Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Open Access Publishing: Its Impact On You, Marilyn Moody, Eric Forte, Peggy S. Cooper

Library Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Secular Spirituality/Mundane Media: One Newspaper’S In-Depth Coverage Of Buddhism, Rick Clifton Moore

Communication Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper addresses Mark Silk’s theory of "unsecular media" through a case study of a visit the Dalai Lama made to the United States. Silk contends the themes (what he calls "topoi") media use to cover religion are derived from Western faiths. Thus, according to Silk, when Western religious principles are used to write about Western religious practices, those practices are generally evaluated positively. In the analysis that follows I examine the extent to which Silk’s topoi were used to report about Buddhism, an obviously "Eastern" religion. The basic findings suggest that Silk’s topoi were readily applied in the stories …

Designing For The Student: Users' Styles And Department Web Sites, Trevor Hall, Ryan Jensen, Daniel Mclean

Communication Faculty Publications and Presentations

Researchers have recognized that students rely on different learning styles and strategies to succeed, and the importance of recognizing different learning styles is well documented (e.g., Cassidy 2004; Vermunt 1994; Bransford et al. 1989; Kolb 1985). The same is true of how students use technological resources; it has become increasingly clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all students. While a great deal has been written on these topics, the literature addressing such differences has focused primarily on course content (Fahy and Ally 2005; Lee et al. 2005; Ross and Lukow 2004; Baldwin and Sabry 2003; Brown, Bull, and …

Regional Cooperation In Employment And Training Policy: A Matter Of Collective Action Or Intergovernmental Relations?, Susan G. Mason

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article provides empirical evidence that factors derived from the collective action theories resonated with employment and training policy implementers as the most influential for achieving regional cooperation for community development. Findings indicate that having specific reasons and the opportunity to benefit from collaborating does more to advance cooperation than competing for scarce resources. Permitting Workforce Investment Boards self-governing authority and providing an opportunity for mutual gains are promising means for gaining substantive cooperation both within and across workforce investment areas in U.S. employment and training policy.

A Difusão Do Orçamento Participativo Brasileiro: ‘Boas Práticas' Devem Ser Promovidas?, Brian Wampler

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The "third wave" of democratization has been accompanied by the spread of new institutions that allow citizens to deliberate and decide policy outcomes. Leading international organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations, have disseminated "best practice" programs identified with "good government" policy reform efforts. One of the most well-known programs, Participatory Budgeting (PB), was first adopted by Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) in 1989 as a means to promote social justice, accountability, and transparency. There has been widespread adoption of PB in Brazil, led by the PT. Yet, by 2001, nearly half of PB programs had been adopted …

Factors That Influence Informal Learning In The Workplace, Shelley A. Berg, Seung Youn Chyung

Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence informal learning in the workplace and the types of informal learning activities people engage in at work. More specifically, the research examined (1) the relationship between informal learning engagement and the presence of learning organization characteristics, and (2) perceived factors that affect informal learning engagement.

Methodology – Workplace learning and performance improvement professionals were invited to respond to an anonymous online survey, and 125 professionals volunteered to participate in the study.

Findings – This study did not find a significant correlation between informal learning engagement and the …

Policy Design And Regional Cooperation Under The Workforce Investment Act, Susan G. Mason

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mazmanian and Sabatier advocate the importance of legislation for successful policy implementation. Scholars such as Perkmann have identified structural factors that affect regional cooperation. Under Workforce Investment Act, legislative and structural factors in obtaining regional cooperation across traditional state and local government boundaries are analyzed in nine U.S. Midwestern metropolitan regions. Results from this study suggest there are policy design and structural factors such as the focus of actors; same year implementation of the act; and the amount of hierarchical integration of administrative entities that can be enhanced to increase the likelihood that regional cooperation will occur under WIA.

A Study Of Idaho Citizen’S Attitudes About Early Childhood Care & Education Issues, Social Science Research Center, Boise State University

Research and Reports

Annually, the SSRC conducts a large-scale survey of Idahoans to identify public policy concerns. The study is provided to public officials and interested citizens to facilitate policy discussion and education. This study was undertaken in conjunction with the annual policy survey. The findings in this report reflect eleven questions sponsored by Mountain State’s Group, supported by a grant from the Anne Casey Foundation.

The Reintegration Of Veterans, Kevin Ross, Adela Anderson, Maribeth Horan, Cina Sorenson

Service-Learning Program

This study explores the attitudes and beliefs of Boise State University students regarding veterans’ reintegration issues. Two hundred eight students in an introductory psychology course participated in an online survey. We found that 88% of respondents know a veteran but 37% don’t know what services are available to them to assist with reintegration issues such as family, mental health and addictions problems. The information gathered assisted us in designing a brochure to serve as a single source of information on reintegration assistance for veterans and their families.

Public Perceptions About Early Childhood Issues, Public Policy Center, Boise State University

Research and Reports

A survey of the Idaho public reveals strong support for funding and programs aimed at enhanced early childhood education and childcare options, particularly for working parents and low-income households.

Treasure Valley State Of The Region: Progress Report 2008, Public Policy Center, Boise State University, Gregory C. Hill

Research and Reports

The original Treasure Valley State of the Region Report (2006) describes the Boise- Nampa MSA using 49 indicators on social, economic, fiscal and environmental aspects of the region. Comparisons using the indicators are also made with peer regions in the Western United States. The rapid increase in growth in the Treasure Valley warrants a comprehensive look at the region. The Public Policy Center in the College of Social Science and Public Affairs at Boise State University initiated the production of this report to meet this need.

This report was assembled by faculty and graduate students in an effort to produce …