bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Environmental Explanation for Race Differences in Basketball Performance
Authors: Carlston Donal E.
Published: March 2007

There is considerable evidence that black and white basketball players differ in their styles of play. Existing physiological, personality, and sociological explanations for these differences appear to be inadequate. An alternative environmental theory is proposed that links player styles and attitudes to environmental factors influencing inner city and on-city playground settings. Specifically, it is hypothesized that factors such as crowding foster the development of functional playing rules and norms, which in turn influence player development. This paper details possible causal relationships between different aspects of the playing environment and player skills, styles, and attitudes.
College Athletics On Trial: the Mark Hall Decision and Its Implications for the Future
Authors: Porto Brian L.
Published: March 2007

Disputes involving athletic scholarship recipients, their universities, and the N.C.A.A. are increasingly being brought to court for resolution. One such case is Hall v University of Minnesota wherein petitioner Mark Hall successfully sought to have his declaration of academic ineligibility overturned on the grounds that he had been denied due process of law. The real significance of the Hall case though, and the heart of this article, lies in its implications for future relations between athletes, universities, and professional sports leagues. Most notably, could a university recruit a student with an unimpressive high school transcript and subsequently suspend the student for subpar grades and have this reasonably be construed as a denial of a property right, i.e. the pursuit of a professional contract?

The article concludes that the question is likely to remain open and a potential subject for judicial scrutiny as long as: 1) athletes and coaches view intercollegiate athletics as a training ground for professional sports careers and 2) educators shirk their responsibility to clearly define the role of athletes in an academic community.
Ballgames of the North American Indians and in Late Medieval Europe
Authors: Penz Otto
Published: March 2007

At first sight North American Indian and ancient European games appear to be fairly different social activities. Observed closer though, these games and their texture reveal a surprising variety of common features. This paper represents a first attempt to analyse relevant structural similarities (homologies) systematically by focusing upon ball games, in particular. The historical cross-cultural (or trans-atlantic) enterprise is based on two exemplary accounts of folk football and racket, respectively; i.e ., they signify "le take off" of the present ethnographic report which employs a theoretical framework provided by the French Annales-historians and N. Elias' theory of civilization.
Weltkrieg III?
Authors: Maguire Joseph , Poulton Emma , Possamai Catherine
Published: March 2007

This article examines past and present identity politics issues between England and Germany and considers the role of sport and the media in perpetuating national habitus. A qualitative case study of English and German media coverage of their semifinal match in the 1996 European Football Championships is used to illustrate the key issues. The Eliasian concepts of sleeping memories, imagined charisma, and fantasy shields are employed to construct an account of the current tensions evident in Anglo-German relations, which surface in media reporting of sporting contests. The authors’ findings point to the existence of an agenda based around nostalgia and ethnic assertiveness/defensiveness on the part of the English press, with references to the Second World War and the World Cup victory of 1966. The German press preferred to focus on the contemporary European political situation to assert their superiority over England—and to take further satisfaction from the victorious performance of their football team.
ACHIEVING TITLE IX GENDER EQUITY IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS IN AN ERA OF FISCAL AUSTERITY
Authors: Shaw Peter L.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the statutory background of Title IX and provides an analysis of three recent legal cases that address gender equity issues. Most specifically, the article examines three recent lawsuits, all initiated and decided after 1988 legislation reinvigorated Title IX. These cases involving Colorado State University, Brown University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania illustrate the approach the courts are taking on gender equity and the practical difficulties of achieving gender equity in an era of fiscal austerity. The article examines the impact of other recent litigation arising out of Title IX and analyzes the gender equity strategy of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The article concludes proposing a comprehensive game plan for Title IX compliance in today's fiscal climate by analyzing compliance factors, methods of achieving gender equity, and the economics and ethos of budget cutting.
SPORT AS INSTITUTIONALIZED CHARISMA
Authors: Mullan Michael L.
Published: March 2007

Allen Guttmann has developed an ideal type descriptive of the transformation from medieval leisure to modern sport. His method of type construction and its substantive components are replicas, shaped for the study of sport, of Weber's concept of Western rationalization. The rise of the Gaelic Athletic Association in late 19th-century Ireland represents the principal empirical universe used to assess the validity of Guttmann's ideal type. The Irish case study suggests that modern sport, at its historical moment of incorporation, was as much a project of irrational elements and affective rationality as it was instrumental action. Using the writings of Weber as a source and the early history of Irish sport, it is suggested that modern sport be conceived as a multidimensional institution existing in tension with bureaucratic and charismatic forms of control.
THE CHANGING GENDER ORDER IN SPORT?
Authors: Wheaton Belinda , Tomlinson Alan
Published: March 2007

New sports such as windsurfing have been perceived as the product of a postmodern society and culture in which sporting and physical activity offer a basis for the generation of new and multiple identities. Drawing on ethnographic work within England and across global subcultural networks, this article documents the persisting gendered basis of the subculture of windsurfing. It identifies the core principles of windsurfing's culture of commitment, the gender identities most prevalent within it, and the tension between dominant masculinity and the potentially empowering dimensions of the activity for women. The study also reiterates the importance of social class as a basis for the availability of life choices in sport and leisure, and of the centrality of ethnography and in-depth qualitative research in understanding how subcultures and their members live out gendered dynamics of power in the process of negotiating, renegotiating, and sometimes subverting the contemporary gender order.
AUDIENCE FRUSTRATION AND PLEASURE
Authors: Bruce Toni
Published: March 2007

Building on the extensive literature on media representations of women's sports, this study explored how fans of women's basketball interpreted television's representations of the game. In-depth interviews revealed that watching televised basketball was often frustrating for viewers who encountered representations that did not reflect their experiences or desires but, instead, devalued, trivialized, and stereotyped women athletes. However, rather than internalize such messages, as much research on media representations of sportswomen has assumed, they actively challenged television's view and created their own, more positive, interpretations. Their attempts to experience pleasure in televised women's basketball were, however, undercut by both the visual production and commentary.
Graduation of Disadvantaged Students
Authors: Piesco Judith Josephson , Podell Lawrence
Published: March 2007

The SEEK program in the senior colleges of the City University of New York provides special services (e.g., stipends, counseling, tutoring) to disadvantaged students. Cohorts of entering freshmen were followed through eight, ten, and twelve semesters, graduation data for SEEK students are compared to those for students who were eligible for SEEK, but denied admission to it by random procedures, and who entered the senior colleges anyway.
Determining the Cost-Effectiveness of Correctional Programs
Authors: Bloom Howard S. , Singer Neil M.
Published: March 2007

This article has two related purposes. One is to extend the methodology for evaluating correctional programs. Two aspects of this methodology are considered: (1) the measurement of a program's ability both to prevent and to postpone criminal behavior, and (2) the use of cost-effectiveness analysis. The second purpose of this article is to present an evaluation of Patuxent Institution, a unique, widely publicized correctional facility located in Jessup, Maryland. Our analysis indicates that Patuxent both prevents and postpones recidivism but at a considerable cost.
Measuring Program Outcome
Authors: Ihilevich David , Gleser Goldine C. , Gritter Gordon W. , Kroman Lenore J. , Watson Andrew S.
Published: March 2007

The Progress Evaluation Scales (PES) provide an efficient measuring devicefor evaluating current functioning, setting treatment goals, and assessing change over time in clinically relevant aspects of personal, social, and community adjustment. The PES can be completed by patients, significant others, and therapists, making it possible to obtain various points of view of the outcome of mental health services. This article describes the seven domains measured by the PES and the underlying dimensions they were designed to tap, and presents the generalizability, validity, and usefulness of the scales as applied to an adult mental health center population.
Spending Rates as Evaluative Tools
Authors: Blair John P.
Published: March 2007

Spending rates are used in program evaluation both explicitly and implicitly. This article presents an assessment of their use. It also shows that spending rates can be usefulproblem locators although they should be used in conjunction with other data and program analysis. The first section defines the basic spending rate. The second section discusses what spending rates show and describes their limitations. Alternative ways of analyzing spending rates and the advantages of each are discussed in the third section.
Critiquing Critiques
Authors: Larson Richard C.
Published: March 2007

In 1974 the results of widely publicized police experiment, the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment (KCPPE), were released. The experiment generated considerable dialogue among police practitioners and researchers alike, who debated such issues as the policy implications of the research findings and the methods employed for obtaining those findings. This author was one of several who wrote critiques of the KCPPE. In a recent issue of Evaluation Review, an article critiquing my critique was published. This note represents my response to that article.
Feasibility of Benefit-Cost Analysis of Data Programs
Authors: Spencer Bruce D.
Published: March 2007

Explicit consideration of benefits and costs is needed to determine how much to spendfor public data. It is argued that benefit-cost analysis is also feasible. In support of feasibility, a benefit-cost analysis of the 1970 census is discussed in some detail, with emphasis on allocative uses of the data. Other precedents are discussed for evaluating the production, analysis, and dissemination of forecasts and projections, data used for determining allocations, and physical monitoring data. The greatest potential value of benefit-cost analysis of data may be for social monitoring data, such as social and economic indicators.
An Empirical Evaluation of a Model of Knowledge Utilization
Authors: Bedell Jeffrey R. , Ward John C. , Archer Robert P. , Stokes M. Kirk
Published: March 2007

Long time lags between development and use of scientific innovations have resulted in much theorizing about the process of knowledge utilization. However. there is little empirical evidence for the validity of these theories. The present research is a retrospective investigation of the relationships between eight theoretical factors of knowledge utiliza tion (Davis, 1971) and whether or not treatment innovations had been implemented in mental health agencies following consultation. Significant relatioships are found for four factors. Agencies adopting the procedures report values and philosophies that are more similar to the values and philosophies embodied in the innovation; they report more accurate information and knowledge about the new procedures and how to implement them; they report a stronger need for change; and they report that they had anticipated more benefit prior to adopting the procedures than did nonusers.
Measuring Program Implementation with a Classroom Observation Instrument
Authors: Kerr Douglas M. , Kent Lori , Lam Tony C.M.
Published: March 2007

We present a classroom observation instrument (the Interactive Teaching Map) designed to measure implementation of a comprehensive educational program targeting classroom teaching strategies. Procedures for using the Interactive Teaching Map to collect data and to construct reliable measures of program implementation and outcome are described. It is argued that implementation analysis that incorporates measures constructed from classroom observation data can add to traditional experimental-control group comparison designs for assessing program effectiveness in diverse field settings and for providing formative feedback to program staff.
A Multiplist Strategy for Strengthening Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
Authors: Reynolds Kim D. , West Stephen G.
Published: March 2007

Evaluation researchers are often confronted with less than optimal conditions in which to design studies. When this occurs, researchers may be forced to utilize relatively weak designs that do not rule out all threats to internal validity. Using archival data from a sales campaign for a state lottery, this article illustrates a multiplist strategy (Cook, 1985) in which several complementary designs are utilized to help rule out the four threats to internal validity associated with the frequently utilized nonequivalent control group design. Specific methods for addressing each of these threats and strengthening the basic nonequivalent control groups design are also illustrated.
Stakeholder Participation and Utilization in Program Evaluation
Authors: Greene Jennifer G.
Published: March 2007

Field data from two case study evaluations are used to describe a set of dynamic linkages between stakeholder participation and utilization in program evaluation. Key elements of the participatory process employed are linked to cognitive, affective, and political dimensions of participation as experienced and reported by stakeholders. These dimensions are in turn linked to stakeholder attitudes and perceptions representing a high readiness for use or potential for utilization. In both sites, considerable actual utilization of evaluation findings was also documented.
Priority Determination in Surveys
Authors: Zoski Keith , Jurs Stephen
Published: March 2007

In a Delphi study of research needs in educational technology, 89 recognized leaders in educational technology suggested 163 research needs. A small number of high-priority needs was identified using an adaptation of the Scree test, a method that is usually restricted to factor analysis. The results indicated that the Scree test was a useful analytic tool for survey results. Its use should be extended to other applications.
Random Measurement Error Does Not Bias the Treatment Effect Estimate in the Regression-Discontinuity Design
Authors: Trochim William M.K. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Reichardt Charles S.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the regression-discontinuity (RD) design when there is random measure ment error and a treatment interaction effect. Two simulation issues -the specification of the pretest-posttest functional form and the choice of the point-of-estimation of the treatment effect- are examined Traditionally, an interaction effect in the general linear model has been con structed after centering the true scores by subtracting their mean. However, because the RD design has traditionally estimated the treatment effect at the cutoff, one is liable to obtain an apparently biased treatment effect that is actually attributable to the misspecification with regard to the point-of-estimation. Formulas are provided that allow one to control exactly in simulations the magnitude of a treatment effect at any point-of-estimation. These formulas can also be used for simulating the randomized experimental (RE) case where estimation is not at the pretest mean.
The Use and Reporting of Benefit-Cost Analyses By State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Authors: Lewis Darrell R. , Johnson David R. , Chen Tsuey-Hwa , Erickson Ronald N.
Published: March 2007

This article focuses on the current applications and reporting of benefit-cost analyses by many state VR agencies and proposes several alternative procedures for improving the economic analysis of these programs. The article (1) briefly reviews the current practices of most VR agencies in their use and reporting of benefit-cost results, (2) identifies several of the most problematic issues, and (3) illustrates with empirical data several alternative ways in which evaluation results relating to efficiency could be reported.
Adjusting the Census of 1990
Authors: Freedman David A. , Wachter Kenneth W. , Coster Daniel C. , Cutler D. Richard , Klein Stephen P.
Published: March 2007

Considering the difficulties, the Census Bureau does a remarkably good job at counting people. This article discusses techniques for adjusting the census. If there is a large undercount, these techniques may be accurate enough for adjustment. With a small undercount, they are unlikely to improve on the census; instead, adjustment could easily degrade the accuracy of the data. The focus will be sampling error, that is, uncertainty in estimates due to the luck of the draw in choosing the sample. Sampling error is a major obstacle to adjusting the 1990 census, even at the state level. To control sampling error, the Census Bureau used a smoothing model. However, the model does not solve the problem, because its effects are strongly dependent on unverified and implausible assumptions. This story has a broader moral. Statistical models are often defended on grounds of robustness, that is, estimates do not depend strongly on assumptions. But the standard errors, which are internally generated measures of precision, may be critical. Then caution is in order. If the model is at all complicated, the standard errors may turn out to be driven by assumptions not data—the antithesis of robustness.
An Alternative Model of the Reproductive Rate of Hiv Infection
Authors: Pinkerton Steven D. , Abramson Paul R.
Published: March 2007

The future course of the HIVlAIDS epidemic depends on the ratio of secondary to primary infections early in the epidemic. If this ratio, here called the reproductive rate of infection, exceeds unity then the epidemic can be expected to flourish ; otherwise it will eventually abate. Estimates of the reproductive rate of HIV infection, obtained via a Bernoulli process model of the sexual transmission of HIV, indicate that decreasing the infectivity of the virus, through the consistent use of condoms, for example, is more effective at reducing the reproductive rate of infection than is limiting the number of sexual partners, regardless of the initial prevalence of HIV infection in the population under consideration.
Evaluation of Public Involvement in Water Resources Planning
Authors: Syme Geoffrey J. , Sadler Brian S.
Published: March 2007

This article identifies evaluation ofdecisions incorporating public involvement as an area where views might differ according to the role of the stakeholder. The two authors have had extensive interaction in a wide variety of public involvement programs related to water resources, but from the differing perspectives of research and practice. Because of increasing public interest in quality public involvement programs, evaluation has a high priority for both authors. Based on theory and experience, six general criteria that are seen by both researcher and practitioner as requirements for adequate evaluation are presented in the context of a brief case study.
Using Focus Groups in Educational Research
Authors: Gilflores Javier , Alonso Cristina Granado
Published: March 2007

In the past few years, focus group research has been used increasingly in fields different from market research, in which the technique was developed. The application of focus groups in educational research has become particularly useful in evaluation, as an ideal qualitative technique to evaluate viability, to anticipate effects, and to evaluate implementation. This article describes the focus group technique, giving details about the methodological process, and includes a practical application: the study of teachers' perspectives toward the reform about to be applied in the Spanish educational system.
Predictors of Misreporting Cigarette Smoking Initiation Among Adolescents
Authors: Simon Thomas R. , Sussman Steve , Dent Clyde W. , Stacy Alan W. , Burton Dee , Flay Brian R.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the prevalence of invalid reports of cigarette smoking initiation among adolescents (i.e., reporting cigarette smoking at one time point and denying ever trying cigarettes at a subsequent time point) and the association of misreports with scores on other problem-prone variables. Misreports did not vary as a function of item complexity and did not reflect careless responding. In the seventh grade, misreporters' scores on the problem-prone variables were higher than those of nonsmokers and lower than those of smokers. In contrast, when measured in the eighth grade, misreporters' scores did not differ from those of nonsmokers. Misreporters did show a greater decrease in intentions to smoke, alcohol use, and number of friends who smoke compared to nonsmokers and consistent smokers. Explanations for these findings are discussed
How Can Theory-Based Evaluation Make Greater Headway?
Authors: Weiss Carol H.
Published: March 2007

The idea of theory-based evaluation (TBE) is plausible and cogent, and it promises to bring greater explanatory power to evaluation. However, problems beset its use, including inadequate theories about pathways to desired outcomes in many program areas, confusion between theories of implementation and theories of programmatic action, difficulties in eliciting or constructing usable theories, measurement error, complexities in analysis, and others. This article explores the problems, describes the nature of potential benefits, and suggests that the benefits are significant enough to warrant continued effort to overcome the obstacles and advance the feasibility of TBE.
Impact of Training On Leadership Development
Authors: Sogunro Olusegun Agboola
Published: March 2007

The study examined the impact of a 19-year-old leadership training program on the participants Both qualitative (interviews, document analyses, and direct observations) and quantitative (preworkshop, end-of-session, postworkshop, andfollow-up questionnaires) research techniques were combined in the study. Data were collected from four groups of stakeholders—namely, the participants, the sponsoring organizations, the instructors or facilitators, and the administrators of the program. In all, 234 respondents were involved in the study. The increase and/or changes in participants' leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes constituted the criteria used for determining the impact of the program. The participants perceived that, because of the training, their knowledge and skills increased and their attitudes changed from preworkshop to postwork shop. Significant differences m mean response values were found in the leadership behavior of the participants on the job after the training. Implications of the findings for organizations, programmers, and future research are discussed.
A Phenomenologic Study of Chronic Pain
Authors: Thomas Sandra P. , Johnson Mary
Published: March 2007

Researchers have seldom invited patients with chronic pain to describe their lived experiences. This phenomenologic study involved in-depth interviews with nine women and four men with nonmalignant chronic pain. The essence of participants’ experiences was unremitting torment by a force or monster that cannot be tamed. The body was altered and recalcitrant, the life world was shrunken, and the pain set up a barrier that separated them from other people. Time seemed to stop; the future was unfathomable. Findings of this study contribute to the phenomenological literature that explores the human body and its symbolic meanings and call into question the idealized positive depiction of chronic illness that is prominent in contemporary literature.
Management of Clinical Failure in Canadian Nursing Programs
Authors: Orchard Carole
Published: March 2007

There has been growing concern raised by nurse educators regarding the potentialfor litigation by nursing students who are dissatisfied with educators' appraisal of these students' clinical performance. A descriptive survey using a cross-sectional design was used to assess the relationship between institutional policies and procedures related to student clinical evaluation practices. Population for this survey was diploma and basic baccalaureate nursing programs in Canada (N = 94). The response rate to this survey was 86.2% (81/94 programs). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Reliability of the instrument was assessed using contingency tables comparing the data obtained with the same program's written policies and procedures (p = .50). There were five significant findings: (a) a lack of faculty evaluation standards; (b) clinical instructors evaluating students alone; (c) the same members serving on more than one level of review; (d) lack of procedures when conducting informal and formal hearings; and (e) alteration of professional judgments of nurse faculty by nonnurses.
Values Influencing Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions and Choices
Authors: Raines Deborah A.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this research was to identify the values influencing the nurses' perception and choice of behavior in a hypothetical clinical situation. The theoreticalframework was Rokeach 's theory on the nature of human values and value systems. A descriptive study using a mailed survey was conducted on a random sample of 331 members of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. Data on individual nurse's values, perception of information, and behavioral choices were collected with an investigator-developed questionnaire consisting of a values scale, and an information scale and choice alternatives related to three hypothetical vignettes: a low-birthweight infant, an infant with chromosomal anomalies, and a chronically ill infant. Results of this study indicate that nurses identified a hierarchy of values related to their practice. Information related to infant characteristics was consistently most important; however, in uncertain situations, rules or external protocols had an increased influence on the behavioral choice process. The behavioral choice option with the greatest agreement was differentfor each situation. A consistently negative correlation between the options within each vignette indicates that nurses have clearly defined choice preferences. Model testing revealed a consistent relationship across the three vignettes between the variable being just and protocol, doing right and infant characteristics, and infant characteristics and the choice options (p < .05).
The Effect of Nursing Interventions on Transcutaneous Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Tensions
Authors: Verderber Anne , Gallagher Kevin J. , Severino Richard
Published: March 2007

The objectives for this study were to (a) establish reference values for transcutaneous oxygen tension (Ptc O2) and carbon dioxide tension (Ptc CO2) in response to three common patient events (a nurse-administered bed bath, passive range-of-motion exercises, and turning from side to side), and (b) determine if these physiological parameters vary according to the order in which the interventions are administered. A convenience sample of 30 healthy men and women were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, which designated the order in which the interventions were administered. Instrumentation included a Novametrix Model 840 transcutaneous monitor, a Dinamap BP monitor, a Bo Med NCCOM3 cardiovascular monitor, and YSI 44008 thermistors. Analysis of ambient temperature at baseline revealed that the room was significantly cooler for men than for women. Analysis of covariance revealed no significant difference between men and women, except at baseline. The mean Ptc O2 for each activity, as well as the post-activity period, was significantly higher than at baseline. There was a significant interaction between gender and activity for Ptc O2 and Ptc CO2. For both men and women, the mean changes in Ptc CO2 were statistically significant but clinically insignificant. The order in which interventions were administered did not have a significant effect on either Ptc O2 or Ptc CO2. The results suggest that the physical activity associated with nursing interventions may significantly improve oxygen levels in the skin by stimulating overall cutaneous circulation.
Assuring Quality in Narrative Analysis
Authors: Bailey Patricia Hill
Published: March 2007

Many nurse-researchers using qualitative strategies have been concerned with assuring quality in their work The early literature reveals that the concepts of validity and reliability, as understood from the positivist perspective, are somehow inappropriate and inadequate when applied to interpretive research. More recent literature suggests that because the positivist and interpretive paradigms are epistemologically divergent, the transfer of quality criteriafrom one perspective to the other is not automatic or even reasonable. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to clarify what the terms quality, trustworthiness, credibility, authenticity, and goodness mean in qualitative research findings. The process of assuring quality, validation, in qualitative research will be discussed within the context of the interpretive method, narrative analysis. A brief review of quality in narrative analysis nursing research will also be presented.
The Relationship between Education and Ethical Behavior of Nursing Students
Authors: de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Janssen Piet J. , Grypdonck Mieke
Published: March 2007

Based on the cognitive theory of moral development of Kohlberg, refined by the addition of the dimension "ethics of care" and the educational theory of Janssen, the relationship of education and ethical behavior of nursing students was examined. Ethical behavior referred not only to the ethical reasoning of students but also to the relationship between this reasoning and their behavior. This study examined the responses of 2,624 nursing students to five ethical nursing dilemmas included in the Ethical Behavior Test by relating them to four educational variables: students' level of education, level of enrollment, school, and students' perceptions of the educational process. A significant relationship between education and ethical behavior was found.
Voices of Clients and Caregivers in a Maternity Home
Authors: Keen-Payne Rhonda , Bond Mary Lou
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived health-related needs of women who spent part of their pregnancy, labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum days in a maternity residence that provided adoption placement services. The method was qualitative; semistructured interviews and content analysis were used. The authors concluded that the perceived needs of this population were essentially congruent with those of the nurse caregivers. Information and support in labor were cited as primary needs. The authors suggest that this population may significantly underestimate postpartal needs. A second finding was that these mothers seemed to express a heightened sense ofjoy and relief in their newborn's health, which may reflect the compressed time they have to demonstrate maternal behaviors.
Conceptualizing Sexual Health in Cancer Care
Authors: Butler Lorna , Banfield Valerie , Sveinson Terry , Allen Kathryn , Downe-Wamboldt Barbara , Alteneder Ruth R.
Published: March 2007

This qualitative study was designed to describe women's experiences with changes in sexual function related to physical comfort, sexual satisfaction, and fielings of intimacy post-treatment for gynecological cancer. The 17 women who participated in this study described sexuality as a much broader construct. Contrary to existing literature, sexual functioning was found to be one aspect that contributed to the view of the self as a sexual being, but the women's perceptions were not limited to this single dimension. The identification of multidimensional components to be considered in developing a conceptual model to describe sexual health are presented. This study indicates that sexuality should be viewed as a health issue that has an impact on quality of life.
Deaf President Now! Positive Media Framing of a Social Movement within a Hegemonic Political Environment
Authors: Kensicki Linda Jean
Published: March 2007

Newspaper coverage of the political movement Deaf President Now (DPN) was evaluated for evidence of positive or negative framing in photographic and written content. This research found that DPN enjoyed four exclusively positive frames in the media. The results of this study suggest that the coverage was due to several factors: the intended availability of protest sources, a lack of expedience on the part of elite sources, the organization of protest events, assimilation of elites within the movement, frame extension of the movement's causes, sponsorship from corporations, liaisons with journalists, the narrow focus of the movement, and the ideological assumptions of disability in society. This article suggests that only through the serendipitous conjunction of all the above-mentioned traits was DPN able to achieve its goals. Furthermore, because of these exceptional qualities, it was suggested that the positive media frames of DPN did not contradict any previous claims of oppressive hegemonic structures within political media coverage.
Working the Ritual: Professional Wedding Photography and the American Middle Class
Authors: Lewis Charles
Published: March 2007

This research examines what role the institutionalized structures and practices of professional wedding photography play in the ritual of the American middle-class wedding ceremony. The study, based primarily on ethnographic research, is grounded in particular strands of the relatively recent critical, cultural, and interdisciplinary research in mass communication. The theoretical framework for this study is generated from the disciplines of mass communication, American studies, sociology, anthropology, and British cultural studies. The work concerns how the practices of professional wedding photographers influence the wedding ritual.
The Role of Women on Screen and behind the Scenes in the Television and Film Industries: Review of a Program of Research
Authors: Lauzen Martha M. , Dozier David M.
Published: March 2007

This article summarizes a stream of research examining the role of women behind the scenes in the film industry and on screen and behind the scenes in the television industry. Results are culled from a study of films released in 1987, 1992, and 1997 and studies of the 1995-1996 and 1997-1998 prime-time television seasons. Overall, the findings indicate that women remain underrepresented in both industries. However, the studies also found a quantitative link between women working behind the scenes and the representation and portrayal of women on screen. In prime-time television, female executive producers exerted influence at a macro level, increasing the percentage of female characters and hiring more female writers. These writers, in turn, provided female characters with more powerful dialogue.
“Literary Journalism” as an Epistemological Moving Object within a Larger “Quantum” Narrative
Authors: Hartsock John C.
Published: March 2007

The discourse of narrative “literary journalism,” among other names, has proved difficult to define and identify. This article suggests that this is due to the form being a kind of epistemological moving object and impossible to place within traditional classification schemes. Instead, the discourse might benefit from being examined as only approximate in nature and part of a larger “quantum” narrative. To that end, this article examines the form's epistemological fluidity, the form as an example of the “novel” or “narrative” of the “inconclusive present,” the place of subjectivity in the form, and the form's relationship to the phenomenal world.
The politics of racism awareness training
Authors: Gurnah Ahmed
Published: March 2007

In less than five years, racism awareness training (RAT) has established itself the reputation of being the crucial and most practical initial step against personnal and institutional racism. In this discussion, I wish to examine its assumptions, stategy and action and to register my doubts about its success. Furthermore, I shall suggest that RAT can have dibious side-effects which somewhat divert people from taking positive action.
Income maintenance and local government: implementing central control?
Authors: Hill Michael
Published: March 2007

This paper looks at the role of local governement in relation to income maintenance in Britain arguing that, after a period in which it seemed only to be left with residual issues consequent upon the abolition of the Poor Law, it has begun to be drawn back into playing a crucial role in the imple mentation of some of the most difficult and controversial parts of the system of means tests. Whilst in many other policy areas local government's role is being restricted, in income maintenance it is growing but not in conditions of its own choosing.
The politics of disability in Italy: La Lega per il Diritto al Lavoro degli Handicappati
Authors: Tudor Keith
Published: March 2007

This article focuses on the work and politics of La Lega per il Diritto al Lavoro degli Handicappari-The National League for the Right to Work of the Handicapped. The League represents a new politics of disability in Iraly-one which, particularly in respect of its insistence on an equal alliance with professionals-it considers lacking within the international movement of disabled people. This article, based on the author's experien ces of working closely with the League whilst living in Italy, looks at the associations and organisations of disabled people and their relation to the Italian welfare state, including reference to some of the more important legislation affecting disabled people, the centrality of the League's politics of the right to work, looking particularly at the law concerning the alloca tion of work to disabled pevple; its other work on the abolition of architectural barriers; its theory and practice; its position on profes sionals; and on international work.
Disability rights and the denial of young carers
Authors: Aldridge JO , Becker Saul
Published: March 2007

Research, debate and policy on young carers has been welcomed by the carers movement and children's rights practitioners alike, but challenged by some disability rights authors who suggest defining the children of disabled parents as 'young carers' serves to undermine both the rights of disabled people and the rights of children. Among those putting forward this view are Jenny Morris and Lois Keith (Critical Social Policy, 1995, Issue 44/45). Here, we respond to the disability rights critique on behalf of academics working in the field of young carers, policy-makers and practitioners and, more importantly, on behalf of children who care.
HIV/AIDS and employment
Authors: Goss David , Adam-Smith Derek
Published: March 2007

Many organizations have developed 'constructive' responses to the pro tection and support of employees affected by HIV/AIDS. While offering a step forward from the discriminatory actions of some employers, con structive policy has its own difficulties. An analysis of the underpinning assumptions of different forms of constructive policy suggests that it is necessary to question the effectiveness of approaches which are rooted in doctrines of 'secular individualism'. The resulting neglect of structural inequality risks sustaining, albeit unintentionally, responses to the epi demic that are of partial effectiveness and normatively biased.
The politics of quasi-markets
Authors: Cutler Tony , Waine Barbara
Published: March 2007

The article argues that research on quasi-markets is dominated by the 'evaluative' approach where quasi-markets are judged against criteria such as efficiency, choice and equity. It argues that this approach fails to examine important polatical differences between quasi-markets. This the sis is illustrated by reference to the differences in the quasi-markets in health on the one hand and in secondary and higher education on the other. The article seeks to show that the regulatory criteria applied in health are significantly different to those applied in education, and to ex plore the political basis for these differences.
“Sharp!”
Authors: Harwood Jake
Published: March 2007

This article examined an intergenerational interaction from a popular television show in two ways. First, a detailed textual analysis illustrated (a) the salience of age in the interaction, (b) (counter-) stereotypical elements of the older adults’ portrayal, (c) intergenerational connections achieved within the interaction, and (d) the use of age stereotypes in the script’s humorous punch line. The punch line featured the previously alert older adult showing signs of confusion—here termed lurking incoherence. Second, an experimental study showed that the punch line of the clip influenced specific evaluations of the older person in the show, but did not influence general attitudes towards older adults. It was also shown that individuals with more positive general attitudes towards older adults evaluated the older character particularly negatively when they were exposed to the punch line. The ways in which viewers actively process media portrayals of intergroup communication are discussed.
Attributional Impact of Linguistic Masking Devices
Authors: Leets Laura
Published: March 2007

It has been argued that linguistic masking devices can create different versions of reality. This study investigated whether systematic language shifts using three of these lower level devices (permutation, truncation, and generalization) influenced people’s perceptions. One hundred and ninety-three students participated in an attribution experiment in which each person read a brief news story based on an actual Navy clash between South and North Korea. A 2× 2× 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that serial prominence, abstract language, and truncation produced greater attributions of responsibility as well as influenced impressions of aggressiveness and status. The results confirmed that linguistic masking holds consequences for perceived reality. The study concludes with a discussion of practical implications for news reporting and writing.
Social Anxiety and Communication about the Self
Authors: Schlenker Barry R. , Leary Mark R.
Published: March 2007

The reciprocal relationship between social anxiety and the communication of information about the self is examined. Social anxiety appears to arise from people's concerns about the impressions others are forming of them. Specifically, it is proposed that social anxiety occurs when people are motivated to create a desired impression on audiences but doubt they will do so. High social anxiety, in turn, is associated with qualitative and quantitative changes in how people communicate. It is argued that the combination of an important goal (i.e. to create a desired impression) and low expectations of goal achievement produces negative affect, physical or psychological withdrawal from the situation, and self-preoccupation with one's limitations. These distracting concomitants of high social anxiety impede optimally effective self-monitoring and control. A protective self-presentational style, in which the focus is on avoiding blatant failures rather than achieving major successes, is engaged. The result is a lowered level of participation in interactions (e.g. initiating fewer conversations, talking less frequently), the avoidance of topics that might reveal one's ignorance (e.g. factual matters), minimal disclosure of information about the self, cautious self-descriptions that are less positive and less likely to assert unique qualities that draw attention to the self, and a passive yet pleasant interaction style that avoids disagreement (e.g. reflective listening, agreeing with others, smiling).
Linguistic Contributors to the Gender-Linked Language Effect
Authors: Mulac Anthony , Lundell Torborg Louisa
Published: March 2007

Forty Speakers (20 male, 20 female), ranging from 11 to 69 years of age, described landscape photographs orally to a researcher. Orthographic transcripts were analysed for 31 linguistic variables. A discriminant analysis showed that a combination of 17 variables predicted speaker gender with 87.5% accuracy. The 17 gender-discriminating language variables were used in multiple regression analyses to predict previously found (Mulac & Lundell, 1980) speaker attribution ratings for these speakers. Results showed significant predictive ability for all three attributional dimensions: Socio-Intellectual Status (R 2= 0.53), Aesthetic Quality (R2 =0.43), and Dynamism (R2=0.33). Of the 14 language variables displaying effects consistent with the Gender-Linked Language Effect, seven were more indicative of male speakers: impersonals, fillers, elliptical sentences, units, justifiers, geographical references, and spatial references. Greater use of the other seven variables was more indicative of female speakers: intensive adverbs, personal pronouns, negations, verbs of cognition, dependent clauses with subordinating conjunctions understood, oppositions, and pauses. These clusters of male and female contributors to the effect are discussed in terms of potential underlying communication strategies.
Communicating Affect: The Role of Verbal and Nonverbal Content
Authors: Walker Michael B. , Trimboli Antonietta
Published: March 2007

The role of nonverbal signals in communicating affect is not well understood. Recent research has both emphasised and played down the importance of the nonverbal signals relative to what is said. A careful examination of the evidence shows that the data in favour of and against nonverbal dominance come from two different empirical approaches. It is argued that both approaches are methodologically unsound. A new approach to the question is developed based on the assumption that the communication channel which maintains the affective tone of the interaction is the primary channel by which affect is being communicated. The affective tone of the interaction can be established by examining the communicational context for any given message. This assumption allows mixed messages, in which the verbal and nonverbal channels are conveying opposed affective tones, to be analysed for channel dominance. Sixteen segments from interviews televised live were examined. In twelve of the sixteen segments the nonverbal channels carried the affective tone. A detailed analysis of subject explanations for the remaining four segments revealed that affective messages are sometimes complex combinations of cues in which the roles of the verbal and nonverbal channels are interwoven to communicate several messages simultaneously.