The Scientific Study of Campus Diversity and Students' Educational Outcomes

This essay evaluates the scientific quality of two studies ofcampus diversity. Both gained prominence prior to the SupremeCourt’s 2003 Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollingerdecisions. Using different data and different research designs,the studies reached contrary conclusions about the efficacyof campus diversity. The evaluation centers on conception formation,the reliability of measures, nested data and level of analysis,the demonstration of cause and effect, and the appropriatenessof certain types of survey questions. One study generally faresbetter than the other in terms of these scientific considerations,although many interesting and formidable challenges to the studyof campus diversity remain.     

GALLUP AND FORTUNE POLLS

This section contains a compilation, topically arranged, ofpoll results released by the American Institute of Public Opinion,by Fortune, and by the Canadian Institute of Public Opinion.The AIPO results cover the period from October through December1941. (Previous aipo questions were reported in the July 1938,October 1939, and all subsequent issues of the QUARTERLY.) TheFortune questions are those which appeared in the October andDecember issues of the magazine, together with those taken fromthe Fortune Management Poll which appeared in the November issue.(Previous Fortune questions were reported in the March 1940and all subsequent issues of the QUARTERLY.) Releases from theCanadian Institute of Public Opinion are included for the firsttime. (The first cn>o report was issued November 29, 1941.) Under each topic, all of the Institute data are given in chronologicalorder, then all of theFortune material, also in chronologicalsequence. Dates appearing in connection with AIPO questionsare those carried in the date lines of Institute releases tosubscribing newspapers; dates following Fortune questions indicatethe issue of the magazine in which the information appeared.Institute questions are designated by AIPO; Fortune questionsby FOR; "DK" stands for "don't know"; "no op." for "no opinion." In considering these poll data, the reader should bear in mindcertain salient points of reference set forth on pages 75 and76 of the March 1940 issue of the QUARTERLY. The QUARTERLY wishesto express its appreciation to George Gallup and the AmericanInstitute of Public Opinion and to the editors of Fortune andElmo Roper for their cooperation in making these survey resultsavailable in convenient form to other students of public opinion.     

Creating Disability in the Home: the role of environmental barriers in the United States

One thousand persons with disabilities were sampled to discover the types of barriers they encountered in their home while carrying out their daily activities. A 43 percent response rate was obtained. The open-ended questions were submitted to a process of analytic coding and suggested 27 different categories of barriers existed in the homes of persons who have disabilities. The findings have implications for rehabilitation practice. Performance of daily activities is greatly diminished by the presence of architectural barriers. Environmental supports can greatly improve performance in daily tasks. These findings are discussed in light of disability policy and implications for improving performance of persons who have disability.     

Community Development and Government Response

The article contrasts two programmes aimed at improving thequality of life for older women in Australia. The CommunityOptions programme is a wellfunded Government initiative directedat personal care within the home. The Older Women's Networkis a grass-roots community development initiative. The articleexamines the relationship between control and resourcing interms of preventative and crisis care.     

Stochastic a posteriori blockmodels: Construction and assessment

In 1983, Holland, Laskey, and Leinhardt, using the ideas of Holland and Leinhardt, and Fienberg and Wasserman, introduced the notion of a stochastic blockmodel. The mathematics for stochastic a priori blockmodels, in which exogenous actor attribute data are used to partition actors independently of any statistical analysis of the available relational data, have been refined by several researchers and the resulting models used by many. Attempts to simultaneously partition actors and to perform relational data analyses using statistical methods that yield stochastic a posteriori blockmodels are still quite rare. In this paper, we discuss some old suggestions for producing such posterior blockmodels, and comment on other new suggestions based on multiple comparisons of model parameters, log-linear models for ordinal categorical data, and correspondence analysis. We also review measures for goodness-of-fit of a blockmodel, and we describe a natural approach to this problem using likelihood-ratio statistics generated from a popular model for relational data.     

IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF RESPONSES TO FACTUAL SURVEY QUESTIONS BY INTERVIEWER TRAINING

In this study we analyze the effects of interviewer trainingon the quality of responses. Data from a field experiment reveala number of significant differences between trained and untrainedinterviewers in terms of nonresponse and the amount of informationobtained. For some questions, an interaction effect occurredbetween interviewer training, the use of tape recorders, andthe kind of responses. The effects of training appear to bedependent on the structure of the questions. Since such effectsoccur primarily with questions that assume a great deal of intervieweractivity, it is suggested that they are indeed due to the applicationof the techniques acquired by training, namely giving instructions,probing, and feedback. A brief analysis of the interviewer-respondentinteraction supports this interpretation.     

Predicting No Opinion in the Polls

On poll questions, levels of expressed public ignorance or indifference—NoOpinion or Don't Know—can be explained in some part bycertain properties of the questions pollsters ask, althoughthe educational level of respondents is the single best predictor.No Opinion levels are analyzed in two large sets of recent pollquestions published by Gallup and Harris. A measure of the languagecomplexity of the questions shows no relationship to DK. Ofthe three other question predictors assessed, it is questioncontent which best illuminates levels of No Opinion in bothpolls and points to some unique characteristics of each. Theimportance of question content is demonstrated in two additionalsets of Gallup and Harris data. The more difficult kind of questioncontent dominates in all four sets of poll questions examined.     

Getting the story straight: evaluating the test-retest reliability of a university health history questionnaire.

This study was designed to establish the reliability of a health history questionnaire used as a screening tool for incoming university students. The authors used a test-retest design, with a test interval of 6 months, on a sample of medical and nursing students. The analysis focused on overall reliability of the questionnaire and reproducibility of specific items, based on question format. Questionnaire items of specific interest were those with dichotomous yes/no response options versus open-ended format questions, those using the words frequently or recently, or those that asked multiple questions. Demographic characteristics of the subjects were considered in the evaluation of reliability. Overall reliability of the questionnaire (93.6%) was above the anticipated level of 90%, and subject sex or program of study did not show any significant differences in reproducibility of responses. Although wording of questions did not affect item reliability, dichotomous format questions demonstrated a higher degree of reliability (96.4%) than the overall reliability of the questionnaire. Recommendations for enhancing the reliability of the questionnaire are based on item analysis and information gathered from interviews with subjects.     

SYNSEG – Eine Methode zur <Emphasis Type="Italic">syn</Emphasis>taxgeleiteten <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seg</Emphasis>mentierung von Kodiereinheiten für die Analyse von Gruppenprozessen

Observing group processes allows for obtaining insights into what successful groups do differently than less successful groups. In doing so, observational data is typically transcribed or integrated into coding software, coding units are identified, and coding systems are applied to code these units with regard to the respective content. While there are systems available for transcribing and coding observational group data, the segmentation of coding units is mostly left to the coders’ intuition. Standardized and tested procedures for identifying coding units are not available for group research, limiting the reliability of coding group data. We introduce a method which aims at systematically identifying and segmenting coding units to enhance coding reliability. SYNSEG – syntax-based segmentation of coding units – suggests ten rules to segment coding units based on German grammar. To test for reliability, two coders applied SYNSEG for segmenting a 60-minute group discussion. A normalised Levensthein Distance of nD = 0,19 indicated satisfying coder agreement. We discuss the relevance and applicability of SYNSEG in applied group research.     

Eliciting children’s recall regarding home life and relationships

Abstract

Child interviews form an important component of custody evaluations. Yet, research on children’s responses to questions about home life and relationships is lacking. In the present study, children (N?=?47) aged 6 to 10?years were interviewed about their daily routines and family relationships. Responses to four categories of questions were compared: open and specific questions about routines, and negative and positive aspects of family relationships. Responses were coded for amount of information, informativeness, topic pertinence, and refusals to answer. Results suggested that questions about everyday routines and relationships elicit relevant and informative responses from children. It is suggested that interviewers begin with open-ended questions regarding daily routines to structure family law interviews with children.     

The Durham Miners' Gala and the spirit of community

Can industrial communities survive the loss of their industrialheritage? Can communities once thought to be in terminal declinereinvigorate themselves? Evidence from the Durham coalminingcommunities suggests that the answer to both questions is yes.This paper presents evidence from a study of the annual DurhamMiners' Gala – the ‘Big Meeting’ – thatreflects a revival of community vitality around the event. Togetherwith an analysis of the Gala itself, the complex backgroundto the resilience of the mining communities is explored.     

List processing free responses: Analysis of open-ended questions with word processor

Analysis of responses to open-ended questions can be facilitated by the use of word processors. Examples are given on the application of the list processing procedures incase selection, case arrangement, andcontent analysis. While the illustrations here are based on the WORD-11 package for DEC mainframes, the method can be readily adapted to other word processing softwares, including those written for micro-computers.     

Differential perceptions of a hypothetical sexual assault survivor based on race and ethnicity: Exploring victim responsibility,trauma, and need for social support

Objective: Explore the ways in which a sample of college women interpret racially/ethnically coded vignettes to understand their perceptions of responsibility and trauma experienced by a hypothetical female sexual assault survivor and her need for social support. Participants: Convenience sample of college women (N?=?51) attending a large, predominately white university in the Southeastern United States recruited between January and March 2013. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned one of three vignettes describing a hypothetical date rape scenario. Vignette scenarios were identical except for discrete statements coded to signify either an African American, Latina, or white female student. Participants responded to open-ended questions that gauged their interpretations of responsibility, trauma, and social support. Results: Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed six overarching themes, including overt victim blaming/shaming, justification of the sexual assault, and perceived need for social support. Conclusions: Findings point to the significance of including race in discussions about and programs that address sexual assault on college campuses to ensure that all women who experience sexual violence receive the support that they need.     

WHAT DO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS MEASURE?

Open-ended questions are frequently used by survey researchersto measure public opinion. Some scholars, however, have doubtsabout how accurately these kinds of questions measure the viewsof the public. A chief concern is that the questions tap, inpart, people's ability to articulate a response, not their underlyingattitudes. This paper tests whether this concern is warranted.Using open-ended questions from the Center for Political Studies,I show that almost all people respond to open-ended questions.The few individuals who do not respond appear uninterested inthe specific question posed, not unable to answer such questionsin general. These findings should increase our confidence inwork of scholars who have relied on open-ended questions.     

Alternative Question Forms for Attitude Scale Questions in Telephone Interviews

The absence of visual aids in telephone interviews has led investigatorsto seek methods for asking questions which are commonly accompaniedby aids in personal interviews. This study experimentally comparedtwo approaches to asking seven-point scale attitude questionsin a national (N = 4,300) telephone health survey. A randomhalf-sample received the attitude questions as single-step numericalselection tasks. The questions were administered to the otherhalf-sample in two stages, the first asking for a general verbalstatement of attitude and the second asking for a more detailedspecification. The two question forms produced comparable resultsin univariate distributions. Items administered with the one-stepform showed slightly higher intercorrelations. This study representsone step in the process of empirically testing data collectionprocedures which have been deemed necessary in the rich folkloreof survey research. Overall, the results show more comparabilitythan might be anticipated, given the multiple differences betweenthe forms.     

A Philosopher's War on Poverty of the Stimulus Arguments: A Review of Fiona Cowie's What's Within? Nativism Reconsidered

In What''s Within? Nativism Reconsidered 1999 Fiona Cowie addresses three questions: (1) What is nativism? (2) What is meant by calling some trait “innate”? and (3) What types of evidence should be offered when claiming innateness? This review concentrates on these questions as they pertain to Chomsky''s faculties-based account of language acquisition. In particular, this review focuses on Cowie''s critique of three versions of the poverty of the stimulus argument (POSA): (1) the a posteriori POSA, (2) the logical problem POSA, and (3) the iterated POSA. In addition, counter arguments to her critique, and Cowie''s response, in turn, to some of those counter arguments, are also reviewed.     

How Mothers Cope When Their Welfare Grant Is Cut

Abstract

In this qualitative study of welfare mothers' perceptions and responses to receiving an economic sanction, we recruited a convenience sample of mothers of preschool children whose benefits had been cut due to noncompliance with an employment activity. The interviews combined semi-structured and open-ended questions, as well as measures of maternal depression and economic hardship. No pattern of differences in strategies was found between those women who complied with the work mandate and those who did not. Many of the women were confused about the reason for the cut in their benefit. Policy ramifications of findings in regard to the 2002 TANF Reauthorization legislation are discussed.     

Challenges Experienced at Age 100: Findings From the Fordham Centenarian Study

ABSTRACT

This article examines the challenges experienced by very old individuals and their consequences for well-being and mental health. In order to capture unique issues experienced in very old age, 75 participants of the population-based Fordham Centenarian Study answered open-ended questions on everyday challenges. Theme-based coding was then used to categorize and quantify responses. The challenges mentioned most often were challenges faced in the functional (e.g., physical health/activities of daily living restrictions, mobility, sensory impairment), psychological (e.g., loss of well-liked activity, dependency, negative emotions, death), and social (e.g., family loss) life domains. Functional challenges were negatively associated with aging satisfaction and positively associated with loneliness. Psychological challenges were positively linked to aging satisfaction. Social challenges were marginally related to loneliness. Notably, challenges were not related to depression. In conclusion, the challenges experienced in very old age are multidimensional and multifaceted, unique in nature, and have differential relations to mental health. Functional, psychological, and social challenges affect very old individuals’ lives and therefore need to be better understood and addressed. Given their consequences, it is imperative for policy makers to develop an awareness for the different types of challenges faced by centenarians, as there may be unique policy implications related to each.