick R.
Published: August 2008

Anyone with a personal computer and a telephone line can start his or her own online bulletin board with a small financial and a moderate time investment. In a nontechnical way, this book explains how to do it. It covers BBS services in general as well as hardware and software and contains samples and an extended case study, including a sample grant proposal and a budget. There are also useful appendixes on bibliography, vendors, and BBS addresses. This is a "must-have" book for the social scientist interested in creating a specialized dial-up bulletin board or forum in his field.
International Futures: History and Status
Authors: Hughes Barry B.
Published: August 2008

The INTERNATIONAL FUTURES ( IFS) global model was developed for education and theory building. There are two versions: a smaller one developed specifically for microcomputers and a larger one initially developed for mainframes but now being revised for micros. The model represents global demographic, agricultural, energy, and economic systems. Incorporation of domestic governmental processes and interstate behavior is foreseen. Keywords world modeling, global modeling, international futures, simulation, modeling.
When a Model Needs a Model: Convincing Skeptics of Counterintuitive Results—An Example from Affirmative Action Modeling
Authors: Feinberg William E.
Published: August 2008

Counterintuitive results constitute one of the important benefits of computer simulation models. Yet such results are often viewed skeptically because by definition they confound our expectations, and our expectations are one measure of the validity of the model. The task of the model builder, then, is to convince skeptics of the validity of unexpected outcomes and thereby reinforce the credibility of the model. One way to do so is to appeal to an abstraction that is even simpler and better understood than the abstraction that the simulation model represents. In the case discussed here—the issue of how worker layoffs are determined-the counterintuitive results of the model are explained through a "thought" model involving urns and marbles, a scheme familiar to most people who have taken a course in elementary statistics (and easily understood by those who have not suffered through such a course). Keywords: simulation, models, validity, counterintuitive results, social policy, affirmative action, personnel.
Software Reviews : PC-Globe
Authors: Ward Michael D.
Published: August 2008

A potentially useful but flawed electronic atlas lacking provision either for instructor-supplied data or for slide-show classroom use.
Teaching Statistics by Spreadsheet: A Developmental Approach
Authors: Ostrowski John W.
Published: August 2008

One of the greatest difficulties in teaching statistics is imparting an understanding of the procedures and their uses. This analysis develops a framework for using spreadsheet software on a microcomputer to develop sophisticated statistical procedure templates that are effective in teaching statistical concepts. The analysis consists of four parts: an overview of traditional computer-based statistical applications, the development of a framework for teaching-oriented statistical applications, illustrations of the framework with an example for time series analysis, and suggestions for integrating multiple procedures in a single spreadsheet. Keywords: spreadsheet, statistical analysis, teaching, template.
In Defense of Computer Literacy
Authors: Vasu Michael L. , Vasu Ellen Storey
Published: August 2008

This article is a response to the article by Kevin Robins and Frank Webster entitled "Computer Literacy: The Employment Myths." Our critique of their work is based on three central points. First, we believe that computer literacy is a straw man for Robins and Webster. Their real concern is over the profound changes in British education, including the elimination of tenure for university faculty. Second, we contend that they employ a very limited definition of computer literacy and base their observations on the "start up" period of computer literacy instruction. Finally, we argue that education policy should be directed toward increasing computer literacy instruction in order to insure economic equity. Keywords: computer literacy, computer-assisted instruction, tool software, computers and equity, curriculum, computers in Britain.
Using a Spreadsheet to Teach Social Change Modeling
Authors: Stimson John , Stimson Ardyth
Published: August 2008

When compared with that of regression or other forecasting techniques, a spreadsheet's presentation of data is open and accessible. The spreadsheet's main advantage is that it quickly recalculates all formulas and graphs after each input. It allows students to tinker with modeled situations, see immediate results, and thus become familiar with what-if modeling, the most widely used planning tool of management and government. Two spreadsheets are included which facilitate orderly presentation of social change concepts, mcluding time trends, additive versus geometric growth, accelerating and decelerating cross-impacts, and leading influences and lagging effects. Keywords: forecasting, spreadsheet, social change.
Software Reviews : Buffland, the Macrosim, Version 4.0 Publisher: Craig A. Roger, 928 Chicago Ave., #30, Minneapolis, MN 55404 (telephone: 612-339-8306) Year of Publication: 1987 Materials: Three 5.25-inch program disks (not copy protected), two blank data disks, vinyl disk holders for binder Price: $45 plus $3 shipping; $3.50 for additional copy of instructor disks; $2.50 for additional copy of student disk Machine Specificity: IBM PC, compatible System Requirements: 256K, one drive Effectiveness: Fair User-Friendliness: Good Documentation: Good
Authors: Yohe William P.
Published: August 2008

BUFFLAND MACROSIM contains a dynamic IS-LM model for simulations of simple monetary and fiscal policy actions under six characteristic U.S. economic environments, one of which is "generic" for instructor-customized cases. For any administration, particular scenarios may be specified by the instructor. At the time of review, the underlying model is largely a black box to students and partly so to the instructor. The illogical behavior of variables in simulations could be a source of confusion. The shell within which simulations are run is attractively designed, but there are no graphics. Students run simulations in a game setting, where they try to minimize "discomfort" (inflation + unemployment).
Software Reviews : Forecast Pro
Authors: Kulkarni Mukund S.
Published: August 2008

FORECAST PRO is a useful software package for academic researchers and practitioners in business and industry. This user-friendly yet powerful tool can handle Box-Jenkin forecasting, exponential smoothing, and dynamic regression. The package is compatible with LOTUS 1-2-3 and other software files. The tutorials and documentation make it easy to learn to use.
Software Reviews : Pathfinder, Version 1.0
Authors: Bamartt Sharon N.
Published: August 2008

The program calculates regression and path coefficients and decomposes bivariate correlations. Data must be entered in the form of correlation matrices. Commands are easy and results are fast. The program does, however, require another source of calculations of the correlation matrix.
The Social Impacts of Computing: Control in Organizations
Authors: Thompson Lyke , Sarbaugh-McCall Marjorie , Norris Donald F.
Published: August 2008

This paper provides a conceptual framework for examining the effects of computer systems upon control in organizations. The authors propose that computers be seen as a media of control—control viewed as non-zero sum, and computers as changing the overall amount of control exercised within organizations. Keywords: computer impacts, organization theory, control, power, technological change, computers, social impact, organization theory.
How Computers Use Psychologists
Authors: McDaniel Cynthia R.
Published: August 2008

This article explores some of the ways in which psychologists have influenced computers, particularly the design of human-computer interfaces. Three psychologists who are involved with computer interface design were interviewed. The mutual benefits of interdisciplinary efforts in computing are described. Keywords: psychology, psychologists, computers, design, human factors, human-computer interface.
Professional Codes of Conduct and Computer Ethics Education
Authors: Martin C. Dianne , Martin David H.
Published: August 2008

Advancements in computer technology over the past twenty years have created ethical dilemmas and raised questions, some similar to other professions and some unique to the computer field. Therefore we think there is a need to reevaluate the application of ethical principles and establish new guidelines on ethical practices for the computer science profession. Because of the questions that have been raised—and, in some instances, sensational news accounts of computer irregularities, including fraud—there is a growing perception that self-regulation may be the only means by which the computer professional associations will prevent governments from stepping in and regulating the computer profession. This paper discusses the problem from two perspectives. First, the inadequacy of ethical codes of conduct developed by computer professionals is assessed in light of recent reports of computer abuse. Second, the relationship between the professional codes of conduct and computer ethics education is examined. Strategies for incorporating professional ethical codes into the core of computer education curriculum are proposed. Keywords computers and society, codes of conduct, computer science education, ethics, ethics education.
It's All in How You Keep the Score: Making Computer-Aided Decisions More Objective
Authors: Teasley C.E.
Published: August 2008

The use of computer-aiding software in public sector decision making has been m-creasmg. There are many multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) models available, like multi-attribute utility technology (MAUT), analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and P/G% Analysis. These programs work quite similarly, and if the same scores and weights are entered, they will yield virtually identical outcomes. In the public sector, key variables are often difficult to measure, so analysts are encouraged to estimate relationships for missing data on a five-point scale. How one enters data for a five-point scale has a dramatic impact on the outcome. Typical approaches to scoring involve an ascending value scale (1→5) or a Likert-type mid-point scale. Both of these yield inconsistent, m-sensitive and unsatisfactory results, since MCDM's are affected mainly by the ratio of the relationship scores for each goal criterion. A descending value scale (5→1) is recommended here to make computer-aided decisions more consistent and sensitive, and therefore, more objective, Keywords: multi-attribute utility technique (MAUT), analytical hierarchy process (AHP), multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), P/G% Analysis, ascendmg value scale, descending value scale, sensitivity analysis, threshold analysis, what if analysis, uncertainty.
Software Reviews : Designer Research Publisher: The Idea Works, Columbia, MO 65203 (telephone: 314-445-4554) Year of Publication: 1989 Materials: one 5.25-inch unprotected disk, one manual Price: $99.95 plus $5 shipping and handling Systems Requirements: IBM PC or compatible with 640K RAM and two floppy drives' or one floppy and one hard drive; DOS 2.1 or later Effectiveness: Good User-Friendliness: Fair Documentation: Good
Authors: Malcolm David S.
Published: August 2008

Designer Research has as its purpose assisting in the design of experiments and research projects. Through the use of an expert system, questions are asked that lead to a report giving the desirability and feasibility of various design strategies. Because of the technical nature of some of the questions and a lack of a comprehensive help facility, those with little background in research design may have difficulty using this program. Its real strength is for experienced researchers who will be made aware of a wide variety of design strategies from other specialties that they would not have normally considered.
Software Reviews : MAPINFO Publisher: Mapping Information Systems Corporation, 200 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 (telephone: 800-327-8627) Year of Publication: 1989 Materials: 115.25-inch disks, manual Price: $750 Machine Specificity: IBM and compatibles System Requirements: Hard disk with at least 3 MB of space, 512K RAM (640K strongly recommended), graphics card, DOS 2.0 or higher; a mouse is supported but optional; also supported are a fairly narrow range of dot matrix and laser printers, pen plotters, and digitizers Effectiveness: Good to Excellent Documentation: Fair
Authors: Grafton Carl
Published: August 2008

MAPINFO is a map database, display, and plotting program. Its dBASE III style relational database component is menu-driven. The database management module contains features tailored for map functions, but it lacks loop and subroutine programming capabilities. Its mapping module can display boundaries, lines, points, and user-defined symbols such as circles and text. MAPINFO contains many features that go beyond traditional boundary shading. For example, addresses or other locations can be highlighted or magnified interactively, and distances between points may be determined. Presentation quality maps can also be printed.
Software Reviews : MindLink Publisher: Synectics, Box 247, North Pomfret, VT 05053 (telephone: 802-457-2025) Year of Publication: 1989 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Materials: Two diskettes, a 47-page manual, and a Connection-Making bag with about 10 toys or objects in it Price: $499.00 (both educational and site licensing discounts available) Availability: Macintosh Plus, SE, SE/30, II, IIX, IICX, IICi System Requirements: One MB RAM and a fixed disk Effectiveness: Excellent User-Friendliness: Excellent Documentation: Excellent
Authors: Holden George W.
Published: August 2008

MindLink is a program designed to help the user think creatively about problems. It is based on extensive knowledge accrued into creative thinking by a management consulting firm. Problem solving is accomplished by systematically thinking about the problem and then thinking away from the problem in order to arrive at new solutions. The software is cleverly designed, easy and enjoyable to use, and effective. As a tool for aiding creative thinking, it has a broad range of applications.