Fluctuating capacity of policy advice in Russia: testing theory in developing country context

ABSTRACT

Theories and concepts developed and empirically tested in the context of North American and Western European countries do not always easily transfer to another political landscape. The concept of “policy advisory system” is not an exception. On the one hand, policy processes and policy styles are not unique for each country; therefore, some generalizations can be made. On the other hand, studding particularities of policy process in a specific country can enrich theories, developed for general cases. Applying existing theories to a new context also goes a long way in verification and potential falsification – the fundamental requirement for a scientific process. This article aims to contribute to the debate on the topic of policy advisory system by comparing the development of three policies in Russia, each involving policy advisors to some extent. Based on this analysis, lessons are drawn regarding the conditions under which policy advisors can impact policy changes in an environment, alternative to “western.”     

Incorporating eye tracking into cognitive interviewing to pretest survey questions

In this study, we investigated whether incorporating eye tracking into cognitive interviewing is effective when pretesting survey questions. In the control condition, a cognitive interview was conducted using a standardized interview protocol that included pre-defined probing questions for about one-quarter of the questions in a 52-item questionnaire. In the experimental condition, participants’ eye movements were tracked while they completed an online version of the questionnaire. Simultaneously, their reading patterns were monitored for evidence of response problems. Afterward, a cognitive interview was conducted using an interview protocol identical to that in the control condition. We compared both approaches with regard to the number and types of problems they detected. We found support for our hypothesis that cognitive interviewing and eye tracking complement each other effectively. As expected, the hybrid method was more productive in identifying both questionnaire problems and problematic questions than applying cognitive interviewing alone.     

Does Iconicity in Pictographs Matter? The Influence of Iconicity and Numeracy on Information Processing,Decision Making,and Liking in an Eye‐Tracking Study

Researchers recommend the use of pictographs in medical risk communication to improve people's risk comprehension and decision making. However, it is not yet clear whether the iconicity used in pictographs to convey risk information influences individuals’ information processing and comprehension. In an eye‐tracking experiment with participants from the general population (N = 188), we examined whether specific types of pictograph icons influence the processing strategy viewers use to extract numerical information. In addition, we examined the effect of iconicity and numeracy on probability estimation, recall, and icon liking. This experiment used a 2 (iconicity: blocks vs. restroom icons) × 2 (scenario: medical vs. nonmedical) between‐subject design. Numeracy had a significant effect on information processing strategy, but we found no effect of iconicity or scenario. Results indicated that both icon types enabled high and low numerates to use their default way of processing and extracting the gist of the message from the pictorial risk communication format: high numerates counted icons, whereas low numerates used large‐area processing. There was no effect of iconicity in the probability estimation. However, people who saw restroom icons had a higher probability of correctly recalling the exact risk level. Iconicity had no effect on icon liking. Although the effects are small, our findings suggest that person‐like restroom icons in pictographs seem to have some advantages for risk communication. Specifically, in nonpersonalized prevention brochures, person‐like restroom icons may maintain reader motivation for processing the risk information.     

英语RC挂靠偏向的眼动实验研究

RC挂靠现象研究对揭示歧义句加工内部心理过程具有重要意义,现有的修饰语挂靠若干假说是否适用中国英语学习者值得深入探索。本研究通过Tobii T-120型眼动仪,随机抽取49名英语专业本科生进行歧义句加工眼动实验。研究显示,RC关系从句呈现NP1挂靠偏向,支持语言调整假说。     

网络舆论倾向性的动态跟踪方法及实证研究

从统计学视角审视网络舆论倾向性的监测问题,提出了以粗糙分类器为基础建立舆论倾向性分类模型,将复杂的预警指标体系简化为单一直观的跟踪统计量,并通过跟踪统计量动态跟踪舆论倾向性变化轨迹的研究方法。实证研究以2011年"郭美美事件"相关新闻跟帖为对象。分析表明,网络舆论的消极倾向性在整个事件发展过程中呈持续增长,与基本事实相符,证实了方法的可行性和适用性。     

基于有效预测区域的模糊数据关联

多目标多传感器跟踪系统由数据关联和目标状态估计两部分组成,数据关联是多目标跟踪系统研究的核心。数据关联和目标状态估计两部分既有一定的独立性又有密切的联系,而将两部分合理地结合对提高跟踪系统的性能是重要的。该文以跟踪目标的有效预测区域为依据,利用基于Mahalanobis距离的模糊均值聚类方法解决数据关联问题,在一定程度上将数据关联和目标状态估计两个不同的过程相结合,仿真计算说明了其有效性。     

《里普利的老伴回老家》的叙事策略

《里普利的老伴回老家》独特的叙事策略可以从几个方面进行解读:叙事线索简洁明了,以几个旁观者与主人公就回家一事的互动以及他们的反应,使回家这一中心事件成为唯一一条线索,没有旁枝末节,简洁凝练;通过对时间的措置和跳跃,巧妙地突显催化事件而使中心不言而喻,进而体现了小说的写作主旨;通过灵活有度的追述方式,使故事中心更加集中,结合内在和外在追述,使细节更好地为中心服务,也使回家这件小事之重要性在追述中显得更为合情合理;采用全知全能的零聚焦叙述者,旨在最全面展示农民和农村生活的方方面面以及作者的所感、人物的所思所想,强化了作者感情的抒发。     

空间光通信控制计算机接口设计

对空间光通信捕获、跟踪、瞄准伺服系统中信息处理控制计算机的接口设计进行了详细的分析，并讨论了各部分接口电路的具体结构组成、功能和器件选择。     

一种非刚体目标的实时检测与跟踪算法

提出了一种复杂背景下自动、实时地检测和跟踪非刚体目标算法。该算法利用自适应的背景减除方法,在复杂背景条件下提取出运动目标;采用颜色直方图模型为特征的均值平移法作为跟踪算法。试验结果验证了该算法的实时性和有效性。