Showing papers on "Judgement published in 1994"

Performance measurement: When performance can never be finally defined

Abstract: The development of performance‐based management poses special difficulties for the public service. There is a tendency to focus on measurement, but that ignores the way quality needs to be judged in the public realm. The assessment of performance, when values can conflict, is necessarily a matter of judgement. The assessment of performance will shift as political debate develops. Fully satisfactory measures of performance are unlikely ever to be discovered. There is a need to recognize the imperfections and limitations of measures, and to use them as a means of supporting politically informed judgement.

Virtuous Giving: Philanthropy, Voluntary Service, and Caring

Abstract: Preface Acknowledgments 1. Giving With Care Philosophy of Philanthropy Scope of Philanthropy Practices and Virtues Caring within Communities 2. Virtues in Giving Benevolence Justice and Reciptrcity Enlightened Cherishing Respect for Persons Self-Direction Moral Leadership 3. Responsibilities to Help Responding to Need Giving Something Back Personal Callings Professional Ideals Discretion and Good Judgement 4. Respect for Automony Freedom to Harm Tyranny of Gifts Manipulation of Givers Explotation of Women Incentives to Give 5. Mixed Motives Diverse Motives in Unified Lives Results and Reasons Psychological Egoism Cynicism Purity of Heart 6. Paradoxes of Self-Fulfillment Self-Development and Self-Sacrifice Freedom and Self-Surrender Happiness and Self-Forgetfullness Meaning and Seflessness Ambiguity and Faith in a Life of Service Notes Bibliography Index

Aspects of information processing in valuation judgement and choice

Abstract: Summary Relatively little research has been conducted into the way in which valuers process the evidence they use in producing valuations. This paper reports upon an investigation to explore the applicability to valuers of aspects of information‐processing theory. Three phenomena which may lead to distortions in the use of evidence are considered. These are anchoring, and two ‘presentational’ effects, namely recency and dilution. The findings lend support to the presence of anchoring, and to the significance of the presentation order for positive evidence. The results point to the importance of recognizing the possible influence of these phenomena when formulating expectations about valuation accuracy, and of reviewing valuation procedures so as to minimize their possible effects.

The Judicialization of Politics—A World-wide Phenomenon: Introduction

Abstract: To judicialize, according to the best of sources, is "to treat judicially, arrive at a judgement or decision upon." In this connection judicially should mean, either, (1) in "the way of legal judgement, or in the office or capacity of judge; in, by, or in relation to, the administration of justice; by legal process; by sentence of a court of justice," or, (2) after "the manner of a judge; with judicial knowledge and skill" (OED Vol. vIII, 1989: 297). Thus, the judicialization of politics should normally mean, either

Statistical versus quantitative significance in the socioeconomic evaluation of medicines.

Abstract: This article examines the twin concepts of the statistical significance and quantitative importance of observed differences in studies comparing medicines in terms of economic parameters such as cost-effectiveness and measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Central to the design and interpretation of any comparative study, such as a randomised controlled trial, is some prior judgement about the order of magnitude of a difference that would make one switch from one therapy to another. Starting with current definitions of clinically important differences we argue by analogy that the importance of differences in HRQOL require a shift of focus from the physician to the patient for preferences and judgements concerning what is important to them. Whether an intervention offers sufficient value for money (cast effectiveness or cost utility) to warrant resources being reallocated to it is a collective decision requiring the input of public preferences about the relative importance of alternative therapies and health benefits. Ultimately, the importance of the health benefits offered by a new drug is revealed by societal willingness-to-pay. This may be stated implicitly through committees using cost-effectiveness ‘league tables’ for decision making, or explicitly by consumer surveys of willingness-to-pay in the context of cost-benefit analysis and stemming from the theoretical foundation of welfare economics.

Nurses' medication errors

Abstract: This paper reports on a qualitative study of nurses' experiences with medication errors. Using discourse analysis within a framework of an interpretive research design, the phenomenon of a not too uncommon occurrence in nursing practice was examined. Insight into nurses' involvement with medication errors was gained from interviews, group discussions and self-reports. Documents of disciplinary proceedings, where the Professional Conduct Committee of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting has dealt with incidents of medication errors, supplemented the data. Decisions made in situations of medication errors have moral implications at personal, institutional, and professional levels. The moral courage that is needed to learn from mistakes can be enhanced through honest dealings with the situation. Where the attention is shifted from the person involved onto the problem at hand, fair judgement may be advanced and the fear of owning up to a mistake be diminished. Only when reflected upon, can personal experience merge into the stream of development and progress. This study contributes to such reflection. Three key issues are discussed in-depth as they evolved during analysis of the data: These issues deal with identification and change; with guilt and shame and the reconciliation with human precariousness; and with teaching and learning. The manner in which discourse analysis was used here represents an innovative attempt to advance qualitative methodology in nursing research.

Understanding science from the perspective of the sociology of scientific knowledge: an overview

Abstract: In this paper I argue that the analytic perspective known as the `sociology of scientific knowledge' (SSK) provides an appropriate platform for examining issues in the public understanding of science. In particular. I suggest that three pervasive features of academic scientific practice identified by SSK—trust, judgement and long-termism—are central to interpreting difficulties with the `public understanding of science' in many situations of public controversy. The paper concludes by identifying areas where studies in SSK and the public understanding of science would be of mutual benefit.

Epistemological beliefs and reflective judgement

Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that 4 epistemological beliefs, i.e., beliefs about the nature and acquisition of knowledge, proposed by Schommer in 1990, were related to observed differences in epistemological reasoning. Based on their responses to a philosophical dilemma, 125 college undergraduates and graduate students were assigned to 1 of 7 levels of the Reflective Judgement Model by Kitchener and King. 4 independent epistemological beliefs were used to predict reflective judgement. Analysis indicated that beliefs in Fixed Ability, Simple Knowledge, and Quick Learning accurately discriminated between higher and lower reflective judgement even after age, education, and home environment were controlled. The relative contribution of each belief was examined as well. Practical and theoretical implications were discussed.

Empiricism and concept in successful mineral exploration

Abstract: The history of exploration at Norseman, Kambalda, Yeelirrie and Olympic Dam demonstrates that the boundary between empirical and conceptual strategies is indistinct and both are interwoven into the fabric of successful exploration. Discoveries are made when minds are prepared to believe in a blend of both conceptual and empirical evidence and the power of both theory and observation. The discovery of the Yeelirrie uranium deposit and the Olympic Dam copper‐uranium‐gold deposit also illustrates the uncertainties in exploration and how a conceptual model may be sufficiently correct to take exploration in the right general direction yet lead to the discovery of an unexpected style of mineralization. In the final analysis what matters is not whether the exploration strategy is based on empirical or conceptual evidence but what use the mind makes of the evidence and the persistence of managers to support the judgement of scientists who gather and assess the evidence.

The Problem of objectivity

Abstract: The nature of the judgement. Varieties of holism and the reasons for them. Relation to skepticism

Standards, criteria and the problematic of action research within an award bearing course[1]

Abstract: This paper stems from my practical involvement as Course Director for a Masters programme that supports teacher action research within the general area of school management. My starting point was the seeming contradiction between the need to apply criteria to make judgements about higher degree worthiness and my belief that the evaluative criteria and assessment procedures of academia should not take precedence over teachers' insights that were grounded in a rigorous examination of their own practice. This paper outlines my values as a facilitator of action research within the programme and explores possible criteria for judging success. Several possible standards of judgement are considered: to do with ethics, rigour, logic, the ‘practical’ and aesthetics. The paper also suggests criteria that might apply to different stages of the action research process and raises the question concerning ‘competence to judge’ action research.

On the economics of immigration: some empirical evidence for Switzerland

Abstract: The paper sheds light on the question of whether immigration represents a cost factor or an economic benefit for the host society. Starting with some conceptual issues of immigration research, it then gives some theoretical and empirical insights on this question. In particular, empirical evidence on the distributional effects of immigration is presented for Switzerland. Based on a large first-hand data set by the Swiss Statistical Office, this case study shows that in 1990, the presence of resident foreigners has not put additional strain on the public coffers, but that, on the contrary, there was a favourable financial effect for the native population. An overall judgement on the distribution issue, with special attention given to public goods and club goods, is thus possible.

Making decisions in committees a human fallibility approach

Abstract: Collective decision-making, a reflection of limited individual rationality, is an effective way to overcome judgement errors due to human fallibility. Fallibility arises because individuals have different limited capacity to absorb, process and communicate information. This paper analyzes collective decision-making in committees. Using the project-selection framework, we analyze in detail how evaluation standards and the minimum size of the acceptance consensus should vary with the environment. We also discuss conditions under which the fifty-percent majority rule is optimal or close to the optimal decision rule.

Suporting Articulation Work: Aspects of a Feminist Practice of Technology Production

Abstract: This paper explores the idea that articulation work is central to the successful production and use of technologies, and suggests that a focus on articulation work could be the basis for practices of system design consistent with feminist analyses. Articulation work is elaborated through two examples, and a design effort is described which attempts to integrate new technologies into working practices in a way that acknowledges the judgement and practical reasoning that the work requires.

The validity of the judgement of general practitioners on dementia

Abstract: This study focused on two aspects of the validity of the judgement of general practitioners (GPs) on dementia: criterion and construct validity. The Cambridge Mental Disorder of the Elderly Examination (CAMDEX) was used as the gold standard to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the GP judgement. Construct validity was studied by comparing patient characteristics that were hypothesized to predict the GP judgement by predictive variables from our data, using logistic regression analysis. In addition, the patient characteristics that predicted a ‘falsel positive’ or ‘falsel negative’ GP judgement were determined. Thirty-six GPs participated in the study, as well as 475 community-dwelling patients. The overall agreement between CAMDEX diagnosis and GP judgement was 72%. The sensitivity and speciticity of the GP judgement in making the distinction between ‘normal cognitive functioning + minimall dementia’ versus ‘mild + moderate + severel dementia’ were 52% and 94% respectively. Patient characteristics that predicted the GP judgement on dementia were: age, sex, cognitive functioning, IADL functioning (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and memory complaints. All these characteristics, except sex, were hypothesized to do so. Patient characteristics predicting a ‘falsel positive’ or a ‘falsel negative’ GP judgement were cognitive and IADL functioning. Both groups of patients (‘overldiagnosed’ and‘ missed’ by the GP) belong to the in-between group with some impaired functioning. The finding that impaired IADL functioning is so important in the GP's judgement reflects the significance of dementia diagnosis in general practice: a starting point for adequate care.

Good Schools, Effective Schools: Judgements and Their Histories

Abstract: Threads and meaning towards complexity the 19th century - elementary standards some recognized authority expertise and ignorance "Effective Schools" - a research movement implementation, policy and judgement government, market and frameworks of judgement "We already know"?

The Social Psychology of Aging: A Cognitive Perspective

Abstract: List of Figures. List of Tables. Preface. Acknowledgements. Part I: An Introduction and Orientation: Defining Social Cognition. Themes of the book. Plan of the book. Part II: Theoretical Perspectives on Lifespan Social Cognition: General developmental issues. Lifespan issues. Four theoretical frameworks. Part III: Thinking about the Self: Theretical Perspectives on the Self. The Research Evidence: the Self in Later Life. Tracing the book's themes. The Characters Reconsidered. Part IV: Thinking about Other Persons: Theoretical Frameworks. Social Perception and Aging: the evidence. Tracing the book's themes. Reconsidering Bob and Jim. Part V: Thinking about Relationships: Theoretical Perspectives on Social Relationships. The Research evidence. Tracing the book's themes. Understanding Mrs. McIvor. Part VI: Thinking about Society: Theoretical Frameworks for Societal Involvement and Aging. Societal Involvement, Satisfaction, and Aging: the evidence. Tracing the Book's themes. Mrs. McKillop Revisited. Part VII: Decision-Making, Wisdom, and Moral Judgement: Everyday Decision-Making and Problem Solving. Research on Aging and Social problem-solving. Research and Theory on Wisdom. Moral Reasoning and Judgement across adulthood. Tracing the Book's Themes. Understanding Mr. Little and Father Stones. Part VIII: Communication: Social Cognition in Action: Communication and Social Cognition. Theoretical Frameworks. The Research Evidence on Language and Aging. Tracing the book's Themes. Susan Black: the Issues Reconsidered. Part IX: Conclusion: Implications for Research. Implications for Policy and Practice. Aging into the Twenty-first Century. A Perspective on the Social Psychology of Aging. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

Moral development in the biographies of skilled industrial workers

Abstract: This article is based on a longitudinal study of relations between biographical conditions and the personality development of 21 young workers ranging from 23 to 30 years of age who had passed through an apprenticeship in large plants of the metal industry in West Berlin. The biographical analyses focused mainly on occupational conditions; the personality analyses, on such socio‐cognitive variables as patterns of control awareness and structures of moral judgement. A review of the relevant literature led to the hypothesis that seven social conditions in particular promote development. Data on these conditions were collected continually through in‐depth interviews of the workers, observations of their work and information from their superiors, personnel managers and works councils. Data on moral judgement were collected at the beginning and end of the study by confronting the workers with five real‐life dilemmas in a semi‐structured interview. Before the second series of “moral interviews”, predic...

Kant's Theory of Imagination: Bridging Gaps in Judgement and Experience

Abstract: This book departs from much of the scholarship on Kant by demonstrating the centrality of imagination to Kant's philosophy as a whole. In Kant's works, human experience is simultaneously passive and active, thought and sensed, free and unfree: these dualisms are ofen thought of as unfortunate byproducts of his system. Gibbons, however, shows that imagination performs a vital function in 'bridging gaps' between the different elements of cognition and experience. Thus, the role imagination plays in Kant's works expresses his fundamental insight into the complexity of cognition for finite rational beings such as ourselves. Gibbons begins with an interpretation of synthesis which shows it to be a broader activity than most accounts suggest. Examining the first Critique, she presents a reading of the Transcendental Deduction and the chapter on Schematism that spells out the extraconceptual activities of imagination essential to cognition. This account of imagination is built upon in the Critique of Judgment, where Kant elaborates its role in characterizing the subjective conditions of judgement. Throughout, the cooperation of imagination and reason is highlighted; Gibbons shows that on Kant's account, human beings pursue reason's ideal ends through the provisional and continuing attempt to articulate them. This attempt involves an appeal to a shared social and historical imagination - thus, a full characterization of the subjective conditions of judgement must include the role of imagination.

Values and Planning

Abstract: Contents: Introduction Environmental ethics and the field of planning: alternative theories and middle-range principles Aesthetics in planning Values in the past: conserving heritage Environmental issues and the public interest Planning and justice Values, subjectivity, sex The moral mandate of the a /professiona of planning Political judgement and learning about value in transportation planning: bridging Habermas and Aristotle Values and planning education.

“Dry Truth and Real Knowledge”: Epistemologies of Metaphor and Metaphors of Epistemology

Abstract: Locke is eloquent in defence of plain speech. In a famous, or notorious, passage at close of chapter X of Book III of the Essay: “Of the Abuse of Words,” though he admits that “since wit and fancy find easier entertainment than dry truth and real knowledge, figurative speeches and allusions in language will hardly be admitted as an imperfection of it,” Locke insists that nevertheless, if we would speak of things as they are, we must allow that all the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness; all the artificial and figurative applications of words eloquence hath invented, are for nothing else than to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgement; and so indeed are perfect cheats.

Improving Leadership Performance: Interpersonal Skills for Effective Leadership

Abstract: A skills approach to leadership the diagnostic skills of leadership perception and judgement verbal components of manager-subordinate interactions nonverbal components of manager-subordinate interactions structuring interactions with subordinates approaches to manager-subordinate interactions the acquisition and development of leadership skills.

Better judgement: Rethinking assessment in mathematics education

Abstract: This article reviews three important recent collections of papers on assessment in mathematics education. It first examines the wider social framework of assessment and the influence of public assessment within the school system, both in inhibiting and promoting change. From a survey of the current state of assessment and common criticisms of it, three key trends are identified as forming a current agenda for reform in assessment: increasing the authenticity and realism of assessment tasks; increasing the interpretive quality of assessment information; and increasing the integration of processes of teaching, learning and assessment. These trends are explored in more detail, and critically appraised.

Picture classifying device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To accurately classify an input picture and to make possible giving an indication with easiness in terms of visual sence. CONSTITUTION:Picture data inputted from a picture input device 1 is preserved in a filing device 2 as necessary and, then, learning and classification judgement are conducted. A normalizing part 3 conducts a normalization processing for permitting an input condition at the time of operation to coincide with that at the time of learning. By these processings, plural kinds of characteristic quantity effective for diagnosing are picked-up from the input picture by the pre-processing part 8 of a characteristic pick-up part 4 from picture data to which the prescribed processing is conducted and a multiple change quantity analizing part 9 selects characteristic quantity effective for classification from those kinds of characteristic quantity. Then, a classification judging part 5 conducts judgement based on the characteristic quantity. Thus, a judged classification judgement result is displayed in a display part 6.