Perceived group cohesion versus actual social structure: A study using social network analysis of egocentric Facebook networks

Research on group cohesion often relies on individual perceptions, which may not reflect the actual social structure of groups. This study draws on social network theory to examine the relationship between observable structural group characteristics and individual perceptions of group cohesion. Leveraging Facebook data, we extracted and partitioned the social networks of 109 participants into groups using a modularity algorithm. We then surveyed perceptions of cohesion, and computed group density and size using social network analysis. Out of six linear mixed effects models specified, a random intercept and fixed slope model with group size as a predictor of perceived group cohesion emerged as best fitting. Whereas group density was not linked to perceived cohesion, size had a small negative effect on perceived cohesion, suggesting that people perceive smaller groups as more cohesive. We discuss the potential of social network analysis, visualization tools, and Facebook data for advancing research on groups.     

Giving birth after caesarean: Identifying shared preferences among pregnant women using Q methodology

BackgroundCaesarean rates are rising worldwide, the main contributor being the elective repeat caesarean. During the past decades, rates of vaginal birth after caesarean dropped considerably. This requires insight in women’s preferences regarding giving birth following a previous caesarean.AimTo gain a better understanding of women’s values and preferences regarding the upcoming birth following a previous caesarean. Using Q methodology, this study systematically explores and categorises their preferences.MethodsQ methodology is an innovative research approach to explore and compare a variety of viewpoints on a certain subject. Thirty-one statements on birth after caesarean were developed based on the health belief model. Thirty-six purposively sampled pregnant women with a history of caesarean ranked these statements from least to most important. By-person factor analysis was used to identify patterns which, supplemented with interview data, were interpreted as preferences.FindingsThree distinct preferences for giving birth after a caesarean were found; (a) “Minimise the risks for me and my child”, giving priority to professional advice and risk of adverse events, (b) “Seek the benefits of normal birth”, desiring to give birth as normal as possible for both emotional and practical reasons, (c) “Opt for repeat caesarean”, expressing the belief that a planned caesarean brings comfort.ConclusionsPreferences for birth after caesarean vary considerably among pregnant women. The findings help to understand the different types of information valued by women who need to decide on their mode of birth after a first caesarean.     

唐宋穆斯林史实杂考

本文依据文献资料,对唐宋有关穆斯林史的几段有歧见的史料加以分析,内容涉及唐代的蕃坊、辽与大食的关系、蕃坊中蕃客的宗教信仰、蕃商社会的法律等问题,作者在引证学术界已有成果的基础上,提出了自己的观点。     

论中国回族及其文化

回族是在中国历史上发展形成的一个民族群体,并对中国社会发生重大的影响。把民族与宗教信仰紧密联系在一起,是中国回族最突出的特点,也是最重要的特点。中国回族实际上是直接受到两种思想和两种文化的影响和教育。中国回族先民在融会贯通伊斯兰思想和儒家思想方面,有许多创新和独到之处,积累了丰富的经验,提出了许多切实可行的理论和观点,取得了很好的效果,也树立了不同思想和文化之间交流和对话的典范。今天,在新形势下,我们更应该发扬这种精神,积极创造条件,加强民族团结,促进社会和谐。     

阿拉伯-伊斯兰世界群体文化心理蠡测(上)

曾经的辉煌与当下的衰败、曾经的核心与目前的边缘化所造成的失落感,三大圣地、《古兰经》与先知穆罕默德的相继蒙羞和遭辱所带来的受辱感,历史的创伤记忆与现实的生存困窘共同积淀成了一种顽强的集体潜意识,形成阿拉伯—伊斯兰民众仇恨与暴力相交织的心理死结,外现为以暴易暴、铤而走险甚至不断丧失自我。因此,阿拉伯—伊斯兰世界应在不断抵抗西方霸权主义对中东诸多利益的制衡中,努力变革滞后于全球化主潮的落后现状。否则,将面临更为严重的民族和地区的倒退,危及世界和平与稳定。     

开创风物传说研究的新格局——评陈金文先生新著《壮族风物传说的文化研究》

陈佥文先生长期致力于民间传说研究，其新著《壮族风物传说的文化研究》以文化学为理论视角，系统、深入地研究壮族风物传说，开创了民间风物传说研究的新格局。     

Engaging children and youth in research and evaluation using group concept mapping

Group concept mapping is a systematic methodology that recognizes participants’ expertise in their own experiences. In this approach, participants share their diverse knowledge and interpret the data generated by all group members. This approach uniquely blends quantitative and qualitative techniques to create illustrative, structured conceptualizations. In this article, we describe the steps in group concept mapping and report feedback on this method from 37 children and youth who participated in group concept mapping studies. We recommend group concept mapping as an engaging way to involve children and youth in research and evaluation activities.     

Fairness and commitment to change in M&As: The mediating role of organizational identification

This paper examines the determinants of employees' affective commitment to change in the context of M&As. Based on the group engagement model (Tyler & Blader, 2000, 2003), we predicted that organizational identification with the newly formed organization mediates the positive impact of employees’ overall justice judgments and perceived change favorableness on affective commitment to change. We tested our predictions using data collected during an international merger. After controlling for country effects, results support our hypotheses. Implications for research and practice alike are discussed.     

集体意思决定中个人因果关系的认定

在集体意思决定的过程中，对违法决议的赞成票数远远超过了决议通过的最低门槛，出现了过剩原因并且存在过失的场合，如何对个人进行归因与归责是现实对刑法理论提出的一项重大挑战。在国家机关或企事业单位的决议场合，进行因果关系的假定判断时，应当以实际存在的具体事实为基础，而非把各个成员的态度作划一的理解。对此，应当根据当时讨论、决议的具体情况，考察各个成员的态度实际上对其他人发挥了怎样的作用。而其他团体进行不具有强制力的决议或匿名投票的场合，则可通过共犯原理将每个成员作为教唆或帮助犯处理。