Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Community Development Corporations And Their Contributions To Democracy In Chicago, Carl E. Hanssen

Masters Theses

Community development corporations (CDCs) are non-profit, neighborhood-based, real estate developers. They share a common mission to improve social conditions in communities where they work. CDCs were developed based on two distinct models: (1) an intervention model, and (2) a grass-roots model.

This work was predicated on a theory of political science: high levels of social conditions correspond with high levels of democracy. High levels of democracy will be demonstrated by high voter participation. The work of CDCs and their impact on communities in Chicago was analyzed to test this theory.

Four CDCs and corresponding communities were chosen for this study. …

A Classification Of Ecosystem Desertification Using Satellite Imagery, Dzheltyrbas Gulf, 1980-1989, Marni D. Cavis

Masters Theses

This study focused on the development of a land cover classification method for the Dzhiltyrbas Gulf region southeast of the Aral Sea in the former Soviet Union. Desertification of the region was mapped based on ecosystem descriptions taken from a database defining four stages of desertification. Landsat MSS images (bands 1, 2, and 4) were used as the basis for classification. Standard unsupervised and supervised classification methods did not distinguish the level of detail required to map each stage of desertification in each ecosystem. Therefore, the ecosystems had to be defined and classified as separate entities (based on SBI and …

The Effects Of A Monetary Incentive System On The Performance Of Rolloff Truck Drivers, Jeanne Marie Lameie

Dissertations

Studies have shown that individuals working under individual monetary incentive conditions perform at higher rates than those working under an hourly pay condition (Farr, 1976; Frisch & Dickinson, 1990; Gaetani, Hoxeng, & Austin, 1985; George & Hopkins, 1989; London & Oldham, 1977; Nebeker & Neuberger, 1985; Orphen, 1982; Terborg & Miller, 1978; Yukl, Wexley, & Seymore, 1972). Although these studies indicate that incentive pay improves productivity, the results of two laboratory studies suggest that the portion of pay that is tied to performance is not important (Frisch & Dickinson, 1990; Gillette, 1991). In other words, once pay is linked to …

An Experimental Demonstration Of The Transitive Conditioned Establishing Operation With Pigeons, Rachel Nunes Da Cunha

Dissertations

Skinner (1938) dealt with motivation in terms of the operations of deprivation/satiation and aversive stimulation. Later, Keller and Schoenfeld (1950) introduced the term establishing operation to refer to such motivative variables, and Michael (1982, and in press) expanded the Keller and Schoenfeld (1950) concept to include a type of learned motivative variable not explicitly identified in the earlier treatments. The purpose of the present research is the laboratory demonstration of this form of motivation, that Michael referred to as a transitive conditioned establishing operation (CEO).

The present experiment used a treadle-key procedure similar to that of Ailing (1990), but with …

The Effects Of Arousal On Time Perception, J. Keith Cardwell

Dissertations

This study examined the effect of physiological arousal on subjects' time production skills. Time perception is a major element in clinical theories of demandingness and time urgency within the Type A behavior pattern.

Subjects were 94 graduate students, including 67 females and 27 males. They were assigned randomly to three groups: a control group and experimental Groups A and B. All subjects performed 15-, 30-, and 45-second pretest and posttest time production trials. The primary treatment for experimental groups was rapid breathing to increase subjects' heart beat at least 10% above their resting rate. Heart beat was measured by a …

Offense Perceived, Appropriate Actions And Possible Solutions: A Research Of Censorship, Sharon K. Van Poolen

Masters Theses

Students at Western Michigan University were asked via a survey to read lyrics and indicate an offensiveness rating. Lyrics containing vulgar or sexual language or derogatory statements about religion received higher offensive ratings. Actions deemed acceptable in response to offensive lyrics include picketing and boycotting. Prevalent themes identified in the lyrics are antagonism toward religion, sexism and unhealthy sexual relations. Groups cited most frequently as potentially harmed by lyrics are children 5-12, adolescents and women. Respondents were questioned about participation in certain activities and what alternatives to direct censorship are acceptable. Most would prefer to be involved indirectly, for example, …

Failure Of Methamphetamine Withdrawal To Produce Behavioral Disruptions In Pigeons, William F. Potter

Masters Theses

Methamphetamine, a widely used recreational drug, is not known to produce physiological dependence. Few studies to date have examined whether behavioral dependence occurs upon sudden withdrawal from methamphetamine. In this study, pigeons (n=4) were trained to respond under a multiple FR 25 IRT > 6-s schedule of reinforcement, allowing for examination of drug effects upon a relatively high rate of responding (FR) and a relatively low rate of responding (IRT > t). Acute adminstrations of methamphetamine showed rate-dependent effects at low doses, while higher doses decreased responding under both schedules. Tolerance was demonstrated for all subjects except one at the highest dose …

The Use Of Nonhuman Subjects In Behavior Analysis: A Review Of Jeab Studies, Dylan David Schmorrow

Dissertations

This study examined the use of nonhuman subjects in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and the level of invasiveness of those studies. The invasiveness level of each study was determined according to the Shapiro and Field (1987) invasiveness rating scale. All studies published from 1958 through 1992 were considered. In addition to rating the individual studies with the invasiveness scale, data were collected concerning the species of the subjects and their number, whether anaesthesia, analgesia, drugs or toxic agents were used, whether surgery took place, levels of deprivation, and if the subjects died.

The findings from this …

The Impact Of Third Party Reimbursement On Occupational Therapy And Vision Rehabilitation Services: A Comparative Case Study, Tiehan Liu

Dissertations

This is a comparative case study of occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation services. The purpose of this study is to describe how environmental forces, especially third party reimbursement, shape occupational therapy in terms of organizational form, setting, procedure of services and documentation process. The study will further examine the current external and internal conditions under which vision rehabilitation professionals may develop third party payment, especially Medicare and Medicaid. Based on environment theories and the experience of occupational therapy, the potential impact of such reimbursement on vision rehabilitation services is discussed.

Three forms of data were used in this study: (1) …

Responses Of Female Therapists To Treating Adult Female Survivors Of Incest, Marcia A. Hollingsworth

Dissertations

How female therapists are affected by the long-term experience of treating adult female survivors was addressed by exploring therapists’ commonly reported affective, cognitive, physical, and imagery responses. The study specifically examined experienced female therapist responses for evidence of vicarious traumatization (McCann & Pearlman, 1990b), a transformation process whereby therapists who treat trauma victims may experience profound psychological effects, including lasting changes in seven basic cognitive schemas. The study’s findings were also considered in relation to four other models of therapist responses to treating incest survivors: burnout, secondary post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic countertransferences, and countertransference responses.

This study employed a …

Caring For Dementing And Nondementing Chronically Ill Elderly In Belgium: Modeling Salutogenic And Pathogenic Processes, Timothy John Gallagher

Dissertations

The predominant model in the study of stress and disease has been identified as the pathogenic orientation. The underlying assumption of this orientation is that stress is, by nature, disease causing. An alternative model is the salutogenic orientation (Antonovsky, 1979). Researchers using the salutogenic approach are concerned with explaining the origins of health. In the present study, a sample of Flemish caregivers {N = 126) to persons with chronic dementing and nondementing disorders is examined in order to detail how sense of coherence (a measure of personality disposition), the nature of patient pathology, demographic characteristics, coping resources, and perceived negative …

The Job Search Process In Michigan 1990-1991, Zhuoyan Gu

Dissertations

Two statewide general public surveys of non-retired adults conducted in March of 1990 and 1991 were analyzed to examine patterns of job search activity. Primary attention was placed on the 1991 survey. The core questions asked were about preferences for future job search media in terms of the respondents' past job seeking experiences . The general pattern observed was a movement away from the public state employment service towards "informal" contacts. There were, however, important differences in terms of the respondents' age, sex, education, occupation, and prior employment experiences.

Spanish Translation And Validation Of The Daily Stress Inventory, And A Comparison Of The Level Of Stress Experienced By Three Culturally Distinct Hispanic Groups, Senez Rodriguez-Charbonier

Dissertations

High levels of stress in the general population have been found to correlate both with psychological and physical illness. The fast growing Hispanic population in the U.S. is exposed to increased levels of stress associated with a number of situations (e.g., language barriers, and socioeconomic status). There are, however, no validated stress measures applicable to the Hispanic community as a whole.

The purpose of this study was twofold: First, to translate into Spanish the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI) (Brantley & Jones, 1989) and to validate the translation by conducting a correlation study between the the Spanish and the English versions. …

Purchase Of Service Contracting In The 1990s: Have Expectations Been Met?, Peter M. Kettner, Lawrence L. Martin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Privatization and purchase of service contracting (POSC) are generally considered to be two of the most important factors that have helped shape the human service system during the 1970s and 1980s (Gilbert, 1983, 1986; Kammerman, 1983; Demone and Gibelman, 1984, 1989; Weddell, 1986; Kettner and Martin, 1985; Termell, 1987; Rein, 1989). Therefore, as we enter the decade of the 1990s, it would seem both appropriate and worthwhile to reflect on the original expectations for privatization and POSC and to assess the extent to which these expectations have been realized.

The Impact Of Work History On Economic Security At Old Age Among Africans In South Africa, Martha Tshitshi S. Mbatha

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Work histories of most Africans in South Africa determine whether or not they will be poor at old age. To illustrate this point, the author uses the literature and data collected from elderly Africans. Findings show racial discrimination in education and in the labor market as resulting in the concentration of the majority of Africans in low paying jobs. Low wages and the absence of a national pension scheme prevent most Africans from saving for their retirement. African workers constitute the largest percentage of the working poor in South Africa. Their circumstances are unlikely to change even after retirement. At …

The Commitment Of Social Workers To Affirmative Action, Karen D. Stout, William E. Buffum

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examines the relationship of commitment to affirmative action principles, knowledge about affirmative action, and positive or negative experiences with affirmative action in a sample of 193 members of the Texas Chapter of NASW. The results were that knowledge was not significantly associated with commitment to affirmative action, although both positive and negative experience with affirmative action was strongly associated with commitment. Ways to build support for affirmative action through positive experience are discussed. Differences among sub-groups of the sample are examined.

Book Notes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK NOTES

• The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. Dennis Saleeby
• Research on Social Work Practice. Mark A. Mattiani
• The Child Welfare Challenge. Peter J. Pecora, James K. Whittaker, Anthony N. Maluccio with Richard Bath & Robert D. Plotnick
• Community Organizing in a Diverse Society. F. Rivera & J. Erlich
• Brief Counseling: A Practical Guide for Beginning Practitioners. Windy Dryden & Colin Feltham
• Who Benefits from the Non-Profit Sector? Charles T. Glotfelter
• Contemporary Perspectives on Crisis Intervention and Prevention. Albert Roberts
• Alternative Models of Family Preservation: Family Based Services in Context. Kristine E. Nelson & Mariam J. Landsman

Child Care Needs Of Welfare Recipients In Maryland's Welfare Reform Program, Barbara H. Vann, Todd W. Rofuth

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Legislation mandating participation of welfare recipient parents in education and employment and training programs has created increased demand for provision of child care. Providing the most appropriate care for this unique population depends, ideally, on its needs and preferences. This study examines child care needs and preferences of a sample of participants in Maryland's welfare reform employment and training programs. Although care by a relative is most widely used by these respondents, it is not clear that this is the type of care preferred by the majority of respondents. This has important implications for policy decisions regarding child care funding.

Social Work Practice And Technological Disasters: The Navajo Uranium Experience, Susan E. Dawson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Findings of a community case study of Navajo uranium workers and their families are presented in light of the effects of technological disasters. The workers and their families were exposed to occupational and environmental hazards associated with the mining and milling of uranium. Implications for social work practice and education are presented using the concepts of a therapeutic community and victim typology.

Victims Of Terrorism: Is It A 'Non-Issue'?, Uri Yanay

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite the growing 'detente' or because of it, the world faces the danger of an increased number of ethnic, religious and separatist movements that actively seek visibility, fearing that otherwise their case might be overlooked. This may be one of the reasons terrorism is a growing phenomena, causing injuries and death to people and significant damage to property.

Most governments ignore victims of terrorism. Denying the problem or providing scant help to victims does not solve the problem fairly. The political nature of the problem and the multitude of damages caused by terrorism requires legal entitlements and State resources to …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 20, No. 2 (June 1993)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISASTERS: THE NAVAJO URANIUM EXPERIENCE - Susan E. Dawson
• VICTIMS OF TERRORISM: IS IT A "NON-ISSUE" - Uri Yanay
• THE IMPACT OF WORK HISTORY ON ECONOMIC SECURITY AT OLD AGE AMONG AFRICANS IN SOUTH AFRICA - Martha Tshitsi S. Mbatha
• REFORMULATION OF THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY BASED CARE - Phillip Fellin
• CHILD CARE NEEDS OF WELFARE RECIPIENTS IN MARYLAND'S WELFARE REFORM PROGRAM - Barbara H. Vann & Todd W. Rofuth
• PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTING IN THE 1990'S: HAVE EXPECTATIONS BEEN MET? - Peter M. Kettner & Lawrence L. Martin
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL …

Reformulation Of The Context Of Community Based Care, Phillip Fellin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Community based care has traditionally been defined as residential location. An alternative is presented of including the patient's membership in multiple communities, both geographical and identificational. The literature on social supports is cited as a basis for social integration as a goal.

Characteristics Of Social Welfare Stasis And Change: A Comparison Of The Characteristics Of Two Child Welfare Agencies In The 1920s, Eve P. Smith

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article describes and compares two child welfare agencies of the 1920's with regard to qualities that influenced or inhibited their ability to change. While one agency gave up its institution in favor of foster home care and mother's pensions; the other continued to provide only institutional care. Four characteristics may account for the difference. They are the organizations' networks; amount of "sunk costs" associated with change; ideologies and interests of organization leadership and the agencies' "boundary spanning" activities. If further studies confirm these, then we may encourage organizational changes so that contemporary agencies may meet emerging client needs.

Book Reviews

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK REVIEWS

• Achieving Power: Practice and Policy in Social Welfare. Stuart Rees, Reviewed By: James Midgley, Louisiana State University
• Models for Change in Social Group Work. M. Fatout, Reviewed By: Richard J. Estes, University of Pennsylvania
• Cultural Diversity and Social Work Practice. Dianne F. Harrison, John S. Wodarski, and Bruce A. Thyer, Reviewed By: Dorcas D. Bowles, Louisiana State University
• Controversial Issues in Social Work. Eileen Gambrill & Robert Pruger, Reviewed By: Ram A. Cnaan, University of Pennsylvania
• Social Work and Social Order: The Settlement Movement in Two Industrial Cities, 1889-1930. Ruth Hutchinson Crocker, Reviewed By: Howard Jacob Karger, Louisiana …

Aggressive Dating Behavior Among College Students, Felicia D. Flowers

Masters Theses

Past studies have revealed that people with traditional gender role views are often involved in dating violence. This study examines both male and female athletes and non-athletes in terms of traditional gender role views and dating violence. Athletes and non-athletes are an important focus because literature is virtually silent on these two populations in terms of dating violence. The researcher surveyed 188 undergraduate students attending Western Michigan University on their attitudes and experiences concerning gender role views, athletic involvement, and history of dating violence, respectively. The results indicate that gender role views and athletic participation appeared to have no significant …

Comparing Selection-Based And Topography-Based Language Systems With Verbal Adults Learning Japanese Words, Matthew A. Stratton

Masters Theses

This study compared selection-based with topography-based learning of similar verbal relationships. In two previous studies, using developmentally disabled subjects, topography-based relations were easier to learn. The previous researchers suggested that the advantage of a topography-based system would increase as the number of relations to be learned increased.

To investigate this possibility, the present study used a 5 and 20-stimulus version of each system. Four independent groups of seven college students each were used in a two by two design. The selection-based task consisted in learning to point to the Japanese character appropriate for each English sample. The topography-based task consisted …

The Use Of Music Therapy To Influence The Self-Confidence And Hostility Of Adolescents Who Are Sexually Abused, Joy Clendenon-Wallen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether music therapy would be an effective therapeutic medium for reducing hostility and increasing the self-confidence of sexually abused adolescents. The study utilized an experimental and control group which is unique in the sexual abuse literature. Most studies are descriptive or quasi-experimental in nature. Some of the subjects increased their self-confidence and decreased their hostility although no statistical significance was achieved for either group. This study describes the treatment problems of sexually abused adolescents and offers examples of non-confrontational and goal directed treatment strategies which can be achieved through music therapy. Music …

Hourly Rainfall And Goes Infrared Radiances In Amazonia, Dean Gregory Butzow

Masters Theses

Ground-based hourly rain of the Amazon Basin was investigated for the period of January 1988 to December 1990. UFPa, Careiro, and CEPLAC rain stations were selected to represent the rain characteristics of coastal Amazonia, central Amazonia near the river, and central Amazonia in the "terra firme" respectively.

Throughout the period, UFPa exhibits a distinct diurnal cycle, with peak rain occurring from the mid-afternoon to early evening hours. The diurnal cycles of the inland stations is less pronounced, presenting significant nocturnal and early morning components.

Results from the pulse analysis of the hourly rainfall time series, lead to an average model …

Effects Of Familiarity With A Sample-Stimulus In Selection-Based Learning Of Verbal Behavior, Robert J. Wallander

Masters Theses

Selection-based verbal behavior involves indicating a stimulus in some way from a set of stimuli. Twenty undergraduates served as subjects in this study of familiarity with a sample stimulus in a selection-based paradigm. The study utilized twenty Japanese Kanji characters as the comparison stimuli to be selected. Half the subjects were presented English names of animals as sample stimuli and the other half of the subjects were presented Japanese Katakana symbols (which appear as little more than nonsense figures) as sample stimuli.

T-tests were performed on the average number of twenty-trial blocks needed to meet criterion (two consecutive blocks without …

Trade Friction Between The United States And Japan: An Analysis Of The Situation In 1992, Mariko Hirano

Masters Theses

Trade friction between the United States and Japan is discussed and it is shown why negotiations like Structural Impediments Initiative Talks alone have not improved the trade relations between the two countries. This is not only because of fundamental cultural and economic differences, but because of significant differences in the interests of Japanese business, Japanese government, American business, and American government. The Japanese political system is described. A detailed description of Japanese conglomerated system (keiretsu) is presented. This conglomerate system is often viewed as a major obstacle by foreign companies to do business in Japan. The views of American politicians …