Micro and macro economic psychology

Four types of data are distinguished, based on individual (micro) vs aggregate (macro) level, and on cross-section vs time-series. Analytical properties of collectives may be formed through aggregation, while structural and integral properties of collectives have no individual-level counterpart.Aggregation is not simply a summation of individual properties. People take the behavior of others into account and adapt their own behavior.Time-series are different from cross-sections in many ways. While at the cross-sectional level buying intentions are predictive, attitudes are better predictors in time-series data.We come to the conclusion that time-series data are superior to cross-sectional data for estimating a regression coefficient, Cross-sectional data (Type 1) are largely confounded by individual differences, while time-series data (Type 4) provide a better estimate for the relevant effect. Individual panel data (Type 3) combine the good characteristics of Type 4 and Type 1 data, especially if treated in a tune-series fashion.     

Social distress theory and teaching about homelessness: A retrospective analysis

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of our course: Homelessness in the United States: An Interdisciplinary Approach. It analyzes how such a course reveals social distress on two distinct levels: course content and course process. We deploy the concepts, tenets and insights of social distress theory to provide a retrospective analytical framework for the course. In addition, we extend the theory by presenting two corollaries to it and show how the literature on homelessness provides alternative connections among the major elements of social distress theory. Thus, we raise new questions for the theory to consider. We also make recommendations for potential teachers of courses on homelessness.     

Solving the maximum vertex weight clique problem via binary quadratic programming

In recent years, the general binary quadratic programming (BQP) model has been widely applied to solve a number of combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, we recast the maximum vertex weight clique problem (MVWCP) into this model which is then solved by a probabilistic tabu search algorithm designed for the BQP. Experimental results on 80 challenging DIMACS-W and 40 BHOSLIB-W benchmark instances demonstrate that this general approach is viable for solving the MVWCP problem.     

Funneling Child Welfare Consumers into and through the Mental Health System: Assessment, Referral, and Quality Issues

This qualitative study explores how consumers of child welfare services reach nonpsychiatric mental health providers and the perceived quality of these services. It relies on iterative interviews with individuals and groups, as well as on court observations from one metropolitan area. Results suggest that, consistent with theories of street-level bureaucracy, efficiency issues drive mental health service use, as clients are routinely subjected to psychological evaluations and funneled into mental health services as a matter of course. Referral practices are shaped by child welfare professionals' routines, discretion, and desire to meet such system objectives as providing short turnaround times for reports. The results suggest that, despite stakeholders' best intentions, maltreated children are not benefiting from thoughtful processes geared to screen for, assess, and provide targeted treatment for unmet mental health needs.     

Aligning for impact: The influence of the funder–fundee relationship on evaluation utilization

Partnerships between nonprofit organizations, as well as between public and private entities, are commonly seen as a preferred method to address complex societal problems. Within these partnerships evaluation is often mandated and considered essential, but questions remain as to the efficacy of the evaluation process. This article incorporates theories on interorganizational relationships and evaluation utilization to investigate the role of the funder–fundee relationship on evaluation use. To accomplish this task, data were collected on a statewide early childhood initiative, Smart Start. Findings indicate that a more coordinated and collaborated relationship has a positive impact on the factors associated with evaluation use and on utilization itself. Findings also suggest the importance of strategic thinking on the part of both funders and fundees when it comes to investing resources in mandated evaluations.     

Exploring the squeezed middle: Aucklanders talk about being ‘squeezed’

ABSTRACT

This research explores how middle-class Aucklanders, participants in ‘the middle’, see themselves in terms of being squeezed. It is intended to augment existing statistical based work on class stratification and life chances and facilitate aspects of qualitative research around giving voice. The research confirms the notion of a squeezed middle for the participants based in Auckland, and a striking feature of that confirmation is the centrality of age in demarcating both resourcing (in particular, homeownership versus renting) and narratives. Insofar as the research captures the zeitgeist of the middle, this confirms a neoliberal governmentality wherein a class analysis is interpolated with personal responsibility – and the latter remains paramount. Further, the research demonstrates that empathy is associated with social proximity. The semi-structured interviews also illuminated a widespread sense of resentment. This had two dimensions: directed against neoliberalism as an historic transformation that is seen as the cause of an increasingly squeezed middle, and; against baby boomers. Participants in their 40s demonstrated the highest levels of resentment, and this confirms other research which identifies them as a problematic age cohort because of changing socio-economic conditions.     

Minding the Gaps in British Ethnic Entrepreneurship and Commercial History: From the Genesis to the 21st Century

Tracing the origin and development of British ethnic entrepreneurship from the 1800s to the 21st century raises awareness of a salient research gap to make a contribution to entrepreneurship research. We draw on path dependency theory to understand the range of socio-cultural and economic factors that inform the dynamic behaviour and actions of visible minorities (Africans, Chinese, South Asians and people form the Caribbean) ethnic entrepreneurship. Archival and industry documentations are analysed to identify four distinctive epochal periods of origination of ethnic entrepreneurship that highlight the path dependency of activities. Furthermore, we found network alliances, business clusters and resilience factors, such as founder-owner social outlook, culture, faith, and social identity as critical success factors. We further outline the implications of the historical development for research, government policy, industry and entrepreneurial practice in the UK.     

Pathways to Ready Schools

To encourage communities to play a more significant role in getting kids ready for school and schools ready for kids, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation launched Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) in 2001. This nationwide initiative emphasized community-based collaboration and the development of strategic infrastructures to support early care and education and school readiness among at-risk children. As part of this initiative, the authors were charged with developing a definition of a ready school. Following consultation with experts, a literature review, and four site visits, the authors identified the following nine pathways to ready schools: children succeed in school; a welcoming atmosphere; leadership; connections to early care and education; connecting culturally and linguistically with children and families; parental involvement; partnering with the community; using assessment results for individual student progress and improving school performance; and quality improvement including professional development and training.