Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Web-Based Surveys And Assessment, Parviz Doulai, Ray Stace

Dr Parviz Doulai

This paper describes methods of on-line assessment and students’ survey, which utilize the Web interfaces and use them in conjunction with the Internet. To find the most appropriate alternative methods of students’ assessment and survey a variety of commercial and public domain tools was used to implement the following two basic tasks: 1. ‘Student Suggestion Box’ where students evaluate the subject and make comments and suggestions on the subject and its assessment; and 2. a partially AutoMark short assessment task, containing two paragraph questions and three multiple choice questions, that offers final marks to the instructor/students and provides prompt feedback …

The Impact Of Complex Survey Design On Prevalence Estimates Of Intakes Of Food Groups In The Australian National Children's Nutrition And Physical Activity Survey, Sandy Burden, Yasmine Probst, David G. Steel, Linda C. Tapsell

Professor David Steel

No abstract provided.

Finding Upstate South Carolina's Consumers' Willingness To Pay For Local Food With A Price Premium Donation To Local Food Banks, Emily Young

All Theses

The objective of this study is to evaluate Upstate South Carolina consumers' willingness to pay for a system in which local food banks and local farms support one another. The proposed system will be based on local food consumers paying a price premium for locally grown agricultural products, and this premium is then donated to local food banks. The food banks would act as intermediaries to improve sustainability of local farms and in the long term, this system is expected to provide external benefits to local economic development. The study uses a consumer demand mail survey to record opinions about, …

Consumption Of 'Extra' Foods By Australian Children: 2007 Children's Survey Results, Janis Kwan, Anna Rangan, Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

No abstract provided.

2012 Underwater Archaeology Field Training Course, Ashley Deming

Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

The Archaeology Of Civil War Naval Operations In Charleston Harbor, 1861-1865, James D. Spirek

Faculty & Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Our Retirement In Their Hands: A User Perspective, Cotinne Cortese, David Aylward, John Glynn

John J Glynn

This research reports on the results of a survey of Australian retirees which provide information on attitudes surrounding financial planning advice before, at or after retirement. These results demonstrate that, despite government initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer confidence in the financial services market, most retirees continue to feel dissatisfied with, and lack confidence in, the services provided by their financial advisors. This suggests an increased role for financial planners to provide not only the additional information required under government policy, but also to provide information that is understandable and useful to the retirees that rely on it.

Monitoring Students And Enforcing Information Technology Use Policies In Universities, Jimmy D. Speers

Administrative Issues Journal

This paper presents the results of an Internet survey of university Information Technology (IT) managers on the use/abuse of IT resources by a university’s students. The survey sought data on university size, public/private organization, whether there were policies in place on acceptable use of IT resources, possible student use and actions, and finally how IT resources were monitored if they were monitored. Results revealed that most universities had policies on the proper use of IT resources but were very unlikely to monitor use/abuse of IT resources mainly due to a lack of personnel. Some potential abuses were identified and respondents …

Farmers Markets And The Local Food System: The Case Of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Paul A. Di Salvo, Claire Quinn, Robin Arnold, Caroline Clark, Suzanne Englot, Andrew Mello, Julia P. Mitchell, Emily Ruhl, Rebecca Taormina, Cashin Conover, Valerie Leone, Michael Mattaini, William Patton, Elizabeth Rouillard, Nicholas Smith-Herman, Jordan Swenson, Kelly Webster, Brian Wooldredge, Randall K. Wilson

Student Publications

In order to examine and obtain a better understanding of the local food system within Adams County, Pennsylvania, this study explores the characteristics and perspectives of the customers and vendors at the farmers markets in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Survey findings from the Gettysburg Farmers Market and the three Adams County Farmers Markets include customer demographic information, perspectives and shopping behavior as well as vendor product information, farm size and location and preference for market management. Introductory background information on the Farm Bill and the influence of agricultural practices on the environment, human health and nutrition and the relationship between farmers markets …

Temple Bar Resident Survey, 2012, Jane Fitzgerald, Sheila Flanagan, Kevin Griffin

Reports / Surveys

No abstract provided.

Exploratory Study On The Informational Abilities Of Havana University Students, Carlos Luis González-Valiente, Yilianne Sánchez Rodríguez, Yazmín Lezcano Pérez

Carlos Luis González-Valiente

The present article shows the results of a survey aimed at identifying the informational abilities of Havana University students. Several methods such as the survey, expert’s interviews and content and document analysis are used. The questionnaire has been structured base on three basic variables: information search, information analysis and release and self-evaluation elements. The identification of these abilities was a key element for guiding libraries in the development of actions focused on their communities.

Validity Of Infact Race/Ethnicity From Birth Certificates In The Context Of U.S. Demographic Change, Lisa Reyes Mason, Yunju Nam, Youngmi Kim

Center for Social Development Research

In this study, we examined consistency of infant race/ethnicity across two data sources (N=2,63) using measures of sensitivity and positive predictive value. First we created and compared conventional measures of infant race/ethnicity from 2007 Oklahoma birth certificates and SEED for Oklahoma Kids baseline survey data, classifying infants as White, African American, American Indian, Asian, or Hispanic. Then we created and tested alternative measures with a biracial classification, based on biological parentage from birth certificates or parent report of infant biracial identity in the survey. We find that, for conventional measures, sensitivity is highest for Whites and African Americans and lowest …

Librarians' Roles In Evidence-Based Dentistry Education: A Review Of Literature And A Survey In North America, Xiaomei Gu

Xiaomei Gu

This study describes the current roles of dental librarians in Evidence-based Dentistry (EBD) education including their perceptions of EBD and barriers to their involvement. A Web-based survey was distributed to the dental librarians in North America, with a 71% response rate. The results showed that the majority of dental librarians are playing multiple and diverse roles in EBD education. The most frequently cited barrier to their involvement is the low level of interest from the dental faculty/student/school. Most dental librarians felt competent in supporting EBD, although continuing education needs in both EBD and teaching skills were pointed out.

Revitalization Of The School Library Media Specialist Certification Program At The University Of Kentucky: Preparing 21st Century School Library Technology Leaders, Melissa P. Johnston, Jeffrey Huber, Jennifer Dupuis, Dan O'Hair, Mary John O'Hair, Rosetta Sandidge

Information Science Faculty Publications

In 2010 due to decreased enrollment and university-wide budget cuts, the University of Kentucky School of Library and Information Science made the decision to suspend admission to the School Library Media Certification program. The Kentucky librarian community responded with a campaign to request that this program be reinstated since the University of Kentucky is the only university in Kentucky offering a school library media preparation program within an American Library Association-accredited master's program. As a result, a committee of experts was formed to examine the status of the school library media profession in the state of Kentucky, collect and analyze …

What Australians Know And Believe About Bird Flu: Results Of A Population Telephone Survey, Sandra Jones, Donald Iverson

Don C. Iverson

The avian influenza A (A/H5N1) virus has attracted the attention of governments and health organizations throughout the world because of its pandemic potential. Despite the emerging nature of A/H5N1, there is limited research on public knowledge and perceptions of this disease. This study is based on a computer-assisted telephone interviewing survey conducted in May 2006 to determine the Australian publics knowledge of A/H5N1, their willingness to engage in preventive behaviors, and their acceptance of potential messages for communication campaigns. Awareness and concern about bird flu is low (lower than a recent survey of U.S. residents). There appears to be widespread …

Physician Communication Skills: Results Of A Survey Of General/Family Practitioners In Newfoundland, F Ashbury, Donald Iverson, Boris Kralj

Don C. Iverson

Purpose: To describe the attitudes related to communication skills, confidence in using commnication skills, and use of communication skills during the physician-patient encounter among a population-based sample of family physicians. Procedures: A mailed survey, distributed to all family physicians and general practitioners currently practicing in Newfoundland. The questionnaire was designed to collect data in five general areas participant demographics, physician confidence in using specific communication strategies, perceived adequacy of time spent by physicians with their patients, physician use of specific communication strategies with the adult patients they saw in the prior week, and physician use of specific communication strategies during …

Preparing For An Ageing Population: A Survey Of Older Patients' Attitudes To General Practice Registrars, Andrew D. Bonney, Sandra C. Jones, Lyn Phillipson, Donald C. Iverson

Don C. Iverson

The ageing population makes it imperative to provide appropriate training for general practice registrars (GPRs) in the community-based care of older patients. However, data suggest that older patients may be less willing to consult GPRs for chronic/complex care; adversely affecting training opportunities and potentially the satisfaction of older patients in training practices. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate this concern in the Australian context and develop models of older patient-GPR interaction that are acceptable to patients.

Integrating Ecology And Economics For Restoration: Using Ecological Indicators In Valuation Of Ecosystem Services, Eric T. Schultz, Robert Johnston, Kathleen Segerson, Elena Y. Besedin

EEB Articles

Because it can uniquely furnish insights into nonuse values for ecosystem services, survey-based Stated Preference (SP) valuation is widely used to estimate the benefits of ecological restoration. SP surveys ask respondents to select among restoration options yielding different ecological outcomes. This review examines the representation of ecological outcomes in SP studies seeking to quantify values for restoration of aquatic ecosystems. To promote the validity of ecological indicators used in SP valuation, we identified four standards: indicators should be measurable, interpretable, applicable, and comprehensive. We reviewed recent SP studies estimating the value of aquatic ecosystem services to assess whether ecological indicators …

Reappraising The Land Behind Baghdad: Using Corona Satellite Imagery To Reassess The Archaeological Landscape Of The Diyala Plain, Iraq, James Henry Wesolowski

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

High-resolution low-cost declassified CORONA spy satellite imagery is used to detect archaeological sites and relict canals in the Diyala Plain to the east of Baghdad, Iraq. This project seeks to improve upon the ground survey conducted there in the 1950s by providing better geographic control and discovering sites and canals that were not included in the original survey. CORONA imagery provides a sub-2-meter spatial resolution and was acquired shortly after the original ground survey was conducted, providing an excellent medium for comparison. CORONA imagery is subject to significant spatial distortions because of its camera technology and the LPS package for …

Selecting A Business Major Within The College Of Business, David W. Roach, Ronald E. Mcgaughey, James P. Downey

Administrative Issues Journal

This study employed a survey in examining the important influences that shape a student’s selection of a major in the College of Business (COB). In particular, it compared these influences, by major, to assess which items were most (and least) important to the students majoring in accounting, general business, finance, management, marketing, and MIS. The influences, totaling 37, included internal influences (e.g., interest in the field), external influences (e.g., projected salary), and interpersonal influences (influence of significant others). Some of the findings were consistent with those of prior studies. For example, interesting work was highly important for all business majors, …

English-Only Policy And Belief In The United States, Lauren E. White

Honors Theses and Capstones

English-Only initiatives are commonplace in the United States. Proponents of Official English would like to make the official language of the United States English despite the prestige English already has in the United States. The motivations behind this movement are varied and have substantial effects on the opinion of the American population. This paper examines a group of American residents in the Northeast, aged 18 and older. States considered Northeastern in this study are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The survey distributed contains questions on the topic of English- only issues, …

Employment After Graduation: Career Path Trends Of Tesol Ma And Graduate Certificate Students, Eimi Priddis

Theses and Dissertations

As English expands across the world, quality English teachers are increasingly needed. However, reports that even well-trained TESOL professionals have a hard time obtaining stable employment are prevalent. This study sought to provide some solid evidence about employment trends in TESOL. It is based on a survey administered to alumni who graduated between the years of 1973 and 2008 from Brigham Young University's TESOL program. The results indicate that graduates spend about half of their career time in TESOL-related employment. Most are involved in teaching, but jobs in administration, materials development,or testing are more likely to be full-time and offer …

Framing A Strategy: Exploring Faculty Attitudes Toward Library Instruction And Technology Preferences To Enhance Information Literacy, Maria A. Perez-Stable, Patricia Fravel Vander Meer, Dianna E. Sachs

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

Higher education librarians and faculty members alike are faced with an ever expanding palette of technologies available for instructional use. Efforts between these two groups to collaborate in information literacy programs can greatly benefit from the incorporation of some of these new technologies. This article presents the results of a survey of 118 faculty members at Western Michigan University; conducted in 2011, it had three aims: (1) to gauge current faculty perceptions about library research instruction; (2) to determine how faculty are using technology in instruction; and (3) to examine faculty insights regarding the integration of different technological formats into …

Are Mainstream And Heterodox Economists Different? An Empirical Analysis, Michele Di Maio

Michele Di Maio

We explore the differences between Mainstream and Heterodox economists based on the responses to a questionnaire from a representative sample of Italian economists. Using different definitions for Mainstream and Heterodox economics, we compare the individual and academic characteristics of the economists belonging to these groups. We measure the within and between disagreement for each group and we test whether belonging to one or the other group predicts differences in economists’ opinions on economic policy. Results show that: 1) Mainstream and Heterodox economists differ as for individual and academic characteristics and political views; 2) the disagreement within Heterodox economics is lower …

Impact Of A New Discovery Service At Li Ka Shing Library, Pin Pin Yeo

Research Collection Library

At the Li Ka Shing Library, an evaluation of discovery systems was done with one system selected and implemented in a short time frame. The evaluation and the implementation were described. A survey to measure user satisfaction with the new discovery service was conducted and the results analyzed. Based on the results of the survey, the actions taken by the Library to improve the discovery service were discussed. The usage of electronic resources was compared pre- and post-implementation of the discovery system.

Impact Of Sequence And Cognitive Aging On Spatial Learning From Ground Level And Aerial Perspectives, Gregory J. Degirolamo

ETD Archive

This study examined the impact of healthy aging on two important factors that are common in spatial learning. The first is the perspective a person views an environment from. The second is the sequence that the items are encountered in the environment. In order to test the effects of these factors on spatial learning, participants watched four videos in which they learned two environments from the ground-level perspective and another two from an aerial perspective. One video of each perspective presented each side of the rectangular layout sequentially and the other presented the layout in a random order. After each …

Measuring Women's Beliefs About Glass Ceilings: Development Of The Career Pathways Survey, Paul Smith, Nadia Crittenden, Peter Caputi

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to develop a new measure called the Career Pathways Survey (CPS) which allows quantitative comparisons of women's beliefs about glass ceilings. Design/methodology/approach - A 34-item version of the CPS was completed by 243 women from all levels of management, mostly in Australia. An expanded 38-item CPS was administered to another sample of women (N = 307). Findings - Analyses of data from both studies yielded a four factor model of attitudes to glass ceilings: resilience, acceptance, resignation and denial. The factors demonstrated good internal consistency. Practical implications - The CPS allows a …

Translating Evidence-Based Guidelines Into Practice: A Survey Of Practices Of Commissioners And Managers Of The English Stop Smoking Services, Mairtin S. Mcdermott, Heather Thomson, Robert West, Jennifer A. M Kenyon, Andy Mcewen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Background: The English National Health Service's (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSSs) constitute one of the most highly developed behavioural support programmes in the world. However, there is significant variation in success rates across the approximately 150 services, some of which may be due to variation in practice. This study aimed to assess these differences in practice.

Methods: Two online surveys were administered. All commissioners (people who purchase services for the NHS) and managers (those who run the services) of NHS SSSs in England were invited to participate. Items included details of current practices and services provided, what informed the …

How Do You Count That?: Statistical Reporting Of Online Library Instruction Activities, Tim Bottorff, Andrew Todd

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2010

Until recent years, library instruction (LI) was usually conducted in face-to-face (F2F) settings. Statistical reporting of LI activities tends, therefore, to focus on measures relevant to F2F settings -- for example, the number of "sessions" (classes) and the number of "participants" (students). However, newer forms of LI conducted in the online realm (from librarians embedded in classes through courseware, to online library tutorials, to for-credit online library research courses, and beyond) may be difficult to count in traditional ways, with significant implications: the way librarians quantify their activities can affect everything from advocacy efforts to funding decisions to individual or …

The Effects Of Item Saliency And Question Design On Measurement Error In A Self-Administered Survey, Michael J. Stern, Jolene D. Smyth, Jeanette Mendez

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Recent survey design research has shown that small changes in the structure and visual layout of questions can affect respondents’ answers, but the results are not always consistent across studies. One possible reason for some of the inconsistency may be differences in the item saliency of the questions used in the experiments. In this article, the authors examine how item saliency might influence visual design effects. The authors report the results of three experimental alterations in question format and visual design using data from a 2005 random sample mail survey of 1,315 households. The results suggest that the saliency of …