Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Scientific Technology And The Human Condition, Vernon R. Wiehe

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Society applauds the recent advancements of scientific technology in fields such as medicine, energy, and communication. While humankind profits in many ways from this technology, a few voices are heard cautioning society to consider the implications of these developments. This paper discusses the gulf which appears to exist between scientific technology and the human condition. Reasons for this gulf are: I ) the failure to develop a philosophy of science in which human values, and aspirations are viewed within the context of scientific technology, 2) the reductionist approach to science in which the parts are emphasized at the expense of …

The De-Skilling Of Social Workers: An Examination Of The Impact Of The Industrial Model Of Production On The Delivery Of Social Services, Howard Jacob Karger

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article examines the effect of the industrial model of production on the delivery of social services. As part of this study, the effects of technology (used in its broadest sense) and system rationalization are explored, particularly as they result in the de-skilling of social workers. Lastly, the author makes recommendations for the development of alternative criteria for system rationality and the evaluation of efficiency in social service programs.

Medicine, Technology, And Genetic Engineering: Reflections From The Outside, Jeffrey R. Plittman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Advances in technology are producing many changes in the ways humans view and manage their lives. The refinement of genetic engineering techniques has created vast opportunities for humankind, along with novel problems and dangers. Accordingly, the questions that must be addressed pertain to the nature of life itself. Yet the scientific community can not be given sole discretion In managing todey's technologies. Instead, all segments of society must be Involved In determining how genetic engineering will be used.

Developing Social Work Interviewing Skills Through A Micro-Video Analysis Training Program, Peter C. Iverson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Effective interviewing techniques are required for successful social work practice. Consequently, mastering this relatively complex technology is vital for both social work students and agency professionals. This article will provide a descriptive analysis of the Micro-Video Analysis Training Program which may be operationalized in either an academic classroom or agency. Also discussed are the primary components of the training program and their inter-relationships within the context of the Micro-Video Analysis approach. Hopefully this material will assist those with social work education responsibilities to teach interviewing skills more effectively.

Technology, Corporate Mobility, And A Decline In Urban Services, Marcus D. Pohlmann

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Technological changes have produced a postindustrial economy which has both facilitated and encouraged the flight of capital and well-to-do people from the older industrial cities. Left in their wake are increasing levels of unemployment, poverty, and crime. Service needs have Increased accordingly, but at a time when these cities have not only smaller tax bases but also less electoral clout with which to acquire additional financial assistance at the state and federal levels. In a nearly futile attempt to reestablish a healthy degree of private investment in their cities, municipal governments let service levels decline and focus on spurring capital …

Applying Computers To Clinical Social Work, James Gripton, Paul Licker, Leo De Groot

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper discusses the application of computer technology to clinical social work. It is based on a three-year research and demonstration project on microcomputer applications to clinical social work. The paper reviews the use of computers in social work, contrasting the developments in this field with those that hove occurred in psychiatry and clinical psychology. It then describes the two major components of the integrated software package for supporting clinical social work that has been developed and is currently being tested. The paper concludes with a discussion of the misconceptions and realities of introducing computer technology to a clinical social …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 13, No. 1 (March 1986)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS - THEMATIC SPECIAL ISSUE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY

• Introduction to Thematic Special Issue - JOHN T. PARDECK, JOHN W. MURPHY
• Computers in Social Work and Social Welfare: Issues and Perspective - WILLIAM H. BUTTERFIELD
• Applying Computers to Clinical Social Work - JAMES GRIPTON, PAUL LICKER
• The Implications of Computer Technology in the Delivery of Human Services - NARVIAR C. BARKER
• Assessing Child Maltreatment: The Role of Testing - JOEL S. MILNER
• Technology, Stress, and Family Violence: Some Issues in Teaching Social Work Practice - SHIRLEY J. PORTER
• Scientific Technology and The Human Condition - VERNON R. …

Computers In Social Work And Social Welfare Issues And Perspective, William H. Butterfield

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper provides a general overview of the areas in which technology has had significant impact. These are specifically important for social workers, since technology poses many challenges for both society and the social work profession. Most important about modern technology is that It can either improve the human condition or destroy society. With this In mind, social workers must learn about technology, so that Its benefits are understood and problems avoided. This will not occur, however, if technology is ignored or treated as something which is inherently bad because it disrupts the status gun.

The Implications Of Computer Technology In The Delivery Of Human Services, Narviar C. Barker

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social service programs are nowadays required to operate efficiently and effectively. In order to insure that this occurs, service delivery must be documented and evaluated like never before. Nonetheless, at the same time, clients are reporting in ever greater numbers to receive services. Computer technology can assist practitioners to deal with this apparent conflict. For example, computers facilitate documentation, encourage the uilization of advanced research techniques, and free practitioners from paper work, so that increased services can be offered. Accordingly, this technology can be used to improve the delivery of social services.

Technology, Stress, And Family Violence: Some Issues In Teaching Social Work Practice, Shirley J. Porter

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper examines family violence. Specifically, the variables most often associated with this phenomenon are discussed. As part of this analysis, a model for assessing family violence is proposed. It is noted, however, that this mode of assessment differs in many ways from technologically oriented methodologies. Moreover, the social work profession must come to recognize the difference between community sensitive and technological models, or misinformed social policies may be the result.

Computer Technology - 1984 And Beyond, Terry Holbrook

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article examines the impact of computerization on record keeping. Particularly important about automated records is that their content becomes reified, thereby distorting the nature of client data. Because the technical side of documenting a client's activities is stressed, the existential nature of behavior is obscured. As a result, a practitioner may not gain much insight into the motives and social situation of a client. Yet without this information, irrelevant advice may be prescribed by a social worker. Accordingly, technology must not be allowed to alter the existential process of creating a client's biography in a record.

Social Service Delivery Systems: The Impact Of Technology And Organizational Structure, Louella Mann

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Changes in work and social structures are reviewed for the period from the early industrial era to the present. Work structure is hypothesized to have a significant impact upon society and the individual. The structure of the modern work setting and the rapid changes in technology have increased the stress associated with anxiety and isolation. In turn, these problems contribute to the onset of social ills. Also examined are ways to diminish the negative effects of the role conflict which results from the divergent structures present in the personal and work settings. Predictions about the future of social service delivery …

17-Archaeological Investigations At The New Buffalo Weigh Stations, Berrien County, Michigan, William M. Cremin

Archaeological Technical Reports

With the execution of Work Authorizations under Contract# 85-1115 between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of State, and Western Michigan University, authorizing Phase I and preliminary Phase II archaeological investigations at the New Buffalo Weigh Stations project along I-94 in Berrien County, Michigan, a team of researchers from the Department of Anthropology performed a systematic and intensive site location survey of the project area on 17 Nov 85 and preliminary test excavation of the New Buffalo Weigh Station site (20BE380) on 22-23 Mar 86.

Following our initial visit to the project in November, surveyors were able to …

19-Archaeological Survey Of The I-75nb Welcome Center, Moran Township, Mackinac County, Michigan, William M. Cremin

Archaeological Technical Reports

With the execution of a Cultural Resource Investigation work authorization (#4-86/87) under contract #85-1115 (MDOS ER #9262) betveen the MDOT, the MDOS, and WMU, authorizing a Phase I archaeological survey of the I-75NB Welcome Center in Moran Township, Mackinac County, Michigan, archaeologists undertook a systematic and intensive site location survey of the project area on 12-13 Oct 86.

Employing reconnaissance and shovel testing procedures, the survey team relocated and confirmed the existence of a site(s) in the eastern portion of the project and extending into the adjoining property of the Straits State Park. Although lithic debris and pieces of FRC …

16-The Indian And The Prairie: Prehistoric And Early Historic Utilization Of Native Grassland Environments In Kalamazoo County) Michigan, With Emphasis On Gourd-Neck Prairie In Schoolcraft Township. Project No. S85-212, William M. Cremin, David De Fant, Conrad Kaufman

Archaeological Reports

With grant support from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, administered by the Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State, a team of archaeologists from Western Michigan University has undertaken a program of fieldwork (with appropriate literature search and review of the documents) to identify archaeological sites and ascertain the nature of the activity conducted from them in an attempt to explain the nature of the relationship between the native inhabitants of Kalamazoo County and the former grassland environments that occurred here.

A review of the relevant literature prior to initiating a program of survey on Gourd-Neck Prairie …

74-Paleoethnobotanical Remains From Three Sites In The Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, William M. Cremin

Reports of Investigations

No abstract provided.

72-Prehistoric Plant Residues From The Bonnie Creek Site (21c4-46), A Mississippian Farmstead In The Northfield, Burning Star Mine #4, Perry Co., Il, William M. Cremin

Reports of Investigations

The site under investigation, Bonnie Creek (21C4-46), is located in the Northfield of Consolidation Coal Company's Burning Star Mine# 4, Perry County, Illinois. Lying within the southern portion of the Till Plains Division, known as the Mt. Vernon Hill Country, the Northfield exhibits a mature landscape of gently rolling hills and broad alluvial valleys through which flow Galum Creek and its major tributaries, Rock Fork and Bonnie creeks. Galum Creek, in turn, is tributary to the Big Muddy River of southern Illinois.

73-Archaeobotanical Analysis Of Screened And Flotation Residues From Sites 24n2-227 And 2482-231, Burning Star Mine #5, Jackson County, Illinois, William M. Cremin

Reports of Investigations

The Westfield of Consolidation Coal Company's Burning Star Mine# 5 is located in northeastern Jackson County, Illinois. It lies within but near the southern terminus of the Mt. Vernon Hill Country of the Southern Till Plains Division and is characterized by mature topography and low relief; elevations ranges from about 108m ASL along the banks of the Little Muddy River, the principal stream draining the study area, to 120m ASL on adjacent uplands. The northern limits of the Greater Shawnee Hills Section of the Shawnee Hills Division lie about 20 km to the south, where the gently rolling hills and …

75-Archaeological Survey Of The Sumitec Corporation Expansion Project, City Of Benton Harbor, Michigan (Er 9289), William M. Cremin

Reports of Investigations

At the request of Ms. Joy Bauer, Consultant, and Mr. Michael R. Prochaska, President, M.R. Prochaska, Inc.,acting for the City of Benton Harbor, Michigan, the project Princigal Investigator, Dr. William M. Cremin, planned and initiated on-site evaluation of a parcel of land fronting on Paw Paw Avenue and intended for expansion of Sumitec Corporation facilities. There follows a report of fieldwork conducted on 20 Nov 86, together with appropriate background information and recommendations based upon our findings.

18-Archaeological Survey Of Hiscock #1-11 Well Pad (20ae813) And Access Road, Valley Township, Allegan County, Michigan, Elizabeth B. Garland

Archaeological Technical Reports

Project Inception

Michael G. Cote, District Geologist, Department of Natural Resources (Plainwell), contacted Elizabeth Garland by telephone on August 18, 1986, concerning preparation of an oil drilling locality in Valley Township, Allegan County. A map detailing the location was delivered to Garland by a representative of the Petroleum Leasing and Exploration Company (Allegan) the following day. Since the planned well site was seen to be near a stream and within half a mile of a known prehistoric site, an archaeological survey was deemed advisable. Field work was carried out on August 20 and 21 by Garland and two associates from …

20-Archaeological Survey Of The Us-23 Weigh Stations Project In Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan, William M. Cremin

Archaeological Technical Reports

With the execution of a Cultural Resource Investigation work authorization (#6-86/87) under contract #85-1115 (MDOS ER #4573), as amended, on 10 Oct 86 between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of State, and Western Michigan University, authorizing Phase I assessment of the US-23 Weigh Stations project in Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan, archaeologists undertook a systematic and intensive on-site survey of the project on 20-21 Oct 86.

Employing reconnaissance and shovel testing,procedures, the survey team thoroughly examined an area of 25.9 ha (64 acres), making not a single observation of potential significance with respect to the presence in …

Instructional Control Of Leniency In Self-Appraisals, Maria Barnum Nelson

Masters Theses

Self- and supervisor ratings were obtained on four classifications of non-teaching public school employees across two instructional conditions. Self-ratings showed more leniency in the condition where employees were instructed not to meet with the supervisor to discuss the ratings; self-ratings showed less leniency in the condition where employees were instructed to meet with the supervisor to discuss the ratings. Despite foreknowledge of the research question and instructional conditions, supervisors showed a tendency to rate employees differentially according to the instructional conditions. The results of the analyses demonstrate the potency of instructional control on rating behavior by employees and supervisors. Questions …

One County's Experience With Community Corrections: An Assessment Of The Harm, Charles C. Crider

Masters Theses

Most correctional systems include pre-parole community placements. This study followed 114 inmates released to halfway house placement in one Michigan county over six years to determine the harm these inmates inflicted on the host community through new crime during halfway house placement and for three years following parole. Their criminal behavior was compared to statistical expectancies of criminal behavior for similar risk parolees. In a second analysis, the volume and seriousness of their criminal behavior was compared with non-comparable parolee controls. In both analyses, the extent and seriousness of crime by experimentals were comparable to that of controls. Criminal activity …

Tamoxifen Effects Upon Body Weight, Water Intake, And Several Behaviors, And Tamoxifen’S Unconditioned Stimulus Properties In The Conditioned Taste Aversion Paradigm, Steven J. Anderson

Masters Theses

The antiestrogen tamoxifen citrate (Stuart Pharmaceuticals) is indicated for treatment of breast cancer. Tamoxifen (TMX) is frequently employed because of demonstrated effectiveness in tumor reduction and a low incidence of debilitating side effects compared to similar agents. Even though side effects are uncommon with use of TMX, medical and behavioral sequalae have been noted. The present , . study investigated several behaviors in female rats administered TMX in two separate studies. In the first investigation, the effects of 25 daily treatments of TMX upon body weight, water intake, and several behaviors were assayed. In the second study, aversion to a …

An Exploratory Study Of The Relationship Between Moral Development And Communication In Small Groups, Beth Hartman Ellis

Masters Theses

This study explored the differences in communication between groups comprised of persons in different stages of moral development. Hypotheses were developed related to the task dimension and the process dimension of group discussions. These hypotheses were based on the appropriateness of the content of the communication in the groups to stages with in Kohlberg's theory of moral development. Trends in the direction of the hypotheses were found in analyses of utterances of the individuals in the group.

Rule-Governed Behavior In Preschool Children, Cassandra Ann Braam

Masters Theses

The control exerted by different types of rules on the behavior of preschool children was determined. Using a variation of a multielement design, four topographically similar rules were presented to seven four-year-old children. The rules varied in the deadlines and delay of consequences (rewards) specified. The results showed that: (a) requests or mands specifying only response requirements generally exerted poor control; (b) rules specifying an immediate deadline and an immediate reward exerted strong control; (c) rules specifying deadlines and a one-week delay of the reward exerted good control; and (d) rules specifying no deadlines for completion and a one-week delay …

The Depo-Provera Controversy: A Sociological Analysis, Pamela A. Hayman

Masters Theses

This study is a sociological analysis of the Depo- Provera Controversy. The strong programme in the sociology of science was the method employed for examining the social and political dimensions of the decision-making process underlying science and technology as it relates to the approval of Depo-Provera as a contraceptive in the United States. The data were consistent with the social constructionist perspective, rather than the positivistic view of science. In almost every instance, scientific conclusions followed alignment rather than arising from objective, universalistic analysis. Upjohn scientists and family planners concluded that Depo-Provera was safe and advocated its use; feminists and …

A Comparison Of Similar Versus Dissimilar Competing Response Practice In The Treatment Of Muscle Tics, Ellen L. Sharenow

Masters Theses

Miltenberger, Fuqua, and McKinley (1985) reported that the competing response component of the habit reversal treatment package (Azrin & Nunn, 1973) when presented alone was as effective as the entire habit reversal procedure in suppressing muscle tics. In a related study, Miltenberger and Fuqua (1 9 8 5 , in press) reported that the performance of the competing response contingent on the occurrence of a variety of nervous habits resulted in greater response suppression than the non-contingent performance of the competing response. In an effort to determine whether the topography of the competing response was important to the reported effects, …

Feminist Theory And Social Policy Or Why Is Welfare So Hard To Reform?, Dorothy C. Miller

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

More than 10 years ago Henry Aaron wrote a classic paper entitled "Why Is Welfare So Hard to Reform?" (1973). This paper answers that question from the perspective of the new discipline of Women's Studies. The author suggests that the use of feminist theories; notably those of Hartsock and Chodorow; can further one's recognition and understanding of male bias in social policy development. Tracing the history of U.S. welfare policies for women and children the analysis provides explanations for the differential treatment of women in the welfare system and the failure of work strategies to increase poor women's economic independence. …

Addressing Socio-Legal Problems: A Unifying Perspective For Social Workers, Raymond Albert

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Problems where social work and the law overlap have consistently challenged social work professionals, and the challenges promise to continue. The overlap exposes important interdisciplinary issues, which are best addressed when certain conditions are met. The article describes these conditions within the context of a perspective that underlines the interaction between the two fields and structures the professional's approach to these interdisciplinary problems.