Showing papers in "Journal of Social Sciences in 2007"

Ten Common Misunderstandings, Misconceptions, Persistent Myths and Urban Legends about Likert Scales and Likert Response Formats and their Antidotes

Abstract: A recent article by Jamieson in Medical Education outlined some of the (alleged) abuses of "Likert scales" with suggestions about how researchers can overcome some of the (alleged) methodological pitfalls and limitations[1]. However, many of the ideas advanced in the Jamison article, as well as a great many of articles it cited, and similar recent articles in medical, health, psychology, and educational journals and books, are themselves common misunderstandings, misconceptions, conceptual errors, persistent myths and "urban legends" about "Likert scales" and their characteristics and qualities that have been propagated and perpetuated across six decades, for a variety of different reasons. This article identifies, analyses and traces many of these aforementioned problems and presents the arguments, counter arguments and empirical evidence that show these many persistent claims and myths about "Likert scales" to be factually incorrect and untrue. Many studies have shown that Likert Scales (as opposed to single Likert response format items) produce interval data and that the F-test is very robust to violations of the interval data assumption and moderate skewing and may be used to analyze "Likert data" (even if it is ordinal), but not on an item-by-item "shotgun" basis, which is simply a current research and analysis practice that must stop. After sixty years, it is more than time to dispel these particular research myths and urban legends as well as the various damage and problems they cause, and put them to bed and out of their misery once and for all.

An Analysis of Productivity and Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Cocoa Farmers in Nigeria

Abstract: The productivity and technical efficiency involved in cocoa production in Nigeria was estimated using the stochastic frontier production function analysis. The study relied upon primary data generated during the 2003/ 2004 production season. Data were collected through the use of a set of structured questionnaire administered on two hundred and fifty cocoa farmers in five Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Result of the analysis showed that farmers were experiencing increasing returns to scale in the use of the farm resources. The efficiency level ranged between 0.11 and 0.91 with a mean of 0.72. There existed some inefficiency among the sampled farmers. The major contributing factors to efficiency were age of farmers, level of education and family size. The study observed that there was an opportunity for increase in farmers' efficiency and concluded that policies that would directly affect these identified variables should be pursued vigorously.

Educational System in Nigeria Problems and Prospects

Abstract: This paper examines the problems and prospects of education in Nigeria. Education is the bedrock of development. But unfortunately Education in Nigeria is bisected with myriad’s of problems. These ...

Economic Efficiency of Small Scale Food Crop Production in Nigeria: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Abstract: This paper examines the overall efficiency of small holder croppers in Nigeria with a view to examine the productive efficiency of in food crop production in the country. Data were collected from 2...

The Determinants of Urban Household Poverty in Malaysia

Abstract: Since independence in 1950s Malaysia has been recognized as one of the more successful countries in fighting poverty: head count ratio came down to 5.7% by 2004. However the recent process of rapid urbanization has led to an increase of urban poverty aggravated further by the 1997 Asian financial crisis. It is important to understand the nature and scale of urbanization, the various driving forces that affect it and the determinants of urban poverty as linked to this process. Our research identified the determinants of urban poverty in Malaysia using a logistic regression. A sample of 2,403 urban households from the 2004-05 Household Expenditure Survey (HES) had been used in this research. We first estimated the probability of households with specified characteristics to fall below Malaysia’s official poverty line. Then we analyzed the sensitivity of the probability estimated to shift of the poverty line over a reasonable range. Results showed that human capital significantly reduced the chance of being poor while migrant workers are more prone to poverty. Household size, race and regions were also important determinants of poverty outcome in urban Malaysia. The findings had important policy implications for Malaysian government which had pledged to reduce overall poverty rate to 2.8% and eradicated hardcore poverty by 2010 under the Ninth Malaysian Plan.

What Characterise the Nordic Welfare State Model

Abstract: This article presents the main distinctive characteristics of the Nordic welfare states. These include, for example, full employment, high degree of equality, a high level of taxes and a high level of public spending on welfare. The article further presents data, which enables the reader to a comparison with welfare states in Europe and to analyse whether we are witnessing convergence in Europe and/or the withering away of the Nordic Model. The conclusion being that the Nordic Model is here to stay, although a movement in a European direction is underway.

Stress and Job Satisfaction among Air Force Military Pilots

Abstract: Stress induces impairment of performance is a relatively common issue in pilots of military aviation. The present study aimed at gathering preliminary data on the relationship between stress and job satisfaction among military pilots, so determine to what extent military pilots suffering from job satisfaction. This study was cross- sectional in design and used survey methodology. The survey was offered to 89 military pilots. Subjects completed a Questionnaire with 32-item on Aviation Stress and short form of Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Results indicated that %33.7 pilots who had mild stress, %48.3 pilots who exhibited moderate stress and only, %13.5 pilots who indicated high stress. The stresses in pilots rating so: life stress, organizational stress, flight environmental stress and task-based stress. The correlation between job satisfactions and life stress was (-0/53), with organizational stress (-0/38), with flight environmental stress (-0/25), with task-based stressors (-0/23) and finally correlation between job satisfaction with flying hours was (-0/22). At this time when our military pilots have the least flights and spend most of their time idly, having no schedule can increase their stress, as well. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with some training, informing, evaluating and other psychological services, especially life skills and organizational skills. Furthermore, attending to military pilots and filling their schedule with useful programs such as flight with civilian airplanes, educational and research activities, favorite executive activities, sports and entertainment can decrease their stress, increase their job satisfaction and decrease their occupational weariness.

Assessing Employability Skills of Technical-Vocational Students in Malaysia

Abstract: Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVE) system plays important role in providing highly skilled workforce to fulfill the needs of industries. An empirical research of TVE system is necessary to identify effective TVE system to successfully equip students with technical skills that would enable them to fulfill the current work demands and professional expectations. The objective of this paper is to present the findings of TVE system implementation in one of the technical training institution in Malaysia. Research sample has been selected using a simple random method from the third year students. A total of 162 students participated in this research. The result shows that mean score for overall employability skills was quite high. Two aspects of the employability skills, namely, thinking skills and resource management competence and system & technology competence were slightly lower than the mean score. Respondents have slightly higher than the mean scores on basic informational competence interpersonal competence. The mean score of personal quality is the highest among all the aspects of variables of employability skills.

Why Do People Use Their Cars: A Case Study In Malaysia

Abstract: In Malaysia, the rapid increase in the use of own transport prompted by inadequate public transport has resulted in increased traffic congestion, accidents, inadequate parking space and air pollution among other evils. This study sought to identify the factors preventing own transport users from shifting to public transport and to develop model shift from car to public transport in order to formulate the policies to achieve this. A survey was carried out on users of private and public (both bus and urban train transport) (n = 1350). Multinomial legit models were developed for the three alternative modes, Car, Bus and Train. This study found that the most important variables found likely to encourage the use of public transport were reduced travel time and subsidized fares. As expected, for the commuter to switch to public transport he would have to be incentivated to do so.

The Status of Women, Sex Preference, Decision-Making and Fertility Control in Ekpoma Community of Nigeria

Abstract: This study examined gender relationship and how this affect sex preference and decision-making in the home with particular reference to fertility in Nigeria .The small university community of Ekpom...

Women Empowerment through Participation in Aquaculture: Experience of a Large-scale Technology Demonstration Project in Bangladesh

Abstract: The paper investigated rural women’s empowerment through participation in aquaculture activities within a large scale demonstration project in Bangladesh. The paper is based on farm level data collected from 200 women in two districts of Bangladesh. A questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection and data gathering spanned a period of four months, (September to December) in 2004. The findings show that women in the study area gained a significant level of empowerment during the course of their participation in the aquaculture program. The extent of their empowerment was positively and significantly correlated with their education, extension media contact and exposure to training, as well as their knowledge and participation in aquaculture. Other factors, such as age, family size, family farm size, area under aquaculture, and annual family income did not show any significant relationship with the extent of a woman’s empowerment through participation in aquaculture.

Bullying in Nigerian Schools: Prevalence Study and Implications for Counselling

Abstract: School bullying is becoming a threat that no school can afford to dismiss. Although many demographic variables associated with bullying have been examined, there has been no study in Nigeria, which has looked into comparison between Government and Private/Mission schools. This study examined this neglected demographic variable in addition to establishing the incidence of bullying in schools in Benin City, Edo state. It was found that 78% of the children have been victims of bullying on at least one occasion and 71% have lashed out at others at least once. However, more boys than girls were found to be both bullies and victims (χ 2 = 18.570, p<0.01). Boys reported being kicked or hit more often than girls (χ2 = 13.302, p<0.01). The result shows that it was more common for bullying to take place in the classroom in government schools than in private schools (χ 2 = 43.773, p<0.05). The result demonstrated significant differences between the schools investigated. However, significantly more private schools reported kicking and hitting taking place in the playground than in the government schools, whereas bullying is more likely to take place in the classroom in government schools. It is recommended that counsellors play a significant role in combating the patterns of unhappiness and violence out of which much bullying arises.

Re-Examining the Relationship Between Principal's Instructional/Educational Leadership and Student Achievement

Abstract: This study was designed to re-examine the effect of the school principal's instructional/educational behavior on student achievement in secondary schools. Previous studies found the school principal to play a pivotal role in school effectiveness measured by students' achievement. However, there is a considerable vagueness concerning the specific principals behaviors that influence students' achievements. Therefore, research questions were formulated in order to look for the effect of different domains of the principal instructional leadership behaviors on students' achievement. The research sample included 256 teachers from 32 secondary schools in Israel, who filled out the Instructional Leadership Behavior (ILB) for their school principals. Data about school features, such as, school size, average class size, teacher education and experience were collected. Theses variables were regressed on school students' achievements in the matriculation exams. The results indicate that 49% of the variance in students' achievement is explained by the following variables: Students' SES, class size, and only one leadership behavior, framing goals and communicating to staff.

Female Participation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education in Nigeria and National Development

Abstract: Over the past two decades, women limited participation in science, technology and mathematics (STM) courses in tertiary institutions has been a cause for concern in Nigeria. Women today, constitute over half of the world's population. This paper therefore, discusses the present situation of female participation in STM, some of the factors that tend to hinder females' participation in STM, vis-a-vis the effects of this limited participation on national development. The paper recommended some of the ways to overcome the barriers to female participation in STM.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Knowledge among Youth in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract: HIV/AIDS knowledge is an important component of HIV/AIDS risk prevention strategies that may influence engagement in high risk behavior. This paper examines HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge among a representative sample of 4,174 youth living in Cape Town, South Africa. Data come from the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS), and include black, coloured, and white respondents ages 14-22. Using an open-ended question, respondents were asked to name ways people can protect themselves from HIV/AIDS infection. Nearly everyone could name at least one method of preventing HIV infection, and respondents named two methods on average. Condoms, abstinence, and limiting the number of sexual partners/having only one sexual partner were the most frequently named prevention methods. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze correlates of specific forms of HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as the total number of prevention methods named by each respondent. Having had sex, highest grade completed, and race were the most commonly significant correlates across models. Race interaction terms were also significant, suggesting that the significance of HIV/AIDS knowledge correlates varies across racial groups. Overall, the results suggest that more depth of knowledge about HIV/AIDS is needed among South African youth to ensure proper protection from the disease, and that HIV/AIDS education might be more successful if tailored to specific racial/ethnic groups.

Causes and Constraints Faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Entrepreneurial Process

Abstract: Entrepreneurship is the core of economic development. It is a multi- dimensional task and essentially a creative activity. Entrepreneur is key factor of entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurship is ...

Globalisation, Casualisation and Capitalist Business Ethics: A Critical Overview of Situation in the Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria

Abstract: Globalisation has engulfed the whole world. In some places it has enriched businesses and the quality of life while in others it has wrecked havoc. Even within nations the benefits have not been fa...

Class Factors as Determinants of Secondary School Student's Academic Performance in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: KEYWORDS School; classroom; student; academic performance; educational planners ABSTRACT Classroom congestion and low utilization rate of classrooms are common features of secondary schools in Nigeria. They have negative impact on both secondary school teacher productivity, student learning input, and thus secondary school students academic performance. Thus study investigated the extent to which class factors like class size, student classroom-space and class utilization rate determined the performance of secondary school students in Senior Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) in Oyo State, Nigerian between 1997 and 2002 school years. The study was conducted ex post factor under a descriptive survey research design, 200 out of the 336 secondary schools in the state were randomly selected for the study. The multiple regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The two research hypothesis which guided the study was tested at 0.05 minimum level of significance. Findings revealed that the three lass factors (Class size, student classroom space and class utilization rate), when taken together, determined significantly secondary school students academic performance in Oyo state between 1997 and 2002. These factors, when taken separately, also determined significantly secondary school student's academic performance in the state. These findings are of great significance for educational planners, policy makers and both federal and state governments. These factors have to be taken into consideration while planning and also providing secondary education.

Impact of Credit Use on Resource Productivity of Sweet Potatoes Farmers in Osun-State, Nigeria

Abstract: In the face of excruciating poverty in the rural economy where in farmers are major players, credit is necessary for capital formation, diversified agricultural production and efficiency in agricultural resource-use. This paper thus examines the credit-linked differences in production knowledge among sweet potatoes farmers in Osun- State. The objectives relates to socio-economic differences and resource use efficiency between farmers producing with credit and farmers producing without credit. In this while, the study was able to access the impact of credit on the resource productivity of the sweet potatoes farmers. A sample of 140 farmers comprising 60 that used credit and 80 that did not was randomly selected for detailed study. Primary data obtained from them were analyzed by Marginal Value Product and Multiple Regression Technique. Results indicated that farmers that produced with credit use resources efficiently than those without credit.

Does Self-Perception of Risk of HIV Infection Make the Youth to Reduce Risky Behaviour and Seek Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services? A Case Study of Nigerian Youth

Abstract: KEYWORDS HIV; self-perception; VCT; Nigeria; youth ABSTRACT The objective is to investigate whether self-perception of risk of HIV infection causes Nigerian youth to reduce risky sexual behaviour and to seek HIV testing. In this population-based qualitative study, indepth interviews were conducted among 90 undergraduates in three Nigerian universities. In each university, three focus group discussions were facilitated for males only, females only, and for both males and females (mixed). Results show that students with low self-perception of HIV infection felt they did not have a need for behavioural change or to do HIV testing. Those with high self-perception were not inclined to reduce risky behaviour or to seek voluntary counselling and testing. The conclusion is that self-perception of risk as a single factor is not enough to seek HIV testing.

Globalization and Economic Development: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract: The world has witnessed increased interdependence in the last two decades, thanks to globalization. The main driving forces of this process are technology, policy and competition and it subordinate...

Breaking out: The Dynamics of Immigrant Owned Businesses

Abstract: As far as integration policy in a Danish context is concerned a phenomenon have been observed during the last decade: Immigrant businesses are spreading rapidly in the country, dominating certain business lines in deprived inner city areas. According to registry and survey data, most immigrant businesses - and particularly those owned by immigrants from less developed countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa - are tiny self-employment units in which profits are low and working hours long for the owners. They occupy mainly traditional small firm dominated business lines, which the majority population tend to abandon anyway. Only seldom do they grow into larger firms and shift to more advanced and profitable business fields. This pattern, however, seems to be slowly changing in that some well-educated first and second generation immigrant groups (among them particularly women) have the potential to start and run more advanced and profitable businesses outside the traditional ethnic business lines and outside minority dominated inner city areas. Key determinants in this process seem to be owner qualifications, network patterns, financial resources and cross border business relations.

From Flexicurity to FlexicArity? Gendered perspectives on the Danish Model

Abstract: In Europe, flexicurity is seen as a way to develop labour markets so they will stay or be more competitive and at the same time secure the European welfare tradition. The Danish welfare society builds on a division of work and co-operation between the labour market and the welfare state. This division and co-operation also applies to the Danish flexicurity model which this article focuses on from a gender perspective. The analysis presented here relates to the labor market, the welfare state, and the active labor market policy. The article shows that welfare policies on public care and individual rights have supported women’s labor market participation and economic and political empowerment. It is thus suggested to change the name to the Danish flexicarity model. Furthermore, the article shows that the active labor market policy does not improve women’s employability to the same extent as men’s and it is therefore suggested that further research into the gendered consequences of the active labor market policy should be undertaken.

Human Resource Development Strategies: The Malaysian Scenario

Abstract: The socio-economic development of Malaysia is greatly influenced by human resources activities in both the private and public sectors. But the private sector, particularly the industrial sector is the key player for the country’s economic growth. In acknowledging human resources importance in this sector, the country’s developmental plans developed thrusts that support the development of human resources to become skilled, creative and innovative. This article examines the concepts and nature of human resource development (HRD) at the national level in Malaysia. In examining HRD from the national perspective, a review of documentary evidence from relevant Governmental reports and documents was utilised. The plans, policies, strategies, roles and responsibilities in HRD at the national level were discussed.

Household Livelihood and Coping Mechanism During Drought among Oraon Tribe of Sundargarh District of Orissa, India

Abstract: The present study attempted to report the livelihood and coping strategies at the household level during drought among Oraon tribe living in Sundargarh district of Orissa. The study is based on both quantitative and qualitative data collected from households and key-informants in the community. These data were based on the livelihood and coping strategies during the drought and lean period during the year 2002. The scanty of rainfall due to irregular monsoon in the current Kharif crop season (2002) has resulted in massive crop failure and subsequent acute drought condition. During this period, the Oraons of this area have implemented a range of livelihood and coping strategies to reduce their vulnerability. The present study reports some rituals that followed by Oraons to appease, the Lord lndra (the god of rain). In addition, some social support system to cope up during drought also existed in this tribe. At household level, reduction of food consumption and change in the pattern of food consumption are important strategies to cope up with low resources. Majority of people in this area changed their occupation, as agriculture is failed due to drought. Also many households either sold or mortgaged their lands and household assets. Some of the people, including young children migrated temporarily to other places for livelihood. Various studies from other drought prone areas were reviewed and discussed briefly in the light of present study results.

Does Subjective Class Predict the Causal Attribution for Poverty

Abstract: This study investigated the attributions for poverty among secondary school and university students in relation to socio-economic. The questionnaire was adapted from Feagin's[1] and Abouchedid & Nasser[2], and included 15-item poverty questionnaire. It was administered to a sample (n = 242) of secondary school and university students from public and private schools and universities in Lebanon. Findings showed that Lebanese youth were more inclined to attribute poverty to structural factors. Socioeconomic variable of parents' education was the only significant predictors for the causal attribution for poverty. Research in this area should extend to relate stereotypes and various socio-economic attitudes as liberalism or conservatism and their relation to attribution for poverty.

Gender Self-Endangering: The Sexist Issue in Nigerian Politics

Abstract: Sexism has become a major problematique in Nigerian politics. Women have been politically considered an endangered species, and their low participation in Nigerian government and politics is often associated with cultural, religious and economic constraints, and male chauvinism. Economically, some feminists perceive women's marginality in the conduct and management of public affairs as arising from their entrenchment to the globalized capitalist relation of production. A relation, which ensures that majority of Nigerian women are peasants and housewives. Nonetheless feminists have failed to fundamentally unravel in their explanatory analysis, the feminine gender self-immolatory attitudes. Feminine gender - self - destructive factor in the decline of women participation in government affairs is often carpeted in sexist analysis. For instance, women account for sixty percent of Nigeria's population and by implication, half of the nation's electorates. This electoral power has not been converted to an assertive feminine electoral and political advantage over the years, and particularly in the 2003 elections. Besides, the female population seems not to know what it desires in terms of elective positions at all levels. Women seem to be lacking in confidence and courage that competitive politics demands, and therefore, comfortable with playing a second fiddle rather than assuming the front-role leadership. In addition to the complex factor, gender mainstreaming through the First Lady's office had over the years only been promotive of the privatized economic interests of the First Ladies. Utilizing a field survey, the basic concern of this paper is therefore to examine the self-defeatist behavioural manifestations of the Nigerian womenfolk. The paper believes that Nigerian women are largely unconscious of sexism in the contemporary world as a class struggle in non-production relational terms.

Production and Productivity of Crustacean in Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined the Productivity and Technical Efficiency (TE) of Crustacean Production in Nigeria using the stochastic frontier production function analysis. Primary data were collected using a...

Forecasting Foreign Direct Investment Inflow in Jordan: Univariate ARIMA Model

Abstract: The present study is an attempt to build a Univariate time series model to forecast the FDI inflows into Jordan over the coming period 2004-2025. The study employs Box-Jenkins methodology of building ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model to achieve the goals of the study. An annual sample time series data for the FDI in Jordan was utilized over the period 1976-2003. The data were collected from the Central Bank of Jordan publications. The accuracy of the selected models was tested by performing different diagnostic tests to ensure the accuracy of the obtained results. Results of the study show that ARIMA model provides a better model for forecasting FDI in Jordan. The empirical results of ARIMA model have shown that FDI is following an increasing trend over the forecasted period (2004-2025). The empirical results indicate the expected positive impact of FDI inflows on different macroeconomic variables in Jordan economy.

Auditors Compliance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs): Evidence form Jordan

Abstract: The continuous new amendments of the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) in the beginning of 2007 formed a pressure on auditors to follow up and comply with them. The present study attempted to examine to what extent auditors complied with ISA according to the last pronouncement by the International Auditing and Assurance Standard Board (IAASB). Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to a random sample of external auditors in Jordan. The study revealed that Jordanian auditors complied with all auditing standards with some variance in the degree of compliance among them. The results indicated that further measures and steps could be taken to improve the ISA compliance.