Showing papers by "Rider University published in 2004"

The Online Disinhibition Effect

Abstract: While online, some people self-disclose or act out more frequently or intensely than they would in person. This article explores six factors that interact with each other in creating this online disinhibition effect: dissociative anonymity, invisibility, asynchronicity, solipsistic introjection, dissociative imagination, and minimization of authority. Personality variables also will influence the extent of this disinhibition. Rather than thinking of disinhibition as the revealing of an underlying "true self," we can conceptualize it as a shift to a constellation within self-structure, involving clusters of affect and cognition that differ from the in-person constellation.

Extension of the Consensual Assessment Technique to Nonparallel Creative Products

Abstract: The consensual technique for assessing creativity is widely used in research, but its validation has been limited to assessing the creativity of artifacts produced under tightly constrained experimental conditions. Typically, only artifacts produced in response to very similar instructions have been compared. This has allowed researchers to compare such things as the effects of different motivational conditions on creative performance, but it has not allowed many other kinds of comparisons. It has also limited the use of the technique to artifacts gathered for specific experimental purposes, as opposed to already-existing artifacts produced under less controlled conditions. For this study, samples of writings collected by the National Assessment of Educational Progress that were written in response to a very wide variety of assignments and under varying conditions were rated for creativity by 13 expert judges. Judges compared the creativity of 103 stories, 103 personal narratives, and 102 poems, all writt...

Toward wellness: women seeking health information

Abstract: As health information seekers pursue their "right to know" when investigating medical options, the question of reliable health information resources becomes paramount. Previous research has not addressed widely the connection between women as the health information seeker and quality health information, nor has women's awareness of specific health and medical resources been adequately evaluated. A study with a convenience sample of 119 women assessed the process of seeking health information (women's health information needs, the search strategies they employed for filling the information need, and the use of the health information found), and their awareness of specific health and medical information resources. Our survey instrument was based on Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) model. Results appeared to address the uncertainty stage of the ISP model, as there were conflicting responses regarding the facility of locating information, the usefulness of the information found, and whether or not the subjects' health questions were answered. The study also identified a low awareness by our respondents of specific health and medical information resources. There is an opportunity for health information providers to play a role in mediating at this uncertainty stage to connect health information seekers with reliable information.

Sure, I'm Creative—But Not in Mathematics!: Self-Reported Creativity in Diverse Domains

Abstract: The degree to which creativity is domain-specific or domain-general remains hotly contested, but there is at least one area of agreement: people have different creativity profiles. In this study, we asked 241 students to give self-ratings of their creativity in different domains. These ratings were then studied for inter-correlations. We also examined how such self-assessments in diverse domains relate to other measures of cognitive ability and to creativity as measured with a personality scale. In general, if students viewed themselves as generally creative, they also viewed themselves as creative in different areas. The only area that was not correlated with general creativity ratings was mathematics.

Provision of Feedback During Preparation For Academic Testing: Learning Is Enhanced by Immediate But Not Delayed Feedback

Abstract: Students prepared for classroom examinations by completing practice tests, with selected items from these practice tests repeated, in either the original or in a modified wording, on classroom examinations and a final examination. The availability of immediate self-corrective feedback on Study 1 practice tests (0, 3, or 6 practice tests) was varied, while in Study 2, the timing of feedback provided during practice tests (immediate, end of test, 24-hour delay, control) was varied. Performance on examinations was elevated by the provision of immediate feedback on practice tests in both studies, especially when test items were presented in their original wording, with some generalization observed on items presented in a modified wording. Predictions made in accordance with the interference-perseveration hypothesis and the delayretention effect were not supported. These results demonstrate considerable potential for immediate self-corrective feedback, delivered during test preparation through the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique, to enhance performance on classroom examinations and to promote the retention of factual information during the academic semester.

After the Demise of the Discrepancy: Proposed Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract: Pending legislation and positions taken by the U.S. Department of Education may radically alter current learning disabilities (LD) definitions and diagnostic approaches. Proposals include eliminating a discrepancy model and incorporating a more comprehensive approach to LD assessment but one based on more subjective clinical judgment. Although this effort to change is laudable, it does not address the residual problems that will continue to plague the field: the lack of specificity of the construct of LD and the inconsistent and idiosyncratic approach to diagnosis taken by practitioners and researchers across and within states. This article proposes a new LD classification model that transcends educational and psychiatric systems of diagnosis, calls for a uniform and national diagnostic system, and suggests renaming the disorder (e.g., developmental learning delay).

Protecting Children From Online Sexual Predators: Technological, Psychoeducational, and Legal Considerations.

Abstract: Professional psychologists should more fully understand the dangers of online sexual solicitation andways in which to protect youth from sexual predators who use the Internet. Although the Internet hasmany positive aspects, one of the most pernicious aspects is its potential use for online sexual predation.The Internet represents a medium that allows sexual predators access to countless children in a relativelyanonymous environment. This article reviews the general strategies of sexual perpetrators and theircharacteristics, as well as the online strategies and characteristics of the cyber sexual predator. Infor-mation on how to protect children from this crime through a review of technological, psychoeducational,and legal considerations is provided. A description of the relevant laws as they relate to online solicitationand practicing psychologists is also provided.

The Number of Embeddings of Minimally Rigid Graphs

Abstract: Rigid frameworks in some Euclidean space are embedded graphs having a unique local realization (up to Euclidean motions) for the given edge lengths, although globally they may have several. We study the number of distinct planar embeddings of minimally rigid graphs with $n$ vertices. We show that, modulo planar rigid motions, this number is at most ${{2n-4}\choose {n-2}} \approx 4^n$. We also exhibit several families which realize lower bounds of the order of $2^n$, $2.21^n$ and $2.28^n$.For the upper bound we use techniques from complex algebraic geometry, based on the (projective) Cayley--Menger variety ${\it CM}^{2,n}(C)\subset P_{{{n}\choose {2}}-1}(C)$ over the complex numbers $C$. In this context, point configurations are represented by coordinates given by squared distances between all pairs of points. Sectioning the variety with $2n-4$ hyperplanes yields at most $deg({\it CM}^{2,n})$ zero-dimensional components, and one finds this degree to be $D^{2,n}=\frac{1}{2}{{2n-4}\choose {n-2}}$. The lower bounds are related to inductive constructions of minimally rigid graphs via Henneberg sequences. The same approach works in higher dimensions. In particular, we show that it leads to an upper bound of $2 D^{3,n}= {({2^{n-3}}/({n-2}})){{2n-6}\choose{n-3}}$ for the number of spatial embeddings with generic edge lengths of the $1$-skeleton of a simplicial polyhedron, up to rigid motions. Our technique can also be adapted to the non-Euclidean case.

The Amusement Park Theoretical (APT) Model of Creativity.

Abstract: The question of whether creativity is general or domain-specific is a frequently debated and discussed issue. No theory or model in creativity has attempted to bridge the gap between these differing views of creativity; most theories either implicitly or explicitly take a generalist perspective. The APT model uses the metaphor of an amusement park to explore creativity. There are four stages: Initial requirements, general thematic areas, domains, and micro-domains. This model attempts to integrate both general and domain-specific views of creativity. The first level (initial requirements) is very general, and each subsequent level gets more and more domain-specific. By the final level (micro-domains), the theory is very domain-specific. We also will discuss errors and variations within the model.

The importance of personal and professional leadership

Abstract: Organizational viability depends in part on effective leadership. Effective leaders engage in both professional leadership behaviors (e.g. setting a mission, creating a process for achieving goals, aligning processes and procedures) and personal leadership behaviors (e.g. building trust, caring for people, acting morally). A model of professional and personal leadership's impact on willing cooperation was developed and tested. Respondents provided perceptions of the leadership of their organizations and reported the extent to which they willingly cooperate with their organization's leadership. Perceptions of “organizational” leadership as opposed to individual leaders were measured. The direct effects of personal and professional leadership on willing cooperation were examined. Personal leadership was also examined as a mediator of professional leadership's impact on willing cooperation. Results revealed support for a mediated model. Specifically, professional leadership was related to the presence of willing cooperation (β=0.44) and personal leadership was related to the presence of willing cooperation (β=0.71). Finally, following a strategy developed by Baron and Kenny, personal leadership was shown to be a mediator of the relationship between professional leadership and the presence of willing cooperation. Limitations as well as research and practical implications are discussed.

Flexible Model for Time'Cost Tradeoff Problem

Abstract: This paper presents a flexible mixed integer-programming model for the solution of the time/cost tradeoff problem encountered in project management. Whereas it is commonly assumed that the time/cos...

Using Games to Enhance Student Understanding of Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Abstract: Given recent corporate scandals, the credibility of the accounting profession has been called into question. In order to restore public trust, accounting educators need to devise ways to convey the importance of ethics in our profession to our students. An alternative approach to using a traditional lecture to teach ethics is to use games. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a game strategy to teach ethics and professionalism to students. Using games makes learning more fun and also helps to maintain student interest and involvement in the learning process. Student feedback has been positive and encouraging on the use of this format to teach ethics and professional responsibilities.

A Characterization of the Uniform Distribution by Dual Generalized Order Statistics

Abstract: Some distributional properties of lower generalized order statistics are presented. A characterization of the uniform distribution based on the lower generalized order statistics is given.

In class and online: using discussion boards in teaching.

Abstract: Discussion boards provide instructors a unique opportunity to extend their classrooms into cyberspace. This article offers some observations about student behavior in these online forums and practical suggestions for the instructor, including the creation of rules and structure for the online environment, factors influencing student participation, and strategies for facilitating discussion. Critical concepts for understanding the effective functioning of these online groups, such as confidentiality, the disinhibition effect, and the integration of the online and in-person settings, also are explored.

Switching Order Statistics through Random Power Contractions

Abstract: Summary This paper investigates a new random contraction scheme which complements the length-biasing and convolution contraction schemes considered in the literature. A random power contraction is used with order statistics, leading to new and elegant characterizations of the power distribution. In view of Rossberg's counter-example of a non-exponential law with exponentially distributed spacings of order statistics, possibly the most appealing consequence of the result is a characterization of the exponential distribution via an independent exponential shift of order statistics.

Distinguishing N-oxide and hydroxyl compounds: impact of heated capillary/heated ion transfer tube in inducing atmospheric pressure ionization source decompositions

Abstract: In the pharmaceutical industry, a higher attrition rate during the drug discovery process means a lower drug failure rate in the later stages. This translates into shorter drug development time and reduced cost for bringing a drug to market. Over the past few years, analytical strategies based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) have gone through revolutionary changes and presently accommodate most of the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. Among these LC/MS techniques, collision induced dissociation (CID) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS and MS(n)) techniques have been widely used to identify unknown compounds and characterize metabolites. MS/MS methods are generally ineffective for distinguishing isomeric compounds such as metabolites involving oxygenation of carbon or nitrogen atoms. Most recently, atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source decomposition methods have been shown to aid in the mass spectral distinction of isomeric oxygenated (N-oxide vs hydroxyl) products/metabolites. In previous studies, experiments were conducted using mass spectrometers equipped with a heated capillary interface between the mass analyzer and the ionization source. In the present study, we investigated the impact of the length of a heated capillary or heated ion transfer tube (a newer version of the heated capillary designed for accommodating orthogonal API source design) in inducing for-API source deoxygenation that allows the distinction of N-oxide from hydroxyl compounds. 8-Hydroxyquinoline (HO-Q), quinoline-N-oxide (Q-NO) and 8-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HO-Q-NO) were used as model compounds on three different mass spectrometers (LCQ Deca, LCQ Advantage and TSQ Quantum). Irrespective of heated capillary or ion transfer tube length, N-oxides from this class of compounds underwent predominantly deoxygenation decomposition under atmospheric pressure chemical ionization conditions and the abundance of the diagnostic [M + H - O](+) ions increased with increasing vaporizer temperature. Furthermore, the results suggest that in API source decompostion methods described in this paper can be conducted using mass spectrometers with non-heated capillary or ion transfer tube API interfaces. Because N-oxides can undergo in-source decomposition and interfere with quantitation experiments, particular attention should be paid when developing API based bioanalytical methods.

Hope, attitudes, emotions, and expectations in healthcare providers of services to patients infected with HIV.

Abstract: The results of this preliminary study of 94 healthcare providers show that they had high hope levels when working with patients infected with HIV. The providers named imparting hope during the counseling process as the most important intervention for increasing patients' treatment adherence. Although half of the respondents had uncertain expectations for the future of their patients, more than one third had hopeful expectations, with only a small minority having hopeless expectations. An overwhelming majority reported they did not have negative attitudes toward or uncomfortable feelings when working with patients who were infected with HIV, regardless of method of acquiring HIV, gender, or sexual orientation. Moreover, respondents seemed to have a balanced emotional state, with the majority reporting that they experienced more positive emotions than negative emotions when working with their patients over time. Implications for healthcare providers are discussed.

Producing hi-tech: globalization, the state and migrant subjects

Abstract: This paper examines the role of the state in the context of globalization. Taking up the specific case of Indian software engineers and their migration to the USA, the authors show the involvement of the Indian state and the US at different levels. The growth of the IT labour sector was based on changes in the higher education policy of the Indian state while the large-scale migration of IT workers from India required changes in the immigration policies of the US. The authors argue that these policy changes reflect how nation-states alter their national policies to meet the demands of the global economy. Equally important, the authors show that the policy changes are indicative of the unique political context and culture of each country. In the case of India, the education policy changes relate to caste politics while the immigration policy of the USA shares the legacy of US race politics.

The Role of Task-Related Behavior in the Emergence of Leaders The Dilemma of the Informed Woman

Abstract: This study examined whether possession of relevant knowledge plus encouragement to use it would positively affect rates of emergent leadership for women. Hypotheses derived from expectation states and social role theories that such “informed women” would be more passive, less influential, and less well liked than comparably informed men were tested in 40 mixed-sex groups. In each group, either a man or a woman (hint person) was instructed privately to gain the adoption of an unusual but effective solution (hint solution) to a production problem. Members’ influential behaviors were observed, coded, and compared with peer ratings. Contrary to predictions, as many hint women as hint men gained adoption of the hint solution (45%). Nevertheless, although successful hint women were seen by their peers to be as influential, competent, and participative as successful hint men, they received significantly lower ratings on leadership and likability. Conditions that promote or inhibit women’s task leadership are dis...

Lipid-Lowering Effects of Ethyl 2-Phenacyl-3-aryl-1H-pyrrole- 4-carboxylates in Rodents

Abstract: A series of substituted 2-phenacyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrrole-4-carboxylates were prepared from substituted acetophenones in 6 steps. The final condensations between a chloroenal and an aminoketone were carried out under neutral conditions in parallel to yield the series listed below. Selected pyrrole derivatives proved to be potent hypolipidemic agents lowering serum triglyceride concentrations in CF-1 male mice after 14 days of I.P. administration. One agent orally lowered serum cholesterol in Sprague-Dawley male rats at 2mg/kg/day after 14 days. The agents demonstrated a lowering of mouse serum LDL- cholesterol levels and selected compounds showed an elevation of serum HDL-cholesterol levels. The cholesterol concentrations in the liver were raised while the cholesterol and triglyceride contents of the aorta were significantly lowered by the selected trisubstituted pyrrole.

How the Defendant's Emotion Level Affects Mock Jurors' Decisions When Presentation Mode and Evidence Strength Are Varied1

Abstract: Two experiments (N= 443) were conducted to investigate the effects of a defendant's emotion level during testimony on mock jurors' decisions. In Experiment 1, the defendant's level of emotion (low, moderate, high) and mode of presentation (audio, video) were varied. The defendant displaying a low level, as opposed to a higher level of emotion was perceived as more guilty and less credible. In Experiment 2, using only the video mode, emotion level and evidence strength (strong, weak) were varied. Defendant emotion level tended to affect jurors' decisions only when the evidence against the defendant was weak (i.e., a stronger display of emotion was associated with a lower proportion of guilty verdicts, shorter sentence assignments, and perceptions of a more honest defendant). Path analyses for both experiments indicate that the effects of emotion on perceived guilt level are mediated by perceptions of the defendant (e.g., the defendant's level of honesty). Implications of using defendant emotion level for determining guilt are discussed.

Learning to Write IEPs: A Personalized, Reflective Approach for Preservice Teachers

Abstract: The Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is the foundation of instruction for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, learning to write and attach meaning to these documents is critical for preservice teachers. This article explores an approach to teaching IEPs during teacher preparation, which encourages preservice teachers to view the IEP as a relevant, purposeful document; reflect on their own learning styles; and consider the impact of the IEP on the learner. Implications for using this approach in teacher education programs are discussed.

Congressional considerations and urban characteristics in the selection of empowerment zones and enterprise communities

Abstract: This study examines the benefit hypothesis from distributive theory to test the assumption that the Department of Housing and Urban Development selected cities for an empowerment zone or enterprise...

Some characterization results based on the conditional expectation of a function of non-adjacent order statistic (record value)

Abstract: In this paper, we attempt to characterize a distribution by means ofE[ψ(X k +s:n)|X k:n =z]g(z), under some mild conditions on ψ(·) andg(·). An explicit result is provided in the case ofs=1 and a uniqueness result is proved in the case ofs=2. For the general case, an expression is provided for the conditional expectation. Similar results are proved for the record values, both in the continuous as well as in the discrete case (weak records).

Unfolding consumer impulsivity: An existential-phenomenological study of consumers with attention deficit disorder

Abstract: This article attempts to unfold consumer impulsivity by gathering in-depth stories from persons whose impulsivity is a lifetime trait because of their attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). The manuscript provides overviews of impulsivity, ADD, and impulsive consumer behavior. Insights into possible consumer-behavior challenges are offered from an information-processing perspective. Through thematic analysis of the respondents’ lifetime stories, this study helps illuminate the black box of the consumer’s mind with respect to impulsive consumption, by relating impulsive consumer behavior to specific problems in information processing. As such, it not only contributes to understanding of the consumer behavior of those with ADD, but also presents a kinder and gentler picture of consumers who are dealing with information overload and frustration, rather than what might be a more common stereotype of consumers who are simply out of control. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of Child Health on Sources of Public Support

Abstract: We estimate the effects of having a child in poor health on the mother's receipt of both cash assistance and in-kind public support in the form of food, health care, and shelter. We control for a rich set of covariates, include state fixed effects, and test for the potential endogeneity of child health. Mothers with children in poor health are 5 percentage points (20%) more likely to rely on TANF and 16 percentage points more likely to rely on cash assistance (TANF and/or SSI) than those with healthy children. They are also more likely than those with healthy children to receive Medicaid and housing assistance, but not WIC or food stamps.

Training and learning as drivers of US microenterprise business plan quality

Abstract: This study examined the output quality of a US microenterprise training program created to help entrepreneurs develop business plans for their ventures The program concludes with the entrepreneurs' plans being scored by a panel of experts Hypotheses were developed and tested to determine the importance of feedback, key components of business plan scores, and differences between teams and solo entrepreneurs Timely feedback on business plan homework was the most significant driver of business plan quality, contributing to higher scores on the written plan and on the plan's presentation to the expert panel Plans developed by teams also scored higher than those prepared by solo entrepreneurs

The role of the student teacher in the co‐taught classroom

Abstract: With an increase in the number of inclusive classrooms, preservice teachers may find themselves student teaching in classrooms with cooperating teachers who are co‐teaching. A review of the recent research on inclusion yields minimal information relevant to the experiences of preservice teachers in co‐taught classrooms. What is the role of student teachers placed in inclusive classrooms for their student teaching experiences? How do they fit into the dyad? This qualitative study explored the experiences of special education and general education preservice student teachers as they encountered the changing roles of teachers in inclusive classrooms, with a focus on the impact on the role of the student teacher and the implications of this experience for teacher education programs. Data sources included observation notes, interviews with cooperating teachers, focus groups with student teachers, and open‐ended surveys. Themes that emerged from the data were related to support, planning, modeling, and...