bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Love and Altruism
Authors: BOLLE FRIEDEL
Published: March 2007

Welfare interdependencies between individuals are sometimes expressed as consumption externalities and sometimes as utility externalities. Besides the question of whether it is possible to decide between these approaches on the basis of observations, the connection of the approaches is rather interesting. The derivation of consumption externalities from utility externalities is nontrivial and allows far-reaching interpretations. Widespread love within a group has strong positive effects; widespread hate has surprisingly little consequences. Common “friends” as well as common “enemies” can cause altruistic (efficient) behavior within a group. There are also implications for reciprocal behavior.
On Equity and Utility
Authors: van WIJCK PETER
Published: March 2007

In different disciplines, different answers tend to be given to the question of which distribution of income is considered desirable by an individual. Studies dealing with this question are generally of a monodisciplinary nature. This article, on the other hand, is intended to be a contribution to an interdisciplinary approach to this question. First, the answers given by social psychologists and sociologists, on the one hand, and by economists, on the other, are presented. Subsequently, the relation between equitable and preferable distributions is investigated. Finally, the article deals with the conditions under which utility maximization yields the choice of an equitable distribution.
GAME THEORY AND EMOTIONS
Authors: Brams Steven J.
Published: March 2007

To illustrate the rational-choice modeling of emotions, a game-theoretic model of frustration, in which players respond in anger to their lack of control, is developed. Of the 57 distinct 2 × 2 strict ordinal conflict games, 12 turn out to be `frustration games', in four of which `threat power', based on the theory of moves, offers relief to the frustrated player. Aristophanes' play, Lysistrata, in which the frustrated women induce the men to stop fighting by abstaining from sex, illustrates the exercise of this power. Shakespeare's Macbeth, in which Lady Macbeth, furious at her husband's vacillation, incites him to murder King Duncan, illustrates the choice of `non-myopic equilibria' in six `self-frustration games'. In both cases, the players, who start out at inferior states, move initially to still worse states, exploding in anger to effect better outcomes. Conditions are given for the rationality of such moves.
IDENTITY, INTEREST AND EMERGENT RATIONALITY
Authors: Macy Michael W.
Published: March 2007

Identity and interest paradigms provide rival explanatory frameworks: One portrays group solidarity as the affirmation of cognitive categories, while the other looks for the incentives that motivate collective action among rational egoists. Neither is fully adequate. Identity theory emphasizes the cohesive effects of similarity but overlooks the causal importance of self-interest in a collective good. Interest theory emphasizes the solidary effects of interdependence but struggles to explain enthusiastic self-sacrifice and moral righteousness. I propose a synthetic reformulation of identity and interest, based on two corresponding strategies in the evolution of cooperation: kin and reciprocal altruism. This evolutionary approach, however, entails a fundamental rethinking of basic concepts in rational choice theory—a shift from `purposive' to `emergent' rationality.
REVOLUTION AND RISK
Authors: Snijders Chris , Raub Werner
Published: March 2007

We analyze the effects of risk preferences on cooperative behavior in a repeated Prisoner's Dilemma. We show that, counterintuitively, risk aversion favors cooperative behavior. Hence, if people are risk averse for gains and risk seeking for losses, conditions for cooperation are less restrictive when outcomes represent gains than if outcomes represent losses. In an experimental test of this prediction, we find that risk aversion indeed favors cooperation. After controlling for the effect of risk preferences, we do not find any empirical evidence for a difference between cooperation in social dilemmas in which outcomes represent gains and dilemmas where outcomes represent losses. The relevance of this result with respect to theories of collective action, in particular Coleman's account of theories of revolution, is outlined.
Puerto Rican Cultural Beliefs: Influence on Infant Feeding Practices in Western New York
Authors: Higgins Barbara
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural beliefs and practices of Puerto Rican families that influence feeding practices and affect the nutritional status of infants and young children. The goal of the study was to outline strategies that would enable nurses to provide culturally congruent care for this population. Culture care theory guided the research, and an ethnonursing methodology was used. From interviews with 10 key and 5 general informants, 11 universal and 2 diverse themes were abstracted. The dimensions of kinship, cultural values, lifeways, and philosophical beliefs were found to influence Puerto Rican infant feeding practices. The cultural belief that big is healthy was found to be integrally related to cultural feeding practices. Strategies are suggested to facilitate provision of culturally congruent care for Puerto Rican infants and children in an ambulatory setting.
Take-A-Village (TAV): A Metaphorical Model for Health Promotion
Authors: Nwoga Imelda A.
Published: March 2007

Because of the emerging minority concept in American society, nursing in the new millennium is committed to designing culturally appropriate community health nursing models. The purpose of this article is to build one metaphorical model for health promotion inductively from substantive data obtained in a qualitative research. In one study, the take-a-village (TAV) construct was conceptualized as a kin and a social network system. TAV was born out of a popular African adage that “it takes a village to raise one single child.” The TAV model emerged during the analysis phase of the study. This model-building exercise explored the tenets of the TAV construct for use in building a community health practice model for health promotion.
Stranger to Friend Enabler: Creating a Community of Caring in African American Research Using Ethnonursing Methods
Authors: Plowden Keith O. , Wenger Anna Frances Z.
Published: March 2007

African Americans are facing a serious health crisis. They are disproportionately affected by most chronic illnesses. The disparity among ethic groups as it relates to health and illness is related to psychosocial and biological factors within the African American culture. Many African Americans are sometimes reluctant to participate in studies. This article discusses the process of creating a caring community when conducting research within an African American community based on the experience of the authors with two faith communities in a southern metropolitan area in the United States. The process is identified as unknowing, reflection, presence, and knowing. The process is based on Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality and her stranger to friend enabler. When the theory and method are used, the investigator moves from a stranger within the community to a trusted friend and begins to collect rich and valuable data for analysis from the informants’ point of view.
Transcultural Care Principles, Human Rights, and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Leininger Madeleine
Published: March 2007

During the past three decades, the author has developed and used some general principles to guide transcultural instruction, practice and research. These principles were developed from my transcultural care theory, research studies and direct clinical experiences, consultation and general writings on the subject [Leininger 1967, 1970, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984a, 1984b, 1988, 1989, 1990]. The principles include some assumptive premises with regard to universal and diverse considerations of human beings with the importance to know and respect the cultural rights of people in order to provide meaningful, satisfying and appropriate culture care to people. Through the years, a number of nursing students, faculty, and clinicians have used these principles, rights and ethical considerations to guide them in their thinking and to protect client's human and ethical rights. Since many nurses frequently request copies of these statements for teaching, consultation and clinical work, they are published below with this intent in mind.
Granny Midwives in Mississippi: Career and Birthing Practices
Authors: Reeb Rene M.
Published: March 2007

In this study career and birthing practices of Mississippi granny midwives who held permits and practiced in the early 1980's are reported. Leininger's (1978, 1985) mini ethnonursing method was used as the primary research approach. Although other authors have studied granny mid-wives in the South using alternate research methods such as Mongeau (1973) in North Carolina using analysis of historical documents and field research; Campbell (1946) in Georgia using field study research; Kroska (1985) in Alabama using mini-ethnography, to date no one has systematically studied granny midwives and their practices in Mississippi. Patterns and themes from verbatim and record analysis data indicate that the Mississippi granny midwives were practitioners who were called by God to practice. The majority had a mother or aunt who had also been a midwife. They used an oligopolistic market approach combined with altruism and care. They practiced family centered maternity care while using three practice modalities of folk, professional and motherwit for enacting their practice. Although their practice was externally regimented, they practiced in an autonomous way as their individual judgment dictated.
Community Assessment in a Suburban Hispanic Community: A Description of Method
Authors: Ludwig-Beymer Patti , Blankemeier Julie R. , Casas-Byots Clemencia , Suarez-Balcazar Yolanda
Published: March 2007

The Hispanic population is growing rapidly and is composed of individuals from many countries with varying levels of acculturation, education, income, and citizenship status. The Genesis Health and Empowerment Program was developed locally in 1993 to improve the health status of Hispanics living in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. Understanding the quality of life and its cultural patterning for the community is an essential aspect of planning and implementing a health care delivery program. Using Leininger's Theory of Culture Care: Diversity and Universality as a framework, adapted the Concerns Report Method was essential for data collection. This paper describes the method used for learning about the Hispanic community. Steps included conducting three focus groups, constructing a structured interview guide, collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting the findings to the community. Some very preliminary findings are presented and implications for transcultural health care are described.
Culturally Competent Health Care: A Challenge for Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Luna Linda
Published: March 2007

An emerging global reality is the presence of a culturally diverse workforce in health care environments. Not only are nurses delivering care to culturally diverse clients, the nurses themselves may come from different cultural and educational backgrounds. In order to provide culturally competent health care, such diversity must be molded into professional collaboration and respect. To date, health care to the citizens of Saudi Arabia has been provided largely by a foreign labor force, the vast majority of whom are non-Arabic speaking. This paper explores a number of strategies aimed at educating expatriate non-Saudi health professionals in the provision of culturally competent and culturally congruent health care. Leininger's transcultural health care theory is identified as the framework for achieving this goal. The theory has proved to be of great relevance in a hospital setting where some 40 different nationalities are represented among the work force. In such a setting, the potential for cultural conflict and stress is very real. Health professionals new to the Kingdom are introduced to the cultural dimensions of health care as it relates to patient care modes, as well as living and working together in a transcultural environment. Transcultural nursing is a major component of a professional nurse practice model which provides a visionary perspective for nursing care. Within the practice model, transcultural care principles are used to guide education, clinical practice and nursing research. Furthermore, Leininger's theory serves to grasp a comprehensive view of generic (folk) and professional health systems and to identify ethical issues confronted by nurses in the transcultural setting.
Utilising Culturally Congruent Strategies to Enhance Recruitment and Retention of Australian Indigenous Nursing Students
Authors: Omeri Akram , Ahern Maureen
Published: March 2007

Recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) nursing students has been the concern of many faculties of nursing across Australia for some time. Multiple factors and issues have been raised to address recruitment, and most important retention, of ATSI students in undergraduate nursing programs. This article, through a review of the literature, explores and describes discoveries and discusses the importance of culturally meaningful strategies and knowledge as significant in addressing this core issue. Strategies for change in relation to curriculum design and faculty education in transcultural nursing are described.
Toward a Neocolonial Model of Adolescent Crime and Violence
Authors: TATUM BECKY L.
Published: March 2007

A theoretical framework is offered that addresses the limitations of mainstream structural theories and the colonial model in explaining high rates of crime and violence among African American youth. The neocolonial model analyzes the effects of race, social class, and the interactive effect of these variables on structural experiences and illustrates how these factors affect attitudes and behaviors. Making both inter- and intragroup comparisons, the perspective posits that lower-class African American youth, especially males, are at most risk of selecting violent and criminal responses.
Private Security: Enigma and Overlooked Resource
Authors: Beardsley Bob
Published: March 2007

This article fist appeared in the June 1985 issue of The Silver Star, official publication of the San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs' Association. It has been rewritten and updated to include legislative changes, recent case law, and revised statistical data.
Economic Analysis and the Future of Criminal Justice Education
Authors: Domingo Jannette O.
Published: March 2007

The analysis of crime has become part of the mainstream of contemporary economics - including the central theoretical and policy controversies of the discipline. At the same time, economic analysis is increasingly recognized an essential component of the study of the decision making behavior of individuals and organizations as law breakers, law abiders, law enforcers, or as victims of crime. Many fields of economics - labor economics, urban economics, economics of discrimination, and especially public sector economics and business economics - can substantially enrich the criminal justice curriculum.
Attitudes Toward Electronic Monitoring of Offenders: A Survey of Probation Officers and Prosecutors
Authors: Johnson Byron R. , Haugen Linda , Maness Jerry W. , Ross Paul P.
Published: March 2007

In recent years, the implementation of electronic monitoring has been widely accepted by some elements of the criminal justice system. While to date most information is anecdotal rather than scientific, the use of electronic monitoring continues to gain support as a sentencing alternative. In order to gain insight into anumberofkey issues, prosecutors and probation officers were surveyed in regard to their opinions toward various applications, advantages, and disadvantages of electronic monitoring. The results indicate considerable support for the current and continued use of electronic monitoring.
Life or Death Decisions: Prosecutorial Power vs. Equality of Justice
Authors: Caulfield Susan L.
Published: March 2007

This paper addresses constitutional safeguards as they apply to capital punishment; specifically, the lack of such safeguards regarding the use of prosecutorial discretion. In particular, the use of discretion at the charging stage is examined. Such analysis shows clear room for misuse of discretion and seeks to find methods by which such discretion can be restrained. Lastly, the existence of such misuse, and the implications for arbitrary and discriminatory application of the death sentence, raise issues of state priorities. Specifically, what is at issue is equality of justice having to compete with bureaucratic efficiency, and the implications of such competition for the justice system.
Local Programs and State Dollars: Performance Reward Funding and Intergovernmental Relations in Texas Criminal Justice
Authors: Cuvelier Steven J. , Jones Mark
Published: March 2007

As technological advances cause governmental activities to become more complex, the traditional bureaucratic style of organization is becoming obsolete The systems perspective, widely utilized in the private sector, may offer promising alternatives This article exemplifies the problems facing corrections with recent attempts in Texas to alleviate prison and jail crowding and suggests how the systems perspecitive may offer alternatives for organizing criminal justice.
Gang and Non-Gang Youth: Differences in Explanatory Factors
Authors: Esbensen Finn-Aage , Huizinga David , Weiher Anne W.
Published: March 2007

An apparently common assumption about juvenile gangs is that they are composed of individuals who are substantially different from other youth that are not gang members. Little empirical evidence exists to support such an assumption. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that most knowledge about gangs has been derived from data gathered by police gang units or from observational or case studies. Very little information has been derived from surveys or interviews with a general sample of youth. In this paper, data from the Denver Youth Survey, a longitudinal study of families, are used to examine the characteristics of gang members and to explore the extent to which gang members differ from non-gang members on key theoretical variables. Findings suggest that while gang members differ from non-offending youth on a number of social psychological variables, they do not differ from other youth involved in serious "street" level offending.
Limitations in the Pro-Arrest Response to Spouse Abuse
Authors: Hutchison Ira W. , Hirschel J. David
Published: March 2007

After a decade of research, the deterrent effect of arrest on spouse abuse recidivism has not been clearly established. The pro-arrest movement has, however, emerged as the mainstay of public policy; an overly simplistic solution for a complex social problem. It is suggested that the continuing high rates of spouse abuse have less to do with the failure of police to arrest than to a collective failure of imagination. While arrest is an important option, an over-reliance on pro-arrest police procedures may have impeded the development of more comprehensive and imaginative social policies. Policy makers must look beyond the police in developing both long term and short term responses to spouse abuse.
Questioning the Utility and Fairness of Immigration and Naturalization Service Detention
Authors: WELCH MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

As the immigration crisis escalates, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officials have responded with several measures designed to reduce illegal immigration. In particular, INS has increased the use of detention for purpose of deterrence, a policy that has stirred controversy among immigration experts. Critics of INS policy insist that for most undocumented immigrants, detention is unnecessary; moreover, critics charge that conditions of confinement are exceedingly harsh and periods of detention are unreasonably prolonged. This article discusses the conditions of confinement at INS facilities and delineates several key aspects of the controversy surrounding INS detention policy.
Rocking the Rank and File
Authors: MILLER SUSAN L.
Published: March 2007

Paramilitary “masculine” police organizations are often viewed as a site for socially constructed gendered action. Policing emphasizes gendered divisions of labor and the construction of different police images for male and female officers. The female voice of justice, however, stresses the values of care, connection, and relational concerns. Similar values have been used to characterize recent police reforms that adopt a more community-oriented role for police. This conceptual article explores the contradictions inherent in the conflict between traditional policing styles and beliefs and alternative policing strategies, such as community policing. Also discussed are the strategies used in community policing to personalize law enforcement and the implications for these alternative philosophies and practices in light of gendered action.
Policing Organized Crime
Authors: BEARE MARGARET E. , MARTENS FREDERICK T.
Published: March 2007

This article identifies three structural, procedural and policy decisions that relate to organized crime law enforcement: the structure of the investigative agencies dedicated to containing organized crime, the relationship between the police and the prosecutorial authority, and the use of forfeiture laws and decisions as to who should benefit from these illicit proceeds. Within a frame-work of globalization, we recognize the need for a degree of uniformity in law enforcement across jurisdictions in order to attempt to target transnational criminals. Pressures are put on countries to meet new international standards and to put into force legislation that is compatible with the laws and procedures in place in other jurisdictions. In an explorative manner, we compare and contrast the U.S.-style of investigating organized crime to that of Canada and examine the possible “Americanization” of Canadian policing. The objective of this article is not to recommend what ought to be the response in terms of organized crime enforcement, but rather, bearing in mind traditions, to identify some of the key fundamental differences between our two approaches and to acknowledge the weaknesses and strengths inherent in the various strategies.
The Application of Smart Structures to the Vibration Suppression Problem
Authors: Garcia Ephrahim , Dosch Jeff , Inman Daniel J.
Published: March 2007

The development of smart structures has seen many applications both in areas of acoustics and vibrations. We will explore a problem in vibration suppression where the application of smart structures is not only logical but necessary. This system is the control of a flexible ribbed antenna structure. In order to better incorporate smart structures into the vibration suppression problem, a methodology for utilizing a single piezoceramic segment as both a sensor and an actuator simultaneously has been de veloped. The technique for accomplishing this will be presented, and experimental results for the structure will be shown.
Adaptive Control of Space Truss Structures by Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Shibuta Shigeto , Morino Yoshiki , Shibayama Yuzo , Sekine Koji
Published: March 2007

Control/structure interaction problems are much concerned with the atti tude stability of space structures and the accuracies of on-board instruments as the sizes and flexibilities of structures increase. In this paper, an attempt to integrate collocated actuators and sensors into truss structures and to suppress the vibration or to adjust the truss geometry is investigated. For both functions of vibration suppression and shape adjustment, piezoelectric actuator Type-I was manufactured. And, for the purpose of increasing the abilities of vibration suppression, another type of actuator (Type-II) was designed. Some experimental results and analyses show the capabilities of vibration sup pression and precise adjustment of truss geometry by these piezoelectric actuators.
Analytical Optimization of Coating Properties for Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Carman Gregory , Reifsnider Kenneth
Published: March 2007

An elasticity solution is presented for the problem of a continuous cylindrically shaped coated sensor/actuator embedded in a material system subjected to transverse strains. Results are presented for an AS4/epon 828 material system containing fiber optic sensors coated with dif ferent interphase materials. These data demonstrate that an optimal coating stiffness and thickness exists which minimizes the stress state in the host material. The optimal interphase corresponds to an integrated material system whose transverse stiffness values are similar to the host material. The results suggest that with the optimal interphase region, the onset of damage can successfully be delayed and may provide a material system whose transverse strength rivals that of the host material. Design curves are also presented for optimizing the interphase coating thickness and modulus for a general family of sensors and actuators.
Equilibrium States of LYAM System
Authors: Sayeh M.R. , Athinarayanan R.
Published: March 2007

In this paper, a study of the Lyapunov Associative Memory (LYAM) is given. This system is constructed by a set of ordinary differential equations, and its stable equilibrium states store pattern cluster information. The study shows that the single-class system is always globally stable; the many-class system has many unstable activation states and at least one stable category state representing the learned information. A rigorous stability study of the many-class system is difficult, and it remains to be investigated.
Communication Networks in Task-Performing Groups
Authors: Brown Thomas M. , Miller Charles E.
Published: March 2007

In an experiment on the emergence of communication networks, 48 groups, each consisting of 4 or 5 members, were randomly assigned to the cells of a 2 (high vs. low time pressure) 2 (high vs. low task complexity) factorial design and completed a decision-making task. The interpersonal dominance of each member was measured via the Dominance scale of the Personality Research Form (PRF). Results showed that members higher in dominance emerged as more central in the group communication network, both sending and receiving more messages than members lower in dominance. Group members correctly perceived that those higher in dominance participated more in discussion. Communication was more centralized in groups that worked on the low complexity task than in groups that worked on the high complexity task. Members correctly perceived that participation was more unequally distributed in more centralized groups. An anticipated interaction effect, with time pressure moderating the effect of task complexity, was not supported.
A Matrix Model of the Small Group
Authors: Boyd Robert D.
Published: March 2007

Small groups are conceptualized as being composed of three systems and involved with three primary tasks The three systems are the social, the personality, and the cultural. Each of these in turn is involved with working on three tasks: establishing identity, developing modes of relating, and solving reality-adaptive problems. The Matrix Model is conceptualized in five perspectives: the adaptive, developmental, structural, transactional, and gestalt points of view. The argument is made that a synthesis of knowledge of small groups will provide for a more meaningful and useful understanding The matrix provides a holistic and empirical framework within which studies can be productively conducted.
An Interactionist Analysis of Small Group Peer Assessment
Authors: Montgomery Barbara M.
Published: March 2007

This research investigates the relative and interactive effects of rater-, ratee-, relationship-, situational-, and group-level contingencies on peer assessments of open communication. A round-robin analysis of variance and covariance was used to analyze peer ratings for 54 subjects participating in 9 small groups on two occasions. The results suggest that, given certain procedural conditions, peer assessments are highly reliable and valid. Rater bias accounted for a relatively small amount of rating variance. Ratings were best predicted by stable individual differences associated with ratees and situational contingencies. The results are discussed in light of the current controversy surroundingpeer assessments and the utility of an interactionist approach for understanding communication behavior in small group settings.
Psychodrama Participants' Perception of Therapeutic Factors
Authors: Kellermann Peter Felix
Published: March 2007

This study investigates psychodrama participants' perception of therapeutic factors with a new questionnaire constructed on the basis of six categories: emotional abreaction (EA), interpersonal relationship (IP), cognitive insight (CI), behavioral learning (BL), therapist qualities (TQ), and nonspecific healing aids (NS). The 60-item questionnaire was administered to 40 participants of psychodrama in an attempt to assess which specific events they found most helpful. This same questionnaire was also given to a control group of 42 persons without any previous experience in psychotherapy who were asked what they ideally would find helpful in psychotherapy. The results show that EA and CI were perceived as most helpful by the psychodrama group, whereas the control group found NS most helpful. These results suggest that participants of psychodrama and verbal group psychotherapy appreciate similar therapeutic factors, which is in agreement with most earlier research in this area.
The Question Of Casualities In Inpatient Small Group Psychoterapy
Authors: Erickson Richard C.
Published: March 2007

The issue of whether group psychotherapy is harmful to some inpatients, although significant, is meaningless in the absence of further specification of what is being done with whom. The question of therapeutic "casualties" deserves more than the passing attention it has received in the research literature. Although there exists a clinical folklore regarding patients who must be protected from group therapy, the conceptual and empirical grounds for such decisions are exceedingly shaky if not nonexistent.
Social Cognitive Structures
Authors: Diekhoff George M. , Holder Bruce A. , Burks Ron
Published: March 2007

Graphic methods of assessing family structure, such as family sculpting, the family circle method, and family systems drawings, can reflect the social perceptions and cognitions of family members in therapy, but are nonquantitative, lack standardiza tion, and suffer from problems related to their subjective interpretations. In the present study, multidimensional scaling (MDS) was examined as an alternative in evaluating the social cognitive structures of couples in marriage counseling. Ten married couples (five in counseling and five not in counseling) rated family members on 25 attribute scales. Similarities derived from these ratings were analyzed through ordinal Euclidian MDS to yield "family structure maps. " These maps revealed that counseling subjects saw themselves as relatively less similar to their spouses, believed that this distance could be reduced if both spouses would move toward imagined ideals, and saw greater need for spousal change than self-change. Noncounseling subjects, in contrast, saw greater need for self-change than spousal change. Potential uses and advantages of family structure mapping are discussed.
Why Assertiveness Training Programs Fail
Authors: Ruben Douglas H. , Ruben Marilyn J.
Published: March 2007

This second decade of research in and practice of assertiveness training calls forth mixed reactions. This article identifies promising developments in contrast to recurrent mistakes found in such training programs. It discusses overlooked problems that arise in negative image, curriculum format, and generalizability of learned skills. Curriculum format, in particular, faces unresolved difficulties with definitions of assertiveness, models of training, and inadequacies of instructor preparation. Risks of established programs in business and psychotherapy may outweigh presumed benefits; elicited "assertiveness " may not result in positive short- and long-term outcomes for all persons in all situations. Recommendations to enhance interventions are provided, derived largely from behavioral systems theory.
Can Open-Ended Groups Move Beyond Beginnings?
Authors: Schopler Janice H. , Galinsky Maeda J.
Published: March 2007

Practitioners often question whether open-ended groups can move beyond formative issues. A survey of 116 open-ended groups suggests some open-ended groups do have potential for development beyond an initial stage. A toolfor assessing accomplishment of beginning tasks and survey results are presented with discussion of implications for clinical practice.
Group Cohesion and Performance
Authors: Evans Charles R. , Dion Kenneth L.
Published: March 2007

Past research examining group cohesion and performance was reviewed using metaanalysis. The results indicated a positive relationship with the average cohesive group performing 18 percentile points above the average noncohesive group. Given the nature of the studies used here (all studies had been previously published), caution is suggested in generalizing these results to "real" work groups.
Aids Prevention Groups as Persuasive Appeals
Authors: Macnair Rebecca R. , Ellioyt Timothy R. , Yoder Bruce
Published: March 2007

This study examined the effects of a group focused on prevention of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) on the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of participants. Persons in treatment for substance abuse participated in either one or two structured group experiences and completed an evaluation form that included measures of knowledge about HIV infection and AIDS prevention. Additionial measures of perceived relevance, behavioral intenitions, and attitudes toward condom use were also included. Results indicated that whereas participants in the groups demonstrated significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding HIV inzfection and prevention, their attitudes concerning behavior change and perceived relevance were not significantly different from clients in a wait-list control group. Post hoc analyses revealed that participants 'biases against condom use predicted behavioral intentions to take precautionary measures. Implications regarding cognitive processing models of persuasioni in therapy and prevention programs are discussed.
Developmental Patterns in Small and Large Groups
Authors: Wheelan Susan A. , Mckeage Robert L.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated developmental patterns in small and large groups. The research asked whether there were proportional differences in the kinds of verbal statements made in these group types and whether these proportions changed over time. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed both similarities and differences between the group types. Of the seven investigated categories of verbal statements, the proportions and sequencing of Dependent, Counterdependent, and Counterpersonal statements were similar in both group types. The sequencing of Pairing and Fight statements was also similar The small groups generated significantly more Pairing, Flight, and Work statements and less Fight statements. The developmental sequence in both group types was more similar than different. However, participation, Pairing, and Work were significantly lower in the large groups and Fight was significantly higher The study concluded that increased group size does not radically alter development but does appear to negatively affect participation, cohesion, and productivity.
Improving Decision Quality in the Small Group
Authors: Schultz Beatrice , Ketrow Sandra M. , Urban Daphne M.
Published: March 2007

The assumption that the quality of group decisions depends on satisfying certain requisite communication functions underpins much research on small groups. Paradoxically, even when groups are knowledgeable about required functions, interactional and situational constraints can interfere with their use. This study tested whether imposing a reminder function into the group ensures a decision process that optimizes group effectiveness. Results indicate that groups trained in decision processes produce higher quality decisions than do untrained groups but that trained groups with nonleader reminders produce significantly higher quality decisions than do either trained or untrained groups.
A Simple Dynamic Model of Social Factors in Group Brainstorming
Authors: Brown Vincent , Paulus Paul B.
Published: March 2007

The interactions between individuals in a group setting are a natural areafor the application of dynamic systems modeling. Groups gathered togetherfor the purpose of generating ideas are particularly suitable for a dynamic systems approach because each individual 's rate of idea production provides a natural time-varying measure of performnce. This article presents a dynamic model (differential equations) of group idea production designed to describe the effects that group members exert on each other's rates ofprocessing. Two of the most important factors influencing group idea-generation performance, the processes of production blocking and performance matching, are explicitly included in the model. The model is related to the existing literature on the "productivity gap" observed in brainstorning groups. One version of the model explicitly includes the cognitive processes of idea generation, working memory, and output. These types of models should aid theoretical development and the assessment of the role of social and cognitive factors in both conventional and electronic brainstorming.
Leveraging Diversity with Information Technology
Authors: Gopal Abhijit , Miranda Shaila M. , Robichaux Barry P. , Bostrom Robert P.
Published: March 2007

The role of diversity among individuals and groups in explaining differences in the results of group support system (GSS) use is recognized in the literature as important but has not been adequately investigated. Moreover, knowledge of such effects may be of limited use if a meaningful way of using this information is not available. This article looks into the effects of one aspect of diversity-gender In a preliminary analysis of gender effects, a model incorporating gender, attitude toward GSS, and variables that moderate the relationship between them is constructed. Data from two studies are used to test the model using the partial least-squares technique. The finding thatfemales had more positive attitudes toward GSS use is examined within the framework of the model, and suggestions are presented concerning the use of this information to improve GSS design and use as well as to study other aspects of workforce diversity. Although the analysis is exploratory in nature, it serves to show that the issues of gender and diversity are worthy offurther attention and demonstrates the usefulness of a modelfor the further study of gender in the context of variables that more fully reflect its role in GSS use.
The Impact of Brainstorming Techniques on Subsequent Group Processes
Authors: Kramer Michael W. , Kuo Chao Lan , Dailey John C.
Published: March 2007

Previous research on brainstorming and nominal group techniques has focused primarily on theirability to generate ideas without examining the impact of these procedures on actual group decision making. This experimental study found no difference in the decision quality of untrained, brainstorming, and nominal groups. However, brainstorming and nominal group members were more satisfied, felt their groups used a more effective process, andfelt they communicated more effectively than untrained groups. Such results suggest that the impact of these techniques goes beyond their ability to generate ideas by affecting group process and communication in positive ways.
Some Liberating Effects of Anonymous Electronic Brainstorming
Authors: Cooper William H. , Gallupe R. Brent , Pollard Sandra , Cadsby Jana
Published: March 2007

The high productivity of electronic brainstorming groups has been attributed to several factors, one of which is anonymity. The authors assessed the role of anonymity by randomly assigning brainstorming groups to one offour conditions: anonymous electronic, nonanonymous electronic, verbal, and nominal. The authors found some evidence that more controversial ideas were produced by members of anonymous electronic groups than by members of the other groups. The authors also found clear evidence that anonymous brainstorming groups produced more nonredundant ideas than did nonanonymous brainstorming groups.
The Dynamics of Multicultural Groups
Authors: Kelsey Barbara L.
Published: March 2007

Many studies of the power-and-prestige rank ordering in groups that are heterogeneous racially, ethnically, or culturally may have inadvertently confounded their results by sampling across socioeconomic class lines. This study was designed to eliminate that confound and to determine which of three theories (expectation states, social role, tokenism) could most accurately accountfor the power-and-prestige rank ordering in heterogeneous groups of Caucasian and Chinese males. In all groups, a Caucasian became the leader, even if he was the token, whereas Chinese group members participated less and had less influence than their Caucasian counterparts. These results are most accurately explained by revising tokenism theory to include the status characteristics conceptsfrom expectation states theory. Anotherfinding was that the person who participated the most was always judged to be the leader. This finding has practical implications: Managers might promote talkative people ahead of more qualified, but less talkative, individuals.
Computer Simulation to Study Inflammatory Response
Authors: An Gary , Lee Irene Anne
Published: March 2007

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and its progression to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome represent a major challenge in the field of trauma and critical care medicine. This disease state is a product of disorders of the body’s natural response to injury. Attempts to treat this at a molecular level using information from basic science research have been unsuccessful, even detrimental. It is possible that this is due to a failure to account for the nonlinear, complex nature of the inflammatory response in formulating treatment regimes. It is proposed that agent-based computer simulation may be a way to characterize the dynamics of the inflammatory response. This article presents an abstract model of a generic tissue system. Modeling the inflammatory response as a nonlinear complex system may produce simulations that will shed light on the complex nature of the inflammatory response. In the future, more sophisticated simulations may provide a testing framework for designing and evaluating treatment regimes.
Playing with “The Three Pigs”: Not Just for Children
Authors: Hill Jonnie L.
Published: March 2007

This simulation explores instruction that combines role-play with the word play of a fairy tale, “The Three Pigs,” in an English as a second language classroom. Two remedial composition classes of graduate students from various disciplines and nationalities participated in a four-session unit that included designing houses that would withstand high gusty winds, pneumatic drills, and explosives. Debriefing included a discussion of the activity and the rhetorical structure of oral presentations. The students’ attitudes and reactions to the use of children’s literature and simulations indicate acceptance of playfulness in an academic setting.
Demand Equations for Business Simulations with Market Segments
Authors: Teach Richard D.
Published: March 2007

This article presents a demand model which combines normal economic factors, such as price and advertising, with a set of physical attributes of products in establishing the market share allocations, as well as the aggregate levels of demand for business simulations. The usual assumptions of demand equations used in simulations (multiple firms producing homogeneous products and selling to a single market) are expanded to a more realistic representation of an actual marketplace. Multiple market segments exist, each with their own preference mapping. Different products may have different sets of physical attributes. Each product has its own set of attributes which are determined by the management team of the firm producing the product. In this model buyers choose among alternative products, selecting those that best fit their needs and desires. If similar products are produced, the market cannibalizes one productfor the other. If a product has only a few desirable characteristics, then the market will largely reject it. In the eyes of the buyer, the poorer the product, the fewer the sales. Marketing pressures from price, promotion, and sales force efforts affect demand but do not need to dominate the product attributes. The relative importance among the economic and product attributes can be controlled by the simulation administrator.
A Framework for Developing Simulation Game Systems
Authors: Yeo Gee Kin
Published: March 2007

Recent computerized simulation games have come with administration support systems and decision support systems for the participants. These support systems have been developed in the data file environment where a specific simulation game is built. Details about the data regarding where, how, and what are only coded in the simulation model. As such, retrieval of data for more flexible manipulation by the game administrator and the participants is difficult. Also, changes in the data representation as a result of any changes in the underlying simulation model cannot be readily reflected. Furthermore, most game data repeat in periods for the participants as they make decisions from period to period. It also repeats in the game zones for the game administrator when multiple games are run simultaneously. A database organization with a data dictionary taking these considerations into account should be useful. This article proposes an integrated framework called SG to coordinate all activities surrounding a simulation game to the game and organization databases through a game data dictionary. It enables the game administration system and the decision support system for the participants to be built and maintained more easily.
Cooperating when You Know Your Outcomes will Differ
Authors: Murnighan J. Keith
Published: March 2007

This article presents a new form of prisoner's dilemma (PD) game called asymmetric dilemmas (ADs). The underlying structure of ADs conforms to the requirements of a PD game, but mutually cooperative choices by the two parties give them known, different outcomes. Similarly, mutually noncooperative choices also give them different outcomes. This article summarizes the results of a series of experiments on ADs and presents the theoretical rationale derived from those findings. The results question the generality of Axelrod's confidence in the general utility of the tit-for-tat strategy and show that asymmetries are best solved via systems of complex alternation. Finally, the games and the theory can be easily adapted for classroom or training exercises on complex strategic planning in negotiations.
Validity, Reliability, and the Structure of Computerized Conversational Simulation
Authors: Coleman Douglas W. , Crookall David
Published: March 2007

In one particular type of computerized language-learning simulation, the computer takes on the role of a participant in the target language conversation. This type of simulation has been called a computer-assisted language-learning conversational simulation (CALL CS). We argue that the validity of a CALL CS (from the language teacher's point of view) depends on its structure, whereas its reliability (necessary for the willing suspension of disbelief by the language learner) derives from an absence of highly disruptive discourse disjunctures, or communicative breakdowns, as defined by Winograd and Flores.