Generalizations of a contamination model for continuous type random variables

In 1965, Stanley Warner (Warner, 1965) introduced a model for contaminating discrete type random variables. He presented this scheme as being potentially useful in survevs where sensitive in-formation is being gathered. Since that time much research has been conducted and many papers written on the development of these discrete type randomized response models. More recently, atten-tion has been focused on the application of randomized response type models for preservation of confidentiality in existing data files (Boruch 1971 and 1972, Ranney 1975, Felligi 1974, and Inge-marsson 1975). In 1974, Poole (Poole, 1974) introduced a randomized response model for a positive continuous type random variable which was basically a continuous variable analog of the discrete variable Warner model. In this paper the results of the 1974 paper are extended to a lt-dimensional continuous type random variable in k-dimensional Euclidean space.     

An information-task approach to organizational communication

Considering communication as an organizational task, this article suggests three variables (availability, uniformity, and independence) that characterize the information task at the work unit level and explicates their dependence on strategic choices by work units. Three sets of propositions are developed relating information task characteristics to: (a) organizational task variables; (b) the organization's communication structure; (c) power and influence in the organization. Implications of the framework are considered.     

Improving the Quality of Outcome Evaluation Plans

Nonprofit agencies are struggling to meet new funder demands in outcome evaluation. This study is the first of its kind to examine factors that contribute to agency progress in this area. Path analysis is used to examine chains of influence among five predictors of success as well as three control variables. Study findings indicate that agency culture, technology, management support, and involvement are key predictors of quality. Nonprofit managers who want to succeed in the new era of accountability should consider the potential impact of these factors on the quality of outcome evaluation plans in their agencies.     

Realities and Constraints: Pathways For Female School Leavers

This article analyses the pathways open to female; leavers as they make the transition from school to work or to post-secondary education. Trends which have social significance are investigated in terms of participation rates, employment patterns, representation across areas in post-secondary education, and status attainment within employment. Four types of explanations for the sex-differentiated pathways found were explored: sex-role socialization, value orientations, the opportunity structure, and discriminatory practices. The significance of differential patterns is explored within the general context of equality of opportunity and the increasing impact of technological change.     

Relationships between person and health factors and job characteristics in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

This study compared personal and health factors and job characteristics in persons with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and a healthy control group and examined factors related to job characteristics. Fifteen women with SLE and 15 healthy controls completed a questionnaire regarding current employment, employer restrictions, job environment, type of work, and health factors interfering with work. Personal factors such as demographic information, disease severity, cognition, and degree of brain injury were also assessed. t-tests showed that persons with SLE worked significantly less than healthy controls but there were no significant differences between the groups for types of job or employee restrictions. In the group with SLE, health factors of mobility, dependence, musculoskeletal problems, neurological problems, and fatigue correlated with perceived social (r=0.53 to 0.67) and physical (r=0.56 to 0.87) work environments. None of the measures of cognition, brain injury or disease severity correlated with job characteristics. In the healthy controls, dependence at work correlated with physical environment and fatigue correlated with the social environment of the workplace. The results indicate that even persons with SLE who have mild disease are significantly different from healthy controls and might be at risk for discontinuing working.     

What Poole and Wolfe (2009) Actually Said: A Comment on Everson and Faller (2012)

Everson and Faller's (2012) article on the significance of sexualized behavior in child sexual abuse assessments critiques a chapter by Poole and Wolfe (2009), but their objections assumed conclusions and practice implications that were not contained in that chapter. In this comment, I reiterate the value of educating adults about normative sexual and nonsexual behavior that could be misconstrued as symptoms of sexual abuse in some children, review key points from the chapter, and point out that Everson and Faller's critique supports the chapter's take-home messages (i.e., the importance of gathering information from multiple sources and the need to test alternative hypotheses for concerning behavior, consider the overall context of individual cases, and obtain independent verification of evidence).     

Structured or General Enrichment Programmes for Preschool Children?

The burgeoning interest in preschool education is not without its problems. Not least of these are issues relating to an educational philosophy to guide the types of programmes developed in preschools for different groups of children (especially those labelled ‘socio-culturally’ disadvantaged). In addition, there are problems of implementation connected with the financing of the preschool movement, and the provision of adequate numbers of professionally prepared staff. This article attempts to examine critically some of the key issues in enrichment programmes for preschool children, and subsequently to make some policy recommendations.     

Powerful Youth: Determining Successful Participation in an HIV Support Group for Youth

In this article, the authors report on a qualitative study that explored the use of narrative therapy with a diverse group of older adults dealing with mental health and substance misuse issues. Narrative therapy supports individuals to critically assess their lives and develop alternative and empowering life stories that aim to keep the problem in its place. Although the literature suggests this is a promising intervention for individuals, there is a lack of research on narrative therapy and group work. Aiming to address this gap, the authors developed and researched a narrative therapy group for older adults coping with mental health and substance misuse issues in Toronto, Canada. Taking an ethnographic approach, field notes and interviews provided rich data on how, when, and for whom, such a group could be beneficial. Findings contribute to the literature on group work, older adults, and narrative therapy.