Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Schools And Scholars Durkheim’S Ghosts, Charles Lemert

Charles C Lemert

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Automobile Insurance Fraud, Robyn Lincoln, Helene Wells, Wayne Petherick

Wayne Petherick

This exploratory study analyses claiming behaviour within the automobile insurance industry. A local insurance company provided 32 automobile insurance claims thus permitting qualitative and quantitative analysis. This study enunciates non-fraudulent claiming behaviour as the sample included only a low number of suspected fraud cases. Variables contained within each of the claim files were analysed, as were the statements of the insured individuals. Each claimant is required to provide two written statements to the local insurance company and these statements were analysed for consistency and detail.

The overall findings revealed that claimants were generally employed, middle-aged males who were sober at …

The Importance Of Trust And Community In Developing And Maintaining A Community Electronic Network, Alina Oxendine, Eugene Borgida, John Sullivan, Melinda Jackson

Alina Oxendine

The Liberating Role Of Conflict In Group Creativity: A Cross Cultural Study, Charlan Nemeth, Marie Personnaz, Bernard Personnaz, Jack Goncalo

Jack Goncalo

Researchers of group creativity have noted problems such as social loafing, “production blocking,” and especially, evaluation apprehension (Paulus, 2000). Thus, brainstorming techniques have specifically admonished people “not to criticize” their own and others’ ideas, a tenet that has gone unexamined. In contrast, there is research showing that dissent, debate and competing views have positive value, stimulating divergent and creative thought (Nemeth, 2002, in press). In this experimental study, traditional brainstorming instructions admonishing people not to criticize were compared with instructions encouraging people to debate and even criticize. A third condition offered no specific instructions. This study was conducted both in …

Expertise, Trust, And Communication About Food Biotechnology, John Lang, Karen O'Neill, William Hallman

John T. Lang

Experts typically presume to speak with authority about complex concerns, such as agricultural biotechnology. Research indi- cates, however, that the effectiveness of risk communication depends on perceptions about the trustworthiness of the institu- tions and experts providing information. This exploratory study investigates how experts from a range of food-associated pro- fessions and institutions perceive their own roles in communi- cating about biotechnology. Most of the respondents rated scientists and other experts as most likely to tell the truth about biotechnology, but many felt that members of the public were most influenced by the mass media and by critics of biotechnol- …

“Policing The Police,” Review Of Are Cops Racist?, By H. Mac Donald, Kenneth Colburn

Kenneth D. Colburn

Law enforcement officers are an ever-present target for criticism. There are exceptions, of course: praise was widespread and heartfelt throughout the nation for the selfless sacrifice of New York City police officers (and firefighters) who died in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. As every police officer knows, however, the police are more likely to be the subjects of criticism than of praise. There are some obvious and some less than obvious reasons for the basic ambivalence Americans have toward the police.

Public Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Foods: A National Study Of American Knowledge And Opinion., William Hallman, W. Hebden, Helen Aquino, Cara Cuite, John Lang

John T. Lang

The report begins with an investigation of Americans’ awareness of the presence of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in the foods they encounter everyday. Next, the report describes Americans’ actual and perceived knowledge of science, biotechnology and food production. It then examines American opinions about GM foods in general, along with their opinions on a variety of existing and potential GM food products with direct or indirect consumer benefits. The report discusses the relationship between opinions of GM food and a variety of factors, including demographics, knowledge of biotechnology, purchasing behaviors and styles of food selection. Finally, it describes Americans’ thoughts …

"She Says, He Says”: Women’S And Men’S Views Of The Composition Of Boards, Alison Sheridan, Gina Milgate

Gina C Milgate

While women have continued to increase their representation in the paid workforce, their representation on corporate boards in Australia remains very low. In this paper, the views of men and women board members of publicly-listed companies in Australia concerning the adequacy of the composition of boards and the factors contributing to women’s low representation are explored and contrasted. It seems that these “successful” men and women have significantly different views on the benefits of homogeneity or diversity of board membership. While the men believe the current composition is generally adequate, the women are concerned about the lack of diversity of …

Eva Castellanoz: "A Healing...It Just Comes Your Way, Unless You Say No", Eva Castellanoz, Robert Mccarl

Robert S. McCarl

Eva Castellanoz is a curandera -- a healer-- who has raised ten children, labored as a farmworker, and been recognized nationally as a cultural healer.

The Hospital Yard, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

Presents an article on working at a small switching yard in San Jose, California. Reason for thinking the switching yard as a hospital yard; Description of the yard; Details on workers at the yard.

The Potential Relevances Of Biology To Social Inquiry, Lisa Wade, Jeremy Freese, Allen Li

Lisa Wade

No abstract provided.

Blue Chicago: The Search For Authenticity In Urban Blues Clubs, David Grazian

David Grazian

No abstract provided.

Can Critical Realism Be Critical? Review Margaret Archer, Being Human: The Problem Of Agency, Charles C. Lemert

Charles C Lemert

No abstract provided.

Against Capital-S Sociology, Charles C. Lemert

Charles C Lemert

No abstract provided.