bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RATIONAL CHOICE AND THE TSL MODEL OF OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Authors: Logan John Allen
Published: March 2007

Logan (1996b) proposes a two-sided logit (TSL) model for estimating the preferences of workers and employers which determine employment matches in labor markets. Analysis of this model shows that TSL allows empirical estimation of the contribution of both instrumental and immanent values in occupational opportunity, preserving the threefold structure of rational choice described by Hechter (1994). It is also shown that the TSL model is related to a recognized two-sided matching game, and that implicit assumptions of complete information and of stability of all observed matches (at current levels of supply and demand) are fundamental to the TSL estimation method.
THE GENDER OF SOCIAL CAPITAL
Authors: Burt Ronald S.
Published: March 2007

Legitimacy affects returns to social capital. I begin with the network structure of social capital, explaining the information and control benefits of structural holes. The holes in a network are enterpreneurial opportunities to add value, and persons rich in such opportunities are expected to be more successful than their peers. Accumulating empirical research supports the prediction. However, women here pose a puzzle. The entrepreneurial networks linked to early promotion for senior men do not work for women. Solving the gender puzzle is an occasion to see how network models of social capital can be used to identify people not accepted as legitimate members of a population, and to describe how such people get access to social capital by borrowing the network of a strategic partner.
HISTORY-INDEPENDENT PREDICTION IN EVOLUTIONARY GAME THEORY
Authors: Sandholm William H.
Published: March 2007

Three classes of models from evolutionary game theory are studied, which make history-independent predictions: stochastic stability, stochastic stability with local interaction and cheap talk. It is argued that of the three, only local interaction models yield credible history-independent predictions.
The Red River College Model: Enhancing Success for Native Canadian and Other Nursing Students from Disenfranchised Groups
Authors: Labun Evelyn
Published: March 2007

The recruitment and retention of students from culturally diverse backgrounds remains a critical issue in nursing education. This article describes one program that was very successful in helping Native Canadian and other disenfranchised students succeed academically in nursing. The program design and operation as well as issues related to recruitment and retention of these students are presented. Many aspects of this program are now incorporated into the baccalaureate nursing program in the college.
Corruption and Organized Crime in Mexico in the Post-PRI Transition
Authors: SHELLEY LOUISE
Published: March 2007

President Fox has made the improvement of public safety and reduction in corruption priorities of his government. Backed by an educated urban middle-class electorate, he faces fundamental challenges to the achievement of his goals. These include a legacy of institutionalized PRI (Institutionalized Revolutionary Party) corruption, limited respect for the rule of law, and the penetration of drug trafficking groups into the state structure. Mexico's long border with the United States has contributed to the rapid rise in organized crime and the use of Mexican territory by foreign crime groups. Mexico's past may preclude the transition to a more democratic and open society despite the best of presidential intentions and the desires of much of the Mexican population.
Evaluating a System-Wide Response to Domestic Abuse: Some Initial Findings
Authors: Steinman Michael
Published: March 2007

This study compares the effects on recidivism of arrest and post-arrest legal sanctions among men accused of domestic abuse, identifies associations between some correlates of abuse and recidivism, and compares the effects of arrest and post-arrest legal sanctions controlling for these correlates. The findings indicate that correlates of abuse explain more variance in recidivism than post-arrest legal sanctions. They also suggest that further analysis may reveal significant relationships between some post-arrest legal sanctions and recidivism.
Intensive Probation Versus Prison Outcomes in Indiana: Who Could Benefit?
Authors: Van Ness Shela R.
Published: March 2007

This article reports the findings of a study of two groups of nonviolent felons from Tippecanoe county Indiana One group was managed with intensive community supervision, which included electronic monitoring and numerous contractual obligations for offenders. The other group was managed in pnson. A matched pairs sample of 70 cases was drawn, matched on gender, age, race, and seriousness of offense. During their sentences and 7 to 24 months after release, neither group posed significant danger to the public. Those under community supervision, however, were better integrated into community life, held better jobs, earned higher incomes, and cost taxpayers far less to manage than did imprisoned offenders.
Surveying a University Population
Authors: JOHNSON ROBERT P. , BROMLEY MAX
Published: March 2007

Today many municipal and campus police agencies are moving toward community oriented policing policies and practices. It has been noted that one of the most important steps a police agency must take as part of a comprehensive community oriented policing strategy is to solicit information from its community members. This article describes the efforts of a police department, serving a large university, to solicit input from students, faculty, and staff members as part of its community policing initiative.
Aseismic Hybrid Control System for Building Structures under Strong Earthquake
Authors: Yang J.N. , Danielians A. , Liu S.C.
Published: March 2007

Two aseismic hybrid control systems recently proposed for protecting tall buildings against strong earthquakes are investigated and evaluated. The hybrid control system consists of a base isolation system connected to either a passive or active mass damper. The base isolation system, such as elastomeric bearings, is used to decouple the horizontal ground motions from the building, whereas the mass damper, either active or passive, is used to protect the safety and integrity of the base isolation system. The per formance of the proposed hybrid control systems is compared with that of an active control system. It is shown from the theoretical/numerical investigations that the proposed hybrid control systems are very effective in reducing the response of tall buildings under strong earthquakes. Likewise, the practical implementation of such hybrid control systems is easier than that of an active control system alone.
An Application of Genetic Algorithms to Active Vibration Control
Authors: Curtis Alan R.D.
Published: March 2007

A genetic algorithm is developed for the calculation of the time optimal control force for flexible systems. The algorithm is a robust random search method which uses a simple and compact coding of the control signal as a binary string of maximum pos itive and negative forces. A random population of admissible strings is allowed to evolve through the three processes of selection, reproduction and mutation to produce strings with increasing fitness and optimality. The introduction of stop characters allows the time optimal control problem to be solved in one procedure. A simulation is presented to illus trate the behaviour of the algorithm.
Structural Acoustic Control of a Shape Memory Alloy Composite Beam
Authors: Saunders W.R. , Robertshaw H.H. , Rogers C.A.
Published: March 2007

Active control of sound radiation from a clamped, baffled, composite beam with embedded Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) fibers was demonstrated using two dif ferent control strategies. The unique behavior of the SMA reinforced composites was uti lized to allow minimization of radiated sound for harmonic beam vibration and placement of peak radiation response at specified frequencies within a controllable range.
Parallel Computation of Geometry Control in Adaptive Truss Structures
Authors: Ramesh A.V. , Utku S. , Wada B.K.
Published: March 2007

The fast computation of geometry control in adaptive truss structures involves two distinct parts; namely, the efficient integration of the inverse kinematic dif ferential equations that govern the geometry control and the fast computation of the Jaco bian, which appears on the right-hand-side of the inverse kinematic equations. In this paper we present an efficient parallel implementation of the Jacobian computation on an MIMD machine. We obtain large speedup from the parallel implementation, which reduces the Jacobian computation to an O( M2/n ) procedure on an n-processor machine, where M is the number of members in the adaptive truss. The parallel algorithm given here is a good candidate for on-line geometry control of adaptive structures using attached processors.
Adaptive Membrane Systems Based on Conductive Electroactive Polymers
Authors: Mirmohseni A. , Price W.E. , Wallace G.G. , Zhao H.
Published: March 2007

The development of membrane systems that are adaptive-whose physical and/or chemical properties can be manipulated after synthesis—expands the applicability of membrane technology. In this work, we have employed both polyaniline and polypyrrole based membranes to demonstrate how transport of ionic species can be regulated using external electrical stimuli. In the case of polyaniline membranes, the transport of various acids has been studied and with polypyrrole, transport of simple cations such as potassium and sodium with chloride as counterions has been in vestigated.
Passive Smart Materials for Sensing and Actuation
Authors: Dry Carolyn
Published: March 2007

Materials containing various types of hollow porous fibers filled with a chemical that is released into the matrix at appropriate times, or over time, are designed to address some issues of material performance, namely, cracking, corrosion, en ergy absorption and change in dynamic modulus (Dry, 1991a, 1991b).
Electrically Driven Polymer Gel Finger Working in the Air
Authors: Shiga Tohru , Hirose Yoshiharu , Okada Akane , Kurauchi Toshio
Published: March 2007

Using ionic polymer gel that demonstrated an electric field-associated bending mo tion in aqueous solutions, an electrically driven polymer gel finger has been constructed. The material used for the finger was a hybrid gel of a cylindrical poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(sodium acrylate) composite gel (PVA-PAA gel) rod and PVA gel film containing sodium carbonate as a skin. The working gel finger has been designed by equipping the PVA gel film of the hybrid gel with two platinum wires as electrodes. When a dc voltage was applied, the finger bent smoothly toward the positive electrode at a relatively high speed in the air. The bending of the finger occurred through a differential swelling of the PVA-PAA gel in the hybrid gel. A prototype of a microrobot hand with two gel fingers has also been designed. The hand grasped or released a piece of paper in response to electric signals.
A Numerical Study of Parameter Sensitivities in Landau-Ginzburg Models of Phase Transitions in Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Burns John A. , Spies Ruben D.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we consider a one-dimensional mathematical model for the dynamics of phase transitions in Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). We employ a finite element scheme to investi gate the dependence of solutions on the parameters that define the Landau-Devonshire potential.
Degradation of Electrodeposited Polypyrroles
Authors: Burford R.P. , Moss B.K. , Lamb R.
Published: March 2007

The degradation behaviour of polypyrroles with p-toluene sulfonate, perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate counter-ions has been studied using several techniques. The kinetics of conductiv ity decay in several environments have been measured and activation energies determined. XPS has been used to characterise the polymer surface and chemical changes to the polymer backbone and counter-ion monitored with time at elevated temperatures. The XPS study has been complemented by static SIMS.

SEM has been used to follow changes in morphology in polymers aged in air, oxidising environ ments and exposed to UV Changes in mechanical behaviour are correlated with thermogravimetric data.

A variety of stabilisers were incorporated into the polypyrrole and the effect upon durability moni tored. Those methods and materials which give significant enhancement in behaviour will be dis cussed.
A Critical Analysis of Computer Simulations for Conducting Team Research
Authors: Marks Michelle A.
Published: March 2007

This article discusses issues involved with the computer simulation of experimental tasks and settings used in team research with human participants. First, the purpose and components of simulation methodology are discussed along with the notion of simulation validity. Second, the common “external validity” criticism often leveled at experiments is considered, with particular attention given to the fidelity and realism questions researchers face when choosing or developing simulated team-performance environments. Third, the advantages and disadvantages of the current state of computerized team simulations are examined. The article concludes with considerations for future team research using computer simulation methodology.
The Development of Collective Efficacy in Small Task Groups
Authors: Baker Diane F.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to assess how collective efficacy changes over time as a group receives feedback on a meaningful task. As part of a class project, student groups were formed early in the semester and remained intact for 4 months. Performance, collective efficacy, and self-efficacy were measured six times during the semester. Members began to agree about the group’s ability to perform early in the group’s development. However, analysis indicated that variation came from both within and between groups. Additional analysis indicated that other variables, most notably self-efficacy, continued to influence beliefs about group performance.
Improving Face-To-Face Brainstorming Through Modeling and Facilitation
Authors: Kramer Thomas J. , Fleming Gerard P. , Mannis Scott M.
Published: March 2007

It has been demonstrated repeatedly that groups who brainstorm while interacting face-to-face (FTF) generate fewer ideas than nominal groups. Some researchers have suggested that there is little justification for groups to brainstorm FTF. Most of the results that support this conclusion have been obtained from laboratory groups working in artificial situations with little structure and no training, a situation quite different from most organizational settings. The purpose of this research was to determine if the use of trained facilitators, different recording techniques, and videotape modeling improved performance. The results of two experiments demonstrated that FTF groups generate as many ideas as nominal groups when assisted by a trained facilitator. Videotape modeling helps increase performance in some instances. Neither of two recording techniques affected performance. Because FTF groups can do as well as nominal groups, more research should identify mechanisms to improve FTF brainstorming, particularly because there are numerous potential benefits derived from interacting groups.
Affirmation as Inquiry
Authors: Weick Karl E.
Published: March 2007

The value of social science supposedly derives from what it doubts; those doubts, however, may be its downfall [Siu, 1968: 365-366].
Brainstorming Groups
Authors: Comadena Mark E.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the performance of individuals in zero-history brainstorming groups and determines the relationships among communication apprehension, ambiguity tolerance, perceptions of task attraction, and individual ideational output. Results of a stepwise multiple-discriminant analysis reveal that individuals who were high producers of ideas perceived the brainstorming task as more attractive, were low in communication apprehension, and possessed higher ambiguity tolerance than those individuals low in ideational productivity Discussion focuses on the relative importance of the three variables in discriminating between effective and ineffective brainstormers
Psychological Barrieizs To Learning
Authors: Clabby John F. , Belz Elaine Jacob
Published: March 2007

An alarmingly large number of adults are dealing with two significant problems: illit eracy and emotional maladjustment. The interactive nature of these two difficulties is discussed. Specific emphasis is placed on describing a series of psychological barriers to learning: (1) ambivalence about success, (2) fear of risk taking, (3) overdependence on authority figures, (4) tension, (5) defensive dominance, and (6) intrusive memories of poor learning experiences. A group counseling approach, designed to assist illiter ate adults in identifying and resolving these obstacles to learning, is presented.
Refining the Measurement of Curativeness
Authors: Fuhriman Addie , Drescher Stuart , Hanson Eric , Henrie Russell , Rybicki William
Published: March 2007

This article presents a rationale for and the implementation of a factor analytic study of a revised curative factor instrument. Valuing of the three factors of catharsis, cohesion, and insight by 161 group members in four settings (community mental health [CMH], Veterans Administration [VA], university counseling center [UCC], and group behavior class [GBC] are reported. Results show CMH group members valuing these factors more than group members from VA, UCC, and GBC. Across all settings, cohesion and catharsis are consistently valued higher than insight. Possible explanations of the findings are given.
Group Composition Effects On Task Performance
Authors: Tziner Aharon E.
Published: March 2007

Two social psychological theories—similarity theory and equity theory—are employed to elucidate the relationship between group members' abilities and group performance on tasks involving high levels of interdependence. Contrasting hypotheses are drawn regarding specific ability compositions that should evoke performance above or below the simple sum of individual members' capacities.
The Therapy of Friendship
Authors: Gurdin J.Barry
Published: March 2007

In rediscovering clinical sociology, the therapeutic aspects of some former investi gations offriendship become evident. Moreover, sociologists and other scholars have long noted that the relationship of friendship contributes to mental health. Con sequently, they have developed various interventions to promote friendship, from describing and quantifying it to designing programs to help the friendless. This article introduces the background upon which I designed groups to promote the development of friendship.
Small Group Consensus
Authors: DeStephen Rolaynes. , Hirokawa Randy Y.
Published: March 2007

Previous small group research makes no attempt to develop a comprehensive and valid instrument measuring small group consensus. The purpose of this investigation is to develop and test an encompassing and utilitarian measure of small group consensus. Using 48 small groups involving 234 subjects, a consensus instrument was tested, and a component factor analysis using varimax rotation (Cronbach's alpha = .8906) demonstrated the validity of the instrument. A pilot study using 14 groups involving 61 subjects employed the instrument to test stability of consensus over time and found there to be no significant change in consensus levels over a 6-week period. Questions are raised regarding the advisability of heavy reliance upon informal democratic discussion groups as a basis for conclusions about members'feelings of agreement, satisfaction, and commitment toward the group and its decision. Suggestions for further testing of the instrument using alternate methods under a variety of circumstances are discussed.
Dynamics of Covert Role Analysis
Authors: Gemmill Gary , Kraus George
Published: March 2007

The proposition that covert roles within a group are assigned to individual group members based on their propensity to verbally or nonverbally express certain patterns of unwanted, disowned, and projected emotions that are experienced as threatening by other members is examined. The analysis focuses on (a) articulating a model for describing how group members' emotions are collectively projected into a single member, resulting in covert roles; (b) describing a method for analyzing covert roles; and (c) presenting researchable propositions derivable from the model of covert role analysis.
The Dynamics of Scapegoating in Small Groups
Authors: Gemmill Gary
Published: March 2007

An analysis is made of the proposition that the scapegoat role emerges in small groups to unconsciously allow other members to distance themselves from the anxiety and threat aroused by the intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict displaced onto the scapegoat. The analysis concentrates on describing the scapegoating process in small groups, the underlying dynamics, and the consequences for a group. Researchable propositions derivable from the dynamics of the scapegoating process are presented
Follower Reactions to Male and Female Leaders Who Maintain or Lose Reward Power
Authors: Jurma William E. , Wright Beverly C.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the effects on group member satisfaction and communication behavior when male and female leaders either maintained or lost reward power during problem-solving sessions. Subjects who worked with leaders who lost reward power were more satisfied with their leaders and more intrinsically satisfied than were subjects who interacted with leaders who maintained reward power regardless of ledder gender. Con-versely, group member communication was more substantive and positive when leaders maintained reward power than when they lost it. Communication behavior was also affected by leader gender.
Leaders' Upward Influence in the Organization
Authors: Anderson Lynn R. , Tolson Jerry
Published: March 2007

A survey of 183 nurses at two hospitals tested for replication and extensions of previous work on Pelz Effects, defined as the moderating effect of leaders' upward influence on the relationship between leaders' behavior and group members' attitudes. Moderated regressions indicated the Pelz Effect was significantly related to group members'sense of control within the organization, and this result remained significant even after two measures of dispositional internal control were extracted from the regression. The Pelz Effect was also significantly related to members'perceptions of support and cooperation within their work groups. The magnitude of the Pelz Effect was greater for employees with high rather than low job autonomy -a conclusion exactly opposite to previous results. Self-monitoring scores moderated the Pelz Effect only with respect to the dependent variable of work-group support, but the direction of this effect supported prior work that argued low self-monitoring can neutralize the impact of a leader's behavior.
Cooperativeness and Structuring of Work in School Groups
Authors: Stymne Ingrid
Published: March 2007

This article focuses on how work in small groups is structured in exploratory sequences in relation to directionalfactors. The structures refer to the level of cooperation in the groups. Videotapes of ninth-grade students working in groups, during regular classroom hours, were coded and analyzed. The model of directional factors proposes that a group -in order to function well-must regulate its behavior through attending to demands, resources, planning, coordination, distribution of work and production. It was found that cooperative groups patterned their exploratory sequences closer to what is usually referred to as ideal problem-solving behavior and that there were some essential differences in how directional factors were introduced and completed during group work between cooperative and less cooperative groups.
Addictions Treatment in Groups
Authors: Rugel Robert P.
Published: March 2007

This article outlines factors within the group therapy environment that operate during the stages of recovery suggested by Prochaska and DiClemente. The degree of denial lowering during the contemplation stage will vary with the degree to which therapist empathy and positive regard, group acceptance, identification with other group members, self-disclosure, caring group members, and task-oriented group members are present in the group. These factors will also interact with and facilitate group cognitive-behavioral interventions during the action and maintenance stages of recovery.
Predicting Cohesion in a Coacting Sport
Authors: Widmeyer W. Neil , Williams Jean M.
Published: March 2007

This study set out to identify' variables that predict the cohesion of coacting teams. Based on Carroni s model, it was hypothesized that cohesion was related to team size, members' satisfaction1 with opportunities provided by team membership, similarity of members, coaches' efforts to foster cohesion, prior team success (National Collegiate Athletic Association ratitigs), existence of team goals, importance of team goals, participation in establishing team goals, intrateam task communication, and prior liking. Subjects were 85 female golfers from 18 Division I intercollegiate teams. Cohesion was assessed by the Group Environment Questionnaire developed by Carron, Widmeyer, and Brawley. Stepwise multiple regression atnalyses revealed that the nine independent variables collectively predicted a significanlt amount of the variance in each of the four aspects of cohesion (R = 56%-72%). The best single predictor of eachl cohesioti aspect was total satisfaction (R = 32%-58%o). Although all of the variables except thle importance coaches placed on task cohesion and similarity of background were significantly related to some aspect of cohesion, some variables were more highly related to task cohesion (e.g., prior performance) and others to social cohesion (e.g., prior liking). Results are discussed in terms of Carron's model and previous research involving interacting teams.
The Implications of Group Development and History for Group Support System Theory and Practice
Authors: Mennecke Brian E. , Hoffer Jeffrey A. , Wynne Bayard E.
Published: March 2007

The psychology, sociology, and management literature is rich with theory on the topic of group development. Three general categories of developmental models have been proposed: progressive models, cyclical models, and nonsequential models. These models predict that group performance, member behavior, and task focus change as the group matures and develops. Groups are integral components of organizations. Group support systems (GSSs) have been created to assist groups in performing their tasks and activities. Numerous research studies have been conducted to identify key variables that influence group performance in GSS environments. Many of these studies have produced mixed and, in some cases, conflicting results. This may be due partially to a lack of attention to the issue of group development. Few studies have looked at the influence that group development and group history have on group behavior and performance. Only two GSS studies have been conducted on the effects of group development and group history on group process, performance, and efficiency. To facilitate additional research into this area, a research framework that incorporates a mechanism for representing this development process is proposed In addition, a number of propositions implied by the relationships represented in this framework are presented and discussed
Modeling the Entry of Shared and Unshared information into Group Discussion
Authors: Larson James R.
Published: March 2007

Prior to discussion, members of decision-making groups often possess a certain amount of decision-relevant information that others in the group do not hold. This is referred to as unshared information and stands in contrast to the shared information that all group members possess. One objective of group discussion is to enable members to exchange their unshared information. Research suggests, however, that groups often discuss more oftheirshared than their unshared information overall, and that they discuss their shared information first. A dynamic information sampling model that predicts these results is reviewed. Several empirical tests of this model are summarized, and a computer program that operationalizes the model is described. The computer program provides an efficient means of generating specific predictions for empirical studies andfor exploring the expected impact on group discussion of varying the model's input parameters.
Homophily or the Queen Bee Syndrome
Authors: Cooper Virginia W.
Published: March 2007

Nontraditional and traditional women were placed into groups, with both nontraditional and traditional women as leaders, and assigned a simple sorting task. Results indicate that (a) nontraditional women evaluated female leadership in general more positively than did traditional women, (b) traditional women responded more positively to their own experience of traditional leadership than did nontraditional women, and (c) nontraditional women responded more positively to their own experience of nontraditional leadership than to traditional leadership. This study failed to substantiate the hypothesized higher evaluation of traditional leadership over nontraditional leadership among traditional women, lending some support to the Queen Bee Syndrome theory offemale competition. The significant results of this study suggest the validity of distinguishing between women who reject traditional sex roles and women who accept traditional sex roles when examining gender in communication research.
Assessing Group Processes
Authors: Kacen Lea , Rozovski Uri
Published: March 2007

This study's aim is the comparison of group processes' development assessments among group members, direct observers, and indirect observers. The research population includes 50 heart patients, who participated in 7 support groups of 10 meetings each, and 35 social work students, who observed the groups. Data was obtainedfrom participants and observers through the Group Environment Scale (GES) and through a social support questionnaire, completed at three stages of the intervention: following the fourth, seventh, andfinal group meetings. Exceptfor the self-discovery variable, no other significant differences were found among the assessors. The main conclusion is that it is possible to place most of the burden of grading group processes in the hands of direct and/or indirect observers and to save the participants from this task. This conclusion is importantfor studies dealing with the efficacy of groups-especially when researching the connection between group processes and group outcomes.
Rumor as Group Problem Solving
Authors: Bordia Prashant , Difonzo Nicholas , Chang Artemis
Published: March 2007

There is a dearth of research focusing on developmental changes in computer-mediated communication groups. In this study, developmental patterns in 14 informal groups on computer-mediated networks were analyzed using the Group Development Observation System. Results indicated marked similarity between the patterns found with the CMC groups in this study and those reported in the literature on face-to-face groups. The findings were in agreement with recent longitudinal research that has noted similarities in the two types of group communication over time.
The Effects of Facilitator Characteristics on Meeting Preparation, Set Up, and Implementation
Authors: Niederman Fred , Volkema Roger J.
Published: March 2007

Organizational meetings represent a primary means of communication and coordination within and across work units. The trend toward team-based organizations has created a special need for meeting facilitation skills. Despite the growth in awareness of the importance of facilitation skills in both meetings, there has been little empirical research on the role of the organizational facilitator in preparing for and executing meetings. This study surveyed 238 group facilitators regarding facilitator characteristics, pre-meeting planning, room/facilitator preparation, and agenda use during meetings. The facilitator characteristics examined were amount of experience/training, amount of facilitation external to versus within one’s organization, and use of group support systems (GSS). Findings show that these facilitator characteristics each correlate with multiple aspects of pre-meeting planning and agenda use items. The data suggest a typology of facilitators based on the level of experience in facilitation and whether facilitators operate primarily within or outside their own organization.
Simulations and Adventure Games in CALL
Authors: Taylor Macey
Published: March 2007

Simulations and adventure games are attractive to teachers who take a communicative language teaching approach. Overt grammar instruction may accompany such activities, but it occurs when learners perceive a communicative need (i.e., post facto). In the author's experience, students in communicative classes have tended to progress more rapidly, scoring higheron level tests at the end of the term. The keys to success are the selection of appropriate simulations and games and the design of ways to integrate them into the curriculum.
Evaluating Computerized Business Simulators for Objective Learning Validity
Authors: Carvalho Gerard F.
Published: March 2007

The theory for validating computerized business simulators proposed in this article is based on several premises derived from the research literature. Unique to the theory is the use of a hypothesis test and a methodology to describe the behavior of a simulator from the perspective of the student. THE EXECUTIVE GAME is validated to demonstrate the methodology of the theory. THE EXECUTIVE GAME is shown to be unstable, but it is suitable for the development of forecasting skills using exponential smoothing models. It is also shown that the proposed validation methodology reveals much more about the behavior of a simulator than existing validation methods. The theory should help simulation users choose simulators that closely match the learning goals of the courses in which computerized business simulators are used.
An Empirical Test of Rawls's Theory of Justice: A Second Approach, in Korea and the United States
Authors: Bond Doug , Park Jong-Chul
Published: March 2007

The authors conduct an experimental/empirical test of Rawls's theory of justice with subjects from Korea and the United States. The subjects begin from Rawls's "original position." Then, from behind this study's experimental "veil of ignorance," they simulate Rawls's "derivation" of principles of distributive justice, both individually and collectively. The authors explore and attempt to explain the cross-cultural differences. The design of this study borrows from earlier (1987) tests conducted by Frohlich, Oppenheimer, and Eavey who found no support for Rawls. But significant differences in this study's approach make this an independent test. The authors find partial empirical support for Rawls's difference principle among the Korean subjects only and suggest that his assumptions and reasoning need to be refined to better account for concerns and considerations beyond levels of income and the balancing of individual monetary interests.
The Relative Influence of Several Factors on Simulation Performance
Authors: Gosenpud Jerry , Miesing Paul
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the relative impact of several independent variables on performance in a business simulation. This is unusual in that most studies attempt to prove or disprove the influence of one or a very few antecedent factors on performance In this study, there were 44 specific independent variables falling into six categories: ability, motivation, interes4 confidence, cohesion, and organizational formality. The study was undertaken in a university setting. The results showed (a) that 44% of the variance associated with performance was explained by this study's independent variables and (b) that two motivational and two interest variables influenced performance significantly, whereas ability, confidence, cohesion, and organizational formality variables did not. More specifically, backwards multiple regression results indicated that an increased desire to play the game as it progressed, choosing "easy to work with " teammates, future plans for employment rather than graduate school, and being an accounting major predicted performance positively and significantly. The implications for this study are (a) that those interested and skilled in the decision-making situation will perform better in it, (b) that thinking about teammate compatibility prior to the simulation enhances performance, and (c) that performance varies with desire to participate.
The First Austrian Management Planspiel Kongreß
Authors: Teach Richard D.
Published: March 2007

The first Austrian Management PlanspielKongre,8 (Management Gaming Conference) was held in Vienna on 20-21 April, 1993. This conference was the result of much planning on the part of Niki Harramach. The conference featured several workshops in which participants could "learn by doing"; that is, the participants actually played many of the games. The conference presented a wide variety of both computer-run management games as well as experiential games.
An Appraisal of Simulation and Gaming on the 25th Anniversary of S&G
Authors: Dukes Richard L.
Published: March 2007

This article reflects on the first 25 years of the discipline of simulation and gaming from the author's perspective. It discusses research with gamed simulations, games simulations in the classroom, and design.
On the Use of Computerized Simulations for Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Wolfe Joseph , Bruton Garry
Published: March 2007

The potential for business games to teach entrepreneurship was investigated. Relatively few simulations are available for this purpose, and those available are very limited in their ability to cover topics typically taught at the collegiate level. Several compensatory exercises are suggested as methods for covering the topic areas that are insufficiently covered.
Simulation and the Bottom Line
Authors: Seidner Constance J.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the author's involvement with simulation and games as a teacher during the 1970s as well as subsequent experiences with simulations in the computer industry. It concludes with some speculations about the latent potential of simulations in industry training.
Futuresite: An Environmental Remediation Game-Simulation
Authors: Applegate John S. , Sarno Douglas J.
Published: March 2007

FUTURESITE, a game simulation, was developed to stimulate and inform public participation in the highly controversial environmental cleanup decisions affecting a former nuclear weapons facility in the United States. Meaningful public participation demands an understanding of the technical, financial and political constraints on the cleanup process. The primary purpose of the game simulation was to present information concerning the environmental contamination, health hazards, and potential future uses of the facility in a readily comprehensible format. An additional purpose of FUTURESTE was to encourage cooperation and consensus building in making actual remedial plans for the facility.
On Taming the Evaluation Monster: Toward Holistic Assessments of Transformational Training Effects
Authors: Raynolds Peter A.
Published: March 2007

The unique training effects arising from highly complex, ambiguous, or personally involving simulations, games, experiential exercises, and educational programs are referred to here as transformational. Such training can have a dramatic impact on the whole individual, but this impact often eludes assessment through conventional measurement methods. This article presents results from two transformational training settings. The method employed is the holistic projective differential (PD) technique that provides both quantitative and qualitative results. The PD is versatile and can be a valuable addition to the tools presently available for evaluating and assessing a wide variety of transformational simulations, games, and experiential exercises.
Videotaped Training of Job-Related Social Skills Using Peer Modeling: An Evaluation of Social Validity
Authors: Sundel Sandra S.
Published: March 2007

Three aspects of social validity were evaluated in a program using videotaped peer modeling to teach job-related social skills to adults with mental retardation. Social validity of training objectives was addressed through a literature search and interviews with local professionals, who identified the most relevant training objectives. Social validity of training procedures was evaluated by trainers, who rated the procedures for ease of use and appropriateness Social validity of training outcomes was addressed by three judges. Results indicated that most clients enjoyed the videotapes and participated in the discussions that followed. The judges rated the clients'posttraining performances in the job-related social skills as improved over pretraining. It is suggested that criteria for evaluating outcome studies in social work practice include measures of social validity.
Parents in Groups: Problem Solving Versus Behavioral Skills Training
Authors: Magen Randy H. , Rose Sheldon D.
Published: March 2007

This study sought to determine which of two forms of group parent training was more effective for parents of children having problems with aggressive or noncompliant behavior. Fifty-six parents recruited from the community were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: group training in behavioral skills, group training in problem solving, or a waiting-list control group. Outcomes were evaluated using a pretest/posttest experimental design with an added 3-month follow-up. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the two experimental conditions and the control condition in parent's perceptions of child behavior. Individualized measures of change, using goal attainment scaling, indicated that most trained subjects made progress toward goals. Group process measures demonstrated that parents in the problem-solving groups completed significantly less homework and had significantly worse attendance when compared to parents in the behavioral skills training groups. Although both training conditions were more effective than the control condition, post hoc analyses suggest that the skills training group was more effective.
Social Work Practice With Homeless Persons: State of the Art
Authors: Johnson Alice K. , Cnaan Ram A.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the state of the art of social work practice with homeless persons. The purpose of this article is to make social work practitioners and researchers aware of the empirically supported knowledge about homeless people and how to help them. Different types of interventions for different types of homeless persons are reviewed and 10 areas for practice innovation and advocacy are identified. The authors argue for a practice research that guides interventions to eradicate homelessness.
Evaluating the Effect of Group Process and Client Variables in Support Groups for Battered Women
Authors: Tutty Leslie M. , Bidgood Bruce A. , Rothery Michael A.
Published: March 2007

Although support groups for battered women are a widely used intervention, little research has been conducted on their efficacy. This article presents a rationale for support groups as the intervention of choice for assaulted women and describes the available research. This secondary analysts of outcome data from a previously published study of 76 women in 12 different support groups investigates the effects of various group process vanables and client characteristics. The group variables selected for discussion include group size and attendance, whether participants completed the group as opposed to dropping out, and the number of group leaders (1 or 2). Client characteristics include whether the client still resides with her assaultive partner, recontracted versus first-time clients, and age. The results are discussed in light of their implications for developing and planning effective support groups for assaulted women.
The Impact of Child Protective Service Training: A Longitudinal Study of Workers' Job Performance, Knowledge, and Attitudes
Authors: Leung Patrick , Cheung Kam-fong Monit
Published: March 2007

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the impact of an entry-level training program on caseworkers'performance, knowledge, and attitudes. The skill competencies of 152 trainees were compared to a random sample of 51 caseworkers who did not participate in such training. Pre- and post-training results of knowledge tests and attitudinal measures were analyzed. Improved skill levels were found within both training and nontraining groups across time. Trainees did better on knowledge tests, and their perceived knowledge levels were significantly higher after training. Significant improvements were found in trainees' perceptions of ethnic awareness and value of family preservation. The 3-month training with a field practice compo nent has been perceived as helpful m prepanng caseworkers for child protective service (CPS) tasks. Caseworkers'knowledge, skills, and attitudes improved after training, but there still is no statistical evidence to indicate that the trained workers performed better than the untrained ones. Entry-level training and on-the-job training are recommended.
Computer Analysis of Qualitative Data: A Comparison of Three Packages
Authors: Walker B. Lee
Published: March 2007

This article describes and compares three computer programs designed to assist in the analysis of narrative text. Ethnograph, GATOR, and Martin were compared in the context of a qualitative study of women and their husbands following mastectomy in order to (a) describe the fit between research purpose and program capabilities and (b) explore the influence, if any, of particular program features on research methods or analysis. The comparison suggests that methodological assistance provided by the programs involves differences in approach sufficient to make prior consideration of theft between program capabilities and research purposes, methods, and style an important research decision. Descriptions of the programs and their application provide guidelines for comparison of these and other computer programs.
Recovery as an Interactive Process: Explanation and Empowerment in 12-Step Programs
Authors: Eastland Lynette Seccombe
Published: March 2007

The increasing popularity of the recovery movement suggests that movement ideology is serving a function for many individuals. This article examines how the understandings available through popular recovery movement literature and programs are regarded as empowering by those engaged in what they define as a process of recovery. Through ethnographic investigation and interviews, the common communicative elements of the process are examined, and aspects of recovery that hover above popular notions are delineated. An example of this is the paradox of powerlessness on which many recovery programs are based. The understandings allow for a change in the communicative stance in the world of the recovering person, and provide a means for the reconstruction of both personal identity and personal history. Furthermore, it ties these processes of personal change to processes of social change.
Experiential Analysis as a Feminist Methodology for Health Professionals
Authors: Bungay Vicky , Keddy Barbara Carter
Published: March 2007

An increasing number of health professional scholars are looking for alternate ways of doing research. In this article, the authors discuss experential analysis as a feminist methodology that could provide new answers to old questions. Rooted in the arena of the sociology of knowledge, experential analysis provides one the opportunity to think about how knowledge is created, the power relations inherent in knowledge, and how to deconstruct this knowledge.