Showing papers by "Boise State University published in 1993"

Seismicity Remotely Triggered by the Magnitude 7.3 Landers, California, Earthquake

Abstract: The magnitude 7.3 Landers earthquake of 28 June 1992 triggered a remarkably sudden and widespread increase in earthquake activity across much of the western United States. The triggered earthquakes, which occurred at distances up to 1250 kilometers (17 source dimensions) from the Landers mainshock, were confined to areas of persistent seismicity and strike-slip to normal faulting. Many of the triggered areas also are sites of geothermal and recent volcanic activity. Static stress changes calculated for elastic models of the earthquake appear to be too small to have caused the triggering. The most promising explanations involve nonlinear interactions between large dynamic strains accompanying seismic waves from the mainshock and crustal fluids (perhaps including crustal magma).

The Role of the Facilitator in Computer-Supported Meetings:

Abstract: The ability tofacilitate diverse human and technological interactions will be one of the most essential skillsfor leading and contributing to all levels of the organization in thefuture. Yet none of the research to date has definedfacilitation or the role of the facilitator in depth or has provided empirically grounded guidelines for effectively performing this role. The introduction of Group Support Systems (GSSs)-computer technology to support group work-into organizations has created yet another newfacilitation role-the GSSfacilitatoi: This article presents the results ofa rigorous assessment, using the critical incidents research methodology, of the role of the facilitator in computer-supported environments. The overall purpose of the study was to empirically develop the critical dimensions of the facilitator's role.

Organizational Predictors of Expatriate Job Satisfaction

Abstract: The study presented here attempted to identify the factors under the control of the organization that may predict expatriate job satisfaction. The results indicate that both job/task and organization characteristics are significantly related to both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. The results appear to have both managerial and research implications.

A comparative study of occupational stress among african american and white university faculty: a research note

Abstract: This paper is a comparison of levels of occupational stress among African American and white college and university faculty members in U.S. institutions. Using survey data collected from a national sample of faculty, an analysis of reported occupational stress levels was undertaken to determine if issues raised in previous research regarding “extra-academic” assignments given to African American faculty limits their access to the more traditional faculty roles, creating pressure to perform in ways not expected of white faculty. To test these assertions, scales measuring stress from teaching, research, and service activities were constructed for African American and white faculty from a larger “faculty stress index.” Results of the analysis indicate that African American faculty report generally higher levels of occupational stress than their white counterparts, especially in the areas of research and service activities.

Strategy and Human Resource Management Integration in Fast Growth Versus Other Mid‐sized Firms1

Abstract: SUMMARY The nature and integration of strategy and human resource management practices, and the effects of such integration on firm performance were examined in two groups of mid-sized flrms: fast-growth firms and a random sample of similar sized mature firms. The results indicated that the fast-growth firms emphasized fewer human resource activities and experienced a lower degree of strategy-human resource integration than the mature firms. Some evidence was found that the relation between the level of integration and firm performance was moderated by the organization's stage of development.

More Evidence in Favor of Three-Option Multiple-Choice Tests

Abstract: Students from two consecutive semesters were given multiple-choice tests over five units of an undergraduate course in psychology. During the first semester, students were given five 50-question 4-option multiple-choice tests, and during the second semester students were given five 50-question 3-option multiple-choice tests. One-hundred and forty-four (57.6%) of the questions were identical between semesters except for second semester test items having only 3 options. Results indicate that students performed significantly better on 3-option items than on 4-option items (corrected for chance guessing), and that this improvement may be due to improved validity of the test items.

Timeouts before Free-Throws: Do the Statistics Support the Strategy?:

Abstract: Basketball coaches often call a timeout just before the opposing player shoots a free-throw during the last five minutes of a close game. Their intent is to lower the opposing player's free-throw percentage. This study examined the effectiveness of this strategy in critical game situations. Play-by-play records of 1237 men's NCAA Division I games played between 1977 and 1989 were reviewed. We identified 350 verifiable timeout situations. Opposing coaches called 250 timeouts before an opponent shot a free-throw. As the score differential and time remaining in the game decreased, coaches relied on this strategy more frequently to try to control the outcome of the game. This strategy was not effective in reducing free-throw percentage, suggesting that coaches need to reconsider the strategy.

Rydberg atoms in curved space-time.

Abstract: The possible use of loosely bound Rydberg atoms for remote gravimetric measurements is explored. The first-order corrections to the nonrelativistic nS and nP states for ng2 are obtained for the first time. A procedure to evaluate corrections of any order is outlined and applied to the 1S state in a spherical symmetry. It is shown that observations of the effects described in this Letter near objects of neutron-star-like densities are possible in principle only in the absence of significant magnetic fields.

Gender and Jail Work: Correctional Policy Implications of Perceptual Diversity in the Work Force

Abstract: Although women now represent a significant proportion of many (if not most) jail staffs, the degree to which their perceptions of corrections work differs from males' remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we compare female and male jail staff perceptions regarding the stress associated with work in jails, the job satisfaction to be derived from jail work, the job environment experienced in jails and the level of commitment to jail facilities across five jail settings. Our findings show important gender-based similarities and differences that need to be understood to maximize the benefits of the work force diversity that women bring to the corrections profession.

Identifying core concepts in introductory psychology.

Abstract: Two studies were conducted in an attempt to establish a core of concepts considered fundamental to introductory psychology courses. Six textbooks were analyzed for concepts that could be considered...

Winter foraging and diet composition of Northern Shrikes in Idaho

Abstract: We observed color-banded and/or radio-tagged Northern Shrikes (Lanius excubitor) wintering in southwest Idaho and determined that foraging success of these shrikes was over 69%. Foraging success was dependent upon the type of prey attacked. Predation success upon arthropods was greater than 90%, whereas predation upon vertebrates (small mammals and passerines) was substantially lower (56% and 19%, respectively). We collected 237 pellets from 12 shrikes and identified 671 individual prey items contained in these pellets. Arthropods and small mammals were the most important prey items as measured by number (63.9% and 29.8%, respectively) and Index of Relative Importance (38.9% and 59.6%, respectively), whereas small mammals were the most important components of shrike diet by biomass contributing 83.1% of the total prey biomass. Passerines were of lesser importance in the winter diet of shrikes accounting for 11.8% of the biomass but only 1.7% of the Index of Relative Importance.

A panacea for the Ills of the country: American presbyterian education in inter‐war Iran

Abstract: (1993). A panacea for the Ills of the country: American presbyterian education in inter‐war Iran. Iranian Studies: Vol. 26, No. 1-2, pp. 119-137.

Indirect Expression of Preference in Sketch Maps

Abstract: First graders, fifth graders, university students, and older adults drew sketch maps of familiar environments. Not until after the sketch maps were collected did subjects have any idea that the stu...

An ethical imperative for technical communicators

Abstract: Utilitarianism, the ethical system of free-market capitalism, is limited in that it sanctions contingencies. Immanuel Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative-to treat ourselves and others not merely as means but also as ends-offers a clear and powerful ethic that enables technical communicators to subordinate contingencies to an understanding of people as rational entities possessed of full human dignity. John Rawls's (1971) model of an ideal society derives from and extends Kant's thinking on the primacy of human dignity in an ethical system. >

Religion and roll call voting in Idaho: the 1990 abortion controversy.

Abstract: This document is the seventh chapter in a book which provides a framework for considering the "new" politics of abortion in the US (created when the Supreme Court gave states more leeway in regulating access to abortion) and the second of four chapters in a section devoted to an exploration of conflict in a variety of institutional settings. This chapter analyzes the legislative behavior of politicians in Idaho during a 1990 abortion controversy caused by the passage and veto of bill H625 which would have created the most restrictive abortion law in the US. In this study the unit of analysis was the individual legislator and the dependent variable was the vote. Independent variables were the legislators gender party affiliation and religion and the legislative districts religious composition. After an introduction the chapter describes the Bill and its legislative journey from its introduction on February 9th to its veto on March 31st. The literature on legislative decision-making is reviewed to explain that this vote can be categorized as an "abnormal" decision based on factors which differ from the norm. It was found that 41/46 members of the Mormon church 21/59 Protestants and 10/20 Catholics voted for H625. The pro-choice position was supported by 65% of the female and 36% of the male legislators and by 26/39 Democrats but only 27/86 Republicans. In the subsequent 1990 election the primary sponsor and author of the Senate version of the bill and the Senate Majority Leader were defeated by pro-choice women. The sponsor won reelection in 1992 after promising not to pursue abortion legislation. Anti-abortion groups have indicated that they will again seek legislation to restrict abortion rights if a pro-life governor is elected in the state.

Winter territories and night roosts of Northern Shrikes in Idaho

Abstract: To study the winter ecology of Northern Shrikes in southwest Idaho, I observed the activities of six color-banded and six radio-tagged shrikes over the winters of 19881989 and 1989-1990. These shrikes occupied winter territories that averaged 216 ha in size (minimum convex polygon method). Over one-halfofthe activity of each shrike was confined to a core area of approximately 50 ha. Five of nine individual Northern Shrikes perched in or hunted within mesic areas significantly more than expected and four of the nine utilized grasslands significantly less than expected. Linear habitats such as riparian corridors and rimrock outcroppings appeared to be important to wintering shrikes since the former provided night roost habitat whereas the latter provided warm and productive areas for prey populations. I located 10 night roosts of Northern Shrikes. All were in deciduous shrubs with many small stems. Shrikes may depend upon these roosts for thermal protection and escape from predators.

More on Shortest Confidence Intervals

Abstract: Confidence intervals for a single unknown parameter are often derived by using a pivotal quantity. We present an elementary method for deriving the shortest such interval. The method yields intervals in several cases which have previously required separate analyses using more advanced techniques. In addition, it is suitable for introduction in a senior undergraduate level course in mathematical statistics.

Responding to the New B‐school Challenges: An In‐process Observation

Abstract: The new AACSB accreditation standards suggest a change in B‐school operations, from the academic model to the professional school model whereby stakeholder needs are given increasing attention. Also, they require that schools give specific attention to their role and mission. A new dean from the business community — and recent reaccreditation — led Boise State to embark on a comprehensive review of its undergraduate programme. A task force of senior faculty developed a new strategy focus and a process for its implementation. The organizational change is currently in‐process but it has already produced several, useful insights. Most importantly, there is a need for business schools to be learning organizations. This will call into question the continued relevance of six academic paradigms.

Induction, social constructionism, and the form of the science paper

Abstract: Although Baconian induction—the belief that we can infer accurately from the known to the unknown—has been supplanted by social constructionism, the two perspectives are quite similar in their description of how science is done; the principal difference is that Baconian theory is overtly prescriptive, whereas social constructionism is essentially descriptive. The argument that the inductive organization of the science paper misrepresents how science is actually carried out is based on a faulty premise, for the purpose of a science paper is not to provide a narrative account of the laboratory work, but rather to enable the reader to assess the quality of the scientist's logical reconstruction of the laboratory work. The critical factor in determining the fidelity of the paper to the science is not the organization of the paper but the ethical intent of the writer.

IEPs for Cooperative Teaching: Developing Legal and Useful Documents.

Abstract: Suggests that the development of IEPs should reflect cooperative teaching efforts

Politics and the rescue of insolvent savings and loans before 1989

Abstract: The results presented in this paper are consistent with those predicted by public choice economists who believe that regulatory agencies represent the interests of their controlling congressional committees. Membership on committees is not random; congressmen seek committee assignments where they can represent the interests of their constituency. Congressmen from states where financial institutions are significant will seek membership on their respective banking committees. Once on those committees, congressmen will seek to protect and promote their own constituency. In the case of the savings and loan industry, insolvent savings and loans received benefits from staying in operation. These savings and loans gained another chance to gamble for resurrection. Being shut-down or placed in a management consignment program did not give this option. The results presented in our paper indicate that participation in one of the rescue programs is not random. Savings and loans in states with political power (representation on the Senate banking committee) are less likely to be resolved.

Age Differences in Memory-Span Errors: Speed or Inhibitory Mechanisms?

Abstract: This study investigated age differences in errors on the digit-span task. Protocols of 119 men and women, aged 18-99 years, were scored for the occurrence of three types of errors derived from the speed-of-processing and inhibition-deficit frameworks: omission errors, intrusion errors, and transposition errors. The types of errors made on the digit-span task varied with span size. At larger span sizes, participants were more likely to omit digits or introduce nonstimulus digits than to transpose those in storage. No age differences in intrusion errors were found, however, old-old women (75+ years) were significantly more likely than young (18-25 years) and old (60-70 years) adults of either sex to exhibit transposition errors. Consequently, old-old women were significantly less likely to exhibit omission errors. The results indicate that the digit-span task may involve two parallel processes: digit storage/recall and serial/position storage-recall. Age differences in the serial-processing compone...