Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2002"
TL;DR: A survey of representative Internet-based psychological tests and their professional status can be found in this paper, where the authors discuss the potential and advantages of this testing procedure as well as the problems and limitations.
Abstract: Internet-based psychological testing is a recent extension of computerized testing, a technology developed in the 1980s. The new procedure possesses the benefits and costs of computerized testing and introduces several new fascinating professional opportunities as well as new problems. Side by side with professional tests, numerous, mostly unmoderated, popular, quasi-psychological tests have been published on the Internet in different diagnostic areas: intelligence and special aptitudes, personality traits, emotional states, attitudes and attitude sets, interpersonal and social behavior dispositions, vocational interests and preferences, and more. Net surfers may take most tests for free and receive immediate feedback. Although there are great benefits to this new procedure, risks and problems exist, too. This article reviews representative Internet-based psychological tests and discusses their professional status. Cumulative research that tries to shed light on the possible utility of this testing procedure is surveyed. The prospects and advantages as well as the problems and limitations are discussed, as are proposals aimed at maximizing the former and minimizing the latter. A plea for intensive research, as well as additional and different types of measures, is voiced.
101 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is presented that using the Internet to recruit participants and collect data is not only feasible, but may also be less expensive and time-consuming than traditional data collection methods.
Abstract: Internet methodologies are often overlooked in research. This review presents evidence that using the Internet to recruit participants and collect data is not only feasible, but may also be less expensive and time-consuming than traditional data collection methods. Additionally, Internet data collection can yield a more representative participant sample than more traditional data collection methods, while retaining equivalent, if not better, psychometric properties. Different areas of research that could benefit from the use of the Internet-based methods are explored. Overall benefits of Internet-based data collection, and practical limitations and how to overcome them, are discussed.
49 citations
TL;DR: Bridging the Gap, a South Australian research-based program, was designed to introduce the concepts of modern technology and some Internet skills to people over 55 as discussed by the authors, which included people in rural areas, those with a first language other than English and people who were frail or had a disability.
Abstract: Bridging the Gap, a South Australian research based program, was designed to introduce the concepts of modern technology and some Internet skills to people over 55. Target populations included people in rural areas, those with a first language other than English and people who were frail or had a disability. Informal, interactive, hands-on sessions were developed which demonstrated the concepts underpinning modern computer-based devices and their applications in society. Major findings indicated that most participants identified feeling less anxious and more confident about using modem technology after the program and that they were using a new range of computer-based skills.
47 citations
TL;DR: Levels of anxiety were found to be lowest for those who have computers in their work areas, received training, and use computers to accomplish work tasks.
Abstract: This study investigated the prevalence of computer anxiety by area of practice, hours of weekly use, access to equipment, and availability of training for social workers (N = 244) in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. Measured by the Computer Anxiety Index (CAIN), levels of anxiety were found to be lowest for those who have computers in their work areas, received training, and use computers to accomplish work tasks. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between anxiety levels and high levels of training need as well as the number of hours of weekly use and training received. A significant negative correlation was found between anxiety levels and weekly hours of use.
28 citations
TL;DR: The process of developing and deploying an Internet-based study that sought to replicate the results of a traditionally administered questionnaire was very successful in soliciting a gay and lesbian sample of Internet-users and collected one of the largest samples for a Web-based survey to date.
Abstract: This report discusses the process of developing and deploying an Internet-based study that sought to replicate the results of a traditionally administered questionnaire. We present data on the characteristics of respondents, hit and completion rates, and the effectiveness of a dozen different methods of advertising the survey. Overall, we were very successful in soliciting a gay and lesbian sample of Internet-users and collected one of the largest samples for a Web-based survey to date. Publicity methods that addressed the target audience's specific interests were far more effective than broader advertising methods.
26 citations
TL;DR: Advice is provided on comparing, evaluating, and interpreting logistic and neural network tools used to develop a model for predicting employee turnover in a regional child protective services agency.
Abstract: Human service professionals are increasingly pressured to use sophisticated data analysis tools to support service decisions. However, the application of these tools often involves assumptions and nuances that are difficult for the practitioner to evaluate without specialized information. This article helps the practitioner evaluate two different quantitative methods, a logistic regression and a neural network. Both were used on the same data set to develop a model for predicting employee turnover in a regional child protective services agency. The different steps of building and enhancing the model were discussed. Ultimately, the neural network was able to predict turnover more accurately than a logistic regression by only 1%. The article provides advice to practitioners on comparing, evaluating, and interpreting logistic and neural network tools.
22 citations
TL;DR: Computer-supported distance art therapy is proposed as an innovative and inexpensive form of telehealth, and a rationale for developingdistance art therapy services for people with traumatic illnesses is presented.
Abstract: SUMMARY We propose computer-supported distance art therapy as an innovative and inexpensive form of telehealth, and present a rationale for developing distance art therapy services for people with traumatic illnesses. The rationale is based on four current trends: (a) the aging of the population, (b) a shift in focus in the field of telehealth, (c) an increase in psychosocial treatments for people with traumatic physical illnesses, and (d) the recent burgeoning of the art and healing movement. Forms of telehealth such as computer-supported distance art therapy have both a technical and a human dimension, which need to be developed in parallel. Our process of participatory development and initial feasibility assessment was part of a cross-disciplinary collaboration involving the two authors (an artist/counselor and a computer scientist) and a participatory design team of ten others.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the use of a listserv to make a contribution to that sector of the human service profession which struggles with burnout, and develop, conduct and evaluate an online support group for social workers.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes the use of a listserv to make a contribution to that sector of the human service profession which struggles with burnout. The author develops, conducts and evaluates an online support group for social workers.
16 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the daily interactions of peace activists in a virtual community devoted to nonviolent solutions to world problems by analyzing narrative messages exchanged over a four-month period categorically in terms of topic, type, scope, and content.
Abstract: This paper discusses several methodological approaches to the study of virtual communities, including comparative designs, statistical approaches, and ethnography In particular, we present results from one study that exemplifies both the problems and promises inherent in researching virtual communities This study examines the daily interactions of peace activists in a virtual community devoted to nonviolent solutions to world problems By analyzing narrative messages exchanged over a four-month period categorically in terms of topic, type, scope, and content, the study explores community design issues of gatekeeping and normative standards in a virtual community
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe and evaluate a Web-based course in cultural competency, focusing not only on course content but also on the experiences of learners and instructors in a relatively new Internet environment of an online course for social work students and faculty.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article decribes and evaluates a Web-based course in cultural competency. The evaluation focused not only on course content but also on the experiences of both the learners and instructors in a relatively new Internet environment of an online course for social work students and faculty.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the author argues for the legitimization of the telephone in one-on-one and group professional practice in social work, and contrasts telephone hotline work and face-to-face counseling with her view of telephone counseling.
Abstract: SUMMARY The author in this article argues for the legitimization of the telephone in one-on-one and group professional practice in social work. She contrasts telephone hotline work and face-to-face counseling with her view of telephone counseling.
TL;DR: In an attempt to test whether this identified divide in computer ownership exists, data concerning people in receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) were examined for economic, racial, age, educational, and regional differences in rates of computer ownership as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Policy makers and researchers have identified a divide in computer ownership between the economically disadvantaged and the general population in the United States Minorities, the elderly, and individuals with low educational achievement also appear to be left out of the new digital economy In an attempt to test whether this identified divide in computer ownership exists, data concerning people in receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ie, welfare] were examined for economic, racial, age, educational, and regional differences in rates of computer ownership The data were then compared to research studies that examined rates of computer ownership and access in the general population The findings support policy makers' and researchers' concerns about the growing divide in computer access and ownership between the economically advantaged and disadvantaged
TL;DR: Cost analyses have shown that telepsychiatric services are economically cost-effective in most European countries and in Australia, where a relatively small number of connections exists, while in the USA and Canada, high telecommunications costs make telemedicine more prohibitive compared to conventional care.
Abstract: SUMMARY Interactive videoconferencing is an easy, fast, and relatively inexpensive method of providing psychiatric services over long distances. The experiences of telepsychiatry practitioners have been promising in Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, and Australia. The first practical telepsychiatry experiments in Finland were carried out at the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Oulu, where videoconferencing has been used for family therapy, psychiatric supervision, consultation, patient negotiations, and teaching. During 1998, out of a total of 400 hours, 35% of the online time was used for teaching, 24% for occupational counseling, 21% for consultations and patient negotiations, and 20% for methodological development and other activities (mainly testing the connections). The costs of inpatient negotiations via teleconferencing is half those of conventional negotiations. In general, cost analyses have also shown that telepsychiatric services are economically cost-effective ...
Abstract: SUMMARY “Funny Face,” an off-the-shelf children's computer game, is used in play therapy and counseling with preschool and latency age children by the author/designer, who also serves as the therapist.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe issues and risk-management procedures related to online human service practice, including: use of novel and untested services, unclear jurisdiction, equivalence of face-to-face and online practice, duty to warn and to provide emergency services, privacy and security of online transactions, establishment of fiduciary relationships, online assessment, and fees for online services.
Abstract: SUMMARY The growing use of the Internet for human service practice has resulted in ethical and legal issues that have yet to be fully addressed by current professional codes of ethics and the courts. This paper describes issues and risk-management procedures related to online human service practice, including: use of novel and untested services, unclear jurisdiction, equivalence of face-to-face and online practice, duty to warn and to provide emergency services, privacy and security of online transactions, establishment of fiduciary relationships, online assessment, and fees for online services. In addition, risk-management issues related to human service agency Web sites including copyright, ownership of the Web site, posting of staff names, online fundraising, online threats and disruption of services, unsolicited e-mail, and agency e-mail policies are discussed.
TL;DR: A multimedia communications skills training CD-ROM for human service students and practitioners and its effectiveness with undergraduate social work students in Canada is evaluated.
Abstract: SUMMARY The authors describe a multimedia communications skills training CD-ROM for human service students and practitioners and evaluate its effectiveness with undergraduate social work students in Canada.
TL;DR: This paper describes the planning and equipment acquisition process, from beginning conceptualization to current implementation, and provides practical information about videoconferencing systems and suggests ways to maximize their use.
Abstract: To facilitate connections between the curriculum and field, faculty members at one university have explored and experimented with the use of videoconferencing technology for increased faculty communication with students and field instructors. This paper describes the planning and equipment acquisition process, from beginning conceptualization to current implementation. Further, it provides practical information about videoconferencing systems and suggests ways to maximize their use.
TL;DR: In this article, an Internet mediated first year social work course for First Nation participants is described, which was developed to meet the needs of several remote communities in Canada for distance education in social work.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes an Internet mediated first year social work course for First Nation participants. It was developed to meet the needs of several remote communities in Canada for distance education in social work.
TL;DR: A collaborative process of design, implementation and evaluation of a report writer application for clinicians in hospital settings and factors which aided and hindered the acceptance of the application in the two facilities are discussed.
Abstract: Within the research literature, there has been a well documented difference in the level of acceptance in the adoption of technology within social services agencies by mental health practitioners. This article describes a collaborative process of design, implementation and evaluation of a report writer application for clinicians in hospital settings. Two inpatient hospitals that implemented the report writer software were evaluated. In particular, factors which aided and hindered the acceptance of the application in the two facilities are discussed. A complete description is provided of the application, which allows clinicians to quickly generate a report by choosing and editing commonly used text.
TL;DR: This section contains eight articles which describe how electronic technology is increasingly being utilized in the human service education class and workshop setting.
Abstract: (2002). Introduction to Technology in Education. Journal of Technology in Human Services: Vol. 20, No. 3-4, pp. 227-230.
TL;DR: A technology-supported training environment is described to enhance the development of research skills of undergraduate level multicultural mental health researchers.
Abstract: The information technology revolution and the "communication age" have brought many new and challenging imperatives for educators and researchers interested in the enhancement of community-based human service delivery systems in mental health. A technology-supported training environment is described to enhance the development of research skills of undergraduate level multicultural mental health researchers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined one study of a computer-mediated group that used multiple methods, discusses the rationale for decisions made about the research design and procedures, and provides suggestions for scholars interested in studying computer mediated groups.
Abstract: People are increasingly using e-mail technology to join computer-mediated groups, and these groups are gaining the attention of researchers from diverse fields. Researchers are adapting techniques used to study "traditional" contexts, such as face-to-face groups, and devising strategies for meeting the methodological and ethical challenges of studying online interactions. Because studying computer-mediated groups is still a relatively new endeavor, research standards have not yet been codified. Some researchers of computer-mediated groups seem to be unreflexive about the fact that there are real people behind the computer screens who can be affected by the research process-positively or negatively. This paper closely examines one study of a computer-mediated group that used multiple methods, discusses the rationale for decisions made about the research design and procedures, and provides suggestions for scholars interested in studying computer-mediated groups.
TL;DR: In this article, an educational multi-media program to teach Israeli youth to avoid drugs using an older brother model who provides information and advice to young Israeli players regarding the adverse consequences of using drugs.
Abstract: SUMMARY The author describes an educational multi-media program to teach Israeli youth to avoid drugs using an older brother model who provides information and advice to youthful Israeli players regarding the adverse consequences of using drugs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a Web-based conferencing system for graduate and undergraduate students in educational psychology is described, which illustrates the wide range of communication possibilities of such a system.
Abstract: SUMMARY The authors describe a Web-based conferencing system for graduate and undergraduate students in educational psychology which illustrates the wide range of communication possibilities of such a system. Students, faculty, and practitioners experience increased and beneficial communication by using this system.
TL;DR: The development of Building Family Foundations, an interactive, multimedia training project for child welfare workers, is described and the collaborative process among professionals from various disciplines is examined.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper describes the development of Building Family Foundations, an interactive, multimedia training project for child welfare workers. In addition to this description, the collaborative process among professionals from various disciplines is examined. The authors recommend applying the social work helping process to the development of training projects that involve a large multidisciplinary team effort. The profession of social work is committed to ensuring that members regularly receive continuing education in order to enhance their knowledge and skills and keep current with trends in the various fields in which they practice. Social workers who practice in rural areas find it difficult to meet this commitment. Distance education, particularly multimedia instruction, offers an exceptional remedy to this situation (Thurston, Verschelden & Denning, 1996). This method of delivering training and education, new to the social work profession, is both exciting and challenging in its development and...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe an electronic tool or process called Meeting Works, which supports and arguably improves human service staff meetings and has been shown to be effective with action planning, focus groups, project planning, quality initiatives and a number of other activities associated with the human services.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes an electronic tool or process called Meeting Works™, which supports and arguably improves human service staff meetings. Meeting Works™ has been shown to be effective with action planning, focus groups, project planning, quality initiatives, and a number of other activities associated with the human services.
TL;DR: This article will relate the process of creating a Microcounseling Skills Simulation Program and its conversion of the videodisc to a CD-ROM and include only one of the simulated counseling sessions.
Abstract: SUMMARY The Microcounseling Skills Simulation Program uses interactive CD-ROM technology to provide realistic situations to which students can learn and evaluate their microcounseling skills. The contents of the CD-ROM contain simulated counseling sessions first recorded on videotape and videodisc. The initial products consisted of four simulated counseling sessions, documentation consisting of an instructor manual, student worksheets, and scripts of the counseling sessions. This article will relate the process of creating a Microcounseling Skills Simulation Program and its conversion of the videodisc to a CD-ROM. This CD-ROM will include only one of the simulated counseling sessions. (The CD-ROM is being used as a resource activity for a Guided Correspondence Course currently offered on the World Wide Web.)
TL;DR: The foundation for examining the usefulness of a bilingual website “Amigos” as a psycho-educational, technological human service tool for connecting communities is laid.
Abstract: This article lays the foundation for examining the usefulness of a bilingual website "Amigos" as a psycho-educational, technological human service tool for connecting communities. It discusses how web-based information and resources on topics of interest to various members of our diverse communities may assist them in looking for further help. In addition, the article identifies opportunities for sharing multicultural experiences, requesting referrals, and asking questions. Implications for the use of technology in counseling service and training will be discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the development of a multimedia mediation program (talking it out) that helps young adolescents resolve conflict peacefully, together with pilot test data from 16 pairs of disputing students.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes the development of a multimedia mediation program (“Talking It Out”) that helps young adolescents resolve conflict peacefully. The development and content are described, together with pilot test data from 16 pairs of disputing students. These case studies provide evidence of the popularity and effectiveness of computer-based mediation.
TL;DR: It is argued that Internet-based survey research studies are presently limited in their utility and tools such as e-mail, file transfers, and data and information access/retrieval should continue to be the primary role of Internet use.
Abstract: This article argues that Internet-based survey research studies are presently limited in their utility. What many consider "classical" blunders in political polling that took place in the 1930s are used as a vehicle for describing parallel methodological errors that may occur with present-day use of the Internet. Without thoughtful protocols, Internet-based surveys are susceptible to these familiar errors, which limit their predictive utility. Tools such as e-mail, file transfers, and data and information access/retrieval should continue to be the primary role of Internet use. A model that articulates the use of Internet technology in survey research is offered for consideration.