The spatial diffusion of extramural studies within New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography at Massey University

The diffusion of the Extramural Studies programme within New Zealand is seen to have its genesis in the social space of the occupational structures from which the extramural population is drawn. Statistical analysis of data derived from an Extramural Questionnaire Survey of 2000 students during 1979 investigates the relationships between student standard characteristics, their reasons for study, their geographical locations and their sources of information. While the reason why people choose to study extramurally is clearly linked to non-spatial variables the outcome of their decision, however, is reflected in physical space. By constructing a series of maps and related graphs at various levels of aggregation the diffusion patterns of total enrolments and selected subject enrolments are recorded at five-yearly intervals over the last two decades. Regression analysis, based on data for 1976. shows that although there is no significant relationship between distance from Palmerston North and total extramural enrolment, there is a positive relationship between population size and total enrolment. Subject enrolments are tested by means of the Chi-square test at three different levels - between Islands, between regions, between counties and urban areas. These tests indicate that there are significant relationships between some areas and the number of enrolments in various subjects. Although the study is able to describe both the spatial and non-spatial characteristics of the extramural population and to provide some explanation for the pattern of enrolments it cannot provide a basis for any detailed prediction of future regional enrolments. The degree to which these can be predicted is limited by the nature and size of the potential population of extramural students which in turn is dependent on social and economic trends in society. At present, it can only be concluded that unless there is a major change in New Zealand's space-economy extramural enrolments will, in general, continue to coincide with the distribution of the national population

Perceptions of E-Cigarettes among Black Youth in California.

Research suggests that Black youth are less likely to use e-cigarettes than their white counterparts, yet little is known as to why. We examined perceptions of e-cigarettes among Black young adults (ages 18-25) to explore the meanings these youth ascribe to e-cigarettes and the role that identity plays in how these devices are viewed. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 36 Black smokers and non-smokers in the San Francisco Bay Area suggests that Black youth perceive e-cigarettes as serving distinct, yet overlapping roles: a utilitarian function, in that they are recognized as legitimate smoking cessation tools, and a social function, insofar as they serve to mark social identity, specifically a social identity from which our participants disassociated. Participants described e-cigarette users in highly racialized and classed terms and generally expressed disinterest in using e-cigarettes, due in part perhaps to the fact that use of these devices would signal alignment with a middle class, hipster identity. This analysis is discussed within a highly charged political and public health debate about the benefits and harms associated with e-cigarette use

Preschool Children's Perceptions of Affectionate Physical Contact

Family Relations and Child Developmen

The everyday world as violent: A feminist exploration of the social constructions of violent female offenders.

This research explores violent crimes by women utilizing an interactionist and feminist framework. Detailed interviews were conducted with women serving time for offenses of violence at Huron Valley Women\u27s Facility; a maximum security penitentiary located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In accordance with other interactionist research on violence, emphasis is on situational definitions and the impact of self concept on the development of violent interactions. This thesis attempts to move beyond the predominant theoretical models developed in this area by researchers such as Athens (1977; 1980), Dietz (1983), Felson (1978), Felson and Steadman (1983), and Luckenbill (1977) by stressing that the concept of power, both in a global and individual sense, is paramount to understanding violence by women. Existing research on female criminality is critically discussed with reference to the sexist etiological views perpetuated in a male dominated society. The conclusion is made that interpersonal violence, specifically violence by women, cannot be understood except with reference to a sociology which is fully cognizant of the pivotal position of gender in society.Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1990 .H868. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 30-03, page: 0569. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1990

Silent Policy Feedback Through School Choice

Increasing numbers of Florida parents are withdrawing their children from traditional public schools in highly-rated school districts to enroll them in tuition-free, startup, charter schools. Since not all parents have equal access or are as equally motivated to elect school choice alternatives, the fiscal sustainability of the traditional public school system is at risk. Using Schattschneider\u27s policy feedback process as a model, the purpose of this research was to gain an in depth understanding of the role policy perception plays on the decision-making process by parents. Data for this qualitative single-case study were collected through interviews with 8 charter school parents residing in a single top-performing Florida public school district. All data were inductively coded and then subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. Key findings indicated that participants elected school choice based on perceptions that diminished curricular rigor and diminished classroom safety are the direct result of the classroom compositions found in a general education classroom in a traditional public school. The participants opined that the inability of traditional public schools to adequately accommodate for the diverse abilities of students placed in general education classrooms in accordance with current policy results in higher-achieving students being disenfranchised. The social change significance is showing how parental perception of existing policy impacts school choice election, thus providing guidance to lawmakers about legislative reforms that could limit the school choice migration and secure the viability of traditional public schools for those children limited in school choice options

One Library’s Successful Venture in Providing Comprehensive Streaming Media Services

Thoroughly understanding what professors and instructors needed to accomplish their teaching goals with streaming video was the first step enabling one academic library to successfully manage a rapid increase in demand for streaming media. The second element was incorporating an expert understanding of copyright law and the nature of the video marketplace. This paper will strive to educate librarians and other professional library staff on how they can best integrate media streaming into mainstream library services for their campus faculty, as well as how to provide a full range of streaming services. The paper also will address workflow, communication with faculty, budget and license negotiations, copyright principles, fair use, and content delivery