bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Validation of Harter'S Self-Perception Profile for Children in a Dutch Sample
Authors: Van Dongen-Melman J. E. W. M. , Koot H. M. , Verhulst F. C.
Published: March 2007

The Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) was administered to 300 school-aged children (8-12 years) in order to investigate its psychometric properties in a non-American sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the multi-factorial structure of the SPPC. The internal-consistency and test-retest reliability of the SPPC were found to be acceptable. Significant gender differences were found, showing that boys perceive themselves as more competent than girls. The results of this study closely match the results obtained in American samples, indicating that the SPPC is a reliable and internally valid instrument in measuring the self-concept in children.
Validity of a Computerized Information-Processing-Based Test Battery for the Prediction of Performance in a Transport Driver Simulation
Authors: Kandra Jeffrey , Barrett Gerald V. , Doverspike Dennis
Published: March 2007

The current research was conducted to determine if reliable and valid computerized information processing (IP) measures could be constructed based on a traditional test development framework. A battery of eight computerized IP measures was developed and administered to 64 subjects who also completed a test of general mental ability and a computerized simulation of a transport driver task. The computerized IP measures had adequate split-half and test-retest reliabilities. A majority of the computerized IP measures were correlated with the simulator quantity criterion.
Factor Structure and Construct Validity of a Locus of Control Scale with Individuals with Mental Retardation
Authors: Wehmeyer Michael L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to examine the factor structure and construct validity of the Adult version of the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale (ANS-IE) with 409 adolescents and adults with mental retardation. Test scores were factor analyzed by gender, yielding a 6-factor solution for females and an 8-factor solution for males. There was a great deal of similarity on factor themes between genders, and similarity between previous analyses of the ANS-IE. Scores for males loaded heavily for factors pertaining to hard work, luck, and personal control. Those for females loaded most heavily on factors pertaining to helplessness, luck, and futility. The scores correlated moderately with conceptually related measures. Questions were raised pertaining to the degree to which individuals responded in an acquiescent manner. The utility of the tool for special educators and practitioners is discussed.
The Concurrent Validity of the Holland Burnout Assessment Survey for a Sample of Middle School Teachers
Authors: Holland Patrick J. , Michael William B.
Published: March 2007

The major purpose of this investigation was to obtain from a sample of 150 middle school teachers (101 females and 49 males) in suburban San Diego County evidence concerning the degree of relationship of each of four burnout-related measures (Positive Perception of Teaching, Support from Superiors, Knowledge of Burnout, and Commitment to Teaching) in the Holland Burnout Assessment Survey with each of three widely researched subtests in the Educators Survey serving as criterion variables (Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment). Interest also centered on ascertaining the relationship of each of seven demographic variables with each of the seven measures of burnout. Both the Positive Perception of Teaching and Commitment to Teaching subscales of the Holland instrument yielded promising validity relative to each of the three criterion measures provided by the Educators Survey. Demographic variables showed little, if any, promise in identifying those teachers who might be predisposed to burnout.
Sixteen Computer Programs for Statistical and Psychometric Transformations
Authors: Aiken Lewis R.
Published: March 2007

This article describes a program, written in BASICA for DOS-based computers, for computing 16 different statistical and psychometric transformations of input data. Several types of transformations are included: those designed for changing data to meet the assumptions underlying parametric statistical procedures, those designed to facilitate the scoring of tests and inventories, and those for converting scores to norms or grades.
Relationships among Self-Rated and Psychometrically Determined Vocational Aptitudes and Interests
Authors: Parker Randall M. , Schaller James
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the relationships between self-ratings and test scores of vocational aptitudes and interests. Participants were 564 eighth-grade students in four middle schools who rated 6 aptitudes and 12 interests on the Self Rating Form and later completed the Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule. A canonical correlational analysis between self-ratings and test scores revealed 10 statistically significant canonical variates accounting for 97% of the common variance. Univariate correlations between the same-named constructs for self-ratings and test scores ranged from .10 to.56. The results are discussed in terms of the related literature.
Measurement Integrity of Scores from the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales: The Attitudes of Public School Teachers
Authors: Melancon Janet G. , Thompson Bruce , Becnel Shirley
Published: March 2007

The Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales are among the most popular measures used in studies of attitudes toward mathematics. However, the measurement integrity of the scores produced by the measure has not yet been conclusively established. The present study explored this measurement integrity issue by employing data provided by public elementary school teachers of mathematics. Both the measure's factor structure and the measure's sensitivity to social desirability response set were investigated.
Adtest: A Computer-Adaptive Test Based on the Maximum Information Principle
Authors: Ponsoda Vicente , Olea Julio , Revuelta Javier
Published: March 2007

This article describes an easy-to-use program for computer-adaptive testing. Two files have to be provided to use the program: the bank of items and the file containing their parameters. The program has been checked by simulation. Data on the accuracy of ability estimation are offered. Details on how to run the program and the format of both required files are also provided.
Factorial Validity of a Computer Self-Efficacy Scale and the Impact of Computer Training
Authors: Torkzadeh Gholamreza , Koufteros Xenophon
Published: March 2007

In this article, a 30-item computer self-efficacy scale is validated and used to examine the influence of computer training on computer self-efficacy. The scale was used to collect data from 224 undergraduates at the beginning and at the end of an introductory computer course. A principal factor analysis of the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale produced a conceptually meaningful four-factor solution with high alpha reliabilities. Data analysis suggests that training significantly improved the computer self-efficacy of males and females in this study for all factors.
The Effect of Scale Changes on Meta-Analysis of Multiplicative and Main Effects Models
Authors: Kanetkar Vinay , Evans Martin G. , Everell Shirley Anne , Irvine Diane , Millman Zeeva
Published: March 2007

It is well-known that when researchers explore conditional relationships, they have to be quite careful about the impact of scaling on the size of these relationships. In this article, the impact of such changes on meta-analyses of conditional relationships is explored. A number of parameters (correlations, regression coefficients, standardized regression coefficients, semipartial correlations, and partial correlations) are examined. Their strengths and weaknesses are assessed. It is concluded that the most nearly appropriate parameters for researchers to aggregate are unstandardized regression coefficients or partial correlation coefficients.
Establishing Factor Validity Using Variable Reduction in Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Hofmann Rich
Published: March 2007

Using a 21-statement attitude-type instrument, an iterative procedure for improving confirmatory model fit is demonstrated within the context of Bentler's EQS and maximum likelihood factor analysis. Each iteration systematically eliminates the poorest fitting statement as identified by a variable fit index. The statements were hypothesized to define a three-factor independent cluster solution, one factor being associated with each of three a priori scales. Initially, the statements did not define the subscales as hypothesized. Through a series of 11 iterations, 11 variables were eliminated. The resulting three-factor independent cluster model fit the data extremely well.
Decision-Making Style: The Development and Assessment of a New Measure
Authors: Scott Susanne G. , Bruce Reginald A.
Published: March 2007

A multistage, four sample study was conducted to develop a conceptually consistent and psychometrically sound measure of decision-making style. Construct definitions were developed from prior theory, and items were written to assess rational, avoidant, intuitive, and dependent decision-making styles. A series of principal-axis factor analyses with varimax rotation and subsequent item analyses were conducted to develop four conceptually distinct scales with acceptable internal consistency (alpha ranging from .68 to .94) and a stable factor structure. In the process of scale development, a fifth style (spontaneous) was identified. Tests for independence among the five decision-making style scales and concurrent validity analyses were conducted. Finally, discussion of the new instrument with reference to the extant literature is provided.
Seminal Readings on Reliability and Validity: A "Hit Parade" Bibliography
Authors: Thompson Bruce , Daniel Larry G.
Published: March 2007

EPM editorial board members generated a list of those publications that they perceived as seminal to shaping the measurement field. Board members nominated up to five works and were asked to limit citations to publications since roughly 1950. Many of the citations dealt directly with reliability or validity, but topics more broadly related to measurement were also cited, including works dealing with validity generalization, item response theories, statistical significance testing, factor analysis, and the general linear model.
The Maryland School Performance Assessment Program: Performance Assessment with Psychometric Quality Suitable for High Stakes Usage
Authors: Yen Wendy M. , Ferrara Steven
Published: March 2007

The Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) is an innovative performance-based testing program covering reading, writing, language usage, mathematics, science, and social studies. MSPAP is administered annually on a census basis to students in Grades 3, 5, and 8, and the results are used for high-stakes, yearly evaluations of school performance and for tracking school improvement. The present article describes the program design and highlights its psychometric characteristics with respect to scaling, equating, standard setting, score accuracy, and validity.
RANDALL: A Microsoft FORTRAN Program for a Randomization Test of Hypothesized Order Relations
Authors: Tracey Terence J. G.
Published: March 2007

In 1987, Hubert and Arabie proposed a randomization test of hypothesized order relations, and this has been operationalized in the Microsoft FORTRAN RANDALL program. This program enables the evaluation of the fit of any pattern model to a data matrix of similarities or dissimilarities. The exact probability of the model-data fit exceeding chance (as defined by a random relabeling of the rows and columns of the data matrix) is provided. This program is especially valuable in the evaluation of circumplex models of data as found in color perception, vocational interests, and interpersonal behavior.
A Program Implementing Mardia's Multivariate Normality Test for Use in Structural Equation Modeling with Latent Variables
Authors: MacIniosh Randall
Published: March 2007

A FORTRAN 77 program is presented that tests assumptions of multivariate nornality in a data set. Violation of the normality assumption, especially excessive kurtosis, suggests that alternative estimation techniques other than maximum likelihood should be used. Even if all the univariate distributions are normal, the joint distribution may depart substantially from multivariate normality. Consequendy, testing variables individually may not be sufficient This program is of use to those engaged in structural equation modeling with latent variables.
A Construct Validity Study of a Self-Concept Scale for a Sample of Hospital Nurses
Authors: Smith Eleanor F. , Michael William B. , Gribbons Barry
Published: March 2007

Using a sample of 107 registered nurses who were employed on medical-surgical units and intensive care units in two acute care hospitals in California, the twofold purpose of this study was to provide additional evidence of the internal-consistency reliability and construct validity of scores on each of six dimensions of the Dimensions of Self-Concept (DOSC) Scale, Form W. Internal consistency estimates of reliability of scores on the six subscales varied between .83 and .92. From each of the six factor subscales, 3 subtests each of five items were formed, scored, and intercorrelated (18 subtests in all). Confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analyses for several alternative factor models indicated that a six-factor oblique model accounted for the greatest proportion of covariance in the matrix of 18 subtests.
Empirical Size, Coverage, and Power of Confidence Intervals for Spearman's Rho
Authors: Caruso John C. , Cliff Norman
Published: March 2007

Several methods of constructing confidence intervals (CIs) for Spearman's rho were tested in a Monte Carlo investigation. A total of 2,000 samples of sizes 10, 50, and 200 were randomly drawn from bivariate normal populations with p, equal to .00, .29, .43, .58, .73, and .89. Each method for computing a 95% CI around p3 was evaluated with regard to size in the null case and power and coverage in non-null cases. Fisher's z transformation of r, worked well provided N was not small and Ps was not too large. The CIs constructed using the variance estimate for product-moment correlations had coverages that were consistently too liberal. Kraemer's method for establishing CIs produced coverages that were conservative. An empirical attempt to adjust the Fisher CI maintained Type I error rate near the nominal level in all cases with no loss of power. Arguments are made for the continued use of r, in behavioral research.
Generalizability Theory Applied to Categorical Data
Authors: Li Mao-Neng Fred , Lautenschlager Gary
Published: March 2007

The main purposes of the present article are (a) to exemplify a link between Fleiss's multiple-rater kappa or other analogues and the generalizability (G) coefficient for a single facet design, (b) to explore the possible utility and interpretation of G theory in the study of interrater agreement when the data are measured on a nominal scale, and (c) to explain why the G coefficient is preferred in place of the kappa coefficient and its derived forms.
Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices: Norms for First-Year University Students and the Development of a Short Form
Authors: Bors Douglas A. , Stokes Tonya L.
Published: March 2007

Five hundred and six first-year university students completed Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Scores on Set II ranged from 6 to 35 (M= 22.17, SD = 5.60). The first 12 items of Set II were found to add little to the discriminative power of the test. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses failed to confirm Dillon et al.'s two-factor solution and suggested that a single-factor best represented performance on Set II. A short-form of Set II, consisting of 12 items extracted from the original 36, was developed and found to possess acceptable psychometric properties. Although this short form differed considerably in content from the short form previously devised by Arthur and Day, the two short forms did not differ with respect to concurrent validity and predictive power.
Construct Validity of Scores on a Developmental Assessment with Mathematical Patfierns Tasks
Authors: Banerji Madhabi , Ferron John
Published: March 2007

Three analytic approaches were employed within the framework of classical test theory to examine construct validity of a mathematics assessment made up of 16 ordered constructed-response tasks. The tasks focused on problem solving by identifying and explaining mathematical patterns. Descriptive analyses across four age groups suggested a developmental structure of individual tasks and subdomains that was generally consistent with the intended design of the test. Acceptable fit was obtained using structural equation modeling procedures for a five-factor, first-order structure with directional paths specified (RMSEA = .068) and for two second-order factors (RMSEA = .068). Convergent validity coefficients with standardized tests in mathematics computation, concepts of numbers, and applications indicated a modest overlap in constructs across the two assessments (r = .47) with Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) total mathematics scores. Findings are discussed with reference to intended uses of the assessment and its scores in the context of current mathematics education reforms.
Noise and Helping Behavior
Authors: Page Richard A.
Published: March 2007

Three experiments were conducted in natural settings to examine the effects of noise on helping behavior. Individuals who were briefly exposed to high intensity construction noise were found to be less likely to help another person than were those exposed to noise of a considerably lower intensity. In addition, high noise levels interfered more with verbal help than with physical help, and had a greater effect on the helping behavior of females than on that of males.
The Politics of Environmental Concern
Authors: Buttel Frederick M. , Flinn William L.
Published: March 2007

The literature on the political context of the environmental movement entertains the competing hypotheses that environmentalism either transcends or embodies the traditional left-right cleavages in American society. Findings from a statewide survey in Wisconsin indicate substantial relationships between sociopolitical ideologies and support for environmental reform. These relationships were most pronounced among the college-educated stratum. Liberalism vis-h-vis laissez-faire politics was the political ideology variable most closely related to environmental concern. This reflects the obvious empirical reality that the environmental movement has been primarily concerned with controlling private natural resource decision-making. Nevertheless, there is a substantial correlation between welfare-state liberalism and environmental concern which seems important due to the tendency of environmental reforms to have inegalitarian consequences. In spite of major associations between political ideology and environmental attitudes, Republicans and Democrats did not differ greatly in environmental concern. Implications of the findings for the future politics of environmental policy quality In the United States are discussed.
Urbanism from the Perspective of Ecological Psychologists
Authors: Gump Paul V. , Adelberg Bettina
Published: March 2007

The perspective of ecological psychology on urbanism is presented, with emphasis on the following premises. The urban milieu consists of complexes of behavior settings. The size of a city should be understood in relationship to the number and variety of its settings, rather than simply in terms of population size. Manning refers to the ratio of number of people per setting; low ratio defines undermanning, while high ratio defines overmanning. Urban centers are likely to exhibit relatively more optimally manned or overmanned settings, relative to rural centers. This condition has important consequences for the behavior and experience of urban inhabitants.
The Environmentally Concerned Citizen
Authors: Tucker Lewis R.
Published: March 2007

The present research is concerned with exploring individual environmental responsibility from the operational or deepened marketing perspective of private and public strategic decision-making. The theoretical foundation underlying the research design in this investigation is social responsibility (altruism, prosocial behavior, aiding, or helping) theory. More specifically, the relationship between the social responsibility correlates of internal-external control, social responsibility, social class, age, and income and multiple attitudinal and behavioral measures of environmental responsibility is examined. Differences between Sierra Club and/or Audubon Society subjects and general population on attitudinal and behavioral measures of environmental responsibility were found to be significant and in the predicted direction.
Innovative Correctional Environments
Authors: Wener Richard , Olsen Richard
Published: March 2007

The results of evaluations of two specially designed federal detention centers are presented. While the designs of the two institutions had different strengths and weaknesses, inmate responses to the environments were similar in several critical areas. Both facilities appeared to provide atmospheres perceived as less stressful, less threatening, and more comfortable than most jails. There was little evidence of violent or destructive behavior. Both facilities had problems related to space restriction and boredom. Important design issues included the ability of planners to accurately predict eventual use of space, and the design of spaces which allow user control of environmental conditions.
Community Concern for Pollution
Authors: Cutter Susan Caris
Published: March 2007

A study of 940 residents of the city of Chicago was done in order to assess the social and environmental influences on community concern for pollution. It was found that attitudes toward pollution are influenced by the social characteristics of the community, specifically the housing quality and the degree of neighborhood stability-high mobility rates coupled with high densities. This was true regardless of the racial composition of the community. This suggests that the low-status communities, both Black and white, exhibit more concern about pollution than their high-status counterparts. Environmental quality was also found to be an influence on community concern. There was a high correlation between solid waste levels and community concern as well as an inverse relationship between distance to Lake Michigan and community concern. This suggests that pollution attitudes can be predicated on the basis of solid waste levels and nearness to Lake Michigan. Finally, the relative importance of the social and environmental influences was evaluated. It was found that each is equally important in the prediction of community concern.
Evaluating Architectural Legibility
Authors: Weisman Jerry
Published: March 2007

One potentially significant yet little investigated criterion for postoccupancy evaluation is the "legibility" of a setting—the degree to which a building facilitates the ability of users to find their way within it. The present study evaluated the legibility of a sample of ten university buildings. Self-report data indicated way-finding to be a problem for a substantial minority. The impact upon way-finding of several theoretically derived visual/spatial variables was also assessed. Two aspects of the floor plan configurations of these settings, as judged from highly significant relationships to frequency of disorientation. One of these variables, judged simplicity of floor plan configuration, was able to account for 56% of the variance in these data. One other potentially important variable, respondents' own familiarity with these buildings, was able to account for but 9% of the variance in frequency of disorientation data.
Stimulus Control Techniques Applied to Handicapped-Designated Parking Spaces
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Jung Roy
Published: March 2007

The present study evaluated strategies to deter nonhandicapped drivers from parking in handicapped-designated parking spaces. For a 10-day period, a symbol for the handicapped was painted at the front end of the parking spot. During this first phase, violations occurred on 53% of the observations. For the next 4 days, a prominent vertical sign was combined with the ground markings, and no violations occurred during this phase. When the sign was taken down, violations increased to 47% of the observations during this 5-day period. Posting of the vertical sign for the next 5 days decreased violations to 7%. Violations increased to 59% when the vertical sign was removed during the next 4 days. No violations occurred during weekly observations for the sUbsequent six weeks. At a four-month check the sign was still posted, and there were no violations.
Aircraft Noise Exposure, Noise Sensitivity, and Everyday Errors
Authors: Smith Andrew , Stansfeld Stephen
Published: March 2007

The present study compared self-reports of everyday errors given by subjects who lived in an area with a high level of aircraft noise with those of a similar group who lived in an area with a low level of aircraft noise. The subjects were further subdivided into those who considered themselves to be highly sensitive to noise and those who had a lower level of noise sensitivity. The high aircraft noise group reported a higher frequency of occurrence of everyday errors and so did the noise sensitive subjects. However, there was no interaction between noise sensitivity and the level of aircraft noise.
Neighborhood Confidence
Authors: Varady David P.
Published: March 2007

Regression analysis applied to the longitudinal Urban Homesteading neighborhood residents data set provides mixed support for the widely held belief that in order to stabilize declining inner-city areas it is necessary to raise confidence levels of existing residents. Although confidence levels did explain movestay decisions, they did not account for variations in housing repair expenditures. The results also highlight the dilemmas facing policymakers trying to make residents optimistic. On the one hand, confidence was primarily a function of neighborhood population shifts and neighborhood social cohesion, over which local governments have little control. On the other, neither the homesteading program itself nor the quality of public services had any impact on confidence levels.
Naming the Rooms
Authors: Giuliani Maria Vittoria
Published: March 2007

This article explores the lexical behavior of a sample of Italian subjects as regards the name given to the social space in their home. It is argued that differences in labeling the rooms can be accounted for by differences in the reference models adopted by the inhabitants. The article develops this hypothesis analyzing physical properties, activity patterns, and values expressed by the subjects in the framework of three different dwelling models related to recent changes in the structure of Italian society.
The "Buckle-Up" Dashboard Sticker
Authors: Thyer Bruce A. , Geller E. Scott
Published: March 2007

A vehicle dashboard sticker that read "SAFETY BELT USE RE- QUIRED IN THIS VEHICLE" was found to double the use of safety belts by front-seat passengers. During an initial two-week baseline phase, 24 graduate students (who always buckled up when driving) recorded safety belt use by front-seat passengers in their automobiles. The mean baseline belt use of 476 passengers was 34%. Subsequently, buckle-up stickers were placed in the 24 vehicles, and passenger belt increased to 70% (N = 448). Two weeks later the stickers were withdrawn and passenger belt use dropped to 41% (N = 406). Replacement of the 24 stickers for two final weeks resulted in 78% belt use by 392 front seat passengers.
Visual Recognition Capacity during Outdoor Recreation Experiences
Authors: Hammitt William E.
Published: March 2007

The capacity of outdoor recreationists to recognize visual scenes they have experienced during an on-site engagement is reported. Visual recognition capacity is considered important since sightseeing is a major aspect of most wildland recreation engagements, and because "recollection" is a major component of the recreation experience. Visual recognition is also an important aspect of environmental perception and cognition; of how humans see an area and learn to know it. Seven hundred and fifty hikers of a National Park Service trail were surveyed, using a photo questionnaire, for their ability to recognize trail scenes after hiking the trail environment. Results indicate (1) human ability to recognize visual material may be as remarkable for natural environments as researchers have shown for built environments; (2) sightseeing is not a passive activity, hikers were able to recognize certain themes in the environment more effectively than others; (3) interpretive signs placed along the trail as an experimental control increased visitor familiarity (recognition) and preference for those scenes; (4) past experience, in the form of prior visits, viewing of photographic materials, and photography, did not influence visitor recognition capacity; and (5) visual familiarity and preference for scenes are not necessarily directly related.
Behavioral Commitment to Environmental Protection
Authors: Manzo Lynne C. , Weinstein Neil D.
Published: March 2007

This investigation explored the factors that produce a significant behavioral commitment to environmental protection. Interviews were conducted with members of the Sierra Club: 47 who were active in Club activities and 46 who were not active. The variables for which significant between-group differences were found include: Club-related friendships, values, perceptions of the efficacy of citizen action, feeling personally harmed by an environmental problem, political orientation, and activity in other organizations. A number of other plausible hypotheses about differences between the groups were not confirmed. The results are discussed in terms of two explanations for involvement: differences between the groups existing prior to membership and differences in experiences after becoming members. The present data tend to suggest that the latter may be more important than the former.
A New Look at Informal Communication
Authors: Campbell David E. , Campbell Toni A.
Published: March 2007

A model of informal communication is presented and supporting literature briefly described. Then two studies are presented that examine the link between elements of the physical environment and informal social interaction in departmental lounges. Environmental features involving location of the lounges were relatively strong predictors of the amount of lounge use; It is argued that location of the lounge has an indirect effect on the nature of communication within an organization.
Brookfield Zoo's "Flying Walk" Exhibit
Authors: Birney Barbara A.
Published: March 2007

The use of formative evaluation to develop interactive exhibits can both aid the creation of a successful exhibit and be cost-effective for the institution. Priorto the final development of Brookfield Zoo's "Flying Walk" exhibit planners raised several concerns about how visitors would use the exhibit. Concerns about the exhibit related to its attracting and holding power; whether it would be used as a "jungle gym" rather than an opportunity to learn; and whether visitors would learn the concept the exhibit was designed to teach. A prototype of the exhibit was built and a four-part study conducted. A total of 527 visitors and an additional 99 groups participated in the study. The results of the study led decision makers to accept the proposed exhibit with some minor modifications as an effective means by which to communicate the concept of bird wing movement. Some of the findings include: 47% of the groups entering the Aquatic Bird House were attracted to the exhibit; groups using the exhibit or watching others use it stayed in the building significantly longer than those who did not; the majority of visitors used the exhibit in the way in which it was designed to be used although behavioral differences occur due to age; and while only 4% of the naive sample could replicate bird wing movement, 45% of the sample who used the exhibit were able to demonstrate that they learned the appropriate concept.
Following Informal Street Maps
Authors: Kovach Robert C. , Surrette Michael A. , Aamodt Michael G.
Published: March 2007

To study the effectiveness of map style and map complexity on street map-following performance, drivers utilized one of six informal street maps to drive to a destination in an unfamiliar location. Using a 2 X 3 factorial design, 78 undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of six map design conditions: two levels of style (written verbatim or graphic illustration) and three levels of complexity. The low-complexity map contained a direct route, including relational (left-right) directions. The medium-complexity map contained a direct route, relational directions, five adjacent streets, and major mileage estimates. The high-complexity map contained a direct route, relational directions, 16 adjacent streets, major mileage estimates, and seven landmarks. Map style significantly affected driving time, as written verbatim maps resulted in less total driving time than graphic maps. Subjects with higher cognitive abilities (as measured by the Wonderlic Personnel Inventory) took less time to reach the final destination than did those with lower cognitive abilities. Neither the effects for map complexity nor the style by complexity interaction were significant. Also, male and female performance did not significantly differ.
Effects of Different Means for Conveying Environmental Information on Elderly Adults' Spatial Cognition and Behavior
Authors: Kirasic Kathleen C. , Mathes Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2007

Verbal description, verbal description with imagery instruction, videotape observation, and map study were compared as different means for providing elderly adults with information needed for a series of spatial tasks in a large-scale environment. Verbal description and map study led to greater efficiency on a route execution task, but the four means did not lead to differences on scene recognition, route planning, or map placement tasks. A simple classification of behaviors revealed that walking while scanning and standing while scanning were most common during route execution. Standing without scanning during route execution was correlated with poor performance in that task. Psychometric measures of spatial abilities, imagery abilities, and internal-external locus of control did not correlate highly with performance measures from the environmental tasks.
Urban Children's Access to their Neighborhood
Authors: Gaster Sanford
Published: March 2007

One New York City neighborhood was investigated to determine changes in its children's use of local public space between 1915 and 1976. Twenty-nine adults were interviewed on their experiences there as children. In addition, such archival sources as U.S. census reports were consulted for demographic changes. The interviews were content analyzed to detect changes over time in various aspects of children's activities. Substantial changes were detected in (a) the age at which children were first allowed outdoors without supervision, (b) the number and quality of settings visited, (c) the number and nature of environmental obstacles, (d) the number and nature of parent-imposed restrictions, and (e) the number of professionally supervised activities undertaken. It was found that both the degree to which the neighborhood environment was supportive of children's play and children's access to their neighborhood have declined substantially since the 1940s.
Effects of Physical and Social Environments on the Health and Well-Being of Antarctic Winter-Over Personnel
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the influence of physical and social environmental stressors on the short-term and long-term health and well-being of 358 enlisted U.S. Navy personnel who wintered-over in Antarctica between 1964 and 1974. Station size and severity of physical environment were significantly inversely associated with symptomatology of the winter-over syndrome. These characteristics of station environments were also significantly inversely associated with subsequent risk of total first hospital admissions relative to a group of 2,396 enlisted Navy men who volunteered for winter-over duty and were evaluated as medically and psychologically qualified for such duty but who were assigned elsewhere. The results suggest that adaptation to extreme social and physical environments may provide long-term health benefits for certain individuals.
Predicting Public Involvement in Urban Water Management and Planning
Authors: Syme Geoffrey J. , Nancarrow Blair E.
Published: March 2007

A longitudinal study was conducted to assess the level of demand and the motivations for participating in urban water planning in three Australian cities. Three hundred and sixty people were interviewed in each city in relation to their attitudes toward water issues, their beliefs about representation, and their interests in personal involvement in water planning. At a later date respondents were invited to attend a workshop. Fifteen percent of those invited attended the workshops in each city. There was a relationship between "intentions" to participate and actual involvement. Unlike earlier studies there was no relationship between education, income, age, and participation. The major predictors of participation were perceived levels of desirable power for the water authority and intrinsic interest in particular water issues. The article concludes that there is a potentially strong demand for involvement in water-related planning and that there is a need to ensure that involvement is planned with methods appropriate to all sectors of the community.
Environmental Consciousness
Authors: Krause Daniel
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire designed to examine levels of environmental consciousness was distributed to a sample of approximately 300 individuals. The results show a high level of concern for environmental issues and a high proportion of the sample describing themselves as environmentalists. The pattern is fairly consistent by sex, age, and ethnic grouping. But closer analysis suggests caution before concluding that there is a high level of environmental consciousness in the United States.
Value Orientations, Gender, and Environmental Concern
Authors: Stern Paul C. , Dietz Thomas , Kalof Linda
Published: March 2007

A social-psychological model is developed to examine the proposition that environmentalism represents a new way of thinking. It presumes that action in support of environmental quality may derive from any of three value orientations: egoistic, social-altruistic, or biospheric, and that gender may be implicated in the relation between these orientations and behavior. Behavioral intentions are modeled as the sum across values of the strength of a value times the strength of beliefs about the consequences of environmental conditions for valued objects. Evidence from a survey of 349 college students shows that beliefs about consequences for each type of valued object independently predict willingness to take political action, but only beliefs about consequences for self reliably predict willingness to pay through taxes. This result is consistent with other recent findings from contingent valuation surveys. Women have stronger beliefs than men about consequences for self, others, and the biosphere, but there is no gender difference in the strength of value orientations.
Encouraging Proenvironmental Behavior
Authors: Potter Larry E. , Dwyer William O. , Leeming Frank C.
Published: March 2007

This article presents a case history of the development of an enforcement system for controlling environmental problems in an urban setting. It details a long-term effort to coordinate and refine the judicial and executive branches of local government to allow the effective application of consequences to manage environmental-code violations. Special emphasis is placed on how incorporation of behavioral principles resulted in a system that has become a model for communities throughout the United States.
The Mexican Herald: Outpost of Empire, 1895-1915
Authors: Knudson Jerry W.
Published: March 2007

In the globalization of our economy, scant attention has been paid by scholars to the proliferation of English-language newspapers around the world designed to attract or protect American or British investments. This is a study of one such newspaper, the Mexican Herald (1895-1915), one of the early handmaidens of business that presaged the multinational corporations of today. Founded by an American, Frederick J. Guernsey, the Mexican Herald served an enclave of 25,000 American businessmen in Mexico City. The newspaper was dismayed by the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, which threatened to wipe out foreign holdings. In particular, the Herald targeted Emiliano Zapata, the agrarian reform leader, for his unremitting attack on the large landowners and therefore private property in general. The Herald supported two reactionary regimes and sent a delegation to Washington, DC before being closed in 1915 by the Revolution which it never understood.
Democratization: The Dominant Imperative for National Communication Policies in Africa in the 21st Century
Authors: Blake Cecil
Published: March 2007

This article advances the argument that the dominance of the democratization agenda worldwide has created an environment in Africa which has resulted in a major shift from development-driven imperatives to a democratization-driven imperative for policy formulation. The article focuses on the growing need for an independent media authority/commission, the print and electronic media, oramedia and human resources concerns. Some of the major forces at play such as cultural factors that are inherently contradictory to the democratization agenda are addressed. A skeletal framework for a national communication policy for the subsectors discussed is presented.
Political Communication in Presidential Regimes in Non-Consolidated Democracies
Authors: Chalaby Jean K.
Published: March 2007

This article attempts to comprehend the nature of political communication in presidential regimes in non-consolidated (or destructured) democracies. To this end, the article uses a comparative framework to distinguish four different political communication systems found in totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, presidential regimes in non-consolidated democracies and in liberal-democratic systems. It is argued that the nature of political communication in presidential systems in non-consolidated democracies is shaped by the powers conferred upon presidents, their opposition to the parliament and the charismatic basis of their authority. On the basis of two cases, the French Fifth Republic under de Gaulle in the 1960s and the Ukraine following its gaining independence in the early 1990s, it is suggested that the model of political communication which prevails in presidential regimes in non-consolidated democracies constitutes an ideal type which is distinct from all other models of political communication.
But Is It Art?
Authors: Mauws Michael K.
Published: March 2007

This article illustrates the potential contribution of discourse analysis to the field of judgment and decision making through an empirical investigation of the adjudication of musical submissions made to a government program aimed at funding musical development. The results indicate that the process of decision making is a fundamentally social activity and that its outcomes depend on the broader discursive formation in which it takes place.
Leadership on Race in a Changing Suburban High School
Authors: Connelly Patrick I.
Published: March 2007

Educational leaders face significant obstacles when attempting to work on race relations in schools. This article describes the response of one suburban high school to its changing racial composition. The perspectives of several key leaders are presented, and three key leadership events are examined. An analysis of these events using embedded intergroup relations theory reveals that the high school and the community were unable to authorize key members to do the work of improving race relations. Furthermore, significant boundary problems, such as central office intrusion and the absence of key members of the high school community, weakened the efforts of concerned staff. The study suggests that the application of embedded intergroup relations theory to race relations in schools improves the likelihood of successful research and consultations.
A Literary Examination of Electronic Meeting System Use in Everyday Organizational Life
Authors: McLeod Poppy Lauretta
Published: March 2007

This article is based on imagining the widespread daily use of electronic meeting systems (EMS) technology in organizations. Three famous meetings from popular literature—the Mad Tea Party, Twelve Angry Men, and the Last Supper—are used as case studies to illustrate dynamics common in organizational groups. The implications of technology use for the management of these dynamics is discussed, and suggestions are offered for an agenda and new metaphors to guide the next generation of EMS research.
Family Therapy Meets Self-Managing Teams
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Connerley Mary L. , Zuniga Carla A. , Goel Sanjay
Published: March 2007

This study is an exploratory examination of the usefulness of a family therapy–grounded theoretical perspective to that of the self-managing team domain. Specifically, the authors use the Beavers system model, a widely accepted clinical model of family development, as the basis for assessing various aspects of team development. Results partially support the utility of the Beavers model linking individuals’perceptions of their teams to both objective and subjective measures of performance.
Anisotropic Plate Analysis-Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ashton J.E.
Published: March 2007

The requirements on the boundary conditions of the assumed series in a Ritz solution for anisotropic plates is discussed for classical and elastically restrained boundary conditions. A convenient method is indicated for handling elastically restrained boundary conditions which satisfies the natural boundary conditions for orthotropic or iso tropic plates and which utilizes the integration formulas given in a previous paper. Extensive numerical results are presented to illus trate the solution method for series satisfying only the geometrical boundary conditions and for series satisfying both natural and geo metrical boundary conditions.
Inelastic Analysis of a Unidirectional Composite Subjected to Transverse Normal Loading
Authors: Adams Donald F.
Published: March 2007

Composite material behavior is divisible into three distinct re gimes, linear elastic response up to the elastic limit, inelastic be havior beyond the elastic limit and up to that point at which first failure occurs locally, and subsequent crack propagation and total composite failure. The first regime has been thoroughly explored in previous investigations, while the second is the main topic of the present paper. The third is briefly discussed and is a subject under investigation.

Utilizing a finite element analysis, numerical results are obtained for composite behavior beyond the elastic limit and up to first failure. Examples representative of several actual material systems are presented and discussed in detail.

Results indicate that extensive local yielding and redistribution of stresses can occur in a composite with very little indication of such behavior being apparent by observation of the total stress- strain response of the composite alone. Thus, the establishment and interpretation of design criteria and theories of failure should be evaluated in light of these results and their implications with re spect to such phenomena as fatigue life and fracture behavior, among others.