A behavior genetic analysis of the tendency for youth to associate according to GPA

Behavior genetic research has revealed that many “environmental” variables are partially influenced by genetic factors. Known as gene–environment correlation (rGE), this line of scholarship provides insight on how and why individuals select into certain environments. Juxtaposing this body of evidence with research on peer group homophily—the tendency for peers to resemble one another on certain traits such as academic ability—raised two research hypotheses: (1) youth will associate with peers who receive grades similar to themselves (i.e., homophily for GPA); and (2) a portion of the variance in peer group GPA (i.e., the peer network average GPA) will be explained by individuals’ genetic self-selection into the peer group (rGE). The results supported both hypotheses by showing a strong predictive relationship between the target individual's GPA and that of his/her peers and by revealing that 72% of the variance in peer group GPA was explained by genetic influences.     

INFORMATION CHANNEL DISPOSITION AND USE*

The use of information channels by individuals in organizations is substantially discretionary. Although much studied, variation in patterns of discretionary use has yet to be explained adequately in terms of an accepted integrative theory validated across varieties of channel types and organizational settings. In a step toward the development of such a theory, the present paper proposes a basic channel-disposition model that relates an individual's attitude or disposition toward a channel to his/her actual use of the channel in the context of information and channel supply-and-demand structures in the organization. An exploratory study of the dispositions of 186 users of ten management information system (MIS) reports in four organizational settings provides limited evidence in support of the model proposed.     

COMPARISON OF CONSENSUS METHODS FOR PRIORITY RANKING PROBLEMS

Various consensus methods proposed for ranking problems yield controversial rankings and/or tied rankings which are vulnerable to considerable dispute. These include Borda-Kendall (BK) and minimum-variance (MV) methods. This paper compares three continuous (ratio-scale) consensus scoring methods with BK and MV ranking methods. One method, termed GM, is an eigenvector scaling of the geometric-mean consensus matrix. GM allows for (1) paired-comparison voting inputs (as opposed to all-at-once ranking), (2) pick-the-winner preference voting, and (3) ratio-scale preference voting. GM is relatively simple to calculate on small computers or calculators, and merging of “close” candidates into tied rankings can be achieved by using an e-threshold tie rule discussed in this paper. The GM method thus can be used for paired-comparison voting to calculate both a ratio-scaled consensus index (based on a consensus eigenvector) and a ranking of candidates that allows for ties between “close” candidates. Eigenvalue analysis is used as a means of evaluating voter inconsistencies.     

Exploring Contrasting Formulations of Expectancy Theory*

The explanatory potential of four forms of expectancy theory with additive and multiplicative expectancy terms and linear and nonlinear valence functions were contrasted. A behavioral decision-making theory approach was used when 101 subjects were asked to make 128 hypothetical job-choice decisions. More than 25,800 decisions under a within-subjects framework were analyzed. Results indicate that the majority (83 percent) of subjects employed additive or multiplicative expectancy models with linear valence functions. However, the predictive efficacy of the expectancy theory model was improved for 17 percent of the subjects when nonlinear valence terms were introduced. The findings imply that different functional forms of expectancy theory may be needed to model individuals' decision-making processes.     

青年群体网络行为代际研究

网络化时代,青年是网络参与的主体,其言行在很大程度上会影响网络的舆论动态,同时,网络也在深刻地影响和改变着青年个人的工作、学习和生活,因此,有必要关注青年个人的网络行为及其在网络空间中呈现出来的群体性特征。青年网络行为表现出共性特征:把上网视为生活的一部分;对网络购物表现出积极的态度;网络行为折射出现代生活方式的价值理念变化;认为网络有一定的诱惑力,但不应沉溺其中;认同网络对于人际互动和交流模式的影响。同时青年群体网络行为表现出一定代际差际,在网络应用方向和目的上,"70后"更倾向与实用性的网络工具,而"80后"、"90后"主要以休闲娱乐为主要目的和方向。     

个体极端行为及其影响因子LOGIT分析

转型社会的特殊性导致个体非理性行为日益凸显,极端行为是其中的典型.个体行为非理性因素是极端行为的产生根源.文章通过131例极端行为个案调研,运用LOGIT模型分析研究发现人格因素和情景系数是决定极端行为发生率的有效变量,人格变量受气质、人格和自我控制三大因子影响,极端行为中的人格因子是可衡量的,基于气质、性格和个体自我控制三因子有效性,显著极端行为人存在预见可能.不同于传统心理学从认知角度考量人的行为,尝试结合经济学手段来定义极端行为的选择因素.     

Impact of intervention on breastfeeding outcomes and determinants based on theory of planned behavior

Background

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control are significant determinants of breastfeeding, according to the theory of planned behavior (TPB). However, evidence concerning the effectiveness of the TPB-based intervention in breastfeeding promotion is sparse. Meanwhile, the changes of these determinants with time have not been examined in previous studies.

大学生诚信水平与诚信态度分析

对大学生诚信水平和诚信态度的研究结果表明：大学生总体诚信水平较好,大学生的诚信水平在学科、性别、年级、生源地、是否独生子女、父母文化程度、月支出额等特征上存在差异,大学生的诚信水平与其对社会和谐的认识和信心呈正相关。     

博客共享性的传播心理学分析

近年来个性化网络出版形式--博客蓬勃发展。博客体现出来一种共享性与公共性的传播精神。博客使用者在网上的公开写作,表现出资讯共享、思想共享与情感共享的精神;而博客阅读者发表的评论也体现出提供更多资源与情感共鸣的共享性。现从传播心理学的角度,以利他性行为理论工具,对博客的共享性产生原因、过程进行分析。