Showing papers on "Credibility published in 1983"

Development and validation of revisions in the counselor rating form.

Abstract: 2. When an image on the film is obliterated with a round black mark it is an indication that the film inspector noticed either blurred copy because of movement during exposure, or duplicate copy. Unless we meant to delete copyrighted materials that should not have been filmed, you will find a good image of the page in the adjacent frame. If copyrighted materials were deleted you will find a target note listing the pages in the adjacent frame.

Field dependence and attitude change: Source credibility can alter persuasion by affecting message-relevant thinking

Abstract: The present study shows that for a personally relevant counterattitudinal issue, a highly credible source can alter persuasibility by increasing a subject's message-relevant thinking. Previous failures to show this effect were probably due to the highly thoughtful nature of typical research subjects, when confronted with involving issues. In the present study, field-dependent and field-independent subjects heard convincing or refutable counterattitudinal speeches given by sources of high or low credibility. Results indicated that subjects who are typically low in differentiation of stimuli (field-dependent subjects) showed differential persuasion to strong and weak arguments only when they were presented by a highly credible source. For subjects who are typically high in propensity to differentiate stimuli (field-independent subjects), the arguments were differentially persuasive for both high and low credible sources. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that increasing source credibility can enhance message-relevant thought for subjects who typically do not scrutinize message content.

The Validity and Credibility of Models for Badly Defined Systems

Abstract: If the dictionary definition were the sole criterion, a model would be considered valid if it was found to be well grounded, sound, cogent, logical, and incontestable. Similarly, a model would be deemed credible if it was deserving of or entitled to belief, or if it was plausible, tenable, or reasonable. All of these characteristics are, of course, desirable in a mathematical model of a physical system; but when used as the basis for the definition of model adequacy, they are clearly too subjective to provide useful and rigorous criteria for model evaluation.

Methodology and Cognitive—Behavioral Assessment

Abstract: In the most recent edition of the Annual Review of Behavior Therapy (Franks et al., 1982) the point is made that behavioral assessment has moved simultaneously in two different directions. In one direction we see the heartland of assessment being entered via a more basic concern with the reliability and validity of behavioral assessment procedures. In the other direction we observe behavioral assessment to be taking a wider cut, expanding into the arena of cognitive-behavioral assessment. While the reasons for the reliability and validity studies may be apparent (i.e. to assure psychometric credibility), some have questioned the soundness and legitimacy of our excursion into the “mind”.

Computerized nutrient data bases: I. Comparison of nutrient analysis systems.

Abstract: For the science of nutrition to maintain its credibility in the future, comparative food consumption studies must produce reliable findings that will provide a sound basis for nutritional guidance and the drafting of national health policy.

Diagnosing and treating the credibility syndrome

Abstract: The credibility syndrome is a special case of MIS development failure with a distinctive set of symptoms and causes. In credibility problems, the directors of data processing ᾢ their management approaches and systems development philosophies ᾢ plan an important role.

Credibility theory and the Kalman filter

Abstract: Following Mehra (1975) we indicate how some of the well known credibility models may be formulated as Kalman filters. The formulation yields recursive premium forecasts including recursive predictions errors which are of importance to practitioners.

Parameter estimation in some credibility models

Abstract: The paper proposes estimators for unknown parameters in some credibility models. Sufficient conditions for asymptotic optimality of empirical credibility estimators in these models are given. Finally we critically discuss the properties of some of the proposed estimators in the case of finite insurance portfolios.

Generic pronoun use and perceived speaker credibility

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of various alternatives for generic pronoun usage on judgments of speaker credibility. The effects of pronoun usage were examined in interaction with the sex of speaker, sex of listener, and the sex‐typicality of speech topics. Four dimensions of speaker credibility were investigated: composure, dynamism, sociability, and competence. In terms of generic pronoun usage, the results of this study indicate that using “she” can negatively affect perceptions of social attractiveness for all speakers and, in particular, affect a male speaker's perceived competence. The generic “they,” however, did not hinder perceived credibility in any way and, in fact, for females enhanced listeners’ perceptions of their competence. In general, results of this study suggest that if a communicator wishes to use a nontraditional generic pronoun, especially “they,” to express a commitment to greater equity between the sexes, then their credibility will not be significantly dim...

Ninety-five Theses for Reforming Program Evaluation

Abstract: This book calls for a reformation in evaluation, a thorough-going transformation. Its priests and its patrons, as well as those who desire its benefits, have sought from evaluation what it cannot, probably should not, give. The proper mission of evaluation is not to eliminate the fallibility of authority or to bolster its credibility. Rather, its mission is to facilitate a democratic, pluralistic process by enlightening all the participants.

Perceived Communication Barriers to Learning with Computer Simulation

Abstract: The authors contend that computer simulation in the classroom causes communication barriers. In a study with a broad cross-section of students, 14 barriers are determined and assessed for reliability and magnitude. The greatest concern to students are doubts about their own capabilities or subject matter interest and suspicions about the instructor. Next in importance are problems believed to arise from team interpersonal dynamics. Credibility differences, defensiveness, and emotional reactions are perceived as among the least serious barriers. Some differences are apparent between students, particularly working versus non-working students and various majors. Suggestions for dealing with the more serious communication barriers are offered.

‘Excessive and Unreasonable’: The Politics of the Scottish Hit List*

Abstract: The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act marks a major change in central-local relations in allowing selective intervention in the expenditure decisions of individual councils. The criteria for action, based upon the concept of ‘excessive and unreasonable’ expenditure are broadly drawn. In taking action against seven councils in 1981–2, the Scottish Office applied its own criteria inconsistently. The case against the councils lacked intellectual credibility and an alternative ‘hit list’ could as plausibly be produced. The councils' reactions and the exchanges with the Scottish Office show a varied pattern, with a minority stressing the principle of local autonomy. The Act has failed to achieve the objectives which central government appeared to have in mind. It has, instead, further eroded local autonomy and destabilized central-local relations in Scotland.

A Probability Model of Credibility: Analyzing Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Systems

Abstract: Credibility plays a central role in the classical theory of strategic nuclear deterrence, as well as in many types of social and international relations. This article presents probability models of credibility for survival-retaliation, Wohlstetter-type, and generalized "chain" deterrent threats. Both scenario and systems analysis of these models indicate that (1) only moderate credibility occurs even when very high levels of performance are insured in actions necessary to implement the threat; (2) variations in performance levels induce a destabilizing, more than proportional, amplified variation on overall credibility; and (3) this hyperweakening effect is largest in complex threats. In sum, intuitive estimation of deterrence credibility is severely unreliable, since credibility is weaker than the weakest link in a deterring chain of events. The models are extended and generalized to calculate the credibility of complex systems of deterrent threats, such as the "strategic nuclear triads" deployed by the United States, USSR, United Kingdom, and France, as well as other general deterrents having "serial" and/or "parallel" systems of threats. Special "bottleneck effects" induced by the National Command Authority (NCA) on C31 are emphasized.

A Probability Model of Credibility: Analyzing Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Systems

Abstract: Credibility plays a central role in the classical theory of strategic nuclear deterrence, as well as in many types of social and international relations. This article presents probability models of credibility for survival-retaliation, Wohlstetter-type, and generalized “chain” deterrent threats. Both scenario and systems analysis of these models indicate that (1) only moderate credibility occurs even when very high levels of performance are insured in actions necessary to implement the threat; (2) variations in performance levels induce a destabilizing, more than proportional, amplified variation on overall credibility; and (3) this hyperweakening effect is largest in complex threats. In sum, intuitive estimation of deterrence credibility is severely unreliable, since credibility is weaker than the weakest link in a deterring chain of events. The models are extended and generalized to calculate the credibility of complex systems of deterrent threats, such as the “strategic nuclear triads” deployed by the ...

Incest Accusation: Assessing Credibility

Abstract: This article explores methods of interviewing and techniques of assessing child incest victims’ credibility through detailed clinical case studies and data collected from direct observation and inquiry of the children themselves. The methodology is designed to elicit emotions connected to the alleged assault, which form an integral part of the credibility criteria used by the author. Comparison between the child's direct statements about being sexually abused and the level of cognitive and psychosocial development attained by the child forms another critical factor in differentiating fact from fantasy of children.

ABCA Research Respectability and Credibility

Abstract: This article is meant to be read with the panel reports (on improving ABCA publications) thatfollow. —Editor

Effects of News Measure on Selection of State Government News Sources

Abstract: b Television continues to be selfdescribed as the most believable news medium as well as the major source of news. From the 1960s to the present television has been rated as more believable and the major source of both national and local news even when the comparison was made at the local level, i.e., comparing local television newscasts with the local daily newspaper.1 Several recent studies suggest that the

Associated practice: a case for professional collaboration.

Abstract: The establishment of a successful nurse-physician associated practice requires planning, patience, and a willingness to take calculated risks. The nurse executive can lend credibility and support to the nurse in associated practice by understanding the concept, providing a climate for acceptance of such practices, and by clarifying the role of the nurse associate in relation to other professionals in the organization. In this article the authors describe models for associated practice, as well as the measures necessary to ensure peer and patient acceptance and effective health care delivery.

Evaluation and Medicine

Abstract: Numbers are the stuff of science. They are necessary but are rarely sufficient for many personal and political decisions about the credibility of both medical and economic claims, findings, recommendations, and generalizations. Numbers apart, however, there is little in any scientific endeavor that is value free. Indeed, the values of scientists are major determinants of the problems they choose to examine or the questions they choose to ask. In turn, these choices initiate the application of the scientific process. Values also influence the assumptions underlying the investigators’ analytical or experimental designs and the conclusions they draw. In these respects, medicine and economics are alike in that both aspire to become more scientific by applying the laws of logic, the rules of evidence, and, to an increasing extent, the power of numbers to evaluate critically their hypotheses and improve their predictive powers. And it is predictability with respect to individual benefits and personal well-being as well as public policies and collective choices that we seek. As means to these ends, we use numbers to measure outcomes and attach relative values to the many complex issues that surround notions of health, disease, illness, and medicine.

Perceptions of credibility of treatment and placebo by treated and quasi-control subjects.

Abstract: This study compared two methods for obtaining ratings on treatment credibility/expectancy-for-improvement. 100 students either received actual intervention for speech anxiety (“treated” subjects) or simply read procedural descriptions and rationales of two treatment methods and a placebo strategy (“written exposure” subjects). Although there were no differences in ratings of credibility initially, treated subjects' ratings were significantly higher than those given written exposure by the end of the treatment. The findings suggest that researchers assess credibility within the context of actual intervention rather than rely exclusively on “quasi-control” data. The former method may provide a stronger basis for determining whether differences in outcome between groups are attributable to active therapeutic ingredients or to clients' differential expectancies for change.

Is Believability of Puffery Affected by Brand Credibility

Abstract: forecasts. Of the 152 forecasts, 129 or 85% were verifiable through public documents or questionnaires. Twenty-three forecasts, or 15%, were not verifiable due to lack of a response to letter inquiries and the absence of public data. Of the 129 items which were ultimately verifiable, 51% were judged to be “accurate,” and 19% were said to be “partially accurate.” The remaining 30% were judged inaccurate, either by reference to documents or in the opinion of persons close to the event. If a n item was only partially accurate, we attempted to determine the nature of the inaccuracy. For example, USN& WR reported on May 22, 1978: (51.1%)

Perceptions of Newspaper Fairness: A Structural Approach.

Abstract: b An atmosphere of trust in the press and other media is generally seen as necessary for a communication system to be effective in a pluralistic society. Without trust, it is usually argued, the press is unable to communicate in a credible way with thevariety of interest groups that exist in society. Concern over trust has raised questions about the conditions under which trust is encouraged or reduced. The issue has typically been investigated by determining the demographics of individuals who either

Source Credibility and Physiological Arousal: An Important Variable in the Credibility-Information Retention Relationship.

Abstract: This study provides evidence for a positive relationship between trustworthiness and physiological arousal. The importance of this relationship lies in previous research firmly establishing the relationship between physiological arousal and differential performance on long‐term and short‐term memory tasks. Previous studies that have failed to find a relationship between credibility and retention of information have also failed to differentiate between short‐and long‐term memory tasks and varying levels of arousal due to differential trust of sources. The data of this study suggest it is necessary to consider the arousal‐retention relationship as influenced by source trustworthiness in studies of credibility and information retention.