POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND THE KNOWLEDGE-GAP HYPOTHESIS

The knowledge-gap hypothesis suggests that a sudden infusionof information into a social setting serves to increase, ratherthan decrease, the gap in knowledge between high- and low-statusvoters. Political campaigns represent an especially appropriatesetting to test this hypothesis, because of (1) the increasedinformation that generally characterizes campaigns and (2) theimportant political consequences to lower status voters if thehypothesis is correct. A two-wave panel survey during the 1978New Hampshire gubernatorial campaign finds that on one issuethe knowledge gap increased during the campaign, while on another,perhaps less complex issue, the gap remained constant. Thesedifferences are hypothesized to be a function of different diffusioncurves of the high- and low-status voters, with implicationsfor the varying lengths of time states allow for campaigns betweenthe primary and general elections.     

HAS ELECTRICITY REGULATION RESULTED IN HIGHER PRICES? AN ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION UTILIZING A CALIBRATED REGULATORY INPUT VARIABLE

The universalization of regulation has made it impossible to measure its effectiveness using traditional techniques. Researchers have used dummy variables, however, the spread of regulation has gradually eliminated the control group of unregulated firms needed for this technique. This explains why Stigler and Friedland (1962) concluded their study with 1937 data. The calibrated regulatory variable technique introduced here, on the other hand, can measure the effectiveness of regulation even when it is a universal condition. We find that electricity regulation raised prices during the period 1947–1966. A politically-motivated, naive policy designed to cross-subsidize residential users may have contributed to this failure.     

A heterarchical generic discrete manufacturing simulation model and its application in a world class manufacturing environment

Current factory design and evaluation is very primitive. Factory components are designed in many cases independently. Product and process design are not well integrated. An encompassing framework is needed for iterating through a series of total factory designs, searching for optimal performance. In addition, a vehicle is needed for predicting the performance of a proposed advanced manufacturing system, so that engineers may have a sound means for evaluating such proposals. A heterarchical discrete manufacturing SIMNET II simulation model (SIMCELLS) was developed as a comprehensive methodology for designing and evaluating discrete manufacturing systems. SIMCELLS allows manufacturing systems engineers to experiment with alternative system structures and control strategies while seeking that combination of design features that will produce the desired overall system performance. The model in combination with a modernization programme is enabling a firm to successfully manufacture and sell trucks meeting international standards. The SIMNET II model     

Teachers' Goals and Role Behavior*

A survey in junior and senior high schools assessed the goal orientations of 316 teachers. These goals are factor analyzed and produce a two-factor structure, each composed of four items. Teachers are rated as low, medium or high on each factor, called socialization and academic. Teachers' goals are related to the grading practices and sanctions used in the classroom. A stress on academic goals is positively related with the use of performance criteria in grading students and to the infrequent use of sanctions. A socialization emphasis is positively related to the use of non-performance criteria in grading and the frequent use of sanctions.